Pacific's Official Arrival

[Stevo Karlovic]

Anyone who played with Fischer racquets in the past, knows that the quality and playability of their frames was unrivaled. What Pacific did when they acquired Fischer's tennis division in 2009, was just take the best of the best Fischer molds from the last 10 years and update them with some precision tuning and striking paintjobs. Pacific did take the time, it seems, to concoct their own offering in the way of just one racquet. It is quite an amazing stick! Their spin on the whole thing was to blend Fischer-inspired feel with the modern spin-friendly, rocket-launching types of frame technology. They've finally gotten some decent, well deserved press:

http://www.tennis.com/gear/2013/01/q...racquet/46224/

[McLovin]

Interesting as the one frame they chose to review (X Fast Pro) is probably the one frame by Pacific I don't like.

I currently use the X Force Pro, used the X Feel Pro 95's predecessor, the M-Comp 95, and have hit many times with the X Feel Tour. All three IMO would be a welcome compliment to anyone's collection. But the X Fast Pro? Hmm, not my cup of tea.

However, I will also say that I'm probably one of the few on this board that has never liked the Babolat Pure Drive, and the X Fast Pro was reminiscent of the PD, so if what you say is true:

Originally Posted by Stevo Karlovic

Their spin on the whole thing was to blend Fischer-inspired feel with the modern spin-friendly, rocket-launching types of frame technology

Then maybe they've accomplished what they were going for.

[Chotobaka]

This 100 square inch 16x19 isn't anything new. While Fischer might be best known for other racquets, these stick's specifications have been around for quite a while.

[Stevo Karlovic]

Originally Posted by Chotobaka

This 100 square inch 16x19 isn't anything new. While Fischer might be best known for other racquets, these stick's specifications have been around for quite a while.

I'm not fool enough to buy into only "specs." Obvi, these specs are reminiscent of slews of other frames out there, but the feel blended with such immense power on the XFast Pro is like nothing I've ever dabbled with. I mean, I'm hitting the best drop shots of my life with this when needed - but also serving harder than I ever dreamed possible for myself. Just sayin'...

[RollTrackTake]

Originally Posted by Stevo Karlovic

I'm not fool enough to buy into only "specs." Obvi, these specs are reminiscent of slews of other frames out there, but the feel blended with such immense power on the XFast Pro is like nothing I've ever dabbled with. I mean, I'm hitting the best drop shots of my life with this when needed - but also serving harder than I ever dreamed possible for myself. Just sayin'...

Have you modified the X Fast Pro at all? I demoed it a year ago and thought it was ok. Did not wow me in any aspect. I did notice a unique feel to it. Crisp feeling, not harsh. IMO it wasn't as powerful as others with similar specs. I did think it had better control. I read someone praising the the X Feel Tour. Which seems like almost the same racquet except the stiffness is lower. Have you tried that one?

[El Diablo]

Not my idea of getting some good press when the reviewer says "ball after ball would hit the backstop" when hitting groundstrokes.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by RollTrackTake

I read someone praising the the X Feel Tour. Which seems like almost the same racquet except the stiffness is lower. Have you tried that one?

I know your question wasn't directed at me, but I have hit w/ the X Feel Tour and can tell you it is nothing like the X Fast Pro. The X Fast Pro is Pacific's shot at a Pure Drive-type racquet.

The X Feel Tour, which has been around for years as the Fischer Magnetic Tour Light, is better compared to a regular Pure Storm (not the 'Tour'). However, unlike the Pure Storm, it has tons of feel and is not as powerful.

Add an ounce of lead to the throat/handle, and you've got a real solid playing frame.

[Chotobaka]

Originally Posted by Stevo Karlovic

I'm not fool enough to buy into only "specs." Obvi, these specs are reminiscent of slews of other frames out there, but the feel blended with such immense power on the XFast Pro is like nothing I've ever dabbled with. I mean, I'm hitting the best drop shots of my life with this when needed - but also serving harder than I ever dreamed possible for myself. Just sayin'...

I am not talking about "slews of existing frames out there...", I am talking about this being a longtime Fischer frame. You act like Pacific has come out with something new -- the XFast's are consistent with Pacific using existing Fischer frames with new nomenclature. In short, it is no "newer" than any other frame in Pacific's line. "Official Arrival"? Only if you are absolutely clueless about the history of these frames. It is not new.

[RollTrackTake]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I know your question wasn't directed at me, but I have hit w/ the X Feel Tour and can tell you it is nothing like the X Fast Pro. The X Fast Pro is Pacific's shot at a Pure Drive-type racquet.

The X Feel Tour, which has been around for years as the Fischer Magnetic Tour Light, is better compared to a regular Pure Storm (not the 'Tour'). However, unlike the Pure Storm, it has tons of feel and is not as powerful.

Add an ounce of lead to the throat/handle, and you've got a real solid playing frame.

I'm upset I'm just noticing this racquet! I'm looking for a frame that I can customize and this one looks really good. Did you post a review on TT? Looks like the X-Feel Tour will round out a solid demo list.
1. Pure Storm, TF 315 LTD 16M, X Feel Tour, ????????

[sportlerin]

Originally Posted by Stevo Karlovic

I'm not fool enough to buy into only "specs." Obvi, these specs are reminiscent of slews of other frames out there, but the feel blended with such immense power on the XFast Pro is like nothing I've ever dabbled with. I mean, I'm hitting the best drop shots of my life with this when needed - but also serving harder than I ever dreamed possible for myself. Just sayin'...

