Diary of a Racketaholic

Ross K

Legend
Diary stringheads,

Strings match: TB, Cyclone, Black Code... anyone played all 3 (or BC and Cyclone) care to say how these match up... btw, views on spin and power welcome.


UBW,

Never played a BLX 95. The N95 wasn't light for me (though the SW wasn't big), but I found it got to the ball SO fast due largely to more h/light balance - I loved this aspect... low scoopers, jammed up shots as well as freer swinging from the b-line - the N95 moved beautifully for me and I rate it right up there with the C10 for this maneuverability, balance/weighting or just damn sweet swinging! Of course, all relative, and I say again, the N95 is not light; it's super-solid with the PWS and definitely has some heft, and nails it from backcourt accordingly (it has a distinctive zip, as mentined before, think woofer-like extra MPH.) I may even say it's a bit of a tank! Re spin, the open pattern certainly has plenty. It has a slightly harsh, raw metally feel IMO. Lastly, I was a fan of the stiff/crisp flex (around 67 RA, if I recall correctly); it's pretty stiff without being at the Extreme Pro elbow liquidizer level.:)

R
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Diary stringheads,

Strings match: TB, Cyclone, Black Code... anyone played all 3 (or BC and Cyclone) care to say how these match up... btw, views on spin and power welcome.


UBW,

Never played a BLX 95. The N95 wasn't light for me (though the SW wasn't big), but I found it got to the ball SO fast due largely to more h/light balance - I loved this aspect... low scoopers, jammed up shots as well as freer swinging from the b-line - the N95 moved beautifully for me and I rate it right up there with the C10 for this maneuverability, balance/weighting or just damn sweet swinging! Of course, all relative, and I say again, the N95 is not light; it's super-solid with the PWS and definitely has some heft, and nails it from backcourt accordingly (it has a distinctive zip, as mentined before, think woofer-like extra MPH.) I may even say it's a bit of a tank! Re spin, the open pattern certainly has plenty. It has a slightly harsh, raw metally feel IMO. Lastly, I was a fan of the stiff/crisp flex (around 67 RA, if I recall correctly); it's pretty stiff without being at the Extreme Pro elbow liquidizer level.:)

R

Black code is a dead, plasticky stable string. It was DOA in a k90 but it works nicely in the tec 320. This string is predictable and good for low tension stringing.

Tour Bite is a metal feeling, very biting, blasting string that needs a little break in. I wouldn't use this string in a light racquet, you need to swing a heavy stick hard to activate it. When you feel this string give is when it really feels good, it snaps into the ball hard but is a little harsh. It's a good main if you're looking to hybrid, whereas BC is a good cross for a lively main.

Also the blx 95 is just a basalt muffled N95, same mold, string pattern etc. It's all based on the 6.1 classic and every generation is just a subtle tweak. K95 is stiffer, more pop more SW. Most racaholics agree the N95 is the best version because it had all the attributes of the GOAT 6.1 classic but it had a hint of flex and ncoded crystal magic that made it comfortable yet crisp and powerful. Then they tied it together with a PJ that evokes Rogis greatest moments so you can see why this frame has a following.

IMO the blx95 is closer to the N95 than the K.
 
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PED

Legend
Just for me personally I found I noticed a tinny feel I couldn't quite erase from my thoughts.

I don't know, the best way I can describe is I find frames like the TF320 and N95 hit a very, very ZIPPY ball. Whereas with an APD, a TF SF 315, or my PC+ I hit more of a BOOMING ball. And perhaps the 03 Tour and Prestige Pro are somewhere in the middle? Anyhow, all is obviously very subjective and hard to quantify.

Great summary as always. There's def a metallic hint in the feel of the stick and the TB I'm using makes it more so. It's not enough to put me off but it's quite firm; firmer than the 66 rating would suggest.

Fed was correct though, it's a ytpp with balls :twisted:

It's similar to the 03 tour and the Head in the way the ball comes off the stringbed. It just rockets the ball off the sweetspot. Can't wait to get out there again today.
 

PED

Legend
PED,

Forgot to ask, how's the Verdasco '09 mohican haircut?!:) Any impact? I've been sporting the skinhead' look of late btw. I may look meaner, and I wish I could say my shots are harder, but it's still the same old moonballs I'm hitting!:grin:

R

I just saw this one! It's def making an impact. 2011 vintage Verdasco with no hair and the goatee just can't penetrate the court like 09 Verdasco ;)
 

Ross K

Legend
Fed,

Cheers for strings post ^. I should've explained TB is actually my usual string (though this is 'frame dependent', see below), and I just wanted other ppls thoughts on how it compares to Cyclone (which I've bought a set of but have never played with) and Black Code to see if my own observations are shared. I mainly agree with what you said re TB, and especially agree re Black Code dead plastic remark.

Any Cyclone dabblers please post your thoughts.


