Youtek Radical Oversize Pro Stock - Does it Exist?

[klementine79]

^Thanks for taking the time to post that. Not too far off from Geoff's numbers.

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by klementine79

^Thanks for taking the time to post that. Not too far off from Geoff's numbers.

It's my pleasure. Not too different at all; it seems like my frame might be a tad bit heavier (presuming that Tourna grip will add about 5 grams and the rubber band an extra gram). I tend to think that Geoff/Greg's swingweight numbers are likely more accurate than the 327-330 I'm returning via the app (that's swing point variable isn't explained very well, and has a massive impact on calculated SW).

Funny, thing is that I'm almost certain that my PT280/630s will play more like the A.A. stick, but the excitement has me looking for a Youtek Radical MP/Pro...

[Power Player]

Awesome zed. Just great stuff. Thanks and enjoy that beauty.

[ace0001a]

I have a Flexpoint paintjob version autographed that sits on my fireplace mantel... From what I've read here and based on Head racquet experts like vsbabolat, Agassi always used a Radical 260 in either a 20x21 dense string pattern (early on) or the standard 18x19 (later on in his career). While the PT280 OS is a nice racquet in itself, I don't think it was ever the basis for the pro stock OS Radicals like the PT280 MP was for the PT57s. Got to remember Agassi came from first the POG OS and then Donnay Pro One OS, both were somewhat stiff frames and the PT280 MP and OS are very flexible frames. As we know with Head's number system back in those days, the lower the number, the stiffer. So with that said, you get your hands on an Austrian Bumblebee Radical 260 OS, you've essentially got what Agassi used and apparently still uses to this day even through all of his recent racquet adventures.

[Sup2Dresq]

Ace,

Any chance for some pics? Had any Rdc specs?

I get a giggle from the flex point and liquid metal paint job attempts

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by ace0001a

I have a Flexpoint paintjob version autographed that sits on my fireplace mantel... From what I've read here and based on Head racquet experts like vsbabolat, Agassi always used a Radical 260 in either a 20x21 dense string pattern (early on) or the standard 18x19 (later on in his career). While the PT280 OS is a nice racquet in itself, I don't think it was ever the basis for the pro stock OS Radicals like the PT280 MP was for the PT57s. Got to remember Agassi came from first the POG OS and then Donnay Pro One OS, both were somewhat stiff frames and the PT280 MP and OS are very flexible frames. As we know with Head's number system back in those days, the lower the number, the stiffer. So with that said, you get your hands on an Austrian Bumblebee Radical 260 OS, you've essentially got what Agassi used and apparently still uses to this day even through all of his recent racquet adventures.

Thanks for the reply, Ace. So do you have any idea how exactly RPNY plays into the mix? I know they are AA's customizer, and are the ones who actually (form and) apply his custom grip. Are they the ones who actually perform the paint job as well, or is this directly from Head? Perhaps I'm being naive, but in a way it appears easier for RPNY to acquire some old PT260 OS in sufficiently good condition and repaint them than for Head to break out the old mold, composition, etc. Then again, for their marquee star of the era, anything could be possible.

Thanks again.

[vsbabolat]

Originally Posted by El Zed

Thanks for the reply, Ace. So do you have any idea how exactly RPNY plays into the mix? I know they are AA's customizer, and are the ones who actually (form and) apply his custom grip. Are they the ones who actually perform the paint job as well, or is this directly from Head? Perhaps I'm being naive, but in a way it appears easier for RPNY to acquire some old PT260 OS in sufficiently good condition and repaint them than for Head to break out the old mold, composition, etc. Then again, for their marquee star of the era, anything could be possible.

Thanks again.

HEAD manufactures the racquets and then applies the cosmetics. RPNY only does the customization.

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by vsbabolat

HEAD manufactures the racquets and then applies the cosmetics. RPNY only does the customization.

Thanks again, VS. If I may impose for another question, do you believe the "A.A" is applied by Heard or RPNY?

[ace0001a]

Originally Posted by Sup2Dresq

Ace,

Any chance for some pics? Had any Rdc specs?

I get a giggle from the flex point and liquid metal paint job attempts

Originally Posted by El Zed

Thanks for the reply, Ace. So do you have any idea how exactly RPNY plays into the mix? I know they are AA's customizer, and are the ones who actually (form and) apply his custom grip. Are they the ones who actually perform the paint job as well, or is this directly from Head? Perhaps I'm being naive, but in a way it appears easier for RPNY to acquire some old PT260 OS in sufficiently good condition and repaint them than for Head to break out the old mold, composition, etc. Then again, for their marquee star of the era, anything could be possible.
Thanks again.

Originally Posted by El Zed

Thanks again, VS. If I may impose for another question, do you believe the "A.A" is applied by Heard or RPNY?

Like vsbabolat said, RPNY is strictly dedicated to customization of the racquet only and have nothing to do with the paintjob. In Agassi's case, Head still makes them for him and simply paintjobs them to whatever the current model is out as well as put the "A.A." on there. I'm sure Andre gets a new batch every year to this day. I think he's been using the IG Radical OS paintjob in recent Powershares Series events. Paintjobs are aways done on the manufacturer side of things and racquet customizers like RPNY simply customize the racquets to specific specs.

Here's pics of the FXP Paintjob AA Radical OS I have... I don't have any specs on it other than it weighs 360 grams and I consider the grip to be blocky feeling, not round like a Prince grip, but not rectangle like a stock Head either (I'm sure RPNY does a urethane mold on the bare hairpin of the frame for Andre)...

