Diary of a Racketaholic

[pyrokid]

Well, homework's mostly done...

Anyway. Fed-Djoker.

Federer was on fire. I take back everything I said before about his shots not penetrating the court... He was just in the zone. He rarely missed and was just playing some beautiful tennis. I have no idea how Djoker even managed to stay in it, that's a testament to what a fantastic player he is. It was just gorgeous. He hit behind Djoker, he hit through him, he hit past him.

Then, in the third, you could tell something had changed. Djokovic had been playing okay, but not great the first two sets. However, one thins that I definitely noticed about djokovic after watching him a lot is that he progressively gets better and better as the match goes on. And it was about this time that Djokovic stopped playing below average and started getting into it, and around this time that Fed was becoming visibly fatigued and starting to miss a little more because of positioning errors.

And the shift was just enough to cause a massive change in the match. Djokovic started winning slightly more rallies than Fed. And that was enough to help him break a few times. Federer lost confidence. And from there, Djokovic was basically much more confident than Nadal and the rest is history. Not really any interesting observations here other than AMAZING MATCH.

(P.S. GO DJOKOVIC)

[SVP]

Originally Posted by Ross K

'Holics,

What's the word on the TF Speedflex 315? Anyone ever played one or heard reports? Similar to my APDs? Exteme Pro perhaps? Only asking as I might be able to get one on a trade. Not sure yet. TBH I know zero about these racs... the head-size appeals I must say, but 70 RA???... hmm.

TIA

R

I hate to point this out to such a venerable poster like Ross K, but I was part of an old post on these boards on the T-315 Technifibre a while ago. I'm afraid to tell you that your question has been answered before, and TW has even done a review on this racquet.

Anyway, let me reiterate what I said back then. I have many fond memories of the T-315. It was my first tweener racquet. I'm an old school sort, I took up the game in the 70s. My strokes are like Tracy Austin/John McEnroe's. Straight back, straight forward. Flattish sort of strokes. The 315 was a totally easy racquet to use. Yes it was a stiff racquet to use but it had tons of power and feel for a tweener. Some people complained that it clanged metalically on full strokes. It was so easy to use. I would've kept it except that I bought the PDRGT and was sucked in by its explosive power. The weird thing was that when I went back to the 315, I couldn't hit at all with the 315. I ended up selling it to my hitting partner who is a better player than I and he hits a helluva lot better than I do.

[pyrokid]

Murray... Just ridiculous flat shots at the beginning of the match. I have no clue how to describe it. Consistently pounding the hell out of poor Nadal. Rafa had to work so dang hard just to hold serve, until he started playing amazingly. And then he just kind of laid into Murray, no amount of overly crazy penetrating shots could help him then.

Nadal... He hits so short. I never noticed it until Ross asked about it. And then I was like... Woah. Those are totally attackable.
And then I saw Murray trying to attack them. And I understood why nobody ever tries that. He missed about 80% of them. They were just ridiculous, they don't calm down until they've gone up the arc a little. Nadal also varies his stroke more than any other player, even when not on the run.

[pyrokid]

Also, I picked up a couple of APDGTs. I really don't know what to think... The spin I got was absolutely ridiculous. It was just insane. I loved it. And the power was even scarier, because I could basically miss at any moment. But I didn't make many errors at all after I got the weight dialed back in.

There was a certain familiarity in it, because I'd used it for so long previously... My strokes have changed, but it was still a lot less foreign than any of the other sticks I've tried recently.

It wasn't as inconsistent as I remembered, though... It didn't feel nearly as good as my beloved PSTs, however. The angles probably made up for it though.

Serves... Augh. Maybe I just need to dial them in a little more, but they sucked majorly. Volleys weren't as good, but the speed on reflex shots could be a compensation. The slice was great.

The difference between the weights of the two was enough to throw me for a loop, though. It took a bit to get the timing down.

Not really any interesting thoughts other than it has a ton of power and spin and the control doesn't suffer much at all, even though the feel is rather lackluster. I kind of felt like I had to add about an ounce to it just to slow the dang thing down... It swung scary fast when I needed it to.

[UWBTennis]

Originally Posted by pyrokid

Also, I picked up a couple of APDGTs. I really don't know what to think... The spin I got was absolutely ridiculous. It was just insane. I loved it. And the power was even scarier, because I could basically miss at any moment. But I didn't make many errors at all after I got the weight dialed back in.

