Diary of a Racketaholic

[JGads]

Fed: sweet review.

Ross: don't sweat it. This should be the only time an American man beats a Brit on the tennis court in the next week and a half.

All: have the Plats lined up for several matches over the next week, including a league bout on Saturday. The all-around 94 vs the comically serve-bombing 99. Should be fun.

[el sergento]

Originally Posted by Ross K

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


R

Funny thing Ross, I removed all the lead from my PPro after losing a tight one against an old college teammate. He's 6'4 and pulverizes the ball. I found myself hitting late and loosing too much RHS in tight situations.

After removing the lead, I compensated for slight loss of power by stringing lower and using a powerful multi as a cross string. Now I'm actually hitting bigger than when I had the extra weight in the hoop.

Try moving that weight to 3&9. You'll get more stability but won't take the big SW hit lead in the hoop produces.

I have a feeling the retail PPro is more powerful than the TGK, its stiffer and lighter thus allowing for a faster swing.

Anyway, playing a solid player is never a waste of time, nothing else helps you identify both your strengths and weaknesses with such clarity.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by el sergento

Funny thing Ross, I removed all the lead from my PPro after losing a tight one against an old college teammate. He's 6'4 and pulverizes the ball. I found myself hitting late and loosing too much RHS in tight situations.

After removing the lead, I compensated for slight loss of power by stringing lower and using a powerful multi as a cross string. Now I'm actually hitting bigger than when I had the extra weight in the hoop.

Try moving that weight to 3&9. You'll get more stability but won't take the big SW hit lead in the hoop produces.

I have a feeling the retail PPro is more powerful than the TGK, its stiffer and lighter thus allowing for a faster swing.

Anyway, playing a solid player is never a waste of time, nothing else helps you identify both your strengths and weaknesses with such clarity.

Cheers el.

I've already now taken the retail down to just 2g @ 12... like your stringing advice, specially as I really want to check the hybrid situation... re lead/locations, hmm, not sure, though the one thing I do get with 4g @ 12 is more 'hurt' on the ball - TBH I find the frame a tad demanding in this regard when totally unleaded so, yep, a trade off between pop and maneuverability, for sure...

BTW, re your query yesterday, I am trying to locate full details re TGK specs and will pass them on once I have them.


Everyone,

TBH though, today, afterwards, I was really thinking maybe I should be looking at something a bit lighter, bit bigger head-size and more forgiving, but with excellent control and oomph.

A little bit of a left-field QSN here then but what are your points of view re Prince frames? I'm thinking Exo Tour 100, Exo Black 100, the old Ozone Tour, Speedport type frames, etc.

A few years back now I hit for a while with the Speedport Pro White, a frame I'd describe as playing a bit like a PD but with better feel, control, build, etc. And today, for various reasons, I found myself thinking of this particular racket, and wondering about other Prince offerings (especially the Exo Tour 100.)

Any thoughts appreciated.


R

[Power Player]

I personally don't think any lead is needed on a prestige pro. Of course I was hitting with a lot of 4.5 level players and some 5.0s and I needed to keep things around 12 ozs max.

You should be able to punish the ball if you have good footwork and technique. That is what gets you the best results with a prestige. I usually made my mids a little lighter at around 11.9 and they hit super heavy.

ross you can't give up on the racquet just because you get wrecked by a far better player. It wouldnt matter what you use. Seems like everytime you don't play well you switch sticks. It's not the stick. I'd stay with the PP to be honest. It's awesome and has that feel you like. You will get better and better and learn more about your game. You can be a great player with the prestige pro if you focus on the techniques.

Now that being said if you just want to try out a ton of sticks, by all means do it, but it seems like you are getting bummed out when you lose.

[JGads]

Ross, the EXO 100s are fun, very fun, but you probably wouldn't like the soft feel of them. Basing that on your love of the APD, TFight, Prestige -- all of which are crisper in feel. The stiffness from those frames also make them much better at the hard flat serves, which is something I could never master with the EXO 100.

But your loss against a 5.0 guy sounds like much more of a player thing than a racquet thing. I think you're better off just sticking with the APD or the Prestige rather than venturing into Prince territory.

[Fed Kennedy]

Ross the Prince black is a PD esque stick with its own weird grommet noise. But it has less vibration. Great serving stick. The 03 white is a plush stick. Beware the ports. I like them but it's not for everyone. Huge spin from this frame. Also very comfortable. The tours are too spongy. I bet the prostocks are like 65 flex.

There is something about tweeners that can let you scratch it out a little better against better players. If I was playing the usual 4.0 fetcher, I'd much rather have my Fed stick because I know I can boss every point.

But...against the younger big serving dudes who hit big and in higher level dubs, I feel I can get to a higher standard of play with the extreme/bab style stick. Serves, returns, forgiveness. Just gotta win those points man, ha ha.

