Best Racquets for Counter Punchers

What are the best racquet for counter punchers? How do different racquets work for different styles of counter punching? Is the Pure Aero 98 good?
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[@simondragu6072]

As someone said earlier, Djokovic is the #1 counterpuncher in the game

[@rahuljoshi7759]

The best tennis has seen 💪💪

[@brandomaxwell]

At 9:05, you describe your recommendation rationale, which I think it's right-on. Then you bounce in the Dunlop CX20 Tour as today's best PT57A-like option. 'Couldn't agree more.

[@Nessaj87]

Great content as usual! Solid win for the Vcore 100, really on point regarding the spin and net clearance height it gives you. Sorry for bringing this up again, but would love a review of Tempo 298 Iga and Blade 100!

[@TennCom]

Thanks for the donations! I think I'll wait for the new Iga and try to get support from TF on the video. Neither of these sticks are readily available in Canada so its tough.

[@prophetmargin7497]

I would definitely put Djokovic at the top of any counter puncher list, the guy has the best passing shots and return of serve in history!

[@TennCom]

He also has one of the best serve + 1 combos in history. At this point in his career, he's got such a well rounded game than he can win literally anywhere.

[@prophetmargin7497]

@@TennCom Yeah, but he's cheating, he has some sort of metallic device sticking out of his chest as Jim Courier pointed out at the French Open which is probably a receiver used for an AI program, telling him where to hit the ball for every shot. Have you heard about it?

[@egorpyntja9774]

@@prophetmargin7497😂

[@b.lakeberg7456]

Great video! I agree with the list.

[@SY-it7xs]

Love this video series

[@InfiniteQuest86]

CX 200 Tour is awesome. I used to play with it and then changed to the Ezone 98, thinking I preferred the free power and spin from it, but now I'm back after playing with the 200 this week. It's just so good. I can't believe I gave it up for a few years.

[@rahuljoshi7759]

Actually I am quite stunned he put the vcore line up as a counter puncher where the sweet spot is at the top and the most headlight amongst all. My playstyle is counter punching but , oh my god , vcore 23 is horrible for that

[@Javi_C]

Great picks.

[@silentrhymes7490]

I thought Nadal was an aggressive baseliner and Djokovic more of a counter puncher 🤔

[@TennCom]

He has definitely changed his playstyle a lot over the years.

[@curttheboywonder]

Nadal definitely counter punches the last 5+ years. Alcaraz baseline work is far more aggressive than nadals.

[@kieransmith6533]

As he got older and lost some speed he definitely became more aggressive as they all do

[@user-be5qg7mr1s]

@@curttheboywonder no he didn't. He is an aggressive baseliner. He actually slices more now and to open up the court and also comes to the net to end the point. Look at his final against Danil in AO.

[@petershort936]

@@user-be5qg7mr1s agreed, Nadal is not a counterpuncher. he's an aggressive baseliner.

[@mrmvprobas]

Hell yeah, awesome new video from my favorite Tennis channel. Really don't like the paint on the PA98, will the VS work just as great? Really like the VS paint more.

[@TennCom]

Yes, from what I understand they are essentially the same racquet! Except I agree, VS looks way better

[@mrmvprobas]

@@TennCom if I want to get more spin out of a radical mp, what strings is best or how would you set it up?

[@TennCom]

@@mrmvprobas I am getting pretty massive spin with Tourna Silver 7 Tour mains and ReString Zero crosses at 52/50lbs. Epic tension maintenance and playability duration with a huge boost in spin thanks to the slippery cross

[@andyyzf450]

Great vid, do you think your new Solinco is likely to cause any arm issues? Love my Extreme tour but am looking to upgrade for the same reasons as you....nervous from Cades comments! Thanks 👍

[@TennCom]

yes ive definitely noticed my wrists are bit tight feeling especially against bigger hitters

[@rafaelpatino229]

Hey Beckett, congratulations for you videos, this is my favourite tennis channel. The last series about the best racquets is amazing. I am 46 and started playing tennis 3 years ago, currently 3.5, one handed, playing with Yonex ezone 98. I would like to develop my game as an baseliner-type all-court player, but I still feel a lack of consistency, especially defending or when I am not well placed . Based on your suggestions, I’m thinking of switching to the ezone 100 or the radical mp, looking for a more stable, maneuverable and forgiveness racquet. Which one do you do you think is better in this case? Thank you.

