Gasquet's racquet

[spksz]

does richard gasquet use a real liquidmental instinct? and does anyone know what strings he is using?

[jura]

does richard gasquet use a real liquidmental instinct? and does anyone know what strings he is using?
Don't know about the strings, but his racket is a real Instinct! Very strange, but he's not the onliest pro using this stick: Youzhny does as well!

[BERDI4]

Strange because it's such a light racquet. Guillermo Vilas is actually using it too.

[jura]

Strange because it's such a light racquet. Guillermo Vilas is actually using it too.
You can be sure that they don't use the LM Instinct with the original weight. They might have weight them up to at least 310-320 gr. (unstrung). Same as all the Pure Drive players do.

[efice32]

yeah, that's probably right. And agreeing w/ jura, Andy Roddick PDT+ isn't original weight and I know that for a fact.

[deflori]

I said it many weeks before,the instinct is a very great stick,i ve never hit a better backhand with any racket,buy this! :)....

Richard uses a standart Instinct(dont know if its modified,but i think too)
He strung with alu,now with the Orginal,when iam right..
Martinez told in a thread that he switched a while between standart and xl,now its the standart;) (crazy ****)

edit:
look here
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=33005&highlight=instinct

[Astennix]

looking at today's match (and photo at ATP.com) seeems he went back to the XL...his grip looks way longer than 27" frame....between 27.5 and 28"...

[Craig Sheppard]

Is Gasquet in some sort of dispute w/ Head about sponsorship? He doesn't use a stencil... Why isn't Head jumping at the chance?

[Pistol Pete]

Hey Thomas has gaston really tried the ncode frames? Have any pros tried the real ncode frames?

Also the pros that use wilson sticks and use leather do they use wilson leather or babolat...I know gaston uses leather so does max and roger just wondering what kind of leather they use?

Iam switching to leather so Iam not sure whether to use wilson leather or babolat. I have heard alot of good about babolat...was just seeking advice

Is wilson or babolat thinner than the other?
Does 1 weigh more?
Which do you recomend?

Iam sorry if Iam a pain thomas...iam just a curious kid....

[verdasco67]

gasquet uses alu? i cant see the blue....doesn he use the original or other alu strings?

[gmlasam]

amazing he is the only one I have seen currenlty on tour that dosen't use any overgrips, and not to mention he is using Fairway leather grips :)

[jura]

Is Gasquet in some sort of dispute w/ Head about sponsorship? He doesn't use a stencil... Why isn't Head jumping at the chance?
No, he is still in contract. Look at other pictures from the same day there are stencils in the strings. He probably broke a string or changed the racket for other reason and the stencil wasn't already painted. That's all.

[Zeta]

This is a real Instinct.
Nice frame.
Strange choice for a pro.

[Morpheus]

Beam looked too thin for a real instinct.

[Zeta]

For me is thick enough. :)

[gustavo33]

his strings seems very loose

[shacked]

Yea..But what does he wind it up too??

[Fede]

Hi, today I saw Gasquet raquet stinging at Foro Italico in Rome, he uses Big Banger original at 24-23 Kg, and it's not a paintjob but a real Instinct.
The other player's prestiges, though, were all older versions painted, with the fake liquidmetal inserts!
Ciao

[mombasa]

Just a question..... maybe it's a standard Instinct that any human can buy.... but is it a Instinct (27 inc-318g) or a XL (28 inc-340g)???

[deflori]

yeah,i would be interested too,has anyone strung it,david or tom?

tom told last year that he switched between standart and xl version(no joke)i think its the stdrt.at the mo'
http://img209.echo.cx/img209/3470/gasquetnapoli131pu.jpg

[ST]

The way I read Tom's post is different. I believe he was trying to say Richard is switching b/w the 18x19s & 16x19s string pattern both in the XL version, NOT b/w standard and XL. If you read carefully:


"Yes, he does play Instincts. He had several versions of the Instinct at the US, some were longer 18 x 19s, and others were the 16 x 19s. Strange but true. And at that time he was using ALU Power, not the hybrid of Head Comp. Poly/Head Natural gut he's used in the past."


The stock XL is 16x19 as you know, so the longer 18x19 means a custom string pattern in an XL, and the 16x19s are just the regular XL tour you can get in retail, not a regular length 16x19. This is the way I read it, maybe Tom can clarify himself?

[deflori]

thats true what you read there,but he switched not only with the pattern.he tried both - but i think its a strdt with bb org.at the mo'

[ST]

how do you know he tried both? What makes you so sure he uses a standard now?

