Wilson Graphite Force....

[pshulam]

Originally Posted by VGP

You say you got it off e-bay last week. Was it the one that has the 4 3/8 grip where the auction photos had a red background? I placed a couple of bids on that one. It looked to be in nice shape even though the photos weren't the best. Should you decide to sell, lemme know.....

The one I got is 4 5/8. The racket is in very good shape except for one broken grommet at the bottom and a few minor scratches at the top of the hoop.

[VGP]

Oh, that's the other one. I asked about it. That was the second go-round for the seller. The second auction only had the one pic. I wasn't super interested for me given the grip size.

I saw from the photo that there was a mark above the handle and asked if it was the beginnings of a crack, but the seller said that it was just a small scratch. Also that the head was protected with head guard tape. Makes sense since these were among the beginnings of the composite age where bumperguards weren't yet ubiquitous.

Glad to hear that you seem satisfied with your purchase.

Post some pics....I don't want to feel alone in my love for the G-Force Mid!

[pshulam]

Originally Posted by VGP

Oh, that's the other one. I asked about it. That was the second go-round for the seller. The second auction only had the one pic. I wasn't super interested for me given the grip size.

I saw from the photo that there was a mark above the handle and asked if it was the beginnings of a crack, but the seller said that it was just a small scratch. Also that the head was protected with head guard tape. Makes sense since these were among the beginnings of the composite age where bumperguards weren't yet ubiquitous.

Glad to hear that you seem satisfied with your purchase.

Post some pics....I don't want to feel alone in my love for the G-Force Mid!

The mark was a small scratch.
here is a picture of the racket after head guard and scratch removals and general cleanups:

[VGP]

Thanks pshulam.....

[WORLDWITHINAWORLD]

[quote=VGP;4346528]Well, I'm not septuagenarian, but I do like the frame a lot.

I've been a long time PS85 user and I like the firmness of that frame. But alas, it's become one of those collector frames. Replacements are costly, even the cost of replacement bumperguards and grommets has gone up. I (along with others) was on a quest to find something similar.

I first saw the Graphite Force at the used sporting goods store and I initially passed on the frame. I was not familiar with the frame at all prior to that day. It looked similar and had a nice weight but I was discouraged by the fact that it didn't have a bumperguard as did most frames of the early 80s. Similarly to Wilson models like the Reflex, Graphite Matrix, early Pro Staffs.

I mulled it over and I decided to go back. I thought if it was still there, I'd purchase it. I'm glad I did. I did a search here on TTW and found the limited, but favorable reviews of the frame.....

I've been using it for about 5 months now. I've tried it side by side with Wilson midsize models PS85, kPS88, Reflex, BLX90 and a Boris Becker BB11 mid.

Next to the PS85, it's become my favorite playing frame. The Wilson Graphite force addresses the "problems" I have with the other frames.

I found the kPS88 a touch too powerful. I felt that I used more topspin to keep the ball from overshooting the baseline. With the Reflex, it was nice but too flexy. I didn't like the polarized weighting and the "feel" of the BLX90. The BB11 mid is just too cushy in the frame and with the open stringbed on a 93" head size.

With the Graphite Force, I can hit out off the ground comfortably like I'm using the PS85, but I gain a touch more control. It has a comfortable flex and a nice feel on impact. It has to be the additional cross string (with even drilling - 16 x 19) that gives the string bed an even response from top to bottom. My favorite shot lately has been the volley. One of my hitting partners has remarked on a couple of occasions how much better my volleys are with this frame.

I always enjoyed serving with the PS85. I actually really enjoy the serve with the kPS88. I am able to put a good amount of work on the ball with that frame. I took a lesson using that one and my teaching pro commented on the spin I was able to generate. With the Graphite Force, I'd have to say that my serves are a little more controllable than the PS85 - again the consistent string bed - but with a little less pop than the PS85 or kPS88.

As much as I'm enjoying the frame, a gripe of mine is being unable to get replacement grommet strips. It is over 25 years old, so I don't expect it to be easy. Since I string my own frames, I've ground out some of the bad grommets and used tubing......but I found that if I cut up the plastic parts to the Dunlop Aerogel 500, I can use them to replace individual grommets.

