Diary of a Racketaholic

Ross K

Legend
I really hurt my wrist a few weeks back trying to serve with an eastern grip. Re-aggravated it yesterday which is when I realized what caused the wrist pain. So now I can't serve at all without serious pain. I did hit again with the mid though and did some rallys.

The multi at 55#s IMO is a little too low. I think you need a multi at 58 or so. So I don't think I will get the full potential of the racquet until i put some poly in there or at least a better multi at a higher tension, because I am hitting real deep..it is nice, but literally on the line or right inside it. . I am still learning the stick, but I pretty much hit the sweetspot the whole time. The only time it is tough is when there is a high ball that pushes you far back behind the baseline, but I am still making the return, it is just a little higher on the stringbed. Pretty much the same story with the PSTGT.

It is real satisfying to pound the ball with this racquet. Similar to the Pure Storm, just a massive sound and feeling when you step into the shot. It is a different style game with the Prestige.Less crushed clean winners so far, but more volley winners, easier overheads, and more unforced errors from the opponent underestimating the backspin on the slice.

I am thinking i will get the clean winners back up there the more I hit with the racquet. It is just a classic stick that you have to learn. A lot of the newer racquets are based on instant gratification, but it also makes you lazy in your footwork and rotation. I notice that if you rotate and get your weight moving forward, the prestige rewards you even with just a rally stroke.

Still going to keep my pure storms in the bag because I think this will be a long test, but I am definitley happy to have 2 racquets that suit my game and are helping me improve instead of staying stagnant.

PP,

What I recall is indeed less clean crushed winners than with MPs, however, when you did clean crush it with a Prestige mid - the feeling was like totally out of this world... nirvana! :cool:

Are you also finding your game is going a lot more all court? This happened to me, and initially I quite liked it... I hadn't actually realized my game was so one-dimensional until then :wink: ... a bit later though, the penny dropped that what I'm calling one-dimensional (ie, b-liner topspin game), and re bigger, more forgiving, more topspin-friendly racks, is what I'm really better suited to.

Hope the wrist problem is short-lived, and keep us all posted on your 'mid journey'.:roll:


R.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Thanks Ross...yeah the wrist is hurting..I think I sprained it or something..never sure with it, but at least it is not my racquets. I know it hurts a little even when I type right on the inside closest to the thumb, so I probably irritated a ligament.

I do play more all court, well at least more attacking. I always did in the past, but I was setting up my attacks with heavy shots only, and now it is more angles and placement. The pure storm allows this style of play as well, which is why I really love the racquet.

Yesterday I played with a guy who literally stood at the back fence so while I drop shotted and sliced him, I also worked on sharper angles with the forehand.

I haven't hit with any super hard bangers yet, and that is what I am looking forward to. A lot of the guys at my club do not hit that hard, I probably am one of the harder hitters at my club, so that means I am providing the pace a lot - that can mean UE's. So I am focusing more and more on setting up and stepping into the shot with a relaxed swing. Once I get some pace thrown at me, I think the Prestige will shine because it handles serves so much better than any racquet. Returning is really fun with it.
 

PED

Legend
^^PP, another thing you might be benefiting from is going from the SW of the pstgt to the YT mid. It's not that big a difference in numbers (333 vs 329) but the Mid comes around so much faster.

I played with the pst for 18 months and loved it but when I moved to the mg Pres Pro, my stick speed was so fast because I was used to the PST.

Have fun with and be careful with the wrist. A 5.5 buddy of mine is a teaching pro and he used the yt mid for six months before swapping because of wrist pain. The fact that he was stringing 16g poly at 61lbs on a constant pull machine might have something to do with it as well.

Regarding your multi tension, I used FXP at 57/55 on a constant pull which would probably translate to 62/60 on your drop weight FWIW. That was a nice setup.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yep good stuff. the mid is actually more like 323 SW. TW is rarely correct on their swingweights. The SW of the PSTGT is close though..right around 331. I do like the 320 SW right now, and I agree that is real easy to whip around.

FXP tension sounds good to try out. If I stick with the Prestige and buy 2, I am going to try FXP in my backup since everyone seems to like it a lot.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Good stuff hearing about how you're digging the Mid PP. Sorry to hear about the wrist flaring up on you. I have to be pretty careful with a bad knee and ankle.

Ross's description of "Nirvana" when bashing away with the mid is absolutely on the spot. There is nothing else that can compare with it. When you set up, explode through the shot and see it paint the line for a winner, oh man.

A quick question for everyone re string tension....I've been at 60 lbs full poly forever but I've decided to try out a lower tensions. Is there going to be a significant enough difference between 60 and 57 or would I be better off going all the way to 55?
 

pyrokid

Hall of Fame
Completely random Q here, but this is something I noticed a while ago and never remembered to ask anyone...

Does anyone else notice a lack of feel when they start adding a decent amount of lead on their stick? I've noticed I actually really like the vibe I don't get with more than about 5 grams of lead on a racquet hoop...

Now, onto the mid discussion...
I really loved low tensions in all mids. Especially the PresMid... The dampened feel of both together was immaculate. Helps on punch, love the feel, gives you more spin... Basically, it made up for all the stuff mids characteristically lack and let you keep the great feel. I woulda stuck with some combo like this if the weight wasn't such a turn-off for me.
Also, try some weight at the 7" mark... It didn't always feel great, but on some racquets it was just amazing.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Completely random Q here, but this is something I noticed a while ago and never remembered to ask anyone...

