TennisMaverick
Banned
Congrats!
The Melbourne is far more refined than the BB 11 SE, which Boris never liked it BTW.
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BB Melbourne Club
- Thread starter TennisMaverick
- Start date
Congrats!
The Melbourne is far more refined than the BB 11 SE, which Boris never liked it BTW.
Kot_Bigemot
Professional
Really? It was tuned to his specs according to his website...
TennisMaverick
Banned
Now that so many have come to agree with what I have been saying since this frame came out, that it is a great frame, why do you Volkl users think that it didn't sell well, as the PB 10 Mid did? IMPO, this frame is as good a player's frame at 98in2 as the PB 10 Mid is at 93in2, if not better.
TennisMaverick
Banned
He complained that the R&D techs could not translate "feel" as he knew it. That is why they brought the Legend back, and then, refined it as the Melbourne.
sphinx780
Hall of Fame
I know you're pretty dead set on Poly's but if you decide to try some string setups, try out Babolat Addiction. It's one of the stiffest Multi's out there, lasted well, little movement but still offered great pocketing. I strung it at 56/53 with the Melbourne Stock but you may want to tighten that up a bit with the lead you add.
Personally, after testing a wide range of Multis, I really fell for Gripper (remember I was a poly guy until the Melbourne), the one caveat with Gripper is it's a very powerful multi and it's much further away from that poly feel that you're used to. Addiction on the other hand, compares impo to softer polys while still letting the Melbourne do it's thing.
sphinx780
Hall of Fame
Hey Kot!
I'm surprised you came around with how smitten you were with the SE. Is the paintjob growing on you with the Melbourne or is it just that good that you are going to overlook it?
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Thanks Mav
Just been testing the two frames together (melly/dnx mid) and actually the cupping sensation is very much on a par. The dnx mid I strung at 58lbs and the Melbourne at 49lbs (they both feel similar in tension at this point in time).
I suppose what with the more powerful Melbourne Im just hitting slightly long now that the tension has dropped whereas with the mid Im not.
I probably will try a couple of softer polys than TB and string slightly tighter. Dont think I can do multi.......It just behaves completely differently to what Im used to and I like what Im used to.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Thanks Sphinx,
Yeah I like poly feel, its what I understand as 'feel'....but I will have a look anyway, gripper is cheap too!
I recently had vs gut main, poly cross in a stick, something I really enjoyed in the kps88 a while back and could I control it, ha, from the first hit it launched off my stringbed towards the sky, cant remember the ball ever landing. Ive got so used to ALu now TB I know exactly what it does. Im glad I tested my mid and the Melbourne together today and got the same cupping feel, so it is just a tweak in tension Im after.
Kot_Bigemot
Professional
Well...Ironically, i hated the paint job and still do. Not a big fan of white frames, sorry.
How i switched? My close friend is a Volkl regional rep. so, he offered me a demo. I told him once i saw it strait up that i hated the paint job but, he insisted that i try it. SO, i did. He is so great by the way - i get to try all the stuff BEFORE it goes to the market.
At first i was like - oh well, it is not THAT bad, if it was not for the paint job i would try it more. Then it was more like - oh...it actually feels pretty good. And after 2 month it was more like - screw the paint job, who cares! :mrgreen:
Then i ordered 2 more frames from him and now i play with Melbourne as my main weapon of choice.
I still have my BB11SE in the bag as a backup. And i still like them. I just have 2 models that i can play with now. That is all.
TennisMaverick
Banned
Kot_Bigemot
Professional
Yes, i do. Most of the market is young people and they like the shiny, colorful frames. Why do you think "great" Babolat sells so good? Marketing and colors.
TennisMaverick
Banned
Generally speaking, young people don't buy Volkls. The Volkl USA market is the largest, and predominately are upscale club members over 35. In your opinion, do over 35s not like white?
I certainly don't agree that the competitive juniors in most TTPs and junior events are playing with Babs because of marketing and colors.
