Richie Rich
Legend
about fed's racquet? around here? :mrgreen:
Federer explicitly states he is switching to the new BLX90
- Thread starter aimr75
- Start date
about fed's racquet? around here? :mrgreen:
TheMusicLover
G.O.A.T.
Well, if he fails at a couple of tournaments early on in the 2010 season, he (or some of his fans) at least have a great new excuse at hand. 
Personally I don't believe he's changing - that text sounds as a perfect advertorial from the firm he has an endorsement deal with. It's all about the cash, folks.
Personally I don't believe he's changing - that text sounds as a perfect advertorial from the firm he has an endorsement deal with. It's all about the cash, folks.
SuperFly
Semi-Pro
Wilson makes the rackets specifically to Federer's specs. Once the BLX comes out, you can buy it and use a racket similar to what Federer uses (give/take some weight, possibly stiffness.)
mtommer
Hall of Fame
People who see Federer, want to play like Federer, who desire to be pro, who haven't gotten along in their own tennis development to lose the "hero worship" yet. If this isn't you, fine, so what. There's nothing wrong with people who see pros and are motivated by pros hoping to one day to get close to the pro level. Further, it's natural to want to take "what the pros use" to see just how much one's self can do with them. It's using the pro as a benchmark and seeing how close you can come to it. It's a heck of a lot more fun and motivating to try and reach the level of a pro than it is a measly 4.0 status. If you try for a 4.0 you'll probably reach it and that's probably all you'll ever be. If you try to be a pro you'll probably end up coming up short and even if you settle at a 4.0, hey, at least you tried.
big bang
Hall of Fame
I just dont get this worship!? just because some pro plays with a certain stick doesnt mean ****!
I couldnt care less if fed is playing with k-90, BLX or what ever. hes not using a magic-stick like some ppl believe. using the pro´s equipment wont make you any better.. its like saying "im getting the same haircut as Fed and maybe I will improve my game":roll:
No, it just sounds as though he's happy to lie about what he uses in order to make Wilson happy.
aimr75
Hall of Fame
well its one or the other.. i think it would be odd for a pro to switch, particularly someone like fed who has had this much success. But even if it were true, by all accounts, the frame is very similar to the k90 anyway.. its not like its a switch Djokovic has made if it were true
VGP
Legend
It goes both ways. Wilson and Federer enable each other for profit. (cynical side of me speaking)
We need another Sampras - someone who obviously refuses to switch.
Yeah, but you don't hit the ball with your hair do you?
Honestly, we never know what pro's are using, unless someone on these TT boards is roger's lifelong friend who could ask him "Hey rog, are you REALLY using the latest technology in your tennis racquet? Or are you just obligated by your contract to SAY you're using it?"
Roger may have been using the K90, or maybe he was using the N90, or the original prostaff tour90....we, the common fans, will really never know. We can argue amongst ourselves all we want but the only people who know are Roger, Wilson, Priority 1 and anybody Roger federer tells.
But I know Bob and Mike bryan and they told me very few pros switch from the racquet they originally use, Bob said when they were with wilson they had about 9 different paintjobs on their wilson frames.
Roger may have been using the K90, or maybe he was using the N90, or the original prostaff tour90....we, the common fans, will really never know. We can argue amongst ourselves all we want but the only people who know are Roger, Wilson, Priority 1 and anybody Roger federer tells.
But I know Bob and Mike bryan and they told me very few pros switch from the racquet they originally use, Bob said when they were with wilson they had about 9 different paintjobs on their wilson frames.
Chezbeeno
Professional
I second this, there are videos of Federer talking to interviewers about how Wilson makes the racquets specifically to his specifications for him, then Wilson markets the racquets so that people will buy them (because lets face it-there are some people who will buy them just because Fed uses 'em as sad as that is) although Fed's racquets are somewhat different than the retail ones
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
When I was 11 my Donnay Borg Pros were my most amazing possession and the fact that I watched Borg use them on TV made them even more special. Borgs relation with Donnay were beyond $ and artificially induced idolatry. It was pure back then. And Borg was a holy saint who was ok to be worshipped.
When the KPS88 was released I don't think the PS85 purists gave a damn about the signature on the side. But there was a handful of morons that bought them just because of Pete's sig and ended up with a broken arm.
I think the same goes for the K90. People use it because its a great raquet from the a great lineage not because Roger fuching Federer uses it. There will always be that slice of revenue of jackasses that will buy it just because Roger uses it. It is what it is.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
So you mean Federer didn't use a "real" PS 6.0 85 but it was actually a POG OS with a PS 6.0 85 paintjob? :shock:
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Yes, because your hair style helps you to get more plow-through, spin, power, control, etc. on the ball. :-?