Does anyone else notice a lack of feel when they start adding a decent amount of lead on their stick? I've noticed I actually really like the vibe I don't get with more than about 5 grams of lead on a racquet hoop...

Now, onto the mid discussion...
I really loved low tensions in all mids. Especially the PresMid... The dampened feel of both together was immaculate. Helps on punch, love the feel, gives you more spin... Basically, it made up for all the stuff mids characteristically lack and let you keep the great feel. I woulda stuck with some combo like this if the weight wasn't such a turn-off for me.
Also, try some weight at the 7" mark... It didn't always feel great, but on some racquets it was just amazing.

I kinda feel you here (pun not intended). Whenever I've added a bunch of lead, something just feels a little off and the lead has come off. A touch of lead at 12 has been the only thing that's ever been ok, but I've only done it on a couple of frames (PSL). Someone told me lead in the throat area is sometimes best in terms of adding plow and such but not affecting overall feel/balance of the racquet, but I've never tried it. Pyro, what kind of lead setup is on your Rads? And you use the Ti version, correct?
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
So a racquetholic walks into a tennis tournament...

Discovers the TW tent, otherwise known as Narnia. ...

Chats up a few chaps, including the rep from a certain line...

Racquetholic goes out to the demo court, tries a couple new frames he's never tried before. You know, just for the heck of it.

One of them hits lasers. Slices lasers. Everything is lasers.

Racquetholic is told he can get said laser maker at $10 off, and with a free string job (done on the spot, with decent poly string). Also, a free String Thing device.

Racquetholic thinks 'come on, don't be crazy, not another frame. There's already a small orphanage at home and a used PK Ace on the way!' And he leaves the tent.

Walking away, he then remembers he's been carrying around a $150 TW gift card in his wallet for months. This would cover all but about $10 of the cost.

He stops, he pivots...
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
A hint: it's a wee-bit ugly, though I do find a certain charm in its ugliness. And its made from bits of real panther. Or shark.

Or something like that.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Indeed. The 200 Lite. I've never liked Dunlops but this frame felt different than all the ones I've tried in the past. And it just comes through the ball in a much fuller and heavier way than the 'lite' designation would lead you to believe.

Haven't played with it against anyone yet. And the used Ace Mid arrived yesterday and is currently at the shop getting freshly strung. Let the battle commence.

Of course, I'll probably end up playing with with the Dunlop for two weeks, realizing its faults and then selling it, but at the time my mind was fuzzy and happy and ever inspired from those lasers (I really was hitting some crazy mean balls, right off the bat with no warm up), the beautiful Indian Wells setting and the post-match, autographed tennis ball that Francesca Schiavone hit up into the stands and into my hands.
 

Ross K

Legend
ry,

It's all so personal and subjective, but on tensions in the Pres mid, you know I'm fully with pyro. I went to 50 lbs, I think, eventually w/ full poly. I felt I got added oomph and spin, and a flexier feel. Tornado was my stand-out experience with this frame string-wise. I also settled on a small amount of lead @ 12. I would maybe go 55s myself, but it's your call.


JG,

So a racketaholic walks into a tennis tournament eh?... ha, ha! :lol: ... do fill us in on the Dunlop and how you come to find it - it's not one I know of at all.


Everyone,

I know that this is pretty close to actually letting myself drop down on to the slippery slope of racketaholic abuse, but I'm taking another look at the PC+ Swirly today :eek: ... well, those PPs of mine are still not back, and for a tennis bum like me who has a certain history with Babolat frames, to have only just had his first ever hit with the esteemed Swirly, well, pardon me if I just have another session ;-) . As I said earlier, it's an outstanding frame imo and you can see why it's proved so popular among the pros over the years. I'll also add that, with the exception of the YTPP, I've found this year long (around a year) delve into easier to swing, lighter frames to consistently flag up an issue - yes, they play well in terms of swing ease, but the feel is never as solid, certain, dependable and rich.

Happy hitting today, gents.


R.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
That dunny looks pretty sweet actually, maybe like an open rad mp. Black overgrip is a must lol.
57ra? Does it feel that soft.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
ry,

It's all so personal and subjective, but on tensions in the Pres mid, you know I'm fully with pyro. I went to 50 lbs, I think, eventually w/ full poly. I felt I got added oomph and spin, and a flexier feel. Tornado was my stand-out experience with this frame string-wise. I also settled on a small amount of lead @ 12. I would maybe go 55s myself, but it's your call.


JG,

So a racketaholic walks into a tennis tournament eh?... ha, ha! :lol: ... do fill us in on the Dunlop and how you come to find it - it's not one I know of at all.


Everyone,

I know that this is pretty close to actually letting myself drop down on to the slippery slope of racketaholic abuse, but I'm taking another look at the PC+ Swirly today :eek: ... well, those PPs of mine are still not back, and for a tennis bum like me who has a certain history with Babolat frames, to have only just had his first ever hit with the esteemed Swirly, well, pardon me if I just have another session ;-) . As I said earlier, it's an outstanding frame imo and you can see why it's proved so popular among the pros over the years. I'll also add that, with the exception of the YTPP, I've found this year long (around a year) delve into easier to swing, lighter frames to consistently flag up an issue - yes, they play well in terms of swing ease, but the feel is never as solid, certain, dependable and rich.