I recently got an xFast Pro, and have only gotten to hit with it once. But I had the same experience regarding drop shots -- I've never been able to hit such an effective drop shot that changed direction and dies and with this racquet I can. It does well with any kind of soft touch shot. Also felt very effective at defensive play, particularly bunt-backs and digging up low, tailing-away volleys. You can really 'let go' of this racquet and extend it fully and it will still respond. Looking forward to keep dabbling with it, especially for doubles, it seems it will respond well to fast-paced play.

Regarding the X-Feel, I liked that as well and frankly almost wish I had gotten that one instead. Main difference being the X-feel is a racquet that power-wise I would really have to 'bring it' all the time. When I want to play like that I have a radical. . . to me the control of the radical is like a drug to a junkie.

The x-fast is also slightly longer in length and that was appealing as well.

[Tennisspieler]

Originally Posted by RollTrackTake

I'm upset I'm just noticing this racquet! I'm looking for a frame that I can customize and this one looks really good. Did you post a review on TT? Looks like the X-Feel Tour will round out a solid demo list.
1. Pure Storm, TF 315 LTD 16M, X Feel Tour, ????????

I was very impressed by the X Feel Tour's performance. I posted my impressions with that racquet here:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=452882

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by RollTrackTake

I'm upset I'm just noticing this racquet! I'm looking for a frame that I can customize and this one looks really good. Did you post a review on TT? Looks like the X-Feel Tour will round out a solid demo list.
1. Pure Storm, TF 315 LTD 16M, X Feel Tour, ????????

I did not writeup a review, but I can tell you that when I demoed it, I let a couple other players try it as well. Three of them have since switched, and the one who didn't continues to comment about how much he liked it a year later.

Note that it is underpowered, but that is a good thing to me. It allows you to take a good cut at the ball, but have confidence that if you can keep it within the sidelines, it will likely land in.

[Stevo Karlovic]

Originally Posted by Chotobaka

I am not talking about "slews of existing frames out there...", I am talking about this being a longtime Fischer frame. You act like Pacific has come out with something new -- the XFast's are consistent with Pacific using existing Fischer frames with new nomenclature. In short, it is no "newer" than any other frame in Pacific's line. "Official Arrival"? Only if you are absolutely clueless about the history of these frames. It is not new.

Okay genius. Which Fischer frame is this, then? You won't have an answer. The racquet was developed from scratch in 2011. Do some research and get back to me. And don't assume that I haven't spent the last seven years with an FT Pro No. 1.

[Stevo Karlovic]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I know your question wasn't directed at me, but I have hit w/ the X Feel Tour and can tell you it is nothing like the X Fast Pro. The X Fast Pro is Pacific's shot at a Pure Drive-type racquet.

The X Feel Tour, which has been around for years as the Fischer Magnetic Tour Light, is better compared to a regular Pure Storm (not the 'Tour'). However, unlike the Pure Storm, it has tons of feel and is not as powerful.

Add an ounce of lead to the throat/handle, and you've got a real solid playing frame.

This is true. For whatever reason, the Magnetic Tour/XFeel Tour was designed a bit too HH for a player frame. I added 20 grams to the handle of this one and it played rather nicely, afterwards. The XFeel Tour is indeed very flexible, 56 Flex/RA to be exact. This makes for a nice offering considering the 100 sq. inch headsize and 10.4 oz unstrung weight. Another great Pacific frame.

[Moz]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Interesting as the one frame they chose to review (X Fast Pro) is probably the one frame by Pacific I don't like.

I currently use the X Force Pro, used the X Feel Pro 95's predecessor, the M-Comp 95, and have hit many times with the X Feel Tour. All three IMO would be a welcome compliment to anyone's collection. But the X Fast Pro? Hmm, not my cup of tea.

I still use the M Comp 95. Thanks for your input, shame it's so hard to get Pacific demos in the UK.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by Moz

I still use the M Comp 95. Thanks for your input, shame it's so hard to get Pacific demos in the UK.

Yes, I remember your blogs from years back ("Old Man on the Tour", or something like that) , and that you were using that frame.

Have you tried the Pacific X Feel Pro? I demoed it, and it definitely brought back memories of the M Comp, but I have adapted to the 98sqin head and am not sure I want to go back.

[Moz]

It seems impossible to get Pacific demos in this country and nearly as hard to buy one.

The X Feel Pro 95 is the one I'd be interested in. In an ideal world very slightly stiffer and very slightly lighter than the M Comp.

Would the X Feel 95 fit the bill in terms of stiffness compared to the M Comp in your experience?

Why are they so friggin' expensive?

[McLovin]

Definitely slightly stiffer, and according to TW's RacquetFinder, slightly lighter (11.9oz strung vs. 12.2 for the M-Comp).

I have no idea why they priced that thing so high, though. I know my last couple M-Comps cost me ~ $79, so even if I did want to return to that racquet, I couldn't justify paying $130 more for practically the same frame.

However, apparently they are coming out w/ BX2 versions of the lineup, so maybe they'll start discounting the old ones?

[Moz]

Yes, perhaps they will discount it to the price of a normal racquet!

[Stevo Karlovic]

Pacific racquets are all slightly more expensive, as they come with a racquet cover and a set of premium string.