Review the craziest racquets you own

[VOLLEY KING]

The Power V Grip





intro

Ok I know this isn't a racquet but this tiny little gadget has changed my game more than any racquet or string there is . In fact it's the most important of the three!!

I never knew how important your grip is but everything starts from there.

The right grip will give you more power , control and feel than any racquet or strings ....I swear.

This grip changes the angle of your racquet  face. You get a far more powerful ball . It's like having a nunchuck in your hand.

I actually bought one grip and then custom made my own. I used 5 layers of double sided foam mounting tape under the grip and it has improved my game more than anything !

It also allows you to feel each grip clearly and it locks your hand in strong . For example if your in a continental you can't really cheat and slide into an eastern unless you go out of your way to do it . It's tough to explain.

Babolat tried to copy this recently with a grip with a small bubble or hump in it. But it's not as nearly pronounced as the V grip.

Think about it the palm of your hand is not flat so why should your handle be.

It's sort of like when you wear inserts for arch support. It's a support for the "arch" in the palm....the palm is indented just like your foot. By giving it support everything improves tremendously .

Think of a steering wheel. You can turn a steering wheel quicker and with more power when the steering wheel has those indents to put you fingers in. It's a much better grip that just a flat steering wheel.

The pros know this and all have custom made grips....and so should you. It the base for everything .


Here's my review :

continental

The V grip really works well here. The top end of the grip works like a shelf for your index finger . 

This V grip has increased the power of my serve , the accuracy and the spin.

For volleys you get increased angels. You can really hit those pro volleys like you see on tv. Love it.

eastern

The V grip actually does not work so well for eastern at all.

It takes away from the space as it goes right on the bevel where the palm of your hand would go.

It does however increase your power but the accuracy goes down a bit. 

It also increases the power of the serve with an eastern.  

I use it with an eastern (as well as all the grips) but it tool a loooong time to get used to.

semi western

WOW!!! What can i say? You will increase your power your accuracy everything . Just awesome for this.

western

No freaking clue. I can't hit western if my life depended on it ....lol

Conclusion

If you try it you will immediately see a HUGE difference in the way you hit the ball.

There is a learning curve though because you tend to spray balls all over the place because of the increased power. 

It took me actually about 6 months! But I'm glad I stuck with it and I would never go back.

Pros build their grips as well and have them custom made .

Navratilova said Bosworth built a grip for her and now she can hit a down the line backhand topspin which she really didn't have while on the tour.

This is the poor mans version of a custom grip. I have cut the mounting tape perfectly for my hand .

It has helped my game more than anything else.

[Hitman99]

Originally Posted by VOLLEY KING

It depends on your playing style.

The 133 is really a good racquet for some people.

First of all it's 29 inches. It makes a difference. If you have slowed down a bit you will be able to get to more balls In singles play. Plus the huge head size is a big help.

For volleys and returns and chip and charge this racquet is just lethal. I have never seen anything quite like it. Your doubles partner will engrave a statue in your honor.

If your big on hitting topspin from the baseline this is not the stick. But of your a pusher this is a dream stick. Your "pushes" will become powerful and you will get to everything .

Now serves are where it gets a bit tricky. I have a really big serve and I like to hit the crap out of the ball. This racquet is just way to powerful. Having said that with just a moderate swing I'm able to generate some pretty decent controlled power and then volley almost anything with this baby. Hell I feel like I could serve underhanded and still put away a good volley with it ...lol.

The es 116 is similar jut a bit shorter and allows you to have more of a swing. The Pro 116 is a players stick and allows for a full swing . So there are two 116's you should be aware of.

But the bottom line is that all three sticks are meant for moderate to slow swings. The racquet does all the work. The bigger the Vortex the more work it will do for you.

Don't count out the 133 it's a special stick. I really loved it....of it were not for the serves I would use it.

Couple of updates: first, I bid on and won JoeSh's Vortex racket (10, so it should be arriving soon. Second, the Pro 116 must be a new racket from Vortex, as I don't remember seeing it on their website previously, and what is now shown on the website says "Product specs will soon be available for you". Third, I ordered an ES116 for demo purposes, got a call from Lori saying that the racket is back ordered, won't be available for a couple of weeks. I'm thinking that I might give her a call, switch my order to a 133, see how I like it.

[Hitman99]

Originally Posted by VOLLEY KING

The Power V Grip






It has helped my game more than anything else.

Checked this out on their website. What is the difference between the two grips? I've read the descriptions, can't really tell them apart. Do they both have the sorbothane cushioning?

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Hitman99

Couple of updates: first, I bid on and won JoeSh's Vortex racket (10, so it should be arriving soon. Second, the Pro 116 must be a new racket from Vortex, as I don't remember seeing it on their website previously, and what is now shown on the website says "Product specs will soon be available for you". Third, I ordered an ES116 for demo purposes, got a call from Lori saying that the racket is back ordered, won't be available for a couple of weeks. I'm thinking that I might give her a call, switch my order to a 133, see how I like it.