Happy hitting today, gents.


R.

I was beginning to wonder if this "my sticks are at the shop" business was all a front for you falling back off the wagon.

Not criticizing, of course, for I am you.

Sidenote to my own -holism: I'm just happy to be back in it at all. Played my first match back and the pain in the knee still hasn't returned. A little soreness, which is a bit weird, but nothing debilitating and, of course, my league match return ended up being a three-setter that went more than two hours.

Another sidenote: I'm probably gonna head back to IW tomorrow - really want to see the Raonic-Harrison match. Thankfully I no longer have a TW gift card in pocket. Dangerous things, those gift cards. And paypal accounts.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Gads, I am super jealous you are at IW. Palm Springs Cali and tennis superstar matches is tough to top.

A couple TW guys out here bought that Dunlop stick as well. PJ is a 10/10. I used the Dunlop 200 for a long time, and believe it or not I have pretty much moved on even though I love the feel of their racquets. Main reason was that the racquets can be tiring for me since I use a lot of spin. I am not a moonballer, but I hit with a lot of topspin as it is and they either tired me out (the 200) or were underpowered in a bad way (the 300T). It will be intersting to read your experience with the lite since we all are demoing similar racquets.

I did pull the trigger and purchase a yt prestige mid today since I want to string it up with poly and see how it goes. I had 2 new ones weighed with plastic wrap, dampener attached..one was 336 grams and one was 340, so i bought the one that weighed 336, which should be about right on spec.
 

pyrokid

Hall of Fame
I kinda feel you here (pun not intended). Whenever I've added a bunch of lead, something just feels a little off and the lead has come off. A touch of lead at 12 has been the only thing that's ever been ok, but I've only done it on a couple of frames (PSL). Someone told me lead in the throat area is sometimes best in terms of adding plow and such but not affecting overall feel/balance of the racquet, but I've never tried it. Pyro, what kind of lead setup is on your Rads? And you use the Ti version, correct?

Yeah, I noticed that too... Lead at the tip does it less.
I have a bit of lead at the very tip (about 5 grams, nothing serious) a leather grip, and about 5-10g silicone in the handle depending on how weird the stock balance was.
I do use they Ti. version.
It just feels more 'raw' with the lead off. There's a lot more vibration, but it can actually be kinda nice...
Never tried lead in the throat. Well, I did once, and hated it, So never again.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
ross..I would be interested in your comparison between the feel of the pure control vs the prestige when you crush a winner.

The Prestige is the most rewarding stick for me personally, but the pstgt is right next to it.

Maybe a new factor in this whole racquetaholic thing is addiction. What racquet makes you want to play every freaking day of the week because you can work on every stroke in your arsenal since it is so rewarding. That would be the former 2 I mentioned. Interesting that ross may feel the same about the prestige pro and the pure control 2 very very similar sticks.

I never felt that addiction with the apdc. Just felt it made the game easier since I was being lazy..now that I am in better shape, my only addiction is to get better and enjoy myself in the process. Hitting the sweet spot with a mid is insanely fulfilling for this. The prestige may have the best feeling sweet spot of any stick, and I was using one with crappy string.
 

PED

Legend
While I was watching Rafa play Sweeting last night and they were both using apds, I thought, they sure are lazy. Rafa needs to move to a mid...:)

All kidding aside, I know what you mean, the Mid is rewarding to play with.

Excel power is nice in there as well but quite pricey
 
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Meaghan

Hall of Fame
While I was watching Rafa play Sweeting last night and they were both using apds, I thought, they sure are lazy. Rafa needs to move to a mid...:)

All kidding aside, I know what you mean, the Mid is rewarding to play with.

Excel power is nice in there as well but quite pricey

That shows how sleepy i was i thought he was using an aero storm doh :)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Haha..yeah Rafa with a mid would be funny. I should rephrase that I get lazy with a tweener sometimes because it makes the baseline game easier. You don't need a full shoulder turn or to step into the ball to crush it. I actually think tweeners set me back a half year because I did not work on technique much at all. It was super fun, but my inconsistency got to me, and thats about when I went back to the players sticks.
 

PED

Legend
Haha..yeah Rafa with a mid would be funny. I should rephrase that I get lazy with a tweener sometimes because it makes the baseline game easier. You don't need a full shoulder turn or to step into the ball to crush it. I actually think tweeners set me back a half year because I did not work on technique much at all. It was super fun, but my inconsistency got to me, and thats about when I went back to the players sticks.

I knew what you meant, I couldn't resist messing with you. :)

You are correct, the tweener will let you get away with a lack of discipline. I really like it for defensive shots when you can make "something out of nothing"

with the mid, you'd better be set up or else.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Truth.

But from this I have been developing a squash shot for such occasions. Really effective little shot with the mid. We shall see how it goes..I have some 18 gauge Hexonic coming for a full job..that could be really enjoyable :)

Hyperion will be purchashed next.
 

Ross K

Legend
"Houston, we have a problem..."


IMG_4388.jpg



:)






R.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Greeting, Holics. Holed up in a cheap motel in Palm springs before making the drive back tomorrow. What a great day of tennis. Watched the epic Harrison-Raonic match from the third row behind the baseline. Saw Nadal on a small court (doubles), such a rate opportunity. Revisited the TW tent and demo court - JUST FOR FUN, no racquets purchased. Hit a bit with the Dunlop 200 (fantastic feel, but I could do more with the Lite), 300 Tour (fun, but 'meh'), Volkl Organix 10 325 (sluggish, same Volkl flex that I just can't get along with).