PED,

Ultimately I didn't get on with TB in the 320 V02 Witchy :)! Metal overkill! X 2 though on how the ball just fizzes off the SS.

Still no temptation to add lead?


R
 

PED

Legend
Still no temptation to add lead?
R

I hope not :)

I got so sick of chasing my tail on setups with the apd. It wasn't the stick, it was me but I always enjoyed the Rad Pro because I could just play it stock-1 less variable to mess with in my head.
 

PED

Legend
^^One of my buddies has some Hexonic 1.27mm that I may try as well. It was magic in the PDR.

52lbs does sound nice for pocketing.

For posting photos on here, do I need to join photobucket?

With no pics, I feel like I'm bringing a knife to a gunfight ;)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Just use tinypic for instant gratification and select message board for the size.

The black Magic pockets better than anything, but I loved the hexonic in the Tfight.
 

Ross K

Legend
... my latest thoughts centre around the odd way it kind of offers up such a weak shot unless you catch it right - this being on my bh side. It's weird because I didn't expect this 'Prestige-like' response or whatever. I imagined it would be more tweenerish, more Bab-like in being incredibly forgiving and with that easy power just there at the flick of a wrist. It seems to me that the sweet spot isn't massive (not that my APD Original is either.) And more than that, the way of swinging is nothing like as easy as, say, an 03 Tour or APD. A I said last week, it's like you've got to catch it on the front foot and with good room, or it's kind of top of you. I'm wondering if it might be a bit like the YT Rad Pro, which I could never quite get the hang of in this respect. I say that because I'm considering doing the same as I felt compelled to do with the Rad Pro - namely, adding lead to the butt. Anyhow, it's my 2hbh seems to be suffering in this regard. On many occasions I'm just left scratching my head over the latest limp, 2hbh shot which has just fizzled out mid-court...



R

Yes! I think I found the answer today with the TF SF 315. It's all in the...

replace-windshield-wiper-11-800x800.jpg


:)

R
 

UWBTennis

Rookie
UBW,

Never played a BLX 95. The N95 wasn't light for me (though the SW wasn't big), but I found it got to the ball SO fast due largely to more h/light balance - I loved this aspect... low scoopers, jammed up shots as well as freer swinging from the b-line - the N95 moved beautifully for me and I rate it right up there with the C10 for this maneuverability, balance/weighting or just damn sweet swinging! Of course, all relative, and I say again, the N95 is not light; it's super-solid with the PWS and definitely has some heft, and nails it from backcourt accordingly (it has a distinctive zip, as mentined before, think woofer-like extra MPH.) I may even say it's a bit of a tank! Re spin, the open pattern certainly has plenty. It has a slightly harsh, raw metally feel IMO. Lastly, I was a fan of the stiff/crisp flex (around 67 RA, if I recall correctly); it's pretty stiff without being at the Extreme Pro elbow liquidizer level.:)

R

Also the blx 95 is just a basalt muffled N95, same mold, string pattern etc. It's all based on the 6.1 classic and every generation is just a subtle tweak. K95 is stiffer, more pop more SW. Most racaholics agree the N95 is the best version because it had all the attributes of the GOAT 6.1 classic but it had a hint of flex and ncoded crystal magic that made it comfortable yet crisp and powerful. Then they tied it together with a PJ that evokes Rogis greatest moments so you can see why this frame has a following.

IMO the blx95 is closer to the N95 than the K.

Thank you for the response guys. Fed, is the mold really the same between the blx and ncode version, I found that the BLX actually had a rather close string pattern (even with the 16 X 18 ), so I was confused.
 
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Chace

Hall of Fame
One of you guys should try Black Magic at 52#s in the Tfight. The pocketing at that tension could be a mindgasm.

I just picked up a used Tec 320. I strung it earlier today with black magic at 52. I will see how it goes. Hopefully i will have a chance to hit with it tomorrow.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Gents:

I've been offered a trade for an original APD+ (non cortex version) from a local guy. Appears to be near mint condition. Waste of time? Arm shredder? Or a fun vintage trial for a holic, who can then still resell for a decent value (these originals apparently are still sought out?)?

Mulling it over since it's the best offer I've gotten. From reading it seems that a lot of folks liked the older model so much more than the current ones. I also know I can handle plus sticks (7G). Anyway, let me know if you have any experience or thoughts.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Gents:

I've been offered a trade for an original APD+ (non cortex version) from a local guy. Appears to be near mint condition. Waste of time? Arm shredder? Or a fun vintage trial for a holic, who can then still resell for a decent value (these originals apparently are still sought out?)?

