Diary of a Racketaholic - Page 3

Power Player · 09-17-2010, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross K

Power Player,

Re your TF V02 320 qsn earlier, I found it a bit stiff, not quite for me re build feel, and it was overpowered, plus I didn't quite gel with its balance... all of which, in a slightly ridiculous, fickle manner, I'd probably cheerfully ignore now because it has many attributes I'm presently kind of looking for.

R.

Ross, I too found it stiff last year and talked myself out of it even though I loved the racquet. Now that my technique is back to acceptable levels, I realized I was arming the ball when I just got back to tennis. Damn if this stick is not incredibly plush to hit with for being on the stiffer side.

For reference, once I hurt my wrist, I stopped using the 4D200. I went lighter with the 300Tour and also bought an apdgt. I used the apdgt for 2 days and deemed it now too powerful. Why? Because now I am properly setting up and using my body on every shot. I simply do not need THAT much power unless I am willing to go full poly at 55#s. I would rather go full poly at 48-50#s. Hence, the return to the tfight. I find the T-fight to be powerful, but not as much as the apdgt. It is just such a modern racquet, but it does not go all the way into full tweener land. I personally love the balance in stock form. It is 7 points HL, which is very nice for me.

The final thing which could help you is I finally appreciated the grip shape of a racquet. I love the wilson grip shape, and the Tfight's is similar. What it did was make going from semi western to conti way easier for me. So my net play improved instantly.

So if you are bouncing around trying a million sticks, get real anal about grip shape. I never was before, but it makes a difference if you go from western or SW to conti in transition to the net.

Ross K · 09-17-2010, 08:39 PM

PP ^^^,

Interesting post above... as I said, I regret not taking more time to groove with this frame. In theory for sure, so much about it would appear to be to my taste, including nice effortless power off both wings and on serve, decent touch, weighting and ease to swing. If the chance comes to look at it again (and maybe also a 325, which I have to say, appeals to me somewhat too), I'll certainly be more receptive than earlier in the year when I was looking for something slightly different.

Whether or not I'd prefer it over the PSTGT/PSTGT+, I'm not sure... and, to be clear, what I'm really looking at/for, due to my liking for the APD and PSTGT+, I'm breaking down into 2 slightly different kinds of rackets categories, although if 1 possesses all these traits that could be... "The One!"...

)... 1), a powerful racket that suits a Western grip, is designed for b-line topspin bashing, and that really whips into the ball (specially on fh) and with which you can really swing smoothly and go after the ball and 'tee off'... 2), a racket that has decent feel, build, isn't too hefty or too light, has good control, possibly a bit more all court excellent.

BTW, I'm a fan of the TF grip shape.

R.

Fed Kennedy · 09-18-2010, 01:00 AM

You want a cross between the apd and the pst, why not try the aero storm tour?

Ross K · 09-18-2010, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fed Kennedy

You want a cross between the apd and the pst, why not try the aero storm tour?

Why not the Extreme Pro?

R.

Fed Kennedy · 09-18-2010, 01:27 AM

I just said that because the aerostorm tour is literally a stiffer pure storm tour with an aero beam.
The extreme pro is for slobs like me with vanity backhands who are too lazy to play 6.1 classics but still want to hit their serves hard.

Ross K · 09-18-2010, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fed Kennedy

I just said that because the aerostorm tour is literally a stiffer pure storm tour with an aero beam.
The extreme pro is for slobs like me with vanity backhands who are too lazy to play 6.1 classics but still want to hit their serves hard.

Sounds perfect for me then LOL!... Actually, as of a few hours ago, I've now got an MG Extreme Pro (and 2004DAG Tour)... hope to hit with it next week and shall post thoughts in here.... just checking it out, bouncing a ball off the string-bed, a few admittedly cautious strokes in the garden, etc, I can envisage this having that kind of fluid, whippy, big topspinny, finds the ball easily, fh I so enjoy with the APD... but what else can it do? That will be revealing...

R.

Power Player · 09-18-2010, 08:07 AM

Ross...it's a little heavy, but you also described the BLX 95 pretty well.

