REVIEW: WHICH HEAD SIZE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? | 98 v 100 | Tennis Racket Comparison | Racquet Review

[@CJZM7777]

Good video and I generally agree. I am 67 years old, played 4.5 USTA when younger and now playing my way down to 4.0 USTA. Yea, I know I am going the wrong way but hey, I am still on court competing. I played 95 and 98 head size mostly thin beam frames for most of the last 47 years. I occasionally tried a 100" head size but always went back to smaller head size for control and precision. I recently went up to 100" with Blade100V9 and agree with this video in that power and foregiveness are greater but it isn't quite as precise as 95=98" head size. I went with the Blade100 because of the 100 head size frames I demo-ed, I felt it had the best control and best feel. To me, it plays like a thin beam 98" racket but with a touch more power and a touch more forgiveness. I simply find it easier to play with. I especially notice that on deep balls when you have to !/2 volley near the baseline, the increased head size makes the shot easier. Volleys are similar too in that the larger head size makes reflex and stab volleys easier. For me, I don't care for the Ezone100 or Vcore100 because they have a bit too much power for me at this time. Maybe when I turn 90 I will need the extra power. The Blade100 provides controllable forgiveness is the best way to put it. The Speed 100 Light as a platform was also a good controllable 100 as was the Percept 100. I added 2.5 grams under bumper, o-dampener and overripe to end up 325 grams, 4HL with 328SW. It's a very nice frame.

[@ahmerkhan9483]

Thank you, sir!

[@akbarberlian]

What string on blade 100?

[@CJZM7777]

@@akbarberlian I use TF NRG2 16G multifilament mains at 52lbs with Kirschbaum Max Power 17G (125) poly crosses at 48lbs. But, that fits my game and others may do better with different strings. If you are a big hitter, all poly may be a better option. All multi at a higher tension might work well for some players too.

[@andyv6299]

I have precept 100 what's the blade 100 like compared

[@CJZM7777]

@@andyv6299 For me, they are both good rackets but I like the feel and control of the Blade100 while the Precept100 has a touch more power and liveliness.

[@markhibbitt1269]

A couple of months ago I changed from the Ezone 98 to the Percept 100. Both similar weight and a 16 / 19 string pattern so the change felt quite straightforward. With the Ezone I would hit long at times. I get much better control with the Percept 100 and enjoying the amount of spin and I feel I get greater control with the 100 frame and hitting long less often.

[@danielm.m.7654]

Spin and Power .. would you say for Clay players in south America 100inches can be more suitable? 98 gets you tired in the long rallies and lack a bit of power that the surface is already taking away from you

[@douglaspierce6429]

Really enjoyed the video. Interesting topic as trying to determine new racquet.. I played Wilson Blade 98 then moved to 2 older versions of vcore pro 97. Bought Percept 97 as specs look the same but seems much stiffer racquet. experiencing arm trouble. Tried many different strings and setups plus weight additions but unable to make it work for me. Now trying to decide if I should go to a 98 or 100 size frame. Such an arduous journey as each seems to have its plus and minuses. Waiting for the blade 100 to be released in Canada to go head to head with the blade 98. We will see where I end up! Thanks for the info

[@Boomdizzle99]

aside from size what really affects the feel of the raquet is its weight. the swingweight, the stiffness, the flex....I play with a PS97 RF edition. that thing is sooo heavy and STIFF. really tiring to swing all the time and topspin isnt its strength but holy cow the serve, one handed backhand, one handed slice, short volley, and flat power forehand are STRONG and precise. I love it for that. I instead use a 98 Wilson Clash which is more flexible and lighter. that still gives me some stability overall but its worse at the net and worse at serve. the ball doesnt come off the strings as well as it does my RF97 because theres less plow through and less precision. Size is one thing but there are many factors at play here. def just have to demo a bunch of raquets and find out what fits your playstyle.

[@huwwilliams8737]

Controversial perhaps 🤔, but could you add ‘Serve’ as a new category?

