Head Trisys 'bumblebee'

Ross K · Jan 8, 2008

I might have the opportunity to buy the original yellow and black Head Trisys (the so called 'Bumblebee', I believe.) Now I'm kind of familiar with the Rad Tour Twin Tube. I know the Pro Tour well and the i. Prestige. But I don't know the Trisys at all, and therefore wonder how it plays and compares to the kind of frames I've mentioned (and indeed any popular, modern frames, come to that.) BTW, I'd be specially interested to hear how it performs on the serve and in the general area of power... So then, is this rod really worth checking out?...

Many thanks,

Ross

MichaelChang · Jan 8, 2008

mp or oversize?

drakulie · Jan 8, 2008

Ross, I have the mid plus version of this frame. It is a monster off the ground, very stable at net, and serves bombs.

Very solid frame, with great control, and power.

You should wait for vsBabolat, or Doc Hollidae to chime in, as they seem to be the pros when it comes to these frames.

Doc Hollidae · Jan 8, 2008

I can compare it best to the TT Tour since I don't have as much play time with the other rackets.

To answer your specific question, the Trysis will probably feel like it has more power and serves better than the Radical TT. The Radical TT feels significantly flexier than the Trysis, which imo leads to more control and less power. The TT Tour dampens vibrations better and feels more solid with off centered hits.

Groundstokes: TT Tour
Volleys: Trysis
Serves: Trysis
Power: Trysis
Control: TT Tour

If you are primarily a baseliner, who plays only singles, and doesn't spend a lot of time at the net, the TT Tour will probably fit your playing style better.

If you are more of an all court player, play doubles, or need a little more pop on their strokes, the Trysis is the better fit. The Trysis is no slouch at the baseline, it's actually exceptional for groundies, but it doesn't have that "can't miss" control of the TT Tour.

Hope that helps.

MichaelChang · Jan 8, 2008

Doc I assume you are talking about the oversize of these two models.

Doc Hollidae · Jan 8, 2008

MichaelChang said:
Doc I assume you are talking about the oversize of these two models.

Primarily yes, but I have hit with the midpluses of both versions. I actually started off playing with the MP's, but decided to play with the OS because Agassi did, I know it was a pretty dumb reason, and ended up liking the OS more.

Ross K · Jan 8, 2008

MichaelChang,

Sorry. I am referring to the mp.

Doc Hollidae,

Thanks (once again.) Your match up comparisons between the bumblebee and the Rad Tour TT are very insightful for me. And given my issues with my PT and the serve, and the high swing weight of my Rad Tour TT XL, I might well be interested in making a purchase I think. If I do so, I'll let you know how I get on.

Ross K · Jan 8, 2008

drakulie said:
Ross, I have the mid plus version of this frame. It is a monster off the ground, very stable at net, and serves bombs.

Very solid frame, with great control, and power.

You should wait for vsBabolat, or Doc Hollidae to chime in, as they seem to be the pros when it comes to these frames.

Sorry. Forgot to thank you as well drakulie for informative post. Out of interest, how would you compare it to PT or other such similar, older Heads?

drakulie · Jan 9, 2008

^^^ Ross, unfortunatley I have never hit with the PT.

Compared to the Prestige line, I would say it is stiffer, more powerful off the ground, and more evenly balanced. It has the same dense string pattern as those frames so it shares many similarities.

The feel at contact is thick like the classic, but more crisp. Like the prestige, the feedback to your hand at contact is very rewarding. Again, a nice thick feel, without any gimmicks taking away that feedback from your hand.

The SW feels a bit heavier because unlike the Prestige line, it is not as head light as those frames. Still, it is fairly easy to swing. Of course this results in the maneuvarability at net suffering, but make no mistake>> the volleys on this frame are excellent.

I prefer to serve with the Prestige because of the Head light balance, but found the Trisys to be an awesome serving frame. Great pop, control, and plenty of spin.

Hope this helps. When you get yours, please post your thoughts.

OnyxZ28 · Jan 9, 2008

My experience with the Trisys 260 MP (I have 3) is that is that it plows through the ball mercilessly. Personally I think Blake would have loved this stick.

drakulie · Jan 9, 2008

^^^^^ Couldn't have put it better. Yes, it has no mercy on the ball from the ground. One of, if not the best pure baseline frames I have hit with.

Doc Hollidae · Jan 9, 2008

drakulie said:
^^^^^ Couldn't have put it better. Yes, it has no mercy on the ball from the ground. One of, if not the best pure baseline frames I have hit with.

