Review the craziest racquets you own

[VOLLEY KING]

Yeah he is a giant with a baby face. I think everyone likes him .

The stick looks really interesting . It's just the right weight and balance that I like......

I was surprised however how thick the beam was.

It must be powerful?

[Hitman99]

I watched the entire match yesterday, was struck with how easily Isner moves around the court, always seems to be in position without having to scramble. First set it seemed that he was playing well within himself, not forcing any shots, hitting good pace without trying to hit clean winners. As the match wore on, he started hitting out more, made a few more unforced errors. Federer just picked him apart with placement, combined with his usual pace and spin --- deadly combination.

Have to admire Fed for how he has risen to the challenges to his supremacy, elevated his game. What a champion! Hopefully Isner is now in that elite company for good.

Re his racket, noticed the comment about the comfy feel resulting from the wider string spacing. That's another reason I like the Vortex rackets, they feel so EZ on the arm/shoulder.

[VOLLEY KING]

I have to hand it to Fed.....his returns were amazing .

Fed is the better player for sure.....but I just love this kid. I think everyone does.....he is a giant with a baby face. He is also really fun to watch.

I really hope he keeps it up. I would love to see the USA win a grand slam. Is great to see him in the top 10.

I'm glad you like the Vortex. They are very nice sticks. I have the 116 and just won't part with it. It's a great racquet and possibly their best doubles racquet.

It's like a 133 "light".....less power and more maneuverability . A monster at the net.

[Hitman99]

I think I mentioned that Tom (from Vortex) recommended that I cut the 133 frame back to 27-3/4" --- he says that what he uses for USTA play.

So, a few minutes ago I got out my hacksaw, cut 1/2" off the shaft, put a new gel-cushioned grip on the racket. I was afraid to cut off 3/4", thought I would go one step at a time.

I have a USTA dubs match this Friday afternoon, can't wait to get into competition.

Meanwhile, my shipment of PowerMaxx Light Touch natty gut came in, so I will get the 108 restrung ASAP to see how it plays.

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Hitman99

I think I mentioned that Tom (from Vortex) recommended that I cut the 133 frame back to 27-3/4" --- he says that what he uses for USTA play.

So, a few minutes ago I got out my hacksaw, cut 1/2" off the shaft, put a new gel-cushioned grip on the racket. I was afraid to cut off 3/4", thought I would go one step at a time.

I have a USTA dubs match this Friday afternoon, can't wait to get into competition.

Meanwhile, my shipment of PowerMaxx Light Touch natty gut came in, so I will get the 108 restrung ASAP to see how it plays.

OMG.....your kidding!!!! You are too funny.....I think you are as crazy as I am!!

Maybe I should have done that?? It's a very odd stick. It's definitely fun to play with.

That really does sound like a good plan I must admit. I never thought of doing that? You have to tell me the results .

But why can't you get the 116? Is Tom and Joe sold out??

Good luck with the 108! It's a bit more demanding than the 133. The strings will make a big difference.

You are pretty dedicated....sawing off the handle .....omg!!!

You complete me .


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[Hitman99]

LOL! This is NOT such a big deal. I did the same thing with my Wilson Hyper Carbon Hammer 2.0, and it turned out just fine.

I tried to order an ES 116, but Vortex was back ordered, so I switched to the 133. I still might try to get my hands on a 116 --- might as well get acquainted with the whole family! The auction ends in 13 hours, so I might put in a "best offer" bid, see if it gets accepted. I kinda doubt it though.

We'll see. Meanwhile, going to a USTA practice team session tomorrow morning, so we'll see how the modded 133 plays.

One thing I've noticed is that the black color of the strings has alread worn off at all the string intersections. This beast might go through strings like water.

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Hitman99

LOL! This is NOT such a big deal. I did the same thing with my Wilson Hyper Carbon Hammer 2.0, and it turned out just fine.

I tried to order an ES 116, but Vortex was back ordered, so I switched to the 133. I still might try to get my hands on a 116 --- might as well get acquainted with the whole family! The auction ends in 13 hours, so I might put in a "best offer" bid, see if it gets accepted. I kinda doubt it though.

We'll see. Meanwhile, going to a USTA practice team session tomorrow morning, so we'll see how the modded 133 plays.

One thing I've noticed is that the black color of the strings has alread worn off at all the string intersections. This beast might go through strings like water.

Lol...."the beast ".....perfect description.

I hope you get the 116.....it's probably the right one of ever there was one you liked.

Try the multi from vortex they are pretty good.

I'm really glad your enjoying the sticks. As you guys said "it puts a smile on your face."

Good luck in USTA!!!! I hope "the beast" works out for you.


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[Autodidactic player]

You could always go illegal and use the Gamma Big Bubba 32", Dunlop Superlong Max 2.25, BBC Titan Graphite or Weed I.

