By Robert Martin

There seems to be a common misconception surrounding oversized rackets that says they are only for certain types of players. These biased views generally think of older, smaller, or weaker players, but that is simply not the case in the real world. Oversized frames offer many benefits that smaller midplus and midsize rackets simply cannot offer. These typically include greater forgiveness and more power thanks to a larger head size, as well increased torsional stability, on a per weight basis.

This is sometimes difficult to understand because weights can vary and then it makes the comparison more complex. If two rackets are similarly weighted, the frame that measures longer across the face from the three to nine o’clock positions will have greater stability. While oversize rackets are typically considered at 107 square inches and above, I will, for the purpose of this play test consider the Prince EXO3 Red 105 as applicable due to its geometry and technology. I chose to test frames that are at a broad range of weights, within the range of 105 to 110 square inches on head size.

Prince EXO3 Red 105
Head Size: 105 square inches
Length: 27.25 inches
Weight: 10.5 ounces strung
String Pattern: 16x19

First Impressions: The new graphics for 2011 are a bit more understated than the previous version, which was a welcome addition while still retaining that same feeling of balance and heft. I could do without the shiny pieces of the Energy Bridge around the frame, but that’s a personal preference.

Groundstrokes: Surprising performance is the best way to describe this racket, as it had good power and comfort with a decent level of control. The moderate weight allowed it to be stable without being too heavy. I do have a few complaints, one of which is that the EXO3 technology makes the string bed very noisy. In addition, the ball tended to sail long on slices.

Net: The Red was impressive at net with its quickness. Even though it was easy to get into position however, control was lacking, mainly due to the longer string dwell time.

Serving: Both power and spin were strong points of the racket on serves, but control was not there. I had a tendency to hit the serves long or wide.

Closing Remarks: Overall a very comfortable frame with a good balance and weight for some nice pop, I felt it was lacking a bit on the control side and the springy string bed is not to my liking.

Head YouTek Radical OS
Head Size: 107 square inches
Length: 27 inches
Weight 11.0 ounces strung
String Pattern: 18x19

First Impressions: Definitely a unique frame, combining an oversized head with control racket attributes. Still significantly lighter than my normal frame, I appreciated the additional weight, and thin beam.

Groundstrokes: While I was not particularly excited about the denser string pattern, the larger head size did soften the blow a bit. The strongest points of this frame from the baseline are the precision and stability. The power level is fairly low so it does require a fuller swing to really get the benefits from this racket.

Net: As well as it performed from the baseline, it definitely underperformed at the net for me. The larger head felt slow to get into position, and touch was not up to par as well.

Serving: I was hoping this would be an area where I could get some power out of the Radical, but it wasn’t there. I could place the ball in the corners and hit with good amounts of spin, but the pace was definitely a little off.

Closing Remarks: It’s easy to see why this racket is so associated with Andre Agassi. The high levels of control and reasonably sized sweetspot make it a baseline player’s dream, but a bit awkward at the net.

Dunlop Biomimetic 500 Plus
Head Size: 110 square inches
Length: 27.5 inches
Weight: 9.2 ounces strung
String Pattern: 16x19

First Impressions: I had some misgivings about this even being in the 500 family because of how Dunlop names their frames. Essentially, the lower the number, the less power the frame has, and this 500 Plus is much more powerful than something like the Biomimetic 600.

Groundstrokes: This is pretty much your stereotypical 110 square inch racket, with a slightly extended length and easy access to power. It takes just a short swing to get depth and the head heavy balance provides a fair amount of stability for slower swings.

Net: Volleying was awkward with this racket for me. It is light enough to remain reasonably mobile, but had absolutely no touch when it came to controlling angles and placing the ball.

Serving: The extra length of the frame and the powerful response resulted in plenty of power and spin, but again the ball seemed to fly a bit long on me. Once I adjusted my timing just a bit I was able to hit the serves effectively, though not impressively.

Closing Remarks: As I said before, this really does not belong in the same naming scheme at the other Biomimetic 500 and 500 Tour, but for what it is, the 500 Plus is effective. It provides plenty of easy power and performs best with shorter to moderate swing styles.

Babolat OverDrive 110
Head Size: 110 square inches
Length: 27.5 inches
Weight: 9.9 ounces strung
String Pattern: 16x19

First Impressions: I had to cringe a bit when I picked up the OverDrive 110. It has many of the properties that I don’t care for in a frame, along with being a Babolat, which I and many others typically associate with stiff. Luckily, this one was surprisingly playable.

Groundstrokes: The first thing I noticed was that for a larger head like 110 square inches, this one had a decent bit of heft to it. The stability was very good up to a moderate swing, but diminished a bit if I went after the forehand. The frame had decent control, but power and forgiveness were the main properties I noticed.

Net: I wanted to like this racket at the net. It provided a bit more heft than the Dunlop which was good, but quite simply, nothing will ever match the feel of a flexible, classic-style frame for short, angled volleys.

Serving: Like with most Babolat frames I’ve tried, this one was great for serving hard and flat. The spin was good when I wanted it, but control suffered a bit when I went for more spin strangely.

Closing Remarks: Not my favorite frame, but a good provider of power with stability. I would have liked even more weight, but this is a good compromise for the players that it is truly intended for.

Images provided by our friends at Tennis Express.