PP: I string my Prestige mid with Cyclone 17 at 57 or 58, and it seems just right)

Ross: that's a new frame there. Is it yours? Or just a pic? An absolute beauty, though. Wish I could hit with one one day.

Anyway, too tired to type more at the moment. Sweet, sweet day in the desert.
 

Ross K

Legend
"Houston, we have a problem..."


IMG_4388.jpg



:)






R.

Diary readers and contributors,

Yesterday I played my TGK PP for a set and a set with my PC+. A little bit alarmingly, I seemed to play better (certainly re comparative set score-lines) with the Swirly Bab. I'd break it down thus...

TGK/YTPP swings notably sweeter (like all the Prestiges I've ever hit seem to), easier to maneuver, more precision, better control, equal in pop, more all court a bit; whereas the PC+ Swirly is just more b-line basher geared, much more spinny serve (like the kicker here) and lovely spin-laden groundies that drop in with wonderful consistency, more forgiving, and there's a distinctive heaviness of ball (like I've found with XL size racks previously.) Now, I'm not going to go crazy, but I need to work some of this out...

I actually MUST play the PP with Solinco Tour Bite because this stuff absolutely rocks and rolls like a young Elvis singing with Jimi Hendrix backing up on guitar and with Keith Moon behind on drums in the PC+! :) ... yep, the PC+ with Sol/ TB is one heck of a combo...

Also, I've got to consider the + size factor... I do seem to benefit from the added oomph on bh and serve - and this has long been the case - but can I deal with those attendant 'cons'?...

And the heft of the Swirly + is apparent... although I've struggled to find a definitive specs list, I can tell there's some SW/static weight here!... very interestingly, the frame slightly reminds me of the PT630, RD7, PSC 6.1 and Reb 95... nearly all of which are some of my GOAT frames, and nearly all of which I've shied away from in search of easier, lighter rackets... but here's the paradox - these all have the kind of solid feel and hit the kind of ball I like best!

I must also flag the sweet swinging, whippy nature of the PP... it's perhaps it's biggest selling point to me and, no qsn, the PC+ is far more tank-like and clubby...

Hmmm... can't deny it though, despite being a tiny bit lumbering on occasions... and if my feet were a tiny bit out, wo - that ball was rocketing to some weird places!... but, the PC+ has a real beefy b-line authority and spinny consistency, a marvelous crushing feel, and that something indescribably unique - that x factor, if you will - that I seem to respond well to.

So... I need to get my 'thinking cap' on and test these 2 out a bit more, I think... "Shakes head!" .).



R.

 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Man I am totally envious of that day.
I got to hit with a donnay blue 99 and a pstgt today. Man the pstgt is a smoooth feeling racquet, I cannot believe it is a bab.
 

retlod

Professional
I also hit the demo court at the IWTG a few days back, but I found nothing but frustration. No grips big enough for me and all strings too loose. The IGE Pro I hit with felt like it had good weighting and balance, but it's strings felt like they were at about 40 lbs.
 

Ross K

Legend
ross..I would be interested in your comparison between the feel of the pure control vs the prestige when you crush a winner.
.

Prestige has such a CLEAN and EFFORTLESS feeling; whereas the Pure Control Swirly has a more CRUSHING and KABOOMING feel.:)... hard to put into words - I'll have to thnk about this more PP, and get back to you.:wink:


R.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
That dunny looks pretty sweet actually, maybe like an open rad mp. Black overgrip is a must lol.
57ra? Does it feel that soft.

Just got back from the trip and didn't see this before. (thought about staying for tonight's Harrison-Fed match, but at some point, one must get back to reality and work, plus the affordable seats at the IW main stadium are Arthur Ashe-like in their awfulness; it's all about the smaller courts)...

Anyway, pertaining to the Lite: Black overgrip was slapped on immediately (great minds...). With the Black Widow poly string that was put in there, and a Happy Face dampener to match the yellow of the frame, the thing is bordering on looking kind of sweet, albeit in a very weird way. And it definitely feels like a solid hit -- 57 stiffness seems low, like others have said. To me it felt 61ish with multi on the demo court, but will be interested to see how the poly strings change it (Black Widow is supposedly a soft feeling poly, so we'll see how I like it). ...

And before I got back, I picked up my freshly strung (NXT Tour 17) Black Ace. Should be a fun back-and-forth between these two frames.

Other things I personally like about the D200 Lite: Great string pattern for me in that it's pretty closed for a 16x19 around dead center, then opens up towards the sides and slightly at the top, which is where you sometimes make contact on spinnier kinds of strokes like the topspin forehand and kick serve. So hopefully that gives me some good results and variety. Felt extremely controlled on that demo court where rally balls went mid-deep and then every time I went for a ripper, I was clipping lines. Felt like the perfect power range, which is what I also found with the Black Ace. Also handled high balls extremely well when I chopped down with BH slices or went over the top with high topspin returns. So we'll see if this odd looking thing is a keeper or a Honeymooner. Same for the Ace. (still a little more excited about the buttery Ace than the Dunlop, but the comparison should be fun)

I have a PC + Swirly -- 4 5/8 grip, excellent condition (original owner).

