Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Black one for me......
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Black one for me......
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Thanks PP. Man, I so wish clay was more easily accessible in SoCal. Around these parts you only find it at the Malibu Racquet Club, where you're paying a decent amount to play (never been there, want to do it once, though) BUT.. Hank Moody also plays there; and I've heard of some park on the opposite side of town that has it but the drive is too much from where I am. I learned the game on clay as a kid and every time I get to play the dirt, I just love it... If I move back to the east coast as I'm likely to do at some point, that will be a positive...
As for demos, my current 'frames of curiosity' are definitely the following: PK Q Tour, the PDR, the Mantis Tour 315 (especially) along with maybe the 305 with lead (bigger guy from Stringers World said it was his favorite racquet in a long time), and maybe one of those Yonex VCore 97s. ... But the Big Ugly, the PK 7G, has been so good to me lately that it would be a tall task for anything to beat it out. Was having so much fun with it lately playing extremely good tennis with it - especially fun of late has been choking up on the handle on second serves to get a lot of whip for some great kickers, then dropping the hand lower to the buttcap during the point to get that extra leverage on the swing. Some great versatility there in that regard.
Meanwhile, totally unrelated to tennis, any baseball fans out there? Saw Bryce Harper's debut at Dodger stadium last night. This kid looks goooood, just a good ol' fashioned ballplayer both offensively and defensively. Kid's got a gun for an arm.
BigM
Rookie
OK guys I will add some more info on the 97.
Its no secret this racket was crafted for a certain Swiss Baseliner with the best 1h backhand in the game. As everyone has stated it comes in to forms the 97 @310g and 89 @330g. I hit exclusively with the 310 variant and wow. The beam is so thin and really reminded me of dare say it a Prestige type feel off the string bed. Great dwell time. This racket is super comfy without it being spongy like my current exo3 tours. This frame is more powerful than the Prestige and I was getting very nice rip on the ball. Oh and the paint job is sublime. This stick will be a winner for people who love the feel of a Prestige mid or mid plus who don't quite have the game or body to wield it. Great feel Great spin Great comfort. A nice blend of crisp and flex with good response.
The frame was strung in some Yonex Blue poly which was also a pleasure to play with. I will update you with more findings as I become more familiar including pics!
BigM
Its no secret this racket was crafted for a certain Swiss Baseliner with the best 1h backhand in the game. As everyone has stated it comes in to forms the 97 @310g and 89 @330g. I hit exclusively with the 310 variant and wow. The beam is so thin and really reminded me of dare say it a Prestige type feel off the string bed. Great dwell time. This racket is super comfy without it being spongy like my current exo3 tours. This frame is more powerful than the Prestige and I was getting very nice rip on the ball. Oh and the paint job is sublime. This stick will be a winner for people who love the feel of a Prestige mid or mid plus who don't quite have the game or body to wield it. Great feel Great spin Great comfort. A nice blend of crisp and flex with good response.
The frame was strung in some Yonex Blue poly which was also a pleasure to play with. I will update you with more findings as I become more familiar including pics!
BigM
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I actually hate baseball, but that Harper kid is nasty. He is 19 and is already acting like Kenny powers out there..lol.
I have to say the gut poly did it again. The pdr still swings fast with lead, but with this string combo the spin, power and control is insane. What I like is that for whatever reason, the racquet just feels so consistent on forehands..real predictable and accurate.
So basically gut poly is the ultimate string setup for stiffer racquets. The amount of power and spin you can put on the ball IMO is better than full poly. It is a different type of string bed, but obviously far better for your arm.
Not sure if it will last me long enough to be my go to..I still have rip for that, but im hoping it does. Once again I have to strongly suggest this setup.
I have to say the gut poly did it again. The pdr still swings fast with lead, but with this string combo the spin, power and control is insane. What I like is that for whatever reason, the racquet just feels so consistent on forehands..real predictable and accurate.
So basically gut poly is the ultimate string setup for stiffer racquets. The amount of power and spin you can put on the ball IMO is better than full poly. It is a different type of string bed, but obviously far better for your arm.
Not sure if it will last me long enough to be my go to..I still have rip for that, but im hoping it does. Once again I have to strongly suggest this setup.
