Why in the world does DelPortro still use a K-Factor 95?

[Mick3391]

Don't misunderstand, that's one of my favorite racquets, we have two of them, but can't they get him something comparable?

Also, what about sponsorship? Does Wilson pay him to play a racquet they don't really sell anymore?

I don't get it, all of this conspiracy about switching every other year for money, but what about Del Portro?

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

And this is important because...

[sundaypunch]

These people are playing a custom racquet from a mold that has nothing to do with the production model. It doesn't matter if it is painted to look like a Juice Pro or an older K-Factor - it is neither. The fact that he won the USO with the K-Factor paint job may influence his choice.

I hate to break the news, but Federer is not actually playing a six.one 90 either.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by sundaypunch

These people are playing a custom racquet from a mold that has nothing to do with the production model. It doesn't matter if it is painted to look like a Juice Pro or an older K-Factor - it is neither. The fact that he won the USO with the K-Factor paint job may influence his choice.

I hate to break the news, but Federer is not actually playing a six.one 90 either.

Hey, be nice and continue to let the Federers of the park and recreational players think they have any association with Mr. Roger Federer.

[Mick3391]

Originally Posted by sundaypunch

These people are playing a custom racquet from a mold that has nothing to do with the production model. It doesn't matter if it is painted to look like a Juice Pro or an older K-Factor - it is neither. The fact that he won the USO with the K-Factor paint job may influence his choice.

I hate to break the news, but Federer is not actually playing a six.one 90 either.

Thanks, I understand that but it doesn't answer my question about sponsorship. Paint job, I get it, why not paint it as a racquet that Wilson actually sells, that's my point.

[MindoverMatter]

Originally Posted by Mick3391

Thanks, I understand that but it doesn't answer my question about sponsorship. Paint job, I get it, why not paint it as a racquet that Wilson actually sells, that's my point.

From what I hear, DelPo is very superstitious. He won the US Open with that paintjob so it's the only one he'll use.

[LeeD]

Maybe he likes the feel of the flex, the size of the frame, and it's famiilarity based on 15 years of trying to get good tennis, and has found nothing that is better.

[Mick3391]

Originally Posted by MindoverMatter

From what I hear, DelPo is very superstitious. He won the US Open with that paintjob so it's the only one he'll use.

That's cool, but I wonder how much money he loses by not using a new paintjob model.

[LeeD]

At #6 in the ATP, his endorsement money from Wilson probably accounts for less than 5% of this total earnings, so he just uses whatever feels good and familiar to him.
If the was #600, then maybe endorsement money makes a big deal in his pay check.

[maggmaster]

Are you serious? The endorsement money from clothing and rackets is HUGE in tennis. Way bigger than the prize money or ATP bonuses.

[SFrazeur]

I like that he uses a discontinued model. I wish more pros would say screw it and use an older model.

-SF

[LeeD]

maggmaster....
He gets some money just for using a Wilson racket painted to look like whatever THEY want him to appear to be using.
He's not #1.
What's important for him is control, not more power, flash, or whatever the general public is looking for. He's 6'5" and 200lbs., can can supply his own power. And he doesn't need to get injured using a stiffer racket.

[Ashley D]

Originally Posted by LeeD

maggmaster....
He gets some money just for using a Wilson racket painted to look like whatever THEY want him to appear to be using.
He's not #1.
What's important for him is control, not more power, flash, or whatever the general public is looking for. He's 6'5" and 200lbs., can can supply his own power. And he doesn't need to get injured using a stiffer racket.

We're talking about paint here LeeD. Have you read the thread? Nobody is saying he's actually changed racquets to anything more powerful or flashy.

[Power Player]

I read an article on Tennis.com some time ago that stated some pros feel the difference even in paint and don't want to change anything.

[The Meat]

If you're wondering if he is using a PJ or not.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=281500

The stock K-95 is an excellent stick, I knew a lot of friends who liked the stick and used it as their main stick until they shelled out more cash for the newer PJ.

Don't really see why this wasn't posted in the Pro's gear section.

[Mick3391]

Originally Posted by LeeD

At #6 in the ATP, his endorsement money from Wilson probably accounts for less than 5% of this total earnings, so he just uses whatever feels good and familiar to him.
If the was #600, then maybe endorsement money makes a big deal in his pay check.

First answer, thanks!

[TennisCJC]

Nadal uses an earlier AeroPro Drive model that Babolat no longer sells.

I am not sure if Del Potro get endorsement money but it seems like he could if they slapped a new paint job on it like Nadal's.

[Ash_Smith]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I read an article on Tennis.com some time ago that stated some pros feel the difference even in paint and don't want to change anything.

Andy used to say he could feel the difference of weight with the extra layer of paint and so carried on with the iRadical long after the new PJ had been released.

[sureshs]

Sampras claimed that he could feel the weight of the stencil paint!

[dode]

I can tell the difference in weight from the extra 1.5" of string that it takes to string my racquets when I drop the tension 3 lbs.