Please contact me if interested. Thanks.

Congratulations, your hands are too big.

And question for anyone: was the regular Pure Control as highly touted as the Pure Control +? And was the Pure Control basically the precursor to the Pure Storm Ltd.?
 

PED

Legend
^^^And question for anyone: was the regular Pure Control as highly touted as the Pure Control +? And was the Pure Control basically the precursor to the Pure Storm Ltd.?[/QUOTE]




I think the pure storm tour is a more natural descendant of the PC:

It's a big static weight wielded by big men hitting a big ball :)

The feel is quite nice on the pst but the psl is even more exquisite; the trade off is that the psl doesn't have the "balls" of the pst.
 

Ross K

Legend
Okay fellas, got to be honest, all day it's been like... I've got...

robert_johnson.jpg


I mean, who am I kidding that I'll be able to smoothly throw about a frame that's 12.3 ounces / 349 grams and with a SW is 350 +, right ???... If there's one thought that worries the crapolla out of me, it's the thought of playing with my ex-coach... basically, with this hefty club I'm sure I'd be left floundering by the skilled, deft and swift strokes of such a seasoned higher level player.

However, despite the lack of it being a smooth, mega-quick swinging, whippy kind of racket, it just hits so consistent a heavy spinny ball, and my one major drawback all along with the PPs has been the so-so degree of spin, and to a slightly lesser extent, the heaviness of ball.

So what do I do here?... keep testing out the PC+ until I get spanked good and proper and come to my senses?... stick with the PPs and try out something else (like Solinco Tour Bite!) for that topspinny heavy ball?... go back and relook at the APD and TF 320?... both of which provide ample kaboom and spin...???

Oh man...

"I woke up this mornin' with the blues walkin' round like a man,
I woke up this mornin' with the blues walkin' round like a man,
These racketaholic ways are gonna be my ruin,
It's tearing me up like nothin' else can"...

Racketaholic Blues - Blind Lemon Ross





:roll:
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Okay fellas, got to be honest, all day it's been like... I've got...

robert_johnson.jpg


I mean, who am I kidding that I'll be able to smoothly throw about a frame that's 12.3 ounces / 349 grams and with a SW is 350 +, right ???... If there's one thought that worries the crapolla out of me, it's the thought of playing with my ex-coach... basically, with this hefty club I'm sure I'd be left floundering by the skilled, deft and swift strokes of such a seasoned higher level player.

However, despite the lack of it being a smooth, mega-quick swinging, whippy kind of racket, it just hits so consistent a heavy spinny ball, and my one major drawback all along with the PPs has been the so-so degree of spin, and to a slightly lesser extent, the heaviness of ball.

So what do I do here?... keep testing out the PC+ until I get spanked good and proper and come to my senses?... stick with the PPs and try out something else (like Solinco Tour Bite!) for that topspinny heavy ball?... go back and relook at the APD and TF 320?... both of which provide ample kaboom and spin...???

Oh man...

"I woke up this mornin' with the blues walkin' round like a man,
I woke up this mornin' with the blues walkin' round like a man,
These racketaholic ways are gonna be my ruin,
It's tearing me up like nothin' else can"...

Racketaholic Blues - Blind Lemon Ross





:roll:

Oh Ross. My vote is to not go back to the TF or APD -- usually when I 'recheck' an old frame, I only 'relearn' what it is that made me put it down in the first place. If you're only successful with a frame, keep hitting with it until you're not successful. I'd say keep with the Swirly for now, but you're probably on Honeymoon Island right now. Sounded like you'd achieved a bit more than just a HM with the Prestige Pros. So toss in a spin string and keep with it. My .02.
 

Ross K

Legend
JG,

Oh Ross. My vote is to not go back to the TF or APD -- usually when I 'recheck' an old frame, I only 'relearn' what it is that made me put it down in the first place. If you're only successful with a frame, keep hitting with it until you're not successful. I'd say keep with the Swirly for now, but you're probably on Honeymoon Island right now. Sounded like you'd achieved a bit more than just a HM with the Prestige Pros. So toss in a spin string and keep with it. My .02.

Well said. Good points. And re tossing in a spin string (though I'd argue this is what I always put in), it's one that did occur to me earlier, just prior to finishing off the bottle of Bourbon, heading off to the crossroads, taking a walk with the devil, and returning with some bad ass Gibson L-1 guitar! :) ... So, as Tour Bite is just blowing me away in the PC+ Swirly, I'm keen to now see what happens with it in the PP.:wink: Saying that, my TGK has barely played Typhoon in it, and the retail has equally hardly played at all Tornado... I obviously need to hit some with these.


R.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
^^
Yeah, break-in period is sometimes needed before strings get to their sweetness. Speaking of strings, since I have another used Black Ace Mid on the way, when it arrives I'm going to experiment with it and throw a poly in there at a very low tension to compare it side-by-side with the synthetic gut at mid tension (the recipe I loved in the demo, so I replicated it). Control-oriented 18/20s are sometimes capable of these more extreme string experiments. The PSL, for example, is pretty delightful and often very surprising at low tensions, putting really nice action on the ball.

