Yonex MP-5i HS Racquet Review

Martina Hingis has been one of the smartest and most natural player on the Sanex WTA Tour for a number of years now. It's a good thing, because she certainly isn't one of the strongest or most physically imposing players. However, she has been able to outwit and outplay bigger, harder hitting opponents and retain her number one ranking.

Today, Martina Hingis is fitter than ever, sporting noticeable biceps, leaner, stronger legs and a flat belly. She's now able to generate more power, thanks to her improved conditioning and, according to Jun Hirasawa of Yonex, a new racquet - the MP-5i HS. Martina switched from the Ultimum Ti RQ-1700 to the new Muscle Power model at Indian Wells in March. By all accounts, Martina is hitting the ball harder but still maintains the pinpoint precision that drives her opponents crazy.

You might think the extra power in the MP-5i HS comes from the Muscle Power technology. However, like Hingis's game, the Muscle Power name is deceptive. According to Yonex, the Muscle Power system "rounds the corners" of each grommet, offering the dual benefit of extra frame durability while reducing string vibration for a more solid feel on impact. This means the racquet frame will last longer and will be more comfortable to hit with. It also means the extra power has to come from somewhere else. The thicker beam width and the extra weight on the MP-5i HS are the most likely sources of it's power advantage over the Ultimum RQ Ti-1700. The extra weight is also the main reason the MP-5i HS is more powerful than the MP-5i, a racquet which has virtually the same name and cosmetics as the MP-5i HS, yet plays significantly different. We playtested the MP-5i HS for two weeks and these are our deceptively straight forward observations.

Groundstrokes

The MP-5i HS is a full-bodied, yet maneuverable 'tweener racquet, weighing in at 11..4 ounces and sporting a 24-25 mm wide beam. From the baseline it delivers a solid, comfortable feel. Dan comments, "the first thing I noticed was the generous sweetspot. Vibration during off-center shots was minimal and shots hit in the upper hoop weren't 'flat' or weak. The MP-5i HS swung a little heavier than its 11.4 ounce weight, perhaps due to the racquet's balance. Topspin potential and control were plentiful, when needed. However, I had a tough time keeping my slices from floating and/or sitting up fat. This racquet delivers plenty of power; more than I expected. I would need to string it up tighter than the mid-range of our playtest model in order to swing fully and still keep the ball in the court."

John continues, "I found the MP-5i HS packed a powerful punch that is controllable. I was impressed with being able to utilize my normal medium-fast stroke and hit crisp, deep shots from both sides. I found the racquet particularly responsive when pulled wide and hitting back cross-court. I was able get pace and depth, even on the run. The relatively open string pattern enabled me to generate spin, especially when given the time to address the ball properly. The MP-5i HS is moderately weighted and balanced, keeping it maneuverable. I always had a chance to get the racquet into hitting position, even against 'hot shots'. Although the frame shape is a bit more oval than I'm used to, I found the sweetspot to be large and forgiving, contributing to a stable feel during off-center shots. Perhaps it was Muscle Power?"

Granville offers, "the MP-5i HS is a player/'tweener stick, which women and men will be able to enjoy at just about every level. This racquet is light enough for many beginner-intermediates, yet has enough heft to pack some punch and give that little extra control needed by advanced players." Eileen comments, "I liked the power from this racket on my groundstrokes, although I didn't have enough control a lot of the time. This racket would be great for a player who likes lots of power, but who can also control the ball well. I found it very comfortable from the baseline. Topspin was easy to create as well as slice." Don adds, "on its own, the MP-5i HS is hefty, yet still maneuverable. It delivers a dampened, solid feel and there's no shortage of power. It definitely has more punch than the Ultimum RQ Ti-1700 MP and provides the player with less feedback from the shot, for better or worse depending on a player's preference. Spin potential is very good and the added .4 ounces (compared to the 1700) enhances stability."

