The dust motes danced in the afternoon sun, illuminating a lesson I wish I’d learned much earlier in my coaching career: the importance of consistency. My student, a promising junior, kept shanking shots, her racket face a chaotic landscape of bad angles. Blame the equipment, I thought, initially. Then, I checked the balls.

Turns out, the Wilson Advantage II balls, included in this bundle with the Six Two racket, were the culprits. Not inherently bad, mind you. They just weren’t ideal for a young player building her game. The felt, slightly coarser than what I prefer for beginners, seemed to amplify the effect of off-center hits. It resulted in inconsistent ball flight and frustration.

This particular bundle, with the 4 3/8” grip Six Two, looks attractive for an entry-level player. The light head is certainly maneuverable, helping develop racket head speed. But here’s the rub: the included balls. They’re durable, that’s for sure. I’ve seen them survive weeks of hard court use, which is a good thing for budget-conscious parents. The pressure, while not quite up to the ITF standards, still maintains a good bounce across several lessons. They also do a decent job on clay, resisting fuzzing even after a considerable amount of sliding. But that rougher felt? It makes precision a challenge.

Compare them to a slightly pricier option like the Penn Championship balls, known for their softer felt. The Penns offer a more predictable trajectory, crucial for developing solid strokes. However, the Wilson Advantage IIs are the tougher balls.

So, what’s the verdict? This bundle, while not perfect, still holds value. For an entry-level player, the racquet offers great maneuverability. The bag’s a bonus, too. Just be prepared to consider swapping the balls out for a more forgiving option. My suggestion? Buy a can of softer balls separately. It’s a small investment for a significant improvement in a player’s progress. The six-ball cans are easy enough to find. Your student (and your sanity) will thank you.