In effect, what you're saying is that a racquet doesn't make one bit of difference in one's game. If that were the case, why did you choose the racquet that you use instead of the $19.99 special from Wal-Mart?
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Actually, no. Federer wears totally custom shoes made by Nike just for his feet. They are only made to look like the latest Vapors from the outside. That is a certainty.Roger wears the same Vapor Oreos that you and I buy.
In fact, the Vapor series have always been very narrow shoes even though Federer has very wide feet.
xFullCourtTenniSx
Hall of Fame
I wouldn't say that... I'd say the nSix-One Tour is by far an acquired taste of sorts... But otherwise, I like the nCode line far more than the [K]Factor line (and not just because of the paintjobs). I liked how it was softer and had more control to it and less power. The [K]Six.One Tour is just amazing though!
Odd... Last I checked for "very old sticks"... They were in the $400-600 range!! :shock: I think I'll stick to the cheaper K90s.
They'll only tell us Federer got a new stick if it's actually true. Actually, let me rephrase that - they'll only explicitly say that Federer is using their new flagship racket from their latest line of rackets if it's true. Otherwise they we can sue them for false advertisement...
Seriously, someone rich enough (like FabFed) should do that, just to settle all this. Wilson will have to put up undeniable proof that Federer actually is using the retail stick on the tour, and the prosecutor can tell us how it went unless Wilson paid him/her off to not tell us, in which case, we know how it went.
Actually, it was more like he could feel the difference, and he didn't like it. He didn't want that hovering over his mind, so he stuck to his racket with it's original paintjob.
Also, I'm not so ticked about paintjobs so much as very good rackets being discontinued or moving factories. Maybe some people like the China factory ProStaff Midsizes more than the St Vincent ones, but it's usually the other way around. Also, racket companies produced far better rackets decades ago compared to now. They want us to THINK their rackets are getting better, when in fact they're getting worse.
Not likely. BLX is going in the opposite way of what Federer's been doing to his rackets. Think about it - Federer adds a bit of lead under the bumper, increasing the swingweight a few points. The stock K90 has a higher swingweight than a stock BLX90 (quite a gap too). Therefore, Federer must add extra lead to attain the same swingweight, and even more to regain the power lost from the added flex (which can also be solved by stringing lower like someone already suggested, which Federer might want to do).
Aside from the "improved feel" and the increased flex, I doubt the racket is made 100% to what Federer wants. If anything, I think Federer should go for a stiffer racket. It'll give him a little bit of extra pop on his serves and groundstrokes, which will help him keep up with the new wave of talent. But over time, he's gone towards using more spin, so the added flex isn't too much of a surprise.
Perhaps Sampras actually switched periodically to newer rackets under his PS85 paintjob! :shock: What a story that would make! lol A pro playing with newer rackets under an older paintjob. Imagine the response! So many people would deny that like they deny Federer using a retail (handpicked) K90.
Then you will be, like James Blake once said, "aerodynamic, baby!"
Actually, his are quite different from the retail versions. I'm not an expert on clothing and shoes, but FabFed owns a lot of Federer's actual stuff (like to the point of borderline stalker-status) and has done several comparisons between the retail and custom apparel Federer wears.
They LOOK like the retail, but they are so different it's crazy! I'm still quite confused about the front design of his shoes. They're stitched, which are far from durable, especially when compared to the full rubber covering the retail has. Perhaps it's more comfortable? Federer of all people wouldn't have to worry about durability for sure (he has bloody shoes for day as well as for night!), but I still can't help but wonder why. That was the change that bugged me the most.
big bang
Hall of Fame
Yes, because your hair style helps you to get more plow-through, spin, power, control, etc. on the ball. :-?
In effect, what you're saying is that a racquet doesn't make one bit of difference in one's game. If that were the case, why did you choose the racquet that you use instead of the $19.99 special from Wal-Mart?
when did I say the racquet doesnt matter?? if you like your racquet why change it? buying Feds racquet wont make you play like him no more than getting the same haircut, thats my point! dont buy a frame because your favorit player uses it, thats pure stupidity..
oh and I play with ps 6.1 classic because its the ultimate stick for me, I couldnt care less how old the model is, it beats every frame made today in every aspect, thats why!
jazzyfunkybluesy
Banned
Yes, because your hair style helps you to get more plow-through, spin, power, control, etc. on the ball. :-?
In effect, what you're saying is that a racquet doesn't make one bit of difference in one's game. If that were the case, why did you choose the racquet that you use instead of the $19.99 special from Wal-Mart?
Too true and funny.
With all due respect, this is a load of bull. There is no correlation between motivation to become a high-level player and having to use Federer's racquet.
