Diary of a Racketaholic

[pyrokid]

Funny YOU mention it actually Ross, I just hit with a YTPP for a few minutes yesterday too because it's what the guy I was playing used and he wanted to try my APD for a bit.

I can see why you like it. So much crispy goodness. The thing for me was that I just really didn't like the low power level, I'd gotten used to bossing people around without much effort, and I had to put some in with this frame.

But only a few minutes, not enough to really tell on.

There are some frames that just keep calling you back though, maybe purely for nostalgic purposes, maybe something else.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Fed Kennedy

Gonna make my own Djoko EGG POD by putting the windows up in my Prius, cranking the AC and blasting Bombs over Baghdad while guzzling Iced starbucks.

I saw over in the TT wanted section that Nadal is looking to buy one of these

[PED]

Originally Posted by pyrokid

Funny YOU mention it actually Ross, I just hit with a YTPP for a few minutes yesterday too because it's what the guy I was playing used and he wanted to try my APD for a bit.

I can see why you like it. So much crispy goodness. The thing for me was that I just really didn't like the low power level, I'd gotten used to bossing people around without much effort, and I had to put some in with this frame.

You throw 3g under the CAP's at the tip and it's a whole new ballgame. I went from a pst to a MGPP and it took a month to get my FH dialed in, the PP swings SO much faster and there's not much bite in stock form but once you get it modded, it's great.

[pyrokid]

Wow, I would have never guessed that the lead would make it easier to swing, that's a little ridiculous.

I have never really had luck with blu-tack. I always liked sili much more, you might give that a shot sometime if you're hurting.

I guess I might have to mess around with lead, at least until I get used to the weight. Otherwise the swing speed might start to be scary.

EDIT: This is in reference to the first post by PED about the APDGTs.

[Ross K]

py,

Funny YOU mention it actually Ross, I just hit with a YTPP for a few minutes yesterday too because it's what the guy I was playing used and he wanted to try my APD for a bit.

I can see why you like it. So much crispy goodness. The thing for me was that I just really didn't like the low power level, I'd gotten used to bossing people around without much effort, and I had to put some in with this frame.

Yes, I also find it a bit too low powered.

It's very likely designed for a level that I'm not quite at and will never achieve.

Re a consistently aggressive spinny b-line game, in my hands, it loses out to the Bab.

Re actual results too, I think I fare best with my APD.

However, mug that I am, I still can't quite fully concede defeat.

I find it solid and stable (qualities I've loved ever since hitting with your PT630, PSC 6.1, N95, and latterly, the mighty PC+ Swirly) - yet light enough (unlike practically all those I just mentioned) - and it just swings so beautifully with its balance/weighting - and the feel is excellent (tangent: hitting with the dead feeling 03 Tour lately, in this respect, I may as well have been hitting with the racket cover still on!) - the control and accuracy is all there - it kind of has the qualities of the frames previously name-checked BUT in a whippy, slightly more modern, perhaps tweenerish-leaning direction - and... (How can I put this?)... it makes me play technically in a very pleasing way... your technique looks and actually feels better, because if your flawed in that department, with this rac, it shows up big time in your play.


PED

You throw 3g under the CAP's at the tip and it's a whole new ballgame. I went from a pst to a MGPP and it took a month to get my FH dialed in, the PP swings SO much faster and there's not much bite in stock form but once you get it modded, it's great.

The modfather knows of what he speaks! I know I've tried this before, H, but I may give this set up another shot with the most powerful and spinny string available to mankind, and go LOOOOOW on the tension, like 45s... or do you think that's just ridiculous on a Prestige Pro, and proof, if any were still needed, that just like crazy Jack in A Few Good Men, I can't handle the truth!


R

[PED]

Originally Posted by pyrokid

I have never really had luck with blu-tack. I always liked sili much more, you might give that a shot sometime if you're hurting.

Sorry, I wasn't clear about the lead being easier to swing, I meant that my current 331g setup swings much faster than my 343g setup of last fall, you are correct, lead doesn't make it easier to swing

I've not had much luck with it either but since I'm only using 2g in the handle, it was the easiest way to go. When I was using 7g and 14g at one point, I used the fishing weights. That lead just adds a bit of harshness to the feel and I felt its absence since trying this setup.

My point about adding lead to the hoop is that for me, the GT swings TOO lightly in stock form, I like to have a bit more mass in the hoop. It's like punching a guy in the nose while you have a roll of quarters in your hand-it's going to have a lot more impact.

One last point about static weight overall: I've found that I can adjust to any static weight, it just takes me time. I went from a 345g YTPP to a bone stock apdgt last year at 323g strung. Wow, I just hated it and my ball had no grunt on it and I was getting bossed around as opposed to using my heavier sticks.

