My New Weapon: One Step Down From Roger Federer
Written: Aug 28 '05 (Updated Aug 31 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stability, lightness, power, control, balance, feel, grip, looks, N Code technology: lots to like!
Cons: It may not match your game or swing speed.
The Bottom Line: This racquet is the best for me among the ones I've tried: that's why I got it and highly recommend it for players like me!
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| mht's Full Review: Wilson N5 110" Tennis Racquet |
After trying various racquets, I settled on this one, the Wilson N5 110" monster. It is the best racquet for me that I have yet to try--and I've tried many. The stability yet lightness, the power with control, the balance, the grip, the feel and less importantly but as an added bonus, even the looks appeal to me.
N Code Technology
N Code technology is Wilson's version of the Liquid Metal technology that Head uses. This technology has been written up in the scientific literature--I can feel the difference too. The "N" stands for nanotechnology--so it works at a very small level. Wilson claims that N Code technology gives twice the stability, twice the strength, and 22% more power over ordinary racquets.
Stable Yet Light
This racquet weighs in at only 9.0 ounces. One might think it'd be whippy, but it actually feels steady and solid. It feels particularly stable on volleys, which is critical. It gives greater confidence even and especially for quick, reflex volleys.
Power with Control
The racquet gives me the sense that I can really rip the ball with a full swing yet remain able to consistently direct it. It gives more pop than the N Code 6-1 that Federer uses but still allows for a fairly quick, aggressive swing. There's a sense that one is able to "hold" the ball longer on one's swing while packing a punch into it.
Balance and Feel
The racquet may look a little thick and clunky from certain angles and views, but it feels completely balanced: it feels neither top-heavy nor head light.
I'm not completely sold yet on this racquet's feel, but I might have a better handle on it with further use. Thus far, the drop volleys and drop shots are no better than OK but I might change my mind later. The racquet does have a bit of a hollow feel, but overall, I find it feels sleek and comfortable.
Dry Grip
The microdry grip claims "maximum moisture absorption". The claim is not in vain. I've used it in some hot, hot days, and the grip sucks sweat extremely well. It also feels slightly cushiony too. Some might prefer to put an overgrip on it, but I don't find it necessary to do so.
Looks
The red and white blend of the racquet looks rather snazzy and hot, not unlike its performance. The throat looks rather thick, but it is nonetheless astonishingly light. Wilson does include plenty of marketing in the words found on the racquet. The headguard on top will improve its endurance. The racquet also came with a matching vibration absorber with signature "W"'s for Wilson on it. All in all, it is one good-looking racquet.
Head Size
I prefer the 110" hitting surface over the smaller versions. It provides an ample sweet spot that is presently accented by the Wilson NXT strings that I have on it. The head size makes it harder to "frame" it, shank it or mis-hit it. At the same time, it feels focused enough while providing a larger hitting surface, which I like better.
One Step Down From Federer
Roger Federer uses the N Code 6-1--so the N5 is one whole step below his. Federer can generate great pace with his full, fast & elegant swings--on display now at the U.S. Open. The higher the code number, the faster the swing it accomodates. Not swinging as fast as Federer and wanting more power, I'm pleased to wield this N5, a worthy weapon that I'm convinced, like Wilson says, can help unlock potential yet untapped!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mht
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Member: Morse Tan, Esq.
Location: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Reviews written: 115
Trusted by: 31 members
About Me:
HappyHubby, DevotedDad, BookAddict, investor, TennisBrain, cellist, TravelNut, DogLover, law professor: learning to play!
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