Diary of a Racketaholic

PED

Legend
Anyone see berdych forehand yesterday. I know its big but he had his usual cross court flick that just rocketed off his racket and thro the clay court. It would be interesting to know his set up modifications.

I noticed that as well, he's really driving his FH.

Movdqa actually has a couple of his Instinct PJ's: they're REALLY heavy from what I recall.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=6263418#post6263418

If you dig around here, I think he's got the specs.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
It's funny, weekdays, I can't wake up worth a **** early in the morning to go work.

Saturdays/Sundays, I'm up at 6, making coffee, breakfast, watching tennis.

The Berd-man is flyin' high today folks!

Can't watch monte carlo. Every time they show the sea behind the court, I get home-sick. Miss my mediterranean.
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Berdych definitely has that extra. I've watched so many close matches of his, caught yesterday's on replay late night, played aggressive against Murray. He won't be able to do that against djoko/rafa/fed and get away with it. Needs to play a smarter game against those 3.

He loses his patience too much, too often and goes for broke, leading to UE's. But he does have the tools to get into the top4. There should be a 'no fly zone' over the court when he throws his service toss. Amazing athlete.

Another aspect I like about his game is it seems effortless. Unlike watching Murray,Djoko,ferrer or Rafa, who are grinding and seem like they struggle to manufacture points, Berdych is smooth, effortless and efficient; guess you have to be if you're 6'5".

I noticed that as well, he's really driving his FH.

Movdqa actually has a couple of his Instinct PJ's: they're REALLY heavy from what I recall.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=6263418#post6263418

If you dig around here, I think he's got the specs.

good points boys, he was unlucky today, was all over nole beginning of 2nd set but djok went 3-0 up.....thats why he's the man.

I know his racket is close to even balance and he has lead like a CAP grommet. Not too disimmilar to mine I just cant cope with a low balance when the weight is up there, you have to be very strong. Im happy at 7pts, i tried a pro stock yonex, joachim johansson, and it was 4pts hl and at 380g or so.... just too much for more than one set.
 

PED

Legend
I know his racket is close to even balance and he has lead like a CAP grommet. Not too disimmilar to mine I just cant cope with a low balance when the weight is up there, you have to be very strong. Im happy at 7pts, i tried a pro stock yonex, joachim johansson, and it was 4pts hl and at 380g or so.... just too much for more than one set.

Movdqa's quotes below, it appears Berdych is still pretty HL in terms of balance:

Weight is 13 ounces and balance is 5 or 6 points headlight. I posted that a while ago. He plays with a white overgrip too (13 oz is without the overgrip). Also plays with an "O" dampener - I don't know what those weigh compared to the rubber band that came with the strung one.It does crush the ball but you need the strength to get the thing moving fast enough. It's not surprising that he has a two-handed backhand

He seems to echo your feelings about the Yonex you had.

When you see the top guys now using a 32.8cm(le Monf or Djoker) balance with a hefty static as well, it makes you appreciate the timing and strength to whip it around over a 3 hour match.

I'm using the IG Rad Pro this week at 33cm balance but only a 331g static. It feels so light even though my Tec was only 341 in comparison.

I bought the RP's because I wanted something lighter, quicker and more powerful and I really love them but if I get the time, I might try throwing an extra OG to add 5g and throw another 5g in the hoop to see how it feels at 340 plus. The flex is sublime in this frame.
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
ok let the racketahilicism commence or continue i should say......on their way are a couple of yonex vcore 95D's, courtesy of a fellow tt racketaholic from blighty.

very excited, very very excited.......

As you know the BB Legend in my eyes is as good as it gets, after numerous outings and studying of form under torchlight, under blanket this bat holds sway.

But I am vain and I cannot yeild an ugly bat and there is such a bat that i have built my world around, supposedly for navratilova herself, the yonex rq260, no mods, just og and damp its a cool 370g/7pts hl/365sw.

It just clobbers the ball effortlessly but she is grim. As Morrissey said, "November spawned a monster" and sadly she is a Sagitarius!

So here's hoping the yonex have made something akin, if so it could be a battle royale over the coming weeks.

couple of fotos for your perusal....

2012-04-21150112.jpg


2012-04-21145423.jpg
 

Ross K

Legend
ok let the racketahilicism commence or continue i should say......on their way are a couple of yonex vcore 95D's, courtesy of a fellow tt racketaholic from blighty.

very excited, very very excited.......

