Diary of a Racketaholic

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by klementine79

^ Saw those and PM'd the guy. Aimr let me know as well. They're beauties!!!

25th an on us heh?!.... nice move.

All good then! They are such nice frames! Pretty hot off the bed though, which felt surprising for a Prestige.

Oh yeah! I figured "I have the bag, might as well get a couple of frames to match..."

-Fuji

[klementine79]

Interesting to see how different/same the frames play. I think I got a bad Ig PresMid+ a year ago, otherwise known as the GadsEffect.

It was totally off. The balance and feel was strange, 5pts HL I believe and a really low sw and throat heavy. Way under-powered.

Those 25th editions are very nice lookin'. Superb matte black, sleek look.

Whatdyastringemupwith?

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by klementine79

Interesting to see how different/same the frames play. I think I got a bad Ig PresMid+ a year ago, otherwise known as the GadsEffect.

It was totally off. The balance and feel was strange, 5pts HL I believe and a really low sw and throat heavy. Way under-powered.

Those 25th editions are very nice lookin'. Superb matte black, sleek look.

Whatdyastringemupwith?

That's strange. Throat heavy frames always feel a bit slow to me personally, so I'm not a huge fan of them. I definitely noticed it though when I demo'd it originally too! Mine felt waaaay out of spec, like HH as heck, maybe only 2 points HL, and with a mid swingweight of around 320ish? It just swung horribly. From shadow swinging my 25ths, they are darn near identical in SW / balance / weight. I really like that they don't feel funky at all, and they swing smoothly enough. Plus I love the sexy "suit and tie" look of them over the bold red of the normal PJ's. What can I say? I love the clean looks!

I've been using Gosen OG 17 natural / Dunlop Ice 17 for over a month now in all my frames. Love the syn gut mains, and since I've been using overly dense patterns breakage is definitely not terrible. I strung the Prestige's @ 50/48, and next time I will probably test a bit lower, maybe 40/38.

-Fuji

[klementine79]

Well, if you ever want to get rid of those pro-stock mids, let me know.

I don't know if you necessarily have to be a better player to play with Mid+'s over the Mids, the Mid+'s just offer a more versatile string bed and a tad more 'pop'.

But spec-wise, they're almost identical. At least the important specs, balance, static and swing weight.

In fact, gram for gram the Mids swing so much sweeter than the Mid+'s and at my level, it really doesn't make a difference which one I use. I won't gain/lose that much, ie- I'm not gonna be a 5.0 by using the Mid+ or drop down to a 3.0 by using the Mid.

I don't know.

[klementine79]

Originally Posted by Fuji

That's strange. Throat heavy frames always feel a bit slow to me personally, so I'm not a huge fan of them. I definitely noticed it though when I demo'd it originally too! Mine felt waaaay out of spec, like HH as heck, maybe only 2 points HL, and with a mid swingweight of around 320ish? It just swung horribly. From shadow swinging my 25ths, they are darn near identical in SW / balance / weight. I really like that they don't feel funky at all, and they swing smoothly enough. Plus I love the sexy "suit and tie" look of them over the bold red of the normal PJ's. What can I say? I love the clean looks!

I've been using Gosen OG 17 natural / Dunlop Ice 17 for over a month now in all my frames. Love the syn gut mains, and since I've been using overly dense patterns breakage is definitely not terrible. I strung the Prestige's @ 50/48, and next time I will probably test a bit lower, maybe 40/38.

-Fuji

Yes, good call. String those babies low, shouldn't be a problem with such a crispy rig. Forgot about your 'go-to-set-up'. Sounds nice. Ever reverse the M/X's?

Every time I swing my wife's frames, I'm like, 'ooohh, syn.gut.crispyness'. I gotta leave the multi/poly set-ups I've been stuck on. They turn to mush way to quick. Gotta string like every 3-4days and that's just poo.

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by klementine79

Yes, good call. String those babies low, shouldn't be a problem with such a crispy rig. Forgot about your 'go-to-set-up'. Sounds nice. Ever reverse the M/X's?