[deflori]

Nothing is sure about pros and their equipment,but when i look the many richpixx i would say its not a xlversion...but can be..
I emailed with some guys,and he tried out both - but thats not so interesting.
I would like to know what he swing this days(how heavy it is),this french sensation backhand dude:)
http://img116.echo.cx/img116/9391/gasquetmontecarlo95td.jpg

[Gasquetrules]

I've begun experimenting with slightly lighter frames and poly strings (always played with 12 to 12.5 ounce headlight thin-beamed racquets with syn. gut). Since I like Gasquet so much, I picked up a couple of 27" Instincts and one XL Instinct Tour model on a used-goods website. I have a set of pretty accurate digital scales. The two regular Instincts weighed close to specs: 11.1 and 11.3 ounces with no overgrips. The first had syn. gut and the second poly. But the XL weighed a hefty 12.2 ounces. After I added an overgrip, it tipped the scales at 12.4 ounces.... although on balance it was much more headlight than the lighter 27-inch versions. Considering that the thing is about 27-5/8 inches long, it swings heavier than most of the older "players" sticks I've been using for years. It's very powerful, and with the swing-weight it would take a very good player to swing it the way Gasquet does and get that kind of result.

The regular Instinct does feel light, but the XL Tour model is a hoss!

[DoubleHanded&LovinIt]

I'm not sure if pictures has been posted before--clearly this is an Extreme Pro paintjob over a Liquidmetal, most speculate or confirm that it is an, Instinct.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/995/74938766pb4.th.jpg (http://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?image=74938766pb4.jpg)

[TENNIS_IS_FUN]

Well it definately is a liquidmetal from the ridges, and since I have only known Gasquet to use the Liquidmetal Instinct, i think it is.

[Pleepers]

I'm pretty sure it has been discussed before, and from what I remember it is indeed a variation of the LM instinct XL tour...

[Bogie]

I'm pretty sure it has been discussed before, and from what I remember it is indeed a variation of the LM instinct XL tour...

ya those pics were posted on getty images months ago. and its not so much a variation of the tour xl as IT IS the tour xl. i have heard that richie likes the way that head sends him the sticks and doesn't deviate too far from it.

[vsbabolat]

Here is another thread about Gasquet's racquet.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=140871

[Pro_Tour_630]

VS another reason that these guys are really using the LM Radical TOUR?

[vsbabolat]

VS another reason that these guys are really using the LM Radical TOUR?

I am confused. Gasquet use the LM Instinct Tour XL. The only guy I know of that still uses the LM Radical (don't know if it is the Tour or not) is the doubles specialist David Martin.

[Pro_Tour_630]

never mind my bad I counted the strings they are 16X19

[Fedace]

I'm pretty sure it has been discussed before, and from what I remember it is indeed a variation of the LM instinct XL tour...

How does he control this powerful frame ?

[Bogie]

How does he control this powerful frame ?

the same way nadal, roddick, moya, and andreev control their babolats, ljubicic, karlovic, and youzhny control their head sticks, and koubek, llodra, guccione, and lopez control their npro opens.

[DoubleHanded&LovinIt]

Answer: spin, swingpath, swingspeed, racquet face orientation.

[PurePrestige]

Shooooooooot.
It's a paintjob? Are you saying the Microgel Extreme's I bought aren't going to give me that amazing backhand? WTH did I buy new rackets for if they don't make me play like a pro!?!?

[Pleepers]

How does he control this powerful frame ?

Probably with his amazing skilz ;)

[PurePrestige]

Yea Pleepers is right. He's French.

[Shashwat]

Are those nat gut? Looks like it.

[uk_skippy]

Are those nat gut? Looks like it.

No, Luxilon Big Banger original. I think, if memory serves me correct 24/23kgs. The picture was taken at Wimbledon this year. I Managed to string a few form him while I was there.

Regards

Paul

[ShcMad]

Shooooooooot.
It's a paintjob? Are you saying the Microgel Extreme's I bought aren't going to give me that amazing backhand? WTH did I buy new rackets for if they don't make me play like a pro!?!?

*Rolling eyes* Noob, pleaseeee

[julianoz]

shcmad, are you that thick?

[PurePrestige]

Yeah Curly, are you that thick?

[topangasun]

i was just wondering if anyone knows if Gasquet cuts his instinct tour xl down to a normal 27 inch?

[Pleepers]

i was just wondering if anyone knows if Gasquet cuts his instinct tour xl down to a normal 27 inch?

I'm pretty sure its the stretch length (27.6 inches).