Meanwhile, regarding PED's, Kennedy's and PP's love of the Pure Storm Tour, I'm so frustrated by it. While the PSL remains one of my GOATs, both times I tried the PST I had immediately bad results and put it down quickly. The love that you respected TWers keep giving it makes me feel like there's a club I just can't get into, or a drug I just can't seem to feel the effects of, like everyone else. So basically, like high school.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
I was shocked by this pstgt. Particularly the butter factor. Just not what I expected from woofers, poly and babs. This thing makes the prestige mp feel like a tin can!
I had a brief hit with an older one a long time ago, and wasnt into it, I also hit a plus version once that had a creaky butt and I dismissed it as a twangy log.
I was so gacked to hit the donnay blue 99 but the pstgt was killing it.
It was such a weird counterargument to my extreme. The extreme patches up my weaknesses and slightly dulls my weapons and the pstgt enhances my weapons but no free lunch.

It is a tough call. I really liked the IG speed 16x19 too, phenomenal kick serve stick, but not a plow thru style stick for the one hander.

I have a match on Monday vs Karlovic, I am tempted to show up with a pstgt!
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Pstgt feel is incredible. I like the Prestige as well..they are different.PSTGT is a muted plush frame. The Prestige is a crisp plush frame. I would say the pure storm is not string sensitive at all and the prestige is.

Fed, if you liked the power of the extreme, then the pstgt is definitely going to give you some beef. You can play 80% power shots the whole match and win with heaviness and precision, my problem is I sometimes i have trouble doing that in a match situation.

Ross, if you are not hitting heavy with the prestige yet, I think you have answered your own question. The appeal of the prestige for me is that I can grow into the stick. I did not hit heavy shots with mid that often at first, but the second outing I had more, and the third I had the most. The pure control and the pure storm gives you a lot of free power, but once you figure out how to get it on your own, sometimes that works against you with UEs.

Like I said they are both so good that I am just going to have 2 of both and see what happens. I am going to ride the Prestige for a while because it is easier for me to play consistently with. I love the mid..its so freaking fun to hit with. Like you guys were saying earlier,when you hit clean bomb with the prestige the feel is pretty much untouchable.
 

Ross K

Legend
Ross, if you are not hitting heavy with the prestige yet, I think you have answered your own question. The appeal of the prestige for me is that I can grow into the stick. I did not hit heavy shots with mid that often at first, but the second outing I had more, and the third I had the most. The pure control and the pure storm gives you a lot of free power, but once you figure out how to get it on your own, sometimes that works against you with UEs.

Like I said they are both so good that I am just going to have 2 of both and see what happens.

Yes, I need to chill a bit here and definitely put the ol' guitar down and stop with the follow up to Racketaholic Blues!:roll: Ahem...

It isn't actually that I'm hitting a lot less heavy with the PP (specially the TGK which has a bit more lead @ 12), it's a bit less heavy, but more importantly to me, it's quite a lot less spinny. As others have commented, the YTPPs aren't that open re pattern etc, and one of my biggies is a preference for overt spin capability, ie why I've previously favored racks such as the APD. Also, having played the PP a few months now, and contrasting it to the PC+, for me, the former is just a bit more all court re performance, whereas the latter is geared to the b-line game. IMO there is zero in it re serve pop... the PP is a tad more precise and whippy and I pefer it slightly on flat 1sts; the PC+ is more spinny and I like lots for the kicker 2nd. And I may as well add, both have a very special solid, distinctive, quality feel.

Like you then, I'm going to compare the 2 together for a while and see what the heck occurs to me... and both with Sol/ TB in them - which should take out a variable, at least.

Although... (close your ears, JG! :wink: )... I'm also aware that I was pretty happy with the APD and know it to suit my game; and with the TF 320 too, I thought it was an interesting rack in a very similar vein to the APD... hence my down mood yesterday at the escalating possibilities.

But... hey... it's okay... I'm chilled... really... :lol:


R.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Pstgt feel is incredible. I like the Prestige as well..they are different.PSTGT is a muted plush frame. The Prestige is a crisp plush frame. I would say the pure storm is not string sensitive at all and the prestige is.

Fed, if you liked the power of the extreme, then the pstgt is definitely going to give you some beef.

Amen. I love free power. (Hence the extreme) Maybe it was just my berdywhite GHOAT
but I think I was hitting my FH bigger and more relaxed than I ever have today with the pstgt. I was edging into 6.1 levels of pop but with more spin and comfort.

I'm getting one!

Thank you PP for the steer. I would never have looked at this rac otherwise.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Amen. I love free power. (Hence the extreme) Maybe it was just my berdywhite GHOAT
but I think I was hitting my FH bigger and more relaxed than I ever have today with the pstgt. I was edging into 6.1 levels of pop but with more spin and comfort.

I'm getting one!

Thank you PP for the steer. I would never have looked at this rac otherwise.

Craziness. CRAZINESS.

I guess it's a pretty good day in Racquetholic Country. I just got back from my first hit with my two newbies, the 200L and the Ace Mid. Played a guy I lost to in league four days ago (with my Prestige Mid in hand) in a heartbreaker, 6-7, 6-2, 4-6 (it was my first match back from the knee injury, and I blew a 40-0 lead serving at 5-4 in that first set; yeah, kill me).

Today I rolled through a comfy first 6-2 first-set win with the 200L in hand, got broken to open the second and switched to the Ace Mid (this was a friendly, so I felt free to dabble), and at 1-4 in the set I switched back to the 200L but lost the second set 2-6, never getting comfy. Third set was a 6-3 win with the 200L.