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by ace0001a

Like vsbabolat said, RPNY is strictly dedicated to customization of the racquet only and have nothing to do with the paintjob. In Agassi's case, Head still makes them for him and simply paintjobs them to whatever the current model is out as well as put the "A.A." on there. I'm sure Andre gets a new batch every year to this day. I think he's been using the IG Radical OS paintjob in recent Powershares Series events. Paintjobs are aways done on the manufacturer side of things and racquet customizers like RPNY simply customize the racquets to specific specs.

Here's pics of the FXP Paintjob AA Radical OS I have... I don't have any specs on it other than it weighs 360 grams and I consider the grip to be blocky feeling, not round like a Prince grip, but not rectangle like a stock Head either (I'm sure RPNY does a urethane mold on the bare hairpin of the frame for Andre)...

Much appreciated, Ace - beautiful racquet.

[El Zed]

Ace, your comment about the grip had me wondering so I decided to unwrap the grip to confirm shape and composition and, yep, indeed a urethane mold. The following picture reveals this, but interestingly --- exactly where Agassi prefers his lead.... Evidently John Cauthen was right....

[klementine79]

^Where is John to see this? However, if you want to match sticks, in both static, swing weight and balance, this would be the location to add weight. So maybe Andre doesn't specifically ask for this mod?!

Always enjoyed his (john's) posts/rants. Believe he advocated something like 30gr at that specific location. We can assume that the handle is filled with silicone, so maybe it equals out in the end.

Very nice catch there El Zed. May I ask if you're planning on hitting with it? Or is this just for the wall?

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by klementine79

^Where is John to see this?

Always enjoyed his posts/rants. Believe he advocated something like 30gr at that specific location. We can assume that the handle is filled with silicone, so maybe it equals out in the end.

Very nice catch there El Zed. May I ask if you're planning on hitting with it? Or is this just for the wall?

Thanks, Klementine. Definitely doubt that I'll try it anytime soon. I'll need to verify the exact specs now, as I'd like to apply the same to some of my Pro Tours and now definitely thinking about picking up a Trisys 260 OS to try this out on.

[klementine79]

Might be difficult to get the trisys swinging/feeling the same. Worth a shot just out of curiosity to see the difference. Looked up some specs on the 260, don't remember it being that heavy.

Head Size: 107 sq. in. / 690 sq. cm.
Length: 27 in / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12.2 oz / 345 gm
Balance: 8pts HeadLight
Beam Width: 21 mm
Swing weight: 325
Composition: Twaron / Graphite
String Pattern: 18 Mains/19 Crosses
Swing Style Rating: L5
Flex: 57
String Tension: 60-68

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by klementine79

Might be difficult to get the trisys swinging/feeling the same. Worth a shot just out of curiosity to see the difference. Looked up some specs on the 260, don't remember it being that heavy.

Head Size: 107 sq. in. / 690 sq. cm.
Length: 27 in / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 12.2 oz / 345 gm
Balance: 8pts HeadLight
Beam Width: 21 mm
Swing weight: 325
Composition: Twaron / Graphite
String Pattern: 18 Mains/19 Crosses
Swing Style Rating: L5
Flex: 57
String Tension: 60-68

Thanks a lot man, was looking for that! If the AAs are just Trisys 260 OS, should be pretty easy though right? I'm likely being way too optimistic...

[JGads]

What an epic thread. Congrats on the beauty, Zed.

I, for one, would absolutely have to hit with it. Just to see. No digs, but the frame would be talking to me from the wall. 'Psst.... Hey... Over here... '

[ace0001a]

Originally Posted by El Zed

Ace, your comment about the grip had me wondering so I decided to unwrap the grip to confirm shape and composition and, yep, indeed a urethane mold. The following picture reveals this, but interestingly --- exactly where Agassi prefers his lead.... Evidently John Cauthen was right....

Nice...I could never get myself to peel away the grip but based on the education we all get here, I simply figured a custom urethane mold had to be done for Andre on is Radicals.

Also going with the knowlege we all know and have learned, I would venture to guess that there is lead under the bumper and either lead or silicone in the handle...but as we can see lead right there at the top of the handle.

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by JGads

What an epic thread. Congrats on the beauty, Zed.

I, for one, would absolutely have to hit with it. Just to see. No digs, but the frame would be talking to me from the wall. 'Psst.... Hey... Over here... '

Thanks, JGads! I thought this would cure my RH, but still on the search for a brand new PT280/630....

My fiancee has no idea why i'm not willing to try it out.... Let me ask, does bouncing a ball on the string-bed count?

[El Zed]

Originally Posted by ace0001a

Nice...I could never get myself to peel away the grip but based on the education we all get here, I simply figured a custom urethane mold had to be done for Andre on is Radicals.

Also going with the knowlege we all know and have learned, I would venture to guess that there is lead under the bumper and either lead or silicone in the handle...but as we can see lead right there at the top of the handle.

With an actually autographed tournagrip, I don't blame you at all. Curiosity just got the better of me, especially since it's still new enough to raise a dissenting voice if something was "off" about the racquet.

As to the additional silicone/lead, that an interesting point. I found an old post by VS specifying an unstrung weight of 11.3 oz for the unstrung Trisys 260 OS. So 320 grams, plus another 15-20 grams for strings, and the weight of the throat based lead - not sure there is room for much additional weight. That of course is presuming that the AA racquets are indeed weighted similarly to the old Trisys 260 OS, and didn't come from a lighter hairpin (like the PT57 relative to the PT630).

[Sup2Dresq]

Thread with some radical oversize customization to Agassi's specs

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=460057