Diary of a Racketaholic

[Murray_fan1]

Originally Posted by JGads

My man, so many goodies in that post.

Speed Pro: nice. Sounds lovely. Would love to hit this stick to see what it's like. Epic specs, save for the stiffness? How's it feel? Like a 66? Hollow? Full?

TB/hexa: NICE. Welcome. It's an incredible setup in the right frame. Credit goes to MD for the discovery. It's been my go-to in Zeus whilst I've tried out other setups in my other frames. Thus far, it's No. 1 in softer feeling frames for me. ...

Sonic Pro Edge: nothing to see here, move along. Epic first hit, all downhill from there - it's a really powerful string but after the initial hit I lost more and more ball feel, the string got too powerful for me and by hour 4 it was a nightmare.

The OTHER trial stringbed, Super Smash Orange - awesome. It's extremely 4G like but with slightly better feel (especially after break in period of an hour or two). Extremely controlled. And just like 4G, it's getting better by the hour , not worse. Very confidence inspiring string. And at the awesome price (four pack for 16 bucks!?) I just got a four pack to experiment with ogsm as a cross and maybe some other setups down the road.

Gads,

I would say the speed is somewhere in between hollow and solid if that makes sense? Not prestige like in the solidity but not Tweener like either? Feel is still fairly solid so no worries there but at 11.5 it doesn't have the Prestige type of pancake plow. It has more of an aero type of construction at the hoop and really seems to come through the air quickly as a result. What I lose in the plow department I gain back in RHS. The flex was the one thing that worried me going into the play test but I have to say it hasn't bothered me at all even strung with full poly. I would say if anything it plays a little more flexy than the specs would indicate.

Super smash Orange sounds awesome. I read somewhere that is a update to the old string but with a little better tension maintenance and some more pop. I have yet to try 4g as can't get my head around the price (with so many good strings out there at close to half the cost)but I wonder if this might be a good string to try in the Steam? I may need to investigate this string soon.

[JGads]

Originally Posted by Murray_fan1

Gads,

I would say the speed is somewhere in between hollow and solid if that makes sense? Not prestige like in the solidity but not Tweener like either? Feel is still fairly solid so no worries there but at 11.5 it doesn't have the Prestige type of pancake plow. It has more of an aero type of construction at the hoop and really seems to come through the air quickly as a result. What I lose in the plow department I gain back in RHS. The flex was the one thing that worried me going into the play test but I have to say it hasn't bothered me at all even strung with full poly. I would say if anything it plays a little more flexy than the specs would indicate.

Super smash Orange sounds awesome. I read somewhere that is a update to the old string but with a little better tension maintenance and some more pop. I have yet to try 4g as can't get my head around the price (with so many good strings out there at close to half the cost)but I wonder if this might be a good string to try in the Steam? I may need to investigate this string soon.

I think it could be great in the Steam, big question is how long it will last before breaking in that stick - like all strings in that frame. Definitely the 16L version. I Have the 17 gauge in one of my tgks now but moving to a 16L/ogsm hybrid in two others that I'm picking up from MD today. Note that TW lists a 16 gauge and 17 gauge but the 16 is actually a 16L, as you can see if you look closely at the packaging. Excited about that since 16L is my favorite TB gauge. Usually like my strings a bit thicker than 17 for the fuller feel.

2-3 hours in I like the SS more than the 4G bed but the 4g bed got better and better and better the more it wore in and lasted forever in my Rad.. We'll see if the SS can come close to that but really liking it so far.

[Murray_fan1]

Originally Posted by JGads

I think it could be great in the Steam, big question is how long it will last before breaking in that stick - like all strings in that frame. Definitely the 16L version. I Have the 17 gauge in one of my tgks now but moving to a 16L/ogsm hybrid in two others that I'm picking up from MD today. Note that TW lists a 16 gauge and 17 gauge but the 16 is actually a 16L, as you can see if you look closely at the packaging. Excited about that since 16L is my favorite TB gauge. Usually like my strings a bit thicker than 17 for the fuller feel.

2-3 hours in I like the SS more than the 4G bed but the 4g bed got better and better and better the more it wore in and lasted forever in my Rad.. We'll see if the SS can come close to that but really liking it so far.

Yeah I am investigating some thicker gauged strings ATM but there isn't much out there in the poly world. Black Magic 1.33, Cyber Flash 1.35, Still in Black Resistretch 1.35, Black Code 1.32, Beast 1.35, Isospeed Baseline 1.35 an of course the 4g in 1.41

Black Magic and Cyber flash are the only strings on the list that are of decent value but are only marginally thicker than a regular 16g. I am already starting to get cold feet about this incoming Steam as the string choices are not a plenty.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Murray_fan1

Yeah I am investigating some thicker gauged strings ATM but there isn't much out there in the poly world. Black Magic 1.33, Cyber Flash 1.35, Still in Black Resistretch 1.35, Black Code 1.32, Beast 1.35, Isospeed Baseline 1.35 an of course the 4g in 1.41

Black Magic and Cyber flash are the only strings on the list that are of decent value but are only marginally thicker than a regular 16g. I am already starting to get cold feet about this incoming Steam as the string choices are not a plenty.