[@TennCom]

Thanks so much Rafael! I think the Radical MP will give you just enough extra off-centre stability compared to the EZ98 without really sacrificing maneuverability on your one handed backhand.

[@rafaelpatino229]

@@TennCom Thanks. The aero 98 could be a good choice too?

[@TennCom]

Yes absolutely. The launch angle is quite a bit higher than the Radical or EZONE 98, and comfort is an issue if you've ever had arm problems. The Aero 98 is also heavier on average than the others. If you can get one under-spec (320SW) then I think you'll like it, but if you get one on spec (328SW), it might be too much

[@rafaelpatino229]

I really appreciate your suggestion, now the options are just two. I will try to demo them.

[@tophersuwita]

How about ProStaff X which is easier than the 97?

[@lailaabashir6316]

Do you have a Dunlop cx200 review? I used to ply at with the youtek IG / 1st grapheme prestige and if it is similar to that I’d love to see your in depth thoughts! Been looking for another racquet like that, the feel is ridiculous

[@TennCom]

I have only hit with it briefly in a video where I also tested a bunch of other racquets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epS0laOXlJuBnZY

[@italianharris]

@tenncom - can you review some of the mayami strings - expecially thr tour hex line - supposed to be very close to the restring zero - just a bit more spin -less power = they also concentrate on snapback

[@TennCom]

I'll see, I'm a bit backed up on my string reviews right now, but I might reach out to them in the fall to get something going

[@derekpappas1556]

Interesting that murry would change to his brother's racquet , with the cx 200 . How about a compilation of your most under rated racquets and why .

[@TennCom]

good idea!

[@thehiddenfamily]

Thinking of trying wasabi 125 at 55lbs in my Ezone 100 to get a little more spin out the frame. Scared to go anything higher than 125 because of the launch angle and power. What string would think is a good fit for this racquet?

[@TennCom]

I wouldn't call Wasabi a mega spin string personally. Its on par with Hyper-G and similar medium shaped strings. FOr example, I hit way more spin with a Silver 7 Tour/Zero hybrid.

[@hethan_life]

Wish this video came out sooner! How can I determine my play style? Thanks

[@TennCom]

I would look at the patterns of play the are the best combination of "how you like to play" and "how you win actual points." If you find yourself trying to take control of the point, but you prefer to stay back, you are probably an aggressive baseliner. If you like to wait for you opponent to make a mistake (mistake can mean they miss or they make the wrong shot selection) then counter puncher. If you like to come into the net, serve and volley, if you are a mix of some of the above, all-court. Almost all top pro's can adjust their style depending on who they play. Djokovic is a great example of this, especially in his older form.

[@hethan_life]

@@TennCom Thank you!

[@tenniswithandy]

Hey Beckett, unlike my Canadian KZbin tennis brothers, I’m not ready to give up on the extreme tour yet. The blade v8 18*20 stock feels really good on everything. Extreme tour (with 4 grams at 12) feels excellent on kick serves and forehand but my two hander feels too whippy and less solid. Any recs on where I should add lead tape or should I just become a better tennis player?

[@TennCom]

+5g at 7 inches

[@tenniswithandy]

@@TennCom a very wise suggestion. I’ll try that. I guess that’s to increase the recoil weight . Thank you. I’ll post a video to let you know how it goes.

[@rawrss]

Thanks Beckett - do you think you can preview/review the Yonex Precept for us when it lands in a store near you? Thx!

[@TennCom]

Yes I’m trying hard to get my hands on em

[@mrmvprobas]

@@TennCom awesome will wait on your review of it before I buy my new racquet. We don't have demos here in the Philippines so I rely more on your videos.

[@Alberto_YT_]

Great video my man

[@TennCom]

thanks my man!

[@ryder9184]

I currently play with an ezone 98 2022 and I love everything about it, but I think it lacks a little bit of spin, and my shots occasionally fly past the baseline. I was debating switching racquets but I love everything else about it. If I were to switch strings to help me keep the ball in the court more, what strings should I use?

[@TennCom]

what strings are you using?

[@ryder9184]

@@TennCom I am using hyper-G at 52 pounds rn

[@TennCom]

@@ryder9184 I think you’ll get more consistent playability out of something like Polytour Pro

[@ryder9184]

@@TennCom thanks!

[@time410s]

nice wasabi shorts!

