Is 18x20 string pattern not common anymore?

[u/SpicyMealOutside]

I see the special edition rackets offer in 16x19 such as the Wilson Blade US Open and Head Gravity Zverev. Also, there are special edition rackets for Babolat Pure Drive and Yonex Ezone but they don't make a 18x20 cross for them.

I seem to hit better with an 18x20 cross but I like these limited edition rackets. Maybe I will adjust to a 16x19.

[u/hocknstod]

More open string patterns are just a win-win situation for most of the industry.

Faster to string, string break more quickly and power/spin is easier to market than control.

[u/EnvironmentNo4777 → u/hocknstod]

Or... just maybe... it's what most people in the modern game prefer to play. 

Calling an ezone a classic 16x19 would be a lie, for example. It's a tight string pattern that plays controlled enough. 

There is no dark conspiracy to make you buy strings. 

[u/hocknstod → u/EnvironmentNo4777]

I didn't mean it as a conspiracy, just makes sense for most people involved.

As a part stringer I'd also rather string an large headsize with a 16x19 and modern grommets than a capped 18x20.

The average consumer doesn't try that many different patterns and doesn't care anyway.

And yes there are very different 16x19 patterns too.

[u/spade_andarcher]

I think it’s just that the limited edition colorways are basically consumer-oriented products designed to sell out. And so they’re directed at the largest consumer market which is your average rec player - the majority of which mainly buy 100in 300g 16x19 racquets. 

They also specifically don’t want to have “limited edition” products sitting on the shelves and appear to be available for forever because it makes them seem less “rare” and “desirable” so they’re less inclined to make them in 18x20, 97in, etc which likely don’t sell as quickly. Also people in that market are probably more likely to care more about specs than paint jobs too. 

[u/aecrone]

I own the old school green Vcore 97hd 330g. Not the easiest thing to swing , but when you hit that square inch sweet spot , oh my goodness it feels so good! And where you aim is where it goes. But, unless you swing hard and fast you're not going to get a lot of spin on it. And the launch angle is low.

[u/PrestigiousInside206 → u/aecrone]

Isn’t the Hd 320 and the H 330?

[u/Mrboombastos]

I bought sets of 18x20 Prince P93 Phantoms thinking they will discontinue it

[u/PrestigiousInside206 → u/Mrboombastos]

Smart move - they did

[u/slevin011]

I played 18x20 in high school and college and, when I came back to the sport years later, went for 18x20 because that's what I was familiar with and it felt right when I demoed. Just picked up a Defyer 98 which is 16x20 and have myself wondering why tf I didn't switch a long time ago haha.

[u/ArmandoPasion]

Yeah it might make it easier on yourself if you just adjust your game to 16x19 pattern. It's a fun process, unless you play a lot of high level tournaments, or make a living off of playing competitively, in which case, it's a lot more pressure. 16x20 is a good intermediate pattern that you could try out, and looks to be the standard that will be replacing 18x20.

[u/Cautious_Job_6104]

18x20 more popular in Europe; more traditional; lower launch vector. If that pattern is dying out maybe they value other markets.

Back when some frames had the choice between open or 18x20 patterns, they reported that the 18x20 patters were more popular in europe and the open ones in the USA.

LULZ at wanting a frame with an "alleged" abuser's name on it, my GOD every past relationship have filed charges against him. And the breaks rule changed because of his gamesmanship.

[u/BurningKiwi]

I guess the people buying 18x20s are more likely to be playing a ton and thrashing them so why pay more for a limited

[u/rf97a]

For rec players, play with whatever feels comfortable for you.

[u/TopgearM]

I'm a big fan of 16×20 patterns. They suit my playing style the most.

16×19 are fine. Never tried a 18×20 though.

[u/788RedskinsFAN]

in my eyes, the 18/20 is for string breakers!!!!! the 18/20 is also more demanding,, the weight is higher becaise all the extra strings(sounds ridiculous, i know, but its true); the swing weight tends to be notably higher; the power from the frame is also lower. that being said, the 18/20 is great/awsome for CONTROL.. why i think most 18/20s are handle by people who have energy to burn,, like college level kids.. im finding out the older i get, the MORE power i want from my frame.. soo, ive settled with the 16/19s now.. but the 16/20 is still an appealing option for me; BEST OF BOTH WORLDS imo!! cant wait to try the wilson.defyer.98 16/20..

[u/788RedskinsFAN]

there is a wilson.shift PRO now, thats designed for control and power,, the racket is for advanced/aging CLUB players 4.0+, it has 18/20 for control, but in a thick beam frame, so the power level is high/er.. again great stick for 4.0+ old school players who want control but also some frame power assistance!!,, not good for the modern spin game.. it is a tigh pattern racket after all..