Diary of a Racketaholic

[Power Player]

I have way more demo time then I thought. No a lot of sticks I am interested in though. The short list would be a BLX95 and a Pure Drive Roddick GT. I want to try the Roddick because I am interested in the extended length. I keep hearing how it gives you an advantage if you are a shorter player (5'8 here). It is also real similar to my Tfight, just swings heavier.

I used a PD over a year ago and had a great time with it. I actually probably should have gotten it instead of the apdc, because I think I preferred the feel a little more.

Any of you guys play with the Roddick? I hear it is more stable then the PD. Just wondering what the benefits are to that model. Hopefully I can grab a demo and find out for myself.

[user92626]

I'd like to try the PDRGT standard length, too. I have a PDGT and I must admit it hits extremely nice, very close to my best apdc except stiffer and more power.

i don't think the pdrgt is more stable than then pdgt. They're the same, except the roddick is built for stronger guys. That's all.

[getsby]

I played PD and APD (cortex-version, not GT and Roddick) is the only tennis racquet, with whom I immediately fell ill elbow. Any blow a little farther than the center sweet spot, very bad vibration. In this earlier, I had a head microgel Extreme Pro which is a copy of PD-no problems with his elbow was not. Unfortunately I sold that stick, and version youtek scares me a great swing weight. From all that now on the market, I am interested in the new Donnay, although I do not think that they resemble PD. Price certainly repellent, wait to review

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I have way more demo time then I thought. No a lot of sticks I am interested in though. The short list would be a BLX95 and a Pure Drive Roddick GT. I want to try the Roddick because I am interested in the extended length. I keep hearing how it gives you an advantage if you are a shorter player (5'8 here). It is also real similar to my Tfight, just swings heavier.

I used a PD over a year ago and had a great time with it. I actually probably should have gotten it instead of the apdc, because I think I preferred the feel a little more.

Any of you guys play with the Roddick? I hear it is more stable then the PD. Just wondering what the benefits are to that model. Hopefully I can grab a demo and find out for myself.

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the BLX 95... and btw, I thought your mini-comparison or whatever of the YTPP VS the TF V02 320 was very good indeed, and not least because of one particular thing... you agree with me!

Never seemed to get on with pre-GT PDR versions... always found it very stiff and balanced and weighted in a way that was ultimately a bit unwieldly. Prefer the PD/PD+. Actually, last month I hat 2 hits with my old PD+ and both times I was pretty impressed, have to tell you. There are a few quibbles, however my serve and 2hbh has always been a fan of the PD+, and I found I could nail it tad easier, with a slightly beefier and flatter shot than with my APD.

BTW, PED had a period fairly recently with the PDRGT+ and could give you some insights, I'm sure.

R.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I want to try the Roddick because I am interested in the extended length. I keep hearing how it gives you an advantage if you are a shorter player (5'8 here). It is also real similar to my Tfight, just swings heavier.


Any of you guys play with the Roddick? I hear it is more stable then the PD. Just wondering what the benefits are to that model. Hopefully I can grab a demo and find out for myself.

I'm 5'10 and the plus length is addictive, you can find some nasty angles with it. It took me some time to get used to that extra half inch as I hit pretty high up on the stringbed but now I can't imagine a std length stick.

I've got an xl pdr that I "moved to" from my apd pluses back in the fall. Unfortunately, my should didn't thank me I used the pdr's for around 3 months before having to go back to the apd's.

The pdr is only a few points higher stiffness wise than the apd's but it plays much stiffer than that to my mind. I was lucky that i hadn't gotten around to selling my apd pluses when I decided to move away from the roddicks.

I also like the way my modded apd pluses play over the pdr pluses. The lighter stock weight of the apd plus allows you to put the weight exactly where you want it. I've got 14g just inside the buttcap and 7g at the tip on the apd and it comes around like greased lightening and really packs a punch.

The pdr is fairly hl in stock form (32cm balance) and it needs lead at the tip to add a bit more punch I've found.

I also find a hit a slightly lower trajectory with my pdrs instead of the apd's. Nice stick overall, I just prefer the apd's for my game.....and my shoulder.

It really is the only stick that's ever bother my arm. I'm not sure if it's the plus length or not. I played for a year with the standard length pdr cortex back in 2008 and never had any issues with it.

