Video Review |
Racquet Specs |
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The RDiS 100 is the replacement for the RDS 001 frame. When the first pictures of this frame were seen most of us thought that this was just going to be a mostly cosmetic update of the frame. That thought could not have been more wrong. While this is still a player category frame, it has significant differences from it predecessor and as such has a new feel.
 Since the beam is thicker you would expect the expected that the racquet would be significantly stiffer than the RDS 001. Sort of true, but the flexpoint of this racket has been altered. The RDS001 had a fairly stiff head and a fairly flexible shaft. The RDiS feels exactly opposite. Very similar overall stiffness but very different feel. If you never used the RDS 001 you would never know this because it turns out that this new racquet is pretty sweet. Once you adapt to the difference in feel a couple of things jump out at you. Vibration is very low but the racquet still has great spin control and touch.While the vibration level of the racquet is lower than the predecessor, I would still recommend a string Dampener for Poly strings.
Yonex’s answer to Wilson’s BLX technology (actually it is the other way around since this racquet became available in 2009) is carbon nano tubes and Elastic Titanium (Ti).
The new frame’s more aerodynamic shape makes it a little faster thru the air. The moderate swing weight makes it possible for strong players to put mind bending amounts of topspin on ground strokes. But this racket is not just for heavy topspinners, it is quite at home on flat and especially slice shots.
Swing weight seems to me just very slightly higher than the previous model. I would estimate it is about 10% more powerful for the same swing speed. This is still a low power frame so you need long fast strokes to enjoy what this frame has to offer.
Serving power is average but the spin generation is great. Accuracy is very good but it is a little low on power. Overall it is a nice blend of control and power. It may take 30 minutes to get dialed in serving with this racket but it is worth the effort. If you know how to hit good kick or slice serves you should give this one a try.
At the net this is a predictable partner. Touch and spin are great there is still enough control to absorb blistering passing shots and get the ball in the court. It is heavy enough that someone with bad technique might not like it.
The sweetspot is very large for a player type frame..String tension is another place that this racquet shines. The racket allows control of strokes hit with tremendous pace with the racquet strung at 57 or 67 lb.. of tension Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour strings. The higher tension will likely any work for very strong players. But the important thing is that the incredible control is there at any tension. Also the sweetspot does not shrink as fast at higher tension as other racquets including the RDS001. I suspect the thicker beam and carbon nanotube construction have a great deal to do with this. So there you have it if you are looking for a more control oriented modern power baseliner frame and think that the AeroPro Drive or Pure Drive don’t have enough control for you especially on touch shots and slice, demo this racquet, I am betting you will be both surprised and happy.
This racket is best used by 4.0 - 7.0 tournament players.
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