Introducing a meaner, leaner Bubba. Gamma takes their iconic super oversize racquet and gives it a smaller headsize along with a much more manageable swingweight (314 RDC). At only 9.3 ounces strung, this extended 27.25 inch racquet is downright explosive. The 117 square inch head and open string pattern are loaded with spin, power and comfort. Factor in the maneuverability and you have a racquet that is capable of producing some serious pace and spin. From the baseline the RZR Bubba 117 feels ultra plush and stable, with remarkably little shock on off center hits. Easy depth is available to those with on compact to medium strokes. And for the player who likes to swing all out, the Bubba delivers enough pop to put your opponent squarely on defense. At net, the large hitting surface provides a luxurious and stable platform for blocking the ball. Even more impressive is how fast this stick moves, making it great for rapid doubles exchanges. On serves the fast swinging RZR Bubba 117 whips through contact with as much speed as the player desires. Aggressive servers who like setting up their partner with easy floaters will love this racquet. Recommended to 3.0+ players in need of comfort, spin and power....In fact, one of our stronger playtesters, Mark Avedikian—a former standout at Georgia Tech and ATP tour player—found Bubba to be exactly what he needed on the doubles court. Here’s his take on the frame: 

it’s also fairly quick through the hitting zone on ground strokes and serves. And while many oversized frames tend to be super stiff, in relative terms Bubba has a soft feel at contact. It actually has a lot to offer advanced doubles players looking for a little extra help from their frame.In fact, one of our stronger playtesters, Mark Avedikian—a former standout at Georgia Tech and ATP tour player—found Bubba to be exactly what he needed on the doubles court. Here’s his take on the frame: 

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Mark Avedikian: This was a racquet I knew I had to try out. I am always looking for oversized racquets that 4.0+ players can actually play with, as the oversized players frame seems all but extinct. What drew me to the Bubba was the swingweight, flex, as well as the thinner beam compared to most oversized frames out on the market today.The pick-up feel of the frame is great; very sleek with the RZR technology designed to reduce wind drag courtesy of a more tapered beam width. I typically use polyester string, but decided to go with a 15 gauge multifilament as I felt that would give me an idea of how powerful the frame is while not having to restring after one play period. The 16x19 string pattern is fanned out, making it very open.When I took Bubba to the court for some doubles fun with my usual 5.5 counterparts, I got hit with the expected catcalls of “old man” and taunts about how the fences were going to get a workout. Without hitting a ball, Bubba had gotten into their heads. I had a feeling of supreme confidence.Once play began, the racquet proved itself more than just a mental tool. Even with all its size and unusual shape, the frame moves remarkably fast through the hitting zone. Serving was a breeze as it sliced though the air to give me great spin, power, and surprising control. Volleys had great touch due to the huge sweet spot and thin, flexible feel of the frame. Returns were easy to roll, chip, or take early and flatten out. The accuracy I was able to find surprised me as I thought I would fly my share of returns, but it never happened.Ground strokes were easy to direct with spin as well, though hitting passing shots into tight spots may be a challenge for players with flatter strokes. And I did have to add more spin to my aggressive approach shots, or else they would sail long. But I feel that using poly or a very thin Kevlar main string would make this much less of a problem.One drawback to the frame was the sound. The mains are so long and I strung it at 62 lbs, so when I made contact it was though I was ringing a cowbell. Using a vibration dampener helped, but it didn’t eliminate the noise entirely. In fact, the recurring joke on our court was referencing the classic Saturday Night Live skit () anytime I smacked a winner.Other than being scared to try a between-the-legs shot, those were my issues with Bubba. Pretty minor stuff, really. (I won all of my sets that night and told my friends they had been BUBBATIZED!!!) I do wish it came in a slightly heavier 110 sq. in. model; then I’d really be hooked. But all in all it’s a fun stick to play with for players of all levels, particularly those who like to use spin and touch, and want the extra pop and forgiveness of an oversized frame.