Even over the TT Radical? I believe you bought one off freckles right?

drakulie · Jan 9, 2008

^^^ LOL. I know you love those TT's.

But yeah, I enjoyed the trisys more, although I can't make any complaints about the TT as it is also an amazing all-around frame. Super solid.

If memory serves, the TT felt a bit flexier, and a tad bit heavier to swing than the Trisys.

What has always impressed me about the radicals is that they volley so well (even the OS versions).

I wish frames were still made like these classics.

NLBwell · Jan 9, 2008

Radical Trisys 260 was similar to the 280 (Pro Tour) but stiffer, I believe. I remember trying it (MP) out and ended up buying the 280.
Had the 260, 280, and the 300 which became all the the Prestiges

goldenyama · Jan 30, 2008

I just bought a Trysis `bumblebee` Radical from a user on these boards and have been using it for just over a week - it is hands down the best stick I have ever played with. I have TE, and this racquet is the most solid, ball-crushing, comfortable racquet I have ever used. Groundstrokes feel FANTASTIC. Serve has surprising pop and volleys are OK. Best feeling racquet EVER.

Ross K · Jan 30, 2008

goldenyama said:
I just bought a Trysis `bumblebee` Radical from a user on these boards and have been using it for just over a week - it is hands down the best stick I have ever played with. I have TE, and this racquet is the most solid, ball-crushing, comfortable racquet I have ever used. Groundstrokes feel FANTASTIC. Serve has surprising pop and volleys are OK. Best feeling racquet EVER.

This makes very interesting if not slightly frustrating reading... I didn't actually get the bumblebee in the end due to discovering the grip size wasn't to my liking and it was actually a mid... grrrrr!!... Anyway... as the saying goes - "Long Live The Radicals!"... or as I say: "Welcome to our fellow Rad-ict!"...

Deuce · Jan 31, 2008

The Trisys 260 (Bumblebee) is in the same family as the Pro Tour 280, Radical Tour Twin Tube, and iPrestige MidPlus.
One shouldn't have a problem going from one to another once the balances and weights of each frame are more or less standardized.

They are all very nice, solid feeling racquets to hit with.

kHAoS · Jan 31, 2008

I originally bought the Head Radical 260 MP back in high school and I had a hard time hitting with it due to switching from a racket with a larger head size and more open string pattern. After not playing at all since 1999, I broke out the racket again to play with some friends and maybe due to the long period of in-activity, but the Radical 260 finally feels right in my hands. From the baseline, I can drive the ball really well. Admittedly, my backhand is the better of my groundstrokes, but I can really wind up and unload with it more than other other racket I've demo'ed in the last year. I usually try to play at least once a week over the last 2 years and I've grown comfortable enough with this racket that I picked up 2 more on eb@y. Chances are this will be the only racket I'll ever play with, no matter how much people tease my racket looking dated.

For comparison purposes (and peer pressure), I've either demo'ed or bought every Radical that's come out and the Radical 260 still comes out ahead for me, although the Radical TT and Radical Ti are probably the next best ones I've hit with. The Radical TT, while the same mold, still causes my forehand to sail a bit more for some reason. I also don't get the same amount of touch. However, I do prefer the 2nd generation TT over the 'zebra' model.

And over the last few years, I've also played with the PT280, the Vamp Tour, and a cut-down Tour XL, and they all play differently from the Radical 260. While the PT280 is probably more popular, I've found the racket to be too soft. The PT280 has a huge amount of flex compared to the Radical 260. The Vamp Tour and the Tour XL just feel noticeably lighter when hitting compared to the Radical 260. If it weren't for the novelty of having similiar-looking rackets, I would probably sell them off.

Doc Hollidae · Jan 31, 2008

kHAoS said:
I originally bought the Head Radical 260 MP back in high school and I had a hard time hitting with it due to switching from a racket with a larger head size and more open string pattern. After not playing at all since 1999, I broke out the racket again to play with some friends and maybe due to the long period of in-activity, but the Radical 260 finally feels right in my hands. From the baseline, I can drive the ball really well. Admittedly, my backhand is the better of my groundstrokes, but I can really wind up and unload with it more than other other racket I've demo'ed in the last year. I usually try to play at least once a week over the last 2 years and I've grown comfortable enough with this racket that I picked up 2 more on eb@y. Chances are this will be the only racket I'll ever play with, no matter how much people tease my racket looking dated.

