UK TT racquetaholics and tennis bums

[Motherwasp]

Just a cotton-picking minute... it's been a while since I posted here, and I took delivery of an EXO3 Tour today! Must be something in the air.

I'll be stringing mine up with gut in the mains and poly crosses, which isn't too dissimilar to your proposed setup. I find that the mains always dominate the feel, so multi mains with poly crosses will behave more like a stiffer multi, whilst poly mains with multi crosses comes across more like a softened poly.

If you're looking to get more control without hybriding, two multis to check out are Head RIP Control and Mantis Comfort Synthetic. RIP Control is very low powered for a multi, whilst the Mantis is probably the softest synthetic I've tried and so you could increase tension without sacrificing comfort.

I popped the factory strings today, lasted about 6 hours? That's what an open pattern will do! I think I'll first try a multi main and poly cross setup. Will try an find a fairly soft poly, maybe big ace or SPPP? Will have to see how durable the multi will be in the mains.

Still really liking the racket, love the feel, nice power and weight for me. I can use it for 3 sets without my arm falling off

 

[forthegame]

What stringer is this?

Saw this and wondered what it was. Looks a little old and rather classic looking.

 

[Dave M]

I popped the factory strings today, lasted about 6 hours? That's what an open pattern will do! I think I'll first try a multi main and poly cross setup. Will try an find a fairly soft poly, maybe big ace or SPPP? Will have to see how durable the multi will be in the mains.

Still really liking the racket, love the feel, nice power and weight for me. I can use it for 3 sets without my arm falling off

i'm loving the frame Mother, it is truely different. I felt the factory strings (PSG w D) go off after a few hours but who knows how old they actually are?
I'm trying lots of different strings and starting off with a tension somewhere in the middle to keep that consistent.
Few weekends ago i played a league match with no court time for 4 weeks before due to my shoulder, 4 hours of actual match play and i was ok the next day. Yes it can be underpowered depending on how you hit or what you string in it but I can actually play with it 3 times a week and not need an equal amount of sports massage so it's gotta be good!

 

[forthegame]

Any string advice for the Pure Drive? Need something soft for the dicky elbow.

 

[Meaghan]

Any string advice for the Pure Drive? Need something soft for the dicky elbow.

Why not play gut ftg, lasts long, great playability, great on the arm.

I've just used discho iontec, a plush poly, great shelf life, feel etc.....

 

[Ross K]

^^^ forthegame,

What string types do you usually go for? Not sure the extent of your elbow issue but it could be smart move to swerve the polys, or certainly full poly jobs altogether. That said, these days there a number of quality, softer polys/co-polys out there.

Possibly start with a hybrid then. I'm no expert, so one tip would be to check out 'Mikeler's multis' thread where he has a list of his faves on page 1.

The other thing would be tensions. In the last few years I've been going lower and lower with tensions on full poly jobs and that makes a big difference re feel, comfort and performance. All personal taste obviously but for me a PD @ 50lbs with one of the newer softer polys is very effective. As I said though, you may want to avoid polys altogether depending on severity of problem.

 

[Ross K]

Why not play gut ftg, lasts long, great playability, great on the arm.

I've just used discho iontec, a plush poly, great shelf life, feel etc.....

I'm seriously wondering if my stringer botched the string-job or got the tensions wrong or something?... I seem to be the only one who found Iontech to be a big disappointment. It actually reminded me of Rip Control (a bloody multi!). Very crisp. Decentish I suppose all around, but I can't find much more praise for it than that... unless it just doesn't happen to suit the BLX 95??

 

[Aggro]

Saw this and wondered what it was. Looks a little old and rather classic looking.

Think it's a Babolat Star 3. by all accounts i think one of the best stringers prodcued. You will have to ask others on here about how it performs though

 

[forthegame]

Thanks guys. I usually play with multis or synguts. Never tried poly/copoly.
My elbow niggles/aches/clicks. Mostly had GE issues (probably my serve) and that settled down.

Never had TE just a recent ache which is not classic TE location, just an ache around the outer half and when I pronate/supinate.

The PD has old strings, too faded to read but Excel has been suggested as what's in there.

I'm hoping the BBDCP is a softer alternative as that's coming soon.

 

[uk_skippy]

Saw this and wondered what it was. Looks a little old and rather classic looking.

As Aggro has said, it's a Babolat Star 3 with mono clamp set up. This means that you'll need 2 starting clamps to string a racquet properly. You can use one starting clamp but that would mean that you'd need to string the mains one side at a time which isn't advisable.

