****the Pure Storm LTD Support Group****

[Kevo]

Originally Posted by rxblitzrx

I hate how you have to increase the swingweight to get a more stable frame on hard hit balls, and I don't think there's any way around this!

I think this is common to all frames to some degree or other. The critical factor to me is how hard your opponents are hitting the ball. I have only played a couple of people where the extra weight was what I would consider necessary. In all other cases I don't think it would really matter all that much except for mishits.

If you mishit a lot, then the weight will be beneficial for absorbing some of that shock. If you don't mishit that often, then the weight won't matter too much unless you are playing a big hitter. I think that if you move up to a high enough level, almost any stock frame would benefit from some additional weight. At least for most people.

The thing that keeps me gaining an ever better appreciation of the PSL is the control it has. I just love the fact that I can hit the ball really hard and get loads of spin and control even after adding the weight. It really is the best control stick I've played. There is plenty of room for me to improve my game with it, and I don't think there is any weak spot for this frame unless you want a frame that will provide power for you.

[rxblitzrx]

Originally Posted by Kevo

It really is the best control stick I've played.

I couldn't agree more. After all my demoing, nothing compares to the control of the PSL. You think it, and it goes there. You feel it, and that's where it ends up.

[stician]

Originally Posted by Kevo

I recently added some lead to the top of the frame. I didn't notice any improvement on pace with groundstrokes really. I did notice that playing against hard hit balls seemed a bit easier on the arm, but not much additional pace. I also only hit against one guy so far that I feel like it's much of an advantage against since most people at my level don't hit as hard as I do anyway.

The only thing right now that keeps me from taking it back off is the additional pop on the serve. I was raining down some absolute rocket first serves during my last match. I hit some aces that weren't even out of reach they just were too fast for my opponent to get his racquet on them.

The flip side to that is that my kick serves weren't always dropping in and I had more doubles than usual. I think that is something that I will be able to fix once I adjust to the additional swing weight.

how many inches of lead tape did you add to each side of the upper hoop? I'm thinking of experimenting with weight myself now that my indoor season is finished. Onto hardtru this week

I agree with your point about serving. This is the best serving stick I've handled in stock form. Flat, kick or slice varieties keep my opponents off balance. I credit the headlight balance and the manageable 335g static weight. Very well balanced as long as I have my legs under me.

[Kevo]

I added 8g of lead to the head. I used 4 strips at 12 o'clock and 4 at 3 and 9 o'clock. I used 1/4 " lead tape, so I had the strips on both sides of the string. So there were 16 inches total at 12, and 8 inches at 3 and 9 each.

I did have a little soreness in my arm after my second match with the additional weight. I think I should have slowed down my schedule just a bit to give my body a little time to adjust, but I didn't. Everything seems fine now, so just take it a little slow at first if you end up adding a significant amount of weight.

[taylor15]

Wouldn't that be more like 6 grams? As I remember 1/4 inch lead wights 1/4gm per inch, with a total of 24 inches. That is the same amount I added to my PSL, only at 2 and 10 evenly in 3 inch strips, evenly on each side and it doesn't feel that dramatic. I haven't hit with it yet, however...

[rxblitzrx]

Originally Posted by taylor15

...it doesn't feel that dramatic. I haven't hit with it yet, however...

Let us know how you like it after a couple of hours of leaded play. My timing got thrown way off with lead, my arm hurt, and the beauty of the PSL (it's 8HL + 11.8 gram heft) was taken away. Some people love the lead though.


Glad to see more people are picking up this stick!

[taylor15]

I'm going to hit a few hours with the new lead setup tomorrow, so I'll post up my experience.

[ctdeuce]

I feel the same about the ltd....for now at least, I just think it would ruin a beautifully made stick to add lead to the head. If I wanted a heavy *** stick that was even points, I would have gotten a k95team.

[chizzle]

Originally Posted by blackdot_fit

i totally feel you on this. this is why i am replacing the PSL with the PST! more power, and almost the same great feel! i say "almost" because it has a thicker beam and a bit more open stringbed.

in all honesty, though, i can't quite handle the PSL yet! i'm far too out of shape for this frame, but you can bet your bottom dollar that i'll be back with the PSL as my primary stick just as soon as i can lose some pounds.

i love that the Pure Storm Ltd rewards great technique! if you're fit, and you're a ball striker, look no further.

