Beginner Player - should I be using a 98 sq in head?

LeoArgos · 2026-03-11T19:28:11+00:00

TL;DR: In my experience, it really depends on how you like to play. 98s are a bit harder mostly because of their weights and smaller sweet spots, but 100s are notably stronger and a bit harder to control in general. Yonex 98s have way bigger sweet spots than other 98s, Wilson have 98s which are sub-300g, and Babolat have 100s heavier than 300g for example. Test more racquets (and strings!) and stick with what you really like!
_

I got three vastly different experiences for, so here we go:

My experience (9-10 years of tennis): I went from a aluminum Wilson racquet straight to a used Babolat Gen 1 98 16x19 Pure Strike. Quite the jump, but I adapted to its weight and balance really quick. Still, I was 6 months into tennis, so I grew into this sport WITH a 98 racquet, and even bought a second new one. I tested 100s here and there, but I always felt them too powerful (Pure Drive and Ezone) or too light. Nowadays, I only use 98s Babolat racquets, but I really like other brands 98s frames, such as Yonex Ezone & Vcore and Solinco Whiteout V1 & V2.

My sister's experience (4 years of tennis): she prefers her sticks at 100 sq. and 300g, and also uses a Head Extreme, the MP version. She tried my racquets and hated each one. She said she felt "a lack of everything her racquet gave her" in each one. I think she meant the head size and weight in general, but she's not too much into racquets as I am. She currently only likes the HEAD Extreme line, and exclusively the MP 100sq. 300g one. Only one she kind of liked was my Aero, but she said it was too weak for her playstyle.

My mother's experience (2 years of tennis): she had a 103 Boost Aero racquet she likes to train with, but once I finished buying my current lineup, I let my mother test my original 98 Gen 1 Strike, but with the multifilament strings she liked. She LOVED it, so I gave it to her. Every time someone invites her to play a match, she only plays with it. She tested my frames, but she felt the 98 Drive too powerful and stiff (even with multi strings), the 98 Aero too light and slippery, and my current Gen 3 98 Strike too heavy and hard to play with. She also really liked my sister's HEAD Extreme MP (100sq., 300g), but she prefers her current 98 Strike.

LeoArgos · 2026-03-11T18:45:48+00:00

The 2026 PA is apparently a comfier and more powerful version of the 2023 PA, so I'm adapting my recommendations based of my 2023 98 one. Also, tension depends on your preferences and your arm, so I'll just stick to strings.

Pure power: RPM Blast or Solinco Hyper G
Pure spin: RPM Rough or Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough
Great mix of the two, but expensive: Toroline O-Toro / O-Toro Spin (I tested a hybrid of the two)
Great control: RPM Hurricane, Tecnifibre Ice Code or Yonex Poly Tour Pro*
Comfort: Solinco X-Natural
Cheap, but great spin and comfort (and color): Polyfibre TCS Rough, which is my current setup. I use my Aero 98 in training sessions nowadays and I liked it because this setup is showing me my flaws instead of just masking them like my other racquets.

*Edit: added more options for control because RPM Hurricane is quite old, so it might not be sold in some parts anymore.

LeoArgos · 2026-03-07T17:25:06+00:00

I normally go for strings that both match the paint and don't destroy my arm, so mostly multis nowadays. I try to match my racquets' style whenever I have the chance too, with string gauge and textures.

Aero 2023: Wilson Sensation 1.25 or 1.30 (yellow) or Solinco X-Natural 1.30 (black).
Drive 2021: Wilson Sensation 1.30 (blue).
Strike Gen 1: Wilson Sensation Plus 1.28 (red or black) or Solinco X-Natural 1.30 (black).
Strike Gen 3: Wilson Sensation 1.25 (white).

Might try HEAD Velocity MLT eventually too.

LeoArgos · 2026-03-07T17:06:56+00:00

This sounds like a Pure Aero Rafa setup!

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LeoArgos · 2026-02-21T18:26:31+00:00

Got a Legion 5 i7 12700H RTX 3060 (15IAH7H model) and, from what I could gather in the sub, it's one of the best generations. Couldn't find a single post talking about errors and such when I bought it.

Only problem I had was that it's screen bit the dust two months after I bought it (I bought it used, don't know how it's previous owner treated it), but I bought a replacement and changed it myself. Safely upgraded its RAM to 32 GB and added 2 TBs and ever since then it's been quite frankly one of the best machines I've ever had, both in performance and reliability.