Murray_fan1
Professional
Hey Ross or Meaghan, Did you ever try BHBR ? Just wondering how Hexaspin twist compares? Got a reel coming from your side of the pond to try out. Price is definitely right
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Very nice. Thin beam, dwelling Prestige-y feel, blend of crisp and flex with response? Color me intrigued.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Hey Ross or Meaghan, Did you ever try BHBR ? Just wondering how Hexaspin twist compares? Got a reel coming from your side of the pond to try out. Price is definitely right
Yes tried bhbr, there are some similarities in feel but its hexagonal and twisted more, crosscourts I found very easy and playability is up there. It lasted much better also. It has huge coil memory like barb wire, I would compare it to that in the way that it plays but with signum-like longevity.
Its the best all rounder when you consider the price. Personally I tend to prefer the up and down, straight forward, depth quality of TB and now that Im hybriding with a livelier thinner cross Im getting some good hours in before it goes on me.
The stringer's world guys said the 89 had a very wide but short head. Did you notice this with the 97 as well?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
BigM I hear it is not as good as a serving stick as the prestige..one of the only weaknesses I have read or heard of it. Is that the case?
I have to say once you have a great serving racquet it is tough to lose that power.
I have to say once you have a great serving racquet it is tough to lose that power.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
The vcore 95d is a superb serving stick pp, just back from a great session and it certainly doesn't lack in that department. 6.1 esque
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Im talking the new 97. Just based on reviews I have read. Thats about the only negative thing I have heard, and it's not that negative.
The 97 sounds like best yy stick. But we shall see what you guys think.
The 97 sounds like best yy stick. But we shall see what you guys think.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
sorry PP i thought you just meant Vcore......tbh my vc95 has loads of lead up top so its gonna serve bombs, I was just a little surprised at the added pop. Im sure with a little tinkering the 97 will be fine.
First outing in dry sunny conditions, nothings changed this stick is very good.
Must also add that my second stick set up of BHB7 1.25/Mosquito Bite 1.16 @56lbs is rather sensational. May go into my first league match with that tmoro. Feel, touch, power and spin, side to side, up and down, around corners it spies on your neighbours and literally sh1ts on them from a height. Today that height was 6ft 7'
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Speaking of tinkering, as much as I love the gut/poly setup, another thing I really like is lead at 3 and 9. Seems like I should go the other way as a topspinner, but I believe this is racquet dependent.
The lead at 3 and 9 I believe adds 2 SW pts per gram to the stick instead of 3 when you add it at 12.
Anyway, what I am getting to is that the PDR still retains a ton of racquet head speed for it's weight, which makes serving rather easy and very prestige like.
something about long strips of lead at 3 and 9..it just feels great and stabilizes everything.
The lead at 3 and 9 I believe adds 2 SW pts per gram to the stick instead of 3 when you add it at 12.
Anyway, what I am getting to is that the PDR still retains a ton of racquet head speed for it's weight, which makes serving rather easy and very prestige like.
something about long strips of lead at 3 and 9..it just feels great and stabilizes everything.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I did not think it was possible to like a stick more than the black drive + but I am completely honeymooning with the pdr and the gut poly combo.
This whole offhand starting the stroke thing I worked on since the SEO has just made swinging this racquet so easy. But I honestly think it just swings easy for its weight. When I get in a groove I can hit with so much power and spin due to this magical string/racquet combo. This is a far easier racquet for me to use than the 6.1. It is more comfortable as well.
Ross, I implore you to try the gut poly setup in the APd..it may blow your mind right off because you will get this amazing feel, spin and power. But it is very controllable. I'm going to tweak the setup a little..try 1.28 gauge cofocus crosses..maybe try a slightly higher tension...but this string setup is so damn good..as long as your racquet is 65 RA or up, I think you simply have to try this. The spin is so superior to full poly, at least for me. It really feels like driving a Cadillac, and makes the racquet hit so plush.
You full poly yy guys are blowing it man..someone has to put some pacific classic/cofocus in there for gods sake.
This whole offhand starting the stroke thing I worked on since the SEO has just made swinging this racquet so easy. But I honestly think it just swings easy for its weight. When I get in a groove I can hit with so much power and spin due to this magical string/racquet combo. This is a far easier racquet for me to use than the 6.1. It is more comfortable as well.