[cknobman]

Watch Gasquet get destroyed by Ferrer this weekend and payed close attention to his racquet. Without a doubt a paintjob. Not even same headshap as a microgel extreme. Total bs have more integrity and dont endorse products you dont use.

(I know everyone does it and it wont change but it still dosnt make it right)

[friedalo1]

He uses a custom extended liquid metal instict painted to look like a new head gel racquet. the tourna grip only fits 2/3 of the way on the grip. A special extended version that weighs over 13 ounces.

[jackson vile]

before he was plaing the Iprestige XL, he now uses the Instinct XL with Lux Alu, leather grip, and dampner.

This adds a lot of weight to the racket, makeing it over 12.5oz

Is it one of the best back hand rackets? Yes, is it one of the best serving and forehand rackets, No.

Also sucks ass at the net, if you are a basline basher than this is the racket for you, along with the RDS002Tour

[Fedace]

before he was plaing the Iprestige XL, he now uses the Instinct XL with Lux Alu, leather grip, and dampner.

This adds a lot of weight to the racket, makeing it over 12.5oz

Is it one of the best back hand rackets? Yes, is it one of the best serving and forehand rackets, No.

Also sucks ass at the net, if you are a basline basher than this is the racket for you, along with the RDS002Tour

Do you think he will switch to Microgel instinct ?

[Bogie]

Do you think he will switch to Microgel instinct ?

no. when he was testing it out, he said that he didn't like it b/c it gave him too much power.

[jace112]

I'll try to make some pics of his racquet asap

[friedalo1]

Next year Gasquet will use the new gel instinct. The racquet has the same head shape. lol he going to paint his old instinct to look like the newer racquet because of the money.

[VikingSamurai]

Huh?......................

[JW10S]

Huh?......................HEAD has a new MG Instinct, TW is already selling it. Try to keep up.

[VikingSamurai]

HEAD has a new MG Instinct, TW is already selling it. Try to keep up.

Spaz boy.. I have mentioned before.. Why didn't they just paint it as the Instict in the first place if they were always going to be releasing it.. It was for that reason that I could never understand the Extreme painjob on his old LM frame.. Keep up.. funny....

[Fedace]

Is he ever going to switch to microgel instinct ??

[Fedace]

no. when he was testing it out, he said that he didn't like it b/c it gave him too much power.

Are you his best buddy ?? do you go chick hunting together with him?:confused:

[VikingSamurai]

Are you his best buddy ?? do you go chick hunting together with him?:confused:

Dude, you seriously need to think before you post.. What is your issue with this poster?

As for will he switch, then as he is probably in the best part of his career right now, I highly doubt it..

[Fedace]

Dude, you seriously need to think before you post.. What is your issue with this poster?

As for will he switch, then as he is probably in the best part of his career right now, I highly doubt it..

Probably won't switch unless they come out with XL version of microgel instinct.? as for that other poster, i have no issues, i wouldn't mind going chick hunting with Gasquet. If he does that kind of thing that is.:-?

[VikingSamurai]

Probably won't switch unless they come out with XL version of microgel instinct.? as for that other poster, i have no issues, i wouldn't mind going chick hunting with Gasquet. If he does that kind of thing that is.:-?

You are just weird......

Anyway, from what I hear, Gaquet uses the regular length LM instinct these days...

[Fedace]

You are just weird......

Anyway, from what I hear, Gaquet uses the regular length LM instinct these days...

NO, every single reputable posts about Gasquet's racket has said he is using LM Instinct XL tour.

[Bogie]

NO, every single reputable posts about Gasquet's racket has said he is using LM Instinct XL tour.

are you his best buddy?? i mean do you go chick hunting together???

[VikingSamurai]

NO, every single reputable posts about Gasquet's racket has said he is using LM Instinct XL tour.

Reputable?. Well that counts you out. You either dont know, guess, or just make stuff up.. ;)

[jjrl2004]

This is a real Instinct.
Nice frame.
Strange choice for a pro.

Why? It's like the pure drive but better...and lots of people use the pure drive. With lead.

[TheSnowMan]

Reputable?. Well that counts you out. You either dont know, guess, or just make stuff up.. ;)

But the thing is.. hes right. He still uses the extended version.

[leonidas1982]

I would have thought that Gasquet would use a smaller headsize (95>), due to his playing style.

[VikingSamurai]

But the thing is.. hes right. He still uses the extended version.

Prove it................

[Pleepers]

You are just weird......

Anyway, from what I hear, Gaquet uses the regular length LM instinct these days...

Been hangging out with Gasquet much recently???