Over the last year, I've dropped my modded apd's from 343g down to 331g and like them even better; I just seem incapable of adapting to 20g changes in static weight in a short time.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Ross K

py,

I know I've tried this before, H, but I may give this set up another shot with the most powerful and spinny string available to mankind, and go LOOOOOW on the tension, like 45s... or do you think that's just ridiculous on a Prestige Pro, and proof, if any were still needed, that just like crazy Jack in A Few Good Men, I can't handle the truth!
R

I think 45lbs would work nicely in the ytpp, it has a tighter 16X19 pattern than the apd's and the overall power is lower so you could see a nice bump in power. Def worth a shot

On a side note, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, why oh why does Rafa insist on playing Novak this way-EVERY shot he hit is cross court or inside out, I don't recall seeing Rafa take anything up the line yesterday.

The pattern was so infuriating, Rafa cross FH, lands short, Nole takes it early and rips his BH down the line. Rafa appears to have not tried anything since the first beatdown at IW this spring

[Power Player]

It's weird, I have heard from others that the Prince is "dead" but to me it is plush and feels quite amazing on the arm if you have a fast swing. I think a lot of flex is rather polarizing to people in terms of if they like it or not. Same case with the Donnays..I think I just really love those old school feeling racquets.

The YTPP is definitely a lower powered stick but does have that awesome crisp stability to it. I would still consider it better suited for a flatter hitter even with the more open pattern. The Prestige really rewards you when you dime it on the sweet spot nice and flat.

ross I think you are better with the APD because you play western with more spin to your game..it only makes sense. and it's not really about how good you think you look playing with it .that will get consistent with any racquet. I also think the APD works for you because you can probably generate more stick speed and that is going to keep you in pressure points.

This has been my experience...I hit long too much with the 7g and PSTGT under pressure sometimes even though they I feel the same about them as you do the YTPP..just incredibly fun to hit with. But it sucks to lose matches because you are not confident enough to be able to swing out..I dealt with that from a racquet and pain perspective this year and it is no fun.

[Ross K]

PED,

Yes, I'm going to be hitting with TGK on Friday w/Tour Bite @ 52. Plan to string the YTPP on the weekend and will very likely take a stab @ 45 lbs. The QSN is: do I want to use my usual string (Tour Bite)? I didn't think it was such a great fit in the YTPP before. I might go and research a few options I think, including hybrid option... BTW, yep, like Muzza, Nadal surely needs to vary his tactics, find a way to win.


PP,

I don't actually disagree with a single word you said there.


R

[PED]

Originally Posted by Ross K

PED,

The QSN is: do I want to use my usual string (Tour Bite)? I didn't think it was such a great fit in the YTPP before.
R

I would say def yes stick with TB.

I'm in the midst of trying several different lead configurations at the moment and it's a pain that I have a different string setup in each stick.

For me, it makes a true comparison somewhat meaningless. In my case, I've got 16g poly in there as opposed to 16L and it's a 3g difference in the stringbed and I can tell a big difference in the way it comes around....not to mention how much better my usual Tour Bite grabs the ball.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by PED

I would say def yes stick with TB.

I'm in the midst of trying several different lead configurations at the moment and it's a pain that I have a different string setup in each stick.

For me, it makes a true comparison somewhat meaningless. In my case, I've got 16g poly in there as opposed to 16L and it's a 3g difference in the stringbed and I can tell a big difference in the way it comes around....not to mention how much better my usual Tour Bite grabs the ball.

Okay, TB then ... you've actually just answered one part of something I mailed you about just a few minutes ago!

Why the change up re string set ups?

R

[PED]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Why the change up re string set ups?

R

The worst reason of all-cleaning out my inventory...lol. Always an expensive experiment but I'm back to all Tour bite after I finish this Spin X string job off.

16g Revenge just does not work for me. 16g Spin X was magic in the Rad Pro but only so so in the apd. I would say my control drops around 15% without TB as I'm used to the ball dropping and nothing else does that.

Tour bite, destroyer of worlds as FedKennedy would say

[Power Player]

The EXO is begging for tour bite in the mains..I will be revisiting this string.

[pyrokid]

Gahh, if only the stuff weren't so dern expensive.

Have any of you that like softer polys bought into the hype and tried BHBR?

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by pyrokid

Gahh, if only the stuff weren't so dern expensive.

Have any of you that like softer polys bought into the hype and tried BHBR?

A bit like it is with rackets, I find it's only small fractions that determines how I feel about strings - so to answer your Q... Yes, although frame-dependent, I liked it plenty. Same with Typhoon. And I also liked Hyperion and Tornado. Just preferred Tour Bite though to all of them. As I keep saying, it just has a certain x-factor about it (especially in the Pure Control and APD)... the planets align!... why, it's almost like sex and more frequently available!:

R

[pyrokid]

Weird, I'll have to give it another go in the APD then. I remember it going dead super fast before, though. Hmm.

And I got another match in with the APD today. Another smashing success. Got the serve up to par as well. I was SO much more confident than before on groundies, too. The spin was getting better. Returns were just insane.