Ross, I implore you to try the gut poly setup in the APd..it may blow your mind right off because you will get this amazing feel, spin and power. But it is very controllable. I'm going to tweak the setup a little..try 1.28 gauge cofocus crosses..maybe try a slightly higher tension...but this string setup is so damn good..as long as your racquet is 65 RA or up, I think you simply have to try this. The spin is so superior to full poly, at least for me. It really feels like driving a Cadillac, and makes the racquet hit so plush.
You full poly yy guys are blowing it man..someone has to put some pacific classic/cofocus in there for gods sake.
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^^^ I'll try and take a look at gut/poly in the coming months. Sounds amazing.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
If it didn't deliver so well in 2 racquets now, especially the roddick I probably would not be so adamant about it, but this is a secret weapon. No shock that so many pros use this setup. I think noles is at 52/50, which is pretty wild..for a babo 100 I am going 60/56 or 62/56.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Definitely stiff. Also a great player-ish tweener, as I like how the beam isn't as thick. A little lead and a softer string (TB+this might be too wiry-feeling) might be necessary. I'm not a huge VCore guy like everyone else, but this one was actually my fave. It rips, serves especially.
PED
Legend
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Nole is using 60.5lbs.
He has to contain that power somehow
That makes more sense. If you check out Colin the Stringer's site it says the tension I listed.
What I find interesting is my stick strung up at 56#s off the stringer and has only lost 5 pounds of tension. Regardless it is at 51#s. On paper I would consider that to be a massive racquet launcher with no control, but it just is this incredibly plush, heavy, heavy ball.
I have gone too low with the gut before (around 45#s after tension loss) and it was a pain to control. But that was with the 6.1, which was half an ounce heavier.
Im glad ryu and torres tried this and converted as well because sometimes when I find something this good I feel like I'm on crazy pills.
Might be a bit left of field this one, but is the 98D a bit like the PST - or not even close?
Or what other racks would ppl compare it to a bit?
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Totally different. PST flexier, softer, a lot heavier static and swingweight, definitely a true player's stick. 98D swings much much lighter, stiffer, definitely more of a tweenerish feel (light and stiff) all around, save for the thinner beam.
i can't even think of a comparable stick. maybe sort of kBlade 98ish? Though the KBlade came with a heftier swingweight off the bat.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Stiff hoop. More like a tec 320 with an extra string. Its also a bit too light but that can be easily corrected by switching to a decent grip. I do not get the yonnie stock grip...it gives great bevel feel but its barely there...paper thin and weighs nothing.
Ross I think you would dig the 100s more...
skraggle
Professional
Yeah, pretty much so. It swings pretty light, so combined with the stiffness, it was not a great hit for me. Oddly, it hit pretty well and could rip well enough, but not enough feedback for me. Nice looking, though...
BigM have you compared the 97 to the 95d?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I'm so in love with the pdr. Starting to realize I can play just fine with a standard stick. It actually is easier for me to serve consistently with it. Not sure why...it just is. Backhand is not as easy at first but I technically hit a better backhand with a standard as well so it is grooving right back in. Forehands are the heaviest and most consistent I have hit. The consistency is the key part.
This racquet hits real deep and heavy. I think the weight, the whippiness, the stiffness and the thick beam combo works out to be a perfect spec. Because of this you don't need a 350 gram plus racquet to hit massive balls. I do like it even more with the lead at 3 and 9, that just takes it to another level. Just really expected it to swing like a log, and it doesn't so adding the lead was really needed IMO.
The gut poly has really broken in and feels so good that it makes the tb/nvy setup I had in actually feel like crap..lol. It is so so good, and the best part it is such a consistent string bed. Everything is so easy to hit, especially drop shots, volleys, down the line slices just bite so well. The game of tennis is so much easier for me with this setup.
I hit with fellow tter lodeen for close to 3 hours and i never really got tha tired. He hits a nice ball with the ps85.. Lots of top and I felt like I may break a string against him, but it is looking fresh.
This decision is actually easier than I thought..I think I'm making a minor change from the + to the pdr. The pdr deserves every high ranking it has received, but to really appreciate its magic, put gut in it.
This racquet hits real deep and heavy. I think the weight, the whippiness, the stiffness and the thick beam combo works out to be a perfect spec. Because of this you don't need a 350 gram plus racquet to hit massive balls. I do like it even more with the lead at 3 and 9, that just takes it to another level. Just really expected it to swing like a log, and it doesn't so adding the lead was really needed IMO.
