Diary of a Racketaholic

[ryushen21]

Oh yes it does. The platinum is just very very picky about string and tension.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Power Player

Naww dude, the psgt is a GROAT stick as well. Everyone is different. You can not go wrong with either.

Agree ^.

Prior to rediscovering the nirvanic beauty of the TGKPP, I was starting to get into the Pure Control standard (virtually the same racket a the PSTGT.) You like a box beam? You want good, good spin and big b-line performance? Nice control and precision? Solidness? Some touch?...

Yep, if I hadn't decided to take another peak in the direction of my PPs, I'd be definitely exploring the Pure Control/PSTGT. Great frames.

R

[JGads]

Platinum Night. 99 joined the party, first time in a couple weeks.

Impressions:

94: Whippier, more control, less fliers, just all around solidity on every shot, from serves to groundies. Serves are great, serious pop is there when you really go after it, but the smaller head needs the timing of it all.

99: A little more sluggish - especially noticeable on certain forehands that sail long. When given time to load up, though, can crack some unreal lasers. Bigger sweet spot means better, more penetrating backhands. Serves? Absolutely, positively ridiculous. I have never served better than I did with this frame tonight. Bombs were constantly there and so insanely easy to find time after time, kickers were just shooting upward and eating the other guy up.

FYI, the 10g buttcap was in each. Will be playing again with both tomorrow night, and then one of them will be my frame in a league match this weekend (still probably the 94).

Also ended the night with 10 minutes of rallying with the BC20. More goodness. Such a sweet ride. Feel is preferred to the Donnays BUT ... the insane serving capabilities of the Platinum series now has me thinking that at some point soon I'll be a Donnay man once more. The laser show is something I just can't look away from.

[Ross K]

Diary dudes,

Playing tomorrow and I'm packing my TGK PP.

Among other things last week, I couldn't get over the solidness, control, the balance and weighting, and - and this is one notable area where it wins out for me over the PC/PST - the speed and whippiness... with lead @ 12, this thing flies through the zone like a high performance race car!... as PED said, this frame sure has a whole different rythym and super-fast speed.

Peace be among you my racketaholic brothers.

R

[Meaghan]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Diary dudes,

Playing tomorrow and I'm packing my TGK PP.

Among other things last week, I couldn't get over the solidness, control, the balance and weighting, and - and this is one notable area where it wins out for me over the PC/PST - the speed and whippiness... with lead @ 12, this thing flies through the zone like a high performance race car!... as PED said, this frame sure has a whole different rythym and super-fast speed.

Peace be among you my racketaholic brothers.

R

Ross you've prob mentioned before but is there a lot of difference between the retail version and the tgk.
I think my doubles partner would like it. He's after a new racket, plays with an i.rad with a massive grip on it. He likes the feel of my bc20. Im thinking its the ytpp or a custom Vt. Trouble is getting a couple at a good price. He's 16/17 and pocket money is not what it was in the days of Heseltine and the Thatch! Think he has about 150 tops......

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Meaghan

Ross you've prob mentioned before but is there a lot of difference between the retail version and the tgk.
I think my doubles partner would like it. He's after a new racket, plays with an i.rad with a massive grip on it. He likes the feel of my bc20. Im thinking its the ytpp or a custom Vt. Trouble is getting a couple at a good price. He's 16/17 and pocket money is not what it was in the days of Heseltine and the Thatch! Think he has about 150 tops......

Rich,

There's actually some conflicting views on differences between retail and TGK PP, but IMO, well, I'm with esteemed TT member Big Bang...

I got a bag full of 238.5´s and find them to play quite different from the retail version. Everything is just better IMO, more flex, more solid, more control and more power. Very nice frame!

And of course you can mod them up to your requirements too.

That said, the retail is a great racket also. Just a slight drop off perhaps in general performance/build quality, whatever. But not really a biggie I think , unless you're an advanced player (which I'm not), or a racketaholic ("Cough, cough." )

Re where he can pick up TGKs/retails... the first is devilishly difficult and very expensive. As for retails, I think they've held their price thus far, so, hmm, fboy, if you're lucky? Otherwise just hunt around the usual stores.

See below for excellent links (including one started by another TT legend, the incomparable ClubHoUno.)


R

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=358230

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=375443

[el sergento]

Originally Posted by Meaghan

He likes the feel of my bc20. Im thinking its the ytpp or a custom Vt. Trouble is getting a couple at a good price. He's 16/17 and pocket money is not what it was in the days of Heseltine and the Thatch! Think he has about 150 tops......

