Donnay Pro One 97 users club

neverstopplaying

Professional
Has anybody tried the P1 16x19 with Prince Beast XP strings yet? If so, how did you like it?

Can't answer you yet, but been playing a lot in the last few weeks with the P1. My usual setup in the 400T is VS/Beast, but I've been playing full poly with the P1, as I had two gut jobs snap after only a few hours of play. Full poly works well in the P1.

Beast is one of my favorite polys - I can't see how it won't work well. Post back your results. I'll give it a shot soon.
 

Eightmarky

Rookie
Eightymarky - Yeah for sure, textured poly really works in this frame. I've played with both gauges of BHBR in other frames, and those are both really awesome. I'm currently favoring Dunlop Black Widow 18 for kick serves (big part of my game) and baseline bashing. When It's clear that my best chance of winning is dictating from the baseline, that's what I'm reaching for. I have BHB7 in my other P1, but it just feels a bit too "wild" somehow for me to find a good groove with it. It doesn't have that typical dead and unresponsive feel, that is common with poly, it feels very responsive, which is why I think it is so popular. I just have a bit of fear hitting long with it. The racquet strung with BHB7 frame mostly stays in the bag. I will reach for the BW18 or the Genesis TB 16 first.

-Jack

Good stuff Jack. I played some singles with BW last weekend and I was able to hit at least 4-5 wide FH winners from the middle of the baseline because of the spin that the BW/P1 combo produces.
 

stronzzi70

Professional
You are definitly right, but that is also the case with the Radcial (it just swings easier). How does Adrenaline plays btw? Did you try a hybrid?

sorry, don´t like Hybrid...mine is full luxilon adrenaline.,,,,bu still looking for something better.
 

royaldoyal

New User
Does anyone know if Donnay plans on producing a smaller head size then the pro one 97 with a 16 x 19 string pattern with the same beam width?
 

TfReAk

Rookie
I recently got my hands on a Donnay P1 16*19. My current racket is the Head MG Rad MP with a few grams of lead @3 and 9 and a TW leather grip.

The first things I noticed is that I hit my 1hdbh and serve much better. The P1 is far more stable than my Radical (good on blocking a hard serve). On the serve I could get more spin (slice and kick) and mph out of the P1.

It is my forehand that I (still) have got to get used to. My Radical swings easier and has more control (I have a better feeling on where the ball is going). The P1 also has more power and to keep the ball in you must spin it. When trying to flatten out the ball, it went for fences most of the time :)

I could'nt figure out why my forehand didn't worked (besides the swingweight). Untill yesterday (I think :)). Maybe it's just me, but I have the feeling that the sweetspot of my Radical sits a bit higher in the stringbed. While the sweetspot of the P1 is more in the center...when I adjusted to this my forehand kept getting better. Still have to swing it some more before I decide to make a switch.

BTW: Strung the P1 with MSV focus hex 1.18 27kg mains and 25kg cross (maybe I'll drop a few kg and will try a hybrid soon)

A little update on the P1. The last few days I practiced more on my forehand and I must say I love it. Yesterday I played doubles and, although I had a hangover from my bday party, I played a pretty good match. Groundstrokes were great and I had great touch with my volleys.
 

stronzzi70

Professional
A little update on the P1. The last few days I practiced more on my forehand and I must say I love it. Yesterday I played doubles and, although I had a hangover from my bday party, I played a pretty good match. Groundstrokes were great and I had great touch with my volleys.

did you try leather grip-?...I have my P1 with leather grip..easier to handle.
 

TfReAk

Rookie
Yeah when I bought the racket the guy already put a babolat leather grip and lead tape. I removed the lead tape (13gr), because it felt pretty heavy.

I focussed some more on my forehand the last few days and it really payed off. I'm thinking of picking up another P1, but I think they are a bit expensive when buying a brand new one. So I'm hoping to pick up a good second hand...or they have to drop the price on a P1 :)
 

Nojoke

Rookie
Anybody using the P1 16x19 able to compare it to the 2012 BLX 6.1 16x18? That's my current stick, and although I like it alot, I find that I'm not playing enough to maintain the sort of footwork needed to use it properly. I was hoping the P1 would be a bit more user friendly without giving up too much control.