It's fun both ways, I kind of like playing with a better class of player, it focuses the intensity a little more and I feel I'm improving. Maybe lose and lose big but learn more.

I like my Fed sticks but I'm kind of feeling my tweeners too. It's such a hard call. One day I'll find that peaceful place...

[Alzer]

When I first got my TGK PPs I removed 15grams of lead from under the CAPs from about the 10 to 2 position as I felt it was too unweildy. Slowly but surely I've got the 15grams back at the same position (someone at head knows what works) and added 6grams to the butt. All this plus the standard silicone in the handle my sticks weigh in at 352grams and still head light.

I can honestly say that its made the world of difference. I can control my swing better, my shots just seem to find the court on far more frequent basis. Every ball is heavy, blocking shots is simple, no big swipes at the ball required.

What got me back to trying a heavier setup was that I picked up my Prostaff Classic 6.1 from almost 20 years ago. I was 16 then and able to swing that thing without a problem. I played with the fairway grip and a tourna overgrip, approx 357 grams. Not once did I think it was too heavy back then - I'm not a big guy by any means, but I'm bigger than I was at 16!!!!

[Fed Kennedy]

Originally Posted by Alzer

What got me back to trying a heavier setup was that I picked up my Prostaff Classic 6.1

you are not alone. the fusion of Head and Wilson is powerful and potent.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Fed Kennedy

Official review:



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.

Throw some lead in the butt and under the bumper and this shot is transformed. I had a big problem switching to this stick last summer from the ytpp: my FH was gutless.

The weight makes all the difference. I'm at stock balance 33cm with 10g added: I'm 333g strung and it's just about perfect.

I'm still toying with the idea of doing the same thing to a pdgt std length. I liked my pdr but my shoulder didn't

The pd is bit more flexy than the A rod version, now I just need to find a used one in a 1/4 grip

[Power Player]

I agree with Fed. I think that is what got me to the point I am at now. The PSTGT is kind of the same as well. It is a player stick that lets you manhandle pushers with accuracy, but also has tweener power that lets you hit with the higher level guys.

The donnay is actually easier for me to use than the pstgt. Before I got hurt I beat an ex dII guy with a nasty 1hander. It was not that I beat him, but more that I beat him with patient and consistent strokes. Of course I went big now and then, but with the Donnay I find myself in longer and longer rallies than before. And this also applies to the 3.5-4.0 guy who is trying to wait out the storm and watch me mess up.

[Ross K]

Fed,

This chimes with me, especially after yesterday's trauma!

There is something about tweeners that can let you scratch it out a little better against better players. If I was playing the usual 4.0 fetcher, I'd much rather have my Fed stick because I know I can boss every point.

But...against the younger big serving dudes who hit big and in higher level dubs, I feel I can get to a higher standard of play with the extreme/bab style stick. Serves, returns, forgiveness. Just gotta win those points man, ha ha.

Also, thx for Prince low-down.


Alzer,

Cheers re this:

When I first got my TGK PPs I removed 15grams of lead from under the CAPs from about the 10 to 2 position as I felt it was too unweildy. Slowly but surely I've got the 15grams back at the same position (someone at head knows what works) and added 6grams to the butt. All this plus the standard silicone in the handle my sticks weigh in at 352grams and still head light.

I do think I need to lose some lead off my tip/12 o'clock... need to order some new caps now.


All,

Obviously a bit of an over-reaction from me yesterday, but, yes, nothing like a total humiliating drubbing to suddenly make you think about bigger head-sizes > lighter and more maneuverable frames > high-end tweenerish > Prince rackets (which aside from the Reb I kind of know zero about) etc.


R

[JGads]

Prince racquets always give me the feeling that they're good, but not stellar. I know I'll always have my eye out for something better. And the open ports are an acquired taste: it does in fact open up the sweet spot quite a bit, but definitely at the expense of feel.

In other news, Plat 99 officially eliminated. If I'm entering a serving contest, though, it would be the first racquet I'd reach for. Just far more in tune with the 94, by comparison.

[Meaghan]

Originally Posted by JGads

Prince racquets always give me the feeling that they're good, but not stellar. I know I'll always have my eye out for something better. And the open ports are an acquired taste: it does in fact open up the sweet spot quite a bit, but definitely at the expense of feel.

In other news, Plat 99 officially eliminated. If I'm entering a serving contest, though, it would be the first racquet I'd reach for. Just far more in tune with the 94, by comparison.

JG get a set of gosen polymaster in the bc20/plat94 and let me know what you think. Its worked wonders for me.

[JGads]

Originally Posted by Meaghan

JG get a set of gosen polymaster in the bc20/plat94 and let me know what you think. Its worked wonders for me.

Noted! You already steered me right with Tour Bite, so I'll follow suit soon. Prince OSG is awesome in the 20, just LOVE how it feels, but the movement is definitely a little bothersome.