I doubt you will like the Dunlops if you want power at all.

From the description you just gave, you should definitley revisit the Tfight since you basically described it to a T. I have a 325 and a 320 and I will post my impressions of both in the Tfight thread once I hit with them.

This morning I finished off Oheads and volleys extremely well. It was the first time I had felt that confident coming to net and taking the ball in the air for winners. The grip really has helped me out.

Ross K · 09-18-2010, 12:31 PM

^^^ PP, others,

Yes, the AG2004D Tour doesn't really appeal so much to me now. However, at the beginning of the year when I was looking at the RD7, when more weighty, low powered frames with great feel were what I was prioritizing, it did interest me. The thing is, demoing etc is not the common practice in the UK as it is states-side, and therefore, if certain frames come up (usually at a competitive price or for trade via a bunch of us UK Racketaholics), I tend to go for it. If the racket doesn't do it for me, it's re-circulated back through UK Racketaholics or other channels...

On the other hand, the Extreme Pro sounds much more like what I'm presently into and prioritizing...

I keenly await your reviews on the TF V02 320 and 325 PP! I especially would appreciate hearing your thoughts on how smoothly these frames swing and find the ball and go through the gears (if you know what I mean)... this is already an issue for me with the PSTGT+ as, and PED mentioned this too when replying to HitItHarder re the PSTGT, the racket kind of seems to swing a tiny bit slowly and doesn't quite get to the ball with the desired fluidity... must be balance and weighting related... anyhow...

2 other frames I've long wanted to check (in fact the most prized of all recent frames for me) are the YT PP (got 1 coming) and... "Ahem"... the BLX 95!...

R.

Mansewerz · 09-18-2010, 12:33 PM

Power player switching racquets?! WTH!

Ross K · 09-18-2010, 12:40 PM

^^^ Hey Mans,

You still hitting the C1O's?... I tell you, now there are some frames that swing sooooo sweetly!

I wish Volkl would update the line with a version that has a bit more power and hits a heavier ball.

R.

Power Player · 09-18-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansewerz

Power player switching racquets?! WTH!

I had to. I hurt my wrist biking so it was due.

Mansewerz · 09-18-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Power Player

I had to. I hurt my wrist biking so it was due.

Oh I see. Nothing wrong with it, I just found it strange. Is the wrist healing up?

Power Player · 09-18-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansewerz

Oh I see. Nothing wrong with it, I just found it strange. Is the wrist healing up?

Yeah, I had to go to a lighter stick and swingweight, but it is feeling good again. Thankfully. Thought I was done for a while until I went lighter.

Ross K · 09-18-2010, 10:50 PM

So there's an issue...

Woke up this morning with a feeling of nagging doubt and self-recrimination not experienced since my early twenties... you know, like, when your girlfriend would go away for the weekend with her folks?... ahem...

Er, right, "my issue" with the PSTGT+... balance and weighting - it doesn't seem to quite swing so smoothly or get to the ball with the kind of fluidity - and shift into that extra gear (as PED would say), and that, for me, is very important... frames such as, say, the C10 Pro, N95, MG Pres mid, and - latterly (though it has taken me a while) - the APD, all seem to to have this quality, in my book anyhow. I thought it was the added length of the + size that was the cause, but then I was alerted to (thx H) and remembered something else of no little importance: a few years back this was one of my main gripes the the Carbon-Extreme PST

... you know what it reminds me of boys?... it's kind of like getting it together with the sister of your ex, only to be reminded of your ex by some glaring personality fault like her habitual lieing, or terrible trash TV shows that she to watch all the bloody time, or that crystal meths habit, right? ... but I digress.

("Clears throat.")

So... I keenly await arrival of my APD next week with it's Solinco Tour Bite @ 52 lbs string-job... oh yes, and I also have 3 or 4 other frames coming in and I'll need to look at; I have about 10 I need to sell; and I have to decide if I really want to chase a TF Vo2 325; oh... and do I really want to restring and revisit my first great love - the PD+?

