Rafters Bat?

richied · 05-03-2009, 11:54 PM

I've been using the Prince TT midplus for a while now. This lovely racket is a S&Ver's dream. I'm interested to know what was Rafter's official bat during his prime? I heard recently that it wasn't the T.T it was actually the Prince Precision midplus with a TT paintjob? T/F

Is the T.T still made by Prince ( I need some new ones)? In fact do Tennis companies keep making a few of the older rackets for those who really like what they have been using for years?

galain · 05-04-2009, 01:06 AM

His brother told me that many years ago that he never changed from the PP Response but that the grip was custom moulded and weight was added. How long that remained the truth I have no idea - I did see some specs posted here that showed his frame being quite different from the stock PPR version in terms of stiffness and balance - so who really knows?

onlyvirtue · 05-04-2009, 06:39 AM

he always play with Prince Precision Response Ti 97square inch all his career.. with difference paint job

Rabbit · 05-04-2009, 08:05 AM

^I think Rafter's model goes back before the Ti

McLovin · 05-04-2009, 08:17 AM

Not sure what he used during his pro career, but it looked like he was using a Dunlop in his Champions match vs Courier & Sampras:

http://www.championsseriestennis.com/imagesCAB09.php#

Rabbit · 05-04-2009, 08:36 AM

yeah, wasn't that a 500? I'm not even sure it was the "heavier" tour model.

AndrewD · 05-04-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

Not sure what he used during his pro career, but it looked like he was using a Dunlop in his Champions match vs Courier & Sampras:

http://www.championsseriestennis.com/imagesCAB09.php#

Have a look at the 5th picture of the 2nd top row. You can see from the grommet strip on the top of the racquet that he's still using his old Prince. You can also, just, make out the gel insert which signifies that line of Prince racquets.

McLovin · 05-04-2009, 08:49 AM

Good eye. Honestly, that is why I qualified my post w/ 'but it looked like'. I wasn't certain if he had changed or if it was a PJ, although I'm not sure why he would do a PJ. Its not as if he's sponsored, is he?

innoVAShaun · 05-04-2009, 09:11 AM

He used the Prince Precision Response 660. 97in², 23 mm Straight Beam, Double Bridge, sweet stick if you ask me.

I can't believe I sold my pair dirt cheap on e-Bay in '03. =*(

Rabbit · 05-04-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewD

Have a look at the 5th picture of the 2nd top row. You can see from the grommet strip on the top of the racquet that he's still using his old Prince. You can also, just, make out the gel insert which signifies that line of Prince racquets.

Great catch! The gel insert almost looks photshopped in, but you're right, the grommet is a 100% give away.

onlyvirtue · 05-04-2009, 10:13 AM

it is the paint job of this one I listed for sale here..

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=258068

Chase · 05-04-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

Good eye. Honestly, that is why I qualified my post w/ 'but it looked like'. I wasn't certain if he had changed or if it was a PJ, although I'm not sure why he would do a PJ. Its not as if he's sponsored, is he?

yea I think he's sponsored by dunlop, he's done a few ads for them before in australia

zidane339 · 05-04-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by innoVAShaun

He used the Prince Precision Response 660. 97in², 23 mm Straight Beam, Double Bridge, sweet stick if you ask me.

I can't believe I sold my pair dirt cheap on e-Bay in '03. =*(

Hey I have one of those! Had no idea it had so much significance. Never use it, been trying to sell it for a while..

prosealster · 05-04-2009, 06:05 PM

he never used a tt warrior...always used ppr

OliverSimon · 05-04-2009, 06:12 PM

Doesnt Ferrer use this frame?

Fedace · 05-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Dunlop Aerogel 500. it is clear...

NickC · 05-04-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fedace

Dunlop Aerogel 500. it is clear...

No, it's already proven that it's an old Prince, just painted to look like a Dunlop AG 500. Again, you're 100% wrong and acting like you're 100% right. Shut up, you have no idea what you're talking about.

McLovin · 05-05-2009, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fedace

Dunlop Aerogel 500. it is clear...

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickC

No, it's already proven that it's an old Prince, just painted to look like a Dunlop AG 500. Again, you're 100% wrong and acting like you're 100% right. Shut up, you have no idea what you're talking about.

Sorry NickC, but Fedace has 10,000 more posts than you, which by forum rules means he has more knowledge than you...

Rabbit · 05-05-2009, 06:19 AM

^hmmmm...wonder if Rafter is using the new, secret string...

NickC · 05-05-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

Sorry NickC, but Fedace has 10,000 more posts than you, which by forum rules means he has more knowledge than you...

Isn't that a bit of a fallacy when you take into consideration the fact that I have more posts than you?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rabbit

^hmmmm...wonder if Rafter is using the new, secret string...

Yeah, he is! And only Fedace knows about it!

But seriously, what is he using? From what I can see, it's a hybrid of VS Gut mains and Babolat R crosses. Any idea as to what he used during his tour days? Maybe that'll give us some insight...

05-03-2009, 11:54 PM	#1
richied Rookie Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 304	Rafters Bat? I've been using the Prince TT midplus for a while now. This lovely racket is a S&Ver's dream. I'm interested to know what was Rafter's official bat during his prime? I heard recently that it wasn't the T.T it was actually the Prince Precision midplus with a TT paintjob? T/F Is the T.T still made by Prince ( I need some new ones)? In fact do Tennis companies keep making a few of the older rackets for those who really like what they have been using for years? __________________ I'll see you in another life when we are both cats!

05-04-2009, 08:05 AM	#4
Rabbit G.O.A.T. Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: at the bottom of every hill I come to Posts: 11,114	^I think Rafter's model goes back before the Ti __________________ Wilson Steam 99S poly Luxilon 4G 1.25 @ 45

05-04-2009, 08:17 AM	#5
McLovin Hall Of Fame Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,606	Not sure what he used during his pro career, but it looked like he was using a Dunlop in his Champions match vs Courier & Sampras: http://www.championsseriestennis.com/imagesCAB09.php# __________________ "Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row" -- Vitas Gerulaitis, after beating Jimmy Connors on his 17th try.

05-04-2009, 08:36 AM	#6
Rabbit G.O.A.T. Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: at the bottom of every hill I come to Posts: 11,114	yeah, wasn't that a 500? I'm not even sure it was the "heavier" tour model. __________________ Wilson Steam 99S poly Luxilon 4G 1.25 @ 45

05-04-2009, 08:49 AM	#8
McLovin Hall Of Fame Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,606	Good eye. Honestly, that is why I qualified my post w/ 'but it looked like'. I wasn't certain if he had changed or if it was a PJ, although I'm not sure why he would do a PJ. Its not as if he's sponsored, is he? __________________ "Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row" -- Vitas Gerulaitis, after beating Jimmy Connors on his 17th try.