Mulling it over since it's the best offer I've gotten. From reading it seems that a lot of folks liked the older model so much more than the current ones. I also know I can handle plus sticks (7G). Anyway, let me know if you have any experience or thoughts.

benStillerDoIt.jpg
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
I wouldn't DO IT actually. Do not step into the vintage racquet wormhole. Old racquets are dead. You have a good thing going with those Kennex, did you not win your league last year? Liquidate the rest of your collection and spend your disposable income on Fed polos, creamy vs babolat gut and high end RF cosmetics moisturizers.
SuzeOrman.jpg
 

Ross K

Legend
Gents:

I've been offered a trade for an original APD+ (non cortex version) from a local guy. Appears to be near mint condition. Waste of time? Arm shredder? Or a fun vintage trial for a holic, who can then still resell for a decent value (these originals apparently are still sought out?)?

Mulling it over since it's the best offer I've gotten. From reading it seems that a lot of folks liked the older model so much more than the current ones. I also know I can handle plus sticks (7G). Anyway, let me know if you have any experience or thoughts.

are-you-insane.jpg


GET IT JG!!!

:)



R
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I would not do it. The reason is because it sounds like you were killing with the PKs, and also are into hitting a more driving ball that the 7G yields. The APD is much better for spin strokes and it may cause insanity.

In other words you should do it. ;)
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
I wouldn't DO IT actually. Do not step into the vintage racquet wormhole. Old racquets are dead. You have a good thing going with those Kennex, did you not win your league last year? Liquidate the rest of your collection and spend your disposable income on Fed polos, creamy vs babolat gut and high end RF cosmetics moisturizers.
SuzeOrman.jpg

"Chancho: When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room. Is for fun." -- Nacho
 

Ross K

Legend
Fellow diarists,

Okay. I've been grooving and getting better used to the TF SF 315 this week. I've discovered this rac is in its element when you go full on WW finish (or put another way, I've discovered my WW finish, especially off the bh side, needs a lot of work! :wink:) So tomorrow I'm playing a match and I'm feeling good. I'm feeling loose. I'm bubbling... listen, I'm not going to act cool about it - I'm like a puppy here. :roll:

My posts about the SF 315 have said a lot about the surprising lack of forgiveness if you don't use clean strokes, and balance/weighting/way of swinging that some might say adds up to it being a tad sluggish.

But that has to be contrasted with the biiiig plus points for me: the relative solidness and heft (think tweener with swing-weight, think APD with caps, think of an APD where instead of a tendency to get wristy you're actually encouraged to let the frame do the work) - no lead needed on this one this one then - hurrah! You have decent control accompanying lots of power. It absolutely thumps heavy and spinny from the b-line. It cracks a blasting serve. I like that chunky beam (I admit it - haha.) The head-size is what I'm probably best suited to. The pj is a beauty. The sillicone grip has really won me over and the general stiffness isn't too stiff. I'm even happy with the set up (Black Code, I've discovered, improves fairly dramatically after a few hours)... enough said.

Cross a Bab-like tweener with more of a player's frame, and, voila!... could this

sport_baghdatis-Copy.jpg


be that frame :?:



R
 

Chace

Hall of Fame
I just picked up a used Tec 320. I strung it earlier today with black magic at 52. I will see how it goes. Hopefully i will have a chance to hit with it tomorrow.

Got a chance to hit with the Tec 320 today. My usual stick is the POG mid strung in the low 50s with BM. The Tec 320 had more pop than the POG. Easier power. The ball really jumped off the string bed. Both frames are easy to generate spin with thanks to the very open string patterns. The TEC 320 definately has a tinny feel to it. I am just so use to the feel of the POG, I have been using it for the better part of the last 15 years. The effortless power of the Tec seems adicting and it produces a very heavy ball. I will have to hit some serves the next time and try to get some match play in with it. Other than the slight tinny feel I am kinda diggin it.
 

ae1222

Semi-Pro
Yo PP I finally found something that felt decent with the EXO Tour today. Went back to the ports, changed a little bit of lead placement and strung it at 67. That's right, 67 lbs. Now it feels a lot more normal to me, but still the head feels huge. Will still hit with a bit more but will probably still sell it. Rocking the BA 98 pretty well these days...
 

Ross K

Legend
Chase,

Agree - TF 320 ball leaps off that string-bed. There is a tinny metallic feel - though I now suspect TB wasn't an ideal set up in this rac for me. I'll be surprised if you don't find it serves with a ton of pace and zip.


PP,

What's wrong with a WW finish off a 2hbh?


Lennon,

I think you're referring to Tecnifibre. Verdasco kind of played and endorsed their frames for years, though IIRC he used a Major Bullet Elite, Major being the company that TF took over from. Something like that.


R
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Ae..wow, was that lux big banger at 67 or a syn gut? I know the tension range on the EXO actually is more like 55-65s, so that doesn't sound completely insane..lol.

Ross, the WW is for the forehand. All you need for top on your backhand is a racquet drop before contact and you will be good to go. Watch Agassi for example.
 