Every time I swing my wife's frames, I'm like, 'ooohh, syn.gut.crispyness'. I gotta leave the multi/poly set-ups I've been stuck on. They turn to mush way to quick. Gotta string like every 3-4days and that's just poo.

Haha it's a pretty sweet playing set up for like 3$ worth of string! When I first started messing around with it, I did Ice/Gosen, but I found that it played a bit too harsh in a closed pattern. In my PDRGT+ however, I do use the Ice/Gosen to help tame down the bed a bit. The Gosen/Ice plays comfortably, with a touch extra spin from the Ice. I generate more then enough top from syn gut alone though, so anything extra is just that, extra! Haha!

Haha honestly, full syn gut is great. I don't like multi/poly hybrids because I find the durability to be garbage, and they play ultra mushy like you already said.

-Fuji

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by klementine79

Ahhh.. the Spoiler of Suffolk...... A general rule of thumb is until the earth makes a complete rotation relative to the time-zone the match started, so 24hrs.

I don't mind one bit Ross, in fact, I prefer knowing who wins these big matches, even if I haven't seen the match. Doesn't retract from enjoying the replayed match, I can key in on 'the' moment a certain player had the win and why he/she lost it.

Now if I could find a way to know who wins before the match starts, I'd be a richer man.

Woke up at 6am in a daze, the TV on (been having tennis dreams lately, cheering,grunting,ball striking, etc..) and remember thinking, 'these guys are hitting the felt off the ball'. Then off to work.

Don't think you're being wholly serious, but if there's some truth in what you say, that's interesting Klem. And not least as, having never heard tell of it ever before, I've never observed this, nor been aware of others abiding by this stipulation. As far as I'm aware, we've all been routinely discussing, praising, lampooning etc, players and referring to matches without censoring ourselves and in regard of any 24-hour time code since 2010 when this little thread of ours began.

Anyway, at grave risk of increasing the incriminating evidence now piling up inside my Talk Tennis Stasi case-file, it would somehow be remiss of me and going against the grain of what this thread's all about if I didn't repost the following...



Ah, that's better!

[klementine79]

^That is better.

No, I wasn't serious in the least bit. Just having some fun.

I'm known for illogical, irrational and over-the-top theories among my group of friends. A kind of MontyPython'esque, nothing is sacred and everything is fair game approach.

[Ross K]

^^^ I salute your good taste klem! You're talking about some of my fav comedy acts ever here...

[JGads]

Originally Posted by klementine79

Interesting to see how different/same the frames play. I think I got a bad Ig PresMid+ a year ago, otherwise known as the GadsEffect.

It was totally off. The balance and feel was strange, 5pts HL I believe and a really low sw and throat heavy. Way under-powered.

Those 25th editions are very nice lookin'. Superb matte black, sleek look.

Whatdyastringemupwith?

The GadsEffect. Ruining lives, one stick at a time... Seriously, I was so perplexed by that whole experience. The demo was just extraordinary. Exactly what I wanted in a stick. Tried two IG MPs thereafter, never found the same feel and performance. Such a ruinous experience, the next time a demo plays that well, would almost be tempted to not give it back and just pay the full stick price for the demo frame. But that's bad form. Anyway..

Originally Posted by klementine79

I don't know if you necessarily have to be a better player to play with Mid+'s over the Mids, the Mid+'s just offer a more versatile string bed and a tad more 'pop'.

But spec-wise, they're almost identical. At least the important specs, balance, static and swing weight.

In fact, gram for gram the Mids swing so much sweeter than the Mid+'s and at my level, it really doesn't make a difference which one I use. I won't gain/lose that much, ie- I'm not gonna be a 5.0 by using the Mid+ or drop down to a 3.0 by using the Mid.

I don't know.

Truth. It's all stick and user specific. Like life. I had a dalliance with both the Youtek Mid and MP, had both for two months, used them equally, and was continually playing better with the Mid which went against conventional wisdom. I gotta say, there is just a magic about Prestige Mids. Every frame release, we all want the Mid feel/performance to show up in the MP. I felt like the IG MP finally delivered that for me. And then I sent back the demo and purchased the frame. GadsEffect.