Thanks.
Joe
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Suppawat or Kal el 34 might have an answer for this. i'm pretty sure Suppawat is still reading this thread.

As far as I am aware they are going to run with the pro one and formula lines.... I have been pushing for a pro one tour 91 so we will see if that ever happens haha. I have an e-mail out so I will let you know as soon as hear about any new 2013 frames
 

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
As far as I am aware they are going to run with the pro one and formula lines.... I have been pushing for a pro one tour 91 so we will see if that ever happens haha. I have an e-mail out so I will let you know as soon as hear about any new 2013 frames



Hey Kal-El 34!!! It's good to know you're still here.

I bought my P1 ages ago after reading your review, just want to say thanks mate! I've never looked back since:)
 

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
Anybody using the P1 16x19 able to compare it to the 2012 BLX 6.1 16x18? That's my current stick, and although I like it alot, I find that I'm not playing enough to maintain the sort of footwork needed to use it properly. I was hoping the P1 would be a bit more user friendly without giving up too much control.

Thanks.
Joe


Hi joe, I didn't want to answer your question cause I only tested the BLX 16 x 18 for about 20 mins. But since no one has bit the cherry, I'll give you my initial impression.

The BLX is a very powerful stick as well. Plenty of Plow and spin, very stable, probably more so than the P1. control is on par with the P1. Groundies on both wings very very smooth and deep. But the weight was just too much for me. The people who thought the P1 slow, wait till you use the BLX 61 95. It's a mother. I used one that had a og + damperner and I can say, I'm not strong enough to use it for the long haul. P1 is faster and doesn't need lead in the hoop. So you can make it as head light as you want. P1 feels better IMO. But everybody's different.

That's just my short impression, hope it helps
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Hey Kal-El 34!!! It's good to know you're still here.

I bought my P1 ages ago after reading your review, just want to say thanks mate! I've never looked back since:)

Yea man I still drop in from time to time and see what's going on. Work has been busy so I haven't been posting as much. One of the posters had his gear stolen awhile back and I saw his thread and was able to get him set back up so that was cool to be able to do.

Glad to hear its working well. I've been hitting with the 18x20 for some time now hits like a dream... Great rackets just make sure if you get more than one that you get them matched
 

Nojoke

Rookie
Hi joe, I didn't want to answer your question cause I only tested the BLX 16 x 18 for about 20 mins. But since no one has bit the cherry, I'll give you my initial impression.

The BLX is a very powerful stick as well. Plenty of Plow and spin, very stable, probably more so than the P1. control is on par with the P1. Groundies on both wings very very smooth and deep. But the weight was just too much for me. The people who thought the P1 slow, wait till you use the BLX 61 95. It's a mother. I used one that had a og + damperner and I can say, I'm not strong enough to use it for the long haul. P1 is faster and doesn't need lead in the hoop. So you can make it as head light as you want. P1 feels better IMO. But everybody's different.

That's just my short impression, hope it helps

I think you summed up How i have been feeling about the blx. I find that if i am a bit lazy or slow on my swing, the ball flies, and since it is so heavy, it is too easy to be slow. Your post was very helpful thanks.

Did is see in another thread that you were thinking of switching to the Formula 100? How do they compare?

Thanks
Joe
 

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
I think you summed up How i have been feeling about the blx. I find that if i am a bit lazy or slow on my swing, the ball flies, and since it is so heavy, it is too easy to be slow. Your post was very helpful thanks.

Did is see in another thread that you were thinking of switching to the Formula 100? How do they compare?

Thanks
Joe

You better wait for someone else's comments about the BLX 95 as well. I only hit with it for 20 mins.

The formula and P1 are totally different beasts. The P1 just feels like home, great Plow, spin and serves. The formula isn't as stable no matter how much lead you put on it, dose not feel as great, but boy, I'm winning more with it.

If I was a young up and comer, I would chose the formula straight away. All I will care about is winning. But I'm mid 30's now, want to start enjoying my time on the court, the P1 just feels right.

