*** Long Live The Radicals ***

[boatsign]

Welcome jdelcue. I played a couple weeks ago with somebody with a LiquidMetal who was hitting them pretty hard.

I think the lead tape on the handle probably stabilizes the racquet somewhat for volleys. I'm not sure, but that might be about 4 gms on there.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageACBAB-BLT.html

Regarding the best racquet, what you have is probably serviceable for starting out. You probably should focus your attention on the best possible footwork for hitting the ball on the sweetspot in your strike zone.

By the way, I've got 9 years on your old man.... Charlie

[Doc Hollidae]

Originally Posted by jdelcue

I've been trying to get out to the courts and get familiarized with all the motions and physics of the game as often as I can. Just starting out...

Someone advised me to pick up a racquet that would "help your game along" and "give you power". I ended up with a Head Flexpoint 6 (w/ Intellistring). Well, I quickly got frustrated with that racquet...

Didn't really dig the head-heavy feeling, although I think I liked the string. Not sure what the heck made me buy it in the first place...usually not the kind of guy who likes the idea of utilizing "technology" or equipment of any kind to make MY game. I'm quite the opposite -- I tend to be pretty traditional with most anything and really enjoy maintaining the purity of sports (or, again, anything) and like to play (and whoop *** on others) with the "not so flashy" or "high-tech" stuff in my hands. I think it may have been because I was warned about tennis elbow, and I didn't know what the heck that was, but the FP6 was supposed to prevent it or somethin', I dunno...

Regardless, a buddy tennis player of mine from college said to "leave that racquet alone," so I gave it to my 47 year old dad to play with (he likes it, but he's about as much of an accomplished tennis player as I am lol -- pretty sure what he likes most is that I gave it to him). Same friend gave me one of his LiquidMetal Radical OS (he uses the MP), so that's what I've been playing with and trying to learn with since. It came to me strung with Head FiberGel Perfect Power 16 (and a couple pieces of Babolat lead tape under the wrap; each piece cut from dot to dot to include one "Babolat" text on it -- any idea how much weight that is?). Since then, all I've done is add a Head XtremeSoft overgrip and a Wilson Pro overgrip on top of that and replace the Head button logo vibration dampener that was missing on the two middle mains...

One thing I know for sure is that I prefer head light to head heavy, and this racquet feels altogether better to me. No surprise, I'm sure...

But I seem to hear nothing but bad things about it on here. Granted, you're comparing it to what you state are some of the best players racquets of all-time -- the original Radicals and a few of its offspring (with diminishing returns). Nonetheless...

Just wondering what your opinions are on this racquet as a starting point for me? I would be very interested in picking up a more traditional, heavier players racquet (hopefully a Radical) with time, but not sure I'm ready for that yet...?


I will say that I have sometimes had some trouble with this racquet spinning in my hand on returning harder shots, and that sometimes the frame sounds a little "hollow" or cheapish or something, I'm not sure...but it just doesn't feel exactly as solid as I'd like it to. I hear a heavier racquet tends to feel more solid and eliminate that issue, but I'm a pretty small guy without a ton of muscle (although I'm working on that specifically because I want to increase my level of comfort on the court and with my racquet), and I fear using those 12oz+ racquets...am I right to be weary?


Aside from the general, I'm also specifically looking for some opinions on:

- Weight (overall and distribution of; figure maybe I could tweak a bit to help with that lacking solid feeling, but not take away from the head light feeling somehow?)
- String (should I be using something else?)

I know this sort of thing probably belongs in another category or thread, but I figure who better about setup on my LM Rad OS than the Radical Club!


(and I apologize for the length of the post!)



Thanks,
- Joaquin.

Joaquin,
I played with the LM Radical OS for about 3-4 months. I did not like the racket for 2 reasons: Stability and Weight. The way I would describe the LM Radical is it's a tweener with a taste of "player's" racket. The tight string pattern, high swingweight, lower power, and low flex give the feeling of a "player's" racket. However the weight and stability are more "tweener-ish." I take the ball off the rise every chance I get, so stability is a huge factor for me. When I was playing opponents that had averaged paced strokes, I thought the racket was fine. It was when I started playing people at my level and pace that I started to notice my racket twisting in my hands. I found that this occurred mostly when taking balls off the rise or short hopping balls hitting the baseline. Considering that I take everything off the rise this was a problem for me. When I was just rallying or taking the ball a little later, the racket was fine. I did mess with some lead tape for a while, but got tired of trying to find the right set up and picked up the Limited Edition Radical. Another thing I should mention was that I only noticed the instability on ground strokes. The racket volleyed very well and the light weight made it very maneuverable compared to the hefty LE.

In regards to lead tape, I started with putting weight at 3 and 9 o'clock. Stability instantly increased when I did so. Volleys and groundies instantly improved, but I think I put too much weight in my handle and serves were garbage. Hope this helps some.

[Bical]

I have LM Radical MP

[Pushmaster]

Just hit with a Ti Rad MP again today, it had been 3 years since I last hit with one. Almost forgot how good it is, great control stick.

