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I have to agree with Adz here...

The Aerogels are fairly stiff, though the stock strings often feel dull. If you want a crisper hit with more power, try re-stringing with Tecnifibre 225 at a medium tension (~25 lbs).

The other thing to keep in mind is that, compared to previous model lines, the Aerogels are all slightly head-light. The only exception to this is the 2009 Aerogel Pro (the new Pro is the aerogel successor to the hotmelt pro and is only available through pro shops; it is NOT the same as the Pro GT) -- actually, the Aerogel Ultimate is somewhat even-balanced because of the extra strings, but the frame itself is still head-light. Which aerogel are you using?

Anyway, the point is that the lighter and/or more head-light a racquet, the more difficult it becomes to generate power. Proper technique becomes critical here, but a lighter racquet will never produce as much power. I can't comment on the old C-Max racquets, but the aerogels feel significantly better with a set of good strings. Because of its dense string pattern, the Ultimate will never feel as lively as the other aerogels, but give the tecnifibre a try and see how it goes.

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Well just to be a pain...... I always found the Aerogels quite stiff and crisp to hit the ball with. There was a flex in the frame for very hard shots, but I wouldn't say they were "soft".

If you're after a stiffer feel with more power then  my first suggestion would be to string with a stiff, thin string. Something like Ashaway Powernick 18. Alternatively go for a softer string with great elasticity, like Tecnifibre 305 1.2mm or X-One.

The idea is to create a stringbed that has the perfect tension and properties that you need to match your requirements. For an idea, i'd be looking to get any of the above strings to be quite firm but not "board" tight. As a guide I normally string the powernick or the 305 at around 22-24lbs (you use 10-20% less as they are thinner strings), then this feels quite firm but not overtight in a standard dunlop.

Hope that helps a little bit, and there's loads of threads with recommendations of strings and tensions to read!

Cheers

Adz

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You say older models.  Not too sure how old the rackets are, but my question is more to do with the age of the strings. The composition of those rackets are quite different, eg M-fil Aerogel as compared to the four C-Max models which are Carbon, Carbon/Graphite, Titanium/Graphite, and Titanium/Carbon.

They recommend if you play once a week you get a restring once a year, twice a week two restrings a year, three times a week three restrings a year, and so on.

Maybe try restringing one of the older model rackets and then compare the difference.

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