Boricua

Hall of Fame
Chase,

Agree - TF 320 ball leaps off that string-bed. There is a tinny metallic feel - though I now suspect TB wasn't an ideal set up in this rac for me. I'll be surprised if you don't find it serves with a ton of pace and zip.


PP,

What's wrong with a WW finish off a 2hbh?


Lennon,

I think you're referring to Tecnifibre. Verdasco kind of played and endorsed their frames for years, though IIRC he used a Major Bullet Elite, Major being the company that TF took over from. Something like that.


R

Verdasco had a good run and played very well while using Technifibre. Lost yesterday against Berdych 6-0, 6-1 playing with Dunlop. Player or rackets fault?
 

PED

Legend
Verdasco had a good run and played very well while using Technifibre. Lost yesterday against Berdych 6-0, 6-1 playing with Dunlop. Player or rackets fault?

Actually, he wasn't using a real Tec. It was the Major Bullit Elite IIRC.

Sorry, didn't see that Ross posted this above

Just went and rechecked his specs though and Fernando's Major was quite similar to the 320 as far as setup goes:

16X19 pattern, 31.8cm balance, 347g strung static. His SW was a bit lower at 315 vs 324 for the Tec but he's since moved that up as well.
 
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PED

Legend
I forgot how easy it is to sell an APD, I listed this am and it was gone in less than an hour!

I've got to hold onto my other APD as a backup until Tec #2 comes next week.

The only downside to the Tec is that it will flat out smoke a set of strings, good problem to have though.
 

Boricua

Hall of Fame
I forgot how easy it is to sell an APD, I listed this am and it was gone in less than an hour!

I've got to hold onto my other APD as a backup until Tec #2 comes next week.

The only downside to the Tec is that it will flat out smoke a set of strings, good problem to have though.

What is it about the Tec thatt you like over rthe APD? APD has this unique aerom design, dont you miss it? I like it alot but I cant stand the feel too much. My shoulder cant take it either. My shoulder feels better since using the VCORE 100.
 

Boricua

Hall of Fame
Slazenger Pro Braided racket

Nice price and simple but attractive paint job it seems. Sounds like a good racket. Is anyone tempted to demo it? I would if I could demo. Jason and Chris from TW plan to switch to it, should be good I think
 

Ross K

Legend
PP, All,

Okay, maybe I should refer to it as simply my 2hbh finish - I've been looking at wrapping it around the shoulder more. Also looking at carving more from the outside of the ball creating more angles with the spin as opposed to flatter driving it.

Whatever, my 2hbh seems to suck with the SF315. It's that weird balance/weighting/sluggishness/schizophrenic big power-zero power thing that is going on with this frame, not to mention the weird balance/weighting/sluggishness/schizophrenic big power-zero power of the user!

:lol:

Feeling on a downer here because the frame ticks lots of boxes but definitely not the one about being sweet easy swinging (this is a bit PDR, PST sluggish.) And there's this odd way the ball can just die on you (usually my bh) unless your form is 100% clean (rather like a Prestige.)


Funny, I don't know what everyone's personal tick list of requirements is but since yesterday morning I've been really thinking specifically of this category - sweet swinging frames... ie, highly maneuverable frames, frames that seem to get to the ball mega-quickly; that have that clicking through the gears speed and really excellerates through the ball.

Then combine that with some solidness and body, feel and good oomph - and you know what I mean, right?




R
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Ross, sounds like you probably need to go back home again, and by home I mean the APD. You always seem to find more happiness with that one more than anything else.

Failing that, here are some random thoughts: you ever try/have access to Yonex? The brand comes to mind for you only because A) I hit with a buddy's demo of an RQIS Tour XL Light 100 last week and was flabbergasted at how I could just rip/accelerate through the ball with such ease, and was impressed by the frame's very nice, pocketing feel and control. Now, this frame was extremely light -- 9.9 -- but the head-heaviness (1pHH) and decent SW ripped the ball but it was still surprisingly controlled. Now, not saying this is the version you should try, but maybe the 95 XL? I think of that frame because A) have to assume it has a similar impressive feel to the lighter stick I tried, B) you seem to always be happy with lighter, spinny, tweenerish sticks but seem also to be on a hunt for golden feel, which has C) led you to be let down by the 'tinny,' too-stiff feeling of something like the Tec 320 (and perhaps to a lesser extent, the APD?), which I completely agree with from once demoing the 320 and finding the exact problem in the feel department. So... maybe an older Yonex, which used to produce sticks known for their buttery feel (RQIS, RDX, etc.) with an open pattern and similar specs to the APD? That RQIS Tour XL 95 seems like it might be a good option to toy with for you, but again, I haven't actually hit with it but I really like the feel of older Yonex models... However, on that note, the newer Yonex sticks -- VCore, RDIS -- were too stiff for my taste, lost the magic of the older buttery versions, so maybe an older one that you could still buy new?

