Diary of a Racketaholic

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by weksa

Yesterday before I restrung my YTPP, I added 4g lead total (four 4"-long strips of 1/4"-wide lead tape). Each strip started at 12 o'clock and ended somewhere between 10/11, and 1/2.

Dealing with the CAPs was a pain for me: the tie-off grommets at the head were flared, so I didn't pull out the CAP grommets at those points. I completely pulled up the CAP grommets from 12 to 11/1 with no worries because those grommets weren't flared. At around 10-11 and 1-2, I tried my best to peel up the sides of the CAP and slide in lead tape. Then I had a little nightmare as one of the CAP grommets wasn't going back in; I wondered if I had accidentally pulled out a flared grommet. With the help of a string awl, I was able to guide it back in somehow.

For you, Power Player, I think it's going to be much more of a pain at 3 and 9...

weksa,

How does it play though with these mods? What does this lead set up provide for you?

R

[Power Player]

Originally Posted by ryushen21

302?! That can't be right. I know it didn't swing as heavy as the mid but it can't be that low.

Re...your tinkering with the MP. I really thought the MP was gonna be the winner when I demoed the Prestiges but it doesn't have that x-factor that the Mid does. I don't know what it is but for me it just wasn't quite as good. Still a great frame though.

Oh and re my string tension issue. I'm going to have my frames strung up at 52 lbs. this next time around. I think that will give me a good idea of where to go.

Yes..it sure would be sweet to have a lighter prestige that hits big, but I am also skeptical. I do know that the MP serves huge. It is going up against the TGK, which is a mighty challenge. At first I thought the MP was made light to customize, but the balance and static weight are right at prestige spec.The stick will weigh 12.2 or so after adding an OG and damp. So there is something to be said about being able to get insane racquet head speed going with a 12 oz racquet..we shall see how it works out for me.

Wanted to add that my old Head Graphite Master (my first forray into the oversize world) is VERY similar to the MP in the sense that it is a lower SW ( i am guessing the Mid plus is really around 312) and a higher static weight.

[Ross K]

Hmm, that IG Speed 16X19 looks mighty appealing, yeeeees... like a PP but more spinny and more oomph?... a bit of added length...

Who else has played it? What's the general view?


R

[Power Player]

I swung it once, and then vomited all over the courts from the lame paint job and balloon headshape.

But seriously, it did not have the feel of the prestige at all to me on sweetspot hits. I know you will still demo it anyway so I am not going to waste my time getting to in depth about it. lol.

[JGads]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Hmm, that IG Speed 16X19 looks mighty appealing, yeeeees... like a PP but more spinny and more oomph?... a bit of added length...

Who else has played it? What's the general view?


R

As you know, I'm a fan. A big fan. To speak your language, it has the easy depth, power and spininess of your TFight but isn't quite as stiff and harsh. More the firm but comfortably firm response of a MG Radical. A touch of that extra length means serves and two-handed backhands are easily rippable. Precision isn't always dead on, but you can sort of outpunch your opponent with spin and pace if that's your game. Superb baseline stick. I personally like it far and away more than the Prestige Pro.

[Ross K]

PP and JG,

Ah... riiiight... but is it a bit like the Extreme Pro then? If so, it may not quite be my, er, cup of tequila.


R

[weksa]

Ross K,

I found the YTPP in retail form to be decent but a bit lacking compared to my previous racquet, a heavily modded LM Radical MP that I bought used for $20 -- it's got 12g @ 3/9, 4g @ 10/2, and probably lots of weight in the handle because it came out to be 6pts HL.

I played with the YTPP in stock form for the last 2 months to see how much I could adjust. Slices seemed more difficult to pull off than my LM Rad. I was pretty happy with serves and all other groundstrokes. I found it stable enough that I didn't really need to add lead at 3/9. Because of the time spent with my LM Rad, I've gotten used to the "polarized" feeling. The 4g of lead I added from 10-12 and 12-2 is more or less counterbalanced by the overgrip I have added on top of the original leather grip.