For comparison purposes (and peer pressure), I've either demo'ed or bought every Radical that's come out and the Radical 260 still comes out ahead for me, although the Radical TT and Radical Ti are probably the next best ones I've hit with. The Radical TT, while the same mold, still causes my forehand to sail a bit more for some reason. I also don't get the same amount of touch. However, I do prefer the 2nd generation TT over the 'zebra' model.

And over the last few years, I've also played with the PT280, the Vamp Tour, and a cut-down Tour XL, and they all play differently from the Radical 260. While the PT280 is probably more popular, I've found the racket to be too soft. The PT280 has a huge amount of flex compared to the Radical 260. The Vamp Tour and the Tour XL just feel noticeably lighter when hitting compared to the Radical 260. If it weren't for the novelty of having similiar-looking rackets, I would probably sell them off.

What's the vamp tour?

sargeinaz · Jan 31, 2008

Does TW sell any grommets now that would fit a Head Radical from like lets say 1995-1998? The ones that came after the bumblebee. I believe one is nicknamed the zebra and the other is black, white, red and yellow. Thanks in advance.
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Iolite portable vapor

OnyxZ28 · Jan 31, 2008

Yes, the i.Prestige MP XL will fit flush. The later Rad MP grommets will "hang over" a tiny bit, because they were thicker beamed.

sargeinaz · Jan 31, 2008

OnyxZ28 said:
Yes, the i.Prestige MP XL will fit flush. The later Rad MP grommets will "hang over" a tiny bit, because they were thicker beamed.

So I would either have to buy i. Prestige MP XL CAPS grommets to fit perfectly, but add weight to the head or use Rad MP grommets and hang over? Is the hang over like really noticeable?
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Lovely Wendie

OnyxZ28 · Jan 31, 2008

The i.Prestige MP XL came from the factory with a conventional bumperguard. the MP, which was introduced later, had full CAPS.

OnyxZ28 · Jan 31, 2008

I see TW's OOS. The overhang with new Rad bumpers isn't bad, like .5mm on each side.

sargeinaz · Jan 31, 2008

OnyxZ28 said:
The i.Prestige MP XL came from the factory with a conventional bumperguard. the MP, which was introduced later, had full CAPS.

Wow so i.Prestige MP XL grommets fit perfectly on a standard length MidPlus 1994-1998 radical? Thanks for your help Onyx, I really appreciate it.
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iTennis · Jan 31, 2008

Anyone selling OS made-in-Austria sticks?

No mean to highjack OP's post.....and I know he is looking for MP so no conflict. I'm just so desperate to find another one.

vsbabolat · Jan 31, 2008

Doc Hollidae said:
What's the vamp tour?

The Vamp Tour 630 is a "Women's" racquet. Same Mold as the PT630/RADTrisys260MP but in a lighter weight and marketed to women. As far as I know Head only sold the Vamp Tour 630 in Europe.

wlinchon said:

sargeinaz · Jan 31, 2008

^^^ Wow that is a good looking racket. I just loved Head's old paintjob scheme with the alternating color and black. So classy and nice.
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Doc Hollidae · Jan 31, 2008

vsbabolat said:
The Vamp Tour 630 is a "Women's" racquet. Same Mold as the PT630/RADTrisys260MP but in a lighter weight and marketed to women. As far as I know Head only sold the Vamp Tour 630 in Europe.

Dude vs, once again you are awesome.

Not a bad looking racket up until the V and text colors. However, I bet for today's standards the weight would be tweenerish and possibly appealing to some. Can't be lighter than 10.5 oz I would imagine. Possibly a lighter version of the heavy Head Classics we all love?

sargeinaz · Jan 31, 2008

Doc Hollidae said:
Dude vs, once again you are awesome.

Not a bad looking racket up until the V and text colors. However, I bet for today's standards the weight would be tweenerish and possibly appealing to some. Can't be lighter than 10.5 oz I would imagine.

Ya I would love to know the specs on it. I bet it would still be a nice racket to hit with and perhaps a little lead would make it even better.
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Ross K · Jan 31, 2008

kHAoS said:
I originally bought the Head Radical 260 MP back in high school and I had a hard time hitting with it due to switching from a racket with a larger head size and more open string pattern. After not playing at all since 1999, I broke out the racket again to play with some friends and maybe due to the long period of in-activity, but the Radical 260 finally feels right in my hands. From the baseline, I can drive the ball really well. Admittedly, my backhand is the better of my groundstrokes, but I can really wind up and unload with it more than other other racket I've demo'ed in the last year. I usually try to play at least once a week over the last 2 years and I've grown comfortable enough with this racket that I picked up 2 more on eb@y. Chances are this will be the only racket I'll ever play with, no matter how much people tease my racket looking dated.

