Diary of a Racketaholic

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I don't have any of those types of matches since I am not playing USTA this spring. But I can tell you that for now I'll open with the TC95 and hopefully close with it as well. It is the middle ground between the Extreme Pro and the Tec. For now I will play my matches with the TC95 as it is the only way to learn the frame and see how I do under pressure. Only time will tell. But I would really like to have a soft, flexy frame with a thin beam as my main stick. It just is the most enjoyable way to play tennis for me.
 

Hnefi

Semi-Pro
Been playing with some customized Vcore Xi98s recently, which is a racquet that I know got a lot of talk on this thread a few years ago... Pretty unreal frames and the price was indeed right. I got them matched up perfectly, added Finest Calfskin grips.

Unstrung specs: 330 g, 291 kg/cm2, 30.5cm

Anyone tried using gut/poly in these frames? I was using Tonic Ball Feel and various poly crosses for the past summer, and went to full poly so far in the YYs because of how much extra power I've been getting out of them... After I break these string jobs (very soon it looks like from the condition of them), I'm going to try a gut poly setup again at much higher tension. Probably 26kg/24kg
 

DanFuller

Rookie
I'm in trouble. Bought two Yonex v core 310s but they have too much of a clubby feel for any SW so they've been sold via the bay. Now ordering some head xt prestige pros. Oh and I sold my pure aero tours last week ha
 

el sergento

Hall of Fame
Missing Gads, Klem, FedK, Ross, El Serge...the list goes on.

Dude bro, I miss the old gang too. Where does the time go? In my case, in raising 3 kids all under 4.

I like to think of myself as having reached my golden eagle years of tennis. Just like Roger, I have too many kids and too many injuries to 'holic out anymore.

I will contribute this one piece of knowledge though, my Dunlop F 3.0 tours have kept me on the straight and narrow.

.…… having said that, I'm keeping an eye out for a cheapo Pure Strike 16X19. Those seem like fun.

Also, I sold my pair of Gadsien Tec's last week for good $ I might add. May those Yoko's find a good home.

Long live this thread gentlemen, like the great Purple one, it shall never be forgotten. Now let us all pour out some premium IPA in memory of our fallen comrades.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
It shall rise again like a Phoenix from the flames. Done a lot of holicing this year, been through about 20 frames. Had settled on the LM Radical which is a backward step really but I just don't gel with stiff, modern, hollow frames. From there I have gravitated to the Angell TC97 which is kind of a sideways, forwards step. I now have an option for the future which I didn't have with Radicals. Getting on just fine with the solid and plush feeling TC97.
 

mawashi

Hall of Fame
Make sure you do a comparison with the dr / ai98 .... the only comfy bab i tried was an old pure control+ :)

I've enough time with all 3 to be able to give you some idea.

PD+, it's a match ready stick, very decent spin, easy power (sometimes too much), easier serves, good maneuverability the only issues, the stiffness (it's a tad softer than the standard PF) and lack of feel. It's a great baseline stick but somewhat lacking if you prefer a stick with enough feel to play easy drop shots.

It needs some softer, control poly cos if you aren't in the best position, you can start spraying. The main difference between this and a classic stick is with a player's stick you'll get a sitter if you don't have the right timing, with the PD/PDT/PD+ wrong timing and you'll blast long. The lack of feel can also make serving accurately a bit difficult but get it in and you've pretty much won the point lol!

The Ai/Dr98 are very unique sticks, a very good blend of player's sticks with decent power/spin. I'll put them in the new player's type stick like the PS97 in that they are easier to use than classic sticks. Feel and comfort is way better with the Ai/Dr than the PDs but, these sticks are more suited to 4.0 and up and those with developed strokes as they are still more closely related to player type sticks. The great thing is these guys are all court sticks and more imaginative players will be able really mix and match their game styles.

Didn't gel as well with the Ai than the Dr but that's all up to personal tastes, both are great IMO.

I think the Yonex version of the PDs would be the Ai/Dr100
 

DJ-

Hall of Fame
I've enough time with all 3 to be able to give you some idea.