My son uses the blx 95 16X18. Great stick and it just punishes the ball, in stock form with full poly and an OG, it's 350g with a 338 SW. Great for the first hour or so but in mid summer, it wore me out a bit in longer sessions. I wish the blx was about 340g and it would be perfect. He used full Silver spinX 16 in the blx and it was quite nice at 56/54.

[Power Player]

Nice, and i see you are stringing lower, so you must be reigning in that power. After hitting with the ytpp, i feel like the only real advantage to the prestige is feel and a little more accuracy. Besides that, the difference between it and my Tfight was dramatic. The Tfight allows me to pressure with a hard return even when pushed wide. It is still accurate enough for me to hit down the line. The trickiest part would be touch shots like lobs. I hit those long more than i would like.

So i am going to try out the Roddick if i can get a demo. Why not, i have only hit with the regular PD and i was good with it. I would like to see if one of them can beat out the Tfight, but so far nothing has done it.

[getsby]

remember, you're complaining about the rigidity of TF 325, citing received an elbow injury on a motorcycle. But most babolats (except pure storm-lines), very stiff racket

[Power Player]

Yeah, good point,but it is my wrist and not my elbow. All racquets feel a little different though even the stiff ones. The 325 was more closed and swung a little different than the 320. It was a little jarring on off center hits, but i have also changed my grip, which has resulted in a lot cleaner hitting.

[Power Player]

Ok, well I just hit with the PDRGT+ and that thing was amazing. It was far better then the Prestige Pro for me. It actually felt extremely plush. The balance on it is perfection. It is the best version of the Pure Drives I have hit with. To be quite honest, it is unfair how good it is. I got pushed around a lot more by my friend (4.5 very hard flat hitter with slice) when I had the YTPP, and with the Pure Drive it was the opposite. It had substantially more power then the Tfight and it was strung at 58#s multi. He commented on how heavy the ball was multiple times. I also got to more balls, and I am wondering that was the extended length or just in my head.

If you miss the solid feel of the classic sticks in your apdc, I think this is a strong option to check out. I was really blown away at how easy the game became. The extended has slightly different specs then the others and I think it makes a huge difference.

This is probably a GOAT racquet for me if my arm doesn't reject the stiffness. So far, no pain at all or discomfort...it felt very comfortable with the multi. I usually don't even post until I get a few more hours with the racquet, but this was a different level.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Power Player

Ok, well I just hit with the PDRGT+ and that thing was amazing. It was far better then the Prestige Pro for me. It actually felt extremely plush. The balance on it is perfection. It is the best version of the Pure Drives I have hit with. To be quite honest, it is unfair how good it is. I got pushed around a lot more by my friend (4.5 very hard flat hitter with slice) when I had the YTPP, and with the Pure Drive it was the opposite. It had substantially more power then the Tfight and it was strung at 58#s multi. He commented on how heavy the ball was multiple times. I also got to more balls, and I am wondering that was the extended length or just in my head.

If you miss the solid feel of the classic sticks in your apdc, I think this is a strong option to check out. I was really blown away at how easy the game became. The extended has slightly different specs then the others and I think it makes a huge difference.

This is probably a GOAT racquet for me if my arm doesn't reject the stiffness. So far, no pain at all or discomfort...it felt very comfortable with the multi. I usually don't even post until I get a few more hours with the racquet, but this was a different level.

OMG!




PP,

Wow, interesting news mate, and especially as I'll be hitting with the TF Vo2 320 in the New Year (I'm away on Xmas holidays starting later today - snow allowing!), and also, I recently had a few hits with my old PD+, and really seemed to click pretty well with it.

My take on the PD+ is, well, I'd echo your sentiments on a slightly lusher feel than ppl give it credit for, it hits a monster serve (and, yes, I think a tad more leverage def helps here), my 2hbh excels with this, it has that whippiness I like, it nails winners noticibly better for me than the APD (serves better too), it swings sweeter than, for example the PSTGT+, and... yes, your reach is absolutely improved!... suddenly your making those short court balls that you'd maybe struggle to reach with standard frames, and your finding angles on groundies etc that aren't there with standard racks...

Can't deny however, there is a trade off or two, and quite big ones at that imo...

