Review

The subject of this review is the new Yonex RDS 001 Mid plus. If you are familiar with Yonex products you know the quality that goes into each frame, and this series is no exception.

The Yonex design philosophy has always been to incorporate a little flex into the shaft of the racquet for control and comfort. In the new RDS series Yonex has added "Elastic Ti" which makes the racquet "snap" back into position quickly giving the ball a little kick. The firm head provides ample control and spin potential.

The entire RDS series incorporates the Yonex Soft Grommet system at the four corners of the racquet head for comfort and a slightly larger "zone".

Oh, yes, the yellow color adds to the excitement of this racquet!

This racquet comes in a 90 square inch head as well, but here are some of the important specs for the 98 square inch head racquet:

Head Size (this is a mid plus)	98 sq. in
Flex (racquet bending stiffness)	64 (RDC)
Weight	326 gr/11.5 oz
Polar Moment (resistance to "twisting")	330
Swing Weight (the power number)	310
Recoil Weight (stability on volleys. Higher numbers are better)	154.5
Center of Percussion (COP) Sometimes referred to as the "sweet spot)	20.954 from butt end
Power Calculation	1880.63
Dwell Time (calculated length of time the ball is in contact with the string)	7.68 ms
First Moment (pick-up weight)	.800nm
Reference Tension (machine tension setting)	61 lbs
ASPS (Absolute String Plane Stiffness) also String Bed Stiffness	66 (RDC)
K (spring constant), (force in pounds to deflect string bed 1.00 inch)	220 lbs/in
Length (racquet length)	68.5cm/ 27.0 inches
String Pattern	M=16, X=19
Ratio (natural tension ratio)	.638
String Brand	Yonex Tour Super 850
Stringing Machine	True Tension Pro

The first thing you notice about this racquet is the comfort, for a flex of 64, (say for example compared to last months review of the Fischer M105 at 56). Could it be the Elastic Ti? Anyway, you get the feeling of total control with a low swing weight of 310 (great head speed) but with adequate power. The racquet seems like part of your arm! I normally like a swing weight about 330 but this is truly an all around good playing racquet.

The recoil weight (154.5) belies the stability of this racquet both on groundies and volleys. An aggressive base liner that is brought to the net will have no problem hitting good solid volleys.

Yonex has used the IsoMetric head shape for many years, and the design is a sound one. The object of the head design is to create main strings and cross strings that are close to the same length. Yonex claims this creates a more consistent hitting zone, and I believe they are right.

The Yonex grip shape is traditional, in the American sense, and right on size wise. Some Yonex grips have been slightly smaller than other brands, but this series sizing is right on. The grip is a really good synthetic material that is bonded (tightly!) to the grip pallet. Don't try to take this off at home!

Don't pass up an opportunity to hit with this racquet! Do not be lead to believe that your are "not good enough". You may be surprised!

This racquet will suit a 4.0 seeking comfort and control.

The price of $179.99 makes this a bargain.