PD+, it's a match ready stick, very decent spin, easy power (sometimes too much), easier serves, good maneuverability the only issues, the stiffness (it's a tad softer than the standard PF) and lack of feel. It's a great baseline stick but somewhat lacking if you prefer a stick with enough feel to play easy drop shots.

It needs some softer, control poly cos if you aren't in the best position, you can start spraying. The main difference between this and a classic stick is with a player's stick you'll get a sitter if you don't have the right timing, with the PD/PDT/PD+ wrong timing and you'll blast long. The lack of feel can also make serving accurately a bit difficult but get it in and you've pretty much won the point lol!

The Ai/Dr98 are very unique sticks, a very good blend of player's sticks with decent power/spin. I'll put them in the new player's type stick like the PS97 in that they are easier to use than classic sticks. Feel and comfort is way better with the Ai/Dr than the PDs but, these sticks are more suited to 4.0 and up and those with developed strokes as they are still more closely related to player type sticks. The great thing is these guys are all court sticks and more imaginative players will be able really mix and match their game styles.

Didn't gel as well with the Ai than the Dr but that's all up to personal tastes, both are great IMO.

I think the Yonex version of the PDs would be the Ai/Dr100

Thanks for the detailed comparison, I think if they had a softer pure drive of an unstrung ra of 64-66 i'd consider the dark side :) These are seen everywhere and mostly used by 4.0 and up, but I have seen juniors and even seniors wield them. Hopefully it works out for your elbow, you sound like you know what you need to reduce stiffness. Good plow SW from a 315ish gr racquet, lots of power. Good luck !
 

mawashi

Hall of Fame
You could ask TW for some off spec PD. Seriously some have gotten 65ra PDs if you are willing to have TW match sticks for you.

Another option is to mod up a PK Destiny 295 or just demo the Ai100, it's a really good stick too.

In fact, I'll say the Ai/Dr100 might be one of the best tweeners out there. The PD is a great stick but unless you are out to win at any costs, there are more comfortable and just as capable sticks like the Ai/Dr100, Pk Ki5/10 and 7G.

The PDs are really great sticks but please read the tons of posts of how guys got TE after using them and use with caution.
 
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DJ-

Hall of Fame
You could ask TW for some off spec PD. Seriously some have gotten 65ra PDs if you are willing to have TW match sticks for you.

Another option is to mod up a PK Destiny 295 or just demo the Ai100, it's a really good stick too.

In fact, I'll say the Ai/Dr100 might be one of the best tweeners out there. The PD is a great stick but unless you are out to win at any costs, there are more comfortable and just as capable sticks like the Ai/Dr100, Pk Ki5/10 and 7G.

The PDs are really great sticks but please read the tons of posts of how guys got TE after using them and use with caution.

Not looking to switch from my ai98 soon, playing best tennis of my life with it :) Maybe a bab one day, until something softer comes out, or get TW to string one at very high tensions like Sam Stosur's bab to bring down the flex :)
 

mawashi

Hall of Fame
Not looking to switch from my ai98 soon, playing best tennis of my life with it

ROFL... my reply to you would be HELL no, the Ai98 is a great stick and you shouldn't even think of the PDs!

The Ai/Dr98 are seriously fun sticks! Just enough power and spin to make playing easy but not so much you're always having to rein in the power like with the PDs.

Stringing high on a 300g stick like a thin walled PD is a recipe for disaster both for your arm and for frame cracking.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
I loved the PDR but I had the sw cranked up and the stiffness plus odd balance did a number on my shoulder. It's all in this thread.

Really liked that frame but I believe I hit a bigger ball with the angell tc95.
 

808

Professional
Even though I'm pretty much set with the TC97 I just ordered a set of fresh PD+ frames (2012 model) for old times' sake.