As you know the BB Legend in my eyes is as good as it gets, after numerous outings and studying of form under torchlight, under blanket this bat holds sway.

But I am vain and I cannot yeild an ugly bat and there is such a bat that i have built my world around, supposedly for navratilova herself, the yonex rq260, no mods, just og and damp its a cool 370g/7pts hl/365sw.

It just clobbers the ball effortlessly but she is grim. As Morrissey said, "November spawned a monster" and sadly she is a Sagitarius!

So here's hoping the yonex have made something akin, if so it could be a battle royale over the coming weeks.

couple of fotos for your perusal....

2012-04-21150112.jpg


2012-04-21145423.jpg

Agree it's an incredible racket Meags that deserves more renown. Just annihilates the ball and feels like you're hitting with a fluffy pillow. Let me know when yours requires a partner. :)
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Agree it's an incredible racket Meags that deserves more renown. Just annihilates the ball and feels like you're hitting with a fluffy pillow. Let me know when yours requires a partner. :)

Ha yeah, I know I've said I'm interested......if mike tyson played tennis its the type of club he'd use.....I see myself more of a camp flaneur :)

I've talked about racket personality before and maybe opposites do attract. I'm so hoping the v95 plays similarly, I can't be doing with shared holes and a fat midriff.
 

Ross K

Legend
Ha yeah, I know I've said I'm interested......if mike tyson played tennis its the type of club he'd use.....I see myself more of a camp flaneur :)

I've talked about racket personality before and maybe opposites do attract. I'm so hoping the v95 plays similarly, I can't be doing with shared holes and a fat midriff.

"Camp flaneur"?... "shared holes"?... is this some strange code used in the arts community relating to deviant sexual practices?! :shock: :)
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Had a good morning match practise. Our coach took some of us to do some initial drills, mainly volleying, great stuff between two then four of us. Working on feel as so many of us get a bit rushed during matches.

Had a couple of sets afterwards a little up and down, mainly due to string. I am a TB man and nothing else will do. Need my two main sticks to have TB/Timo in and ready to go.
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Fed, anyone,

Can you give me your impressions of the vcore 95d. where's the weight distributed, does the head feel heavy even tho its a low sw?
I can imagine how it plays, I will string up with my usual poly. I will add mods, hoop and handle, leather grip, og.......

What I did notice today with a short hit with my old yonex, was a slight manoeuvrability issue, not noticed it before but I think its because the bb just cuts thro the air. The yonex his a great bh tho, and although the bb is great at the net, the yonex is as good as it gets.
 

Ross K

Legend
RHs,

Hmm, ahead of next week I feel a sudden urge to hit something heavyish and highly stable (The mother-in-law perhaps? Mind you, though somewhat on the large size, she's not that stable... kidding, kidding, kidding. :twisted::))... You know, I might just put the PC+ in my bag to have a little mess around with at the end of the session, just to see how it contrasts with what I'm now used to.

Of course, previously, this frame was ultimately too much for me heft-wise, and against sterner opposition it became apparent. But it was indeed one of those solid as a tank plow through racks. Very good control, surprisingly good touch, nice spin, and is a lovely fit with TB... Irrational and illogical I know, but I loved that PC+ Swirly.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Fed, anyone,

Can you give me your impressions of the vcore 95d. where's the weight distributed, does the head feel heavy even tho its a low sw?
I can imagine how it plays, I will string up with my usual poly. I will add mods, hoop and handle, leather grip, og.......

What I did notice today with a short hit with my old yonex, was a slight manoeuvrability issue, not noticed it before but I think its because the bb just cuts thro the air. The yonex his a great bh tho, and although the bb is great at the net, the yonex is as good as it gets.

It plays like a prostaff. Stiff with a lot of pop, great handling, zippy slice. Tons of rip of cc shots. This is the best rac on the market and has converted me to Yonex.
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
It plays like a prostaff. Stiff with a lot of pop, great handling, zippy slice. Tons of rip of cc shots. This is the best rac on the market and has converted me to Yonex.

They arrived today (thanks cc)......

Tour Bite 1.25/Hyperion 1.18 @ 56lbs (feels lovely), new Volkl og, Vantage leather, Bab O.