The gut poly has really broken in and feels so good that it makes the tb/nvy setup I had in actually feel like crap..lol. It is so so good, and the best part it is such a consistent string bed. Everything is so easy to hit, especially drop shots, volleys, down the line slices just bite so well. The game of tennis is so much easier for me with this setup.
I hit with fellow tter lodeen for close to 3 hours and i never really got tha tired. He hits a nice ball with the ps85.. Lots of top and I felt like I may break a string against him, but it is looking fresh.
This decision is actually easier than I thought..I think I'm making a minor change from the + to the pdr. The pdr deserves every high ranking it has received, but to really appreciate its magic, put gut in it.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
I have to add, the feel and control of this racquet with the gut has been allowing me to add another shot to my arsenal - the tomic forehand. I watched the video of him that I took and really payed attention when I was there. You basically prepare like you are hitting a big forehand, but at the last second drive and carve the ball instead of coming over and across it.
It's a really fun shot to hit. Might drive people insane when u mix it in with big topspin strokes.
Best description of tomics game ever is one I read on the web- " almost insultingly effortless" ..lol..pretty much nails it.
It's a really fun shot to hit. Might drive people insane when u mix it in with big topspin strokes.
Best description of tomics game ever is one I read on the web- " almost insultingly effortless" ..lol..pretty much nails it.
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RHs,
Cheers for feedback re the V98. As a few of you know, what I'm sometimes wanting is that vibrationless stability and a bit of plow, as previously experienced with the PC+ and 6.1s... hmm, not sure quite which - if any - of the VCores would suit me best though, as I still need that topspin/bline/APD-like performance too.
Cheers for feedback re the V98. As a few of you know, what I'm sometimes wanting is that vibrationless stability and a bit of plow, as previously experienced with the PC+ and 6.1s... hmm, not sure quite which - if any - of the VCores would suit me best though, as I still need that topspin/bline/APD-like performance too.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Difficult one Ross......
Just back from a couple of hours little session. All the sticks Ive used have such small margins of improvement and what is right for me with the vc95 may not be right for someone else.
Besides the added confidence on my 1hbh, what does this stick give me? There is something about the isometric head and the throat that give yonex stability whilst having a large sweetspot. At the level Im playing the most important thing to me is stability. Playing a big hitter today, getting pushed around and back with heavy pace, Im able to stay with him, get into the point and get on top, relatively easy. Well i say relatively easy, it wasnt but you know what I mean and I won pretty comfortably.
There is definately some extra zip but its very controllable, I really like the feel, I know people think its stiff and I do have a super bendy, double jointed arm but personally I think its rather comfy. The lead and leather has probably helped, yes its firm but there's a pillowy rd7 trying to get out. Ok not quite but I think you will find some similarities. I likened it my old RQ bat in feel, you have that stick take her for a spin again Ross. The 92" head is not far off the 95", placed together.
Once again I must add for all you poly lovers.....BHB7 1.25/Mosquito Bite 1.16 strung at the same tension (this is important!!) is quite exquisite. If you know me and trust me, which you will if you know me, then get on it and enjoy.
BigM
Rookie
I'm going out for a hit on Friday to compare the 97 to the 95. The 97 beam is thinner and played a bit more flexy from memory. The weight also was something I remember being an issue for me with the 95d. I only have access to the 310 gram 97 but I will report back once I have a fresh comparison in my mind.
BigM
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
The 97 may be quite interesting, 325 strung with leather and og minus the light yonex grip.....345g give or take......15g of lead......hmmmm may have to have a look
PED
Legend
I picked up that shot a few weeks back with the igrp, it really messes with guys who like to get in a groove. You can also incorporate the FH slice approach shot which is really nasty.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I almost always approach with slice down the line on both wings now.
It is so easy to do with the gut mains because of the feel and biting spin. the ball stays low and if it is not a clean winner, it is a very tough ball to attack and do anything with.
It is so easy to do with the gut mains because of the feel and biting spin. the ball stays low and if it is not a clean winner, it is a very tough ball to attack and do anything with.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yep I do that one a lot.
