Yonex RQ-380

This is not a traditional player's racquet. But I'd always lusted after one, from the days when I played with the metal Yonex R-3. At the time , this was the top of the line, and and I thought the matt grey finish looked mean. It said "I'm made of Boron, Kevlar, and Carbon, and I can put a hole clean thru you."  and it can.

With its macho looks, its a bit surprising that it was the stick of choice of Monica Seles and Anna Kournikova - must have been its broad shoulders that appealed. I must admit that I did feel the urge to hit two-handed shots all day, while flicking my long blonde hair out of the way.

Joking aside, its kind of fun to hit with, although I can see why Monica strung it at 90 lb (no that's not a misprint, and amazingly no stringers died in the attempts). It feels clubbier than it is, at 12.5oz but virtually even balance; it is certainly a rocket launcher on serve, and flat forehands, but not a great volleyer. it's like a good looking girlfriend that you like to have on your arm, but a little difficult to handle.