Diary of a Racketaholic

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah just play usta or competitive matches and the desire to win can trump holicing. Not always the case as some legends of this thread did that as well and it still did not cure the itch completely, but it sure helps. Also helps to find other interests and not focus so much just on tennis.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
yeah, like girls. although ... to be fair they are way more expensive than racquets.

usta matches didnt cure me, cause now i want to switch every time i lose.

LOL Stop losing! Or really, stop switching so you stop losing.

PP - did you try the Extreme MPA by any chance?

Nah, what always appealed to me about the Pro was it's weight. Exact specs I like. Which leads me to another trick to cut down on holicing :

Only buy frames that fit the specs you prefer in stock form.
 

mikeler

Moderator
thank gawd im not the only one who has come to this conclusion. lead tape madness has never done me a dang bit of good.

Agreed. Too many frames to choose from in the first place. I should be able to find something I don't have to add weight to in the first place.
 

sma1001

Hall of Fame
I tend to agree but it's good to be able to add a little lead at 12 is you need a small boost to the swingweight. This is especially so due to QC tolerances. Also most of us routinely mod the handle - even if just adding an OG!
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Agreed. Too many frames to choose from in the first place. I should be able to find something I don't have to add weight to in the first place.

thats how I usually think....but sometimes a frame is CLOSE to perfect and just touches of lead here or there make it just a little better.
 
Yeah just play usta or competitive matches and the desire to win can trump holicing. Not always the case as some legends of this thread did that as well and it still did not cure the itch completely, but it sure helps. Also helps to find other interests and not focus so much just on tennis.
Actually, desire to win might not be enough. But combine that with actually getting the wins (with any one racquet) and you've got the perfect recipe to cure holics. Happened with me, I'm winning more than ever and it's been the longest streak with any one racquet setup.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Gads:

ylbvIJd.jpg
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'm doing minor Gadsing. Back to using the Yoko now that the weather is nice. I'm playing very well with it But no way is the Extreme leaving the bag. Maybe the secret is to have a killer tweener and a killer classic frame.

It's incredible that there is no other frame available like the Tec. Nothing. And that racquet is being phased out too.
 

Murray_fan1

Professional
I'm doing minor Gadsing. Back to using the Yoko now that the weather is nice. I'm playing very well with it But no way is the Extreme leaving the bag. Maybe the secret is to have a killer tweener and a killer classic frame.

It's incredible that there is no other frame available like the Tec. Nothing. And that racquet is being phased out too.
Yes the one racquet I can never get rid of. It will have a permenant spot in my bag for days to reminisce about goat feeling frames. The only thing stopping me from loading up on what's left of these goaty sticks and calling it a day is that on a day to day basis the more modern frames (PA, PAT,, DR98 etc. ) allow me so many more options now that I am not as able to play as often as I would like.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah I think the crossfit has made me a lot stronger because the tec was really easy to hit with. It also is not super hot yet, so there is that piece of it. I know my Extreme Pros can get me through the hottest of months so Im good to go there too.

Something about the Tec, when you lead it right - it just hits such a massive ball with incredible control, spin and feel. Probably doesn't hurt that I string poly in the low 40s with it as well.
 
Hey @Power Player sum up your thoughts of Ai98 vs. Extreme Pro 2.0. Strengths and weaknesses of each? Is the feel off the stringbed anything similar? Did you ever try leading up Ai98 around the specs of Extreme Pro?

I'm considering order of two Ai98 as I desperately need two of any same racquets and I found them dirty cheap. I'm currently improving technique on FH with aid of coaching and find EP maybe ever so slightly overpowered with my new FH style. Ai98 should have less power? What about it on defense, is the sweetspot size much smaller than EP, like closer to that of Prestige? Is it as tough to turn defense into offense with Ai as it is with Prestige, or is Ai closer to EP there? What about access to spin, Ai closer to Prestige or EP?

(BTW, I ripped off all blutack from handle, now EP only has head protection tape and leather and overgrip, all else stock. Static weight is 357g.
 
Last edited:

tennis1111

Semi-Pro
Yeah I think the crossfit has made me a lot stronger because the tec was really easy to hit with. It also is not super hot yet, so there is that piece of it. I know my Extreme Pros can get me through the hottest of months so Im good to go there too.

