Diary of a Racketaholic

TW should include an FYP rating on the power map.

LASER. SHOW.

Holy Good God, I'm back from my evening. It went like this:

Got out to the courts early to work on serves. I was just like Sergento's Hemingway, only younger and without the beard and with, um, three racquets instead of one. (during that [beautiful] story I visualized myself being that man years into the future, only I'll have about seven sticks to go with my plastic bag of balls).

Serves: With James (the Dual Pro), it was tape city. I couldn't stop hitting the tape. So many adjustments, always the darn tape. With the Ace, usual goodness. Sprinkled every corner of the box. But that's old news. 7G, greetings. Not only was I cracking them as good if not better than the Ace, but I took a piece of advice from the 7G thread -- someone spoke of choking up slightly on spin and kick serves. I tried this. And my kickers were dancing and the slices were skidding. Hmm...

Just hitting groundies off the ground, the feel of the Ace was superior to the 7G, but the feel of the 7G was good in a different way. Whereas the Ace is a full, solid, buttery piece of graphite that feels better on the hit than any stick out there (IMO), the 7G feels raw. Like an old-school Wilson. Nice.

So the 5.0-plus guy goats his way to my court, and I decide to keep the 7G in hand to start with, since switching to the XL in the middle of play would be weird; at least if I started with it I could get somewhat used to the feel of it with the initial rallying before we started up. So we started up.

And wow. There were some adjustment hiccups, some awkward jam shots that flew long, but the adjustment wasn't nearly as bad as I remembered from the last time I hit with this thing long ago, and those mishits really dissipated the longer I played. And the longer I played and the more comfy I got, the more I just started ripping the snot out of the ball. Was CRUSHING my first serves, and my second serve slices and kickers were freaking effortless and always had good pace. Both wings were solid on groundies, my forehand about the same lasery self as it is with the Ace but my backhand, at least tonight, was just totally on point. I was ripping the two-hander cross court. Before I knew it, I was in a first-set tiebreak with the guy. Lost the tiebreak. But felt great.

Second set, I'm supposed to switch to the Ace. I can't. I tell myself, just a few more games, then the switch. I'm serving lights out. In one game I even dig myself out of a 0-40 hole with a string of aces and service winners that save me. At 3-all, I tell myself I'm switching at the changeover. Gotta compare. I'm a racquetholic and I've got a league match tomorrow and I need to figure out what I'm using for that. But then I have another great service game to go up 4-3. I sit on the bench. And I can't. "Next changeover," I say. And then, suddenly, I break the guy, doing so by scooping a running forehand squash shot just inches off the ground that somehow skids its way over the net, past the lunging goat at the net, and lands right on the line for one of the most insane passing-shot winners I've hit in a while. And then I go rip city on serves again to close out a 6-3 set win.

And unfortunately, the guy had to go, couldn't play a third, so my whole "compare this to the Ace" idea totally blew up, but it's a good problem because it was created by an absolutely stellar night of hitting. The 7G wowed me tonight. Honeymoon, hello.

I think I'm headed for an all-out ProKennex battle here. 7G vs. the Ace. The absolute scalpel-precision and sublime feel of the Ace vs. the bludgeoning 7G. Right now, the forehand (because of consistency) and feel is on the Ace's side, the backhand and serve is in the 7G's corner. I double-faulted only once in the two sets (usually I'm good for at least five) and the backhand (both slices and rippers) were superb.

I had 3g of lead at the tip. And I'm hereby naming the 7G LaserShow, for this stick cracks like Dustin Pedroia's bat - making smaller guys play bigger - and also shares some of the Red Sox colors.

Fun, fun night. And yet more praise for this 7G.

Avadia said:

I am curious if any of you guys have compared the 7G to the Ionic Ki 5X? The specs are virtually identical, and I am wondering if the Ionic is just the 7G in a different pj or if they actually have a different feel. I hit some more with the 7G today and was appreciating its qualities a little more than when I hit with it last week. I still like the heavier power I get from the Ki 5 PSE, but I am beginning to appreciate the ease and control of the 7G. Unfortunately, the demos went back to TW today so that is all I get to hit with it.

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Don't worry, 7G is better than the 5X. Tried the 5X once in a demo batch, hated it. Obviously, I feel very differently about the 7G.

Gads what a great review. The only way to test sticks is in matches IMO, and you seriously dove into the fire right there. Dear god man, I love it.

I'm rocking mine with lead in the tip as well still and it feels incredible. Did you have any timing issues? This racquet seems to get around faster for me then it's cousin the PSTGT, even with lead.

