Best Value in Racquets....

[El Zed]

So, have to admit - becoming a bit intrigued with the PSLtd. (not sure if the GT or the Std is better suited for me), but that leads me to another question, almost a corollary of my original question - in that, while understanding there is no "perfect stick," how much is one ultimately willing to spend on a stick that very well could be the (subjective) holy grail?

Not sure if anyone else agrees, but for me there is this increasing perspective that - at the end of the day - these are still, "just" tennis racquets and are only worth so much in the grand scheme of things. So, for those who view a no longer produced stick as their grail (which I venture to guess is a fair number of posters here, if not the majority) what are you ultimately willing to spend on a pristine if not NOS stick? Do you reach a point where it's simply not worth it - regardless of how rare it is or special to you? Obviously the answer is yes, but the psychology behind is interesting.

To be honest, my recent experience(s) with the PT57A have done just that. While great sticks, there's too many headaches associated with them and they are just flat out pricey for what they are. Increasingly, I'm finding myself reluctant to spend over $200 for a racquet regardless of it's fame or reputation - especially with the PT280s out there for about half (admittedly, likely slight more) that.

To that end, from a collector's perspective - how much are even the most sought after "retail" sticks going to increase to? Conceptually speaking, do we really believe the day will come where the St.V is consistently going for $1500 or the Prestige Pro 600 for $1000? Or is there inherently a ceiling on these products?

Genuinely interested in any (constructive) thoughts you guys have to offer.

[heninfan99]

Yeah, I know many people that LOVE the Pure Storm LTD. You can get older versions new on TW for 80 dollars. Basically it's Bab's take on a Wilson, IMHO. Pricing on racquets is very arbitrary. I often go for the previous years model.

Demo, demo, demo. I can easily spend over $100 on demoing.

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by El Zed

So, have to admit - becoming a bit intrigued with the PSLtd. (not sure if the GT or the Std is better suited for me), but that leads me to another question, almost a corollary of my original question - in that, while understanding there is no "perfect stick," how much is one ultimately willing to spend on a stick that very well could be the (subjective) holy grail?

Not sure if anyone else agrees, but for me there is this increasing perspective that - at the end of the day - these are still, "just" tennis racquets and are only worth so much in the grand scheme of things. So, for those who view a no longer produced stick as their grail (which I venture to guess is a fair number of posters here, if not the majority) what are you ultimately willing to spend on a pristine if not NOS stick? Do you reach a point where it's simply not worth it - regardless of how rare it is or special to you? Obviously the answer is yes, but the psychology behind is interesting.

To be honest, my recent experience(s) with the PT57A have done just that. While great sticks, there's too many headaches associated with them and they are just flat out pricey for what they are. Increasingly, I'm finding myself reluctant to spend over $200 for a racquet regardless of it's fame or reputation - especially with the PT280s out there for about half (admittedly, likely slight more) that.

To that end, from a collector's perspective - how much are even the most sought after "retail" sticks going to increase to? Conceptually speaking, do we really believe the day will come where the St.V is consistently going for $1500 or the Prestige Pro 600 for $1000? Or is there inherently a ceiling on these products?

Genuinely interested in any (constructive) thoughts you guys have to offer.

If you have any questions at all regarding the LTD, let me know! I've used them for awhile.

-Fuji

[T.P3D0R]

Originally Posted by Fuji

If you have any questions at all regarding the LTD, let me know! I've used them for awhile.

-Fuji

It's looking like a sweet stick, I may need to demo one.

Could you compare it with the Dunlop 200 line?

Both are real cheap right now... might pick up one or the other.

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by T.P3D0R

It's looking like a sweet stick, I may need to demo one.

Could you compare it with the Dunlop 200 line?

Both are real cheap right now... might pick up one or the other.

Yeah of course!

I'll compare to the Bio 200 as it's what I have the most experience with...

Power department definitely goes to the 200. The 200 gets unnatural boom from the stick with tons of plough through. The PSL simply doesn't, as it feels a lot deader. I feel as though this is a positive, but a lot of people don't like the lifeless feel of the PSL/GT.