1. Getting jammed up and close in stuff generally can feel a tad awkward... I've had some experience of XL racks... PD+, the PSTGT+ and, a few years back, Rad Tour Twin Tube XL (now that hit a massive groundie coming in @ a SW of 369 ) and I've never quite felt fluid and comfortable enough with one. Compared to the PSTGT+ however, the PD+ swings nicely, and, has to be said, it does seem to bring a bit more Mike Tyson-like KO power than my APD!

And, 2. My biggest concern would perhaps be the stiffness level... not sure if it was the string (which, admittedly, wasn't the freshest), the high stiffness RA of the PD+, a combination of that, or something else, but my wrist certainly felt uncomfortable after hitting with it a few weeks back.

Anyhow, those reservations aside... and with an express desire to check out the softer poly options/tension options... I do intend to add the PD+ to up coming looks at the TF V02 320, as well as one somewhat special 'mystery frame' due to be headed my way in the next week or two (shall post up all about this once it's within my firm grasp)... but as ever, the one they'll have to beat is my APD Original.

Keep us all up-dated PP!

ATB,

R.

[Power Player]

Good stuff. I agree that from reading all the horror stories on here about stiffness that i have to be cautious with the Plus. Good news is that the Tfight has not hurt my arm at all, so i have that in case something happens. The difference in power is really substantial. It's funny how i thought the Tfight was powerful, but the pure drive is on another level that is just ridiculous. When i demo a racquet i always switch back and forth, but i never once put down the pure drive. I was in love with the thing the whole time. Maybe the racquet just has perfect specs and balance for me or something, but whatever it is just seemed to work out real well. It would be a real nice demo to have the APDC, roddick plus and Tfight all together for a session.

Personally, i find the babolats to give an almost unfair advantage, and i may stick with them for good barring injury. They are just too good for my game, especially the pure drive. The dfference is easy, with the ytpp I could hit the corners, but would have to run to the net and end the point with a volley. With the Tfight, i could hit winners with the same stroke but would still have to run to the net to make sure..it was about 65% winner. With the pure drive it was complete obliteration of the ball without any need to follow the shot because my opponent had zero chance to get it. I could hit winners like that off any ball that was not well struck. Could have just been the honeymoon stage, but the confidence i felt with this stick was ridiculous. I should add that volleys were also very very stable.

[Speed Kat]

Originally Posted by Power Player

Good stuff. I agree that from reading all the horror stories on here about stiffness that i have to be cautious with the Plus. Good news is that the Tfight has not hurt my arm at all, so i have that in case something happens. The difference in power is really substantial. It's funny how i thought the Tfight was powerful, but the pure drive is on another level that is just ridiculous. When i demo a racquet i always switch back and forth, but i never once put down the pure drive. I was in love with the thing the whole time. Maybe the racquet just has perfect specs and balance for me or something, but whatever it is just seemed to work out real well. It would be a real nice demo to have the APDC, roddick plus and Tfight all together for a session.

Personally, i find the babolats to give an almost unfair advantage, and i may stick with them for good barring injury. They are just too good for my game, especially the pure drive. The dfference is easy, with the ytpp I could hit the corners, but would have to run to the net and end the point with a volley. With the Tfight, i could hit winners with the same stroke but would still have to run to the net to make sure..it was about 65% winner. With the pure drive it was complete obliteration of the ball without any need to follow the shot because my opponent had zero chance to get it. I could hit winners like that off any ball that was not well struck. Could have just been the honeymoon stage, but the confidence i felt with this stick was ridiculous. I should add that volleys were also very very stable.

exactly how i feel about the pdrgt+.. the only reason I am straying because aiming for the corners at obliteration force is only yielding 65% success rate.. not enough.. other rackets have better "aim" but it follows the correct trajectory so slowly that the winners downgrade in to medium paint the line shots that get hit back so that sucks

[Power Player]

Yeah, you may like the TFight 320 v02. Has a lot of power, but not as overwhelming as the pure drive. Angled shots are a little easier and your accuracy should be better, but the corner to corner winners you can belt with the pure drive feel unfair.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Power Player

The dfference is easy, with the ytpp I could hit the corners, but would have to run to the net and end the point with a volley. With the Tfight, i could hit winners with the same stroke but would still have to run to the net to make sure..it was about 65% winner. With the pure drive it was complete obliteration of the ball without any need to follow the shot because my opponent had zero chance to get it. I could hit winners like that off any ball that was not well struck..