Great description on the feel..it definitely has that Wilson muted feel that feels incredible when you crush a forehand. I would agree that for serves and 2hbh, this racquet is super sick. I have not choked up at all on 2nd serve and I need to try that. I actually play so loose with this racquet that I grip it with my hand hanging off the butt end even though it's XL.

It's a pure pleasure to hit with the damn thing.

Do you have access to a scale? I am wondering what yours weighs. TW sent me one that is .2 ozs lighter than the 1st one I bought.

Welp, you guys suck, haha.

I went ahead and bought two of these, figured the resale value would be enough to justify the full on buy. But I cannot take all the raving you guys are doing, haha. It just sounds too great. I really hope I like this one too, I miss playing with an ugly racquet that nobody knows of a little bit...

From everyone's descriptions though, it seems perfect for me. Just hits an effortless big ball and lets me beat the crap out of any shot I want to and stay back at the baseline... A bigger hitting PSTGT. How do people think it compares to the PDR?

Real interested in your thoughts.

I think it compares real favorable to the PDR. Much more comfortable. If you want even more boom..just add 2-4 grams of lead at 12 and it will balance out a little more towards 7 pts HL or so.

Really excited for this one. Nobody's seems to be complaining about the extra mm either. I hope it's not too noticeable. I like the balance between 'Club' and 'scalpel' that I get with the PSTGT.

So it has a power level that's comparable to the PDR? Is the spin production up there too or is it lagging behind a little bit? I feel like it would have to be amazing with the absolutely whippy balance point... I'll have to try the extra bit of weight too, just to try and see what this is you've been raving about. Do I have to counterbalance any, or can I just slap some on the head and roll?

And has anyone tried leather on these?

No counterbalance needed. That is the beauty. It comes 9 pts HL stock so it is basically screaming for some lead. I personally do not think it needs leather.

Spin production is very very good, but I mentioned that if I can grab an extended APDC I would love to compare the 2. Just simply strategic at this point for me, going at it Gads style and doing matchplay only.

I am at 4 grams of lead at 12 and that is really awesome. You will bludgeon the ball and not have any real sluggishness.

I personally think the spin will be as good for you as the pstgt..but you will be in better shape to compare the 2.

Power Player said:

Gads what a great review. The only way to test sticks is in matches IMO, and you seriously dove into the fire right there. Dear god man, I love it.

I'm rocking mine with lead in the tip as well still and it feels incredible. Did you have any timing issues? This racquet seems to get around faster for me then it's cousin the PSTGT, even with lead.

Great description on the feel..it definitely has that Wilson muted feel that feels incredible when you crush a forehand. I would agree that for serves and 2hbh, this racquet is super sick. I have not choked up at all on 2nd serve and I need to try that. I actually play so loose with this racquet that I grip it with my hand hanging off the butt end even though it's XL.

It's a pure pleasure to hit with the damn thing.

Do you have access to a scale? I am wondering what yours weighs. TW sent me one that is .2 ozs lighter than the 1st one I bought.

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I have to get a digital scale. The one I have is total crap -- one of those cheap postal scales where a needle-thing drops down with the weight of the stick and bounces around, but the reading is never right and always 'over' what I know the weight is (because I compared once), so I'm still kind of estimating. That said, it appears my Ace, which with full poly and a dampener weighs about 11.9, and this 7G - with damp and the 3g of lead at 12 weighs about 12.0-12.1, as best as I can see. By the way, anyone know of a really good CHEAP digital scale out there? Tired of this cheapie thing.

Regarding maneuverability, I had no problem. It was the occasional "spacing" issue I had hiccups with, but not really getting the thing around. By contrast, to me the Pure Storm Tour - as you compared - always lagged just behind for me and I'd meet the ball too late too often. So to me this 7G, despite its length, is easier to whip. Guess it's a combo of the balance and slightly lower static weight. It's funny, though: when I was hitting a few drop-ball forehands out of the bucket yesterday before the guy arrived, it was ugly. Very ugly. I couldn't hit a rudimentary drop-ball forehand, and I thought, "Crap. This may not work." But then the guy shows up and I start rallying and immediately it's ok. So, in the swing of the match and with pace coming, timing is a breeze. And one of the things I really noticed last night was my ability to crack forehands to the left corner with aggression -- I have to admit I'm an inside-out fiend, I just love the shot and it usually goes to the player's backhand, so it makes sense. But the guy I played last night was a lefty so I had to get outside of the ball and crack several to the left corner as well, and almost every time I did that it worked to great effect -- I'd often get a subsequet backhand floater that I'd then put away at the net. (volleys and touch were EXCELLENT last night, btw).