Basically, the difference today was that I lost only one service game (that opening game of the second set) with the 200L in my hand. I was really loving this thing on serve -- my first-ever service point with the thing was an Ace up the T to open the match (well, how do you do?), and while it was mostly service winners from then on (due to my opponent's lanky 6-3 or 6-4 frame), what really stood out was the kicker second. I double-faulted maybe three times all match with the thing, and that was with me going after the kicker rather than being conservative. The ball was shooting up, giving him fits despite his size, and I got more service winners off my kicker than even my first serve, probably. A delightful feeling. Also impressive: I use mainly a two-hand backhand while occasionally going to the one, and today I went with the one three different occasions and ripped winners each time. So I'm going to be incorporating that a bit more, for sure. ....

Overall, the Ace didn't really get a fair shake because by the time I was getting used to its more head-heavy balance, I felt compelled to go back to the 200 because, well, I wanted to win and was playing better with it and wanted to get used to it again before the probable third set.

Aside from the overgrip, played it stock and I do feel that with a touch of lead at 12 (sometimes the racquet was just too quick, and I was early on some serves that hit the top of the bed and died) and maybe just a touch more elsewhere that it has really, really nice potential.

Have a league match tomorrow or Saturday and the Lite will be in hand. Very positive first outing.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Fed..awesome man..I am glad you like the pure storm. It really is a special racquet, and I think there is a reason it's catching on with more pros.

I was talking with Bad Call about this and since I'm strong but only 170#s, I think that is why I am feeling the lower SW of the Prestige. It is just a little easier to get around, but the pure storm is still racquet B..I just want to see how well I can do with the Prestige and I know if I start to suck, the pstgt is right there. To be honest though, I find the pure storm a little more demanding in some ways, as bizarre as that sounds.

Anyway, I am still sick but I went out there and played. I wanted to sweat it out. The Prestige is strung with 18 gauge Hexonic at around 55#s. Wow was that a game changer. It is now set up to crush. I hit just as hard as I have with the pstgt, the difference is that I can dial it up to 100 when I need and keep it in the court. I am getting heavy heavy spin with the 18 gauge poly and gorgeous control on touch shots. Sweet spot winners felt incredible. It is simply easier for me to generate massive racquet head speed now. That whistle--Thwack is a beautiful sound.

What I like a lot too is that the Prestige feels right in my hand..super easy to maneuver however I want. Honestly barely shanked all night as well. Just need to keep dialing in the 2handed backhand a little more and by then my wrist will be 100% for the pleasure of serve practice.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Fed..awesome man..I am glad you like the pure storm. It really is a special racquet, and I think there is a reason it's catching on with more pros.

I was talking with Bad Call about this and since I'm strong but only 170#s, I think that is why I am feeling the lower SW of the Prestige. It is just a little easier to get around, but the pure storm is still racquet B..I just want to see how well I can do with the Prestige and I know if I start to suck, the pstgt is right there. To be honest though, I find the pure storm a little more demanding in some ways, as bizarre as that sounds.

Anyway, I am still sick but I went out there and played. I wanted to sweat it out. The Prestige is strung with 18 gauge Hexonic at around 55#s. Wow was that a game changer. It is now set up to crush. I hit just as hard as I have with the pstgt, the difference is that I can dial it up to 100 when I need and keep it in the court. I am getting heavy heavy spin with the 18 gauge poly and gorgeous control on touch shots. Sweet spot winners felt incredible. It is simply easier for me to generate massive racquet head speed now. That whistle--Thwack is a beautiful sound.

What I like a lot too is that the Prestige feels right in my hand..super easy to maneuver however I want. Honestly barely shanked all night as well. Just need to keep dialing in the 2handed backhand a little more and by then my wrist will be 100% for the pleasure of serve practice.

I love the whistle from the CAPs. Truly unique to the prestige.

I can totally support that. It just feels right and almost effortless to play with. I was pretty sure that once you got some full poly in there that you would be thrilled with it.
 

Ross K

Legend
Fed,

What IYO are the ways in which maybe the PSTGT trumps the YTEP, and/or the other way around?


PP,

Nice going there... totally agree and have said for many, many moons, the thing that really distinguishes the Pres mid is the fantastic balance and weighting and mega-sweet way of swinging. No doubt about it, in terms of pure aesthetic pleasure, swinging it is one of the real joys of tennis/rackets IMO... BTW let us know how it goes dialing that bh side wing in... TBH, I always struggled a bit here, and this was in fact one of the major pointers that perhaps I'd be better off with a more forgiving head-size/frame.


All,

Re my own little present racketaholic crisis, in the next few weeks, I'm almost certainly going to be looking at/relooking at the PC+, TF 320 and PP... and there's also an argument for the APD - however, I know from experience that that is undoubtedly the hardest for me to 'dip into' and get an accurate impression (beam, throat factors, etc), and here's another thing...

Any of you ever do anything like this?...

:idea: For ages I've had this little method when assessing frames of ascribing categories (spin, oomph, serve, bh, feel, etc), and then giving to each category a sliding no. of points for the corresponding frames... basically, I was surprised when I did this yesterday to discover, in order of 1st place to last, the eventual positions were: 1. the TF, 2. was the PC+, 3. was the PP, and 4. was the APD... Obviously this is all theoretical and flawed no doubt in other ways, nonetheles though, interesting, and kind of fun too in that slightly geeky, obsessive, addictive, racketaholic, tennis bum sort of a way!:grin:

Anyhow, among the racketaholic fundamentals I'm again (oh boy!) having to contemplate are...