Something about the Tec, when you lead it right - it just hits such a massive ball with incredible control, spin and feel. Probably doesn't hurt that I string poly in the low 40s with it as well.
PP, i tried both racquets and Tec 315 was very low powered and Extreme pro was vay too powerful in stock form for my game.
Did lead rise that much power in Tec 315? How much lead did you put in Tec 315?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Hey @Power Player sum up your thoughts of Ai98 vs. Extreme Pro 2.0. Strengths and weaknesses of each? Is the feel off the stringbed anything similar? Did you ever try leading up Ai98 around the specs of Extreme Pro?

I'm considering order of two Ai98 as I desperately need two of any same racquets and I found them dirty cheap. I'm currently improving technique on FH with aid of coaching and find EP maybe ever so slightly overpowered with my new FH style. Ai98 should have less power? What about it on defense, is the sweetspot size much smaller than EP, like closer to that of Prestige? Is it as tough to turn defense into offense with Ai as it is with Prestige, or is Ai closer to EP there? What about access to spin, Ai closer to Prestige or EP?

(BTW, I ripped off all blutack from handle, now EP only has head protection tape and leather and overgrip, all else stock. Static weight is 357g.

I'd strongly suggest staying with the Extreme Pro even though the AI98 is an awesome frame. The Extreme has more spin and power. The reason I sold my AI98 was mainly spin generation. My game is based around heavy spin to keep the ball in the lines and also for placement on serves. The AI98 sweetspot is a real nice size. It is a very very good frame. If you have a big, flatter and well developed game, it is one of the best options possible. It really does not have a weakness but it is not going to generate the amount of spin as the EP. The EP is easier to turn defense into offense with. Basically the way I got heavy spin out of the ai98 was a little more work and I had to adjust my stroke, plus the trajectory of the ball was not as high as I prefer.

I leaded my AI98 with 2 grams at 12. I wanted the balance a little more head heavy and the SW around 330. So yes, it was quite similar to the EP in stock form.

PP, i tried both racquets and Tec 315 was very low powered and Extreme pro was vay too powerful in stock form for my game.
Did lead rise that much power in Tec 315? How much lead did you put in Tec 315?

I add 6 grams of lead to the tip of the tec and it makes a HUGE difference. It's a different frame setup like that.

If the EP was way too powerful, then that setup may be as well. You have to have really goof spin generation to get on with the Extreme. If you hit flat and through the ball it is a launcher. I string my EP with full poly in the low 40s and can easily control it the way I hit. Thats why I like it so much.

For the record, I ordered an Angell 95 yesterday. Strung specs will be 345,5 pts hl, SW at 330. Almost identical setup to my tec 315.

Had to add some juice to this thread. lol
 

n8dawg6

Legend
i put two 6-inch strips of lead at 12 on the tec315 and the balance is pretty much spot on for me. if youre hitting sweet spot, it has gobs of power. if youre hitting outside sweetspot, youre f'ed.
 
I'd strongly suggest staying with the Extreme Pro even though the AI98 is an awesome frame. The Extreme has more spin and power. The reason I sold my AI98 was mainly spin generation. My game is based around heavy spin to keep the ball in the lines and also for placement on serves. The AI98 sweetspot is a real nice size. It is a very very good frame. If you have a big, flatter and well developed game, it is one of the best options possible. It really does not have a weakness but it is not going to generate the amount of spin as the EP. The EP is easier to turn defense into offense with. Basically the way I got heavy spin out of the ai98 was a little more work and I had to adjust my stroke, plus the trajectory of the ball was not as high as I prefer.

I leaded my AI98 with 2 grams at 12. I wanted the balance a little more head heavy and the SW around 330. So yes, it was quite similar to the EP in stock form.



I add 6 grams of lead to the tip of the tec and it makes a HUGE difference. It's a different frame setup like that.

If the EP was way too powerful, then that setup may be as well. You have to have really goof spin generation to get on with the Extreme. If you hit flat and through the ball it is a launcher. I string my EP with full poly in the low 40s and can easily control it the way I hit. Thats why I like it so much.

For the record, I ordered an Angell 95 yesterday. Strung specs will be 345,5 pts hl, SW at 330. Almost identical setup to my tec 315.