[VikingSamurai]

Been hangging out with Gasquet much recently???

Made any intelligent contribution to the board lately? ;)

[Pleepers]

Made any intelligent contribution to the board lately? ;)

No wonder they sent you to Japan.

[VikingSamurai]

Huh.........

[AlpineCadet]

Made any intelligent contribution to the board lately? ;)

LOL, that is quite the STATEMENT! ;)


And in my humble opinion, no, he hasn't. :oops:

[TheSnowMan]

Prove it................

Ask Uk_skippy or Jura... they have said so in the past. Since you don't believe me that he still uses XL, I think you should ask them.:?

[VikingSamurai]

Ask Uk_skippy or Jura... they have said so in the past. Since you don't believe me that he still uses XL, I think you should ask them.:?

Its not the fact that I don't think he is using it, its the fact that you have kids on these boards posting like so called experts (Fedarse) and just say stuff because it sounds cool.. Gasquet may well be using the XL, but I read somewhere that he went to a normal sized LM Instinct and that was that.. Now if he isn't I am happy to accept that, but I just ask that people don't just say stuff as fact when they really don't know for sure.. If they do know for sure, then they shouldn't have any problem proving it..

[Pleepers]

LOL, that is quite the STATEMENT! ;)


And in my humble opinion, no, he hasn't. :oops:

Huh Huh, yeah, huh, huh, yeah Beavis!

[fishuuuuu]

I remember reading somewhere or hearing in an interview that Gasquet has always preferred extended length racquets.

I don't see professional players changing their habits too often, and I think this is the case with Gasquet.

[VikingSamurai]

I remember reading somewhere or hearing in an interview that Gasquet has always preferred extended length racquets.

I don't see professional players changing their habits too often, and I think this is the case with Gasquet.

Fair enough.. I "thought" I read somewhere that he infact went to a regular size and was happy with it.. But again, that may have just been speculation aswell from the person that wrote it..

[AlpineCadet]

Huh Huh, yeah, huh, huh, yeah Beavis!
This coming from a man who spells "identical" as "identicle." You are Beavis AND Butthead combined.

[Pleepers]

This coming from a man who spells "identical" as "identicle." You are Beavis AND Butthead combined.

Coooooool...Like -Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure!

[VikingSamurai]

Coooooool...Like -Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure!

Are you even old enough to know who Bill and Ted are? ;)

[AlpineCadet]

Are you even old enough to know who Bill and Ted are? ;)
Yeah, I think he's like 30 something.

[VikingSamurai]

Oh well, I have been proved wrong again. Maybe you "can" be 30 and post like a 16 year old ;)

[Pleepers]

Are you even old enough to know who Bill and Ted are? ;)

Dude: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrGWooNDPiE

[VikingSamurai]

Dude: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrGWooNDPiE

DUDE!!:shock:

[racquetjunkie]

Agree with Gasquetrules completely, the XL, even stock is a beast to swing. It is powerful and has a nice soft feel, even with full poly. In fact to me it was made for poly strings and strong, quick players. I am not one so sold my matched pair. No wonder Gasquet was able to hit those 1hbh bombs. enjoy (and work out) if you play with it.

[Pleepers]

I tried the XL with leather grip and Lux org and thought it played awful (backhand was ok). The frame felt hollow/tinny and the vibrations were outrageous. I bet his frame has a custom layup -but I'm just speculating of coarse.

[AlpineCadet]

Taken from an email from Jace in France: "The racquet I had yesterday has a Babolat leather grip and a VS overgrip. No mention of the "tour xl" anywhere, just "instinct".
I guess the frame that I had was only customized with the leather grip.
Weight unstrung: 340 g
Balance unstrung: 31 cm
I'll try to measure the SW one day."

[Pleepers]

Taken from an email from Jace in France: "The racquet I had yesterday has a Babolat leather grip and a VS overgrip. No mention of the "tour xl" anywhere, just "instinct".
I guess the frame that I had was only customized with the leather grip.
Weight unstrung: 340 g
Balance unstrung: 31 cm
I'll try to measure the SW one day."

I wonder if that was the original dense string patern version? Gasquet did initially play with an 18 main frame and later the 16 (which was the tour xl).

[thegreatdq]

From an OZ Website, obviously these are completely different weights than the off-the-shelf stuff.

http://www.********tennis.com/catalogue/c125

[AlpineCadet]

I wonder if that was the original dense string patern version? Gasquet did initially play with an 18 main frame and later the 16 (which was the tour xl).
He said it was the open string pattern XL, same as the retail version.