Always a smart move to have a PD/PD+ in the bag, just in case.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Anybody actually know how @Fuji is doing? I stumbled across some of his post and was reminded how much I liked his contributions... In case you read this mate, I hope you're doing better physically now.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Back in 2014 I made some poasts about the Yonex Vcore XI98. I pulled it out of my closet and leaded it up to 355 grams and put full poly in it. I am still loving this frame. Other Holics tried the frame and were suitably impressed as well.Over the past 12 months I have purchased 3 frames - an Angell and 2 Head Extremes. Instead of buying new frames I have been enjoying cycling back through my small collection and revisiting stuff I owned. Every time I'd see the YY in my closet, I kept thinking "I really love this damn thing", but I wasn't playing much tennis and the Angell had pretty much occupied my time.

What got me to try the YY again was the fact that i had leaded it up so much. Just pure curiosity on how I'd do with a heavier frame now that I have been in real solid shape for over a year now. The result is that I am so far loving this thing again. It is even better at the higher weight. I mention this because the new YY's are coming out and for those who are looking to try them out, do not sleep on the 98. It has 6 mains in the throat, which gives a lot more ball rotation than the DR98 or AI98 and it plays like an absolute beast at 12.5 ounces. This is probably one of the most slept on frames out there IMO, but I have always really liked what Yonex brings to the table.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
The old thread! Hope everyone's doing well out there in the world.

I'm still rolling with the pro stocks, although I've dabbled here and there, trying a few different sticks on occasion -- the Dr98 (too hotspotty), Donnay Pro One GT (most gorgeous frame I've ever seen, and solid), a slightly-extended Angell 95 (also tremendously solid, and feely) -- but none of them stuck. Would like to try an Angell 97 one day, but suspect it would be a similar fate. Anyway, hope everyone is well and hitting.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
My collection currently - Angell TC95, Tfight 315, Extreme Pro, and YY Vcore XI98.

Going to roll with the leaded up Yonex for a while since they are very inexpensive currently and I'm playing well with it. Also a very fun experiment with a heavy weighted frame. If it continues this well, I will lead up the Angell.

I had some Volkl Vtorque laying around so I threw some in the YY. It's not a bad string but I'm going to try Cyclone next. The Vtorque is extremely shaped and has a bit of an uneven response. Very good string but nothing that really wowed me.

There is also something about YY frames I can not figure out, but I hit the best 2 handed backhands with them. I grip pretty low on the handle and can hit my backhands with a lot of power and drive, which is something I usually am not great at doing. It's been a dramatic improvement on my backhand, and has improved my consistency and power.
 
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bkr

Rookie
Hi PP,

Yes you are right, Yonex is great for backhands may be it has to do with the HEAD shape as I have also noticed that in my game.It also shows up at pro tour level as well apart from obvious technique needed to hit a backhand.As we all know Nalbandian had a great backhand and he used Yonex and Stan won his Grandslams after switching to Yonex esp in his case backhand being his strength.I would even say Stan has the one of the best if not the best one handed backhand in terms of sheer power he generates.

I don't want to say Yonex racquet is the main reason but it seems to help and make it even more a effective shot on the backhand wing.We know even small help makes big difference at pro level.

I was tempted to buy Xi98 as price was tempting but I already have too many racquets plus I went back and enjoying my K Factor 6.1.Sometimes I feel like nothing can replace Wilson Prostaff ( old ones) that won so many Grandslams for so many great champions.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yes, maybe the Headshape is wider and a bit shorter so the throat has more length and leverage. But you are right, there is definitely something there.
 

skeeter

Professional
PP,
I've dabbled with YYs here and there including the old 98D, 200 something or other, Tour Gs, and newer Ai98 and DR 98. Currently have the Angell 97 and Tour 100 (really enjoy), and a Prince Textreme Warrior 100. Looking for a stick for that fourth Gads slot in my bag, and leaning towards a Yonex since I really haven't met one I didn't like. 4.5 player, singles and dubs, all-courter, but not getting any younger and prefer slightly more arm-friendly sticks like my current batch.