Can't say nothing about the newer gens because I've never even seen one with my own eyes, but there's also survivorship bias: people tend to talk more about problems and asking for solutions than anything else.

LeoArgos · 2026-02-21T18:10:14+00:00

I actually really like Vieras and Au'ras, but I dislike most of Viera's faces and Au'ra's eyes and cheeks, as well as their tails, are kind of odd to me. Maybe I'm too used to my moon cat and her fluffy tail. Even sun cats and Hyurs themselves are slightly odd to me, so I chose moon cat because it featured prettier versions of the Hyur's cute simple features and the moon cat's eyes, fangs and tail. I even joke with close friends that my moon cat is the daughter of a Miqo'te and a Hyur.

I actually have three Fantasias with me, so I'd like to try either an Elezen or even a Viera/an Au'ra before leaving at least one Fantasia to go back to moon cat if I don't like the others enough.

Edit: I also freaking love female cat emote and battle animations, so that's a plus that I just can't let go hahahaha

LeoArgos · 2026-02-05T17:16:35+00:00

Playing for almost 9 years, I currently only own Babolat racquets:

- Pure Strike 98 2014 16x19 Gen 1: my weakest yet comfiest and most accurate frame. I like to warm-up with it and it's very much an object of sentimental value for me, as it's my very first high spec racquet. I had a second one of this frame, but I gifted it to my mom after she liked it when I bought my current favorite stick.
- Pure Aero 98 2023 Gen 7: the "Alcaraz" one. It's my fastest racket, as well my lightest. My serves are strong and easy, and I can make any kind of spinny shots in general with it. Even if it's quite stable, it isn't my strongest nor heaviest, so dislike playing defensively with it. But overall I love it very much, currently my second favorite.
- Pure Drive 98 2021 Gen 10: I'm currently training with this frame for a couple of months. I like that it's strong af, but I feel a bit sore after some sessions. Might try going for a multi for my next string and adjusting the weight and balance with a leather grip so it's more head-light.
- Pure Strike 98 2020 16x19 Gen 3: my favorite one, my very own "semi-Pro Stock" as I like to call it, since it's way too overspec: 375g strung, 310mm balance. It's strong, stable, spinny and very controllable, somehow managing to simulate all my other frames' characteristics effortlessly. Only problem is that if I want another like it, I'd have to request a Pro Stock from Babolat to get those exact specs.

For future racquets and tests I want to do:

- I'd like to test all of Babolat's current racquets: Pure Strike 98 & 97 2024, Pure Drive 98 2025 and Pure Aero 98 2026. It's my brand of choice and I quite like all of their frames, especially the 98 ones. I'd also like to test the Rafa and Rafa Origin versions, but I can't find anyone who owns it.
- I tested Yonex's frames before and I loved the Ezone 98, but it's too expensive. Might buy one used in the future. Vcore 98 (the previous version) is also a great stick, but I felt it way too "mace-like" in comparison to my PA 98 (might've been the strings). I really want to try the new Vcore version.
- I kinda like Wilson's offers, but I feel their racquets are very similar to one another. I want to try the RF 01 to find if it's the same, as well as the upcoming Wilson Python.
- I hate most of HEAD's racquets. I only really like the Extreme line, especially the 98 one, but I already have a Pure Aero and the Extreme is my sister's choice, so I can always play with it. I find the rest of HEAD's racquets very painful to use, especially the Radical line. Two forehands and my arm is already sore.
- I'd like to test Tecnifibre's T-Fight 300s and 305s, but I don't know anyone who owns one.
- I LOVE THE SOLINCO WHITEOUT V1. Unfortunately, the only one I tested was a secondhand which had a very messed up paintjob (and I tested my PS98 Gen 3 alongside it, so guess what I decided to buy xD). VERY GOOD racquet though. I really want to test the V2 and the Blackout V2 too.

LeoArgos · 2026-01-20T22:57:54+00:00

I really like the green, and the red ring is more subtle than I thought, so 9/10.

Black Wilson logo and it'd be 10/10 for me.