Originally Posted by klementine79

Yes, good call. String those babies low, shouldn't be a problem with such a crispy rig. Forgot about your 'go-to-set-up'. Sounds nice. Ever reverse the M/X's?

Every time I swing my wife's frames, I'm like, 'ooohh, syn.gut.crispyness'. I gotta leave the multi/poly set-ups I've been stuck on. They turn to mush way to quick. Gotta string like every 3-4days and that's just poo.

Recent 4g/ogsm stringbed felt so good for so long before dying on me a few days ago... Made me not just appreciate the 4g but was a reminder that I do in fact love aspects of syn gut. There's a 'pock' kind of sound and feel that's very familiar, old school, satisfying, rather than the 'thud' you kind of get with poly beds. I'm so used to poly string performance now, though. Not sure I could ever go back to syn gut mains.. I actually like syn gut better than natural gut, because I'm a weirdo. Every time I try natural gut, I can't seem to control the ball, it just 'springs' off the bed too much for my taste.. SynGut gives me the feel but the control also.

Ross, congrats on Muzza. He still bothers me with his wincing at every bad turn, but he's transformed himself into such a solid, steady, heavy thumper of the ball rather than a counterpuncher. And Kim Sears is just adorbs. ... Would love to see Lendl smile once in the box. Just once.

[Dino Lagaffe]

My name is Dino, I'm a racketoholic. This is a picture of what I got in December.

[aimr75]

Originally Posted by Dino Lagaffe

This is a picture of what I got in December

You took that pic in December or they are the frames you acquired only in December? If it the latter, you've certainly come to the right place

[JGads]

Originally Posted by Dino Lagaffe

My name is Dino, I'm a racketoholic. This is a picture of what I got in December.

There are 31 days in December. You only got 28 frames? Amateur.

I kid.

What are the blacked out looking frames towards the middle?

[klementine79]

^Yes indeed dino!!! 2 rdx500s in great condition there. Spectacular. **ahem~, december collection.

Gads?!, I never considered something so diabolical as 'keeping the demo'. Would be much cheaper in the long run. It is 'azarenka-esque' though. Then I'd have to adopt that scream that lasts until my opponent strikes the ball.

Originally Posted by Ross K

^^^ I salute your good taste klem! You're talking about some of my fav comedy acts ever here...

I grew up watching Benny Hill and Monty, 'are you being served? as well, thanks to my step-father. Maybe that's why I got along with all the Brits in Greece? They as well, I'm the only they found on vacation who could tolerate (and understand) their humor .

I believe Eric Idle and John Cleese live state-side, not sure about Michael Palin and of course Graham Chapman passed before his time.

What is it about Brits who leave England once they run into some quid?! Murray and Chris (from TW) come to mind. Hugh Grant and Angela Lansbury? Probably for the best the latter left.

[klementine79]

'.... and Nietzsche has just been booked for arguing with the referee. He has accused Confucius of having no free will and Confucius he say, name go in book..'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obwKuywM-bc

Hilarious! One of my favs. Too bad no one does comedy quite like this any more. The depth and wit is other worldly. The end is a frenzied chaos of sheer genius!

[Ross K]

Dino,

Thank you for supplying that background information. I'm pleased to inform you that the board (please see klem, myself, PP and Gads photographed above) has decided to accept your membership application. Welcome aboard. However, just to give you a proper measure of what is expected, as an example, I'd like to point out that your haul of 28 frames in one calendar month is in fact the very same number JackB acquired in just the very first week of January. We do have certain standards that we like to see maintained.


klem,

Benny Hill and 'Are You Being Served?'... er, more a Python man myself, but, yes, a fair few comedy greats have originated from these shores, absolutely... Re Greece/UK, I always thought there was indeed a certain affinity (certainly more recently) born of historical events and what have you. There has also always been a large Greek community in England... BTW, Palin certainly used to live about 15 minutes from where I am in N. London. Not sure anymore but he definitely was something of a local community-minded individual a few years back.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by klementine79

'.... and Nietzsche has just been booked for arguing with the referee. He has accused Confucius of having no free will and Confucius he say, name go in book..'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obwKuywM-bc

Hilarious! One of my favs. Too bad no one does comedy quite like this any more. The depth and wit is other worldly. The end is a frenzied chaos of sheer genius!

