*** Long Live The Radicals ***

B

boatsign

New User
Welcome jdelcue. I played a couple weeks ago with somebody with a LiquidMetal who was hitting them pretty hard.

I think the lead tape on the handle probably stabilizes the racquet somewhat for volleys. I'm not sure, but that might be about 4 gms on there.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageACBAB-BLT.html

Regarding the best racquet, what you have is probably serviceable for starting out. You probably should focus your attention on the best possible footwork for hitting the ball on the sweetspot in your strike zone.

By the way, I've got 9 years on your old man.... Charlie
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
jdelcue said:
I've been trying to get out to the courts and get familiarized with all the motions and physics of the game as often as I can. Just starting out...

Someone advised me to pick up a racquet that would "help your game along" and "give you power". I ended up with a Head Flexpoint 6 (w/ Intellistring). Well, I quickly got frustrated with that racquet...

Didn't really dig the head-heavy feeling, although I think I liked the string. Not sure what the heck made me buy it in the first place...usually not the kind of guy who likes the idea of utilizing "technology" or equipment of any kind to make MY game. I'm quite the opposite -- I tend to be pretty traditional with most anything and really enjoy maintaining the purity of sports (or, again, anything) and like to play (and whoop ass on others) with the "not so flashy" or "high-tech" stuff in my hands. I think it may have been because I was warned about tennis elbow, and I didn't know what the heck that was, but the FP6 was supposed to prevent it or somethin', I dunno...

Regardless, a buddy tennis player of mine from college said to "leave that racquet alone," so I gave it to my 47 year old dad to play with (he likes it, but he's about as much of an accomplished tennis player as I am lol -- pretty sure what he likes most is that I gave it to him). Same friend gave me one of his LiquidMetal Radical OS (he uses the MP), so that's what I've been playing with and trying to learn with since. It came to me strung with Head FiberGel Perfect Power 16 (and a couple pieces of Babolat lead tape under the wrap; each piece cut from dot to dot to include one "Babolat" text on it -- any idea how much weight that is?). Since then, all I've done is add a Head XtremeSoft overgrip and a Wilson Pro overgrip on top of that and replace the Head button logo vibration dampener that was missing on the two middle mains...

One thing I know for sure is that I prefer head light to head heavy, and this racquet feels altogether better to me. No surprise, I'm sure...

But I seem to hear nothing but bad things about it on here. Granted, you're comparing it to what you state are some of the best players racquets of all-time -- the original Radicals and a few of its offspring (with diminishing returns). Nonetheless...

Just wondering what your opinions are on this racquet as a starting point for me? I would be very interested in picking up a more traditional, heavier players racquet (hopefully a Radical) with time, but not sure I'm ready for that yet...?


I will say that I have sometimes had some trouble with this racquet spinning in my hand on returning harder shots, and that sometimes the frame sounds a little "hollow" or cheapish or something, I'm not sure...but it just doesn't feel exactly as solid as I'd like it to. I hear a heavier racquet tends to feel more solid and eliminate that issue, but I'm a pretty small guy without a ton of muscle (although I'm working on that specifically because I want to increase my level of comfort on the court and with my racquet), and I fear using those 12oz+ racquets...am I right to be weary?


Aside from the general, I'm also specifically looking for some opinions on:

- Weight (overall and distribution of; figure maybe I could tweak a bit to help with that lacking solid feeling, but not take away from the head light feeling somehow?)
- String (should I be using something else?)

I know this sort of thing probably belongs in another category or thread, but I figure who better about setup on my LM Rad OS than the Radical Club! :-D


(and I apologize for the length of the post!)



Thanks,
- Joaquin.
Click to expand...

Joaquin,
I played with the LM Radical OS for about 3-4 months. I did not like the racket for 2 reasons: Stability and Weight. The way I would describe the LM Radical is it's a tweener with a taste of "player's" racket. The tight string pattern, high swingweight, lower power, and low flex give the feeling of a "player's" racket. However the weight and stability are more "tweener-ish." I take the ball off the rise every chance I get, so stability is a huge factor for me. When I was playing opponents that had averaged paced strokes, I thought the racket was fine. It was when I started playing people at my level and pace that I started to notice my racket twisting in my hands. I found that this occurred mostly when taking balls off the rise or short hopping balls hitting the baseline. Considering that I take everything off the rise this was a problem for me. When I was just rallying or taking the ball a little later, the racket was fine. I did mess with some lead tape for a while, but got tired of trying to find the right set up and picked up the Limited Edition Radical. Another thing I should mention was that I only noticed the instability on ground strokes. The racket volleyed very well and the light weight made it very maneuverable compared to the hefty LE.

In regards to lead tape, I started with putting weight at 3 and 9 o'clock. Stability instantly increased when I did so. Volleys and groundies instantly improved, but I think I put too much weight in my handle and serves were garbage. Hope this helps some.
 