People who need to buy the latest Federer racquet are either gullible, a poseur, or just plain stupid. Every time Wilson releases a new Federer racquet, I'm sure they throw a little party where they laugh at all the people who buy in to this marketing crap.
Buying a racquet because its specs fit your preferences and/or you demoed it and like its feel, that fine. Buying a racquet because Player X supposedly uses it, thats lame.
Yeah the ncode 90 was terrible. The Kfactor 90 was ok I thought, had a ton of pop to it compared to the ncode 90 and the Prostaff tour 90 (although alot of racquets have more pop).
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
You pick who authored these words--
A. Swiss Native Roger Federer?
B. Wilson Sporting Goods Marketing Division?
(Sounds like marketing-corporate-speak to me.)
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Yeah. Usually Roger will say things like, "you know," "hm...you know," you know what I mean?
I do. Did I demo the stick because of I'm a fan of Federer? Yes. Did I choose the stick at the end because of it? No! Do a lot of people out there really use the k90? I play at a club with hundreds of members (Midtown Chicago), and I've yet to see another person that uses a k90.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
So the racquet DOES matter? I agree. That's why I use the K90. I like playing with it more than any other racquet. The fact that I have the same playing style as Federer is probably one reason why both of us like the same racquet.
aimr75
Hall of Fame
True that it probably didnt come out of his mouth, but i dont think they would release that statement without him at least reading and approving it to some extent..
FedererForehand
Banned
The fact that I have the same playing style as Federer is probably one reason why both of us like the same racquet.
LMAO- of course you have the same style as Roger Federer - or does he have the same style at you? I can just imagine the guys who see you playing from afar asking "is that Federer or Breakpoint? I can't tell- they play so much alike.":roll:
aimr75
Hall of Fame
i think theres a difference between playing style and having strokes/movement that looks like federer.. you can have a style that is all court, single handed backhand, eastern forehand, but not look like federer.. i think thats what breakpoint is getting at
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
Yes, I positively love the AG100. Best stick I've used since the PS 85 SV. (I tried a 95 and it felt "soggy" by comparison.)
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
Sure. Fed says to the Wilson rep, "Is this what I'm supposed to say? You like this? OK, this is what I said. I approve this."
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Well, since I started playing tennis many years before Federer was even born and have been using the same style all this time, I have to say that Federer is the one that plays like me.
So you've seen me play then? Because that's EXACTLY what people say. I hear it so often that it's embarrassing.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Yes, exactly!
mtommer
Hall of Fame
That's fine but it doesn't matter what you get or not. It's not about you. If you don't need this type of motivation to pick up a racquet and go play tennis then you don't. Who is going to be better a player often has to do with motivation (ie what gives the drive to work harder and harder etc.). By motivation I simply mean motivation. How it comes, what form it takes, whether it makes sense or not is really very moot.
True unless you need it mentally to bring your "A" game. It is no different than the usual superstitions that permeate athletics at every level. While the superstition in and of itself doesn't do anything, the piece of mind it gives often can be a difference maker. It's not logical but it is reality none the less.
Mick
Legend
Well, since I started playing tennis many years before Federer was even born and have been using the same style all this time, I have to say that Federer is the one that plays like me.
So you've seen me play then? Because that's EXACTLY what people say. I hear it so often that it's embarrassing.
BP, you mean you also follow through like federer and all the modern players?
i don't follow through like today's players. my follow through would end like tracy austin's in this clip (at the 22 seconds mark), where as today players would follow through until the racquet nearly touches their back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoYJwnDKiEg
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
No, I don't follow through like Tracy Austin. I follow-through across my body, more like Federer. But I don't follow-through behind my head like Nadal.
Mick
Legend
No, I don't follow through like Tracy Austin. I follow-through across my body, more like Federer. But I don't follow-through behind my head like Nadal.
federer's follow through http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmhvKafCYsk&feature=related
nice!
I tried it but it didn't comfortable to me, so i continued to hit my follow through like tracy did
Buckethead
Banned
i think Fed could play with the new BLX Tour,the reason is,because they're similar,and who knows if he liked it or not?Sometimes people do change rackets,and why Federer can't?
Now,it maybe the same racket at the end,since their Quality Control sucks,he tested and wound up liking the new BLX Tour.He then told the Wilson guys to get that model, measure everything and make a 1000 more for him.When the Wilson guys measured,they came to find out that the specs were the same as K90,or probably a k90 mixed up with the BLX T,and painted by the painter (that does 20 rackets/hour )as a BLX,without anybody knowing that there were K90 and BLX mixed up in that batch.It could also have been a KPS 88 with 30g less or something LOL.