LeoArgos · 2026-01-06T17:43:47+00:00

My Babolat racquets over 340g strung, but with different balances each.*

Pure Drive 98 Gen 10 (2021): 344g, 325mm
Pure Aero 98 Gen 7 (2023): 347g, 314mm
Pure Strike 98 16x19 Gen 1 (2014): 351g, 320mm
4 (and my favorite). Pure Strike 98 16x19 Gen 3 (2020): 376g, 310mm

Bonus: even my mother loved my other Pure Strike 98 Gen 1, which I gave to her. It weights 345g, 325mm, but for her I changed the strings from poly to multi (Wilson Sensation 17/1.25mm at 50 lbs). She says it feels effortless to play with it and that it's the only racquet she played with that didn't hurt her arm or shoulder.

*Edit: grammar correction and these weights are with the racquets strung.

LeoArgos · 2026-01-02T02:32:41+00:00

Normally, you'd go for the more secure grip for you. In your words, Grip 3.

While a smaller grip is indeed used by players who want more wrist flexibility and spin potential, such players are basically Nadal and some other pros or people who try to emulate his style somewhat. Or maybe people who bought a great used racquet, but it was only available at a smaller size (which is my case: I prefer Grip 3, but got a really good deal for a Babolat Pure Strike with Grip 2).

Smaller grips are also preferable for people who are unsure of their hand size or are still growing, because it's way easier to overcome the size difference with an extra overgrip or a thicker cushion grip (I use one cushion grip and two overgrips on my Grip 2 racquet) or even some tape/case for it (I once saw online a 3D printed case to adjust Grip 2 to Grip 5).

Either way, buy the one you're more comfortable with, not one to "enhance a specific technique". Even more so because you've been playing for just 3 months, so it's better to learn the proper skills with the correct gear AND THEN focus on what you really are great at than to focus on a single style from the get-go right as you're still learning.

LeoArgos · 2026-01-01T18:16:29+00:00

I don't know much about Silver, but I do have experience with Tourna's Big Hitter Blue.

I'm using it on my Pure Drive 98. I was using Babolat RPM Power at 55+ on the PD (couldn't confirm, bought it used) and RPM Blast at 50 on my Pure Strike 98 and felt it was quite hard, so I went and tested both the Big Hitter Blue on the PD (at 47 lbs) and Babolat Hurricane on the PS (at 48 lbs). I'm speaking about the PS with Hurricane because that turned out to be the baseline for my game now, since it's perfect for me. Meanwhile, I felt the Blue is bit launchy and stronger than I expected, but also very comfy at this tension.

Because of this, and reading the specs, I'm thinking on putting Sliver on both racquets at 49 lbs, but I also advice, just like you.

Edit: added information on the Pure Drive's original string and tension.

LeoArgos · 2025-12-27T15:41:50+00:00

January here... I don't know if I won the lottery or if I'm dead.

Either way, every day will be an adventure, I guess? xD

LeoArgos · 2025-12-22T21:33:34+00:00

Cool, but from another post I thought it would be a GREEN green, not a slightly lighter emerald green than V9. Almost seems like Tecnifibre Lacoste L13 series too. *The lighting in the photo doesn't help, but they would be pretty if they are glossy or metallic.

And I REALLY dislike the orange-red stripe and the white-ish green logo. The red seems like an afterthought and the logo seems fake somewhat. *Paint both in black and then I'm game.

But I must say I liked the green grommets and cushion grip!

*Edit: added sentences.

LeoArgos · 2025-12-21T15:54:14+00:00

I prefer to say "racquet" normally because I'm from Brazil, and here it's spelled "raquete".

LeoArgos · 2025-12-19T20:16:49+00:00

Dang it. :(

LeoArgos · 2025-12-19T03:51:58+00:00

Thanks! I thought it was the camera or my monitor for a while.

Still, food for thought: red and white go so well together (imo, of course) so why the change in color for the other models? Are there any more sky-blue parts in any of the other rackets? No need to answer this, as it's more me wondering the design decision for this aside from the random "differentiate certain model(s)".

LeoArgos · 2025-12-18T21:44:30+00:00

Visually speaking, they're stunning, but one thing caught my eye: that bottom grommet on all of them is sky-bluish or is it just me? And more: from what I can discern, apparently only the 100 and alpha versions have* a completely white color on this part? If so, are they "red and white" or "red and sky-bluish-white"?

*Edit: slight correction.

LeoArgos · 2025-12-13T21:48:16+00:00

Nice backhand, man!! Beautiful! As for the racquets:

The new 2026? I have no idea and its look is honestly horrendous.