R.

bee · 09-19-2010, 07:35 AM

I am using 2 racquets now, and I feel free of my prevous racquet addiction: Head PT 630 and Vantage 95 (the more flexy option). Both are now strung with Klip natural gut 17g at 60#. These offer a very nice blend of power, comfort and spin potential.

Life is good. I am happy.

shaysrebelII · 09-19-2010, 08:44 AM

Nice thread. I still have a lot of it left to read, but I'm loving it so far!

For me, this was the summer of racquet acquisition. It all started with two HPS 6.1 95's that I scored off of TW's retired demos program. I figured that for $150, it wasn't a bad deal. My agenda, however, was to finally, mercifully, find something that plays like my n95. The K6.1 wasn't close, the BLX6.1 was better, but still not up to snuff, so I figured going back in time might be what I needed.

So, I set about playing with the HPS 6.1's. I was off to a good start when, lo and behold, a used n95 shows up on TW's used racquets page. Eureka! I jump on the opportunity, and find myself with a backup to the racquet that I love so dearly. Wilson's awful QC is bypassed; they got it right for once, and both n95's feel the same.

Ah but alas! The racquet bug has bitten me...what to do? Fast forward to Labor Day. Those of you who don't live close to TW probably aren't familiar with the amazing sales their retail store has during this time of year. San Luis Obispo is only about 200 miles away from me, however, so off I went. Here, the virus that the racquet bug left me with morphed into a superstrain of You-Only-Live-Once-It's-Only-Money-itis, and I got a sweet deal on an APDC. My stalwart opposition to tweener racquets broken and my pockets virtually empty, I went to courts slightly dejected, but the weight of shot I achieved with the APDC quickly put a smile on my face. In addition - I'm left handed, I strung the beast with RPM Blast, and I hit every forehand crosscourt to my opponent's backhand. Needless to say, I was about four "Vamos!"es away from transforming into Rafa himself.

As good as this felt, I had decisions to make. During the school year I live in a pretty small apartment, and my roommates would not be cool with racquet clutter all over the place. Some frames would have to stay behind. The lucky ones that got to come with me are: the newly acquired APDC and my two trusty KBT's, both of whom confront my numerous affairs with other racquets with an endearing nonchalant-ness.

Now all I have left to do is actually play some tennis! I can't wait to see what this school year has to offer. Provided I'm not too swamped by the increasing demands of classes, I'll make sure to keep all of you informed on the juicy details of every swing.

Ross K · 09-19-2010, 10:04 PM

bee,

I salute your good taste Sir!... PT630 is in many ways my fave ever racket (to say it is 'good off the ground' is a bit like saying 'Shakespeare wasn't bad at writing!' Or Miles Davis could 'play a few notes!' Or Michael Jordan 'could play a bit of basketball!' ) LOL... I tried for years to get it to suit me but it was always a bit beyond my capabilities and not wholly suitable to my game. And by uncanny co-incidence: I actually checked out the Vantages too, and for the reason I thought I could find one that was similarish to a Pro Tour (you know, but like with an open pattern and a bit less demanding)... great crisp, control racket with wonderful quality build and all court excellence... just not quite what I'm looking for now, bit a lovely racket there amigo.

Shay,

Interesting and funny... I, too, keep getting these rackets just thrust upon me and through no good fault of my own!... keep the gossip coming on those numerous affairs!

R.

shaysrebelII · 09-19-2010, 10:12 PM

Ross,

I certainly will. Thanks for the kind words!

HitItHarder · 09-20-2010, 05:11 AM

Well I got to take out my new (to me anyway) YT Extreme Pro yesterday for a test drive with some general practice and then two practice sets. At this point, I just don't quite know what I think. This stick reminds me of the YT Rad Pro in so many ways that I am having a hard time distinguishing between the two at this point. I need some more time with the racquet to see the differences.

The YTEP definately has a stiffer feel than the Radical Pro, but performance wise both racquets are very close. Big topspin off both wings, good stability, whippy polarized feel. Solid at the net for volleys and overheads. It also seems to have more power. I had to back off some of my strokes and I am not sure that is a good thing. All this racquet switching is causing some hitches to develop in my groundstrokes as I adjust for power and SW.