But we are all tennis players are we not? Does not matter how old you are, we all have that fire in the belly to win that match point!!!
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Just heard word back from my contact with Donnay. There are no plans for new racket models until at least June/July of next year. They are going to roll with the Pro One and Formula lines for awhile and try and gain some market share and popularity there.
 

royaldoyal

New User
Thanks for the update Kal-el! I hope they come out with something a little smaller in the headsize, and if they do, then I know I have a racket I can finally switch to. Keep me posted when you know more.
 

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
Just heard word back from my contact with Donnay. There are no plans for new racket models until at least June/July of next year. They are going to roll with the Pro One and Formula lines for awhile and try and gain some market share and popularity there.


Kal-El, i know this might be a long shot, but are they going to release an Agassi signature racquet since he is using them now?

Something like a X-dual black Agassi version? He still have many fans who would buy it:)
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Kal-El, i know this might be a long shot, but are they going to release an Agassi signature racquet since he is using them now?

Something like a X-dual black Agassi version? He still have many fans who would buy it:)

Well hes not really sponsored or endorsing Donnay yet.... i have already suggested many times releasing a special edition pro one in his old colorway though..... someday they will listen to me haha
 

Eightmarky

Rookie
Anybody using the P1 16x19 able to compare it to the 2012 BLX 6.1 16x18? That's my current stick, and although I like it alot, I find that I'm not playing enough to maintain the sort of footwork needed to use it properly. I was hoping the P1 would be a bit more user friendly without giving up too much control.

Thanks.
Joe

I switched from that racket to the P1 and immediately felt a huge difference in control and spin. Like you said, if you're not on top of your game the BLX can be a pain. The P1 is a little more forgiving for sure but you still need strong strokes. IMO, you don't get the same fatigue that you get with the BLX and the P1 with textured strings opened up more angles for me than I could get with the BLX. Overall, I'm happy with the switch, partly because I really love the P1 and partly because I was going to leave the BLX anyways since I'm not pro enough to use it. :oops:
 

Eightmarky

Rookie
You better wait for someone else's comments about the BLX 95 as well. I only hit with it for 20 mins.

The formula and P1 are totally different beasts. The P1 just feels like home, great Plow, spin and serves. The formula isn't as stable no matter how much lead you put on it, dose not feel as great, but boy, I'm winning more with it.

If I was a young up and comer, I would chose the formula straight away. All I will care about is winning. But I'm mid 30's now, want to start enjoying my time on the court, the P1 just feels right.

But we are all tennis players are we not? Does not matter how old you are, we all have that fire in the belly to win that match point!!!

Yeah, I hit with the formula too and to me it feels a lot like the standard tweener rackets that are out there. Doesn't have the plow through like the P1 and at least for me, didn't really give me anything beyond what I already like in the P1. I would go back to my APDC+'s before I would switch to the Formula.
 

Nojoke

Rookie
I switched from that racket to the P1 and immediately felt a huge difference in control and spin. Like you said, if you're not on top of your game the BLX can be a pain. The P1 is a little more forgiving for sure but you still need strong strokes. IMO, you don't get the same fatigue that you get with the BLX and the P1 with textured strings opened up more angles for me than I could get with the BLX. Overall, I'm happy with the switch, partly because I really love the P1 and partly because I was going to leave the BLX anyways since I'm not pro enough to use it. :oops:

Eight-

You kind of summed up my thinking. Some folks say they find the P1 sluggish. I would imagine that, coming from the BLX, it can't seem like a slower racket to swing, right? If you don't mind, how would you compare serves, volleys, groudies, top/slice, control/power between the two rackets?

Also I see you are using BHBR at 60 in the P1. To me, that would be tight, so I guess the P1 is pretty comfy as well? Just making sure you don't need to string it that tight to reign in the power, as I tend to prefer a gut/poly hybrid.

Thanks!

Joe
 

neverstopplaying

Professional
The P1 just feels like home, great Plow, spin and serves.

...the P1 just feels right.

I had my most wins last year with the dunlop 400T, but I have slowly migrated over to the P1 for these reasons, and now, I use it exclusively.

it's my favorite hitting stick - and it doesn't seem to care much what string is in there.