So anyway, I have a league match tonight (it's not the final I have later this week) and I don't know what to do. The guy I'm playing is a Grade A pusher -- I say Grade A because he does it very smartly and always worms his way into my head enough to make me sweat the match out much more than I should ever allow. Conventional wisdom would lead me to believe that the Ace is the way to go here, as it does wonders with no-pace balls, staying very controlled and impressively idiot proof. But if I can get into a groove with the 7G, with its slightly added FYP quotient, it has a little more potential to make the guy cry. But the thing that scares me is I'm bang-fresh off a match against this 5.0-plus dude who wails on the ball (think Bruce Willis in 'Unbreakable'), giving me the pace that I love, and I wonder if the 7G might be a clumsy adjustment against the guy who duffs these deep, no-pace rally balls (think Mr. Glass). Or would the 7G kill?

I'm heartened by the fact that I played very well against a pusher WAY back when I first playtested the 7G, but still there is a kernel of doubt. I have an afternoon to meditate on this, but your thoughts are welcome.

I would think that a high swingweight frame would use less energy overall against a pusher as you don't really have to use a lot of pace yourself unless you want to on a particular point.

An interesting match:

Berdych vs Berlocq http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb--18x-PEQ

^^
I think that's why the Ace also is very good against pushers -- it, too, has a high swingweight. More concerned with spacing issues and such, but I think I'm leaning toward the 7G since I played so well with it last night and I just need to trust my feet to get me in the right position (sometimes with pushers my whole game drops; the slower pace of everything lulls me into that pace of play and I get lazy on all fronts, even with the feet, but I need to get over it and consciously make it the other way around).

Now, one question to PP and all others who used extended-length: I did notice some shoulder fatigue (just a general soreness) after the fact last night that I'm not used to feeling. Of course, we are talking two buckets' worth of serving before I even got started with the match, so I did overplay a touch), but it was enough to make me wonder. Good news is the shoulder feels completely fine today, nothing at all, but just want to check in on this issue -- is there an adjustment of shoulder soreness when immediately going to an extended stick that goes away once you get used to it, or is this a potentially sticky problem?

I've never had any shoulder problems at all but I did notice some arm issues and problems keeping the ball in the service box. Focusing on the knee bend helped as did using the slice serve more often (I usually don't use the slice serve).

With a pusher, couldn't you just hit low-effort topspin shots? They shouldn't take that much effort with high swingweight and low static weight and you could just wait for an opening.

Speaking of shoulder pain, I'm hoping the new Radicals will be out sooner rather than later. I've been back on the Bab train since July of 2010 but the siren call of a new Rad Pro IG version may be calling my name.

On a side note, I went to the Legg Mason last weekend. I got to see everyone I hoped to see. A few quick observations:

Davydenko is denser and thicker in the chest than on TV, really surprised at this. He takes the ball super early and just drills it.

Verdasco's FH is effortless, it's like he has ball bearings installed in his shoulder, I was standing just behind his hitting partner and it was kicking shoulder high each time

Kevin Anderson is 6ft 8", big big dude and a massive serve, doesn't move as well and that hinders him.
Isner has a great serve but really needs to get in shape.

Blake's shots didn't look as penetrating in person as I would have thought, still James can move around the court and I was impressed.

Belluci is a big dude, western grip FH that just hammers the ball. His on court vibe was more mellow than I've seen on TV. I watched the first set standing about 5 feet behind him.

Monfils is much more of a pusher than even I thought he would be: he's 10ft behind the baseline and gets to EVERYTHING. When he decides to let it rip, he's got power. If he was more offensive minded, top 5 easy.

The shoulder turn that they all have on the FH is just amazing, so smooth and the ball explodes. For a shorter guy, Tipsarevic hits a big ball and he's a hell of a competitor.

I had shoulder fatigue too when I served with it at first. It went away after a week and I am fine..so just monitor it pretty close. I am highly addicted to these plus sticks now..not sure if I could play standard again.

The 7G is excellent against pushers. I have been playing one myself. The only issue is consistently dialing up extra spin so you don't hit long. This is why I may possibly do the ultimate shoot-out..the apdc+ vs the 7G in a matchplay results only showdown.

Health reality is that I may not really be able to use anything but PK, but this is also kind of a wrist test for me as well. I will try it out when I find a used apdc. I am interested in revisiting the open pattern one more time before I settle down with the 7G for good. The 7G is basically wifey material and the APDC has always been my girl on the side. In theory, I should use it since I hit with heavy spin, but I never went +.

I don't even consider the 7G to be weak for spin..this is more a trajectory thing for me personally..so I think you will be fine.

It's weird how the more I have gotten back to match play, the more I am using spin to attack backhands..real similar to what Gads is saying, I hit inside out more than CC on FHs. And the CC forehands I have hit with the 7G have been unreal..just ridiculous corner to corner burners.