Also, it looks like the 'V' support pad are being held on by tape. So they either no longer fit well, or are worn out.

While this is a good machine, I'd have a look and go with it before buying, assuming its for sale.

Regards

Paul

 

[forthegame]

As Aggro has said, it's a Babolat Star 3 with mono clamp set up. This means that you'll need 2 starting clamps to string a racquet properly. You can use one starting clamp but that would mean that you'd need to string the mains one side at a time which isn't advisable.

Also, it looks like the 'V' support pad are being held on by tape. So they either no longer fit well, or are worn out.

While this is a good machine, I'd have a look and go with it before buying, assuming its for sale.

Regards

Paul

Hi Paul,
I'm not buying it, saw it at a tourney and thought it looked interesting!
I think it's being used for badminton racquets, that might explain why (if) it's missing a few clamps (stringing noob).

 

[uk_skippy]

^^^No probs

I see that it has the badminton billiards there. If using at a badminton tourney, then it could be risky considering how tight some players want their rqts, and if you don't balance out the stress when string the mains the rqt could break.

Regards

Paul

PS - Where was the tourney?

 

[Dave M]

Any string advice for the Pure Drive? Need something soft for the dicky elbow.

if you're on about the non woofewr PD, i'm afraid gut is really the only way to go if your elbow is vulnerable to hurting. Mine has VS touch in it and although the strings are quite lively for a frame like that with correct technique you'll be good to go.

 

[Meaghan]

I'm seriously wondering if my stringer botched the string-job or got the tensions wrong or something?... I seem to be the only one who found Iontech to be a big disappointment. It actually reminded me of Rip Control (a bloody multi!). Very crisp. Decentish I suppose all around, but I can't find much more praise for it than that... unless it just doesn't happen to suit the BLX 95??

I dont think you're wrong Ross, I certainly couldnt use this in a full bed, its too soft. But in the cross it works really well with its slippery surface and multi-feel.

 

[Dags]

Yes it can be underpowered

:shock: During my first impressions of the EXO3 Tour, underpowered wasn't a word that sprung to mind!

 

[Dave M]

. Yes it can be underpowered depending on how you hit or what you string in it

No i have days where lots of bals are landing shorter than i'd like but on return of serve for instance on tuesday evening i was landing the ball in the opposite corner of the tram lines while the server was still finishing his motion. It even volleys quite nicely which suprised me!
However if you read the exo3 tour pages, you'll see lots of people move on because of a lack of power.

 

[prostaff junkie]

Actually managed to play for a couple of hours this afternoon, in 30mph gusts and a bit of damp. It was interesting to say the least........better than nothing though! Got a league match tomorrow so just needed to hit some balls and de-stress!

Beginning to wonder why I ever stopped using my Prostaff's, they are just so good, or I'm just in form ATM. In any case tennis is very enjoyable right now, even using a poly/syn gut hybrid with no problems! (Hexaspin playing quite nicely now, contrary to previous statements......lol)

 

[crosscourt]

I played too. It more or less poured the entire time. Still it is a summer sport and it can be just as wet in summer.

 

[Dave M]

rained here too, nobody turned up, i went home!
You shouldn't be using the pro staffs in the damp, they don't like it!
;-)

 

[Aggro]

Well i had rugby in those conditions and ended up popping a shoulder and a dead leg

 

[Dave M]

Well i had rugby in those conditions and ended up popping a shoulder and a dead leg

Rugby is meant to be in those conditions!
Hope the shoulder's ok

 

[forthegame]

Lying in bed, shoulder and elbow aching Damn you PD! More power but more pain
Playing in the freezing cold didn't help, don't know why I agree to these things. Always a bad idea in hindsight.
Summer can't come soon enough.

 

[Meaghan]

Lying in bed, shoulder and elbow aching Damn you PD! More power but more pain
Playing in the freezing cold didn't help, don't know why I agree to these things. Always a bad idea in hindsight.
Summer can't come soon enough.

I bought one og those nike combat things the footballers wear. Its like a second skin and really works. When the temp gets cold the body starts to stiffen up and making big cuts at the ball can cause injury. So its likely to be as much to do with that.

 

[Ross K]

After my last depressing match I've finally decided to get my right knee checked by a specialist. Serving, fh, stopping and breaking suddenly, basically just putting weight on it is increasingly becoming an issue and seriously hampering me. Enough of the stiff upper lip, suffer in silence, keep gamely carrying on British attitude, I'm playing like my Granddad!