Now,it maybe the same racket at the end,since their Quality Control sucks,he tested and wound up liking the new BLX Tour.He then told the Wilson guys to get that model, measure everything and make a 1000 more for him.When the Wilson guys measured,they came to find out that the specs were the same as K90,or probably a k90 mixed up with the BLX T,and painted by the painter (that does 20 rackets/hour )as a BLX,without anybody knowing that there were K90 and BLX mixed up in that batch.It could also have been a KPS 88 with 30g less or something LOL.
big bang
Hall of Fame
so you are saying playing Feds magic stick is a motivation to become a better player? thats complete nonesense to me:shock:
mtommer
Hall of Fame
Sure it is nonsense to you but you aren't one who derives motivation from something like this. One would hope that as one progresses in tennis ability this tendency diminishes accordingly but that's not yours or my call to make.
it does sound plausible to me..
it's all about mindset,when people get new things,in their minds are like 'aha,i've got my new racquet,now i can improve my game etc etc'
aimr75
Hall of Fame
i guess things like that can provide a trigger to improve, but then there is the real work required to actually improve your game.. which has little to do with that trigger
PimpMyGame
Hall of Fame
Let's think about Fed's rackets over time. I think there's enough circumstantial evidence to say that Federer has used what we know as the retail K90 for some time, and certainly with the nCode pj because the retail n90 and Fed's n90 were clearly different.
It's certainly no mistake if the K90 is actually Fed's stick. OK, he will have a slightly different lay-up as his rackets are from Wilson's pro room and have had some (minor) mods done to them. But let's not forget that the K90 is only one racket out of maybe 20+ in the K-Factor range. The money paid to Fed is not solely due to the fact that he plays with a K90 (although you could argue that the white, black and red models are more associated with him), it's because he is associated with Wilson.
The release of the K90 is effectively when Wilson for the first time in years were selling Fed's actual racket, to all intents and purposes. Problem is, in reality it's a bit too demanding for most people who bought it. So now, Wilson have to tweak the K90 and make it more accessible - enter the Bollocks 90.
I think there is no way than any technological "advances" on the Bollocks frames have been replicated on Fed's racket. With the K90, the stars were aligned and we no longer had a world #1 with a pj. As soon as the Bollocks range is released we are back in the dark days of Fed with a pj.
In any case I'm sure that Wilson will sell a huge amount of these rackets and when the tennis-playing public realise this, this message board will be just like it was with the nCode pj debacle, and history will repeat itself.
It's certainly no mistake if the K90 is actually Fed's stick. OK, he will have a slightly different lay-up as his rackets are from Wilson's pro room and have had some (minor) mods done to them. But let's not forget that the K90 is only one racket out of maybe 20+ in the K-Factor range. The money paid to Fed is not solely due to the fact that he plays with a K90 (although you could argue that the white, black and red models are more associated with him), it's because he is associated with Wilson.
The release of the K90 is effectively when Wilson for the first time in years were selling Fed's actual racket, to all intents and purposes. Problem is, in reality it's a bit too demanding for most people who bought it. So now, Wilson have to tweak the K90 and make it more accessible - enter the Bollocks 90.
I think there is no way than any technological "advances" on the Bollocks frames have been replicated on Fed's racket. With the K90, the stars were aligned and we no longer had a world #1 with a pj. As soon as the Bollocks range is released we are back in the dark days of Fed with a pj.
In any case I'm sure that Wilson will sell a huge amount of these rackets and when the tennis-playing public realise this, this message board will be just like it was with the nCode pj debacle, and history will repeat itself.
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
My follow-through is also more like Tracy Austin's. I think it has to do with racquet-head speed. It's also a matter of how we were taught.
Povl Carstensen
Legend
I think it has been made very believable that Federer uses the K90, with better quality control (handpicked) and slightly tweaked with lead and his preferred gripshape.
One of the most interesting qualities of this racket, I think, is that with an overgrip this racket is just about as headlight a racket you can buy these days. The trend otherwise being slightly lighter, and more head heavy rackets. And this is a significant difference if you want to try a similar way to hit as Federer does.
Ofcourse you can tweak other rackets with lead tape in the handle, but I dont think everybody wants to do that, and theres some guesswork involved (where should the lead exactly be placed?).
Apart from that, the K90 delivers quite a similar feel to the ps85 because of the material used, IMO.
One of the most interesting qualities of this racket, I think, is that with an overgrip this racket is just about as headlight a racket you can buy these days. The trend otherwise being slightly lighter, and more head heavy rackets. And this is a significant difference if you want to try a similar way to hit as Federer does.
Ofcourse you can tweak other rackets with lead tape in the handle, but I dont think everybody wants to do that, and theres some guesswork involved (where should the lead exactly be placed?).
Apart from that, the K90 delivers quite a similar feel to the ps85 because of the material used, IMO.
Mick
Legend
thanks, i am glad to know that i am not the only one here who would hit with a follow through like that
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