What I need right now is consistency and net clearance. I am working on that a lot right now because I grooved my stroke for months with tight patterns and I love the penetration, but it's tough to just nail those shots under pressure repeatedly. The 7G is nice since it is very accommodating to either swing path.


PED can you throw any feedback on the apdc plus? I thought you had one for some reason.

Since switching from the BC20 to the Ace, I think I'm done with open patterns. Flatter trajectory that pierces through the court is just too addicting for me vs. just trying to outspin an opponent. My love of the Platinum 94 also speaks to this. I hit with crazy spin and always thought the open pattern would only accentuate it, but I've found that I much prefer the 'balance' of a closed pattern flattening out my shots to get them through the court more. One area that this has become hugely noticeable is serve returns. I've started to rip heaters back on a line that gives the server so little time to catch up to it, whereas open patterns, I don't feel as precise and I'm more batting the ball back in play.

7G vs. APD+ should be interesting, but my money's on the 7G. I think it'll have a slightly more cushioned response than the APD, which to me equals more feel/control, not to mention the ever-important body help. Remember, the 7G got you back into the game. I just hope the APD doesn't take you back out of it. And the 7G's 16x20 pattern in the 98-sq inch head: perfect. You can spin it or flatten it as needed.

Yeah, I agree about pretty much all that. The 7G pretty much has me back in the game. If they made an open pattern one, I'd just get one of those instead and then see which I prefer.

The 7G is so good on returns..its true. Sometimes I just block the serve back real deep and push the server on his back feet. A compact swing punishes a serve and alternating both really keeps the opponent off balance.

Honestly the apdc+ idea is a rather lazy idea that I may never follow through with. I just never really lost with that stick..it was ridiculous. But the 7G, IMO is still easily my GROAT.

If you do end up buying a klippermate..the 7G is the easiest racquet ever to string. Literally ever. I am knocking them out in 40 minutes now, and if I strung more, I would be doing them in 30.

I already know that no Babolat will ever feel like the PK..these racquets feel incredible to me.

PP, at this rate, we may need to nerd it out and start some PK allegiance thread/club or something. Between the Ace and the 7G, I'm blown away. Super feeling sticks that do wonders with the ball. In the Ace Mid, they've created the epitome of a scalpel with scary pin-point precision, and in the 7G they've created, as Sergento aptly described, a stick that somehow blends together Prestige whippiness with 6.1 heaviness. ProKennex, who knew?

Yes for sure..another hidden gem being discussed lately is the Destiny, which is the Pure Drive frame. And most people know PK actually invented the PD.

Another sleeper stick that is probably amazing.lol.

the 7G is soooo heavy when you add that little bit of lead at 12.

Black Magic mains with Blizzard crosses at 58#s..I dare you to try this setup..it feels incredible. The all black string job also really helps the PJ "make sense" if you will.

Power Player said:

I
PED can you throw any feedback on the apdc plus? I thought you had one for some reason.

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You are correct, I had the apdgt plus. I used it from July through this past April. I wanted a bit more stick speed so I went to the std length.

I really like the std length but the xl almost feels softer if that makes any sense. I hold the stick at the very end of the buttcap. Right before I sold the pluses, I experimented with choking up a half inch or so like Tsonga or Fish do with their xl sticks: the result was really nice, you got a bit more leverage under your hand, especially on the cross court FH.

Its a great stick but they are stiff. None of my arm issues prevent me from playing but I def feel it more than when I was using the ytpp or ytrp.

Part of the problem is that you have to add weight to the apd and it is already 33cm balance and 331 SW in stock form. The hoop is pretty gutless without lead so you need some there.

If they drop the SW down on the new IG rad pro, I'll give that a shot. The 33.7cm balance of the old one was a bit ridiculous but the feel of that stick was great as you know

Yes, the Rad Pro was awesome..the balance was not..lol.

If I got one I was going to add 4 grams of lead at 12..I think the balance would still be around 4-5pts HL from 6 if I did that.

I am hitting with the 7G in the 340s right now for SW.

Why have you been dropping SW off PP?

And one of my hitting partners uses an APDC+. They really just don't feel too good... They felt erratic, in every sense of the word.

So with my 3g of lead at 12 on the 7G, what's the swingweight at? Anyone? And how much more would I put on if I were to -- one of these days -- attempt that insane FY (F You) Roddick Setup?

Power Player said:

If I got one I was going to add 4 grams of lead at 12..I think the balance would still be around 4-5pts HL from 6 if I did that.

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The apd also need lead in the handle to add some beef. It's def lacking balls in stock form.

Back when I first switched, I hit with aa guy I had bossed around a week earlier with my ytpp at 345g. I tried the stock apd plus at 323g strung. I felt like the guy in the charles atlas commercial who gets sand kicked in his face: no weight of shot at all for me in stock form.