TB 16g is working best so far. I've got stick #2 with 1.33mm Black magic in it and will post back when I get to hit with it. Rain forecast the next few days unfortunately.

I didn't realize they made Beast in 1.35mm. I've heard good things about Beast, anyone want to chime in, I've never hit with it.

**Don't bother with 4G in this, not worth the price IMO. Better strings out there.

[Power Player]

I got cold feet after the strings started moving in 30 minutes..lol. Great idea by Wilson though. It's just a wierd stick since it is made for people who can't generate a lot of spin, but it requires full poly which those people probably shouldn't even be using.

Brand new Team is in hand. I will modfather this badboy today and try to hit with it tonight. Stringing it up with the classic Ice/OGSM combo.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Power Player

It's just a wierd stick since it is made for people who can't generate a lot of spin, but it requires full poly which those people probably shouldn't even be using.

It's ironic but true

However, I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Crosscourt FH is nasty. I like the extra bit of sidespin to take it off the court. I'm just hitting with the same stroke I used on the Prestige S, flattish with a full follow thru and it cuts through the court nicely. I do miss the pancake factor from the CAP grommets but not having any control problems.

Looking forward to a dirty weekend coming up: five days on clay coming up with the Steam.

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I got cold feet after the strings started moving in 30 minutes..lol. Great idea by Wilson though. It's just a wierd stick since it is made for people who can't generate a lot of spin, but it requires full poly which those people probably shouldn't even be using.

Brand new Team is in hand. I will modfather this badboy today and try to hit with it tonight. Stringing it up with the classic Ice/OGSM combo.

ain't that the truth!

[Ross K]

RHs

Who knows how I'll fare with the Black Blade?

Maybe I'll love it but find it a bit too demanding? Maybe it will be akin to the C10 Pro and N95 and Pure Control and not find it so very out of my zone or whatever? Maybe I'll be incapable of hitting three rally balls in a row? Maybe it will magically transport me into a different realm of aesthetic rapture and performance heights where all my past tennis playing wrongs can be righted?

Seriously, as a racketaholic of some years who views previous experiences with racs like the PSC 6.1, the PT 630, the PC Swirly, the Rad Tour TT, the i. Prestige MP, RD7, Pro No 1, C10 Pro, 200G MW, TGK PP, and a few others as almost 'spiritual moments' , and not as someone who thinks he'll be winning Wimbledon any time soon, pardon me if I don't look forward to investigating a racket that has a great rep and that I've been curious about for a while.

[Boricua]

"Maybe I'll love it but find it a bit too demanding? Maybe it will be akin to the C10 Pro and N95 and Pure Control and not find it so very out of my zone or whatever? Maybe I'll be incapable of hitting three rally balls in a row? Maybe it will magically transport me into a different realm of aesthetic rapture and performance heights where all my past tennis playing wrongs can be righted?"

Poetry in motion, its like Shakespeare in tennis. Just try it, what the heck.

[Ross K]

@ mad dog,

Finally nailed some Hexa 1.20. Am almost certainly going to hybrid with TB at some point as I can find TB a bit stiff, though I just love the combination of power/spin/control.

Q. What other polys do you think it hybrids very well with?

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Boricua

"Maybe I'll love it but find it a bit too demanding? Maybe it will be akin to the C10 Pro and N95 and Pure Control and not find it so very out of my zone or whatever? Maybe I'll be incapable of hitting three rally balls in a row? Maybe it will magically transport me into a different realm of aesthetic rapture and performance heights where all my past tennis playing wrongs can be righted?"

Poetry in motion, its like Shakespeare in tennis. Just try it, what the heck.

You know what I mean?! This thread is actually all about being a racketaholic. About loving checking out rackets. About the weird, geeky, OCD-ish love we all have and share in daily for this tennis racket malarky that occupies so much of our thoughts and deepest yearnings or whatever. If I ever start getting censorious and on people's backs - just give me a very sharp nudge, B.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Murray_fan1

Yeah I am investigating some thicker gauged strings ATM but there isn't much out there in the poly world. Black Magic 1.33, Cyber Flash 1.35, Still in Black Resistretch 1.35, Black Code 1.32, Beast 1.35, Isospeed Baseline 1.35 an of course the 4g in 1.41

Black Magic and Cyber flash are the only strings on the list that are of decent value but are only marginally thicker than a regular 16g. I am already starting to get cold feet about this incoming Steam as the string choices are not a plenty.

I think Beast 1.35 would be great in the Steam

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I got cold feet after the strings started moving in 30 minutes..lol. Great idea by Wilson though. It's just a wierd stick since it is made for people who can't generate a lot of spin, but it requires full poly which those people probably shouldn't even be using.