There was a certain familiarity in it, because I'd used it for so long previously... My strokes have changed, but it was still a lot less foreign than any of the other sticks I've tried recently.

It wasn't as inconsistent as I remembered, though... It didn't feel nearly as good as my beloved PSTs, however. The angles probably made up for it though.

Serves... Augh. Maybe I just need to dial them in a little more, but they sucked majorly. Volleys weren't as good, but the speed on reflex shots could be a compensation. The slice was great.

The difference between the weights of the two was enough to throw me for a loop, though. It took a bit to get the timing down.

Not really any interesting thoughts other than it has a ton of power and spin and the control doesn't suffer much at all, even though the feel is rather lackluster. I kind of felt like I had to add about an ounce to it just to slow the dang thing down... It swung scary fast when I needed it to.

You use the PSTGT right? What is your string?

[pyrokid]

BHBR/CyberFlash hybrid at 45.

[pyrokid]

I could also hit consistently harder with the APD, which made me really eager to try it out more...

And PP, other than the feel, what differences did you find between the the Cortex and the GT? I'm trying to recall what I thought... I know for sure the GT feels more controllable, but also less maneuverable.

[Power Player]

GT felt more solid and less vibrations..but it still got to me after a while. I played a high level player who was mangling the ball and if I mishit against him I was feeling more vibrations than a dancing queen at a disco. But against pushers and normal hitters, I was just crushing balls with tons of spin.

About then, I knew I was risking reinjury, but still wanted a spin stick, so I discovered the EXO100 which does not hit as big, but is extremely kind on my arm and gives me more racquet head speed and spin.

[el sergento]

Well, that was a truly bizarro ending to the most bizarro slam of all time.

As a non American, I'll refrain from passing judgement, or at least from being too harsh, but I must say, even though I can't quite understand why, something really irked me about Novaks' FDNY hat and to a lesser extent Ralphs statements.

Dunno, something just felt really phony about the whole thing, and everything was just compounded by the day change, you could tell that moving the final to Monday really ruined everyones sadgasm.

Anyway, I'm kind of curious, what do my red-blooded gringo compadres south of the border think about the whole thing?

Also, did anyone else notice Nole's "come at me bro" moment to Nads after that long exchange? Really Nole, you're #1 in tennis, without a doubt, but Nads would pulverize you if it came to some fisticufs:



This is more representative of Nole trying to be a tough guy:

[pyrokid]

Originally Posted by Power Player

GT felt more solid and less vibrations..but it still got to me after a while. I played a high level player who was mangling the ball and if I mishit against him I was feeling more vibrations than a dancing queen at a disco. But against pushers and normal hitters, I was just crushing balls with tons of spin.

About then, I knew I was risking reinjury, but still wanted a spin stick, so I discovered the EXO100 which does not hit as big, but is extremely kind on my arm and gives me more racquet head speed and spin.

Do you think you actually get more spin with the Prince, or do you just think that because you get slightly less pace and it's hard to compare spin levels between shots of varying pace?

And if I did go back to my old buddy, do you think lead would be needed? I wonder about that, especially coming off of such a heavy stick... But at the same time, the racquet head speed I get from the APD makes the whole concept of lead unappealing. And somehow, the shanks/mishits have been kept to a pretty minimum level even though I've been swinging faster.

I liked the extra time I had on strokes, too. I guess I never really realized it because I got so used to the PST, but it was a pretty sluggish dude. With the APD I was able to take full swings on a lot of serves that I normally wouldn't have and get away with it.

[el sergento]

Originally Posted by pyrokid

Do you think you actually get more spin with the Prince, or do you just think that because you get slightly less pace and it's hard to compare spin levels between shots of varying pace?

And if I did go back to my old buddy, do you think lead would be needed? I wonder about that, especially coming off of such a heavy stick... But at the same time, the racquet head speed I get from the APD makes the whole concept of lead unappealing. And somehow, the shanks/mishits have been kept to a pretty minimum level even though I've been swinging faster.

I liked the extra time I had on strokes, too. I guess I never really realized it because I got so used to the PST, but it was a pretty sluggish dude. With the APD I was able to take full swings on a lot of serves that I normally wouldn't have and get away with it.

W's and L's man. That's the only thing that matters. Don't switch it up unless you go on a tear with the APD and start beating guys you usually loose to.

Also, lead is a gateway drug. Before you know it you'll be accumulating sticks just to see if you can customize them to your perfect spec.