I'm sure that since it's from pro stock, there would probably be good reason to believe that it's possible that Gasquet had slight mods to the stick, even though I personally doubt it (judging from TW posts.) How are your PT's by the way? I've moved on from it, and not sure if I'll ever go back.

[jace112]

Yes, 16 mains, but no tour xl decals

As I said before, it's an old racquet from Richard.

He needed some more power and that's why he switched from his Prestige.

I promise I'll post some pics (maybe next week)

[PED]

Jace, how does the gasquet stick hit compared to your APDC's? I know you've got them leaded up so the comparison might not be as lopsided as the apdc with stock specs.

[babolatking]

is he going to swtich to a mg insticnt pj?

[jace112]

Jace, how does the gasquet stick hit compared to your APDC's? I know you've got them leaded up so the comparison might not be as lopsided as the apdc with stock specs.
I haven't hit with it. It's on a wall, unstrung. I'll try to match the specs with my Instinct Tour XL.
I tried some leaded AeroProDrive+ (not Control) with a high SW strung with BB Original. They are hard to swing I have to say. But on groundstrokes, it's hard to find better weapons.

[jace112]

richard has a full BB Original string job now: 24/23 kg

[TsongaBonga]

You can be sure that they don't use the LM Instinct with the original weight. They might have weight them up to at least 310-320 gr. (unstrung). Same as all the Pure Drive players do.

Hmmmmm, still a strange choice!

[Gasquetrules]

I've begun experimenting with slightly lighter frames and poly strings (always played with 12 to 12.5 ounce headlight thin-beamed racquets with syn. gut). Since I like Gasquet so much, I picked up a couple of 27" Instincts and one XL Instinct Tour model on a used-goods website. I have a set of pretty accurate digital scales. The two regular Instincts weighed close to specs: 11.1 and 11.3 ounces with no overgrips. The first had syn. gut and the second poly. But the XL weighed a hefty 12.2 ounces. After I added an overgrip, it tipped the scales at 12.4 ounces.... although on balance it was much more headlight than the lighter 27-inch versions. Considering that the thing is about 27-5/8 inches long, it swings heavier than most of the older "players" sticks I've been using for years. It's very powerful, and with the swing-weight it would take a very good player to swing it the way Gasquet does and get that kind of result.

The regular Instinct does feel light, but the XL Tour model is a hoss!

Since this last post I've purchased three more XL Tour Instincts, and all are about a half-ounce lighter than the first one I bought, about 11.8 ounces and noticibly easier to swing.

I thought perhaps the heavier frame had lead under the grip, so I took it off to check. No lead tape added on the handle or hoop of the frame. Don't know why it is a half ounce heavier than stock, but that one is too heavy for me.

The regular XL Tour versions play pretty good from the baseline, but I don't play that well in the mid-court or at net with them. I use a full Luxillon string job in them.

I find all the Instincts (standard and XL) to have too much power for my game. My favorite match stick is the Gamma G325 with TiMo 18. It's more manuverable than the Instinct, a lot more control, more precision, much better at net and on transition shots. And I serve more consistently with it and with better accuracy.

I'll sometime use an Instinct if I'm up against someone on a hardcourt who hits with a ton of pace. I'll shorten up my strokes and just use the other guy's pace off the Instinct against him. But I wouldn't want to use one on clay ever.

I'm amazed that Gasquet can play the way he does with this racquet.

[BkK_b0y14]

where'd u get three more?? so hard to find nowadays

[AlpineCadet]

I have 3 Instinct Tour XL, if anyone wants info, or is interested in the rackets.

[(FEDERER)vs(NADAL)]

i'm sure he uses a lm instinct because i have seen pictures of the bumps in his pj racquet!

[TsongaBonga]

does richard gasquet use a real liquidmental instinct? and does anyone know what strings he is using?

Babolat vs touch i think!!!

[AlpineCadet]

Babolat vs touch i think!!!
He actually uses Luxilon Big Banger Original.

[jace112]

richard has a full BB Original string job now: 24/23 kg
Maybe TsongaBonga didn't read the post correctly, thanks AlpineCadet!

[Gasquetrules]

I have 3 Instinct Tour XL, if anyone wants info, or is interested in the rackets.

Give me some details: condition of frames and price.

[dgrave2]

i thought gasquet uses a MG extreme pro?

[vsbabolat]

Here is a nice close up photo of Gasquet's racquet.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/vsbabolat/gasquet2008Ausopen.jpg

[Salsa_Lover]

lol that's a good shot !