[Ross K]

Okay. I've been down. As a paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, I've been dealt some heavy blows (especially yesterday's massacre.) But I played straight away again this morning, and late this afternoon I had a long practice session. The lead has all come off. I've been getting to know the Pres Pro stock and unmodified. I'm trying to close my mind to thoughts of other frames. I need to tap into the source of the magic. I need to connect with the frame. I need to wield it with abandon. Like a Na'Vi warrior. Like Power Player. Or PED. Or the one they call Fed. And the one known as Gads. You know, I dream of running, running and bounding and leaping with this frame. I admit that I am becoming increasingly torn between following my racketaholic ways and embracing the natural order and following what my beloved PP is whispering into my ears. Time to return to my PP and Neytiri who clutches her thus.



R

[ryushen21]

This......this feels like a tennis racquet should. The mods are done on the Platinums. The leather feels good in my hand and much more uniform than the stock Donnay grip. The actual lead on the frame adds just enough in the head to give me the swing that I like. The Tornado just looks sick. Tomorrow shall be my first real hitting session but these are definitely Excalibur like just holding them.....

[Power Player]

Ross..godlike post. I admire your conviction.

Ryushen, I wish I could use leather still. Just can't do it, due to the hand/wrist thing. I know it was on the Donnay Black and it felt awesome.

[JGads]

Ross, you're a poet. Another golden post.

Ry, got the Ace in the mail today -- the Tornado set and the fresh grip is very much appreciated, and I can see how Tornado will look absolutely sick inside of the Platinum frame. Will give that a go next week, following my match with the Platty tomorrow. Could you imagine that string in the Platinum.. with that Solinco dry overgrip that I've seen (but have no idea how to get)??

The one in this thread:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showt...370945&page=15

Salivation.

Played a quick two sets today to get tuned up for a league match tomorrow. Split the first set duties between the BC20 and the Ace Mid and then went with the Plat for the entire second set to get fully prepped for tomorrow. All three of these frames are so positively goaty in their own ways, I feel lucky to own each of them.

Then I came home to two racquet boxes: one with the Ace I'd lent out and the other with the Blue 99 I traded for. That'll be yet another interesting wild card of a frame to throw into the mix next week. (I'm on a bit of a racquetholic bender at the moment)

PP, how's the wrist? You hit yet? Pulling for you, bro. And I'll probably be putting the Ace 98 up for sale at the start of next week so email me if interested, otherwise I'll assume you're good.

To all a happy hitting weekend....

[ryushen21]

JGads...thanks again for the loan. It was great to get hit with the Ace. In the end, I definitely wouldn't mind snagging one in a larger grip size to play around with some more. But the Donnay is so good for me right now.

I'm very curious to hear what your thoughts are on the Blue. I was curious about that one myself (the 94 version) but IIRC the string pattern wasn't 18x20 which I am entirely neurotic about.

Regardless, looking forward to the review.

Ross....stick with the PPros. I have a good feeling about this.

[Ross K]

el sergento,

Re TGK specs query:

I've done some digging around because I've been a bit in the dark myself TBH.

Well, all I can really say is... and this is from other peoples experiences too... they are weighted from 249-253, with a balance around 379 mm, but thats the hair pin without lead and sillicone. I think its without the grommets and pallets too. A few others have affirmed they got theirs with the same specs as retail and yet it swings different, a slightly heavier SW. One thing I certainly agree on is the flex seems a bit softer on the TGK than retail PP - one TT member had his on an RDC machine and it said 63 RA (retail of course being in the 66 RA region.)

Re my TGK PP, I intend to remove the lead. Yesterday I ended up taking off all the lead on my retail PP @ 12 and I enjoyed spending a day with it really grooving and working my stroking my strokes. Two days ago, I got annihilated by an excellent player and among the lessons I took from my thrashing was I'm simply playing these frames with too much lead on the tip. So, I've had it with a static weight of 344g and a balance of 32.3cm (this does include overgrip and strung with poly) for months. My retail was at a very similar weight/balance minus a gram or 2 less @ 12. However, I think because the starting point for the frames are very different even though the static weight and swing weight are pretty similar, the weight distribution is a bit different. Furthermore, the silicone in the handle makes it feel different. More muted. The layup is different. The stringbed somehow feels/performs more uniformly. Etc. So, I don't know... could you say only the mould is the same?

Annnnyhow, as I said, I'm now looking at no lead on the retail PP and I intend to do similar with the TGK. I may add it back in future, but we'll see. I learnt this week that despite the additional 'hurt' you can get with lead @ 12, for me, it's simply not worth the extra weight. Trust me, against this 5 level player, I was made to feel every gram.

Sorry if some of that's that slightly confusing, el (I'm not a natural when it comes to specs geekery), and there does seem to be some conflicting opinions and indeed a general lack of definite checkable facts or data re these TGKs.

R