 

[Dave M]

Lying in bed, shoulder and elbow aching Damn you PD! More power but more pain
Playing in the freezing cold didn't help, don't know why I agree to these things. Always a bad idea in hindsight.
Summer can't come soon enough.

TIme to send me the PD!
On a more Serious note though, I wear the nike pro stuff Meags speaks of, i've also got canterbury and adidas stuff which is all nice and helps keep joints supple.
Oh and 2 other words KINESIO TAPE there are some days i can't relax the muscle on my shoulder and it really helps.

 

[Dags]

Lying in bed, shoulder and elbow aching Damn you PD! More power but more pain
Playing in the freezing cold didn't help, don't know why I agree to these things. Always a bad idea in hindsight.
Summer can't come soon enough.

I bought one og those nike combat things the footballers wear. Its like a second skin and really works. When the temp gets cold the body starts to stiffen up and making big cuts at the ball can cause injury. So its likely to be as much to do with that.

I use Canterbury baselayer. I have one long-sleeved one for the rare occasion I'm outside, and a couple of short-sleeved for indoors (where it's still cold, but no wind or rain). Helps keep my lower back warm, which makes a big difference.

Balls and strings are noticeable in the cold too. Dunlop Fort are quite popular where I play - I don't like them at the best of times, but they feel like absolute rocks when the temperature drops. If it gets really cold, I'll tend play with strings at lower tension, and make sure it's something comfortable.

The weather's due to warm up a bit this week though.

 

[forthegame]

I have a base layer but it's not the compression type. Actually forgot about it, should have worn it.

Will investigate these skin-type base layers/compression thingies. Never been convinced about them, couldn't find any coherent info about them.

Dave: I know you've got your eyes on my 1st Gen PD, LOL!

 

[crosscourt]

Has anyone played with SignumPro Hyperion? I have just been given a couple of packets. Will it kill my elbow if I dont hybrid?

cc

 

[PureAlph4]

I find that one of the best things about decent baselayers is that they hugely reduce the bite of a cold Siberian wind! For me they're the difference between being able to play enjoyably outdoors over winter and not.

Maybe a little late for this year though; Thursday is forecast to be 15 degrees in London. I wonder how long that will last!

 

[asiank90]

Anyone hit with the new slazenger sticks? (The ones that the shop that sells lots of dunlop products is selling)

 

[Meaghan]

Has anyone played with SignumPro Hyperion? I have just been given a couple of packets. Will it kill my elbow if I dont hybrid?

cc

Cc, just bought some to use as a softer cross for a stiffer main. I hear its pretty soft and powerful.

Just a note on the legend my friend. I took off the lead at 9 & 3 and added about 10g at 12,couple of strips top of handle, leather grip, og.....360g/7pts/358sw.....just superb but the set up of tour bite 1.25 mains/ discho iontec 1.20 crosses was absolutely amazing in it.

A must try for those of you who use full poly....

 

[Ross K]

Has anyone played with SignumPro Hyperion? I have just been given a couple of packets. Will it kill my elbow if I dont hybrid?

cc

I personally find it relatively soft in a slightly plastic but not unsatisfying way. It's not Alu-like in harshness but it's not pillow soft either. Hard one to advise on as it depends on a few variables; not least what your elbow can stand, what your personal taste in strings/polys is, and - crucially - what frame you have in mind.

 

[Dave M]

I have a base layer but it's not the compression type. Actually forgot about it, should have worn it.

Will investigate these skin-type base layers/compression thingies. Never been convinced about them, couldn't find any coherent info about them.

Dave: I know you've got your eyes on my 1st Gen PD, LOL!

Do look into the base layer stuff, the direct sports that are all over the place seell them at reasonable prices.Helps the back too!

asiank90, i was asking about those a couple of days ago, slazenger has a 95" box beam frame but its light....the 302 and 330 seem interesting too.

 

[Ash_Smith]

I still have several compression tops (hang over from by rugby days) and wear them regularly for tennis (especially when I used to coach at DL as it was always freezing - no such problems at the NTC, we have under court heating!) and for golf > I swear by them!

Cheers

 

[Dave M]

Heating? Pah, it'll make you soft, if it's not gusting a 15mph wind then it's not right for tennis up here on our hill! Thats our leveler against better league teams!

 

[prostaff junkie]

Er can somebody tell me where my backhand slice has gone? It seems to have left me altogether.........I really don't need another racket crisis!:evil:

 

[Ash_Smith]

Heating? Pah, it'll make you soft, if it's not gusting a 15mph wind then it's not right for tennis up here on our hill! Thats our leveler against better league teams!

