Video Review |
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Racquet Specs |
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107 Sq Inches 16 x 19 string pattern, 9.9 ounces (unstrung)
I was a skeptic with oversized frames from less than successful experience with them, but the IG Extreme OS definitely had something different to bring to the table.
Head engineers are always looking for ways to improve their products and the latest addition is a relatively new fibre called Innegra™. Innegra™ is a synthetic fiber with epic properties derived from spider silk, making it radically ideal for the racket industry. The filament exhibits a remarkably high tensile strength ratio of six to one with respect to its mass. Even more impressive is its damage tolerance. Spider silk can withstand punishment that would leave a carbon or steel fiber broken. When teamed up with a Carbon fiber matrix in a tennis racket, you end up with a longer lasting, lighter, and more durable frame that does not lack in the dampening department. To round out the mix, d3O is still used to improve the frame’s dynamic response.
 Serving This was a big surprise. In the past I have always had to make adjustments when serving with an OS frame. Simply put, if I did not focus on top spin production to bring the ball down, many serves would land a little long of the service box. To my surprise, the first serves went in with great pace and spin. I then attempted all variation of spins and locations and found that not only did this frame offer a little lower swingweight, it also behaved like a more forgiving version of the Extreme MP. The Innegra™ allowed head to produce a lightweight OS racket that has the control of a tweener frame. Despite the S2 swing style rating, this frame will also adapt well to a more advanced server (My playing style is L5 +)
I did a direct A/B comparison of this frame with it’s cousin; the IG Speed MP 300. Despite having very different strings at the time, they in fact, played surprisingly similar off of moderately flat groundstrokes. The light weight of the Youtek IG Extreme OS generated a higher “whip” thru effect, but at the same time kept the frame from straying uncontrollably far into a power range. The Innegra™ matrix greatly reduced any tuning fork syndrome that sometimes plagues large stiff light frames. This is excellent for players who prefer to play at higher tension without the burden of constant forearm discomfort. Spin production is outstanding, bordering on ridiculous if you have the technique to pull it off. No real loss of control was noted, just different. Volleys This is a must try frame if you play doubles and are looking to improve your net play. The control is excellent, the power is very good, and the large sweetspot will give way to any volleys. Drop volleys are relatively easy to execute and have real bite. Put away volleys are very powerful but not to the point of being uncontrollable. Despite the weight, it did neither buzz nor feel unstable returning heavy passing shots.
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