Page 44 - Tennis Magazine April 2019
P. 44
HEAD HEAD HEAD
Graphene 360 Graphene 360 Graphene 360
Extreme Pro Instinct Lite Instinct MP
• PRICE: $170 • PRICE: $190 • PRICE: $200
• HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. • HEAD SIZE: 107 SQ. IN. • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN.
• LENGTH: 27 IN. • LENGTH: 27.2 IN. • LENGTH: 27 IN.
• WEIGHT: 11.5 OZ. • WEIGHT: 9.7 OZ. • WEIGHT: 11 OZ.
• BALANCE: 5 PTS. HL • BALANCE: 1 PT. HH • BALANCE: 7 PTS. HL
• SWINGWEIGHT: 332 • SWINGWEIGHT: 294 • SWINGWEIGHT: 303
• RA RATING: 62 • RA RATING: 60 • RA RATING: 62
• BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 21MM • BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 23MM • BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 23MM
• STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19
• NTRP: 4.0+ • NTRP: 2.0-4.0 • NTRP: 3.0-4.5
How it tested: After sitting out the How it tested: The new Instinct Lite How it tested: The new Instinct MP
previous generation of Extremes, the Pro defied the conventions of a lightweight scored points for its quickness through
made a welcomed return to the lineup. frame. It played with the control and feel the hitting zone and lively, comfortable
Just like the MP, the stiffness has been of a heavier racquet with a smaller head, response. As such, racquet-head speed
lowered from the most recent incarna- but had the forgiveness of a quick- was effortless, allowing for good
tions, relying on the combination of heft moving oversize. The combination of production of both topspin and slice. The
and significant swingweight to load shots slightly extended length, head-heavy agile handling and ready power were also
with power. Controlling the distance of balance and added Graphene to the hoop welcome assets for digging out of
shots was challenging at times; gave the racquet a surprisingly stable defensive situations, which should appeal
fortunately, the wide string spacing and comfortable response. Yet it was still to mid-level counterpunchers. On the
provided great ability to add spin and maneuverable, generating ample pace downside, some testers felt it came
keep balls from sailing. Testers found and spin on both serves and ground through contact too quickly, and the lack
better success driving volleys, as taking strokes with minimal effort. Bread-and- of mass in the head caused some
pace off incoming shots or playing with butter volleying worked well, and instability problems. The ball jumped off
touch was a mixed bag. When compared overheads were literally and figuratively a the strings rapidly on volleys, making it a
to the MP, the extra half-ounce on the blast. In the right hands—developing better option for punishing the ball rather
Pro gave it a plusher, preferable feel at players, intermediates and seniors—the than dropping it short. Overall, testers
contact. Players that can handle the Instinct Lite is a perfect fit. familiar with the previous model felt this
weight and striking yellow color—a latest version improved its user-friendly
split-decision among our panel—will find Editor’s Choice: Best Game formula, and should be an easy transition
a very powerful and fun frame. Improvement Frame for Instinct users.
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