Given your fondness for Yonex, thoughts on some of these and which one you prefer and why? Haven't tried the Xi98 but looks interesting; and nice price, but the 69 RA scares me a bit. But maybe plays softer? Others feel free to chime in. Thanks.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
The Vcore Xi98 feels great to me in terms of stiffness. That is why I like it. It is very comfortable for being stiff. I read that the Si98 was not the case, so I never tried that one. But again, I am leading up the Xi98 to 355. That really makes a big difference. For the current price of the frame, it was a no brainer for me to grab a few more as I think it is the most balanced Yonex offering out there. I like it more than the ai98. More solid and a more open pattern. I am playing very consistent tennis with it, but my backhand has become more of a weapon than ever before.

I did grab a newer model Tour G from a friend and hit with it for a while. The difference is the Tour G is more old school in balance and feel. It's that classic pro staff feel with a lot of weight in the throat. The XI98 I have set up very polarized and it comes through the air a lot faster.
 

bkr

Rookie
I have played with Si98 and felt stiff without the high SW and in my case my SW is around 340 so that helps on some of these stiff frames.it's good to go up and increase the weight and SW but PP likes to say there is honeymoon period with some of these heaver frames and we wouldn't know until tested under real match conditions.

I've also felt so many times the racquet that felt great at around 355 to 360grms were a drag during the matches except my Wilson Kfactor 6.1 not sure why.

My personal experience is stiffness at 69 for xi98 would take its toll if we don't go up in the SW and weight esp for folks that have been playing for a long time.As we all know most of the pro level players with PD type frame plays with around 350 SW and above so there is evidence on what's good for long term health of a player.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Yes, maybe the Headshape is wider and a bit shorter so the throat has more length and leverage. But you are right, there is definitely something there.

Absolutely, 100 percent agree here: I've also noticed that Yonex frames are curiously awesome on the two-hander. DR and AIs were like that, but others, too. Must be the extra length in the handle/head shape/maybe string pattern?, but something. Cross courters can be so fun and furious.

PP,
I've dabbled with YYs here and there including the old 98D, 200 something or other, Tour Gs, and newer Ai98 and DR 98. Currently have the Angell 97 and Tour 100 (really enjoy), and a Prince Textreme Warrior 100. Looking for a stick for that fourth Gads slot in my bag, and leaning towards a Yonex since I really haven't met one I didn't like. 4.5 player, singles and dubs, all-courter, but not getting any younger and prefer slightly more arm-friendly sticks like my current batch.

Given your fondness for Yonex, thoughts on some of these and which one you prefer and why? Haven't tried the Xi98 but looks interesting; and nice price, but the 69 RA scares me a bit. But maybe plays softer? Others feel free to chime in. Thanks.

Honored.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I have played with Si98 and felt stiff without the high SW and in my case my SW is around 340 so that helps on some of these stiff frames.it's good to go up and increase the weight and SW but PP likes to say there is honeymoon period with some of these heaver frames and we wouldn't know until tested under real match conditions.

I've also felt so many times the racquet that felt great at around 355 to 360grms were a drag during the matches except my Wilson Kfactor 6.1 not sure why.

My personal experience is stiffness at 69 for xi98 would take its toll if we don't go up in the SW and weight esp for folks that have been playing for a long time.As we all know most of the pro level players with PD type frame plays with around 350 SW and above so there is evidence on what's good for long term health of a player.

I agree with this. The good news is I am so far doing well in match play. Most noticeably playing error free tennis while still hitting quality shots. In the past I was able to win by playing error free tennis, but the shots were more tentative and less aggressive than now. Currently, I find myself simply playing better tennis.

And yes, I too have been Gadsing, which really to me is the lost art of appreciating the frames you have and revisiting them instead of constantly buying new stuff. A lot better on the wallet.
 

