Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah thats the one. I got it for like $5 when I needed a frame after juniors. I had a jimmy connors pro estusa that my dog decided to chew up, and some of my buddies wanted to hit, so I found that little gem in a mad scramble.
Oh my...love this. I have similar feelings. I play well with the UT and I love the feel and plow I coaxed out of it, but a 2021 pure drive arrives tomorrow, the H22s are coming and the Gtour really spoke to me. I think you may really like that gravity frame.
Thats exactly what happened to mine. And that began my story of joining TT to figure out WTF to demo. lol. My first frame TT suggested was a thin beam tfight 320. I believe the pattern was 16x20.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Faris
Professional
Yeah I'll see what condition it is in when I visit parents place next.. pretty sure you've jinxed it now and I will discover crumbling mess of grommets in there lol...
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I had one that I was able to restore with some black grommets for a Head 18/19 pattern stick. Had to cut it down to make it “fit”.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Hmm..well if you get the chance to try the GT let me know how it compares. I actually like the GT since like Gads said, there is some wiggle room on it. I know the QC on the gravities is all over the place as well.
Also the free power from the GT is nice. I have a lot of no/low free power, high SW frames already that I am loving so something easier to use would be the goal - hence the PD demo and the 16x19 H22 I plan to order.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
@ryushen21 my buddy has a couple beat up 18x20 n6.1s but his asking price today is $1,000 per. That asking price drops to somewhere between $13-$250 on Monday if the Wilson release is not a turd. He actually did not say any of this but that is how I interpreted his “I’m not parting with them” message 
.
.gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
And the GT works its way up near the top of the must try list! I hate you but I actually love your dedication to the racquet hustle. My daily driver right now is the 360+ Extreme Tour and the GT seems like it would give me that extra flex and feel the ET is lacking all in a playable, modernish package.
ryushen21
Legend
Did you tell him that I have information/photos that he would not want to be released to his family? I'm not saying I do but I'm not saying I don't either.@ryushen21 my buddy has a couple beat up 18x20 n6.1s but his asking price today is $1,000 per. That asking price drops to somewhere between $13-$250 on Monday if the Wilson release is not a turd. He actually did not say any of this but that is how I interpreted his “I’m not parting with them” message
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I hate to ask a rational question in such a thread, but do you really need all these 6.1s right away? I mean there is a serious chance you could hit the courts and realize it's way too much racquet after some kid with a 300 gram RafaLat sends you to poundtown.
If it was me, I'd grab one 6.1 from Wilson and see how it goes first. Thats what im going to do with the H22.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
You decided to go with the 16m? I've been bouncing this question around in my head, too, and have been enjoying the open pattern Big Boy Blade so much.
(ryushen: earmuffs)
ryushen21
Legend
Considering that I'm coming down from the original plan of 10 to 3, I think that's pretty rational. Lol. My biggest concern with this whole "Pro Lab" release is that they are going to be a limited quantity run. An early grab of 3 would have me sitting relatively comfortable and leave me the room to pick up the others (if needed/wanted) when they hit the FS/FT ads.
That's about as rational as I can manage to be when it comes to my love of the 6.1.
Bring on the kids with the RafaLats. I want to make them cry.
BillKid
Hall of Fame
I would not do that. The weight of the ink will increase the SW to the point that the racquet may play totally different.Buy a blue sharpie and color the black ones?
Since we are on TT, it may be better to clarify : I was just joking.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah, see this is why I told you before I didn't want to try the ET. Because thats always what happens with them. I like them a lot for a bit but find myself missing something. The only tweeners that I ever play long term with are the Babos. I played the most high level, yet soul -less tennis of my life with an Extreme Pro.
Your suspicion on the GT is exactly what I noticed when I used it. It is the ultimate compromise between some modern power and spin, yet truly soft and flexy feel.
ryushen21
Legend
Except that you're right. You also forgot to mention that the sharpie ink increase the surface area and changes the surface aerodynamics which means that the swing feel will be drastically altered.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Its my current decision, but I honestly could change when/if I see specs or any more feedback on it. This is the stuff that keeps one up at night..lol.
But seriously, my logic is - I have a lot of awesome 18x20s already. Why not see how well I do with a similar frame in an open pattern. One driving factor in this decision is I believe the H22 16x19 has 8 throat mains.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Over in the other thread the one pic of a 16m h22 looked wide open and then another looked totally normal.
If there were a big difference in swingweight on what's supposed to be a relatively hefty frame to begin with then I would want to go 16m, but then again that same sw differential occurred in the v7 Blades and so many thought the 16m was a dud and the 18m the real deal, describing the stick in a way that would seem to mean more difference than just string pattern.