Had to add some juice to this thread. lol
Hmm yea, EP more than any other has constantly felt like "my frame", day in day out. Gotta just stick to that fact. But damn I need that another frame, gotta try find one. Higher tension or full poly setup might be all I need to tame down that excess power. It's just so tough to test new string setups with just one frame...Hope I'll find one IG 2.0 at ok price, or else I might be forced to switch to the newest EP.
 

808

Professional
For the record, I ordered an Angell 95 yesterday. Strung specs will be 345,5 pts hl, SW at 330. Almost identical setup to my tec 315.

Had to add some juice to this thread. lol
You won't be disappointed, that's an awesome frame. Just give Paul a quick heads-up so he can stock up before you start endorsing the TC95. ;)

You got the 63RA, right? I have both versions (same specs, lighter than yours), though I haven't had a chance to play the 70RA yet due to another 'holic fling (Graphene Prestige Rev Pro – no kidding).
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
haha. Awesome, I look forward to getting mine and yes I did get the 63RA. I just noticed your signature now..wow, great holic minds think alike.

Did you post anywhere your thoughts on it? I'd love to read them. I got the 320 gram 320 balance option with grip B and I think the trunk SW will be around 330. Paul is going to email me that before he sends it out.

Im basically looking for a tec 315/dunlop 200 type frame that has a bigger sweetspot and is maybe just a little easier to use. Im playing pretty darn well with the Tec.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 808

808

Professional
Hehe, no, I did not post any thoughts on it yet. I got them last fall, after playing the Radical MP (stock) all summer and deciding I needed a little more oomph. As I have been a Vantage/Angell fan for years and having played numerous frames made by Paul over the years, the decision to go with the TC95 was kind of natural. I went with 310g and 315mm, standard length, handle shape A with leather. I do not know the swingweight, but the strung frames feel pretty substantial. I'll ask my stringer to measure it on the next string job.

I did try and still have both the TC97 and TC100 (63RA), by the way. The TC95 and TC100 feel very similar, but the 95 is faster, more precise and easier to serve with. The 97 flexes somewhat differently – it's distinctly softer in the head/loop than the 95, which flexes more in the throat and in turn has a stiffer head, which I prefer. All these frames have quite a big sweetspot. Again, I'm sure you will like the TC95.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Awesome. It was a little tough to decide between the 100 and 95 but for the exact reasons you listed, I chose the 95. I figure I can always try the 100 later if I need, but my serve is dramatically better with the YokoTec frame compared to about anything else. I can't walk away from that advantage anymore.

Would you compare the feel to a Dunlop 200 or Tec 315? Just curious. A prestige or 200 type frame with a large sweet spot is essentially tennis nirvana.
 

808

Professional
The only Dunlop 200 I ever hit with was an Aerogel 200 Tour, I think, and that was years ago and only for half an hour or so. Can't really do a comparison here, sorry.

I still have the Tec 315 16x19 in my collection and although I haven't played it for quite some time, I guess the TC95 will feel similar. Plush and solid. The Angell is quite a bit easier in play though, with more power in stock form and a vastly larger sweetspot, making it easier to defend with. Plus it has the cooler butt-cap. ;)
 

RollTrackTake

Professional
Awesome to hear. This sounds perfect then. Plush and solid with a vastly larger sweetspot..oh my..can not wait.
Hope to get a solid unbiased review from you on the Angell. Some of the reviews in the Angell thread are so effusive in their praise I'm thinking major honeymooning or fan-boying is overshadowing an honest overview. I've never hit with one so I can't say it's not nirvana at first hit but I've seen plenty of TT'ers go gaga over a frame only to see them move on months later. Comparing it to the 315 Ltd, AI 98 will be a great baseline.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Nice. Yeah, ill always be honest about it. I have no affiliation with anybody. I'm rather sure there will be honeymoon experience with the frame since it is made to the exact specs I am used to, which is pretty darn awesome. It also has that classic Dunlop DNA, which I really like. So the table is set for me to really like the frame. But let's see what happens.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
So the Angel is $200 plus shipping? That's not too bad for a custom racquet. How much for overseas shipping?

Edit: just checked out the website....shipping is roughly $18

Not sure I would call these totally "custom" since you are locked into string pattern, beam width, only 2 stiffness choices and limited weight and balance choices. Yes it's nice to choose your handle type but that's not a big deal for me personally.