Total ramble. But just a thought. Still sounds to me like the answer for you has always been the APD.
 
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Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Yesterday I spent a lovely day fiddling around with tennis rackets. At 10.23am there was a knock at the door, a smile came across my face as the postman had arrived with my parcel and the wife was at work, the baby in nursery just me alone waiting for my presents.

The day before two new yonex rdx500 mp's had been dropped off and I had spent most of that evening "getting my specs right" ha!

I took my time opening the parcel, like a cat playing with his prey, toying with it, making the moment last.....first out was a gamma 340x with tennis ball in hand I had a little hit against the kitchen wall (enough room to let it bounce) it felt soft for its stiffness, like the kps88 with the hoop flexing due to its relative stiffness in the throat. The head shape seemed old school, small, old donnay-like.........

Second out was the donnay platinum, sitting next to my rdx it looked like kylie minogue and adele in conversation. It is striking just how skinny this stick is, especially the tip. The hit against the wall was very surprising, I thought the flex on this racket was mid 60's or even 71ra as donnay led its to believe?? It felt mid 50's, like I was hitting some head racket from the eighties. Really plush with the feeling that there was a lot of power behind otts relative thinness. One problem that raised its head immediately tho was the instability at the top of the hoop where its really thin. I've added leather and 6g from 10-2 which seems to have helped. We'll see how it goes but my other modded rackets have supreme stability in the hoop, whether the beauty of its touch can sway me we'll soon see.

Lastly two volkl dnx10 mids and I just wanted to tell you of my surprise at the volkl, firstly one of disappointment as it felt like a brick when I took it out the box, I was confused as I'm used to rackets modded 20g heavier?? I thought there's not much room to move here, it felt cumbersome too, then I spotted the lead around the throat and bottom of hoop so I tidied them up, striped them down, made her sparkle :) I was left with an unbelievable frame, the feel is just what I'm after, it feels just like my modded racks, there is obvious power on tap, control off stringed feels great and the head feels bigger and there's ample spin, it whips thro the air too, like the thin (plan profile) beamed racks I love. But after adding a leather grip and og to bring the balance to 31.5 cm, what I was so surprised at was the stability of this thing, it doesn't need any lead in the hoop!!

The rdx's was modded the precious evening with 8g in the hoop and about 15g in the handle. Its swinging beautifully but looks like a positive tank next to the others! Biggest problem here was the yonex grip as it is round like wilson and it makes the racket feel heavier and cumbersome to me so i took off all the mods and sanded down the top and bottom bevels and made the grip more rectangular. It worked, racket feels much better.

So they are my initial thoughts, the kitchen test so to speak. I'm looking forward to getting out 2moro and putting these babies through their paces.

It will be interesting to see how the donnay holds up against my mg600 mid and the dnx against the rdx. My recent twiddling with my prestige had resulted in some super tennis of late, I think what I'm most excited by is the stability and feel of the modded yonex and the volkl match my prestige but they have that open pattern that may give me a bit more.....besides my mg the dnx is leading the way in the excitement department and as no lead has been added there may have to be a slight tweaking after 2moro as it has the lowest swingweight.....
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Yesterday I spent a lovely day fiddling around with tennis rackets. At 10.23am there was a knock at the door, a smile came across my face as the postman had arrived with my parcel and the wife was at work, the baby in nursery just me alone waiting for my presents.

The day before two new yonex rdx500 mp's had been dropped off and I had spent most of that evening "getting my specs right" ha!

I took my time opening the parcel, like a cat playing with his prey, toying with it, making the moment last.....first out was a gamma 340x with tennis ball in hand I had a little hit against the kitchen wall (enough room to let it bounce) it felt soft for its stiffness, like the kps88 with the hoop flexing due to its relative stiffness in the throat. The head shape seemed old school, small, old donnay-like.........

Second out was the donnay platinum, sitting next to my rdx it looked like kylie minogue and adele in conversation. It is striking just how skinny this stick is, especially the tip. The hit against the wall was very surprising, I thought the flex on this racket was mid 60's or even 71ra as donnay led its to believe?? It felt mid 50's, like I was hitting some head racket from the eighties. Really plush with the feeling that there was a lot of power behind otts relative thinness. One problem that raised its head immediately tho was the instability at the top of the hoop where its really thin. I've added leather and 6g from 10-2 which seems to have helped. We'll see how it goes but my other modded rackets have supreme stability in the hoop, whether the beauty of its touch can sway me we'll soon see.