Though the 400t is best on defense, and a little easier, it's mostly footwork that gives out when I'm tired, so I might as well get theol most pleasure from my hitting. I am winning also, though I don't know if I'll win as much.
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
How does this Donnay flagship racket--formula 100 play ? It looks really attractive and i am looking for a new frame due to the fact the new Babolat PD 2012 is killing my shoulder. and looking for something that is similar but won't kill my shoulder. Thank you much

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Donnay_Formula_100/descpageRCDONNAY-DFORM.html

Sounds right up you alley... Similar build but more solid and no shock on Impact... I have a few but am unloading them as I'm stickin with my pro ones
 

Eightmarky

Rookie
Eight-

You kind of summed up my thinking. Some folks say they find the P1 sluggish. I would imagine that, coming from the BLX, it can't seem like a slower racket to swing, right? If you don't mind, how would you compare serves, volleys, groudies, top/slice, control/power between the two rackets?

Also I see you are using BHBR at 60 in the P1. To me, that would be tight, so I guess the P1 is pretty comfy as well? Just making sure you don't need to string it that tight to reign in the power, as I tend to prefer a gut/poly hybrid.

Thanks!

Joe

I never experienced the sluggishness that I've seen a few people claim. This racket is less headlight than many of the popular rackets out there and that could be a contributing factor to this sluggish perception.

I found flat serving much easier with this racket but I attribute that to the lower weight and more open string factor. Volleys are about the same although my touch volleys improved. I hit a flat strokes (eastern FH) so I find myself not able to hit out with the BLX because I had to use more control to keep the ball in. With the P1, I don't have that problem. So with the BLX I ended up hitting a lot of balls short especially when I was scrambling. Power is definitely not an issue with the P1.

I string at 60 mainly because of my flat strokes and not because of the power potential. I hit out as much as I can. The P1 is very comfy and paired with a soft poly, is exactly what I want in a racket.

Nostradamus said:
How does this Donnay flagship racket--formula 100 play ? It looks really attractive and i am looking for a new frame due to the fact the new Babolat PD 2012 is killing my shoulder. and looking for something that is similar but won't kill my shoulder. Thank you much

It's definitely must more comfy than the PD. But I would say not quite as powerful. I haven't hit it a lot though so would defer to anyone with more playing time like Kal.
 

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
Hey eightmarky, I think you're the only person who hits flat with the P1 on this forum. I'm surprised, it's such a powerful stick, I would hate to be playing you as an opponent. The balls will come fast and dam low. I bet you beat nearly every tall guy at your club? They prefer the current topspin balls.
 

chizzle

Rookie
Well, it seems I'm now seriously considering another switch to this stick. I have a demo that I've hit with twice. One a practice match, with great results. Man I've gone from (in the last 2 yrs): PSLGT, IGPMP, (I was an 18x20 snob, until I realized I could use an open pattern to help me win), IGRP (I currently have), and now considering this...

I really got to like the IGRP, but it's actually less maneuverable overall (regardless of weight, but I found the 5g best - so far). The P1 definitely volleys better and has a tad less power. The biggest thing I've noticed on the P1 vs IGRP, is my abililty to get around the ball confidently. So now my fav shot (CC FH), is back in play. In general, the P1 does everything better, except for IGRPs dependable power on my CC 2HBH (not that it's difficult with the Donnay).

Man, I could be a Donnay guy now ? Sheeesh :)
 
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Nojoke

Rookie
I never experienced the sluggishness that I've seen a few people claim. This racket is less headlight than many of the popular rackets out there and that could be a contributing factor to this sluggish perception.

I found flat serving much easier with this racket but I attribute that to the lower weight and more open string factor. Volleys are about the same although my touch volleys improved. I hit a flat strokes (eastern FH) so I find myself not able to hit out with the BLX because I had to use more control to keep the ball in. With the P1, I don't have that problem. So with the BLX I ended up hitting a lot of balls short especially when I was scrambling. Power is definitely not an issue with the P1.

I string at 60 mainly because of my flat strokes and not because of the power potential. I hit out as much as I can. The P1 is very comfy and paired with a soft poly, is exactly what I want in a racket.



It's definitely must more comfy than the PD. But I would say not quite as powerful. I haven't hit it a lot though so would defer to anyone with more playing time like Kal.

Thanks eightmarky!!
 

