3U 88D Pro Gen2 -> 3U 100ZZ or 3U/4U 88D Pro Gen3
Hi all,
I’m considering switching from my 3U 88D Pro Gen 2 because I find that I lack control and have an abundance of power. My main events are 80% single , 20% mixed and I would describe myself as a player with good fitness and lacking on touch. That said, I would not say I’m someone who smashes all the time (having a strong smash is important to me though) but I am more of an attacking player.
Things I look for in a racket are the following:
* heady heavy
* stiff shaft
* the feel of racket is super important to me so numb/dull feel rackets are a no go
An easy way to describe what I’m looking for is a 3U 88D Pro Gen2 that is either a bit less heady heavy/a bit stiffer or some combination that will inevitable have less power but more control.
3U/4U 88D Pro Gen3
+ most reviews seem to say it’s a more rounded racket than Gen2 but smashes are just not quite as good as Gen2
+ probably will be an easy transition
+ 4U offers more control on paper since it’s easier to handle
– Gen3 COULD feel almost exactly the same as Gen2
– 4U rackets have almost always felt more dull to me and I’ve generally disliked all 4U rackets I’ve used
– Gen3 is super ugly IMO (a bit childish I know)
3U 100ZZ
+ stiffer
+ I tried a 4U one for 2 weeks and felt that the control was VERY good
– 4U smash was lacking especially in singles from back court (why I’m only considering 3U)
– 3U could be too stiff as 4U was harder to generate power than the 3U 88D Pro Gen 2(could change as I get more used it)
– could be only a ‘on’ day racket and the ‘off’ days are terrible
As I’m typing this, I feel that I’m leaning towards the 3U Astrox 100ZZ but I feel that I could be setting myself up for an injury going to the stiffest/most demanding racket in the lineup. That said, I’ve never felt that the 3U 88D Pro was too stiff (I even find it not stiff enough at times).
I’d like to hear from others if I’m overstating the difficulty of the 3U 100ZZ (or if I’m on point here), other metrics I’m not considering here, their opinions or if another racket I can consider.
Thanks.