I bought two retail YTK PP's for $100 + shipping. I bought 2 of them off these boards and you can definitely track some more down at around the same price. The first one was new, with plastic on handle and the second one is 9/10.

So, with shipping to the UK, 150 $'s, not #'s, should be attainable. Also, the pallet system means that you can track them down in any grip size. The second one I got is in a 4 5/8's grip, but I'll be putting on a TK82s pallet on there.

Good luck

[el sergento]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Rich,There's actually some conflicting views on differences between retail and TGK PP

Hey Ross, don't know if you're much of a gear head, but could you give me some details on the TGK ie. balance, weight, SW?

I'm dead set on my PP's but I love me some tinkering. Especially for when I finally get my second PP in (Canada Pest.......errr, Post, is still on strike).

I've actually been playing mine pretty much stock. The only mod's have been to replace the leather with synthetic and add silicone to compensate for the weight difference.

Not long ago I removed the lead I had close to the hoop and the extra counter balancing weight I had put in the handle.

Stringing at lower tensions means that I now get nice and easy power without the added lead at the hoop.

However, I played with a 6.1 this weekend and I must say, as a previous 6.1 user, I miss the plow!. Not that the PP is a wimp, far from it, but just a tad more plow would be welcome. I'm thinking of 2-3 grams at 3&9......... we'll see.

[Power Player]

I am sticking with the 99s and not trying the 94. I just don't see the need. I personally do not find the 99 sluggish in any way..almost the opposite of sluggish BUT I will put the 10g buttcap in one to see how that goes since I have yet to try it out.


I am also stringing up a hybrid with the same crosses (POSG) and different mains (BMagic and Black Mamba) to compare the 2. I will try the buttcap also and that will be my return the game of tennis.

I think the 99 is so good at serving that I really can not see a better option besides a pure drive.

[el sergento]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I am sticking with the 99s and not trying the 94. I just don't see the need. I personally do not find the 99 sluggish in any way..almost the opposite of sluggish BUT I will put the 10g buttcap in one to see how that goes since I have yet to try it out.


I am also stringing up a hybrid with the same crosses (POSG) and different mains (BMagic and Black Mamba) to compare the 2. I will try the buttcap also and that will be my return the game of tennis.

I think the 99 is so good at serving that I really can not see a better option besides a pure drive.

So are you back on the courts yet PP? What was the treatment for your wrist finally, just some anti-inflammatories and rest I imagine.

I'm actually going to take a self imposed sabbatical soon. As my FH grip has moved more towards a hard SW, I've developed this callous on the right side of the base knuckle of my index finger. The callous now puts pressure on either a vein or a nerve and I'm getting a pins and needles feeling in my index finger. After a long session, my finger is actually numb

At first I thought it was my back, but it's very obviously my hand because when I press down on that callous my finger tingles. Any way, don't know what to do about it. Might have to try a larger grip size or put the stock Head pallets back on my racquets.

Such a harsh sport. Hockey players play well into their 40's and yet Agassi retired a cripple at 36.

[Power Player]

Yes, AI's and rest. It is definitely much better, but I need to prevent it from returning. I plan to string a racquet tonight to prepare myself for my return to the game. VERY stoked to hit again with my Platinums and try out a hybrid setup again.

[JGads]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I am sticking with the 99s and not trying the 94. I just don't see the need. I personally do not find the 99 sluggish in any...

I think the 99 is so good at serving that I really can not see a better option besides a pure drive.

To be honest, I don't think the Pure Drive even touches it. Once you get the timing down, the 94 serves Prestige bombs but the timing needs to be there. With the 99, the serves are beyond anything I've ever hit with before, and the bigger sweet spot means the timing doesn't always have to be dead on. I mean, the serves I was cracking last night with the 99 should be illegal in some states. I was positively blown away, feeling like I'd turned into Pistol Pete. In the end I think I like the groundie comfort I have with the 94, but the 99 service bombs are becoming ever so addicting, as you can see.

Best of luck in your return, PP. Pulling for that wrist to come through. Just ease yourself back in slowly, obviously.

[Fed Kennedy]

Originally Posted by el sergento

However, I played with a 6.1 this weekend and I must say, as a previous 6.1 user, I miss the plow!. Not that the PP is a wimp, far from it, but just a tad more plow would be welcome. I'm thinking of 2-3 grams at 3&9......... we'll see.