Dave, i'm as soft as **** these days! DL was always cold in winter, but at least it had a roof. NTC is something else - especially when the guys and girls were training for the Australia tour before Christmas, the temp was turned way up high and all the doors and windows sealed! Proper toasty on court!

Cheers

 

[forthegame]

Meagsie! I see you're after a few more legends, I thought you preferred the Melbourne?

 

[Meaghan]

Meagsie! I see you're after a few more legends, I thought you preferred the Melbourne?

They are the same racket just different lay ups, the legend comes with a heavier head, the melbourne is an easier to use version for a wider audience, modded they play the same. At $ 79 in the US its an absolute steal for someone who likes a heavier racket.

When you going back to the US mate? You could put a few in your bag for me!

 

[forthegame]

They are the same racket just different lay ups, the legend comes with a heavier head, the melbourne is an easier to use version for a wider audience, modded they play the same. At $ 79 in the US its an absolute steal for someone who likes a heavier racket.

When you going back to the US mate? You could put a few in your bag for me!

Before reading your last sentence, I was thinking the same thing! A friend of mine just arrived as well!

Not going to the US till late summer, sure you'd be sorted by then.

 

[Meaghan]

Looking at your sig, I am old !!

 

[forthegame]

New baby, he he he...

Strung with Babolat Tonic gut, just over 1yr old, should be a fun hit. Can't hit for the next 2 weeks though.

 

[Meaghan]

^^^^that could be what you have been searching for FTG.....

 

[Ross K]

Er can somebody tell me where my backhand slice has gone? It seems to have left me altogether.........I really don't need another racket crisis!:evil:

Due to racketaholic abuse over the years:shock: , as well as changing late in life from 1hbh to 2hbh (basically, I think I've tended to neglect the 1h slice), well... me and you both Will - my bh slice is pants.

 

[forthegame]

^^^^that could be what you have been searching for FTG.....

Hey Meags, I hope so. I hope it feels as comfortable as my nBlade and as powerful as my PD.

Weighed it and it came to 331g! Stock apart from a rubber band, surprised by that. The grip seems thick and I wonder if that't contributing to the weight. Do the BBs have thick, heavy grips? It's in nice shape so don't want to peel it off to see. Some sort of cushioned material between grip and stick.

Hit with the nBlade yesterday and I remembered how nice it felt with no promise of pain/ache afterwards.

 

[Meaghan]

Due to racketaholic abuse over the years:shock: , as well as changing late in life from 1hbh to 2hbh (basically, I think I've tended to neglect the 1h slice), well... me and you both Will - my bh slice is pants.

I've been really working on my bh slice of late and I am so happy with it but it has come at the expense of my 1hbh which was usually so reliable. Its just a case of getting back on the bus and using it.

The other thing I've ben working on a lot is bunting back return of serve and I'm very happy as it gives me variety as I was getting too aggressive which is less reliable.

 

[crosscourt]

I personally find it relatively soft in a slightly plastic but not unsatisfying way. It's not Alu-like in harshness but it's not pillow soft either. Hard one to advise on as it depends on a few variables; not least what your elbow can stand, what your personal taste in strings/polys is, and - crucially - what frame you have in mind.

I may have mentioned to you that I have been experimenting with the pre-2012 Prince Rebel again. At present I have an NRG/Alu Power hybrid. I dont have an elbow problem with it but I can find it a little lacking in feel especially in this wet and chilly weather.

 

[crosscourt]

I still have several compression tops (hang over from by rugby days) and wear them regularly for tennis (especially when I used to coach at DL as it was always freezing - no such problems at the NTC, we have under court heating!) and for golf > I swear by them!

Cheers

So what is it like to have under court heating? Does it affect the game?

cc

 

[forthegame]

Meaghan, what's the bulge between shaft and throat that these BB racquets have? Any special purpose, looks odd & certainly different.

 

[Meaghan]

Meaghan, what's the bulge between shaft and throat that these BB racquets have? Any special purpose, looks odd & certainly different.

Come on now you know you shouldnt ask personal questions on here, email me for privacy

At the top of the handle and into the throat, also at 10&2 and 8&4 is where super duper nano carbons/dnx material or whatever it is, is placed. Its no gimmick it stiffens up these areas to add stability. Not played the pro but there is a unique feel to my Melbourne/Legend also Volkl's dnx10mid, they feel like steel, they certainly cut thro the air and Ive found no better stability in any racket. The Pro has had some good reviews let us know how you get on with it. Ive just managed to get TWE to drop the prices of the older Beckers http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/catpage-BECKERRAC.html considering the price they are in the US!