My strokes are grooved to them and I really like them but my Heads were more precise.

SW should be around 340, and about another 6 or so grams should get it to ~360 I think.

pyrokid said:

SW should be around 340, and about another 6 or so grams should get it to ~360 I think.

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That sounds about right, 3 units of SW per 1 gram of lead at the tip. 6g is a lot of weight I used that setup for awhile on my apd's, it hits a big ball.

Power Player said:

Yes for sure..another hidden gem being discussed lately is the Destiny, which is the Pure Drive frame. And most people know PK actually invented the PD.

Another sleeper stick that is probably amazing.lol.

the 7G is soooo heavy when you add that little bit of lead at 12.

Black Magic mains with Blizzard crosses at 58#s..I dare you to try this setup..it feels incredible. The all black string job also really helps the PJ "make sense" if you will.

Click to expand...

Will have to try this Black Magic at some point, but for now, the Tour Bite at 58 was delicious so I'll keep on keepin' on until it needs a restring.

pyrokid said:

SW should be around 340, and about another 6 or so grams should get it to ~360 I think.

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Thanks Pyro. ... And it seems our racquet paths cross yet again. I think you'll dig the 7g, my friend. Put that touch of lead at 12 and get ready to boom.

pyrokid said:

Why have you been dropping SW off PP?

And one of my hitting partners uses an APDC+. They really just don't feel too good... They felt erratic, in every sense of the word.

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Wrist protection. The inside ligaments of my wrist have been hurting pretty bad still..this is not the same as my injury, but I need to relax with it for a bit. Has to do with my serve..something I do at contact is causing it, and I am just being safe.

Are you talking erratic in terms of comparison to the original APD?

3 grams..I am guessing you are around 343ish Gads...rough guess.

Gads, we really have had a ridiculous amount of similarity in the racquets we've tried out. We should start a gang.

I just hope it has that manly, rock-solid stability that the PSTGT delivers without thought.

Pusher thwarted in Chuck Woolery style: 2 and 2. Can't say I played particularly well, nor did I play badly. Just kind of average. This guy never ceases to amaze me with how well he pushes sometimes - just blocks everything back, deep. I was sweating at night's end in spite of the score line, because you have to create all of the pace from the baseline all night long -- not just up close, which would be easier.

Used both sticks, the 7G in the first and the Ace in the second (picked the Ace up down 0-1 in the second set). This is going to be a bloody battle between these two. Unlike last night, was having trouble keeping my first serve in consistently with LaserShow (7G) in the first. Everything was going just long. But seconds were good enough and groundies were good, but I did have some clumsy hits on occasion. When I did rush the net, the stick responded. I really, really like this thing up close. It's very maneuverable and the touch - unlike Sergento's experience - has been fantastic. I had about three or four great drop-shot winners in the set and didn't miss a single one.

In the second set with the Ace, I fired an ace right up the T to begin with, and overall my first-serve percentage immediately spiked sharply upward. I can already see that precision around the box is better with the Ace, but the 7G thumps a consistently harder ball. Groundies were solid, but again, wasn't playing exceptionally well, just good enough to beat this guy comfortably enough.

When we finished the match we still had court time left, and he agreed to play some more games and I switched back to the 7G. Without the slight bit of pressure that comes with league play, I told myself to just let loose on the ball and did so much more effectively. And then, suddenly, the stellar serves of last night finally made their return (could have used those in the first). I was up 4-1 when it was time to call it.

So kind of an inconclusive evening in terms of comparing the two sticks. Each had their moments. Importantly, I got the win.

Meanwhile, I'm afraid James (The Dual Pro) is the odd man out here. From my two-plus hours with it earlier this week, I can tell it's a very good stick that's incredibly maneuverable and cracks a hard flat ball, but I wasn't necessarily blown out of the water by it, and the biggest thing: I can't seem to dial in serve consistency with the thing. So for right now, James is in Time Out.

I hit with a pusher too..same type..gets everything back, so I just corner to cornered him. The 7G is a great stick for this due to it's precision. I went dirty dirty and hoared him out with heavy spinning moonballs to his backhand until he coughed up a sitter. I know that is kind of lame, but the guy pushes so thats what he gets. The spin was rather good as well, and I was testing out different ways to attack the ball also.

Somehow working on my serve, I have done something weird - strained the main ligaments you feel right on the bottom of your wrist going into your palm. I know it is due to serve technique..I just can not figure out how I am doing it. Anyway going to take days off until everything is back to normal. At least it is not the same pain as before and I know it is a technique thing..just frustrating.

I too was serving long with the 7g and I have focused on a higher toss. I think the low toss is what hurts my wrist since I feel the pain on ball contact when it happens.