My first time using the modded YTPP two days ago was a significant improvement. Everything -- flat + kick serves, FH, 1HBH slice, recently converted to 2HBH from 1HBH -- was better for my game: baseliner mostly, but I like to come up to net (and I'm working on doing it more because it's fun) using approach shots when advantageous and then finishing off those points with volleys or a hard winner.

The biggest observable improvements were my flat serve and the 1HBH slice. I'm recovering from shoulder soreness, so I'm not serving as hard as I used to do. But I'm finding my flat serve has picked up pace with the same effort I've applied in the past 2 weeks. The 1HBH slice has been a pleasure to hit again, effortless.

I can't say much more than that. I've only used the modded YTPP for 2.5 hours in that one rally session. I'll report back if anything new comes up.

[Power Player]

Head shape is like the extreme and it is huge like the extreme as well. A lot of people like it. I can't tell if that is because Djoker is using it though, and I am serious about that. I see people on the court buying new speeds and telling me "it's djokovics!".

I feel like the Prestige PP or MP would be a much better stick due to superior feel and control if you had to decide between the 2, but I am biased Prestigetard at this point.

Weksa..awesome post man. Do you think the balance is retained then? I actually did not think of that obvious little solution to potentially low SW on the YT MP. Going from PED's prior posts in this threadBible, you have added 12 SW points to your stick by doing that.

[JGads]

Originally Posted by Ross K

PP and JG,

Ah... riiiight... but is it a bit like the Extreme Pro then? If so, it may not quite be my, er, cup of tequila.


R

Never played the Extreme Pro. Seems too powerful and stiff so I never tried it. Bear in mind, though, I may have weird taste or something, because I never personally got along with the Pure Storm Tour that PP liked so much, so him and I may just have a difference of taste on what we do and don't like, though it's funny that in spite of our differences on the Speed 16x19 and the Pure Storm Tour, we both love the Prestige Mid. Speed should be easily demo-able, though, as just about all local shops have them these days, so it wouldn't hurt to take it for a short spin.

[JGads]

Also, the IG Speed has a much wider head in the 18/20 version (where it does look a bit odd to me) more so than the 16x19, where it's a bit more oval/egg/normal shape than the widebody 18x20. Although one thing that was VERY WEIRD: at different points I had three different demos of the 16x19 IG. One of them -- and one that came from TW, no less -- actually had the widebody 18/20 mold/headshape but with the 16x19 pattern. I thought I was going crazy when I got it, knew it just didn't look right, so I went to my local shop to compare it to theirs -- both their demo and the ones they had for sale -- and sure enough, it appeared that a manufacturing defect had occurred and the 16x19 stringbed was put into the 18x20 frame.

The one I had had the specs listed of the 16x19, and did have 16 mains and 19 crosses, but sure enough when compared it didn't have the .2 extra up top and extended wider at the middle to match the headshape of the 18x20 version.... Went ahead and traded away my Donnay for a 16x19, and when that new frame came to me I still had the TW demo in hand and compared that one as well and the one I received was fine as well, so just the one bad egg. I notified TW about it. And to be fair to them -- I had another TW demo of the IG 16x19 not long before and it was fine, headshape and length was as it should have been, so it really was just that one weird frame, I think.

I'm sure it was just that, a weird anomaly, but just in case it's more common, it would be good to double check the headshape of the Speed if you get one to make sure the frame shape matches up with what it's supposed to be.

[baseline_monster]

Originally Posted by Ross K

BM,

Long time... cheers for the praise ... although that should be accorded to all the regulars here due to their tireless posting... funny, when I tentatively began this "Diary" I thought I was like, er, "the only rachetaholic in the village" ... I was certainly wrong on that front, that's for sure... anyhow, sounds like you got yourself a deal there.