Also, I wish they had a 305 gram choice and one more stiffness choice. Either 63 or 70 with nothing in between makes no sense. How about one at 66?

Does anyone know if the balance you choose is unstrung or strung?
 
Last edited:

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
So Angell racquets are made in China and then the parts are shipped to Paul in the UK, who then puts them together and makes sure they weight and balance are on spec and then he ships from the UK to you.
Is that correct?

So lets says you are fine with the specs of your current Wilson or Head racquet...what would be the reason to purchase a Angell? I heard they feel like Donnay's since they are also foam filled.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
So Angell racquets are made in China and then the parts are shipped to Paul in the UK, who then puts them together and makes sure they weight and balance are on spec and then he ships from the UK to you.
Is that correct?

So lets says you are fine with the specs of your current Wilson or Head racquet...what would be the reason to purchase a Angell? I heard they feel like Donnay's since they are also foam filled.
that is all correct, and he changes the weight of the hairpins to your specs with lead weights. the reason to buy would be bc you can choose your specs and you want the feel of the foam-filled frames he has designed.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
that is all correct, and he changes the weight of the hairpins to your specs with lead weights. the reason to buy would be bc you can choose your specs and you want the feel of the foam-filled frames he has designed.

Gotcha. For me the only reason would be the feel of his foam filled frames, but since I can't know that ahead of time, it's too much of a risk.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
So Angell racquets are made in China and then the parts are shipped to Paul in the UK, who then puts them together and makes sure they weight and balance are on spec and then he ships from the UK to you.
Is that correct?

So lets says you are fine with the specs of your current Wilson or Head racquet...what would be the reason to purchase a Angell? I heard they feel like Donnay's since they are also foam filled.

For me I just want something weighted the same way I have the Tec 315 ltd. Plus I know if I like it, I can buy more from him and they will all be the same. The thing about the Tec 315 is that they have some variance to them and since they need lead for the SW but not the static weight, it can be tricky, or sometimes impossible to match them up and have them balance and swing the same. I prefer not having to mod my frames so this saves me a lot of time and thought.

Worst case if I want to mess with the balance, I can adjust the lead weights under the hairpin, which is pretty cool.

I have not read that they feel like Donnays. One poster here uses Donays a lot and switched to Angell. I think he said they feel more like old Dunlops, which would be fantastic. I guess I will find out soon.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
For me I just want something weighted the same way I have the Tec 315 ltd. Plus I know if I like it, I can buy more from him and they will all be the same. The thing about the Tec 315 is that they have some variance to them and since they need lead for the SW but not the static weight, it can be tricky, or sometimes impossible to match them up and have them balance and swing the same. I prefer not having to mod my frames so this saves me a lot of time and thought.

Worst case if I want to mess with the balance, I can adjust the lead weights under the hairpin, which is pretty cool.

I have not read that they feel like Donnays. One poster here uses Donays a lot and switched to Angell. I think he said they feel more like old Dunlops, which would be fantastic. I guess I will find out soon.

I didn't realize it was that difficult to match up Tec frames of the same model. It's too bad they aren't making them anymore.
Old Dunlop feel would be awesome. The AG4D 200 had one of the nicest feeling sweetspots I ever hit with. Either way, it will be interesting
for all of us to read your thoughts on them and if you really like them, someone better inform Paul at Angell to stock up on TC95s to meet the forthcoming demand :)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I am pretty sure it will impress me day 1. The real question is how goes over time, as we all know. But I keep using the Tec regardless of what other frame I have in the bag, so something with a bigger sweet spot and a solid, plush feel could really be something else. I agree about the 4d200 sweet spot. I have always missed that microscopic thing. Be interesting if the reported large sweet spot of the Angell can still retain that feeling.

Also learned that I should always have an easier tweener in the bag regardless. You never know when the need will arise for those. The Extreme Pro is perfect since it is weighted and balanced very similar to the Tec, just a bit lighter. The IG Extreme Pro - another frame that has become tricky to find. I'd recommend anyone grab one if they see it - They are usually under $90 now and that is a steal.
 