Kot_Bigemot
Professional
Yes, youngsters do not buy them. But why not? Perhaps because Volkl does not want to invest in marketing? I strongly believe that marketing has a strong impact on sales and on choices that people make. At 35 most of us are capable to decide if they want quality or the looks, or both. But at 16-19....Kids are going for what looks "cool" in their minds. So, why not do some research and find out what kids like these days, what colors/paint jobs are more popular? The quality is there so, all Volkl needs is a bit of investment in to research.
As for marketing. IMPO, Babolat is nothing but great marketing because their frames are nothing special really. I played with all of them and hated every moment.
sphinx780
Hall of Fame
Glad to hear it, it's funny because that's how I felt about the BB11 paint job...I really thought it was ugly, but the stick played so well for me. I dig the simpler white but it could have been lime green for all I care with the way it hits.
TennisMaverick
Banned
But in your opinion, do over 35s not like white sticks?
BTW, is Gen playing with the C10 Pro Tours?
Kot_Bigemot
Professional
Well, i think it is a wrong thing to say that people like or not certain color. There are many people over 35 that love white and i know few. But there are also people such as myself that are not crazy about the white color.
And no, he does not - too attached to his C10PROs. he will never switch i think.
dje31
Professional
Well, I'm 46 and it doesn't bother me, per the other thread. All things being equal, I'd prefer black or red---or a deep metallic blue like the Rossi F250 when I was sponsored by them...gorgeous PJ, IMO---but again, the white is not a deal breaker for me.
Oh, and I'm a dude, if that matters.
Kot_Bigemot
Professional
Oh, i used to LOVE Rossignol frames. They were the best to me. I had F250 then i had the 6000 model.
And i agree, color is not a deal breaker for me. And it should not be for serious players. But again, there are guys at my local club who used to almost laugh when i was pulling BB frames from a Head bag. They thought it was so tasteless. But them we played some tennis and they stopped laughing. Me being about 10 years older and about 50 Lbs heavier than them...beating the crap out of them on court....well, you get the picture :twisted:
TennisMaverick
Banned
You mean because the sticks/bag did not match, or because you were using a BB stick?
Most of the time, club players decked to the nines with all matching gear and clothes, are usually the guys who have to pay the starters to hit with them because the other members don't get paid for giving tennis lessons. Sometimes I feel sorry for them sitting around much of the day, never having anyone asking them to hit or join a dubs game.
Kot_Bigemot
Professional
You got it man. Not to mention that my shoes were Prince, shorts and shirt we Adidas
And they all had matching clothes and matching bags/racquets, even balls. You know what i am talking about. You nailed it. Well, now they all greet me when i walk in on Sun mornings.
sphinx780
Hall of Fame
You got it man. Not to mention that my shoes were Prince, shorts and shirt we Adidas
Well, now they all greet me when i walk in on Sun mornings.
I could almost bet that there's not a guy in this thread that pays more attention to matching than their game, which is a good thing.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Gotta match ye bra and knickers mate, adds to ball cupping!
dje31
Professional
Well played!
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
As you know I've been tweaking and I'm there (I think ). I've removed the grip and added a cushioned grip. Its given me a softer feel and I don't know why but I could really feel the flex or at least the ball sink into the strings. It actually gives me the sensation I get with the pb10 mid but with more of the dnx10 mid crispness.
The one thing that's been slightly irritating is a 'ping' sound around the sweetspot, much akin to not having a dampener. I've been fiddling with it all day with different dampeners, lead etc and I've found if I mute the central four strings then the whole stringbed gives me the same satisfying thud. Problem is how do I do that. I don't want a snake dampener and the lead placement on the bridge didn'twork. So atm I have my usual bab O and an illegal rubber band across the four middle strings at the bottom of the stringbed. It works a treat tho it really does feel like a more powerful pt630. Finally got the feel I want.
If anyone knows a better way of dampening these four middle strings then please let me know.