Lastly two volkl dnx10 mids and I just wanted to tell you of my surprise at the volkl, firstly one of disappointment as it felt like a brick when I took it out the box, I was confused as I'm used to rackets modded 20g heavier?? I thought there's not much room to move here, it felt cumbersome too, then I spotted the lead around the throat and bottom of hoop so I tidied them up, striped them down, made her sparkle :) I was left with an unbelievable frame, the feel is just what I'm after, it feels just like my modded racks, there is obvious power on tap, control off stringed feels great and the head feels bigger and there's ample spin, it whips thro the air too, like the thin (plan profile) beamed racks I love. But after adding a leather grip and og to bring the balance to 31.5 cm, what I was so surprised at was the stability of this thing, it doesn't need any lead in the hoop!!

The rdx's was modded the precious evening with 8g in the hoop and about 15g in the handle. Its swinging beautifully but looks like a positive tank next to the others! Biggest problem here was the yonex grip as it is round like wilson and it makes the racket feel heavier and cumbersome to me so i took off all the mods and sanded down the top and bottom bevels and made the grip more rectangular. It worked, racket feels much better.

So they are my initial thoughts, the kitchen test so to speak. I'm looking forward to getting out 2moro and putting these babies through their paces.

It will be interesting to see how the donnay holds up against my mg600 mid and the dnx against the rdx. My recent twiddling with my prestige had resulted in some super tennis of late, I think what I'm most excited by is the stability and feel of the modded yonex and the volkl match my prestige but they have that open pattern that may give me a bit more.....besides my mg the dnx is leading the way in the excitement department and as no lead has been added there may have to be a slight tweaking after 2moro as it has the lowest swingweight.....

2011-10-08113513.jpg


2011-10-06202428-1.jpg
 

PED

Legend
What is it about the Tec thatt you like over rthe APD? APD has this unique aerom design, dont you miss it? I like it alot but I cant stand the feel too much. My shoulder cant take it either. My shoulder feels better since using the VCORE 100.

I don't miss it TBH. I used the APD from 2007 through 08 and then again from 2010 through last week.

I used to play more heavy topspin and the apd is great for that but while the APD is great for those rotational strokes, the Tec is better for pressuring the ball (terms borrowed from Tennis Mav).

I've always like the blx 6.1 16X18 but the 352g strung weight was more than I wanted, so this plays like a lighter version of that. I also like the PSL-gt but not enough power there for me. The tec swings like the PSL but it's got the oomph I need.

There is a tinny feel to it but you get used to it and I just love the extra placement control I'm getting.

Fed mentioned that the Tec played like a higher powered version of the ytpp and he's right.

I've had my ytpp's at this balance before: 31.8cm and they were way to headlight-no beef on the shot at all but the Tec produces an effortless heavy ball-you can let the stick do the work for you.

One last point is that the Tec comes around so quickly that it's easier to change the direction on both wings and go up the line with it.
 

Ross K

Legend
Gads,

Not a ramble at all but, as usual, some very interesting and timely observations you make. I am indeed sniffing around these Yonex's - XL size to be precise - it's a long-running side issue of mine (for reach, I loved the added handle length on the PC+ for example but it was ultimately too hefty for me.) If I can get one cheap or in a trade to check out, I will certainly do so. Demoing like you do in the US is in the UK actually very rare. Cheers buddy.

BTW, re the APD, I love how easy it is to use and how it performs generally, but have frequently had occasion to find I'm a little too one-dimensional with it.... For the added feel, angles, ability to drive shots, way greater control, etc, nothing has beaten my TGKPP recently - which is why I haven't given up on that (and I remind you I recently found mine was actually 2.5 mm longer in length than standard), and am going to experiment mods-wise etc further, though this is a time-consuming practice that sometimes drives me insane!


Meags,

I know what a racketaholic proffessor you are and the great service you provide for racketaholics worldwide :) , and I'm closely following this latest turn of events. You know the DNX mid was a really sweet mid for me. Open pattern. Quality build. Bigger head, etc.... DNX 10 mid, PB10 mid and the BB10 mid were all very much my cup of tea... the Prestige mid was a slightly different cup of tea, but I adored that too... and then (to really stretch this terrible analogy), I discovered I actually prefer coffee to tea (ie, MPs overs mids. :eek: ) Great pics BTW.


PED,

Fed mentioned that the Tec played like a higher powered version of the ytpp and he's right.

Stop it... just stop right now... you know what these comments are going to do to me, right?! Seriously, as well as what I said to JG above re still persevering with the TGKPP experiment, I'm in the mood to pick my old N95 and have a little hit with it... I did love that racket a few years back.



R
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
PP, All,

Funny, I don't know what everyone's personal tick list of requirements is but since yesterday morning I've been really thinking specifically of this category - sweet swinging frames... ie, highly maneuverable frames, frames that seem to get to the ball mega-quickly; that have that clicking through the gears speed and really excellerates through the ball.

Then combine that with some solidness and body, feel and good oomph - and you know what I mean, right?

You just described the EXO100..lol.
 