Fusion of Prestige Pro whip and cosmetics and Wilson 6.1 BCF (ball crush factor) is one of the top priorities facing tennis today. We need the two racquets to fuse.



I attempted to 6.1-tize my Prestige Pro in this 3g at 3 and 9 fashion. It gave it a really sweet solid old school feel with an easy swingweight. It was awesome on blocked one handers and half volleys. Best setup I found with that stick. Unfortunately, I got impatient and scurried back to the W.

[JGads]

Fed,

Come on, now. You post without reporting your Lovitz-setup findings? How'd it go?

[Fed Kennedy]

Dude Lovitz was on fire! I have lots of thoughts but I have to get my *** to work, I will return when I get off...

[el sergento]

Originally Posted by Fed Kennedy

Fusion of Prestige Pro whip and cosmetics and Wilson 6.1 BCF (ball crush factor) is one of the top priorities facing tennis today. We need the two racquets to fuse.



I attempted to 6.1-tize my Prestige Pro in this 3g at 3 and 9 fashion. It gave it a really sweet solid old school feel with an easy swingweight. It was awesome on blocked one handers and half volleys. Best setup I found with that stick. Unfortunately, I got impatient and scurried back to the W.

That's exactly what I must attempt, in order to achieve "perfection", to attain "nirvana", I must create an nPrestige Pro 6.1.

Dark nights lie ahead my friends, dark dark nights.

[Fed Kennedy]

Originally Posted by el sergento

That's exactly what I must attempt, in order to achieve "perfection", to attain "nirvana", I must create an nPrestige Pro 6.1.

Dark nights lie ahead my friends, dark dark nights.

I will say a prayer for you. I suspect the secret lies in Wilson shaped pallets and perhaps a little lead in the throat to mimic the 6.1 chunkyness...

[Fed Kennedy]

Official review:

Lovitz setup (APDGT) playtested in 85 degree temps, humidity unknown.

The racquet felt like a tin can and looked like a chick stick, I was full of shame but I remembered Gavin Rossdale goats this and Roger doesn't get mad, plus world #1 Rafa, whose executioner volleys are starting to look really good.

The grommets make a noise like you are opening a beer everytime you hit a shot, once you get used to this it's ok. Takes about 20 min. Once you understand that weird tape delay feel, it actually has touch. I was trying to remember how well I played with the pure drive awhile back (plus I love the pstgt) and after I adjusted the shots started to flow.

Serves were a 10 out of ten. It's just easier. Boom. Easy holds.

Forehand was like a 6/10. I could shape it really well but I will need some more time to deal with it. No pierce on my ball. Felt like I had no control on drives.

Backhand (1hbh): Sick cc loopers. DTL drive was too puffy/fluffy. 6.5/10

Volleys: 8/10. Surprised me. Stick has good feel at the net. Gotta cut the bh extra hard though. Chop-style.

Returns: 9/10. Important category. Bludgeoned a few of these. Appreciate the racquets free power on this shot.

Intangibles: 10/10. Despite not liking the feel of this stick, I held serve very easily with it and pulled off some nutball slices, droppers and chip/charges that left me feeling positive about it. An intriguing demo and a fun one, which is the main reason I play.

I have it for a few days more, will continue exploring.

[Ross K]

Fed,

I'm loving your 'official review', especially this line:

The grommets make a noise like you are opening a beer everytime you hit a shot

:LMAO! And I so agree re the net performance/feel, return wallop, and serve poppy ease... oh, and I know what you mean re this:

The racquet felt like a tin can and looked like a chick stick,

All,

An enlightening, embarrassing, sobering and even painful experience getting destroyed by a US 5.0 level player this morning (Justin, a TT member BTW who is in London for the summer)... after not very long, I could hardly hit my normal shots and this imposter who had my appearance turned up... my PPs felt HEAVY and slow (heavy with that lead at the tip)... I was hitting horribly long the whole time (should I be stringing tighter?)... my footwork was shocking... my 'display' was shocking... memo to self: "do refrain from playing really good players in future - it will only depress you!"

I'm going over some thoughts in my mind though weight/modding, tensions on my string-jobs, and a few other things...


R

[Power Player]

FedK I agree with you on the PD. I could not get enough weight on my shots with it in stock form, but the serves were awesome.

If you want bliss..the Pure Drive roddick...take it for a spin.