Like the way you put this.

Qsn. How would you then decribe the differences re serve between PP, PDR, TF 320 and APD (if you recall the APD)? What's the order of which hits the biggest IYO?

Thx,

R.

[ace0001a]

Interesting on the racquets being discussed here. For me I've been more of the gearhead (focus more on racquet collecting than actually playing) these days...I've got in my possesion an Aeropro Drive Original, Tfight 320 VO2 Max (Samurai), Microgel Prestige Pro and Youtek Prestige Pro. The only thing I've done with any of them is string them up and wack balls down my own hallway...it's been raining where I live now, also been getting colder due to it being late fall and now winter and my tennis buddy is always busy are my excuses for not being out on the court. Anyway since the Pure Drive has come into the discussion lately, I'm wondering how the Head Extreme would fair? Considering the Extreme is Head's answer to the Pure Drive, I think would be worth discussing. The funny thing is, I remember reading how fellow forum members who liked Prestiges or Prestige Pros consider the Extreme a "Cannon". Would the Pure Drive be considered a cannon as well then? I've got an original MG Extreme Pro and the 2009 version with the Teflon in my collection. I plan to eventually get a Youtek when I see a good deal on one and/or when I have the money to blow again.

[0d1n]

PP if the pure drive was strung with a multi and you usually string your tfight with full poly, that could actually be the difference between your opponent looking at the ball as it passes or actually getting it back.
The bouncier strings could be just as important as the different racquet.

[Power Player]

Od1n, i would agree, but i have also had the Tfight strung with a multi and while it played well, it was not as powerful as the pd.

Ross on serve, the pure drive is the best by far. But the Tfight is a clear second. Tfight is an awesome serving stick in it's own right. I would follow that by the APDC, which has always been pretty solid for serves for me. The ytpp is also a great serving stick, i could put it even with the APDC. They are all excellent for serve.

Ace001, I tried the head extreme, and while it hits big, it does not have the balance or feel of the pure drive. It is not in the same class IMO. I put it down for the tfight rather fast.

I demo with rackets on the fence behind me. If i keep going back and switching, i know its not for me. The pure drive and Tfight pretty much stayed in my hand the whle time when i demoed them.Pure drive, i simply never put down once. It was too fun.

[klementine79]

I really have to demo the new GT's.... I tried out the APD's last year and felt a dramatic improvement in feel.

The pure drive GT is added to the demo list. IT'S OFFICIAL.

I remember two summers ago... I was slugging out on the courts with a guy playing a pure drive... His shots were penetrating.. I was really struggling with my Mids... He wasn't even braking a sweat!!!

When the match was over... He approached me and asked if I wanted to switch racquets for a couple of rallies.

I remember it was strung with a very loose,dead, yellow poly.... I tried a serve and the ball swerved in a 'C' touching the service line at the top of curl and getting above shoulder length on the rise... fast!!!

Effortless power... volleys were fun... I felt like a ballet dancer trying to control that thing... needed delicate movements... I was getting great results from all over the court... I just couldn't handle the 'hollow', disconnected feeling from the ball.

The other guy had my mid, he was shocked at the difference in weight and power.... He hated it... he wasn't getting any penetration or power... I don't remember him making any of his serves.

He promptly asked me..'How can you play with that thing?'. Talking about my MGPresMids.

I think that would be one of the problems with the PureDrive, if you ever had to switch racquets ( for health reasons or what have you ) the transition would not be easy.

[Power Player]

Klementine, i would recommend the plus length roddick version. It has a different balance to it, and feels a lot more solid then the regular pure drives.

But you described the difference quite well. It is stunning how hard you can crush and not even exert energy. I think if i had to switch due to injury, i would go to an APDC plus since it is not as stiff and i have never had problem with them before.

[esgee48]

Hi Guys, just reading my way thru this thread.

Is Ross now falling off the wagon as far as being a racquetaholic? In the beginning, he was trying to to stop, but you fellas have 'adulterated' his behavior again. In fact, you all sound like racquetaholics to me! Oh well, keep up the effort; it is amusing to read this thread.