Its very 6.1 like in that it doesnt feel like it needs modding, the head is weighty, it doesnt feel like its only 317sw, Id say its 20pts higher than that. Its also 31cm strung, I was shocked couldnt believe it was that headlight. Ive added 5g between 10&2, it feels like my 7pt hl Legends but its 9pts hl ??

The feel is exactly what Im after, its crisp, obviously not as soft as my BB's but it feels so controlled with this set up. Power feels on a par. It will volley better Im sure, its so stable, the short throat does that for you.

Really looking forward to taking it out, will probably have to tinker with the mods. It doesnt cut thro the air like the Legend but I know I will have more confidence on my bh side, it will be interesting......

2012-04-23123835.jpg
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Just on another note I wanted to say how impressed I was ith Wawrinka versus Nadal the other day, the vc95d is definately suiting him now after an iffy start, best Ive seen him play. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-P1rF4wpi8

I do however feel like all those Rafa lovers who go out and buy their fave players stick, now Ive got the Yonex.

On another note, the feel of the thoat with your non playing hand is quite exquisite, I know "strange bloke syndrome" but for those of us who use this hand to guide their play then its special (ha, Im such a nob!).

I keep thinking the factory geeks have turned the n6.1 95 into a pro stock Yonex.
 

Ross K

Legend
They arrived today (thanks cc)......

Tour Bite 1.25/Hyperion 1.18 @ 56lbs (feels lovely), new Volkl og, Vantage leather, Bab O.

Its very 6.1 like in that it doesnt feel like it needs modding, the head is weighty, it doesnt feel like its only 317sw, Id say its 20pts higher than that. Its also 31cm strung, I was shocked couldnt believe it was that headlight. Ive added 5g between 10&2, it feels like my 7pt hl Legends but its 9pts hl ??

The feel is exactly what Im after, its crisp, obviously not as soft as my BB's but it feels so controlled with this set up. Power feels on a par. It will volley better Im sure, its so stable, the short throat does that for you.

Really looking forward to taking it out, will probably have to tinker with the mods. It doesnt cut thro the air like the Legend but I know I will have more confidence on my bh side, it will be interesting......

2012-04-23123835.jpg

Literally did a double-take as I thought it was an N6.1! Look forward to hearing your views on this.
 

PED

Legend
^^I've not hit with one either but did notice when I dry swung one in the shop, it almost felt like an XL stick.
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Had a hit against the wall, it feels great, very like my rq260, its firm but slightly pillowy. I can really feel the flex in my Melbourne when I pick that up. It does remind me of the n95 but with better feel. There is something about the Isometric headshape that is so stable.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Had a hit against the wall, it feels great, very like my rq260, its firm but slightly pillowy. I can really feel the flex in my Melbourne when I pick that up. It does remind me of the n95 but with better feel. There is something about the Isometric headshape that is so stable.

Once you get used to the iso head, it is easier to generate angles. You will love this frame, not to mention it is a beautiful frame.

I think you will be surprised at how hard you can hit the ball. Adding lead makes it utterly vibrationless...
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Once you get used to the iso head, it is easier to generate angles. You will love this frame, not to mention it is a beautiful frame.

I think you will be surprised at how hard you can hit the ball. Adding lead makes it utterly vibrationless...

Yeah Im used to Isometric headshape, its never bothered me. Ive had a short hit with the super rd tour and the rd7, prolonged hits with the rq260, rdx500mid and mp, the rdis100mid, Joachim Johanssen pro stock yonex (rdx500mid/rds001 paint job, heavenly tk57 pallet, wide as you can get).

The problem is I hate the newer models since rdx500mid, just too stiff, the rdis100mid is so stiff. And the older models are hard to come by etc. So the new 95 excited me. The headsize on the 98's are huge. The 90/92/93's are great and measuring the vc95 its close to the mid I have.

Its all a balance, the Legend is great, its weakness for me, and this is a slight thing are volleying stability and 1hbh. I expect the Yonex to be great here as Ive always liked this quality in them. The Legend gives me a superb serve and fh so its whether it matches up.

The grip is a 2, it has to be for me as Yonex, like wilson's are round so they feel bigger than what they are. Ive flared the buttcap so my hand doesnt fall off. Amazed that people can actually play with such a narrow buttcap. Looks like Sod's now.

