Popular non prostock "platform" racquets

[raguhtheman]

As the title says. Among TT members, what are the most popular non prostock racquets that are good platoforms for customization? Also what customization did you do on them?

No prostock names please....

[Bhagi Katbamna]

Any of the Radicals(esp. Microgels).
Head Extremes MP(Microgels)

[TennisFan1337]

I came from a Prestige MP looking for more spin (open string pattern) and lower weight.

I picked out the Babolat Pure Storm GT, because it has an open string pattern and low weight. Added 10 grams to the handle and 4 grams at 12 o'clock. Still changing the set-up after every practice, trying to find the perfect set-up. Then I will take exact specs.

Only thing I might regret is going with this racquet is that it hasn't got the Prestige feel, which was great. Just the racquet was too much to handle for me.

But if you find a racquet with great feel around the 300 grams unstrung spec, then it's great. I think my stick is around 330gr strung, and as it is a polarized set-up, the SW is moderate.

[raguhtheman]

Thanks for the responses.

How about Dunlop 4D 500? Looking at the specs, looks very much like a platform racquet, not too stiff, around 300grams, swingweight around 300. headlight. Anybody has any experience with this racquet?

[jorel]

blx six one team

lead and leather in the handle..

chris tried it and liked it

[jorel]

also the liquidmetal radical

heard good things about that when u add a leather grip and some lead at 3 and 9

[raguhtheman]

Yeah, I have customized LM and MG Radicals, capped them and put on a leather grips. They play very nice.

But, now moved on to open string pattern... Trying to find a similar racquet.

[Geology_Rocks!]

4D 300/300 tour.

[Backhanded Compliment]

Prestige MP if you want to go into the 12+ zone. Mine is 10pts headlight.

also the K six1 prostaff 95 has lots of room for customization. Lead that up to around 12 and it is a beast.

[Manaldo]

IMO EXO3 tour is a perfect platform because of the great flex. leading and balancing is easy to go but the flex cannot be changed.
leaded my tour with 8g total on 3,9 clock, change the replacement with Prince leather, great stick.

[raguhtheman]

So far "platform" racquets:

LM Radical MP
MG Radical MP
Extreme MP
Babolat PSGT
Dunlop 4D 500
BLX Six One Team
4D 300/300 Tour
Prestige MP
BLX PS 95
EXO3 Tour

Pls keep it coming... Also include what did you change to make it your magic wand !! Well, almost!

[raguhtheman]

Originally Posted by Manaldo

IMO EXO3 tour is a perfect platform because of the great flex. leading and balancing is easy to go but the flex cannot be changed.
leaded my tour with 8g total on 3,9 clock, change the replacement with Prince leather, great stick.

Always want to try this stick. Nice flex. But, I am intrigued by these ports without regular grommets? How easy is it to string these racquets? How about string life compared to regular grommet racquets?

[TennisCJC]

Volkl Org 10 295 is my current racket and is the best platform for customization in my humble opinion. I added lead to the head (3,9,10:30,1:30,noon) and the handle, Bab Skin Feel replacement grip, Gamma Supreme overgrip, Volkl dampener and it is now 12.1+ oz, 335 SW, and 6 HL.

I tried this and think they are all worth a demo - very good rackets:

1. Volkl Org 10 295
2. Wilson PS 95
3. Dunlop 300 (either bio or ag 4d - both are good)
4. BB London Mid+

The Volkl PB 10 295 looks like it would be worth a shot too but I have not played it yet.

Of course the Rads are good platform rackets but I am not a fan of the super soft flexy feel.

[Shangri La]

I've heard good thing about the Dunlop 300 being customizer-friendly.

[gh65721]

I think the Pro Kennex Ki 15 is great for that. At 10.2 oz strung and close to same beam width as a Pure Drive it is easy to lead on either end and come up with a much softer feeling Pure Drive

[Stevo Karlovic]

Best platform sticks:

Pro Staff 100
Pure Storm Team
Biomimetic 500
Youtek Mojo
BLX 95 Team -(2008 version)
Pure Drive Lite or 107
Exo Tour Team

I've modded all of these racquets over the last three months to the satisfied pleasures of quite a few people. You can manipulate the hell out of these frames.

[dje31]

Not exactly popular, but the IG Prestige S is an option.

[robbo1970]

I'm a Bio 300 user now and I actually have kept mine 100% in stock form. No dampener needed with this one and even the stock grip is fine without an overgrip. Although it is a touch tacky right now, but that will ease off I'm sure in time.

And for those who'd want to customize, all flat edges for lead tape.

[vsbabolat]

HEAD Radical MP
Dunlop 300 Tour
Babolat Pure Storm
Wilson BLX Pro Staff 6.1 95
Wilson BLX Blade MP
Yonex Vcore 98D
Pacific X-force Lite (this is the closest to Pro Stock I have seen in retail)

[mjnchen]

I customized my Volkl Powerbridge 9 and I like it very much.