2009 Racket Review - 3 Lesser Known Player's Frames

Adidas releases its first tennis racket in 20 years

After nearly 20 years, sports shoe and clothing giant Adidas has returned to the tennis racket arena. Named after its flagship shoe, the Barricade hopes to gain popularity with accomplished players and competitive juniors. Sporting a unique design, the Barricade offers a smaller head size (95 sq/in), a heavier total weight (11.1 oz – standard, 12.2 oz –tour model), and healthy swing weight (300 – standard, 330 – tour). What makes the Barricade unique is the weighting location Adidas baked into the design. Although a head-light racket, weighting is placed at the 3 and 9 o’clock zones of the head, enlarging the sweet spot and allowing more weight on your shots. Designed for 4.5 players or higher, this stick has the makings of a popular racket.

Dunlop looking to make noise with a stick for Big Hitters – The 4D 2Hundred

Through the release of its smallest, heaviest frame to date, Dunlop is poised to capture more advanced players and touring professionals with the 4D 2Hundred. First and foremost, this stick is for accomplished, big hitters looking to sharpen their already developed game. Tipping the scales at 12 ounces, the 4D 2Hundred is a brick. Because of this, players with the strength to maneuver it will find sharper slices, heavier ground strokes and super-solid volleys. Through their 4D braiding system, off-center hits will have minimum effect on the frame twisting in your hand. If you are the real-deal, you may want to give this racket a try.

Yonex takes a different path with the new RQiS1

The team at Yonex decided to change up the formula on their new advanced level racket, the RQiS1 by incorporating a mid-level luxury. Traditionally, all tour level or advanced level rackets have an extremely low power rating, since the majority of tour players are young, strong athletes. The problem is, the majority of upper-level amateur players lack the strength and conditioning. The result is either shoulder or elbow injuries, or fatigue resulting in poor form. This year, Yonex answers the call by developing the RQiS1. This frame provides a bit more pop that the usual tour frames and combines the added power with a slightly lighter weight for better spin.

Whatever your choice is, be sure to demo a few rackets to truly figure out what is best for you and your game. Try to hit the racket as long as possible before pulling the trigger. The worst thing is dropping a few hundred on rackets you thought were right for you.