As for lead Ive added 6g of dense lead top of hoop, It really helps my serve and adds even more stability, initially it felt heavy but on picking up my Legend it feels the same. Tonight it feels relatively light......
 
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JGads

G.O.A.T.
Holy Pro Kennex, the Q Tour has landed at TW Europe, along with a new Black Ace Mid. Neither have specs listed yet, just pics so far.

Just eyeballing the Q Tour, everything looks just as 808 described, a disappointingly short handle and the beam a touch thicker than the pre-listed 19mm, which had me so amped. Really, the frame looks just like the Euro Black Ace 325 I got to hit but wasn't impressed by, and if it's that same frame with just kinetic material added at the corners, then I'll be disappointed.

Black Ace Mid has a sweet new paintjob, impossible to tell if it's just that or a different frame.

I still may do something stupid here, but I'm a little less enthusiastic.

808: any more hits with the Q, by chance?
 

kybb

Rookie
Instinct 18x19 has something special.
I hated this low powered frame at first vs Prestiges (here the power is related to mass). BUT... angles, slice serve, kick serve, low net clearence, volleys, full power shots when jumping after high ball, attacking short balls, AND MY BH is almost as good as my forehand. I need one more of these Youtek Instincts to play with lead and strings/tensions. Only drawback with Instinct is first flat serve. I had good first flat serve when I added 1,5g @ 12 and 2g to butcap, but then racket felt sluggish on other areas. I also have 1,5+1,5g @ 3/9 to support me with wolleys and overall stabiliti. I stung Instinct with Hyperion 1,24 @ 23/22 (2 pieces). Next time I would go even lower.. maybe 22/21kg.
Just ordered reel of BHB7 that i could have more support from spin department.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
^The berdych blue-eyed ig version?......

or...

The mustard-gold yt monstrosity?

;)

EDIT: Oh wait, sorry. 18x19. Gotchya. Wasn't paying full attention due to not paying attention to work!
 
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kybb

Rookie
Yeah Im used to Isometric headshape, its never bothered me. Ive had a short hit with the super rd tour and the rd7, prolonged hits with the rq260, rdx500mid and mp, the rdis100mid, Joachim Johanssen pro stock yonex (rdx500mid/rds001 paint job, heavenly tk57 pallet, wide as you can get).

The problem is I hate the newer models since rdx500mid, just too stiff, the rdis100mid is so stiff. And the older models are hard to come by etc. So the new 95 excited me. The headsize on the 98's are huge. The 90/92/93's are great and measuring the vc95 its close to the mid I have.

Its all a balance, the Legend is great, its weakness for me, and this is a slight thing are volleying stability and 1hbh. I expect the Yonex to be great here as Ive always liked this quality in them. The Legend gives me a superb serve and fh so its whether it matches up.

The grip is a 2, it has to be for me as Yonex, like wilson's are round so they feel bigger than what they are. Ive flared the buttcap so my hand doesnt fall off. Amazed that people can actually play with such a narrow buttcap. Looks like Sod's now.

As for lead Ive added 6g of dense lead top of hoop, It really helps my serve and adds even more stability, initially it felt heavy but on picking up my Legend it feels the same. Tonight it feels relatively light......
For me 95 felt good, but not soo good when i did not hit to the sweetspot... i think that's why you have added the lead. I think that the power level was allready in stock form really good and you don't need lead for that... or? 6g added to the upper hoop seems a lot.
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Meags, I can't believe you! You've decamped so soon! Whatever next? :twisted:

BTW, someone I know plays the 100S and swears by it. Will have to try it out now that y'all are singing the Yonnies' praises!

Haven't tried it yet.....just checking things out....:)
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
For me 95 felt good, but not soo good when i did not hit to the sweetspot... i think that's why you have added the lead. I think that the power level was allready in stock form really good and you don't need lead for that... or? 6g added to the upper hoop seems a lot.

I've added the lead to meet my usual set up. Its about swing speed in relation to your arm so that the racket doesn't get ahead or lag behind. Its also there to bolster serve.
 

corners

Legend
I'm in a similar boat to you coming from a 1hbh. I've been working on starting the racquet low (below the incoming ball), turn with shoulders, arms closer to the body. Starting to get my takeback to a point where it's feeling more natural. Have been shadow swinging it a lot and eager to try it on court when I get a chance. People mention the 2hbh being easier, but it's a hard stroke to transition to.