Who knows. Need specs, indeed. I would lean 16m too right now but it's a rough call.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Gee
Hall of Fame
No it was the TF335 16x20. Yes I have been following you on this board all those years.
I also played a few years with the TF335 16x20 because of your raving reviews.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
No it was the TF335 16x20. Yes I have been following you on this board all those years.
I also played a few years with the TF335 16x20 because of your raving reviews.
You are right! Damn, thats impressive. And yeah, that was a pretty sweet frame! I remember after that they changed it to a stiff tweener with samurais on the PJ. And I actually liked that PJ a lot. haha
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yes, you have hit upon the same things I have also thought about. I suspect the 18x20 H22 may have a SW over 340 when strung. And the 16x19 may be 330-335. This is just a guess based on reported swingweights from H22 users. We are really are flying blind here, unfortunately.
ryushen21
Legend
Glorious. I miss seeing that giant bashing the ball on those unsuspecting rubes.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Man, me too. Greatest goat that never was. Damn injuries.
Gee
Hall of Fame
Indeed a great frame. I played one of my best matches with the TF335. However somehow its feel was missing that x-factor to me. After having played with PK BA98, Völkl C10 Pro and Angell TC95 18m I finally found that sensational feel into the UT!
Since last year I fully committed to the UT and now you should do that as well! Listen to your coach and don't switch that often anymore!
haqq777
Legend
Absolutely. In terms of playability and feel, they are pretty far apart. Both Pro and MP G360+ Speeds feel much softer on ball impact - their new layup feels like a very nice improvement - and both are not as user friendly as APD. Even the MP felt like a log and that is supposed to be the lighter one. Pro was even more sluggish by comparison.
Regarding string spacing, the Pro is denser and MP is more open. Don't have G360 or G360+ Speeds handy right now but posting pics of my Graphene XT Pro and MP Speed for you along with APD to give you an idea. Keep in mind starting from G360, HEAD increased the cross spacing a tad for Speeds, but the Pro remains denser and MP more open compared to the APD.
GXT Pro:
GXT MP:
2013 APD:
ryushen21
Legend
So true. He could have absolutely disrupted the top of the game had he not been sidelined so much. Such a shame. Great player.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Indeed a great frame. I played one of my best matches with the TF335. However somehow its feel was missing that x-factor to me. After having played with PK BA98, Völkl C10 Pro and Angell TC95 18m I finally found that sensational feel into the UT!
Since last year I fully committed to the UT and now you should do that as well! Listen to your coach and don't switch that often anymore!
I very well could. I love the UT. Ive been using it 90% of the time the past 5 weeks. If the humidity didnt make me rotate racquets so much that number would be at 100%!
n8dawg6
Legend
ah, that old GXT MP ... yet another frame i could have stuck with and used forever. good paint, tooAbsolutely. In terms of playability and feel, they are pretty far apart. Both Pro and MP G360+ Speeds feel much softer on ball impact - their new layup feels like a very nice improvement - and both are not as user friendly as APD. Even the MP felt like a log and that is supposed to be the lighter one. Pro was even more sluggish by comparison.
Regarding string spacing, the Pro is denser and MP is more open. Don't have G360 or G360+ Speeds handy right now but posting pics of my Graphene XT Pro and MP Speed for you along with APD to give you an idea. Keep in mind starting from G360, HEAD increased the cross spacing a tad for Speeds, but the Pro remains denser and MP more open compared to the APD.
GXT Pro:
GXT MP:
2013 APD:
haqq777
Legend
I know feel is very subjective but I really liked the 360+ ET in terms of feel too and that is why I got one myself after getting all enticed reading some of those playtest reviews. Definitely needs hoop weight but how you told me you weighted up yours is on the money btw. I will probably get a Gravity Tour to add to my collection soon too (because it is at a good price right now and well, why not lol). Can definitely send it your way to test drive it if you already haven't tried by then.
haqq777
Legend
Crisp and tons of spin. Both of my MP are the LTD paint too. Look friggin gorgeous.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
You are a true 'holic brother! The hustle is hard so your support is crucial. I will definitely take you up on that 360+ GT offer (if I don't cave first) and return the favor in kind with perhaps an H22 or whatever delicious snack we ogle at the time. Agreed on the 360+ ET, I am pretty particular and this one checks a lot of boxes for me. But if I am being hypercritical, the way I have it setup makes me wish it had a little more flex since I don't have a lot of static weight to absorb some of the impact shock. Otherwise, the relatively dense 16x19 and the combination of playability, punchiness, and predictability at such a low static weight is real. I'm glad you like it! The only change I am contemplating now is adding a few more grams to the hoop to get the SW closer to 340 with the static still under 330
.
n8dawg6
Legend
think i sold mine in a moment of weakness when the strings were dead. should have just restrung. the MP is definitely a spinny boi. never could 100% jive w the pro, lawd knows i tried
Faris
Professional
@n8dawg6 probably hates me because I was the one who scored his two frames in his moment of weakness..