). I've removed the grip and added a cushioned grip. Its given me a softer feel and I don't know why but I could really feel the flex or at least the ball sink into the strings. It actually gives me the sensation I get with the pb10 mid but with more of the dnx10 mid crispness.The one thing that's been slightly irritating is a 'ping' sound around the sweetspot, much akin to not having a dampener. I've been fiddling with it all day with different dampeners, lead etc and I've found if I mute the central four strings then the whole stringbed gives me the same satisfying thud. Problem is how do I do that. I don't want a snake dampener and the lead placement on the bridge didn'twork. So atm I have my usual bab O and an illegal rubber band across the four middle strings at the bottom of the stringbed. It works a treat tho it really does feel like a more powerful pt630. Finally got the feel I want.
If anyone knows a better way of dampening these four middle strings then please let me know.
As you know I've been tweaking and I'm there (I think
The one thing that's been slightly irritating is a 'ping' sound around the sweetspot, much akin to not having a dampener. I've been fiddling with it all day with different dampeners, lead etc and I've found if I mute the central four strings then the whole stringbed gives me the same satisfying thud. Problem is how do I do that. I don't want a snake dampener and the lead placement on the bridge didn'twork. So atm I have my usual bab O and an illegal rubber band across the four middle strings at the bottom of the stringbed. It works a treat tho it really does feel like a more powerful pt630. Finally got the feel I want.
If anyone knows a better way of dampening these four middle strings then please let me know.
Possible solutions:
2 O dampeners
Babolat RSV
Prince NXG Silencer
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
I have actually sorted it with the rubber band and its staying like that until I find a simpler way. Problem is my tour bite has a sharp edge and will rip thro the band in no time.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Thanks scotus, the two dampeners worked but looks sh1t, also it worked best with two sampras O's with the bab O inserts, which added about 5g and I had just got the weight and balance just right!
The others I will look into, I looked at the bab ig but its too big and nearly 6g. What I have now is a 2g O and the band its negligible but still takes my static up a gram.
I have used Bab RSV for years. It is heavy all right (but what a great dampener it is!)
The NXG I have not tried, but I thought you might be interested in it.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
yes but didnt quite work, well it did work pretty well but it looked bloody stupid!
I know. It must be tough being an artist. Aesthetics matters so much.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
I know its terrible ha! But it is an important matter for me. I know sphinx in a previous post said that players should be thinking first of form and then of aeathetic matters and that is a pre req but I do like my rackets to come clean. Not arsed about clothes tho. If you have seen my previous rackets they are always artistically inclined
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
At 6g (+3 more than what Ive got) its not a problem as its so near the throat I could prob get away with a couple of extra grams top of handle with the rest of the weight there adding about 5/6g in total. 370g is what Im used to so I may just get it if it is that good. Why do you use it and what are its qualities or more importantly does it do what it says on the tin?
Let me rephrase that: It is great for someone with an arm problem.
RVS is designed to be pushed down against the throat of the frame, and it is the only dampener out there that can actually dampen some of the frame vibration.
The down side: If you have a healthy arm and need vibration as feedback, then you probably would not like it.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
thanks mate, done a bit of research and it doesnt seem for me, will pick up something like the prince but i worry, when I put a bab O in my rackets it gives off a pitch I like, the samprass for instance is slightly more 'pingy', god knows what these small worms are like.
TennisMaverick
Banned
I coach an artist who is about 31 years old now who was a 5.5 sectionally ranked junior, but only a 5.0 on a good day now. I use him as a body with younger juniors, since he slices BHs and goes to net 30% of the time, a kind of pressure which these ranked juniors don't see. He can feel everything that a real player can feel, including .5 lb difference in string tension, or grip shape differences due to imperfections in pallet installment or syn grip thickness, and sounds off the string bed drive him nuts. An ugly tie-off knot or two which don't match, or a paint chip, scuff, or grommet deforment will cause a machine gun quick amount of texts to me! We are all impressed with his superior sensitivity for at player at his level, but find it amusing, because at his level of competency, many of these irritations make no difference with his ability to pull the trigger, maintain depth in a neutral rally, or adequately hit an effective defensive shot under pressure. We just humor him so that he mentally stays positive, because as an artist, he is sensitive emotionally as well, so ragging on him as most players do as normal communication, upsets him, especially when a 15 year old does it.