[iplaybetter]

i thought gasquet uses a MG extreme pro?

i cannot control my hysterical laughter

by the way why not give min a MG insticts pj

[dgrave2]

:confused:did i say something funny???

[ericsson]

Nice pic VS, looks like the old LM is still his holy grail ;-)

[D. Nelson]

...I think that THAT picture; of his 'bumps', and Henin's racquet showing the Power Holes, are THE TWO BEST SHOTS EVER for proving the 'paintjob reality' !!

[OzNQc]

...I think that THAT picture; of his 'bumps', and Henin's racquet showing the Power Holes, are THE TWO BEST SHOTS EVER for proving the 'paintjob reality' !!

Yo good observation,,, are not those raised rectangular sections from the old liquidmetal range of Head?

[Richie Rich]

:confused:did i say something funny???

kind of because he doesn't play with the extreme. it's a paint job

[Cup8489]

Yo good observation,,, are not those raised rectangular sections from the old liquidmetal range of Head?

yeah, lol. i never noticed that before, but man, that's kinda obvious.

[EasternRocks]

Yes, indeed strange.

And yes, he is using the real instict. I don't know which string, but it's yellow. I can tell you that for sure.

[Sup2Dresq]

by the way why not give min a MG insticts pj

Maybe it's due to the fact that Gasquet uses an XL version, and the current MG Instinct doesn't. So Head went with the Extreme which does.

Just a thought.

[Sup2Dresq]

And yes, he is using the real instict. I don't know which string, but it's yellow. I can tell you that for sure.

I believe its Luxilon Original. I remember it being his choice of strings on some Grand Slam Stringers manifest.

Hope that helps.

[hyogen]

hmm interesting. seems like a pretty powerful frame. If comfortable enough, it might fit my game. haven't tried any instincts ever. but i'm kinda getting tired of the pure players sticks like Prestige, kblade tour, etc.

[di!ly]

i was told the other day by a head rep that gasquet has now switched to an MG extreme. i queired it but he was adamant. he said that weight wise it is around 360-370gr and approx even balance.
murray's is allegedly around 380grams and head heavy and safins is upwards of 390grams.

[vsbabolat]

i was told the other day by a head rep that gasquet has now switched to an MG extreme. i queired it but he was adamant. he said that weight wise it is around 360-370gr and approx even balance.
Murray's is allegedly around 380grams and head heavy and safin is upwards of 390grams.

I am sorry your Head rep does not really know or was lying to you. Gasquet is still using the LM Instinct with the MG Extreme Paint Job.
These photos were all taken at the 2008 Wimbledon Championships. You can clearly see the Liquidmetal ridges on Gasquet's racquet.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/vsbabolat/Gasquet2008Wimbledon.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/vsbabolat/Gasquet2008wimbledon2.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/vsbabolat/Gasquet2008wimbledon3.jpg

To prove that these photos came from the 2008 Wimbledon Championships here is the link as to wear the photos came from.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/players/246/photos;_ylt=Ai60uYBaLFWxwUuEqB3xRTgxv7YF

[travlerajm]

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/vsbabolat/Gasquet2008Wimbledon.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/vsbabolat/Gasquet2008wimbledon2.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/vsbabolat/Gasquet2008wimbledon3.jpg
Looks standard length to me.

[AlpineCadet]

Just look at the pallet, it's much longer than the Instinct Standard. (BTW, I own 2 LM Instinct Tour XL frames.)

[SFrazeur]

Looks extended to me.

-SF

[rios76]

But Gasquet uses original tourna grip or head agassi pro overgrip?

[Mansewerz]

Is he using the LM Instinct w/ an Extreme Pro pj? Cuz the head of his racquet doesn't look nearly wide enough to be Extreme Pro

[AlpineCadet]

He's still using the LM Instinct Tour XL with the MG Extreme PJ. Not sure why noobs are saying he isn't.

[Leelord337]

But Gasquet uses original tourna grip or head agassi pro overgrip?

he uses tournagrip. i used to use the lm instinct and it was a really good racket for topspin but 2 of them actually had manufacturer flaws and cracked in the same spot on the throat as hairline cracks after about a year of use. my friend kim (a girl player) returned my serve once w/her head lm instinct xl and cracked the frame in 2 spots while returning it. no joke! (it was a fast serve)

[2nd_Serve]

He uses liquidmetal with BB Original

[Double Fault]

What gauge is that string? In the first pic it looks amazingly thick!

[Matty G]

What gauge is that string? In the first pic it looks amazingly thick!

