MP45 vs AT500

[ulric5]

Hi,

Does anyone have experience in using both the above rackets?

I am currently using the MP45 but thinking of upgrading to the AT500.

I am playing purely doubles once a week.

Style of play: cross-court drops, occasional mid-court smashes, baseline-to-baseline clears. Retrieval rate for smashes currently moderately high.

Thanx in advance.

[masterblaster99]

ulric5,

I do not have expereince with the MP45, but just bought an AT500 about 1 month ago. I love it. I think that it would suit your style of play. I noticed better power for smashes and clears. The racquet is stiff and a bit head heavy for just that purpose. One thing that I have noticed though is that it lacks just a bit on defence. Sometimes just getting a piece of a smash isn't enough to return it over the net, if you know what I mean. Great investment though for the price.

[bobjimjoe]

upgrading to an AT 500? it could be a good choice. i would say look for a more balanced racket. see if you can upgrade with a MP77-99. those are pretty good.

[KazeCloud]

I have a Mp-45. Althought I never complain at anytime about defense, I know for a fact that Mp-45 is a pretty uh...almost head-heavy if you make it with your grip kind of racket. Its also very flexible. Upgrading to an At-500 will probably give you more power if you have the techniques to do it. If not and your just a beginner, it will probably do worst. Try it out. I think you should buy it! =]

[ulric5]

masterblaster99:

Thanx for ur comments. Btw, what did you string your AT500 with?

KazeCloud:

I have no problems with my MP-45 (strung with BG-66) in relation to defense.
It's even better as my returns are always more baseline than half-court :cool:.

The fact is that I have handled (unstrung) both the MP-45 and AT500 in the shops and surprisingly I feel that the balance of both rackets are the same :o.

The only difference is in price and no one at the courts has the AT500 for me to try out in actual matches :crying:.

[KazeCloud]

I'm sure the At-500 is head-heavier. But the Mp-45, as you can see with the glossed paint, is probably heavier overall. So you can see why they would feel a bit the same.

[Moggy]

I've used my friend's AT500 multiple times, which he claims is strung at 28lbs using BG80, my comment would be if you really like doing cross court drops with great feeling and accuracy this racquet won't provide it. Given the only comparision is mainly between my MP100 strung at 27lbs with BG85 it might be a bit unfair since they are different level of racquets. The power with the AT500 is adaquet for smashing but nothing too amazing.

If you're in the asia region you could get a new MP100 for around $100USD, maybe you should consider that too...yes i love the MP100 :p

[masterblaster99]

ulric5,

I had my AT500 strung at 23 lbs with BG-80 string. Definitely the right choice in strings for me, but not 100% sure about the tension just yet.

[ulric5]

Moggy:

Have tried the MP100. Too stiff for my taste :o.

I strung my MP45 with BG-66 @ 24 lbs and overgrip with the Karakal PU Supergrip. That's seems to be the right combo for me :D.

I also own a Carlton Powerflo 807 Wide, which I strung with BG66 @ 24 lbs.

If I get the AT500, I plan to string with Ashaway MicroPower @ 24 lbs and overgrip with Karakal Nano 60 or Point 75 :p.

[ulric5]

Hi, good news. Just bought the AT500 and strung it with BG66 @ 24lbs and replaced the original grip with the Karakal PU Supergrip.

Thanx for all the opinions.

[kevyeoh]

bro ulric5, how much is the AT500?

[ulric5]

Bought it @ Racket World, Pertama Complex for RM420 with BG-66 and Karakal PU Supergrip (but without the free bag).

[fuzzywuzzy]

how are you finding it? I fell in love from first hit

[ulric5]

Hard to give any comments yet as I only used it for 3 hours in the past two weeks.

As far as I can feel, my netplay control now seems tighter and smashes are more sharp compared to when I was using the MP45.

Will let you know once I get more play time.