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Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Fortunately myself and the majority of artists I know are built of sterner stuff, more out of the Jackson Pollock or Gaugan mold rather than the whimsical flaneur. Sensitive, yes, emotional sensitive, certainly. 15 yr olds taking the pi$$ would get a kick up the arse, never mind being 'humoured' by a bunch of tennis pros ha!
I understand what you're getting at mav so don't think I've taken offence, just standing up for the artist as your comment sounds too much like a generalisation about artists instead of being specific to him, who happens to be an artist.
TennisMaverick
Banned
Should have preference what I said with "No Offense"...my bad!
I live on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, which is the center of the art scene in NYC now, and I know quite a few young artists. I always tread lightly with them. Maybe it's a tennis thing, since most of us, especially players of my generation, can be far from kind on-court. This guy went to RISD, and was still a good junior. One of the pros at Mac's place used to work for me, and went to SVA, and is a well-known graffiti artist, but it is a little easy to get under his skin as well, so maybe it's an NYC artist thing. My sister graduated from SVA too, and I can get under her skin with a look!
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Its the other way round with my sister
Mav, any advice on dampening the 4 mains and is it illegal to have a bab O and a rubber band also?
TennisMaverick
Banned
Its the other way round with my sister
Mav, any advice on dampening the 4 mains and is it illegal to have a bab O and a rubber band also?
I am not familiar with what you are hearing. I cannot test for it because the one last strung Melbourne that we had is gone, and we only have new ones, so I can't look for it(the sound). Sound kinda goes over my head, unless it's my opponent's. I played with the Kneissl White Star Lendl Pro and its various cosmetic changes for six years as a player and five years after as a coach, and that stick made a real sound quite different than any other frame.
Regarding dampeners, rubber bands, etc. You can use 43 of them if you wish, as long as it/they is/are outside of the string bed, which means between the frame and the nearest string which it would have to pass over, basically, the bottom and top cross, and the two outer mains.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Playing with poly and using a dampener Im used to a dull thud, you can I insist, humour me
but it gives me a certain level of confidence, the sound makes me feel like the racket is super stable. The ping is probably not noticible with a multi as its softer but with a stiffish metallic poly its a vibration I dont like. It is around the edges of the sweetspot and if i dampen the two outer middle strings it disappears. I am particular, the sound from a bab O is different to the dampened sound from a sampras O for instance and this can bug me ha, I know, I know!!Glad to hear about the legality of the dampeners, will try a 4 string one see of it works other than that Im good to go with my Bab O and rubber band.
TennisMaverick
Banned
Have decided to go with the OO vibration dampener.....
Thanks scotus, didnt quite get what you meant before duh!!works very well, is about 3.5g and hasnt altered my balance.
My racket is now perfect
PINGGGG!!!!!!!
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Mav, does the black Melbourne grommet fit the Legend?
As for the Melbourne....being the king of tweaks (been called worse!) I took off the cushioned grip as it made my grip feel too big (amazing how this has a totally different affect on the way the racket plays). Put the old becker with the silver lining back on and the racket feels 20g lighter and I dont know how this has happened but the 'ping' has gone when I returned to the single dampener (??). Ive stuck with the two O's tho as it gives off a nice solid thud.
Hope the weather holds up for tmoro....
As for the Melbourne....being the king of tweaks (been called worse!) I took off the cushioned grip as it made my grip feel too big (amazing how this has a totally different affect on the way the racket plays). Put the old becker with the silver lining back on and the racket feels 20g lighter and I dont know how this has happened but the 'ping' has gone when I returned to the single dampener (??). Ive stuck with the two O's tho as it gives off a nice solid thud.
Hope the weather holds up for tmoro....
TennisMaverick
Banned
It should. I'll try and confirm for you.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Cheers, a friend has bought two and doesn't like the white, don't blame him, god knows why the chose white in the first place.
I've got a legend coming my way to try and hopefully pick up a couple more melbourne's soon.