skeeter

Professional
Skeeter, how do you like the TC 97?
A while back I used to dabble with the various Donnay color schemes: black, red, blue, platinum, rainbow (well, someday I'm sure) and while I didn't connect with any one racquet, loved the foam-core feel; just solid, comfortable/plush, classic. After stumbling upon the Angell thread and reading about the virtues of this foam-core racquet brand, I bought a custom 100. And while there was much to like, for some reason it just felt wieldy, a little cumbersome at times. After talking to Paul, he convinced me that I should try the 97 that had just come out, so I turned the 100 in for a 97. Instantly liked it; size plays a little bigger to me than a 97, very maneuverable, forgiving, great serves, and that same foam-core solid/plush feel. For me, just a great all-court racquet. I never gelled with 95 heads or smaller, and while I now also have one of Angell's new 100 Tour sticks (a little lower SW and more HL than the custom I previously had) for extra forgiveness on my off days, the 97 seems to be the 3 bears "just right" of the bunch. Still messing with strings and some minor lead tweaking, but it's a keeper.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
A while back I used to dabble with the various Donnay color schemes: black, red, blue, platinum, rainbow (well, someday I'm sure) and while I didn't connect with any one racquet, loved the foam-core feel; just solid, comfortable/plush, classic. After stumbling upon the Angell thread and reading about the virtues of this foam-core racquet brand, I bought a custom 100. And while there was much to like, for some reason it just felt wieldy, a little cumbersome at times. After talking to Paul, he convinced me that I should try the 97 that had just come out, so I turned the 100 in for a 97. Instantly liked it; size plays a little bigger to me than a 97, very maneuverable, forgiving, great serves, and that same foam-core solid/plush feel. For me, just a great all-court racquet. I never gelled with 95 heads or smaller, and while I now also have one of Angell's new 100 Tour sticks (a little lower SW and more HL than the custom I previously had) for extra forgiveness on my off days, the 97 seems to be the 3 bears "just right" of the bunch. Still messing with strings and some minor lead tweaking, but it's a keeper.

Very cool. I liked the 95 but I want more sting, less of a high trajectory, and maybe a little more forgiveness, so that upcoming 97 in the 18/20 pattern intrigues me. Does the 97 feel a bit like the old Donnays or any other stick you can think of? (Radical/Prestige/Volkl/etc?) I've heard that it's more soft, flexy than the 95, which intrigues me so long as it doesn't feel like a noodle (i.e. Volkl PB10).
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Funny you guys mention the 97. I held off on buying another TC95 for a while just to see how I groove with these yonexes. I suspect the 97 weighted up to match the Vcores could be rather awesome, and I may grab one down the road and see. But for now I'm just loving the isometric head shape and Japanese sports car PJ.
 

skeeter

Professional
Very cool. I liked the 95 but I want more sting, less of a high trajectory, and maybe a little more forgiveness, so that upcoming 97 in the 18/20 pattern intrigues me. Does the 97 feel a bit like the old Donnays or any other stick you can think of? (Radical/Prestige/Volkl/etc?) I've heard that it's more soft, flexy than the 95, which intrigues me so long as it doesn't feel like a noodle (i.e. Volkl PB10).
Probably the closest thing the TC97 plays to in the Donnay line for me is the older Pro One a few years back; I also demoed the recent Pro One 97 GT and found it also to be similar. But the Angell feels to me more solid with more overall plow, and better feel on touch shots. And the serves, my goodness; haven't served this hard or well with any other racquet. As for other brands, I came from a Volkl background before becoming somewhat of a racquetaholic the past several years (though settling down the last year). Volkls and Angells share the same oval-shaped head, the ability to have a higher RA but maintain a plush/comfy feel, and great all round stick. The old V1s and PB Mid-Pluses come to mind as being similar to the TC97, but still no comparison in solidity, feel, and power; and did I mention the serves? I tend to be more of a flat-hitter, though like to add some loopy, grinding topspins here and there, but find no issues with trajectory with the TC. And I find it very forgiving, not harsh at all, and easy on the arm. Definitely not a noodle; the RA of the TC97 is listed at 66 prior to racquet being completed, supposedly around 63 or 64 all built and strung up. Haven't measured it but that feels about right; not too stiff, not too soft, right amount of flex.
 

