Topic: Looking for help/advice on a racquet

[menike604]

I'm a 3.5/4.0 player. I went from the Head Liquidgel Radical to the Head Microgel Extreme last year but am looking for something with a little more "pop".

I've taken a lot of cues from Maria Sharapova's game (the physical/technical part) so thought I might also like her racquet. I accidentally tried the Prince 03 Black rather than the 03 White and actually loved it for the short time I played with it. The feel fas right and I got that extra ZING I was looking for. I don't like to try a lot of different racquets at all and figure that with such subtle differences between them, I'd probably just adjust to whatever I chose.

That said, I'd appreciate your advice - is it worth trying the 03 White if I know I really liked the 03 Black? Are there big differences? The specs seem almost identical.

I like to play a power-oriented game from the baseline, but also love net play. I'm 3.5/4.0 now, play about 5 times a week and am quite serious about my game. I'd like a racquet that I'll stick with for atleast a couple of years.

Thanks in advance!

[dmastous]

The O-3 black looks like it's a bit more head light than the white. But they've got so many of these things out now, it's hard to keep them straight. A head light racquet will feel lighter, even if it's heavier. You will get a bit more racquet head speed from that frame.
I'd say demo both at the same time from Tennis Warehouse, or someone, and pick the one that feels best for you. Both are good frames.
As for getting more power, you can go with lower tension to get that.

[menike604]

Thanks so much! I will try them both. Looks like either way, I'm becoming a Prince girl!   

[dmastous]

Thanks so much! I will try them both. Looks like either way, I'm becoming a Prince girl!   

That would make you a Princess. 

[Tennis4you]

It can never hurt to demo racquets that is for sure, but I am with you, I am not one to demo a ton of them.  I also recommend that you try out the racquet a few times (if you can) before you buy it.  I have seen some people love a racquet the first time and then start to have different feelings about it the next few times out.  Just to be safe...

Welcome to the forums!!!

[menike604]

Thanks! You guys rock!

[Tennis4you]

Any time!  Hopefully you stick around and talk tennis with us addicts!

[dmastous]

Thanks! You guys rock!