[pyrokid]

I get the whole W and L thing, but I destroyed a guy I usually have close ones with today even with no serve, so I really think that at the very least it deserves a shot.... I surprised myself.

Lead. Augh. I know, so tempting...

[ahuimanu]

Originally Posted by Ross K

'Holics,

What's the word on the TF Speedflex 315? Anyone ever played one or heard reports? Similar to my APDs? Exteme Pro perhaps? Only asking as I might be able to get one on a trade. Not sure yet. TBH I know zero about these racs... the head-size appeals I must say, but 70 RA???... hmm.

TIA

R

Good stick, similar to the Extreme pro without the plow. Mine is strung with black code @55. Great control and fairly maneuverable. I prefer the Vo2 version as the head is tapered at the top of the hoop which helps when whipping thru shots. Yes it's very stiff and shots take off if you're slightly off. Also my arm took a beating after a few hours of hard hitting... Also been using other Tecnifibres (295, 325, 335) and trying to like them but am an old schooler and need that flex in my stick

[Power Player]

Originally Posted by pyrokid

Do you think you actually get more spin with the Prince, or do you just think that because you get slightly less pace and it's hard to compare spin levels between shots of varying pace?

And if I did go back to my old buddy, do you think lead would be needed? I wonder about that, especially coming off of such a heavy stick... But at the same time, the racquet head speed I get from the APD makes the whole concept of lead unappealing. And somehow, the shanks/mishits have been kept to a pretty minimum level even though I've been swinging faster.

I liked the extra time I had on strokes, too. I guess I never really realized it because I got so used to the PST, but it was a pretty sluggish dude. With the APD I was able to take full swings on a lot of serves that I normally wouldn't have and get away with it.

The prince is a complete spin monster for me. It comes through the air extremely fast and has a 16x18 pattern that is super open, so that is probably why. My game is also suited to the fast racquet head speed style of swing, and I think that was why I started winning more with the apdgt...everything stayed in. The exo is a very good substitute for the apd even though it does not possess the massive power.I am still just learning the racquet but it has that same quality of the apdgt where it's just super fun to play with it.

I'd try the 7gram lead fishing weight in the handle and 2 grams at 12...then go find the biggest hitter you know and see how it holds up for you. I never got pushed around but I just could not afford to mishit with it, and that caused me to swing a lot less freely after a while. You wont have that problem.

[klementine79]

Originally Posted by el sergento

Well, that was a truly bizarro ending to the most bizarro slam of all time.

As a non American, I'll refrain from passing judgement, or at least from being too harsh, but I must say, even though I can't quite understand why, something really irked me about Novaks' FDNY hat and to a lesser extent Ralphs statements.

Dunno, something just felt really phony about the whole thing, and everything was just compounded by the day change, you could tell that moving the final to Monday really ruined everyones sadgasm.

Anyway, I'm kind of curious, what do my red-blooded gringo compadres south of the border think about the whole thing?

Although born in another country.. I have spent a majority of time here in the U.S. of A. ..... and I thought it was just 'cheesey'... uncalled for... and whenit comes down to it... nothing you can really say or do will ever do justice to a moment in history that should be held with more respect and less... marketing value???? but hey, it is America.

I think I even saw a Budweiser commercial and State Farm.. that were paying 'tribute'... I don't know.... everyhting is getting weirder in this consumer-tech-world... where if I shart.. it's on FB and Twitter and somebody will lose a million shares... all in 15 seconds.

NOVAK- I felt empathy towards him in the speech he gave on center court afterwards... He had been getting on my nerves the whole 2nd week... the world No.1, and it seemed as if he was playing the 'underdog' card... too many 'stares'.. chest-pumps... and 'shock-stances'.

But, watching the Fed match... and Nadal match.... the NY crowd completely behind both former #1 players... one fan even screaming during Djoko's serve... every time Novak dumped a ball into the net... Cheers... every UE was followed by a gleeful sigh from the crowd.

In the speech, it almost seemed as if Novak wanted to cry when he 'thanked the fans for their support'... I think the hat was definitely a PR move... but also maybe a way of giving respect to the host country... thank you for not supporting me... but I'm supporting and respectful of you.

[cheers]

Originally Posted by Fed Kennedy

whats your guys thoughts on red code? I was thinking tecnifibre racquet, tec string might be a good match. Cause I dissed blackcode hard when it came out (dead feel in k90), but it's really good in the 320.