Super-quick, lighter, whippier frames VS more plowy, stable, heftier frames... this down to the fact that with the PC+ I do seem to hit a heavier, deeper, spinnier, and more consistent groundie... but it is undoubtedly harder to swing quick and smooth compared to something like the TF, and, besides, I thought I'd sworn off these hefty, albeit wonderful racks (a la RD7, PT 630, PSC 6.1 - all of which are slightly evoked when I think of the PC+)?!

Something else... this XL business... basically, I do seem to gel with plus-size frames; they definitely assist with beefing up my 2hbh and serve... I'm not the tallest either (5" 10"), so maybe I'm eminently suited... but a prominent factor here would be if it is indeed possible to have a plus-size frame that is also relatively whippy and easy to get around... or is that a contradiction in terms?

Happy hitting to anyone lucky enough to be at it today!



R.
 

retlod

Professional
I have two more "demos" on the way--a Volkl PB8 295 and a Prince O3 White Original. :)

All this talk of the Pure Storms has gotten me looking at them. That and the new PJ's are great. I have a funny feeling that the only one light enough for me to manage is the PSGT, not the Tour or the Ltd, even though they are more headlight (see frames that I like below). The balance of the PSGT has me worried, though, as I typically don't like more evenly balanced frames. I also know that specs can lie, so I'm wondering how closely these frames play to their specs; namely, does the PSGT feel evenly balanced and do the Tours really play so heavily?
 
Last edited:

JGads

G.O.A.T.
I have two more "demos" on the way--a Volkl PB8 295 and a Prince O3 White Original. :)

All this talk of the Pure Storms has gotten me looking at them. That and the new PJ's are great. I have a funny feeling that the only one light enough for me to manage is the PSGT, not the Tour or the Ltd, even though they are more headlight (see frames that I like below). The balance of the PSGT has me worried, though, as I typically don't like more evenly balanced frames. I also know that specs can lie, so I'm wondering how closely these frames play to their specs; namely, does the PSGT feel evenly balanced and do the Tours really play so heavily?

The newest Pure Storm Tour felt like a brick. So much so that I really thought I got a much-heavier-than-spec demo. And it's supposed to be the same racquet as the other one, just a paintjob. But compared to my Prestige Mid, I really felt weighed down by the newest PST. I should have weighed it... I think the frame both PP and Fed like is the last paintjob (but still GT). I wonder if there have been any other comparisons from the old to new PJ. Anyway, good luck.
 

Macro80

Rookie
I feel you Ross, I'm having my own crisis at e moment. Can't decide between 6.195 and the new Speed Pro. Also thinking about demoing the PP again. I've always felt the PP lacks a little pop, I love the IG Speed as it hits every shot but it is pretty stiff.


Fed,

What IYO are the ways in which maybe the PSTGT trumps the YTEP, and/or the other way around?


PP,

Nice going there... totally agree and have said for many, many moons, the thing that really distinguishes the Pres mid is the fantastic balance and weighting and mega-sweet way of swinging. No doubt about it, in terms of pure aesthetic pleasure, swinging it is one of the real joys of tennis/rackets IMO... BTW let us know how it goes dialing that bh side wing in... TBH, I always struggled a bit here, and this was in fact one of the major pointers that perhaps I'd be better off with a more forgiving head-size/frame.


All,

Re my own little present racketaholic crisis, in the next few weeks, I'm almost certainly going to be looking at/relooking at the PC+, TF 320 and PP... and there's also an argument for the APD - however, I know from experience that that is undoubtedly the hardest for me to 'dip into' and get an accurate impression (beam, throat factors, etc), and here's another thing...

Any of you ever do anything like this?...

:idea: For ages I've had this little method when assessing frames of ascribing categories (spin, oomph, serve, bh, feel, etc), and then giving to each category a sliding no. of points for the corresponding frames... basically, I was surprised when I did this yesterday to discover, in order of 1st place to last, the eventual positions were: 1. the TF, 2. was the PC+, 3. was the PP, and 4. was the APD... Obviously this is all theoretical and flawed no doubt in other ways, nonetheles though, interesting, and kind of fun too in that slightly geeky, obsessive, addictive, racketaholic, tennis bum sort of a way!:grin:

Anyhow, among the racketaholic fundamentals I'm again (oh boy!) having to contemplate are...

Super-quick, lighter, whippier frames VS more plowy, stable, heftier frames... this down to the fact that with the PC+ I do seem to hit a heavier, deeper, spinnier, and more consistent groundie... but it is undoubtedly harder to swing quick and smooth compared to something like the TF, and, besides, I thought I'd sworn off these hefty, albeit wonderful racks (a la RD7, PT 630, PSC 6.1 - all of which are slightly evoked when I think of the PC+)?!

Something else... this XL business... basically, I do seem to gel with plus-size frames; they definitely assist with beefing up my 2hbh and serve... I'm not the tallest either (5" 10"), so maybe I'm eminently suited... but a prominent factor here would be if it is indeed possible to have a plus-size frame that is also relatively whippy and easy to get around... or is that a contradiction in terms?

Happy hitting to anyone lucky enough to be at it today!



R.
 
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