Volleys

The MP-5i HS is comfortable at net and does much of the work for most players. Dan explains, "the MP-5i HS was a natural at net, with its comfortable 98 square-inch head and undeviating stability. Some racquets you just want to take to net at every opportunity, and the MP-5i HS fits in this small fraternity of racquets. It delivers substance and stability found in heavier racquets but maintains impressive maneuverability. Prepare early and you're fine. The racquet will do the rest." Granville adds, "once again, the sweetspot was very sweet and volleys were crisp, with control. I felt I had a little extra insurance with the 98 square-inch head on wide volleys. The racquet has enough mass to end a point decisively with power or placement. The relatively narrow hoop didn't affect stability negatively, and I actually found the racquet very stable." Don comments, "volleys were easy - just stick the racquet out and hold it firm. I was able to hit deep, penetrating volleys or manipulate short, angle shots with equal ease and potency. A little wider head would be my only request." Eileen offers, "lots of control on my volleys, a very solid feel at the net. This is definitely a plus to this racket. Easy to maneuver and very solid at impact." John says, "the Isometric shape of the MP-5i HS head produced a large sweetspot and made volleying comfortable and effective. As with groundstrokes, off-center volleys generated little vibration or shock. The racquet didn't twist or torque, regardless of how hot the shot was from my opponent."

Serves

The MP-5i HS was a good serving racquet for all but one of our playtesters. It delivers a nice combination of power, precision and spin. Granville offers, "I was very pleased with both the power and control of this racquet while serving. I was able to power the ball on both sides with confidence, although the racquet didn't generate any 'extra' power. This is what I like and expect from a racquet. Spin serves were also very effective." Eileen comments, "again, (serving is) one of the strong points of this racket. Lots of control and power on both the serve and overhead. I had easy maneuverability on my serve as well as the overhead. I like a real solid feel on both of these shots and this racket delivered. I had an easy time creating pace on my first serve, as well as lots of spin on my second. Overheads were a breeze. This racket is very smooth."

Dan adds, "this is a great feeling racquet on serves. The same weight and balance that make the MP-5i HS solid and stable from the baseline enables big servers to crank the dial as high as they want. Slice control was excellent and kick had the extra juice I love!" Don says, "good combination of power and spin control. I wasn't hitting my hardest serves with the MP-5i HS but was able to place it up the middle or slice out wide on the forehand side with ease."

John had a slightly different observation, commenting, "for whatever reason, I never felt comfortable serving with this racquet. I had a hard time generating my normal pace. Although I felt I was generating the same racquet head speed, I couldn't seem to locate the sweetspot when serving. I was able to control the ball though, when I slowed down my service motion. However, my opponent was able to put me on the defensive if I took too much off. I really had to concentrate on placement. Thanks to the string pattern, I was able to generate good spin."

Returns

The weight and balance of the MP-5i HS make it versatile when returning serve. John begins, "I thoroughly enjoyed returning serve with this racquet! I was confident taking full swings against less forceful serves, knowing the ball would find its way between the lines. If the ball was coming fast and/or directly at me, the MP-5i HS was a stable weapon just blocking back returns with depth and spin. Against short second serves I found the MP-5i HS useful in hitting deep, low slice approach shots." Dan adds, "returns varied little from groundstrokes. Driving topspin forehands and backhands with varying swing speeds and lengths was a breeze. However, slice returns tended to sit up and required more effort and thought than I'm used to." Eileen offers, "returns with this racket were a little more challenging because of the amount of power you can get. Possibly a player with more experience than myself would have an easier time controlling the return. The racket feels very balanced, a little heavier than I'm used to but the feel is great when connecting with the ball." Granville says, "other than a minor adjustment to the Isometric headshape on inside-out forehand returns, I found the MP-5i HS comfortable and predictable when returning serve." Don continues, "I liked the stability of the MP-5i HS when blocking back booming first serves. I could also generate good swing speed on anything less, but did have a few mis-hits when I swung fast, perhaps due to the slightly narrower Isometric head. If I slowed down my swing I made more solid contact and was able to guide the ball with impressive results."

Summary

The MP-5i HS is a different racquet than both its predecessors - the SRQ Ti-700 Long and Ultimum RQ Ti-1700 MP. It's a bit heftier and more powerful, while also increasing comfort and reducing feedback. It deliver more...well, Muscle and Power, although Yonex's trademark spin control and feel are still evident in this 'tweener racquet. Players wanting a bit more weight, power stability and comfort are invited to test-drive the MP-5i HS.

Review date: June, 2001. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us.

All content copyright 2001 Tennis Warehouse.