ChicagoJack

Hall of Fame
Hi All,

There's been a few questions about the power difs between the PD and P1 :

1. The 2012 PD was my last frame, and tho it was only a three month fling, I'm comfy comparing. I tend to think about power, control, and swing speed as all related to each other, so forgive me for stomping all over those nice neat distinctions!

2. The PD is swingweight 308, the P1 is swingweight 327. Huuuuge dif right there. If you can swing the same speed, the P1 is more powerful for sure.

3. I'm getting waaaay more control outta my P1's and since I don't need to swing wild to get decent depth on a normal rally ball, I'm actually framing the ball less than I did with the 100. I feel like I can place the ball in spots, not areas with the P1. I'd initially ruled out the P1 because I'd been playing 100-102 frames. But the payoff in placement confidence is a good trade.

4. When I get the chance to hit deep corner, the P1 understands what I'm trying to do. With the PD I'd have to swing a bit too fast for my personal timing golden zone, and then just control the ball with spin.

5. I couldn't play the PD stock at all. The ball just beats that thing up in stock form. I have no idea where all this "rocket launcher" verbiage associated with the Babolat line comes from. I had mine leaded to ~345 sw, with 6 grams at 3:00 and 9:00, a whole gob in the palette, and about 9 points HL. That's about where I felt I was able to beat up on the ball, not vice versa. With the P1 I don't use lead at all. Quite a shocker for me because I order lead by the roll, I'm a complete tweak freak when it comes to my sticks. I have two sets of the weight slides, and don't use them. The P1 is freakishly and inexplicably stable in stock form. I have a layer and a half of grip, one overgrip, a dampener, and that's it. Done. Good to go. Ready to rock.

6. Impact feel. Oh man, just no comparison. Hollow, harsh, buzzy for the PD. Firm, damp, sweet on the P1.

7. Regarding the swingweight issue, I think a big part of this is perception. I played at sw 365 all of childhood and much of my college years, then few months with my PD leaded to 345. The P1 (at 327 stock) felt like a feather when I played my first few sets with it. While it certainly doesn't feel sluggish, that "feather" like sensation has since vanished, leaving me pondering stuff like trimming the bumpers etc.. as an effort to get that "wow this feels like a feather" feeling back. I know this is a fools errand, because I will only end up chasing my tail for another perception which will also be fleeting!

Last thought: The PD is a tweener for sure, but with the 327 swingweight, I don't think the P1 belongs in that category. If you are shopping for something in the low 300 sw range, the P1 isnt a good fit. There is a huge dead spot in the market right now. Go looking for an arm friendly frame with an open pattern, something that gives you some pop, but is still very control oriented... you will find a pretty small menu to choose from. Pd is too stiff, good spin, but not enough control. IG MP Prestige is a really sweet hit but closed pattern, and lacks pop. IG Prestige Pro is open pattern but is a harsh hit. Lots of frames have either control, power, comfort, or spin potential, but frames that have all of those qualities are pretty special. That's what has me so enamored with the P1.

Also, might have a look at the TW power potential & sweet zone map below:
P1vsPd.jpg


-Jack
 
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chizzle

Rookie
Spot on, ChicagoJack. In many ways, they don't even seem comparable.

But to me, the p1 has more controllable power for sure. Muuuuch better feel. Which all leads to more control IMO.

Had my third hit with it tonight, was fantastic again. Strung with TB 1.25
 

atatu

Legend
Well, I had almost convinced myself to buy a PD to replace my P1's. Got the demos in yesterday (regular and Roddick versions) and hit with them tonight along with my P1's. No comparison, the P1 is just as powerful with more control and more comfort. I'm really glad I demoed them first.
 

neverstopplaying

Professional
Nice comments above Jack.

You nailed it in point 5. I prefer an aggressive game and the P1 has amazing put away power. For its stock weight and SW, it excels.

As far as the gap in racquets that you are referring to, I had previously filled this gap with a leaded 400T. It offers similar results to the P1 with a lower net SW (around 316) after modifications. After testing the P1, my 1st inclination was to bring up the SW on the Dunlop, but I ended up taking the easy route by selling them and buying a few more P1s.
 