Is this a BS way of thinking? Like maybe they do the R&D together, it's a good fit. Kind of like you buy a burton snowboard, you get the burton boots and bindings, it all works together quite nicely.

I've been off and on with the TF320 vo2 (back again) and I'm now using Tourbite 17 mains at 51# and Mantis Power Synthetic 17 crosses at 54#. I was previously using full Black Magic 17 at 51# which was awesome (great feel, great spin, good power). Then I went full tour bite 17 at 51# and for some reason didn't like it as much despite the added spin. I wasn't getting the same power as the Black Magic, probably because TB is a bit stiffer but I did like the extra spin so I went hybrid. So far I like the hybrid the best. Effortless deep balls, great spin, WAY BETTER comfort and a loud boom when you hit it. Give it a try.

As for tecnifibre strings, I think they're great strings, but it's hard to pay that much for those strings when there are so many cheaper but really good alternatives (Genesis, BHBR, Solinco, etc).

[Fed Kennedy]

Originally Posted by cheers

I've been off and on with the TF320 vo2 (back again) and I'm now using Tourbite 17 mains at 51# and Mantis Power Synthetic 17 crosses at 54#. I was previously using full Black Magic 17 at 51# which was awesome (great feel, great spin, good power). Then I went full tour bite 17 at 51# and for some reason didn't like it as much despite the added spin. I wasn't getting the same power as the Black Magic, probably because TB is a bit stiffer but I did like the extra spin so I went hybrid. So far I like the hybrid the best. Effortless deep balls, great spin, WAY BETTER comfort and a loud boom when you hit it. Give it a try.

As for tecnifibre strings, I think they're great strings, but it's hard to pay that much for those strings when there are so many cheaper but really good alternatives (Genesis, BHBR, Solinco, etc).

Thank you! So far for me Black Code > Tour Bite for the exact reasons you mention. May have to give the black magic a spin.

[Fed Kennedy]

Originally Posted by ahuimanu

Good stick, similar to the Extreme pro without the plow. Mine is strung with black code @55. Great control and fairly maneuverable. I prefer the Vo2 version as the head is tapered at the top of the hoop which helps when whipping thru shots. Yes it's very stiff and shots take off if you're slightly off. Also my arm took a beating after a few hours of hard hitting... Also been using other Tecnifibres (295, 325, 335) and trying to like them but am an old schooler and need that flex in my stick

I can't tell if you like it or hate it. How does it compare to the re0?

[Ross K]

SVP, Fed, and ahu,

Cheers for comments re Speedflex. I'll take a look at it, but tbh those Extreme Pro comments scare me a tad (that thing gave me a sore arm within about ten minutes!)


pyro,

Interesting your looking at the APD. For some of the reasons you stated in your post I can't keep away from this frame, and that's despite having a thing also for stability/control/sweet swinging frames like the YTPP... actually I'll be hitting with my TGKPP on Friday and it will be fascinating to see if I can handle it to slightly better effect than before (I've redone the mods)... the solidness, quality build, precision, feel, etc is out of this world on the TGK and, to a slightly lesser extent I'd argue the retail YTPP is very much up there also.

R

[PED]

Originally Posted by pyrokid

And if I did go back to my old buddy, do you think lead would be needed? I wonder about that, especially coming off of such a heavy stick... But at the same time, the racquet head speed I get from the APD makes the whole concept of lead unappealing. And somehow, the shanks/mishits have been kept to a pretty minimum level even though I've been swinging faster.

I've always had some bicep soreness from my GT's; I've used them for the last year with the 7g fishing lead in the handle and decided to mix it up. It's just a muscular irritation, nothing in the connective tissue.

I removed the fishing lead and have 2 grams of blue tack in the handle to counter balance and I have 4g under the bumper.

Strung with 16g poly, it's 331g and a 32.9cm balance, which is right on the stock balance.

I can tell a difference on the shock with the blue tack versus the lead so I'll see how it goes.

This setup gives me more stick speed and more of the qualities you described above that you like about it.

The GT feels different from the apdc as the apdc is more headlight and the GT has more swing weight at 331 versus 324 for the apdc. I've owned all three and much prefer the GT version. It's also stiffer.

I find the 4g of lead at the tip to be crucial for me, otherwise, the ball isn't as heavy as I like it but any amount of lead works on the GT, you just have to be careful not to add to much as the SW can get out of hand.

The GT swings really fast as you know but coming from that PST, it's got to feel like greased lightening. The PST swings like a two handed broadsword, great on contact but it takes awhile to get it around