The gut really changes the game because it makes the pure drive feel like a plush flexy old school stick. So I can blast balls using it's stiffness for power and accuracy and also hit touch shots like the one you are describing.
In the Rad pro, gut would probably be too soft...but I dont know. Djoker uses gut mains and his racquet flex is low.
The gut really changes the game because it makes the pure drive feel like a plush flexy old school stick. So I can blast balls using it's stiffness for power and accuracy and also hit touch shots like the one you are describing.
In the Rad pro, gut would probably be too soft...but I dont know. Djoker uses gut mains and his racquet flex is low.
BC1
Professional
PP, I know you probably covered this on the pd thread, but what poly are you using in the crosses for your gut/poly hybrid?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
cofocus by MSV. Trying 1.23 and 1.28 to see which I prefer.
Smooth, soft. That is the key.
Smooth, soft. That is the key.
BC1
Professional
and the gut?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
pacific classic 16 gauge at 60/56.
the classic feels nice off the bat, but I have noticed around hour 6 it starts to feel so good that I can not stop playing tennis. It is utter addiction.
any quality gut will do though..babolat VS, Pacific..etc.
the classic feels nice off the bat, but I have noticed around hour 6 it starts to feel so good that I can not stop playing tennis. It is utter addiction.
any quality gut will do though..babolat VS, Pacific..etc.
Murray_fan1
Professional
Okay, I'm getting distracted here. Enough with the VCore enquiries. I'm fine as I am with my APD Original's. In fact, I'm more than fine, I'm... fantastico!
Way to stay strong Ross! Still goating with my APD GT as well. Tour bite still your goat set up with this stick?
Still my fave yes... but I'm always looking around regardless.
Murray_fan1
Professional
It seems everyone is too busy vcoring and cortexing that they have no time to post. It's been awhile since the racketaholics thread has been on second page:shock:
All this talk of gut has me intrigued. Does anyone have any experience with Tour bite/Gut hybrid? Do you think the sharp profile Tour bite will shred the gut too quickly? TW University string friction tool indicates it has a very low coefficient of friction, so on paper it may be a good fit?
All this talk of gut has me intrigued. Does anyone have any experience with Tour bite/Gut hybrid? Do you think the sharp profile Tour bite will shred the gut too quickly? TW University string friction tool indicates it has a very low coefficient of friction, so on paper it may be a good fit?
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Ha yeah I've been too busy vcoring, very good day, 6-0 7- 6, first set, concentrated tennis vcoring at its best, second set was a bit more relaxed, played myself and not my opponent, did what I needed to do in the breaker.
I said it in the vc95 thread, this stick its no nonsense point and shoot, its not clever so I'm not, great tennis!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
No I would not do that. TB shreds a cross pretty fast, so gut would go rather quick.
You want cofocus because it is really smooth and the stringbed will last and also simulate spaghetti strings and slide around on contact.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
yeah, two 9/10 vc95d's went for 115 notes for the pair.....someone let it slip on the 'club' thread and they were gone within 10 minutes, doh!!
Ordered the big YY bag, next day delivery, just out of time and with it being a bank holiday, it will be tuesday anyway, doh!!
Would love to try thhe new YY shoes but they are too expensive, can prob get hold of the 307's under 50 notes.
I love my Head shoes they are by far the most stable shoe but they weigh in at an incredible 19oz, great moving forward and laterally but moving backwards for a tall guy like me is problematic at the best of times. I just wish they were 16oz like they are supposed to be, dodgy scales at TW or Ive got mine with mods
Fed Kennedy
Legend
yeah, two 9/10 vc95d's went for 115 notes for the pair.....someone let it slip on the 'club' thread and they were gone within 10 minutes, doh!!
Ordered the big YY bag, next day delivery, just out of time and with it being a bank holiday, it will be tuesday anyway, doh!!
Would love to try thhe new YY shoes but they are too expensive, can prob get hold of the 307's under 50 notes.
I love my Head shoes they are by far the most stable shoe but they weigh in at an incredible 19oz, great moving forward and laterally but moving backwards for a tall guy like me is problematic at the best of times. I just wish they were 16oz like they are supposed to be, dodgy scales at TW or Ive got mine with mods
I lead up my vapors to 25oz.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Meaghan, have you abandoned your plans to construct a super heavy Apd? I was still curious about that.