DrewRafter8

Professional
What's the lowest flex you guys are finding on these P1's? Jack, I'm with you as far as the past few months. I shredded my elbow on my PD+ and have put it down. I'm thinking I'll switch to the P1, Gold99, or to the IG Radical Pro. As much as I like what I've read about the P1, I've really liked the low flex of the IG Rad Pro. The higher swingweight doesn't bother me. My BD+ weighed about 340 so the swingweight was up there. I've been playing with a standard Ti Radical with silicone at 350 grams until I can switch. I've got to demo the P1 and will get a chance to hit with the Gold soon.
 

ChicagoJack

Hall of Fame
Hi Drew -

1. The flex rating has been a pretty hot topic in the thread, but here's the short answer: The P1 ranges mostly from 65-68 (unstrung, going by the bar code stickers).with 67 being the most common. Once the it is strung however, the frame will be a bit softer.

2. If you are comparing the flex of the P1 to the flex of the IG rad pro, and trying to figure out implied arm safety, consider that the P1 is solid core, head to toe, and the Rad Pro is not. The difference in vibration and impact feel is easy to grasp even with just a simple thought experiment. Imagine hitting a baseball with a hollow aluminum bat, recall that high pitched "ping" sound common with college baseball. Now imagine hitting a fastball with a solid wooden bat. Which do you think will have the most vibration and shock? You already know the answer.

3. As a longtime HEAD player, I really like the IG Radical Pro, and the IG Prestige MP. I think they are the best HEAD frames since the Prestige Classic era. These two were the most serious competition to the P1 when I was doing all of my demos. You might find my mini review a few pages back somewhere. If you are going to demo, I'd suggest the IG Prestige MP goes on your demo list for sure, it's listed as 62 but plays much softer IMO.

4. By the way, how's your Achilles holding up? Hope you are back to playing and healing up nicely!


Hi Chizzle - Yeah cool, Tour bite is pretty awesome, I love that string, but may arm hates it!. If you ever start feeling that way, (or as a preventative measure) you might give a go with Dunlop Black Widow 18, which are also textured poly, but much softer, and compares really favorably performance wise. Check the string stiffness digits here:
http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/articles/2012/01/string_selector_2012.html

Neverstoppedplaying, atatu - Yeah agreed, and thanks.

-Jack
 
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DrewRafter8

Professional
Jack,

I was double checking with the flex. If it's under 65 strung, then the P1 stays in the running. As far as the flex of it versus the Rad Pro, I'm thinking more personal preference and less about my arm. My elbow was immediately better after I put down the PD and went with a flexy racquet. I was playing with my Dunlop MW200G, but it's too hard for me to play with at a high level. The Ti Radical I've been hitting with works, but it's an 18x20 pattern.

As far as the IG Prestige goes, the owner of the racquet club I play at has two of the anniversary sticks on the way. I may try them out, but I much prefer a 16x19 over the 18x20.

The achilles is a daily struggle. Hurts some days and others it's ok. I'm still waiting on the custom insoles after the Doc made custom molds. If that doesn't fix the problem I'm going on crutches for the entire month of December to let everything heal.

Thanks!
 

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
Well, I had almost convinced myself to buy a PD to replace my P1's. Got the demos in yesterday (regular and Roddick versions) and hit with them tonight along with my P1's. No comparison, the P1 is just as powerful with more control and more comfort. I'm really glad I demoed them first.

Lol, what where you thinking at that time? I just want to know. Was the P1 missing something that you want?

Like a 100 size? Faster sw? Better paint job?
 

atatu

Legend
Lol, what where you thinking at that time? I just want to know. Was the P1 missing something that you want?

Like a 100 size? Faster sw? Better paint job?

Yup, all of the above the be honest. The truth is that right after I got smoked in doubles by a guy ten years older than me, I started noticing that a lot of 4.5+ who were older are using the PD. The fact that some have said the P1 is more like a 95" got me to thinking...and the painjob is pretty nice ! But 20 minutes of using the PD and the P1 side by side answered all my doubts.
 

mrrockstar

New User
Just bought the X-Dual Pro, strung at Mantis Comfort Poly17/ Mantis Comfort Synthetic Poly16 (53lbs/53lbs), the feel of hitting is so dead, no ball pocketing feeling, no power, just like hitting a frying pan

Is there any diff between X-Dual Pro and Pro One 97 18x20?