Haha, love this mad s***! Don't get me started now or this thread will descend into a plethora of lumberack sketches, dead parrot vids, and "Always Look on The Bright Side of Life" renditions etc!

Please tell me you've seen 'Withnail and I'?

[Tim]

-----------

[Dino Lagaffe]

Originally Posted by aimr75

You took that pic in December or they are the frames you acquired only in December? If it the latter, you've certainly come to the right place

Originally Posted by JGads

There are 31 days in December. You only got 28 frames? Amateur. I kid. What are the blacked out looking frames towards the middle?

Originally Posted by klementine79

^Yes indeed dino!!! 2 rdx500s in great condition there. Spectacular. **ahem~, december collection.

Originally Posted by Ross K

Dino,

Thank you for supplying that background information. I'm pleased to inform you that the board (please see klem, myself, PP and Gads photographed above) has decided to accept your membership application. Welcome aboard. However, just to give you a proper measure of what is expected, as an example, I'd like to point out that your haul of 28 frames in one calendar month is in fact the very same number JackB acquired in just the very first week of January. We do have certain standards that we like to see maintained.

Thanks! I feel honored to be part of your terrific group of people. I'll do what I can to maintain your standards, but I must remind you that I'm a binge racquetaholic, diagnosed with "heavy episodic racquet acquisition-syndrome". So sometimes I'll lead my life as a regular law-abiding, tax-paying citizen, and then every so often I change into this racquet reaping creature you all know, recognize and sympathize with.

In conclusion, I feel like I have finally come home. Thank you!

[klementine79]

^If that law-abiding, tax-paying citizen bit gets old, move to Greece! Welcome to the club Dino. I fear there are more like 'us' hiding in the shadows, just a tad timid of being exposing themselves.

Originally Posted by Ross K

klem,

Benny Hill and 'Are You Being Served?'... er, more a Python man myself, but, yes, a fair few comedy greats have originated from these shores, absolutely... Re Greece/UK, I always thought there was indeed a certain affinity (certainly more recently) born of historical events and what have you. There has also always been a large Greek community in England... BTW, Palin certainly used to live about 15 minutes from where I am in N. London. Not sure anymore but he definitely was something of a local community-minded individual a few years back.

Originally Posted by Ross K

Haha, love this mad s***! Don't get me started now or this thread will descend into a plethora of lumberack sketches, dead parrot vids, and "Always Look on The Bright Side of Life" renditions etc!

Please tell me you've seen 'Withnail and I'?

Not familiar with 'Withnail and I', but from what I've seen on YouTube this morning, I am truly missing out on some grade A British comedy.

Yes, agreed, England and Greece have always shared a historical, political and sometimes cultural convergence. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was born and baptized Greek Orthodox on my home island of Corfu, which also has deep relations to Great Britain and presently has a large population of ex-pats. Among Greece's ex-royalty, I believe all were wed with either British or Dutch royalty.

Now if Greece could only adopt Britain's sense of morality and civic duty, it would be 'heaven on earth', as Cyprus has. I remember a few years back, a member of British parliament was given the 'boot' for allegedly writing off 50 quid worth of laundry bills?! There are Greek parliament members who have stolen millions, if not billions of publicly financed money and are still yet to be reprimanded or detained. This attitude towards law and punishment, taxes and a general disbelief in government and order, has seeped into every aspect of society.

Anyhoot...... Believe Palin is still alive?, is he not? Wouldn't be surprised if he was still somewhere in N.London. I, myself don't care much for London, great city with plenty to do but the mere fact that my command of the English language is somewhat of a useless skill there, deters me from truly enjoying this great city.

I spent a lot of time in Weymouth, with my good friend Raymond, or Captain Ray, at the yacht club down there. Sailing the channel and the occasional skip over to Amsterdam, to... uh... practice my Russian?! If I ever inherit any sizable sum of money, Weymouth (and in general Dorset, southern coast of England) is where I'm headed. Fell in love with sailing and the country during my time there.