Closing Remarks: This racquet felt very stiff to me. Overall it performs well in the hands of a hard-swinger, but that’s just not my style.
Head Size: 100 sq. inches
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 11.2 oz strung
String Pattern: 16 x 19
First Impressions: Definitely a different appearance from previous models and the balance and weight felt good in my hand. I have never been able to get used to the Head grip shape, but this one was not as extreme as I remembered.
Groundstrokes: This racquet was a solid performer in all categories and performed as it should. Spin was good when you needed it, and I was able to flatten out shots as well. My one issue is that when I tried to hit heavy topspin the ball tended to sail a bit.
Net: Surprisingly good feel and quick to maneuver. Felt like the frame was able to knife volleys away pretty well.
Serving: I wasn’t able to dial in serves quite right with this one. It felt a bit sporadic to me.
Closing Remarks: Definitely not the softest frame out there, but fairly comfortable given the rather high stiffness rating. Overall I liked this racquet once the point started, but I struggled on serve.
Head Size: 98 sq. inches
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 11.2 oz strung
String Pattern: 18 x 20
First Impressions: For a minute I thought this was a painted Head Radical. With similar specs, I was not surprised to find that it felt quite a bit like a Radical in my hands.
Groundstrokes: This frame felt like it was all about control. The thin beam felt good and the flex was nice for more creative shots. It did play a touch stiffer than the Head Radical it resembles, but this no-frills frame was a solid performer.
Net: Good feel and quick to maneuver, this was an excellent frame at net. While it was solid from the baseline, it really shined for me at the net.
Serving: I’ve never been quite fond of serving with dense patterned racquets, and this one was no exception. Flat serves had excellent control, but I had trouble getting the same movement I am used to.
Closing Remarks: The grip felt smaller than listed on the frame, but overall I enjoyed the feel of the frame. Playtesting this one has me excited to try the Pro 10, a similar frame that is heavier, much closer to what I am used to.
Head Size: 98 sq. inches
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 10.9 oz strung
String Pattern: 16 x 20
First Impressions: Immediately you notice that classic Fischer tapered beam, and you just know the frame is going to have a unique feel. A modern rendition of a classic, this was an exciting trial for me.
Groundstrokes: There is just something entirely unique about the Fischer molds. That ultra thin throat gives such a great sense of feel and control while the thicker head provides some welcome pop. Though lighter than my normal racquet, this X-Force provided a perfect blend for a moderate spin player like myself.
Net: Once again, Pacific impresses with that amazing feel and good agility. If I had any complaints at net, it was that while my volleys were effective, they didn’t have quite the conviction of my usual frame.
Serving: This is where the racquet began to falter from its pedestal of greatness for me. As someone that is used to a heavier racquet, it is such an adjustment on serves and I was not able to get the same combination of pace and spin with this frame.
Closing Remarks: I loved the control that this racquet had in all areas, and with a little tweaking this could be an amazing frame for a lot of players. My favorite of the group, I would absolutely love to test out the X-Force Pro, an even closer relative to my favorite Fischer frame, the Pro No. 1.