I'm really hoping some aficionados of the PS85 try this frame out. Especially those that like the Chicago or SV frames. Perhaps the players that like a more flexy "PS85" gravitate toward the Wilson Kramer Staff or the older Pro Kennex Ace series. The Graphite Force might fall under that category......

I've read on here (a poster that knew someone that used to lay the graphite for Prince POGs) that the old graphite fibers used at the time was long and coarse like horse hair. The "newer" graphite is more refined, the fibers are shorter and smoother. I think that difference is what makes these classic frames so special. I assume it's harder to recreate that "old-school" feel with newer materials simply because the base material is different. I'm not saying it's bad, just different.

Well, I've been long-winded in extolling the virtues of yet another classic frame, but I thought after enjoying this frame for some time I'd do a little write-up........also, given the price of what they go for on the used market, it can be quite the value.[/QUO
If you like the Wilson force that plays beefy and has a 20mm box beam,then you would probably like another old school racket - the Snauwert graphites. I have a Snauwert Fortissimo and it plays heavy, beefy and very old school. It has a 20mm beam.

[WORLDWITHINAWORLD]

Sorry I messed up on this one. I wanted to reference VGP s post about the force. My comments are about the Snauwert.

[pshulam]

Please post pictures of the Snauwaert Fortissimo. I heard it plays similar to the PC600.

[WORLDWITHINAWORLD]

I wish I could send pictures of the Snauwaert Fortissimo. Sorry,I am not on the cutting edge of technology.I use the Yahoo finance site,I use ask.com,and I use talk tennis.thats it. I dont even carry a cell phone. I dont know facebook from spacebook.I will read the info on my digital camera and eventually will send that picture.
Meanwhile I will try to describe my Fortissimo. Mine is about 100 sq. inches. I dont know if there is a smaller, 90 sq. inches. The main strings are as long as a Prince POG. The cross strings are about one half of an inch shorter. A code on the side is 4 345 310 .which ,I guess, stands for grip size, actual weight in grams and swing weight. The cover is interesting because it says Snauwaert tennis instruments ;which,I assume, illustrates their company's attitude toward quality. The made in Belgium frame has a very attractive appearance in a classic manner. Its mostly a glossy black with a deep quality paint job.The top and bottom faces have a gold stripe with one red pin-stripe inside.The Snauwaert name is on the throat in red letters. The top of the head reads graphite fortissimo, also red letters. The frame is 27 in. long and I measure the beam at 20 mm. For reference, I measured my POG at 18 mm. The thickness of the Snauwaert frame is 12 mm. I measured the POG thickness to be 11 mm. There is a big difference in the handle length. The POG is 6.5 inches and the Snauwaert is 8 inches - much better for 2 hand backhands. As far as playtesting, I don't imagine that the fortissimo would play like a PC 600 , which is smaller and probably more headlight. I dont have a PC 600. The closest that I have is a Head graphite pro 90 sq. inch, which is a twin tube. For me the Head plays better than the Fortissimo. That statement is a little unfair toward the Snauwaert because there are better strings in the Head and I tend to prefer the 90 sized rackets over the oversized frames. The Snauwaert just "reeks" of quality, so I intend to re-string it with an arm friendly,quality syn-gut string and play it some more.
So,i will work on that and the pictures.

[pshulam]

Thanks for the description. I have found a couple of pictures of a Snauwaert frame.

[bhathiya9999]

I recommend it is very good racket and can play hard tennis

[Standupnfall]

There are 2 of these in the TW classifieds right now. One is mine in 4 1/2 and P still has his up I believe in 4 5/8

[VGP]

Awww....

Someone beat me to Standupnfall's G-Force listing....

I hope whoever purchased the frame could post a review. Still trying to drum up interest in this frame. I still think it's great!

Thanks to those who've contributed thus far.

Speaking of G-Force, does anyone remember the old show?

[VGP]

Oh, Standupnfall, do you have an opinion on the frame's playability?