Small family owned company so don't be to hard on them.

I love my sticks and can't part with them but if you could figure out a way I'd lend it to you.

I definitely think you will love the 133. I actually chose the 133 over the 116.....I used the 133 for quite a while.

It was an incredibly hard decision. The 116 is a bit more maneuverable and is more of a players stick. It's a lot better on serves as well. It's a tough call.

But the 133 is better in some other very important departments. First of all for singles you now can get to balls you never could reach. And I've lost a bit of speed over the years.

For return of big serves its unbeatable. You can return anything and with power.

For serve and volley it's amazing . In doubles at the net it's just hard to beat. And when serving and coming in I was able to reach and get to balls I never could before.

If you can get over the funny appearance......it's a great choice. They are both great sticks and it's hard to choose.....very hard.

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Hitman99

Checked this out on their website. What is the difference between the two grips? I've read the descriptions, can't really tell them apart. Do they both have the sorbothane cushioning?

Nothing.

That's a blue piece of rubber . The second picture is just the gripped wrapped over the rubber. The first picture is what is under the grip.

But I actually lik using mounting tape better. I wasn't being cheap....I actually like it better.

You cut the rubber or the mounting tape ( I uses 5 pieces on top of each other) , to custom fit your hand

Seems silly right? Try it .....you won't believe the incredible difference it will make.....far more than the racquet or the strings .

I'm not saying you will like it but you will see a huge difference immediately....and there is quite a bit of a learning curve to deal with it.

It's weird that a grip would make such a difference .....but it really does. An UNBELIEVEABLY BIG difference . That a 100 percent guarantee that you will see it in the very first ball you hit.

[Hitman99]

I didn't mean the two grips shown in the photos, I meant the two types of grips shown on their website. The website has a "button" to help determine which grip is best, and pictures of the two grips, but damned if I can figure out which is best, or why.

Re the rackets, since Vortex has their generous MBG policy in lieu of offering demo rackets, I'll just get the 133 and try it out. If I like it, I'll keep it. If I REALLY like it better than the 108, I'll just sell the 108.

I also have to decide whether I like either of the Vortex rackets better than the PowerAngle --- I can't believe how much better I am playing with it. I am planning to have it restrung this coming weekend with Powermaxx Light Touch gut, at 45 lbs. This string is specifically designed for lower tensions, in fact 45 lbs is the upper limit. Should be interesting.

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Hitman99

I didn't mean the two grips shown in the photos, I meant the two types of grips shown on their website. The website has a "button" to help determine which grip is best, and pictures of the two grips, but damned if I can figure out which is best, or why.

Re the rackets, since Vortex has their generous MBG policy in lieu of offering demo rackets, I'll just get the 133 and try it out. If I like it, I'll keep it. If I REALLY like it better than the 108, I'll just sell the 108.

I also have to decide whether I like either of the Vortex rackets better than the PowerAngle --- I can't believe how much better I am playing with it. I am planning to have it restrung this coming weekend with Powermaxx Light Touch gut, at 45 lbs. This string is specifically designed for lower tensions, in fact 45 lbs is the upper limit. Should be interesting.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the 133. It does look funny though.

There are two grips....one is softer and the other is a heavier rubber. It's personal preference.

I like the softer one much better....but I like mounting tape better than all.

.

[VOLLEY KING]

The blackburne ( 97 & 107)





Roscoe tanner using the blackburne at Wimbledon



intro

Yes they are legal!!

They are double strung but sperately. You can string the backhand different than the forehand or use different strings.

There is no edge so what this does is:

1- no mishits . Everything is a sweet spot . Very helpful on return of serves and volleys.

2- you can use extreme grips and never worry about a mishit

3 ball stays on the face of the racquet longer . Same concept as a ping pong paddle.

4.  3 dimensional and more stable than conventional racquets

5. Head heavy and packs a huge punch.

6. Ball comes off the racquet quicker because on a regular frame the string are further back

So why Am I not using it?? Stringing is a nightmare. Even if you find someone to do it it's very expensive .you have to pay double and more than that to get someone to string it.


Serves

97  10/10
107  8/10

Absolute BOMBS. Forget Babolat ! These are light as a feather . Like nine ounces . But because of the double head they are the most head heavy racquets ever made. They are hammers.

All you have to do is aim downwards and you are hitting a bomb flat serve That has to be seen to be believed

The 107 is a bit less maneuverable though.

Volleys

97- 9/10
107. 5/10

No mishits . Returns at your feet even are volleyed for winners . 

The 107 is just to bulky at the net.

Return of serve

97-  10/10
107 - 8/0

Amazing. No mishits everything is returned with power

107 again a bit less maneuverable.

slice

97  6/10
107  7/10

Not a great slicing racquet. Way to thick . The 107 was slightly better because you get more power

topspin

97  8/10
107 10/10

The 107 has huge topspin even for me. Amazing! The 97 Is also very good.

flat

97  9/10
107 9/10

Pinpoint accuracy and a LOT o power.