Your one-hander was looking pretty sweet in your most recent video in the instruction section. Why the switch?
 

kybb

Rookie
That thing is so ugly I love it.

Remember hearing some people saying it was a very underrated/overlooked frame though. What does yours weigh?
I know it's ugly, but performance is all i'm after. I lost to my friend one week ago with APDGT and i destroyd hem today 9-4. I know that there is somethin wrong with our end resault, but we play with this friend for one hour and who is ahed in the end is the winner. Strung sepcs of this beauty: 327g, 328mm with Sampras O, overgrip and 3g of lead @ 3/9.
 
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808

Professional
Holy Pro Kennex, the Q Tour has landed at TW Europe, along with a new Black Ace Mid. Neither have specs listed yet, just pics so far.

Just eyeballing the Q Tour, everything looks just as 808 described, a disappointingly short handle and the beam a touch thicker than the pre-listed 19mm, which had me so amped. Really, the frame looks just like the Euro Black Ace 325 I got to hit but wasn't impressed by, and if it's that same frame with just kinetic material added at the corners, then I'll be disappointed.

Black Ace Mid has a sweet new paintjob, impossible to tell if it's just that or a different frame.

I still may do something stupid here, but I'm a little less enthusiastic.

808: any more hits with the Q, by chance?

Hahaha, I had just noticed that TWE has them in stock now and was going to post to let you know...

Haven't had any time to go out and play in the last couple of days (work, argh), so no new insights, sorry. I'm well again, though, feel free to adjust your sig accordingly. ;)
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Hahaha, I had just noticed that TWE has them in stock now and was going to post to let you know...

Haven't had any time to go out and play in the last couple of days (work, argh), so no new insights, sorry. I'm well again, though, feel free to adjust your sig accordingly. ;)

Done.........

Cant think of anything better, for now.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Tweener smack with player feel - too hard to resist, no?

I have been playing doubles with the 100s...the racquet is so easy to use, there is a ton of feel from this racquet, it does not play like other bubble head tweeners. My plan is to federize it...gut/poly, leather, maybe some grams in the head...great stick...it is not a beast like the 95, it is more santoro-ish but very fun to play with, esp with the alleys in play, you can cut the ball at ridiculous angles.
 

aimr75

Hall of Fame
Your one-hander was looking pretty sweet in your most recent video in the instruction section. Why the switch?

At times i play with pretty high level players including a former ATP pro and though i can hang with them to an extent with the 1hbh, its pretty tough when their strokes have alot more pace and kick like a mule off the ground and are consistently deep. Its just eye opening when you experience that sort of ball.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
The IG Midplus experiment is officially dead. Could never get back to my Honeymoon-with-Megan-Fox-like demo dalliance. The 7G, meanwhile, has been crushing of late. Will try some Yonexing in the coming week.
 

Ross K

Legend
Meags, I can't believe you! You've decamped so soon! Whatever next? :twisted:

BTW, someone I know plays the 100S and swears by it. Will have to try it out now that y'all are singing the Yonnies' praises!

This 100S interests me too a bit, and I'm also wondering more and more about the 98D. My last experience with a 95" headsize (BLX 95) merely confirmed my long-standing suspicion that I fare best with 98-100".


crosscourt (if you happen to be reading this),

I think you were checking out these VCore 95s... anyhow, what is your take on them? Why not for you?
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
This 100S interests me too a bit, and I'm also wondering more and more about the 98D. My last experience with a 95" headsize (BLX 95) merely confirmed my long-standing suspicion that I fare best with 98-100".


crosscourt (if you happen to be reading this),

I think you were checking out these VCore 95s... anyhow, what is your take on them? Why not for you?

With cc rivaling marcus as chief uk racketaholic, as you may suspect my two yonex are his ex playmates.
He sent a small review to me hopefully he'll post a review here on the diary......it seems he's looking for a bio200.....
 

Ross K

Legend
With cc rivaling marcus as chief uk racketaholic, as you may suspect my two yonex are his ex playmates.
He sent a small review to me hopefully he'll post a review here on the diary......it seems he's looking for a bio200.....