Actually I never did play the K6.1 95, probably because I was so happy (for a while at any rate) with the N95, and before that the PSC6.1... as we all know, these are serious player's frames/'tanks' (ha, ha) that don't mess about...

CUE MUSIC... 'YESTERDAY' BY THE BEATLES...

Why I still recall with great fondness my first few hits with a PSC I bought off my first TT mentor, the Mozart of Talk Tennis circa 2006, the legendary young string-guru and supreme racketaholic aka "nickb", and thinking "Ah, now this is what it's all about!"... plow-through?... CHECK!... granite solidity and stability?... CHECK!... heavy ball??? CHECK!... and as my latest detour and mad month being totally smitten by the oh-so unsuitable Pure Control Plus Swirly (she was always out of my league but I completely lost my mind for a few weeks there ) goes to show, the effects of that PSC can still impact on me big-time in what I like in a racket.

MUSIC FADES...

BTW, I see you you're still with TF... I think if I was paid a visit by Tony Soprano or Stringer Bell (to refer to two of my favorite TV shows EVER) and told to make a decision now on one of APD>PP>TF, you know, that Tec V02 320 might well be my selection... big topspin, lots of x-factor pop, swings very fast and easy... just a bit off for me re feel (as in tinniness/stiffness) and solidness/stability... though artful modding and the right string set up might go a long way to curing certainly the latter... watch this space BM!

Nice one, geezer!


R

Tooo true! I am actually thinking about sticking with the 6.1's until after out county champs then my contract terms should give me new extremly cheap sticks and I think I'll go with the 325's. Similar specs and I really do think the Tecnifibre frames are made with such a high quality. All about plough through!

These PT57A's everyones on about, they the real deal mate!?

[namartens]

Originally Posted by baseline_monster

Similar specs and I really do think the Tecnifibre frames are made with such a high quality.

Reading through these boards I thought the same thing. I recently ordered two demo's: a TF 320 and a TF 325. They happened to be brand new with plastic still on the handles and strung with the same string. When I weighed them the TF 320 was about 6 grams heavier (static). If you look at the specs the TF 325 should be 5 grams heavier and maybe a little bit more because there is more string in the head I don't have a balance board or anything but the balance was different too. The TF 320 was a lot more headlight than the TF 325.

[baseline_monster]

Originally Posted by namartens

Reading through these boards I thought the same thing. I recently ordered two demo's: a TF 320 and a TF 325. They happened to be brand new with plastic still on the handles and strung with the same string. When I weighed them the TF 320 was about 6 grams heavier (static). If you look at the specs the TF 325 should be 5 grams heavier and maybe a little bit more because there is more string in the head I don't have a balance board or anything but the balance was different too. The TF 320 was a lot more headlight than the TF 325.

What I like about the Six ones is that they feel so heafty and solid. With the 22mm beam they just feel powerfull where a 19 or 20 just feels to flexible. Tecnifibre also put silicone in some rackets handles, onthe 315's this was very nice, not sure if its on the 320 and 325's though. What are you using now?

[namartens]

Originally Posted by baseline_monster

What I like about the Six ones is that they feel so heafty and solid. With the 22mm beam they just feel powerfull where a 19 or 20 just feels to flexible. Tecnifibre also put silicone in some rackets handles, onthe 315's this was very nice, not sure if its on the 320 and 325's though. What are you using now?

I am still in the process of finding a new stick. I am reading this thread because it refers to prestige pro which I am looking into. I am not a fan of the gripshape though...

[Power Player]

Just leaded the MP demo at 1 and 11. Not sure of it's swingweight now (safe to guess 315?), but I put on 4 grams. That was perfect..this is scary now..it is the same balance (6 pts) as the PC600 and PTSGT, and weighs 12.1 with OG and damp. Which is the same as the PC600 and the PSTGT. Difference is this thing still swings nice and easy and has the smaller headsize.

Could I have just found the exact happy weight/SW medium between a Prestige Mid and a PSTGT with this lead placement? I am going to hopefully get a hit in if the courts are dry in a few.