Hnefi

Semi-Pro
For me I just want something weighted the same way I have the Tec 315 ltd. Plus I know if I like it, I can buy more from him and they will all be the same. The thing about the Tec 315 is that they have some variance to them and since they need lead for the SW but not the static weight, it can be tricky, or sometimes impossible to match them up and have them balance and swing the same. I prefer not having to mod my frames so this saves me a lot of time and thought.

Worst case if I want to mess with the balance, I can adjust the lead weights under the hairpin, which is pretty cool.

I have not read that they feel like Donnays. One poster here uses Donays a lot and switched to Angell. I think he said they feel more like old Dunlops, which would be fantastic. I guess I will find out soon.
Do you find that your "spec tolerance" is pretty developed when it comes to matching racquets? When I went through and matched the three 315 ltds I'm currently using, I pulled off everything including grommets and did SW->balance->static match. I find that as long as the static weight and balance are close, within like 5g or 1cm, I can't really tell the difference as long as the SW is equal. But give me two that are equal weight and balance with a SW variance, I pick that out right away.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Do you find that your "spec tolerance" is pretty developed when it comes to matching racquets? When I went through and matched the three 315 ltds I'm currently using, I pulled off everything including grommets and did SW->balance->static match. I find that as long as the static weight and balance are close, within like 5g or 1cm, I can't really tell the difference as long as the SW is equal. But give me two that are equal weight and balance with a SW variance, I pick that out right away.

Yeah, the way I found my preferred specs was a lot of play time and trial and error. The 315 helped me out a lot since there is not a lot of room for leading up unless you want a 355 gram racquet. Mu ideal weight is 345, so I HAD to put lead at 12 to get a SW boost. Slowly adding that lead without measuring it and just going by feel got me a reliable SW number that I still use to this day. It is basically between 328-333. I am good with anything in that area. I can go a bit higher too if I want, but my timing is synced up to that.

For racquet balance I find that my best backhands are hit when I basically turn. The racquet is straight back and I just let it drop. All I really think about is making contact out in front and I am able to hit backhands that are hard and deep. It is very easy with the 315 to do this and I think it is because of how the weight at the tip just helps the frame come through contact. Same with the FH. So that is how I found my balance point. I am the same way though - anything between 4-6 pts hl is fine. But closer to 4 helps my serve and groundies.
 

Hnefi

Semi-Pro
Yeah, the way I found my preferred specs was a lot of play time and trial and error. The 315 helped me out a lot since there is not a lot of room for leading up unless you want a 355 gram racquet. Mu ideal weight is 345, so I HAD to put lead at 12 to get a SW boost. Slowly adding that lead without measuring it and just going by feel got me a reliable SW number that I still use to this day. It is basically between 328-333. I am good with anything in that area. I can go a bit higher too if I want, but my timing is synced up to that.

For racquet balance I find that my best backhands are hit when I basically turn. The racquet is straight back and I just let it drop. All I really think about is making contact out in front and I am able to hit backhands that are hard and deep. It is very easy with the 315 to do this and I think it is because of how the weight at the tip just helps the frame come through contact. Same with the FH. So that is how I found my balance point. I am the same way though - anything between 4-6 pts hl is fine. But closer to 4 helps my serve and groundies.
I don't necessarily have any spec in mind when I go into a new racquet either. Sort of just play with it and experiment until it feels right, or until I give up.

Is SW the most important spec for you when you match frames? For some reason I have a super attuned sense of swingweight - can feel just a few points difference whereas 5-6g of static weight doesn't even register in my mind. My 315s are matched on SW and pretty close on balance but are all over the place in terms of static weight (8g difference between the lightest and heaviest), and honestly I've played with the "wrong one" before and not noticed it.

I recently hit with a Blade 98 (the 18x20) and since the SW is very close to what I'm currently using, it just felt perfectly normal on the groundstrokes. Almost like there was zero adjustment period... Which is strange because when I wrote a review earlier this summer for the PS97S, it felt incredibly slow and sluggish even though I measured it at 335, exactly the same as the 315s I'm using. That was the ONE racquet that I just could not get in the zone with, and my perception of it just didn't match the numbers measured on the RDC. Still a head scratcher.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yes it is for me because I want to make contact out in front over and over with as much plow as possible. I look at SW as my timing weight. Balance also plays a factor, but if I am not able to make contact in front of me, I lose a lot of power.
 
Top