[@orientalwoodworks]

Funny, you should mention the Prostaff. I just came from the Prostaff v11 with countervail and I wasn’t a huge fan. Because I’m probably a 3.5 level player and that racket requires great precision. I somehow got my hands on a Babolat aero G which is their beginner version of the true pure aero. However, the racquet’s strung weight comes in at 290 grams and it’s a bit flimsy and Buzzy. I could customize it, but I obviously don’t want to keep using this racket. Do you have any suggestions for a racket I might switch to? I would call myself an aggressive baseliner, with an occasional sneak into the net, who also likes to win occasional points with cheap serves.

[@TennCom]

If budget is a concern, the Dunlop FX500 is phenomenal and can often be found at a great price, either new or used.

[@orientalwoodworks]

Awesome thanks. And if budget is not a concern?

[@marriedwithwatches]

I think Novak and Andy are the 2 most famous counterpunchers. But that wouldn't have made for a great video as they both carry heavy 370g frames with his Swing Weights. I consider myself a much lower level (obviously) counterpuncher than those guys and just ordered a pair of VCP 97D from TWE for under $300 shipped for the pair. They are already on sale there and I like the look better than the Percept and it's Miami Dolphins inspired teal. Another good one to throw in there would have been the C10 Pro. Talk about rock solid yet still maneuverable and nowhere near as difficult to swing as the RF97 or the VCP97H.

[@TennCom]

I still haven't tried the C10 Pro, something I've always been curious of. I've always found late stage Djoker to be a much more aggressive player than earlier in his career. I view him as essentially an all-court player now that he S&V's against Medvedev and stuff

[@alexstifanic9134]

Hi, I'm wondering if you can recommend a string. Playing with PS97 315g. I have a strong flat FH, and a one handed BH, but I slice a lot on the BH side. I usually play with MSV GoMax 1.25 (24/23kg) but it doesn't last long. I’m now trying Luxilon Alu Power 1.25 (23/22kg) and I like it a lot, but is too expensive for me.😅 Ty

[@TennCom]

I think you need to try Kirschbaum Max Power. Its available in a thicker gauge and most users report better tension maintenance compared to ALU Power and the price is lower

[@alexstifanic9134]

@@TennCom TY! GR from Croatia ❤

[@hareebalzak3681]

Serve and volley next 🔥🔥🔥

[@derekpappas1556]

Serve and volley were previously done under all court racquets .

[@slapcitytennis9103]

Hi! Can you please do a vid on the ultra pro 16/19. I’m loving it but I’m insecure and need validation from others

[@TennCom]

Its pretty tough to get that stick in Canada, but I've tried the old Ultra Tour 18x20 (I think its the same) and its simply the most alpha male stick you can buy

[@slapcitytennis9103]

@@TennCom screw it I'm getting it. I'm running it along side the vcore 98 which surprised me that I like way more than the 95...maybe it was the string set up more so than the difference in racquets. Also the pure aero 98 which I love the power but hate the empty feel. For reference I'm coming from the cx 200 tour 16x19.

[@IvanChan1804]

Hello! I would like to ask which one is the best for one handed backhand counter player?

[@TennCom]

Radical MP could be very very good

[@IvanChan1804]

@@TennCom How about if I am a falt hitter hitter and like controlling?Please

[@mrfs4835]

Any string recommendation for the PA98?

[@TennCom]

So far my favourite setup has been Wasabi in the red colour (have tried Tourna Silver 7 Tour, Diadem Solstice Power/Evolution hybrid, Caviar).

[@raiderraider11]

what do you think of the prince ats 98 tour?

[@TennCom]

i still haven't tried any of the new Princes :( might be a good Fall project for me

[@rafaeldutra3252]

What do you think about whiteou 16x19 for counter puncher?

[@TennCom]

Good choice, I hit with a guy locally who counter punches with a WO 16x19 and strings with Hyper-G at 20lbs and he probably hits the most spin of anyone I've ever played.

[@rafaeldutra3252]

@@TennComdo you know some string more soft than hiper to this racket? What do you think about hiper g soft? I like tour bite in my ezone, but ezone is more confortble than whiteout 16x19

[@brasstwin]

Finally a dub for the vcore

[@TennCom]

i sold out just for you

[@brasstwin]

@@TennCom 🥰🥰🥰

[@Rigo_S]

How can the PA98 swing faster than the PA100 when it has more weight in the head? I find it more solid on impact but not as fast swinging.