After sets I took off lead at 12 so I could play and not strain my wrist anymore while hitting groundies, but I am going to buy some babolat lead tape and load it back up next week. 4 grams at 12 seems to really do the trick. 8 will give you "the roddick".

Pyro, the 7G will not feel solid when you pick it up. You will think it is a Pure Drive or something..but when you hit with it, it feels real solid.. especially with a little lead at the tip. It is completely bizarre in that sense.

My only complaint is one stick weighs 11.9 with OG Damp and lead at 12 and the other 12.1 with the same mods. So I removed the lead from the heavier one and kept it on the other. I will strip them both down and get them specced out.

I'd like them at 11.9 for now if possible.

Still thinking I will grab a used APDC at some point to compare in match play. I mean this is a racquetaholic thread, and I basically want to cleanse myself of the Nadal Demon. I have owned 5 throughout my playing and the 7g is the first stick that I think will finally end my fascination with the Bab for good.

PED said:

You are correct, I had the apdgt plus. I used it from July through this past April. I wanted a bit more stick speed so I went to the std length.

I really like the std length but the xl almost feels softer if that makes any sense. I hold the stick at the very end of the buttcap. Right before I sold the pluses, I experimented with choking up a half inch or so like Tsonga or Fish do with their xl sticks: the result was really nice, you got a bit more leverage under your hand, especially on the cross court FH.

Its a great stick but they are stiff. None of my arm issues prevent me from playing but I def feel it more than when I was using the ytpp or ytrp.

Part of the problem is that you have to add weight to the apd and it is already 33cm balance and 331 SW in stock form. The hoop is pretty gutless without lead so you need some there.

If they drop the SW down on the new IG rad pro, I'll give that a shot. The 33.7cm balance of the old one was a bit ridiculous but the feel of that stick was great as you know

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The apd specs in your sig are probably perfect..How did you mod it? I am thinking that balance is probably 6Pts HL.

I read somewhere, and I have to dig it up..but there is some sticky lead type substance people were attaching to their buttcaps to add weight. It seemed easy to me.

PP,

Maybe investing in a lesson with someone just to look at your serve technique might be a good idea? With all of your issues it sounds like perhaps part of the problem is that you might be gripping the racquet and wristing it too much? From just reading about it, it sounds like perhaps you need to just work on loosening up your whole body but especially your wrist, creating the uncoil with your whole body more so than the arm. Without seeing, I'm just thinking out loud.

By the way, when you stripped the stick of lead, did you immediately notice a change in the ball? I haven't even tried the 7g without the lead yet, just immediately slapped the 3g on at 12 after you started that movement.

And this:
Pyro, the 7G will not feel solid when you pick it up. You will think it is a Pure Drive or something..but when you hit with it, it feels real solid.. especially with a little lead at the tip. It is completely bizarre in that sense.

- I completely agree with.

Re: my pusher, a part of me came to accept last night that he's just good at what he does and I need to just work through the match and take my 2 and 2 victory. I mean, I was a little upset at even that -- I feel like I have the game to rip him 0 and 1 [really want to make him cry] -- as any game I lose to him is a small humiliation because he really just takes any pace and neuters it, over and over again, half-mooning the ball a foot inside the baseline, and the cycle just continues over and over again and then I'm sweating by the end of the game because I've spent the entire time trying to re-generate the pace over and over again from the back of the court. Man I hate it.

Gads yes for sure. I am actually figuring out which pro I want to work on serve with. That will definitely fix it faster than anything else. I took a few lessons with a pro that taught me the clay game super fast and was awesome for that, but for serve he couldn't help as much.

I am definitely doing something off, but I am confident it can be fixed and that is going to catapult my game since everything else is grooving along nicely.

The 4.0 pusher is a PITA, but I play one all the time. He literally slices back everything and prays to god I miss. That is his entire game. He beats a lot of people that way because he can return everything, and he does follow his good shots to net, so I will give him credit for that.

What helps me (since I have so much time) is to think where I will put the shot. I will say to myself - put it in the left corner, before I hit the ball and I swear it has helped me cut down on unforced errors.

Ah yes, "left corner." Perhaps that would be better than saying "I hate you" to each ball.

This guy makes people so mad they wont play with him. He just sticks his racquet out like he is praying sometimes and the ball will peg a line. It looks so ugly but he crushes 3.5s and many 4.0s refuse to play him.

When my serve is on, I obliterate the guy bagels and breadsticks, but when I am DFaulting and missing the guy has a chance to stick around.