[el sergento]

Originally Posted by Ross K

PED,

Yes, I'm going to be hitting with TGK on Friday w/Tour Bite @ 52. Plan to string the YTPP on the weekend and will very likely take a stab @ 45 lbs. The QSN is: do I want to use my usual string (Tour Bite)? I didn't think it was such a great fit in the YTPP before.

Honestly, I wouldn't go that low, especially with tourbite. TB is powerful and can get hard to control, so in the YTPP, I'd stay north of 53/2. Rule of thumb is best to go a bit too high than to go too low. If it's too high, it'll eventually loosen and become playable, if you string to low, you're boned.

[Power Player]

I finally got some matchplay in with the EXO..here is some nice info I learned:

First thing, the lux ALU Power was dead..just a little crispiness left in it though..it was at 52#s and crossed with OGSM. For anyone who liked the EXO a lot but was not sure about the flexy plush feel, the string hole grommets give it a much more crisp feel..more than I personally prefer...but I would strongly suggest trying a demo with them if at all possible. I also believe they plus the poly probably add around 5-6 grams to the head and that may account for the free extra power with no lead tape. The balance is slightly affected, but not by much. The stick is 11.9 with OG and Damp, but swings the same as the APDgt.

My question is if the port hole vs string hole grommets is just a feel thing or if there is more spin or control with one or the other? I am going to try and answer this myself since I am tracking down one more EXO and I will use the port holes with that one, but in the meantime any EXO user please chime in.

Anyway, the power level was awesome and the control was there. My game is predicated on heavy top baselining and then taking an opportunity to put a big shot in the corners so I can crash net, so I need power and spin and control. I am on hour 6 with this stick and it all clicked in for me. You can hit the big ball with this racquet, you can also hit the APD moonball loaded with top when you need a bail out..you can slice incredibly well and you can drop shot with nice touch. I know because I did all these things and I played one of the few 5.0s at my club tonight.

The secret to this stick is to hybrid with a crisper copoly and syngut. It cracks and gives you a ton of ball feel with this setup. The spin level is extremely high as well. This EXO just takes a little time to dial in, but all the shots are there.

The big surprise is 2 handed backhand. I really thought I was going to be an extended guy because the 7G really upped the ante on the 2 hander, but this is the best racquet for 2 handers I have ever used. I can not really explain why, but I am pounding corners with it and high balls are much easier to rip back down...I think it is the open pattern.

Anyway, I have some slight inflammation left from serving with the APDgt 2 weeks ago so I let the guy serve at me...we have done this for years..just play sets like this if one person wants to rest their arm..when I had the prestige mid, he was just racking up 6-1s, 6-2s..tonight..different story..this racquet is godlike on returns..I was hitting clean return winners DTL on him..attacking his 2nd serve and won some games 4 straight..we drew even at 4-4 and called it a night..but this racquet really showed me something. It gives me the chance to break a lot of people's serves. The best shot was a down the T flat he hit at me on the deuce side..I cracked a driving slice return to the deuce corner that stayed ankle high and landed deep..surprised him so much he dumped it. What I am getting to is that this racquet is rather stable for me at least.

Anyway, I guess this would be a fulltime honeymoon, but I am getting incredible results against very very good players with it, so I think this thing is for real. I will probably wrap up my way too in depth review next week once I really start serving more.

For you guys on the fence with strings..what I learned today was real simple..flexy racquet - crisp string..crisp or stiff racquet - softer poly strings.

Pyro, The TB may be a little stiff in that apdgt, so just be careful there, and maybe consider Big Hitter Silver as a cheaper and slightly softer option...and Ross..if it was me, I would try big hitter blue, black magic, b5e or a similar string in the prestige pro. I would STRONGLY suggest a syn gut cross like OGSM..it gives you ball cracking feel and more power as well.

The EXO is suited for TB, Lux (im not going there), Cyberflash (wish I could still use), Big Hitter Silver..and those are just a few that come to mind. OGSM plays perfectly in it as a cross.

[el sergento]

Originally Posted by PED

You throw 3g under the CAP's at the tip and it's a whole new ballgame. I went from a pst to a MGPP and it took a month to get my FH dialed in, the PP swings SO much faster and there's not much bite in stock form but once you get it modded, it's great.

Eerie how we ended up with the exact same mod.

My recipe for a YTK PPro with balls:

3 grams under the bumper:


Silicone in the handle for counterbalancing and feel:


= Fat seal of approval

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by el sergento

Eerie how we ended up with the exact same mod.

My recipe for a YTK PPro with balls:

3 grams under the bumper:


Silicone in the handle for counterbalancing and feel:


= Fat seal of approval

el,

If you weren't using sillicone and opted for lead, HOW MUCH lead would you have in the butt counteracting the 3g @ 12. Pretty curious here. BTW, like the pics.