skeeter

Professional
Funny you guys mention the 97. I held off on buying another TC95 for a while just to see how I groove with these yonexes. I suspect the 97 weighted up to match the Vcores could be rather awesome, and I may grab one down the road and see. But for now I'm just loving the isometric head shape and Japanese sports car PJ.
Yeh, there's something about Yonex that, once you've tried them, always sits quietly back in the recesses of your mind but then wakes up when you see Stanimal or Thiem rip a backhand and says, "hey, I'm here whenever you want to try me out again". Can't seem to shut it up.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I think for me it is that line drive trajectory and undeniable improvement on the backhand side. When I added lead to the 98 it became a complete beast. I found I had a tendency against bigger hitters to rush my swing and swing too hard, probably just anticipating the kick off the bounce. That paid off a lot, but it was tiring and not really something I could sustain over a match without making errors. The XI98 is not that bulky so it takes all the extra lead just fine. As a result I can swing 3/4s almost the entire time now when I take high kickers off the ground, the racquet just plows through the ball.

This is probably the heaviest weight I have played at, yet it is starting to feel light. Usually after a few weeks of high SW I revert back, but so far this is not the case.
 

Muppet

Legend
This makes me want to take the customized plunge. And I already have 2 MuscleWeave 200Gs. But the thing about the sweet spot is, when I string them 2-piece or UKRSA ATW, the sweet spot is plenty big. 1-piece and Universal ATW give a small sweet spot.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
If you have good footwork, it will help. If you have bad or lazy footwork, it will be worse and you will be late on shots. I made a big commitment to better footwork and balance over the past year and I think that is why I am having success and able to use the heavier frame.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Probably the closest thing the TC97 plays to in the Donnay line for me is the older Pro One a few years back; I also demoed the recent Pro One 97 GT and found it also to be similar. But the Angell feels to me more solid with more overall plow, and better feel on touch shots. And the serves, my goodness; haven't served this hard or well with any other racquet. As for other brands, I came from a Volkl background before becoming somewhat of a racquetaholic the past several years (though settling down the last year). Volkls and Angells share the same oval-shaped head, the ability to have a higher RA but maintain a plush/comfy feel, and great all round stick. The old V1s and PB Mid-Pluses come to mind as being similar to the TC97, but still no comparison in solidity, feel, and power; and did I mention the serves? I tend to be more of a flat-hitter, though like to add some loopy, grinding topspins here and there, but find no issues with trajectory with the TC. And I find it very forgiving, not harsh at all, and easy on the arm. Definitely not a noodle; the RA of the TC97 is listed at 66 prior to racquet being completed, supposedly around 63 or 64 all built and strung up. Haven't measured it but that feels about right; not too stiff, not too soft, right amount of flex.

Great info. Glad to hear the 97 serves well, too, and not just the 95.
 

skeeter

Professional
If you have good footwork, it will help. If you have bad or lazy footwork, it will be worse and you will be late on shots. I made a big commitment to better footwork and balance over the past year and I think that is why I am having success and able to use the heavier frame.
Man, that's the best and most telling post today (or yesterday, or...) and something I've definitely noticed when I use heavier (12oz plus?) racquets. The rhythm, timing, and feel of a good shot using a somewhat heavier racquet is sublime, but the footwork definitely has to be there to repeat and sustain that. Something I've recently been trying to work on myself. I know you've done a lot of cross-fit and other regimes, but any other suggestions that have worked for you on footwork/balance?

Great info. Glad to hear the 97 serves well, too, and not just the 95.
The 100 is also a very good serving racquet, but I get more pace, kick, and accuracy with the 97.
 

Muppet

Legend
If you have good footwork, it will help. If you have bad or lazy footwork, it will be worse and you will be late on shots. I made a big commitment to better footwork and balance over the past year and I think that is why I am having success and able to use the heavier frame.
I think it's easier for people to go into a heavier racquet like this, who started pre-1990 when the racquets were all heavy. If you have that footwork ingrained already, it's not too hard to get it back to use a racquet like the TC95.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Man, that's the best and most telling post today (or yesterday, or...) and something I've definitely noticed when I use heavier (12oz plus?) racquets. The rhythm, timing, and feel of a good shot using a somewhat heavier racquet is sublime, but the footwork definitely has to be there to repeat and sustain that. Something I've recently been trying to work on myself. I know you've done a lot of cross-fit and other regimes, but any other suggestions that have worked for you on footwork/balance?