[brunboom]

well i was intrigued on this frame due to this posting..now i am awaiting the arrival of 2(1 from here,1 from *bay)..on paper this frame is legit, solid vintage graphite,12 plus ounces,20mm straight beam, & for both i paid 65 total..i am by know means in the place to be giving out advice on tennis or tennis equipment but ill post a review after a month or 2 playing..it'll be interesting since my main frames are 4 limited edition head radical tours..big dif. in size, but common denominators such as solid graphite,12 plus ounces,& 20mm straight beam...i doubt ill jump to this as my gamer(deeply in love w. my shh-it brickhouse of frames that i swing now & bc my game is not yet fully dial'd in enough to swing an 85sq in. on the regular..ima love it, & tell every1 i hate it, so VGP & I can gobble em all up & the value doesnt inflate..if ya got em, i prefer 4 1/2 but ill take 3/8, LET ME KNOW...
& best thing about the G-Force is that there probably older than me(born 11/85) haha...2 B CONTINUED

[brunboom]

this may or may not be kosher for me to ask here in this thread.....
(if not i beg & plead for 4giveness) but any suggestions on strings that'd be kopasetic w/ my frames when they arrive..obviously any string or hybrid works, but any ideas to enhance the G-force & work in unison..my current string is a full bed of HEAD Ultra Tour 16 or 17 but thats bc i feel the string works well w/ the frame...i already generate ALOT of power, crave even more, & fancy mass amounts of spin...i desire launching missiles aka (**singing voice**"bombs over baaaaghdad") all over the court..
thinking maybe:
1) Solinco Tour Bite 17 & Vanquish 16 Hybrid Set
2) Wilson HyperLast Spin 19 Hybrid Set
3) full bed of RPM Blast
4) or the obvious money hungry hybrid of Wilson nat. gut or nxt tour w/ a lux banger of some sort
(in which i do not probably need)

i dont test alot of strings, i find something & stick to it....

[tbuggle]

leona 66. make the wires match the stick!

[VGP]

brun boom - looking forward to your review....

t-buggle - I'm on a quest to find my "minimal expenditure" type of equipment.....I've been stringing with Gamma Synthetic Gut 16, but I'm gonna go even cheaper with Prince Tournament Nylon 15L.....at the same tension of 66 pounds.

Roll of athletic tape to shape the base of the grip: $0.99
3-pack Yonex Supergrap in black: $2.95
Prince Tournament Nylon 15L: $1.49
Grommet sets to cut up for replacements: $4.99
Nylon tubing: $3.50
Tenex 4000 stringing machine: $25 (services done myself)
Wilson Graphite Force: $35

Base total: $73.92

Satisfaction of playing on the cheap and loving it: PRICELESS

[brunboom]

recieved my 1st g-force in the mail 2day thanks to STANDUPNFALL...shes a beaut, clean lines,vintage, & classic!! whip'd it around the house hitting dust bunnies to see how it felt in my hands...heavy, but ina good way..my L.E. radicals are around the lower end of 12 oz, & the g-force is def. in the upper 12'z...my L.E.'z just start moving automatically when grasped in my hand & these g-forces are going to need some gas to get outa idle when linked to me, in which i dont mind-just gonna have to concentrate on FUNDAMENTALS-BACK TO THE BASICS to unleash fury w/ the g-force...think im going to take this racquet & take a few lessons w/ it...im a noobie w/ heads this small but not afraid...ima powerhouse of a young buck:
(5'11.5 & a swift,agile,light 250...yes its possible) so i can create pace, just gotta dial in...the g-force def. wont be my X-caliber anytime soon bc nothings replacing my main girls (L.E. radicals), but i think the g-force could be a few of my side hose, actually i guess they'd be more like my cougers since they are older than me, so im stocking up....whip it-whip it reeeal hard

p.s. think im going to try out a hybrid of Solinco Tour Bite 17 & Vanquish 16 or full RPM Blast, i want the ball to really-really pocket before it spits out & explodes...not ricka-shay or trampoline

[VGP]

Originally Posted by brunboom

...actually i guess they'd be more like my cougers since they are older than me...

Thanks for making me feel old BTW.....


Hope you have fun!

[VGP]

Sounds like you had a good deal with Standupnfall......be sure to leave a positive reference.