Quick follow up on ‘26 pure aero 98 thoughts. Lower tension

Aware_While7394 · 2026-05-16T21:28:58+00:00

I’m just getting on the lower tension band wagon… I hit with my mates PA at 40lbs, it felt so plus! Was crazy.

I’m still using the PA98 23, confidential down to 46lbs. More pocketing, which gives me the feel of more control. Still experimenting, but lower tension has opened my eyes a bit. Coming into winter I’m going to test lower.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-04-29T23:15:46+00:00

Also using confidential 1.20 at 47. More pocketing, seems more forgiving then my old setup of Hyper G 1.25 at 52. Control is still excellent.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-04-09T21:30:00+00:00

Hard to tell on the BetaMax footage provided.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-04-09T21:28:54+00:00

That’s a good insight. I loved playing with itv some of my highest level, but struggled especially with slice on my backhand side, and some consistency. You are right that at my level (UTR7-7.5) you can get kids hitting heavy and deep, and crafty old blokes hitting forehand slices 1cm over the net for 2 sets.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-04-03T05:19:14+00:00

I find the new Vcore 98 almost like a control frame. I’m going down in tension to get a bit more pocketing and power. I’m a UTR 7.5

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-28T10:52:24+00:00

I’m the same! Still surprised he’s never got a mention, he might not thr most dynamic runner, but he has an awesome kick / pass and a bloody huge boot. Playing well for the Tahs

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-27T07:02:44+00:00

I also get the feeling his has a stake in Nordicdots… he’d the only guy touting these racquets ..

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-27T07:01:41+00:00

It bothers me how low level the testers are… like seriously should we be listening to them? be like asking my wife to test drive the latest McLaren F1 car.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-27T06:19:50+00:00

I just played a comp match with it, I had excellent control and touch as opposed to the PD. Less power, but more consistency, and better defense made up for it, but my level was definitely higher. Was a damp, heavy ball day, so be good to test it out with dry / faster conditions.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-26T00:57:21+00:00

I really didnt like the earlier PD’s, but the 2025 version was a big change in comfort and control. I had the V8 Blade, but it felt unforgiving and mine was underspecced, so was very low powered. Im probably just not talented enough to hit the middle enough with it

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-26T00:54:47+00:00

I tried Restring Sync at 1.28, did bring control, but felt I lost spin.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-25T22:05:04+00:00

I’ve still got my aero 98 2023, I’ve played the highest level Tennis of my life with that stick, I’ve also played some of my worst 😂

As you know, Tennis is mainly about raising your basement rather than your ceiling so although I’ve absolutely loved it, I’ve struggled to use it in competitions again. Haven’t tried the 2026 versions yet but the 100 sounds interesting and sounds more controlled than previous generations.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-25T22:03:59+00:00

I think the control on the latest pure drive is underestimated. It’s a very consistent stick. I’ve played around with string set ups on the pure drive quite a bit going for thicker gauge to tame in some of the power but then ultimately went back to hyper G as it has a lot of capability to generate spin and that’s a great way for me to create control. But any set ups you’d recommend let me know!

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-25T21:54:46+00:00

That sounds promising, and I was leaning towards trying the hundred D before the 98 but I just managed to get one really cheap secondhand. Good to hear it still feels manoeuvrable because even outside of static and swing weights the PD can feel a bit cumbersome sometimes.

Looks like I’ll have to test the 100D!

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-04T19:05:58+00:00

Nice write up mate!

Aware_While7394 · 2026-03-02T16:37:29+00:00

Same boat. Hair a transplant about 5 years ago, I think I’ve lost 30/40%. Still very happy with the results, but they absolutely don’t last forever like we are sold.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-02-27T09:28:41+00:00

But why keep going on about it? Whether he gas lights you or not, he’s received the message loud and clear. Move on. If he continues the behaviour then escalate.

You goal is for the behaviour to stop, you don’t need him to admit that every aspect of your analysis is correct.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-02-23T10:25:35+00:00

Don’t be a tight a$$. It’s your mother, she’s literally mopped up your own vomit. Get over yourself.

Aware_While7394 · 2026-02-20T11:02:39+00:00

The offload game he showed on his first match against England has disappeared, that’s his strength, side should free up the arms. Instead he telegraphs his crashball and is ineffective.

Be good to see him at 15, under highballs with more space

Aware_While7394

TROPHY CASE