An issue I have with pushers that's more annoying than anything: my serve percentage goes down. Serves should be immune, but somehow - maybe because I get lulled into that slower pace of play and it bleeds over into serves? - I often lose my percentage on firsts and have to rely on seconds, which puts the pressure on and allows the pusher to get into my service points too often. And on those seconds, I'm guilty of backing off sometimes, just putting the ball in play, because I know I'm the better player that should win the rally, rather than going after the second with a high kicker or much harder slice, which might create more double faults. By contrast, the other night against the more goaty type, I really go after those second serves because I HAVE to (he'd crush an easy second) and the results were tremendous, only one double in the two sets and several service winners, even on seconds. But then again, even on first serves my percentages are up against the better player. So I'm not sure whether the backing off on seconds against the pusher is a smart move or a dumb one. A conundrum.

Power Player said:

I hit with a pusher too..same type..gets everything back, so I just corner to cornered him. The 7G is a great stick for this due to it's precision. I went dirty dirty and hoared him out with heavy spinning moonballs to his backhand until he coughed up a sitter. I know that is kind of lame, but the guy pushes so thats what he gets. The spin was rather good as well, and I was testing out different ways to attack the ball also.

Somehow working on my serve, I have done something weird - strained the main ligaments you feel right on the bottom of your wrist going into your palm. I know it is due to serve technique..I just can not figure out how I am doing it. Anyway going to take days off until everything is back to normal. At least it is not the same pain as before and I know it is a technique thing..just frustrating.

I too was serving long with the 7g and I have focused on a higher toss. I think the low toss is what hurts my wrist since I feel the pain on ball contact when it happens.

After sets I took off lead at 12 so I could play and not strain my wrist anymore while hitting groundies, but I am going to buy some babolat lead tape and load it back up next week. 4 grams at 12 seems to really do the trick. 8 will give you "the roddick".

Pyro, the 7G will not feel solid when you pick it up. You will think it is a Pure Drive or something..but when you hit with it, it feels real solid.. especially with a little lead at the tip. It is completely bizarre in that sense.

My only complaint is one stick weighs 11.9 with OG Damp and lead at 12 and the other 12.1 with the same mods. So I removed the lead from the heavier one and kept it on the other. I will strip them both down and get them specced out.

I'd like them at 11.9 for now if possible.

Still thinking I will grab a used APDC at some point to compare in match play. I mean this is a racquetaholic thread, and I basically want to cleanse myself of the Nadal Demon. I have owned 5 throughout my playing and the 7g is the first stick that I think will finally end my fascination with the Bab for good.

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I am going to string X1 Biphase in my APD. Good way to stop the demon from hurting you.

JGads said:

An issue I have with pushers that's more annoying than anything: my serve percentage goes down. Serves should be immune, but somehow - maybe because I get lulled into that slower pace of play and it bleeds over into serves? - I often lose my percentage on firsts and have to rely on seconds, which puts the pressure on and allows the pusher to get into my service points too often. And on those seconds, I'm guilty of backing off sometimes, just putting the ball in play, because I know I'm the better player that should win the rally, rather than going after the second with a high kicker or much harder slice, which might create more double faults. By contrast, the other night against the more goaty type, I really go after those second serves because I HAVE to (he'd crush an easy second) and the results were tremendous, only one double in the two sets and several service winners, even on seconds. But then again, even on first serves my percentages are up against the better player. So I'm not sure whether the backing off on seconds against the pusher is a smart move or a dumb one. A conundrum.

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Against weak returners (especially in my current situation) I send 2nd serves at them the whole time. No firsts. I just go for placement and spin the entire time and now and then dial up a bomb to keep them back.

Boricua, what do you string with now and how long does it last?

Power Player said:

The apd specs in your sig are probably perfect..How did you mod it? I am thinking that balance is probably 6Pts HL.

I read somewhere, and I have to dig it up..but there is some sticky lead type substance people were attaching to their buttcaps to add weight. It seemed easy to me.

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I've got a 6g fishing weight under the buttcap wrapped in a portion of an og for a snug fit with no rattles. I've another 4g under the bumper (16" worth).

I originally was leaded up to 343g but wanted to try the lighter setup, the balance is now 32.5cm and is just spot on.

I added another 4g in the buttcap this am for a few mins to see if I like it. I took it out after 15 minutes. I really enjoy the stick speed from 333g or so. Nice setup.

Still not sure if I wouldn't be better off with a stock pdr std length, that way I don't have to mess with mods.

I had a stock PDR and I hated it..no weight on shot without lead. I should have leaded the thing, but I think of the 2 Babs, I am more of an apd type of guy if I had to pick 1.

I was thinking 4gs at 12 as well..this is good..I want the Babolat lead because 2 strips per side should do it, and it will be clean and easy.

Are most fishing weights 6grams or how do you find them..blind luck? I really should learn more about fishing..the wrapping in an OG idea is genius..what keeps it from moving? Just the thickness of the OG between the staples and buttcap?

