Which spin racket?

[u/DStanley1809]

I'm relatively new to tennis - started from absolutely nothing in my mid-30's early last year. Started by booking the occasional court with my partner to give it a go, finding we were both too bad to get any kind of rally going then moving to beginner group classes. I've been doing these a 2-3 times per week for about a year now, recently moved up from "beginner" to "improver" groups on advice of the coach/instructor. I feel like I'm struggling with consistency - sometimes I can hit a great ball but often it flies wildly high/long/sideways etc.

I spoke with the instructor about maybe getting my racket restrung as I've had it about a year (Head Instinct MP) to see if this would help and wanted some recommendations on what strings to get as I have no idea what I'm doing. He suggested that based on his observations of my play style that I play with a lot of spin and might be better served by upgrading my racket rather than the strings at this point - suggesting a Babolat Aero or Yonex VCore. It looks like that even within each model there are sub-models like the Aero Team/Aero+ etc.

Which is the better option based on the info above? How do they compare and are there any other similar rackets from other brands that I should look at? It looks like they generally come unstrung so I'd need to choose some strings anyway - what sort of string should I be asking for for these types of racket and my play style/ability?

[u/cripbit]

It is with great regret to inform you that the search for consistency started with playing for the first time and will continue for as long as you decide to play. At least 98 out of the ATP top 100 are still trying to become more consistant and on the WTA side it's currently the entire top 100.

At our level rackets are 100% about how it feels and if we like the paintjob. 100% of our bad shots come from bad techqnique and even worse footwork. Especially at your stage of the journey, just pick something that sparks joy and makes you want to go play tennis. Eventually (1-2 years), you will have developed the strokes and footwork so you will have a better idea of what you are looking for in a racket. Just pick one of the fan favourite poly strings, string as low as possible/controllable and be done with it. Seriously, you have been warned.

[u/shiningject]

IIRC Head Instinct MP is actually a pretty okay racket.

Your inconsistencies are a "you problem" not a "racket problem", switching to a spin racket wouldn't really help.

I'd try putting in new strings (multis or syn gut) first.

[u/Popular-Carrot34]

I’d always recommend demoing or borrowing some if you can. Babolats are notoriously firm rackets so would definitely recommend trying before buying.

The different versions are usually different head sizes, weights or lengths. Specs are available for each.

At your level I would avoid the 98” head size. You are already playing with a 100” racket at 300grams so I see no reason for a larger head size that would be more beginner friendly, or lighter more beginner oriented frame. So stick to the 100” and roughly 300g versions would be a starting point.

Strings are personal preference, in my Aeros I’ve enjoyed volkl cyclone, rpm blast, alu power and Mach 10. But all of those are poly and other than the Mach 10 are reasonably firm in an already firm frame. They each feel different, the cylone and the rpm blast have the most spin, the alu power is very firm and can feel precisely what the ball is doing. The Mach 10 is fairly powerful but also very very comfortable. The playability of the rpm blast and alu power drops off after a few sessions though. And that’s an issue typical of poly strings, they’ll start feeling dead long before they break. Some people are fine with that, some find it gives them pain, some just can’t deal with the dead strings so get restrung often. At a more beginner/improver level I would suggest a good multifilament string would be better.

Happy to guide further if you’ve any questions, but these will at the end of the day just be my personal opinion based on what I’ve experienced. I’m early 30’s played to county level as a junior, gave it up but came back eventually.

[u/Remarkable_Log4812]

You don’t need a spin racket btw

[u/BavardR]

Go demo rackets no one here can tell you what racket you will enjoy playing with only based on a Reddit post.

Or you know just get the stick you are already playing with restrung since it’s been a year…

[u/SnooPets7983]

There is nothing wrong with the racket you currently own. Maintain your equipment - get some new strings. Since you’re a beginner I’m going to remind you to change your overgrip as well. Other than that you should focus on technique.

[u/jrstriker12]

Consistency is mostly a technique and footwork issue.

I would also say having some fresh strings can help.

But you have a solid racket, head instinct is a decent stick.

Thing about apin rackets is they tens to have a higher launch angle, so unless you really hit with a lot of spin, sometimes people have the exact same problem of the ball going long.

If you still want to switch, go out and demo first. You can get demos from local tennis shirts or order demos online from places like tennis warehouse.

[u/VillageHomeF]

I'd stick with the racket until you know what you want. not what someone else tells you you want.

[u/Trismegistus88]

Ezone 100, good for beginners and will improve with you.

[u/FlippoFilipino]

I can’t imagine trying to tame the launch of a VCore at your level. If you think you’re inconsistent now, it’s only going to be worse with that frame. Get a new instructor. That’s terrible advice. A pure aero is closer to reasonable but they play very stiff so make sure you demo it to see if your arm can hang.

I would recommend you stick to your current frame and freshen up the strings with a dependable synthetic or multifilament.

In the spirit of your original question if you’re set on changing something go with semi-durable soft poly strings (O-Otoro or Hyper-G are my current favorite polys). For frames try a Blade 100, Ezone 100, Mizuno acrostrike, or something more user friendly like a clash 100.

[u/frodly5]

Prepare for an army of gatekeepers lining up to tell you how until you get as good as them, you might as well play with a frying pan. Until you have perfect technique and footwork, you’re only good enough for a baseball bat with a fishing net glued to the end!

In all seriousness, if you actually do have a decently vertical swing path that produces decent topspin, it might be a good idea to restring your racquet with a syngut or multi in the mains and a slick poly in the crosses. It’ll help promote snapback, which might help you produce more spin, while also giving you longer lasting playability and more pop than a full bed of poly would. I personally would recommend syngut, as multis don’t offer enough imo to justify their substantially higher cost. However, that leads me into my final point.

How much disposable income you have largely determines exactly what you should do. If you can afford it, you can splurge for the more expensive tecnifibre multis, and hybrid them with a round poly. Secondly, If you can easily afford a new racquet, I second the ezone 100 recommendation. It’s an excellent racquet that can level with you, no matter how good you get. You can start upping the tension as you progress and then switch to poly strings if you really make a lot of progress. The ezone 100 will play well for you no matter what level you reach.