Thanks!

20121012202930.jpg


20121012202944.jpg
 

DrewRafter8

Professional
Jack,

After two outings with the Gold 99 and Pro One 16x19, I feel that you and I must really like the same style of sticks. I too hit the biggest serves that I have ever hit with the Pro One. I'm having a hard time deciding which stick I like better. The Pro One isn't as flexy as the Gold and I think that I like the Gold's feel. I'm used to hitting with a higher swingweight and static weight then both of these sticks. The Gold99 is really tough for me to really dial in the serve so far. The low swingweight takes me more time to adjust to. However, after hitting with it for some more time today, I could hit almost with the same pace on serve as I did with the Pro One. Good thing I've got about 3 weeks to really test these sticks out.

Thanks again for the recommendations Jack! With us going through the same thing with the Black Drive, I really valued your recommendations and you were on the money!
 

RollTrackTake

Professional
Just bought the X-Dual Pro, strung at Mantis Comfort Poly17/ Mantis Comfort Synthetic Poly16 (53lbs/53lbs), the feel of hitting is so dead, no ball pocketing feeling, no power, just like hitting a frying pan

Is there any diff between X-Dual Pro and Pro One 97 18x20?

Thanks!

20121012202930.jpg


20121012202944.jpg

I had an X Dual Pro then got a P1 18x20. The P1 version had a better feel to it IMO. Can't put my finger on what it was since they are supposed to be the same stick. The X Dual Pro felt boardy. I had it strung with a multi at 58lbs so maybe I just needed to lower the tension. I strung the P1 18x20 with a multi at 58lbs and the feedback I got when hitting felt better/more responsive. However, the results I got with each racquet were similar. So it was really just an esoteric feel thing.
 

ChicagoJack

Hall of Fame
Jack,

After two outings with the Gold 99 and Pro One 16x19, I feel that you and I must really like the same style of sticks. I too hit the biggest serves that I have ever hit with the Pro One. I'm having a hard time deciding which stick I like better. The Pro One isn't as flexy as the Gold and I think that I like the Gold's feel. I'm used to hitting with a higher swingweight and static weight then both of these sticks. The Gold99 is really tough for me to really dial in the serve so far. The low swingweight takes me more time to adjust to. However, after hitting with it for some more time today, I could hit almost with the same pace on serve as I did with the Pro One. Good thing I've got about 3 weeks to really test these sticks out.

Thanks again for the recommendations Jack! With us going through the same thing with the Black Drive, I really valued your recommendations and you were on the money!

Drew -

Sounds awesome! Yeah the three week free demos are quite a luxury. The impact feel of all the Donnay's I've hit with is really quite unique. Since you are technique grooved to hitting with a higher mass and SW, I'm thinking the weight slides might be something to try out, especially with the Gold 99. I have two slide kits sitting here that I'm not using. If you shoot me your address I could drop one in the mail as a loaner for your demo. Post office 1 block away from my office in the city, no trouble for me at all. Just send it back after your demo. If you want to keep it we could figure out a price.

chicagojack.tennis @ comcast dot net

(off topic) Good luck with your custom orthotics, for some people it's almost a miracle cure. Certainly worth a try. Took me like 2-3 years to finally wriggle free of my achilles problems. I play 100% pain free today. It might be frustrating but it can be done. Only difference today is I practice prevention. I try to avoid playing more than 2-3 days in a row. For my weekend travel tournaments, when I might play several matches both days, I give myself the following Mon-wed to fully recover. I have my fingers crossed for ya.

- Jack
 
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mrrockstar

New User
I had an X Dual Pro then got a P1 18x20. The P1 version had a better feel to it IMO. Can't put my finger on what it was since they are supposed to be the same stick. The X Dual Pro felt boardy. I had it strung with a multi at 58lbs so maybe I just needed to lower the tension. I strung the P1 18x20 with a multi at 58lbs and the feedback I got when hitting felt better/more responsive. However, the results I got with each racquet were similar. So it was really just an esoteric feel thing.

yes, the X Dual Pro feel very boardy, even same stringing spec to my ProKennex Qtour
 
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