[@MarchalisVan]

No one ever says what kind of forehand or backhand they use. If they prefer to hit flat, or more spin, or to move in and volley. So besides the very general ideas between the head sizes, there wasn't much else to gain from this vid :S

[@ph-tennis]

Interesting comment - occasionally we talk about different play styles. However to be a complete player, ideally you will use a mixture of shots (topspin, flat, slice) and therefore a specific head size shouldn’t impact a choice on this. Hard to convey all the detail here - but each shot is an answer to a question your opponent has asked. There is an optimal answer and your racket choice can’t override the tactically correct decision! Check out some of our coaching videos for a bit more info on this.

[@philb4031]

would you advise on the 100 or 105 for a complete beginner? thanks

[@ph-tennis]

Sounds weird but kind of depends on what type of beginner… Beginner to tennis but generally sporty, fit and strong (100) A beginner to tennis with little to no experience of any other sports, out of shape etc (102-105 could be beneficial)

[@aaronheijn1981]

Very interesting! 😉

[@viktorbenedek868]

Balance point goes the opposit way ;)

[@slickdaddy12]

Actually I like 95" head best.

[@rottafi]

Went from 98 to 100 and back to 98. Yes, there's forgiveness to gain with missed hits in a 100-head size, but I tended to hit long much more than I used to with the 98 (yes technique is in play here). So I returned to 98 and the trade-off I'm willing to take. My 100 was a power frame, so I could still continue searching for a less-powered 100.

[@Stickoid]

Is the Blade 100 v8 also slightly better than the Blade 98 v8?

[@jabirout]

No it's not. I owe both of them and blade 98 is a great racket for attack while I use the Blade 100 when it's for fun. 100 is a great all rounder.

[@stevenm8177]

Great Summary guys. I prefer the 100’s for forgiveness and launch angle. I actually find the 100’s more stable due to the forgiveness. I’m not good enough to hit the sweet spot. 98’s tend to be softer so more comfortable flex but I don’t like that feel so 100’s feel better to me. Less control is the trade off but forgiveness is more important to me.

[@ph-tennis]

Makes perfect sense - there are some 100s with nice control, blade 100 for example!

[@ryansodhi1815]

100 has a downside, try out returning heavy/fast serves 110+ mph It is less stable there. Either you increase the weight of the racket by customising or you play with a smallwr beam. Or you are exceptionally gifted with timing but it's very rare cause people dont play tour level players who hit those bug serves. The guys you are seeing on TV are playing with heavier sticks

[@marcosvivoni1944]

great video topic, just went down from a dunlop idapt 100 to a percept 97. Honestly every racquet tested was better than what i chose as a dummy 15 y/o

[@kkarx]

You can find pros with 100 sq heads and even with 95 sq heads and for instance Safin used even a smaller head. Whatever suits to you.

[@christianolsson834]

I went with speed pro from a Volkl 10 series. 16/19 to 18/20. gained precision and at the same time forgiveness.

[@willcassidy2899]

Totally agree on Pro Staff 97 vs X. What about when they have made further changes like Percept 97 vs 100D?

[@Krwler]

Head Galaxy Pro has entered the chat. It does both.

[@lsfire3489]

99 inch?

[@lyndseyandandrew5771]

Thanks for this overview! It stood out to me that Karue from My Tennis HQ switched to the Percept 100 (D I believe) for his pro comeback this year and has really liked it. If anyone can hit with a small head size it’s Karue. His hands and timing are other-worldly. But he still liked the forgiveness and that more generalized power. Like you said, my ego also leans 98. But that’s why the ego should be ignored :)

[@rbutthamilton]

Your skill capability is only as good as how it relates to the opposition. For Karue, he may be “other worldly” relative to us, but relative to his fellow pros that he is up against, he knows what he lacks.

[@MrHitthespot]

I’m not saying there is not a difference between a 98 and a 100 sq in racquet. However I find it hard to believe the differences are more than anything so slight it would be hard to tell the difference. A 100 sq in head would be 10x10 inches if square. A 98 would be approximately 9.85 x 9.85. Around 1/8 inch of a difference in size. ( or the thickness of a iPhone case). This makes a difference? Again seems like the differences would be very very slight if all other specs are the same.

[@bartholomewlyons]

True. Not for 99% of players whose technique is pathetic. Placebo stuff

[@RemyRapBeats]

I mean that's a square formula not a circle but I agree, 2 square inches can't be all that much of a difference. I've always used 100 and never tried 98 so don't listen to me tho