Stability: They are fairly equal, with the PSL having the slight edge in my books, over the 200. Although the 200 has near the same, I feel as though I was catching off centre a bit more due to my strokes and the head shape style.

Sweetspot size: The 200 definitely has a bigger sweet spot with the same string/tension.

Ease of Swing: The 200 has the PSL beat, as I noted before it swings ridiculously fast for it's static weight. No idea why, but it does!

Volleying: The 200 has great feel, but a bit too much pop for me. Great for put aways, but the dead 200 peels off touch volleys like no tomorrow which I greatly prefer. If I played more doubles the 200 would probably be more desire able.

Serving: The PSL hits solid serves, but nothing spectacular. The 200 on the other hand hits such a monster serve I can't believe it. That's probably the best attribute of the 200 in my books. Monster first serves, and wicked seconds.

Groundies: The PSL gets my vote as it's so solid and ability to hit great spin is there. The 200 again just has a touch too much pop compared to the PSL where I'm comfortable. The 200 I never felt totally sure that my shots would land in, as with the PSL I knew that they are going to drop in with proper technique.

That's pretty much all I can think of right now, if there is anything else you'd like to know please ask!

-Fuji

[T.P3D0R]

Originally Posted by Fuji

Yeah of course!

I'll compare to the Bio 200 as it's what I have the most experience with...

Power department definitely goes to the 200. The 200 gets unnatural boom from the stick with tons of plough through. The PSL simply doesn't, as it feels a lot deader. I feel as though this is a positive, but a lot of people don't like the lifeless feel of the PSL/GT.

Stability: They are fairly equal, with the PSL having the slight edge in my books, over the 200. Although the 200 has near the same, I feel as though I was catching off centre a bit more due to my strokes and the head shape style.

Sweetspot size: The 200 definitely has a bigger sweet spot with the same string/tension.

Ease of Swing: The 200 has the PSL beat, as I noted before it swings ridiculously fast for it's static weight. No idea why, but it does!

Volleying: The 200 has great feel, but a bit too much pop for me. Great for put aways, but the dead 200 peels off touch volleys like no tomorrow which I greatly prefer. If I played more doubles the 200 would probably be more desire able.

Serving: The PSL hits solid serves, but nothing spectacular. The 200 on the other hand hits such a monster serve I can't believe it. That's probably the best attribute of the 200 in my books. Monster first serves, and wicked seconds.

Groundies: The PSL gets my vote as it's so solid and ability to hit great spin is there. The 200 again just has a touch too much pop compared to the PSL where I'm comfortable. The 200 I never felt totally sure that my shots would land in, as with the PSL I knew that they are going to drop in with proper technique.

That's pretty much all I can think of right now, if there is anything else you'd like to know please ask!

-Fuji

You seem to be a big fan of the 200 line. Did you switch to PSL simply for more confidence in groundies? Based on what you are talking about, the 200 seems to be a good fit for me, I'll just have to make sure to tame the power - maybe with Alu Rough.

Now to figure out if the 4D 200 or 4D 300T is better for my game.

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by T.P3D0R

You seem to be a big fan of the 200 line. Did you switch to PSL simply for more confidence in groundies? Based on what you are talking about, the 200 seems to be a good fit for me, I'll just have to make sure to tame the power - maybe with Alu Rough.

Now to figure out if the 4D 200 or 4D 300T is better for my game.

Yeah! I absolutely love the 200 line, as they are one of the best playing lines IMO. The biggest thing was not having confidence in groundies as you said, I just like knowing that I will drop in with the PSL. Honestly though, I can play near identically with either stick, it just boiled down to what I was looking for in the long run.

-Fuji

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by badmice2

They are different. A capped 630 has the weight and balance of a uncapped 280.

Trek and non-Trek 630 feels the same in my opinion (i have both of them).

badmice... Are your Dunlops still available???

[comeback]

http://www.tennis-x.com/racquets/2006-10-27/7.php

How about the Wilson Ncode Ntour2..i have a 9/10 extra one