[jdelcue]

Thanks for the welcome, boat! And thanks for the info on the Babolat lead tape and the on-court practice tips...

...and thanks for the heads-up, Doc! I guess I'll add a Gamma Swing Weight at 3 and 9 and see what that brings about in terms of stability vs. balance (overall weight -- that'd put me right at 330g/11.785oz). At that point, the lead currently under the grip would be perfectly counter-weighted and balance would be restored to the original 3pts. head light, I'm assuming? Although that doesn't take the weight of the overgrips into account...


And would you happen to know, more or less, how many grams it would take to get my racquet to shift balance a point in either direction? That would be really helpful to know, I think...not sure if that's how it works, though...

[cys19]

I'm a beginner but I've developed pretty good strokes in ~50 days of playing and from instruction from my 4.5 friend.

I just came back from hitting with my friend's LM Prestige Mid. I loved hitting with it. My shots are so much more consistent with the Prestige 93 than my LM Radical 98. My only gripe is myself; I'm not in good enough shape to play endurance matches with this stick.

[boatsign]

jdelcue:

If memory serves, here are a couple spreadsheets that help with customization.
http://www.badongo.com/file/1604939
http://www.zshare.net/download/8114409aada2/

You could also search TW to find threads like this:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=111443

To move the balance 1 point, according to one of those calculators, you would add about:

4 gm on the handle butt, or
9 gm at the top of the handle, or
6 gm (3 & 3) at 9 & 3:00, or
3 gm at 12:00.

Try searching the TW archives for more threads like these:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showt...o+player+specs
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/C...customize.html

[jdelcue]

Originally Posted by boatsign

jdelcue:

If memory serves, here are a couple spreadsheets that help with customization.
http://www.badongo.com/file/1604939
http://www.zshare.net/download/8114409aada2/

You could also search TW to find threads like this:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=111443

To move the balance 1 point, according to one of those calculators, you would add about:

4 gm on the handle butt, or
9 gm at the top of the handle, or
6 gm (3 & 3) at 9 & 3:00, or
3 gm at 12:00.

Try searching the TW archives for more threads like these:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showt...o+player+specs
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/C...customize.html

Thanks, boat! Super helpful...

Alright, guys. I won't bother ya's anymore. Once again, thanks for all of your help...



And add me to the list of players who play RADICAL!

[Doc Hollidae]

So who plans on getting a Mircogel?

I'm not.

[frekcles]

Originally Posted by Doc Hollidae

So who plans on getting a Mircogel?

I'm not.

Not I. Enjoying the Trisys and zebra too much.

[Doc Hollidae]

frekcles,

Dunno if you found that 98 Radical MP yet, but there's on on the auction site currently.

[hrstrat57]

Originally Posted by Doc Hollidae

Dunno if you found that 98 Radical MP yet, but there's on on the auction site currently.

unfort it is a 4 1/4....too much work to build up...I need 4 5/8 or I would bid to win huge.

Got my L5 i radical mp austrian restrung this w/e....I was sweating it but my pro stringer got er done with no problems(these tend to break I am told)

Can't wait to break it out again wed night

[hrstrat57]

Originally Posted by Doc Hollidae

So who plans on getting a Microgel?

I'm not.

I'm out, sticking with my austrian sticks thanks for asking!!!

[Doc Hollidae]

Originally Posted by hrstrat57

unfort it is a 4 1/4....too much work to build up...I need 4 5/8 or I would bid to win huge.

Got my L5 i radical mp austrian restrung this w/e....I was sweating it but my pro stringer got er done with no problems(these tend to break I am told)

Can't wait to break it out again wed night

The i.radical snapped at the throat, usually on serves or overheads.

[frekcles]

Originally Posted by Doc Hollidae

frekcles,

Dunno if you found that 98 Radical MP yet, but there's on on the auction site currently.

Thanks for the heads up. I will check it out.

[jdelcue]

I'd love to have you guys help me out with this one, if ya's got the time...

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showt...82#post1545982




Thanks!

[xtennisloverx]

i have a liquidmetal radical MP
i am a 3.0-3.5 jv high school player
what kind of strings should i use?

[Doc Hollidae]

Originally Posted by xtennisloverx

i have a liquidmetal radical MP
i am a 3.0-3.5 jv high school player
what kind of strings should i use?

It all depends what you need and what you like. String are more preference based than rackets are. We all like Radicals, but how many people like Kevlar mains and poly crosses? I do. Many if not most won't.

In the broad spectrum of strings there's two general categories everyone considers: Playability/Feel and Durability.


Natural Gut <---- Most Playability
Multifilaments
Syn Guts
Co Polys
Polys
Kevlar <------- Least Playability

For the most part, if you flip that list. Kevlar will be the most durable with gut being the least. This isn't 100% accurate, but generally durability and playability correlate negatively.

[mucat]

Originally Posted by Doc Hollidae

Kevlar will be the most durable with guy being the least.

You have no idea how many times I overheard girls said this...

[Doc Hollidae]

Originally Posted by mucat

You have no idea how many times I overheard girls said this...

Oops, meant to say gut. My typing skills definitely aren't up to par with my tennis skills.