[@egorpyntja9774]

smaller head, more head light

[@TennCom]

it could just be the samples i tried (ive tried a few different 98s and a few different 100s) and the 98 always felt faster to me

[@luigin3213]

Tell me soft strings for the arm and have good durability

[@TennCom]

poly?

[@stello61]

2:34 is what preparation for peak human performance looks like

[@stello61]

rumor has it that this single stroke can win an entire grand slam

[@TennCom]

i can only do this in practice, i just end up choking and forgetting to do this prep during matches

[@ternedo6074]

Tenncom what keyboard do you have?

[@TennCom]

KBD67 Lite!

[@r.rugbeast]

Hi guys..I know its annoying question but i need advice. I'm just started playing tennis with old babolat racket 275gr and I'm looking forward to buy a new one cause that one seems too light for me . what i should look at. I'm pretty big guy (110 kg and 190 cm )with 15 sports background (rugby). Any suggestions? Something solid and heavier, around 200 bucks? thanx

[@jean-pierreuys1554]

Try a Gilbert (ok thats a dumb rugby joke) - tells us more about your style of play - do play flatter or topspin strokes? Is your swing more traditional (Andy Murray) or modern like Nadal? - do want more power,control or spin for your game style? (Some people who already have a strong arm might need a more control frame to prevent them from hitting out) -me personally - I dont have a strong arm so I am not a power hitter -I still prefer to control more where i hit than how hard I hit.

[@r.rugbeast]

@@jean-pierreuys1554 Gilbert joke was nice one, i hit flat a strokes only,one hand backhand and i move a lot on the court 😅 so probably control and something what would serve me for years.

[@TennCom]

I think that you could find solid success with a Radical MP or a SPeed Pro

[@r.rugbeast]

@@TennCom Thank you man for response 🤜🤛

[@jean-pierreuys1554]

I agree Head Radical MP (more expensive) but will be a good one for many years. Then also the Solinco White 305 or Dunlop CX400 - can you demo where you live? The latter two are cheaper.

[@angelogarcia6590]

The name Percept is kind of a ball breaker considering the previous naming scheme of Yonex. EZONE and VCORE sound pretty edgy. Then you get Pop's favorite racquet, the Percept.

[@TennCom]

I have to assume that it sounds cool in Japanese and just didnt translate well

[@angelogarcia6590]

@@TennCom Purusepto! Kidding aside, I think it's chikaku, which I commonly hear in anime. Does sound cool.

[@nibpicky]

How about a Top Racquet list based purely on its cosmetics?!

[@TennCom]

i might do that just for members, ive seen a few other channels do them with pretty limited success

[@derekpappas1556]

@@TennCom It may be better to show the history of degradation in the quality of the paint and cosmetics over time . Historicly what was used for the paint in the 1980's vs now . The quality of paint and cosmetics are poorer than even 11 years ago with the Slazengrr racquets . In my opinion , the Volkl racquets are currently the most attractive , in their use of visual space . Lastly my 1985 Dunlop Black Max's high satin finish look is still excellent . The racquet has a crack in it , but the paint never rolles , peals or chips . The strings are very playable today , even with the crack .

[@georgegarcia566]

Totally agree: Blade lacks power and that specialness…

[@treplay8846]

The guys utr is 5

[@jaynainani4529]

Counterpuncher and no Giles Simon? Really?

[@TennCom]

old man retired now

[@treplay8846]

Terrible strokes

[@TennCom]

do you feel good about yourself now?

[@treplay8846]

@@TennCom not relevant

[@user38479]

Calling Nadal a counter puncher seems criminal

[@TennCom]

Cuff me, officer

[@curttheboywonder]

Definitely a matter of opinion with very thin lines of differentiation. Rafa isn’t all that aggressive IMO. Hits hard as hell but doesn’t mix things up all that much. Relies on his massive power and spin to grind opponents into submission. A guy like Kyrgios, or Alcaraz are hitting winners from the baseline.

[@jean-pierreuys1554]

Lets call him an aggressive counter puncher. Counter puncher on pro level vs club lower end level are two different things imo. Rafa is patient to set up point and then hits amazing winner where some other players just wants clear winners - so therefore I would say Rafa falls into counter puncher… which won him 22 Grand Slams - maybe its the most underrated style of play…

[@TheJakenesbit]

Becks was so out of pocket with that one 😂 but it’s provocative it gets people GOING

[@feistybastard]

Don't forget Agassi.