1.30 bb original

[friedalo1]

In Rodgers cup, He using a micro gel instinct. He been playing bad with the extreme so he switch back to the instinct.

[vsbabolat]

In Rodgers cup, He using a micro gel instinct. He been playing bad with the extreme so he switch back to the instinct.

Gasquet never used the MG Extreme Pro. Gasquet has always been using the LM Instinct with the paint job of the MG Extreme Pro.
This Photo was taken on July 12, 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/vsbabolat/Gasquet2008MercedesCup.jpg
You can clearly see the LiquidMetal ridges on Gasquet's LM Instinct.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/players/246/photos

[Fedace]

^^^It is definitely NOT the microgel, it is laghable actually, the shape is so totally different. so did we agree that it is Liquidmetal Instinct XL tour ?? what is weight and balance ??

[Sup2Dresq]

Just replayed the match and it was yellow not orange like the instinct.

[10sbune]

Shooooooooot.
It's a paintjob? Are you saying the Microgel Extreme's I bought aren't going to give me that amazing backhand? WTH did I buy new rackets for if they don't make me play like a pro!?!?

Send them back and tell them you want the exact same racket that the pro is playing with! Let us know how it goes!

[jura]

This Photo was taken on July 12, 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany.

I was stringing some rackets for him during the Stuttgart week and I can also tell you that he's using the LM Instinct Tour XL, strung with BBO 1,30 at 24/23 kp - as mentioned many times before.

[Serve_Ace]

he should get a microgel instinct pj

[BigApple]

I was stringing some rackets for him during the Stuttgart week and I can also tell you that he's using the LM Instinct Tour XL, strung with BBO 1,30 at 24/23 kp - as mentioned many times before.

Can confirm that today at the Rogers Cup. Strung a few of his frames yesterday, and he uses BB Original at 23/22 kilos. Looks to be 28 inches, but definetly extended length, and 6 pts HL. It weighs 12.8 ounces with the Head calfskin Leather grip, tournagrip, and his strings.

[Racquet Man]

Big Apple, are you part of the official tournament stringers put together by Merchant of Tennis which are stringing on Rogers Cup site?

[rios76]

In the last photo I see that Gasquet uses Agassi pro overgrip, he has the head adhesive tape. have you notice it?

[2nd_Serve]

Customized Instinct, with Luxilon Original.

[ivo]

I haven't hit with it. It's on a wall, unstrung. I'll try to match the specs with my Instinct Tour XL.
I tried some leaded AeroProDrive+ (not Control) with a high SW strung with BB Original. They are hard to swing I have to say. But on groundstrokes, it's hard to find better weapons.

Hello Jace112,

I am sorry, but I don't understand it very well :) Which racquet do you have on the wall? Gasquet's Instinct 16x19 ? And did you or alpinecadet measure his racquet and said it was 340g/31cm balance?

If you have Gasquet's racquet, could you please tell us if it has some silicone in the handle and lead under bumper? Do you know how much lead? You could at least open bumper a little bit and you will see.

Do you know it's swingweight?

Thank you.

[PurePrestige]

@ the earlier posts (i'm too lazy to quote which one's I am referring to)

Gasquet did move between 18 mains and 16 mains. But whether or not his string pattern is open with 16 or not his racket doesn't have XL written on it anywhere.

So even though he has an XL racquet it does not have XL painted on it, I guess this is probably so Head could market the regular Instinct when the XL was discontinued.

Also @ the grips babolat:base and vs:overgrip. Gasquet as far as I know has always always used Fairway Leather or Head Calfskin (I forget which:oops: ) base grips and Tournagrip overgrips. If it has a Babolat base grip and VS overgrip it is either A) not Gasquets B) Gasquet layup with different base grip put on by whoever owns it or C) a test frame for Gasquet trying out new things? Of course most likely of these three is A.

I was confused by the specs listed however.

One by AlpineCadet I believe saying Jace sent an email stating 340 grams, which sounds alright and 31cm balance unstrung.
The racquet I suppose then comes out being almost 360 grams strung with a balance around 9 or 9.5 pts headlight? These sound 'close' to Big Apple's confirmed specs, with a difference in balance measured.

Second by Big Apple which states 12.8 oz (~362 grams) and 6pts headlight. Weight seems alright to me I suppose. The problem I have is that he states it being 6pts headlight, but he states that it 'looks' to be about 28inches long. I don't know how he calculated the balance, but I think balance boards are based on a 27inch racquet, though not owning one I don't know. Regardless without knowing the length of a racquet I don't see how he managed to calculate the balance...maybe I am missing something here and it is my mistake, if so please point it out to me :)

[AlpineCadet]

If anyone wants the LM Instinct Tour XL, please send me a private message, or search through my For Sale threads under my user ID. Thanks :)

[tofu shop]

In the Medibank he was using BB original 130 strung at 23kg.