Ross K

Legend
Anyone tried out full poly @ 45 lbs or lower care to say what the differences are between that and say 55 lbs. Just wondering if I should maybe explore dipping into 45s and wondering what effect will be re serve and groundies... just too loose?

R
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Had a few sets today with the new sticks. It was a decent session but as the weather has been utter miserable here in the motherland I decided last night that it would be rained off so I drank a cheap bottle of vino from Aldi which has left me feeling rather yuk this morning, not polar bear, more arctic fox!

Anyways weather wasn't too bad so off I went to the court.....
Volkl Dnx mid was the first hit as that was giving me the best vibe, felt really nice on groundstrokes, it cuts thro the air very nicely, quick, big sweetspot, didn't feel like a mid, great spin, really whippy, good control/power ratio. I hit some lively forehands, one on the run down the line, another on the run lob, I was really digging it. Anyways to go back a mo, first game, first serve, ace spinning out wide.......beautiful serving stick! This is everything I want in a racket I was thinking.

Second out the bag was the yonex rdx500 mp, immediately it felt like a tank compared to the volkl. Serves were good tho, big boom service, returns were easy but most of all just rallying with this stick was so easy. It did make me slightly lazy tho, I got comfy, unfocused and went thro a mediocre patch which kinda didn't leave me for the rest of the morning! I like the rdx but I think the thinner mid would suit me better. Also although ive flattened the grip shape, it didn't feel right (If anyone knows if head pallets will fit on a yonex let me know).

Last out of the bag was the donnay platinum, immediately I could feel it cut thro the air so quickly, the stringed was very lively (alu/nrg), lots of power, I was caning it, much flatter trajectory. Really nice stick. Serve was inconsistent and when forced back I struggled a touch with depth. With another look tho.

Out for the last couple of sets came the volkl, by then I was tired and cold and unfocused, the alcoholic legs were jaded and I was a bit in and out. It was also a difficult day, wet, heavy balls didn't help the flow and then the wind gusts made everyone look a little foolish at times.

Will add a couple of grams @12 on the volkl and balance that back off in the handle for my next foray. Hopefully the sun may shine :)
 

TheOneHander

Professional
Anyone tried out full poly @ 45 lbs or lower care to say what the differences are between that and say 55 lbs. Just wondering if I should maybe explore dipping into 45s and wondering what effect will be re serve and groundies... just too loose?

R

I'm playing Beast XP 16 @45lbs in my Rebels at the moment and it's perfectly controllable. It livens up the stringbed a bit, which is good for me as the Rebel is very low-powered compared to my Tours. There's also a little bit more spin potential than the frame normally has, of course, which is nice for my topspin monkey playing style. Compared to 55lbs, you get more pocketing and spin, but the difference in power isn't really that noticeable.

However, I can't say I'm a fan of the feel of full poly in this racquet-I actually preferred full PSGD 16. It might be that I'm used to BHBR, but the stringbed was a lot stiffer and tinny than it is normally.
 

Murray_fan1

Professional
Anyone tried out full poly @ 45 lbs or lower care to say what the differences are between that and say 55 lbs. Just wondering if I should maybe explore dipping into 45s and wondering what effect will be re serve and groundies... just too loose?

R

I think it is really racquet dependent. In my Organix 10 295 Mid 40's in a poly is bliss, however my Organix 8 315 anything below 55 and it becomes a rocket launcher. I do enjoy the additional pocketing the lower tension provides so I may look to a lower powered poly to try in my Organix 8 315. Any suggestions? I have been using Black Magic, Tour Bite as of late which are not usually described as low powered co-poly.
 
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JGads

G.O.A.T.
Had a few sets today with the new sticks. It was a decent session but as the weather has been utter miserable here in the motherland I decided last night that it would be rained off so I drank a cheap bottle of vino from Aldi which has left me feeling rather yuk this morning, not polar bear, more arctic fox!

Anyways weather wasn't too bad so off I went to the court.....
Volkl Dnx mid was the first hit as that was giving me the best vibe, felt really nice on groundstrokes, it cuts thro the air very nicely, quick, big sweetspot, didn't feel like a mid, great spin, really whippy, good control/power ratio. I hit some lively forehands, one on the run down the line, another on the run lob, I was really digging it. Anyways to go back a mo, first game, first serve, ace spinning out wide.......beautiful serving stick! This is everything I want in a racket I was thinking.

Second out the bag was the yonex rdx500 mp, immediately it felt like a tank compared to the volkl. Serves were good tho, big boom service, returns were easy but most of all just rallying with this stick was so easy. It did make me slightly lazy tho, I got comfy, unfocused and went thro a mediocre patch which kinda didn't leave me for the rest of the morning! I like the rdx but I think the thinner mid would suit me better. Also although ive flattened the grip shape, it didn't feel right (If anyone knows if head pallets will fit on a yonex let me know).