[big bang]

Originally Posted by namartens

I am still in the process of finding a new stick. I am reading this thread because it refers to prestige pro which I am looking into. I am not a fan of the gripshape though...

You can buy tk82s pallets from TW-EU

[Power Player]

Ok MP experience :

Had it with lead at first and the thing was a boomstick..seriously felt like a Radical Pro or something, but light. I was trouble getting a groove going, so I took off th lead. I actually liked it better at stock..which was interesting..just shows that specs really don't matter as much when you first try a new racquet. It had the killer sweetspot..but still too much power. Basically, I could hit very hard but the shots were not as heavy on a consistent basis. Hard to describe, but I could not put as much weight on the shot, so I am basically agreeing with what Jgads and PED said. It was tough to get the ball to drop in and I was hitting long.The MP also felt large to me, and it is only a 94..that's pretty funny, but true. I still think it is a very nice stick, and I know I could get used to it, but it is tough to beat a PC600/TGK combo.

So I went and picked up the TGK without the new synthetic grip and it felt like home again. Just heavy balls, placement..on the run forehands..and much more comfort without the leather. I just really love the racquet setup like this. Worked in the PC600, which is just a hair heavier at 12.1 and nothing feels like that thing on contact. It just cracks the ball. I do not think there is much of a weight difference between the 2 sticks to really give me a problem, I went to the PC600 after about an hour and it was no problem.

Only thing is it has a really thin leather grip on it. I am thinking of swapping it out as well with the hydrosorb, but a little hesitant to see if the balance will be affected too much. Ill probably give it a shot and be good to go.

I keep wanting to tell you guys that the mid is "too advanced" or "too small" but I honestly have not had any issues so far with this. The racquet just seems to fit my swing perfectly and it hits so deep. I just like it right around 12 and with that SW in the low 320s. I think that is the magical prestige setup.

[ryushen21]

Originally Posted by Power Player

Head shape is like the extreme and it is huge like the extreme as well. A lot of people like it. I can't tell if that is because Djoker is using it though, and I am serious about that. I see people on the court buying new speeds and telling me "it's djokovics!".

I feel like the Prestige PP or MP would be a much better stick due to superior feel and control if you had to decide between the 2, but I am biased Prestigetard at this point.


Weksa..awesome post man. Do you think the balance is retained then? I actually did not think of that obvious little solution to potentially low SW on the YT MP. Going from PED's prior posts in this threadBible, you have added 12 SW points to your stick by doing that.

Possibly my favorite line of yours ever. At least so far.

I must now send you your official PresMid user initiation packet..which starts with a bottle of Jack and requires photo documentation of everything. Good luck with numbers 13, 17 and 19.....

On a more serious note. Your MP experience seems to echo mine. It was good but just didn't hit the ball the same way that the Mid did. I don't know how to explain it but the Mid just clicked with everything.

Should you ever make your way to Texas we must have a hit and a drink. Not necessarily in that order though...

Ross....not to throw a wrench in your gears or anything but my friend (and long time Bab user) is having a seriously good time with V-Core 98D. Since I can only assume you are going to be demoing soon, might not be a bad one to toss in the mix.

[Ross K]

Morning fellow racketaholics of the world!

Right, shall shortly be knocking back my usual nutrition-packed, slow-burn energy releasing, specially designed by sports scientists breakfast (see below) before rushing off to the courts.

What I wanted to say though, was I now have my frames returned from stringers, so, barring a few little bits of modding that I'm still deciding on, I'm pleased to report I have reclining but 5 feet away from me now, for the first time ever, my APD, Prestige Pro and Tec 320 all strung with my fave string of the year thus far - Sol Tour Bite.

I think the next few weeks should prove decisive.

Happy hitting gentlemen!


R.

[baseline_monster]

Ross, do you have an original APD!?¬?!?!?!?!!