I think I need to stick to one racquet for a couple weeks to iron some of those things out. I think I am going to hit exclusively with the EP for a while and see how it goes. I should get in some good quality drilling on Tuesday, so I will report back after that. Right now, no big "wow" revelation switching between the YT Rad Pro, the APDGT and this new YT Extreme Pro.

ryushen21 · 09-20-2010, 08:21 AM

Oh Ross..I always knew a day like this would come for you. Admittedly, I think that you may be destined to forever be a racquet journeyman never really settling down with one.

I thought, when I saw that you had gone with the MGP mid, that you were finally going to have a bit of happiness and stability in your game. I know that I have found the joy of tennis with my YTP mids.

I don't think that the previous nod for you to try out the ASTGT would be a good frame. It requires more work for less results. I found the PST much more gratifying and easier to hit with.

Nonetheless, I am thoroughly enthralled with your racquet quest. I think that if you could get your hands on a few TGK 237.1 (IIRC, that the Prestige Mid but with a 16x19 pattern) you would be quite pleased and it would be the certain end to your racquet quest. Yes, I recall your gripes about the PM being too demanding but once you dedicate youself to it and find the groove, the shots you can produce are truly amazing.

BTW, should you decide to part with any of your lovely, flexy head frames (PT630, Rad TT, etc) or even that RD7 let me know. I may be interested.

09-18-2010, 01:00 AM	#43
Fed Kennedy Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: With Roger Posts: 3,709	You want a cross between the apd and the pst, why not try the aero storm tour? __________________ Its that thing when you have to play a jacked midget high on cortex while rollerblading

09-18-2010, 01:27 AM	#45
Fed Kennedy Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: With Roger Posts: 3,709	I just said that because the aerostorm tour is literally a stiffer pure storm tour with an aero beam. The extreme pro is for slobs like me with vanity backhands who are too lazy to play 6.1 classics but still want to hit their serves hard. __________________ Its that thing when you have to play a jacked midget high on cortex while rollerblading

09-18-2010, 08:07 AM	#47
Power Player G.O.A.T. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: On my iPhone Posts: 13,544	Ross...it's a little heavy, but you also described the BLX 95 pretty well. I doubt you will like the Dunlops if you want power at all. From the description you just gave, you should definitley revisit the Tfight since you basically described it to a T. I have a 325 and a 320 and I will post my impressions of both in the Tfight thread once I hit with them. This morning I finished off Oheads and volleys extremely well. It was the first time I had felt that confident coming to net and taking the ball in the air for winners. The grip really has helped me out. __________________ 🐐ing

09-18-2010, 12:33 PM	#49
Mansewerz Legend Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Caught in No Man's Land Posts: 9,168	Power player switching racquets?! WTH! __________________ Gameplan: Get it deep, wait for the short ball, then come in. (2) Volkl C10 Pros

09-20-2010, 08:21 AM	#60
ryushen21 Hall Of Fame Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: wherever you were hoping I wasn't going to be Posts: 2,200	Oh Ross..I always knew a day like this would come for you. Admittedly, I think that you may be destined to forever be a racquet journeyman never really settling down with one. I thought, when I saw that you had gone with the MGP mid, that you were finally going to have a bit of happiness and stability in your game. I know that I have found the joy of tennis with my YTP mids. I don't think that the previous nod for you to try out the ASTGT would be a good frame. It requires more work for less results. I found the PST much more gratifying and easier to hit with. Nonetheless, I am thoroughly enthralled with your racquet quest. I think that if you could get your hands on a few TGK 237.1 (IIRC, that the Prestige Mid but with a 16x19 pattern) you would be quite pleased and it would be the certain end to your racquet quest. Yes, I recall your gripes about the PM being too demanding but once you dedicate youself to it and find the groove, the shots you can produce are truly amazing. BTW, should you decide to part with any of your lovely, flexy head frames (PT630, Rad TT, etc) or even that RD7 let me know. I may be interested. __________________ .....what comes next??.....