No-one rivals Marcus as biggest RH probably - he's the main man! - certainly in UK. (Whilst in EU as a whole I reckon the legend that is cluboneuno or whatever he was called takes some beating. He was quite... extraordinary.) Simon on the other hand, is a true connoisseur though and I'll forever be grateful to him for introducing me to the godly RD7.:)
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
Simon on the other hand, is a true connoisseur though and I'll forever be grateful to him for introducing me to the godly RD7.:)

It looks like I may be eternally grateful for him introducing me to the vc95d.....30mins this morning, simply a stunning hit, feels 'together' like my Legend but where it is an improvement is its stability on my bh side, like my old yonex it just crushes the ball. This stability adds to my volleying confidence, bit like a mid. Did a couple of serves, seems fine, got another hit tmoro.....

There's no honeymoon period these days, the rackets I playtest are modded to my spec and play very similarly with just subtle differences.
 

crosscourt

Professional
I am blushing. I said quite a bit about the 95D in one of the threads specifically about the racket and wouldnt want to bore you all with the same thoughts. Briefly, my first feelings were as always disappointment that "the new Yonex 95" is not more like the RD7 or some of the other older Yonex 95s. But once I got used to it I found the power and spin potential very pleasing. In fact the power and spin you can hit are huge. As Meaghan knows the Legend with poly and added weight gives you fantastic dig. The 95D got me to the same place in a lighter package (although I did add some weight to the throat). And as always with Yonex you get a big sweetspot, tremendous playability for a 95, good feel and excellent comfort. Some of the criticisms of the racket being "too powerful" -- including in the TW review -- surprised me.

So why let them go? In that inevitable rh way I have moved on. I have been hitting with the Biomimetic 200 and the soft flex of the racket is very good for my arm and shoulder. Not that the Yonex wasnt a smooth and comfortable hit, but the Dunlop is very easy indeed.

cc
 

Meaghan

Hall of Fame
I am blushing. I said quite a bit about the 95D in one of the threads specifically about the racket and wouldnt want to bore you all with the same thoughts. Briefly, my first feelings were as always disappointment that "the new Yonex 95" is not more like the RD7 or some of the other older Yonex 95s. But once I got used to it I found the power and spin potential very pleasing. In fact the power and spin you can hit are huge. As Meaghan knows the Legend with poly and added weight gives you fantastic dig. The 95D got me to the same place in a lighter package (although I did add some weight to the throat). And as always with Yonex you get a big sweetspot, tremendous playability for a 95, good feel and excellent comfort. Some of the criticisms of the racket being "too powerful" -- including in the TW review -- surprised me.

So why let them go? In that inevitable rh way I have moved on. I have been hitting with the Biomimetic 200 and the soft flex of the racket is very good for my arm and shoulder. Not that the Yonex wasnt a smooth and comfortable hit, but the Dunlop is very easy indeed.

cc

Either tell us where your review is or bore us some more please sir :)
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
The IG Midplus experiment is officially dead. Could never get back to my Honeymoon-with-Megan-Fox-like demo dalliance. The 7G, meanwhile, has been crushing of late. Will try some Yonexing in the coming week.

You know you want the vcore 89 gads. The yonstige. Forget HEAD and their evil communist gripshape. You can still have a ruby red pj with flat shot precision, japanese quality and the freedom and equality of the 16x20 pattern with topspin, flat bombs and justice for all.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
You know you want the vcore 89 gads. The yonstige. Forget HEAD and their evil communist gripshape. You can still have a ruby red pj with flat shot precision, japanese quality and the freedom and equality of the 16x20 pattern with topspin, flat bombs and justice for all.

I do love me a good 16/20 pattern. Those new VCores do look interesting but that 89 might be too demanding. We'll see. Needs to be perfect stock because the Prestige MP was an educational experience: 11.9 stock but needed some lead in the hoop, but at that point when I added lead the the scales were tipped too far for me.

By the way, these new Mantis frames. Have to admit I'm vaguely intrigued by the Tour 315. 95in, thin beam, tight pattern, nice paintjob, and at 11.6 stock a few grams at 12 would bring it up to near 12 oz with a great swingweight in the 320s. Some of their other frames look like decent lead platforms, too, but if it's TOO much of a platform and I have to transform the racket then I end up going crazy.

Meanwhile, I feel like the only racaholic who hasn't been able to make the VCore frames work for me. It's beginning to feel like a lonely place. VCores are all the rage suddenly, a year (?) after they came out.
 
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