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Autodidactic player

You could always go illegal and use the Gamma Big Bubba 32", Dunlop Superlong Max 2.25, BBC Titan Graphite or Weed I.

Cool!!!

Have you ever hit with them?

[Autodidactic player]

Originally Posted by VOLLEY KING

Cool!!!

Have you ever hit with them?

I've hit with all of them. Believe it or not the oldest, the Weed I (about 1977), plays the best; a little like the original Prince Classic just with a bigger head. It's illegal because the longest main string is ½” longer than allowed and the head is ½” wider than allowed. The Gamma is so long (3" longer than allowed) and so wide (12 ½”, the max allowed) you actually feel wind resistance when you swing! The Dunlop, which is "only" .25" longer than legal, is a bit better but its so powerful it's almost impossible to control your shots. The BBC is easily the worst playing with its enormous flex but it's also the coolest looking! The BBC's longest main string is 20 ½” long, 5” longer than allowed!

[VOLLEY KING]

I woul love to hit with them.

Does it really give you an advantage or is it a gimmick ?

[VOLLEY KING]

Speaking of illegal racquets.....I heard that the Head TIs7 is amazing! I've been dying to get my hands on one .

[Autodidactic player]

If you want to hit with a really fun illegal racket track down a Dynaspot movable mass racket. The head is filled with fluid which moves toward the tip as you swing. The result is like the Wilson hammer rackets on steroids!

[VOLLEY KING]

I've see that thing on the net!!! Have you actually tried it???

[Autodidactic player]

I have! I've been collecting odd, unusual and illegal rackets for years. Unless they are NOS when I find them I always hit at least a few shots with each racket. The only exception I can remember making is for the Dunlop Twin Shaft since they are notorious for breaking at the welds on almost any shot.

[VOLLEY KING]

Omg!!!!! There's someone else out there like me????


Awesome stuff......That Dunlop looks really cool.

But I'm seriously interested in that dynaspot. What is it like????

Really interested.

[Autodidactic player]

The best way I can describe the Dynaspot is to compare it to the Hammer or Power Weight system rackets except the extra weight is only there on contact. I know that sounds unusual but when you are not swinging the fluid settles to the bottom of the head and the racket feels almost head light; this quality makes getting racket head speed much easier than a typical head heavy racket. Because you can generate good racket head speed, because the racket is head light when you start your stroke, and still get the benefit of head heavy mass at contact you can really generate great power but you still have good control. In my view the Dynaspot technology certainly provides an advantage over a traditional racket and I understand why it's illegal. Kind of like spaghetti stringing - it works!

Show us some more of your collection!

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Autodidactic player

The best way I can describe the Dynaspot is to compare it to the Hammer or Power Weight system rackets except the extra weight is only there on contact. I know that sounds unusual but when you are not swinging the fluid settles to the bottom of the head and the racket feels almost head light; this quality makes getting racket head speed much easier than a typical head heavy racket. Because you can generate good racket head speed, because the racket is head light when you start your stroke, and still get the benefit of head heavy mass at contact you can really generate great power but you still have good control. In my view the Dynaspot technology certainly provides an advantage over a traditional racket and I understand why it's illegal. Kind of like spaghetti stringing - it works!

Show us some more of your collection!

Ok that does it !!!! I have to get one ! Thank you. I'm going to look on the bay. Thanks!!!

I have the spaghetti string. I have an old kneissel/Adidas strung with it.

It is certainly cool.....but not revolutionary . I don't really understand why they made it illegal. But I guess the pros know how to make it do really amazing things .

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[Autodidactic player]

Originally Posted by VOLLEY KING

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I have the spaghetti string. I have an old kneissel/Adidas strung with it.

It is certainly cool.....but not revolutionary . I don't really understand why they made it illegal. But I guess the pros know how to make it do really amazing things.

Take a look at a match from the late 70's on Youtube and you'll quickly see why spaghetti stringing was banned. By today's standards there was almost no topspin back then. Even Borg, the player with the most topspin off both sides back then, wasn't hitting what even average pros hit today. Spaghetti stringing allowed crazy, unpredictable, amounts of spin that even the best pros were not used to. Even Guillermo Vilas, who hit really big topspin for his day, complained that lesser players were getting an enormous advantage. That's why is was banned. With modern rackets and polyester strings (that snap back after contact like the spaghetti strings did) today's players can generate considerably more topspin than was possible in the 70's so spaghetti stringing, while still giving a spin advantage, isn't quite the advantage now that it was back then.

[VOLLEY KING]

Oh believe me I am fascinated wit spaghetti strings .

I bought the racquet for $300 , and I plays with it.

I read everything I could and I even watched the nastase vs vilas match.

I think in the right hands it probably is devastating . But I didn't get that much of an advantage with it.

I'm sure however a guy like Nastase did !!