For comparison purposes (and peer pressure), I've either demo'ed or bought every Radical that's come out and the Radical 260 still comes out ahead for me, although the Radical TT and Radical Ti are probably the next best ones I've hit with. The Radical TT, while the same mold, still causes my forehand to sail a bit more for some reason. I also don't get the same amount of touch. However, I do prefer the 2nd generation TT over the 'zebra' model.

And over the last few years, I've also played with the PT280, the Vamp Tour, and a cut-down Tour XL, and they all play differently from the Radical 260. While the PT280 is probably more popular, I've found the racket to be too soft. The PT280 has a huge amount of flex compared to the Radical 260. The Vamp Tour and the Tour XL just feel noticeably lighter when hitting compared to the Radical 260. If it weren't for the novelty of having similiar-looking rackets, I would probably sell them off.

Thanks for a very interesting, altogether nicely composed post...

Q. How would you rate it in the serve dept though? (Maybe compare it to the PT and Rad Tour TT, both of which I know?)

And BTW, as regards that astonishing comment, if I were you I'd PITY any friends that tease you about this legendary rod as looking 'dated'... are these ppl insane?!... have they no taste whatsoever?!... are they so utterly dumb and lacking in judgement and any sense of style as to equate anything that's new as 'cool' and anything over, say, 5 years old as 'uncool'?!... Listen. Let them drool over their awful K(rap) Factors and the like, and just take pride in knowing that as a RILF lover, the Rad 260 not only plays amazing, but looks damn, damn, damn fine also!!!...

drakulie · Feb 1, 2008

vsbabolat is the man!!!

goldenyama · Feb 2, 2008

Ross K - thanks for your welcome! I feel your pain, it's really hard to find a Trysis Bumblebee OS in the right grip size and good condition - I was lucky.

I actually also just recieved a Twin Tube Radical OS. I am now waiting for some reels of string I bought (Kirschbaum Touch Multi 17, Topspin CyberPower 1.20) then I will string both racquets exactly the same and post my playtest results.

I have hit with the Twin Tube with it's current strings (Prince Syn Gut Duraflex 17) and it feels very different from the Trysis. The Twin Tube feels very solid and balanced and has great control for an OS - it was hard to hit a groundstroke out. However, it doesn't have that fantastic feel that you get when hitting the ball with the Trysis - Does that come from the Twaron (Kevlar?) that everyone always talks about?

Anyway, when I recieve my reels I will be able to do an fairer playtest with both racquets strung exactly the same - I will post results next week. I also ordered leather grips and will try one on the Trysis - I think it could do with being just a BIT more head light.

goldenyama · Feb 2, 2008

vsbabolat - you ARE the man! That is the coolest chick's racquet I have ever seen.

I would LOVE to get my hands on one of these racquets to give to my girlfriend - ****, I would love to get my hands on TWO and keep one for myself!

Imagine a mixed doubles team - boy using Trysis Radical and girl using that Vamp Tour...how cool would that be?

My new mission in life is to find a Vamp Tour and buy one. Also - what an awesome name for a racquet!

iTennis · Feb 2, 2008

goldenyama said:
Anyway, when I recieve my reels I will be able to do an fairer playtest with both racquets strung exactly the same - I will post results next week. I also ordered leather grips and will try one on the Trysis - I think it could do with being just a BIT more head light.

I'm in love with Trisys 260 OS...but I'm curious to know how it compares to TT, so please do post your playtest results.

I got TW thin leather + tornagrip on my bumblebees at 350g/ 7-pt HL (no lead), works perfect for my all around game and serve. Strung with PSG16 at 64/64, and while I like crisp feel of PSG, I would prefer to tame the power just a bit. I want to stay at tension as low as possible, but I would try a few pounds higher to see.

What string/ tension setup, you fellow bumblebee players?

goldenyama · Feb 2, 2008

iTennis - my strings will arrive midweek, so I will get the Trysis and TT strung and play with them all weekend. Will post results of playtest and pics of stringjob Sunday or Monday week.