Brand new Team is in hand. I will modfather this badboy today and try to hit with it tonight. Stringing it up with the classic Ice/OGSM combo.

Glad to see you embracing your inner holic self PP!

It's much more fun than counting the days that you have been soley using a certain stick.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Ross K

RHs

Who knows how I'll fare with the Black Blade?

Maybe I'll love it but find it a bit too demanding? Maybe it will be akin to the C10 Pro and N95 and Pure Control and not find it so very out of my zone or whatever? Maybe I'll be incapable of hitting three rally balls in a row? Maybe it will magically transport me into a different realm of aesthetic rapture and performance heights where all my past tennis playing wrongs can be righted?

Seriously, as a racketaholic of some years who views previous experiences with racs like the PSC 6.1, the PT 630, the PC Swirly, the Rad Tour TT, the i. Prestige MP, RD7, Pro No 1, C10 Pro, 200G MW, TGK PP, and a few others as almost 'spiritual moments' , and not as someone who thinks he'll be winning Wimbledon any time soon, pardon me if I don't look forward to investigating a racket that has a great rep and that I've been curious about for a while.

I'm down with that Rossy. It all depends on your goals. I love trying sticks, but I want to remain competitive at my level. I wouldn never stay with something that was was impacting me in a negative results way, purely for the sheer joy of hitting with it. I try to get the best of both worlds if possible

[Murray_fan1]

Originally Posted by Ross K

You know what I mean?! This thread is actually all about being a racketaholic. About loving checking out rackets. About the weird, geeky, OCD-ish love we all have and share in daily for this tennis racket malarky that occupies so much of our thoughts and deepest yearnings or whatever. If I ever start getting censorious and on people's backs - just give me a very sharp nudge, B.

I totally agree. Trying out racquets is one of the many true pleasures in playing this game. I would never discourage anyone trying out a stick regardless of their playing ability or style. I hope my response to Jack's post on who the target audience is for the Blade is not the reason for your above comment as this was not it's intent. I bought a Steam out of curiosity knowing full well that it is likely not going to be a good fit for my game. I might get surprised and find it to be the "game changer" or I might not. Hearing all the good things about the stick on this and other threads peaked my curiosity enough to pull the trigger as demoing in my area is a little difficult.

Now back to my OCD ish search for strings for the Steam. Narrowed it down to the Black Magic 15L, Topspin Cyberflash 1.35 and Signum Pro Megaforce 1.35. Leaning towards the Megaforce and Black Magic as they both seemed to hold tension very well.

[wanda]

Love this thread so felt compelled to post. I (the wife made me sell my old rackets including 3 pro staff classics, 2 prestige pros, 2 radicals and a 6.1 kfactor. I am currently about to demo the steam 99s but am dreading the experimenting with stringing. It took me about 6 attempts to find my current setup of x-one biphase/big banger rough@46lbs in my head prestige mp. I'm not sure i (or my wallet) can take another experiment we will see...

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by wanda

Love this thread so felt compelled to post. I (the wife made me sell my old rackets including 3 pro staff classics, 2 prestige pros, 2 radicals and a 6.1 kfactor. I am currently about to demo the steam 99s but am dreading the experimenting with stringing. It took me about 6 attempts to find my current setup of x-one biphase/big banger rough@46lbs in my head prestige mp. I'm not sure i (or my wallet) can take another experiment we will see...

Those are grounds for divorce there if ever I heard any.

Know exactly what you mean re 'experimenting with strings hell' (see also 'lead hell' elsewhere referenced in this thread.) Wish I could tell you otherwise but the 99s and strings is just one heck of a minefield area.

Glad you like the thread.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Murray_fan1

I totally agree. Trying out racquets is one of the many true pleasures in playing this game. I would never discourage anyone trying out a stick regardless of their playing ability or style. I hope my response to Jack's post on who the target audience is for the Blade is not the reason for your above comment as this was not it's intent. I bought a Steam out of curiosity knowing full well that it is likely not going to be a good fit for my game. I might get surprised and find it to be the "game changer" or I might not. Hearing all the good things about the stick on this and other threads peaked my curiosity enough to pull the trigger as demoing in my area is a little difficult.

Now back to my OCD ish search for strings for the Steam. Narrowed it down to the Black Magic 15L, Topspin Cyberflash 1.35 and Signum Pro Megaforce 1.35. Leaning towards the Megaforce and Black Magic as they both seemed to hold tension very well.

No M. to that, not at all.

Will be interested to hear how you fare with the 99s. Let us all know how it progresses.

[Meaghan]

Hello, where am I ?........I get abducted for a few minutes and you're all talking Steam?? Good god!!

[Murray_fan1]

Originally Posted by Meaghan

Hello, where am I ?........I get abducted for a few minutes and you're all talking Steam?? Good god!!

Welcome back my friend. How is it over in Volkl land? Still with the C10 or have you moved on?