[tofu shop]

The string pattern on his bats is very odd too. I can't remember what exactly it was, I THINK it was 16/20. What was strange about it though is that the spacing of the strings seemed custom. The middle 8 or so mains (4 either side of centre) were really closely placed while the others were spaced much further out. It felt a lot different to stringing a regular LM Instinct.

[Richie Rich]

The string pattern on his bats is very odd too. I can't remember what exactly it was, I THINK it was 16/20. What was strange about it though is that the spacing of the strings seemed custom. The middle 8 or so mains (4 either side of centre) were really closely placed while the others were spaced much further out. It felt a lot different to stringing a regular LM Instinct.

his string spacing seems same as stock liquidmetal instict tours. they had a more open pattern than the regular instinct

[alextennis0805]

he uses the instinct xl

[Gasquetrules]

I've got 4 LM XL Tour Instincts and one standard LM Instinct. I should sell them. To me they are just too bulky and stiff, have a hollow feel and don't feel solid enough. I get poor feel and control with them, and they are murder on my arm. No wonder Richie developed arm problems last year.

I think it would take a very strong player to accelerate this frame through a hard-hit shot and control it, especially with a stroke that would generate a lot of spin. Maybe Nadal could whip one of these around. The extra length adds more to the SW than the weight itself.

Again, I'm amazed Gasquet plays so well with this setup.

I much prefer a smaller head, thin-beamed frame with standard length.

[SmAsH999]

gasquet obviously has great taste in rackets; head kicks ***!

[t-swede]

I've got 4 LM XL Tour Instincts and one standard LM Instinct. I should sell them. To me they are just too bulky and stiff, have a hollow feel and don't feel solid enough. I get poor feel and control with them, and they are murder on my arm. No wonder Richie developed arm problems last year.

I think it would take a very strong player to accelerate this frame through a hard-hit shot and control it, especially with a stroke that would generate a lot of spin. Maybe Nadal could whip one of these around. The extra length adds more to the SW than the weight itself.

Again, I'm amazed Gasquet plays so well with this setup.

I much prefer a smaller head, thin-beamed frame with standard length.

what condititon are the xl's in ? gripsize where are they made ?price ?

the swede

[heninfan99]

I'm sick of racquet companies not selling anything remotely similar to what their pros are using. Tracking down a LM Instinct XL to demo is a very hard to do.

These companies are a bunch of liars & thieves.

[AlpineCadet]

I have two LM Instinct Tour XL's in L4 grip size. They play softer than expected, with amazing spin/power. Sort of like a more comfortable version of the APD. I'm not using them anymore though, because I'm cheating on them with Dunlop at the moment. :)

[ty slothrop]

I've got 4 LM XL Tour Instincts and one standard LM Instinct. I should sell them. To me they are just too bulky and stiff, have a hollow feel and don't feel solid enough. I get poor feel and control with them, and they are murder on my arm. No wonder Richie developed arm problems last year.

I think it would take a very strong player to accelerate this frame through a hard-hit shot and control it, especially with a stroke that would generate a lot of spin. Maybe Nadal could whip one of these around. The extra length adds more to the SW than the weight itself.


and his customized swingweight is even higher than stock. per Greg Raven's HD Tennis site, the swingweight at Indian Wells 2009 was around 380, just totally insane for the type of game he plays (played?)

[PeppermintMocha]

and his customized swingweight is even higher than stock. per Greg Raven's HD Tennis site, the swingweight at Indian Wells 2009 was around 380, just totally insane for the type of game he plays (played?)

Gasquet is actually very strong/ripped. Just check out some of his topless photos.

[kashgotmoney]

in that one photo on the second page, if thats a leather grip, thats crazy, i would throw it every shot. sooo slippery.

[LPShanet]

Gasquet's current "stick":

http://www.goneshopping.ca/store/images/Product/GlassDharma/SimpleStraw1.jpg

[Cross Court]

You guys probably won't believe me, but when I was at the US Open qualifying I watched Gasquet practice with his coach, and I asked him what string he used. He said Luxilon at 66 lbs.

And then he became a druggie. Lol

[AlpineCadet]

Gasquet strung at 54/52 with Big Banger Original.

[Eiffel59]

Totally correct...his higher career tension was 26/25kgs. (57/55) at 2007 US Open.