Power Player said:

Against weak returners (especially in my current situation) I send 2nd serves at them the whole time. No firsts. I just go for placement and spin the entire time and now and then dial up a bomb to keep them back.

Boricua, what do you string with now and how long does it last?

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Last string I used with te APD GT was Polyfibre TCS 17 mains and Excel 16 crosses both at 59. Was great the first three sets, then not so good, lost control and stringbed did not feel that fresh. I will play again with this same string job on Friday and if I feel the same will cut it out.

I have with me Excel and Head Intellitour to try out with the APD. Just ordered XI Biphase 17 gauge. If something positive happens Ill let you know.

In my case, I am almost certain that I can only tolerate the APD Gt either with multis or gut. Time will tell. I am a string breaker so I am trying to say away from gut due to its high price and lack of durability at least for me.

My setup is simple, comfortable and it works:

Genesis Black Magic crosses with Genesis Blizzard at 56/59#s.

Power Player said:

My setup is simple, comfortable and it works:

Genesis Black Magic crosses with Genesis Blizzard at 56/59#s.

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I could consider it. Have to check where to get these strings as TW does not sell Genesis.

Also, the Pro Kennex racket you are using now is much more arm friendly than the APD. Would be interesting to see how your string setup does in a stiffer racket like the APD GT.

It should be soft..if I grab an apdc I will post impressions. May be a while or never..aha. The 7G is too fun, but I do need to revisit open patterns once more before I close the book on them.

PED said:

I've got a 6g fishing weight under the buttcap wrapped in a portion of an og for a snug fit with no rattles. I've another 4g under the bumper (16" worth).

I originally was leaded up to 343g but wanted to try the lighter setup, the balance is now 32.5cm and is just spot on.

I added another 4g in the buttcap this am for a few mins to see if I like it. I took it out after 15 minutes. I really enjoy the stick speed from 333g or so. Nice setup.

Still not sure if I wouldn't be better off with a stock pdr std length, that way I don't have to mess with mods.

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Hi, I tried your setup tonight and was surprised how light it felt, really enjoyed it, great on volleys and retrieving the ball. Compared to stock form I found my serve suffered a little, guess this is to do with the following maybe.

As your APDGT which is 4pts HL could you tell me how the weight should be adjusted in the butt cap for an APD original which is 5pts HL to achieve a 32.5 balance. I'm a novice at all this customisation & would appreciate anyone's input.

Thanks

On my way to see Rajah Vs. Tsonga. No doubt plenty of FYP will be on full display

PP, which do you prefer, your old tec 320 or pstgt?

Power Player said:

I had a stock PDR and I hated it..no weight on shot without lead. I should have leaded the thing, but I think of the 2 Babs, I am more of an apd type of guy if I had to pick 1.

I was thinking 4gs at 12 as well..this is good..I want the Babolat lead because 2 strips per side should do it, and it will be clean and easy.

Are most fishing weights 6grams or how do you find them..blind luck? I really should learn more about fishing..the wrapping in an OG idea is genius..what keeps it from moving? Just the thickness of the OG between the staples and buttcap?

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You can buy almost any gram fishing weight. You hollow out the foam under the butt cap if needed, or if you are lucky just under the trap door, install cotton top and bottom with lead in middle wrapped in cotton and hot glue it all together. The cotton and glue keeps the lead from moving. If you want to use less lead tape you can buy heavier lead tape at the golf stores where 1 inch equals 1 gram.

Power Player said:

Wrist protection. The inside ligaments of my wrist have been hurting pretty bad still..this is not the same as my injury, but I need to relax with it for a bit. Has to do with my serve..something I do at contact is causing it, and I am just being safe.

Are you talking erratic in terms of comparison to the original APD?

3 grams..I am guessing you are around 343ish Gads...rough guess.

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When I hurt my wrist I bought some wrist tape at the sporting goods store. It was amazing how well it worked and allowed me to play while the injury healed.

Fed Kennedy said:

PP, which do you prefer, your old tec 320 or pstgt?

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PSTGT, but it is very close.The 320 is awesome though, but maybe too spinny . It got the most spin of any stick I had hit with. You have to use full poly because anything else will break in record time. That was the main reason I looked at other sticks. The feel is not nearly as good as the psgt either.

I'm still going to make a run with an pattern stick to see if I play matches better, but I think the 7G is going to be the go to stick for me. Just want to see a few things..XL vs standard and open vs more closed.

The Volkl Hulkamania stick looks interesting, but I'm skeptical..hope you grab one and give a review.

I'm using my wrist wrap for sure now...have to..it's just serve that is getting me..I know it's technique and I can fix it.