By the way, if you put an overgrip over your leather grip, don't you lose the great feel of the leather? I have never used overgrip tape so I don't know...

iTennis · Feb 2, 2008

goldenyama said:
iTennis - my strings will arrive midweek, so I will get the Trysis and TT strung and play with them all weekend. Will post results of playtest and pics of stringjob Sunday or Monday week.

By the way, if you put an overgrip over your leather grip, don't you lose the great feel of the leather? I have never used overgrip tape so I don't know...

My hands get sweaty and I've always used tornagrip overgrip. With leather alone, my racquet will fly off my hand every serving game (and I can not afford cracking my bumblebees.) What I hate is cushy mushy synthetic grip (not overgrip), and TW thin leather add firmness and brings sharp bevels to my liking. I care less about surface texture of the leather, but its firmness and less dampening to transmit more ball feel to my hands. Leather + tornagrip provides just right firmness, feel and grip/ sweat absorption, just perfect for me.

iTennis · Feb 2, 2008

Goldenyama, what's your tension? Have you tried up in the higher recommended range of 68lbs?

goldenyama · Feb 2, 2008

iTennis - thanks for your input on grips. Its winter here in Japan at the mo, brass monkeys - maybe when it gets hotter and sweatier I will try some overgrips. The main reason I want leather on the Trysis is to add a bit of weight to the handle, I find it just a little head heavy.

I currently have my Trysis strung with Babolat Xcel Premium 16 mains at 60, and Pro Hurricane 16 crosses at 57 - I recently changed from a smaller head Wilson players racquet (long story, I will post it seperately one day) and I have TE (not due to my previous racquet, but as I said thats another story).
Anyway, this setup is too springy and lacking in control for me - I have to really exaggerate the action on my groundies to get the topspin to keep the ball in. The reason I strung so comfortable and loose first up with my Trysis was I wanted to be sure not to aggravate my TE - It sure didn't, the feel of the Trysis is fantastic.

Anyway, when I get my strings I am gonna string Kirschbaum Touch Multi in Mains at 64, and Topspin CyberPower 17l crosses at 61 in both the Trysis and TT, and I'll let you guys know what I think after I play them both.

P_D · Feb 2, 2008

I have two of the original Head Trisys in midsize. I love the rackets. What string combo do you guys prefer? I've just recently picked up a Head Microgel Prestige Pro. I am really starting to like this stick. Strung it with BB on the mains and TNT on the crosses. Just ordered another one, I'm gonna try gut on the mains with BB on the crosses... Any advice is appreciated. VSBabolat, you've helped me before. You definitely know your stuff.

kHAoS · Feb 2, 2008

Ross K said:
Thanks for a very interesting, altogether nicely composed post...

Q. How would you rate it in the serve dept though? (Maybe compare it to the PT and Rad Tour TT, both of which I know?)

And BTW, as regards that astonishing comment, if I were you I'd PITY any friends that tease you about this legendary rod as looking 'dated'... are these ppl insane?!... have they no taste whatsoever?!... are they so utterly dumb and lacking in judgement and any sense of style as to equate anything that's new as 'cool' and anything over, say, 5 years old as 'uncool'?!... Listen. Let them drool over their awful K(rap) Factors and the like, and just take pride in knowing that as a RILF lover, the Rad 260 not only plays amazing, but looks damn, damn, damn fine also!!!...

I'm not much of a server, but with the limited practice I've put in with the PT280 and the Radical TT, it seems like the PT280 is the easier of the three sticks to serve with. The Radical TT seems stiffer to me compared to both the Radical 260 and the PT280. I guess you could say the Radical 260 is in the middle when camparing the PT280 and the Radical TT. Although I should probably add that I'm incapable of adding any spin to my serves whatsoever and that a racket in my hands is a glorified paddle

Ross K · Feb 2, 2008

kHAoS said:
I'm not much of a server, but with the limited practice I've put in with the PT280 and the Radical TT, it seems like the PT280 is the easier of the three sticks to serve with. The Radical TT seems stiffer to me compared to both the Radical 260 and the PT280. I guess you could say the Radical 260 is in the middle when camparing the PT280 and the Radical TT. Although I should probably add that I'm incapable of adding any spin to my serves whatsoever and that a racket in my hands is a glorified paddle

But you're surely not saying the PT provides more POWER than the others, yeah?

sharpblade · Nov 8, 2008

i prestige mp xl grommets are no longer available at tenniswarehouse. Which grommets will fit Rad Trysys MP?

Thanks

Head Trisys 'bumblebee'

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