Last out of the bag was the donnay platinum, immediately I could feel it cut thro the air so quickly, the stringed was very lively (alu/nrg), lots of power, I was caning it, much flatter trajectory. Really nice stick. Serve was inconsistent and when forced back I struggled a touch with depth. With another look tho.

Out for the last couple of sets came the volkl, by then I was tired and cold and unfocused, the alcoholic legs were jaded and I was a bit in and out. It was also a difficult day, wet, heavy balls didn't help the flow and then the wind gusts made everyone look a little foolish at times.

Will add a couple of grams @12 on the volkl and balance that back off in the handle for my next foray. Hopefully the sun may shine :)

Sounds like the kind of day that might be completely erased -- could go out the next time and all the sticks could play a little (or a lot) differently.

Question: why'd you stray away from the BC20? Lost its groove?
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Sounds like the kind of day that might be completely erased -- could go out the next time and all the sticks could play a little (or a lot) differently.

Question: why'd you stray away from the BC20? Lost its groove?

The bc20 is a great stick and I've been happy with it for a year. My biggest problem was floating volleys and not putting them away. I put it down to my technique until I had the chance to play with a kps88 again, ok stability is second to non but I noticed how efficient my volleying was. For me too take the next step up into regular 1st division regional comps I need to be completely solid at the net. I also had a quarter final against the club no 1 seed, serving for the first set that I had dominated on my serve I missed two volleys, he won that game, the tie break and the next set! That kinda did it for me and I've been playing very well with the mg600 for the past month, volleying really well, the reason for the playtesting is I just wanted something with an open pattern on a mid sized head to see if that gave me any extra. I really wanted an rdx500 mid (after playing the pro stock pim pim) but I've had trouble getting hold of one, the mp is very wide middle of hoop and it causing me concern, the way it moves thru the air. The donnay is lovely but the dense pattern means its competing with the prestige mid and thats a difficult ask.

I'm playing 2moro so just adding a bit of weight to the dnx's, one I will string later © 50 lbs (the other is 58lbs)..... This racket just feels so right for me.
 
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Ross K

Legend
Rich,

Had a few sets today with the new sticks. It was a decent session but as the weather has been utter miserable here in the motherland I decided last night that it would be rained off so I drank a cheap bottle of vino from Aldi which has left me feeling rather yuk this morning, not polar bear, more arctic fox!

Anyways weather wasn't too bad so off I went to the court.....
Volkl Dnx mid was the first hit as that was giving me the best vibe, felt really nice on groundstrokes, it cuts thro the air very nicely, quick, big sweetspot, didn't feel like a mid, great spin, really whippy, good control/power ratio. I hit some lively forehands, one on the run down the line, another on the run lob, I was really digging it. Anyways to go back a mo, first game, first serve, ace spinning out wide.......beautiful serving stick! This is everything I want in a racket I was thinking.

Second out the bag was the yonex rdx500 mp, immediately it felt like a tank compared to the volkl. Serves were good tho, big boom service, returns were easy but most of all just rallying with this stick was so easy. It did make me slightly lazy tho, I got comfy, unfocused and went thro a mediocre patch which kinda didn't leave me for the rest of the morning! I like the rdx but I think the thinner mid would suit me better. Also although ive flattened the grip shape, it didn't feel right (If anyone knows if head pallets will fit on a yonex let me know).

We may have to introduce posting the polar bear pics in this thread - I can certainly vouch for being rather polar beared this morning (don't you love those late-afternoon 'Just popping out for a quick beer, darling. Back in an hour' - sessions which end up being past midnight when you finally creep/wobble back in!:)

Sounding good there with the DNX mid 10 - everything you said sounds exactly as i remember it. Keep the RDX500 updates coming too as this rac particularly interests me. Now, when you say tank, what do you mean exactly? Slow and metallic feeling? Reminiscent of any other frames I might know?


Muzza,

Cheers. I think you could well be right re 'frame dependant' comment.


1her,

Thanks. Interesting stuff.


All,

So I've kind of made up my mind that the 315 Speedflex is too sluggish and schizoid for my tastes (sounds like an ex-girlfriend of mine who used to enjoy partying rather too much - but I won't go into that now. :grin:)... I'm holding out, for a while longer at least, with the Exo Tour (still have concerns about that low 50s RA - if there's one constant spec for me, it's been that I do best with stiffness rating of 67+)... I'm waiting on new pallets for my TGK (I'm not done here yet with the experiments - I'm not sure I've ever played a rac as sublime as this one - but I have to get it modded right - and that has proved pretty difficult thus far)... and so for my little racketaholic experiment this coming week, due to what I came away with last match with the TF 315, namely a desire to play with a sweet-swinging, fluid as well as solid, big hitting frame, well, I just couldn't stop thinking of my old N95s - so I'll be hitting with that and seeing what arises.

How's everyone else and their own racketaholic updates?


R
 
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