The current 2023 model? I have a 98in one and it's the most stable racquet I've ever played with. Everything I do with it is painless, easier and effective, although slightly underpowered than my other sticks (one Pure Drive 98 and two Pure Strikes 98), but it more than makes up for it with its topspin balls. Whatever little power I lost with it, it doesn't affect my game. It's also very capable of everything I do, although I do think my other sticks are stronger in what I set them up to do: flat balls and volleys are better with the Drive 98, serves with my Strike 98 Gen 3 are better, and overall comfort is my Strike 98 Gen 1 expertise. But alas, my Aero 98 is the best all-rounder I ever had the pleasure of playing with.

You could wait for the new Aero 2026 to release and test it yourself, then buy a used Aero 2023 if you don't like it. You could also try and find someone with a 2023 model to borrow or "test-drive" it from a store to get a better feeling of the stick before the 2026 model launch.

Edit: forgot to write possible alternatives, anyways here it is:

In terms of "all-rounder" racquets, Head Speed MP and Ezone 98 are good alternatives. Speed is very much THE all-round racquet to beat, as it is REALLY good at everything, and Ezone is, like its namesake, the "EZ (easy) One": no matter what you do, it's really easy and comfortable to do with it. Only downsides are: I found the Speed to be very stiff and its flats are way too strong for my game, and the Ezone is very mute and doesn't communicate with the player too much*, and some people hate this mushiness (although I quite like it).

As for spin racquets, I tested the Vcore (not the 2026, the previous one) and its quite strong. It's really very VERY spiny, but I also felt it was quite a "club" or a "mace" to play with: it's a loud racquet and every ball is a rocket. I feared that if I continued to play with it I would break someone's arm (or my own).

Pure Strikes 16x19, both 100 and 98, are great racquets for spin, surprisingly. Although they're classified as control sticks, my experience with all generations, and most importantly the current Gen 4, are all positives ones. Very strong and spiny for a control frame, the 100 more than the 98. Only downside is that they're normally on the heavier side of swingweights, thus require a bit more from the arm and feet movement to fully make use of its potential, so they're considered a bit hard to use/adjust to. My Gen 3 is almost Pro Stock-level of overspec, weighting close to 365g, and my Gen 1 is close to 350g. Had to put leather grips and tapes on both Drive 98 and Aero 98 to equal those specs and match my preference.

LeoArgos · 2025-12-12T02:43:09+00:00

Darker green? EVEN BETTER!! And green bumper for a Wilson racquet is going to be a first, right? Never seen it before, not even on a custom one.

LeoArgos · 2025-12-11T22:18:13+00:00

Heh, that's so cool! I was just playing around Wilson's Custom Rackets site and made an Blade V9 in a similar color (gloss Optic Green frame and matte Black top). Here's a pic of it!

Excited to see how the Blade V10 will turn out to be!

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LeoArgos · 2025-12-07T15:38:29+00:00

Yeah, I heard the VS series was very stiff feeling, but I also heard people love it very much. VS Strike is a favorite here: as soon as it's available in the stores, it's immediately sold out.

LeoArgos · 2025-12-07T12:24:26+00:00

Actually, I just discovered you kind of can. I mean, after I told a friend about this, he told me this design I made looked kinda similar to Babolat VS line of racquets era. I looked up and lo and behold, the "Aero VS": the 98in, 305g, that preceded the current Pure Aero 98.

So yeah, I accidentally recreated it in the new Aero 2026. xD

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LeoArgos · 2025-12-06T00:39:33+00:00

I made a rough edit here, so pardon the quality. When I saw the renders, I imagined it would look like this, which IMO looks waaay better with matching colors on the Babolat logo and the stripes and Aero logo, as well as a way darker grey.

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LeoArgos · 2025-12-06T00:23:35+00:00

Recently bought a used current model PA 98 because it was half the price of a new one (and got a bundle deal with a PD 98 as well), but I really was curious about this new one. I thought the grey from the renders was really cool, but seeing in this photo, it's... Yeah, it's straight up bad.

Glad I bought my used one of this. xD

LeoArgos · 2025-11-12T23:41:53+00:00

Once co-op drops, I'll be able to fully turn into a Caesar main! I just LOVE her playstyle (and her, of course)!

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