Just getting in real cardio shape is the key. Crossfit helps me a lot because the workouts just keep you heart rate up and you have to learn to control it and not hyperventilate and get gassed. It takes some work, but it's worth it. I have more time to get to the ball and set up now. That is really the key to clean hitting. Being balanced. The worst thing ever is hitting off balance over and over IMO. It just doesn't feel great and you dont get that effortless heavy ball.

I really think the key is to work on stamina and then go old school and turn to the side on each shot. It's a great way to warm up because so many people get lazy and prep late. If you are turned for each shot, once you start playing and have to use open stances sometimes, you will still be balanced and your shoulders will be fully turned. It is easy to slip out of that habit.


I think it's easier for people to go into a heavier racquet like this, who started pre-1990 when the racquets were all heavy. If you have that footwork ingrained already, it's not too hard to get it back to use a racquet like the TC95.

I agree with that. A lot of the guys I play with are pretty good rec players, but they just don't have the footwork or balance. They also are always dealing with some kind of injury because they are arming a lot of shots.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I got my YY measured on an RDC and the SW was 365. Definitely a higher number than I would have guessed. I think this is a good thing, as it takes lead so well. I got 2 more because they are incredibly cheap right now. Those are unstrung SWs of 276 and 279, so the really low stock SW of the Ai98 is right on target. I'll probably add 14 grams to 12 this time and go a little lighter just to see what I like better. I haven't had any issues with the 365 SW, but that is still freaking high, lol.
 

bkr

Rookie
I haven't had any issues with the 365 SW, but that is still freaking high, lol.[/QUOTE]

Yes indeed but as long as your arm doesn't feel then why not :).I have gone up to 370 but felt it on my arm on some racquets and other racquets I was ok and it seems bigger head and stiff racquets seems to take high SW easy atleast for me.I guess serve is the biggest challenge as I was okay as long as I was hitting from baseline.

Did you test the racquet under any match conditions?.Also sometimeds RDC machine doesn't give accurate numbers unless it's calibrated right as there was a period I used to get confused with the mismacth from my manual and RDC numbers.My manual numbers were closer my calculation then finally I came to know from the Tennis shop that their machine wasn't calibrated right.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah i played well in match conditions and the RDC is well calibrated by the racquet tech there. Im really liking this frame at the heavier weight.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'm closer and closer to leading my TC95 up to match my leaded up Yonex frames. Still need some time, but I have gotten used to the high SW and I'd like to see how the Angell does with it as well.

There is no substituting for weight. A 70% swing yields some of the most consistently heavy balls I have hit. I can only imagine what the TC95 would do. I'm at 355 static, 365 SW, 4 pts HL on the Yonxes and I now have 3 because they are like $65 brand new if you can find them. One of the best frames out there, and at that price it's a no brainer for me.

Playing guys with bad footwork who stab at balls and get points is a problem no more. Now when they do that, the ball usually flies long.

Main thing is you need active feet to wield these frames. The upper body strength is not as important, but you can't be weak.

@skeeter , I thought of a really good exercise I do that helps with footwork a lot - Jumping rope. It's perfect. I did a cossfit workout that goes like this - 50-40-30-20-10 - jump rope, than situps. So 50 jump rope and then 50 situps, then down to 40..etc. Shoot for 12 minutes or less to complete it.

You are supposed to do double unders on the jump rope, but you can just do singles and double the amount (so 100 to start). Singles are more than fine, and they are awesome for the calves. Plus they get you in the habit of having active feet. All the best players are always lightly jumping and moving their feet. It makes a huge difference. We have all seen the many rec vids of flat footed guys just standing there and waiting on balls. Can't do that if you want to really be good at tennis.

It really helps in matches because it is so easy to tighten up and not move your feet. Then you wonder why you are missing shots. Took me a while to figure that one out myself.

Anyway - jump rope.
 
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