If you watched the French Open this year, surely you noticed Kimiko Date Krumm upset Dinara Safina in the opening round. Upon closer review you may have noticed she was using the new S-Fit 3 from Yonex. As with the new S-Fit line it offers the option of being strung for Comfort or Speed. My demo was strung midrange with the Comfort pattern.

 

 

Groundstrokes:
Keeping with the Yonex tradition, control is the key word. Even with the width ranging form 26-28mm and a slightly head heavy balance, you will mistake this for a Pure Drive. The dual oval pressed shaft eats up vibration and the string pattern provides tactile feedback off both wings.

 

It’s easy to create racquet head speed and generate impressive topspin with the 16*19 string pattern of the racquet.

The S-Fit 3 will allow you to keep your opponent pinned to the baseline off both wings and the wider width of the racquet along with a flex of 70RA will keep mis-hits to a minimum. If you need more power I’d suggest stringing towards the bottom end of the range.

 

If you like to hit with a continental or eastern grip off either wing, just keep the width of the racquet in mind as it can be easy to hit the frame if you don’t get the ball off the strings quickly enough or carve through your stroke correctly.

 

Volleys:
Get the racquet out in front and you’ll be rewarded, it’s that simple with the S-Fit 3. It’s not the fastest option at the net so make your initial volley count. If you play quite a bit of doubles, stick with the Control pattern to maximize touch and directional control as it allows the ball to dwell on the string pattern for a longer period and enhance the sweetspot

 

Serves:
Despite the comfort and control aspect of the racquet I was able to generate a significant amount of pace with the racquet. The stiffer flex and lightweight allowed me to just plow through on serves. It was a pleasant surprise to be serving as fast and accurately as my own setup, which is more in line with a traditional players stick. If you have played with other Yonex models in the past you’ll still have access to the same kick and spin you’ve grown accustomed to, consider the power a bonus.

 

Overall Thoughts:
I enjoyed the S-Fit 3 as a do everything racquet for both singles and doubles. If you can only have one racquet in your bag this is a must demo. 3.0-3.5 club players provided the most positive feedback along with some 4.0 retrievers on the single side. Check out the S-Fit 3 Light today and I think you’ll be impressed with the offering.