(that Sonic Pro was indeed deader than dead)..I also hate myself because I sold them to a youngster in MY moment of weakness maybe a year later
Damn it, karma cycle.. in retrospect those limited paint ones were probably the ones to hold on to..
SaaKha
Semi-Pro
I asked if the pro lab line along with the 6.1 was gonna be a limited time thing and they said no so I guess they are here to stay
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Forgot to add a reason I'm looking at more open patterns is ill be playing more high altitude tennis. From what I've been told, it's a little more of a heavy spin game but I'm not sure how it compares to sea level humidity. I'd like to have a few options when I found out for myself.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Use high altitude balls!
Faris
Professional
Yeah that makes sense.. fitness would also be another factor if its a considerable difference of altitude... you saying adieu to south FL?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yes, but not for good. I plan to dance between both spots, but ill be happy to escape the oppressive heat and humidity for dry weather.
Super helpful, appreciate it! I'm not too worried about the maneuverability in stock form, my APDs are leaded up to 348g and 357 SW and I'd probably do about the same with the Speed. The pics help a lot to estimate the string spacing; the APD seems to be right in between the MP and Pro. Doesn't make my decision easier though haha. I first thought of just getting the MP as a softer replacement to my APDs but got worried the pattern maybe too open. I recently tried the PA19 and did not enjoy the super open pattern and higher launch angle.
pyrokid
Hall of Fame
New PD looks cool.
I'm gonna have fun with this thing. Might wanna try and get a 2019 PA to compare it to - If anyone has one they'd wanna swap me for a minute, I have some older stuff I'd be willing to let you use while I I tried it out.
I think the drives probably still aren't tailor-made made for my game in the way the aero line is, but it's not far enough off that it prevents me from having fun, and I could probably adapt. It definitely feels better when I flatten out the racquet path some and,,,, DRIVE,,,, through the ball more.
You can say a lot about Babolat, but their naming conventions are pretty idiot-proof
I'm gonna have fun with this thing. Might wanna try and get a 2019 PA to compare it to - If anyone has one they'd wanna swap me for a minute, I have some older stuff I'd be willing to let you use while I I tried it out.
I think the drives probably still aren't tailor-made made for my game in the way the aero line is, but it's not far enough off that it prevents me from having fun, and I could probably adapt. It definitely feels better when I flatten out the racquet path some and,,,, DRIVE,,,, through the ball more.
You can say a lot about Babolat, but their naming conventions are pretty idiot-proof
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the new PD 12 racquet bag looks cool too. like the "new" blue. it shouldn't get dirty as quickly.. lol
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah i still use my old 2011 blade bag. Ive had newer ones but this one is the best ive owned.
pyrokid
Hall of Fame
Mine was from the only period in my life I was ever good enough to get free stuff from tennis so I have to hold onto it as a reminder that I didn't always suck
I'm also just not sure what more I could want out of a bag, this one has all the pockets and compartments and stuff I could need and it holds like 10 racquets
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Only thing I want sometimes is a backpack instead. The Head radical backpack is a really good sized one. Its great if I want to hop on my bike and ride to some courts or just keep things minimal.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Big fan of the Nike bag. The stand-alone upright option a game changer when clay courting to keep the dirt at bay and the “locker” and top compartment for keys and phone, etc, work great.
Though lately I’ve just been taking 2-3 frames to the wall in a duffel. Gonna do this shortly with the big boy blade and today’s sweet arrival from 808.
Though lately I’ve just been taking 2-3 frames to the wall in a duffel. Gonna do this shortly with the big boy blade and today’s sweet arrival from 808.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Most tennis bags are too loud and fugly for my taste (I know...says the guy with the fugly Head sticks - they're actually not that bad in person and can be repainted ). I also think their price point is a little high compared to similarly priced athletic or outdoor bags that use higher quality materials. I pulled the trigger on this backpack earlier this year and so far no regrets. It can fit 2-3 sticks and whatever random crap I feel necessary to bring with me to the courts that day...or a basketball!
). I also think their price point is a little high compared to similarly priced athletic or outdoor bags that use higher quality materials. I pulled the trigger on this backpack earlier this year and so far no regrets. It can fit 2-3 sticks and whatever random crap I feel necessary to bring with me to the courts that day...or a basketball!
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