Drop shots

97 8/10
107 7/10

Great touch and control. Both worked great.

Arm friendliness

So much more stable than a rwgir racquet . The 3d design is just so much more stable. No twisting .

Conclusion

Great racquet. One of the best that I have ever tried. But the stringing situation is just way to much to deal with.

[Hitman99]

LOL! WHERE do you find all this stuff? Incredible. Gyro Gearloose would be proud.

[Larrysümmers]

what exactly about stringing is hard? is it just that there's 2 string beds, or is it unbelievably difficult. the only thing i could see being a pain is weaving the crosses on the "2nd" string bed

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Larrysümmers

what exactly about stringing is hard? is it just that there's 2 string beds, or is it unbelievably difficult. the only thing i could see being a pain is weaving the crosses on the "2nd" string bed

Well I don't know how to string.

I brought it to Roman Prokes and he said "no way". I said I would pay extra and he still said NO.

The only guy who would string it is woody at grand slam. And he does it himself and won't allow anyone else. He is pretty fair and just charges double ....two sides is two racquets .

He says there are two things that causes problems. First you have to be careful because when you string one side then go to the other the racquet will warp of not done correctly .

Then when you have one side strung it hard to do the other because you can't fit your fingers through.

I know what he means because putting a worm dampener through it , then it takes like 20 minutes . It's a pain.

You have to use a spoon .

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Hitman99

LOL! WHERE do you find all this stuff? Incredible. Gyro Gearloose would be proud.

Embarrassing isn't it? It's an addiction .

I just love new ways to look at things in general. Im a bit of a rebel...lol.

The thing about tennis as you said its so conservative. There's only one way to hot a ball, one type of racquet to use bla bla bla.

But if you look at some of the greatest players in our sport they all changed the way the game was played and did something different against the grain :

Roddick got the form of his serve from fooling around playing baseball with a racquet

Tanner got it from trying to hit leaves off trees.

Borg would not listen to his teachers and hit with an open stance

Lendl ran around his backhnd to hit a forehand

McEnroe does everything wrong from his crazy serve motion to his ugly groundstrokes

But I find even many people on this board just follow the crowd like sheep.

Let's not forget that Columbus said the world was round. Usually the minority is right.....because there are very few smart people but a lot of dumb ones.

[Lavs]

the topic should be renamed "Review the ugliest racket"...

[VOLLEY KING]

Originally Posted by Lavs

the topic should be renamed "Review the ugliest racket"...

That's what I mean about a conservative sport.

Why are people so scared of differences?

I swear I know what Columbus must have felt like.

[VOLLEY KING]

When graphite first came out few wanted to try it.

As a compromise they made graphite racquets with wood in them. A composite.

When Lendl finally had the balls to use one people started to trust them . But I think the very first was Ashe?

Then came the prince oversized . No one wanted to try them at first either and then when pros started using them people started as well.

By the way polyester strings have been around since at least the 70's. But like sheep everyone would only use gut.

Borg ran into the same issue....everyone said "you must hit with a closed stance ....it's the only proper way!!!"

We all should thank Borg for not listening .

At one time even a two handed backhand was revolutionary!

Same old story.

[Hitman99]

I played with the first Prince oversized racket, got lots of snotty comments like "no self respecting player" would ever use one. Later I played with the first Hammer rackets, also got a lot of ridicule ("Gawd, it's so THICK!").

I also learned how to ski on little short 36 inch skis, was skiing parallel within a week ("Look Ma, no poles!!"). When I took a pair of Head 5-foot skis to France, the instructors laughed out loud. Later, short skis became THE hottest thing since sliced bread. When parabolic skis came out, people fell down laughing, until they noticed that two skis placed together had the exact same profile as a snowboard. Now you can't give away skis that aren't "shaped". I know, 'cause I hauled some over to Goodwill yesterday.

That's OK. Winning is the best revenge.

BTW, I called Vortex and changed my order to the 133 model. Wait 'til the locals get an eyefull!! Of course, one of the guys in my weekly tennis group uses a 135 inch Outer Limits racket, and USTA just moved him up to 4.5. He'll probably want to try the Vortex first thing.

[VOLLEY KING]

I really think that you will like the 133....you may like the power angle better but at least you will give it a try!!

The paint job is similar to a Babolat APD....it looks like an APD on steroids...lol.

The looks are deceiving .... It's not as big as it looks. The sparse string pattern makes it look bigger than it is. If you match it up with your 116 you'll see it's not a big difference.

I really loved the stick. The only issue is the serve....you really don't need to put much on it.

Please let me know what you think . If you dislike don't spare my feelings.

[Hitman99]

I spare nobody except the blind, the sick, the crippled, and the elderly.

That's why I'm so easy on myself......

[VOLLEY KING]

When will you receive the Vortex?

[Hitman99]

It was shipped yesterday via USPS. Hopefully I will get it by Saturday, as I am playing that night.