You make a great point. I've gotten in great shape this year, and I think I've "outgrown" my K6.1 95 (16x1.

I played with this stick last night (1 set of singles and 5 dbls), and wow. I was in heaven.

I tried the KBlade Tour, but this one seems to have a bit more pop (for me). Maybe it's just a tad lighter, and slightly more open than the 93sq in frame.

Good observation, and one that I probably couldn't notice without your explicit commentary.

[chizzle]

Do you guys think that this stick is too light for guys on tour to play with it? I think I only know of 1 player (I want to say R. Bopanna, a doubles guy), that I've seen play with this stick.

Makes sense since you can carve some things up with it at the net....

Still though, seems like a good stick for the all around payer. I suppose there aren't that many "all arounders" who don't already have a stick..?

What do you guys think?

[rxblitzrx]

Originally Posted by chizzle

Do you guys think that this stick is too light for guys on tour to play with it? I think I only know of 1 player (I want to say R. Bopanna, a doubles guy), that I've seen play with this stick.

Makes sense since you can carve some things up with it at the net....

Still though, seems like a good stick for the all around payer. I suppose there aren't that many "all arounders" who don't already have a stick..?

What do you guys think?

Honestly, probably not enough power to be tour. I think people hail it as a S/V stick, but at that level, the Pro Staff would probably be a better option.

Great choice for those who can't wield a 12oz+ stick. I think we represent a very small population that enjoys ultra headlight racquets with low swingweights. If I was more competitive and in better shape, I would switch to a K90 or K88.

[blackdot_fit]

it's really a nice thing to see more and more PSL loyalists out there!


for anyone who has yet to try lead, go out and grab some 1/4 oz. fishing weights from wal-mart (the egg shaped ones) and throw two (2) in the buttcap (hehe) and give it a dry swing. this will add a half ounce, and put you at about 12.3 oz. you'll find that the PSL swings much easier than stock, and can handle a heavy ball with more ease. give it a try! i'm loving this setup! while you out getting fishing weights, pick up the 1/8 oz bag of weights in case you find the 1/4 oz ones to be too heavy.

for some reason, i can't stand putting lead in the hoop! i wish there was another way to add lead the top half of the frame. whenever i try lead at 3 and 9, it takes so much feel away from the stringbed! i know i'm not dreaming, because i've seriously tried this about 10 times. the LAST time was this past weekend. i won't ever go back to lead in the hoop (on this frame, anyway) ever again.


also, i recommend buying an inexpensive stringing machine! i just picked up a Gamma X-2 last week and i've been able to try so many different string setups and tensions, and i'm getting very, very close to my ideal setup. hey, it's even shown be that no matter how soft the poly, i just can't play with it! i don't have a fast enough swing, so it's syn guts, multis for me. and best of all, i'm saving a ton of money in labor costs.

[rxblitzrx]

1/2 oz in the butt, eh? i'm scared it will swing TOOO easy and throw my timing off. can you elaborate on how the 1/2 oz affects play?

[blackdot_fit]

the 1/2 oz in the handle lets me generate more racquet head speed. i can swing out to my hearts content, and with the right string tension, all the balls go deep, and most importantly, stay IN!


well, that's just my experience. so with being said, YMMV!

[blackdot_fit]

rxblitzrx,

i forgot to mention. just pop the buttcap open, put two 1/4 oz weights on (let them rest on the staples) and swing it around the house. if it feels like something you may like, wrap them in cotton, and jam 'em in there at try it on the court!

[rxblitzrx]

Has anyone tried a PK Redondo? The numbers look great on paper, except the 320 SW. Other than that, it looks like a PSL with more power. Any thoughts?

[h1l2i3m4w5]

hmm so if i add weight to the handle will it be easier to generate head speed?

[ctdeuce]

it'll also be easier if you add weight to the muscles in your swinging arm

[blackdot_fit]

Originally Posted by h1l2i3m4w5

hmm so if i add weight to the handle will it be easier to generate head speed?

yeah, i guess that DOES sound weird...


it swings much easier, for me, anyway. doesn't hurt to try it! hey, you might like it!

anyone know if silicone kills the feel of the frame like lead does?

[rxblitzrx]

Originally Posted by h1l2i3m4w5

hmm so if i add weight to the handle will it be easier to generate head speed?

yea sounds weird, but remember your physics. i think if you're a wrist-flicker then you can generate more head speed.