Pushmaster

Pushmaster

Hall of Fame
Just hit with a Ti Rad MP again today, it had been 3 years since I last hit with one. Almost forgot how good it is, great control stick.
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Thanks for the welcome, boat! And thanks for the info on the Babolat lead tape and the on-court practice tips...

...and thanks for the heads-up, Doc! I guess I'll add a Gamma Swing Weight at 3 and 9 and see what that brings about in terms of stability vs. balance (overall weight -- that'd put me right at 330g/11.785oz). At that point, the lead currently under the grip would be perfectly counter-weighted and balance would be restored to the original 3pts. head light, I'm assuming? Although that doesn't take the weight of the overgrips into account...


And would you happen to know, more or less, how many grams it would take to get my racquet to shift balance a point in either direction? That would be really helpful to know, I think...not sure if that's how it works, though...
 
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cys19

cys19

Semi-Pro
I'm a beginner but I've developed pretty good strokes in ~50 days of playing and from instruction from my 4.5 friend.

I just came back from hitting with my friend's LM Prestige Mid. I loved hitting with it. My shots are so much more consistent with the Prestige 93 than my LM Radical 98. My only gripe is myself; I'm not in good enough shape to play endurance matches with this stick.
 
B

boatsign

New User
jdelcue:

If memory serves, here are a couple spreadsheets that help with customization.
http://www.badongo.com/file/1604939
http://www.zshare.net/download/8114409aada2/

You could also search TW to find threads like this:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=111443

To move the balance 1 point, according to one of those calculators, you would add about:

4 gm on the handle butt, or
9 gm at the top of the handle, or
6 gm (3 & 3) at 9 & 3:00, or
3 gm at 12:00.

Try searching the TW archives for more threads like these:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=84719&highlight=pro+player+specs
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/Customizing/customize.html
 
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jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
boatsign said:
jdelcue:

If memory serves, here are a couple spreadsheets that help with customization.
http://www.badongo.com/file/1604939
http://www.zshare.net/download/8114409aada2/

You could also search TW to find threads like this:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=111443

To move the balance 1 point, according to one of those calculators, you would add about:

4 gm on the handle butt, or
9 gm at the top of the handle, or
6 gm (3 & 3) at 9 & 3:00, or
3 gm at 12:00.

Try searching the TW archives for more threads like these:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=84719&highlight=pro+player+specs
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/Customizing/customize.html
Click to expand...


Thanks, boat! Super helpful...

Alright, guys. I won't bother ya's anymore. Once again, thanks for all of your help...



And add me to the list of players who play RADICAL! :-D
 
hrstrat57

hrstrat57

Hall of Fame
Doc Hollidae said:
Dunno if you found that 98 Radical MP yet, but there's on on the auction site currently.
Click to expand...

unfort it is a 4 1/4....too much work to build up...I need 4 5/8 or I would bid to win huge.

Got my L5 i radical mp austrian restrung this w/e....I was sweating it but my pro stringer got er done with no problems(these tend to break I am told)

Can't wait to break it out again wed night:cool:
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
hrstrat57 said:
unfort it is a 4 1/4....too much work to build up...I need 4 5/8 or I would bid to win huge.

Got my L5 i radical mp austrian restrung this w/e....I was sweating it but my pro stringer got er done with no problems(these tend to break I am told)

Can't wait to break it out again wed night:cool:
Click to expand...

The i.radical snapped at the throat, usually on serves or overheads.
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
xtennisloverx said:
i have a liquidmetal radical MP
i am a 3.0-3.5 jv high school player
what kind of strings should i use?
Click to expand...

It all depends what you need and what you like. String are more preference based than rackets are. We all like Radicals, but how many people like Kevlar mains and poly crosses? I do. Many if not most won't.

In the broad spectrum of strings there's two general categories everyone considers: Playability/Feel and Durability.


Natural Gut <---- Most Playability
Multifilaments
Syn Guts
Co Polys
Polys
Kevlar <------- Least Playability

For the most part, if you flip that list. Kevlar will be the most durable with gut being the least. This isn't 100% accurate, but generally durability and playability correlate negatively.
 
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jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Moses Man said:
LM Radical, leaded up to 12.5 oz. and 9 pts. head light, strung with PSG at 58 lb.--absolutely love it.
Click to expand...

Moses Man said:
I play with the MP Radical: 2 oz. at 3 and 9, the rest in the handle. Plus overgrip and head tape. Works great for me! Serving is a pleasure with this setup, and it's much more stable on volleys.
Click to expand...

Um...how is this possible? 2oz. at 3 and 9.....? That brings the racquet to 13+oz already...and not to mention HH as heck... :sad:
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Trying out a whole new weight setup w/ my new Hurricane/Attraction job tonight...
Let'cha know how it goes!

I am DETERMINED to make this LM Rad OS work for me! Lol. :p
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
xtennisloverx said:
i have a liquidmetal radical MP
i am a 3.0-3.5 jv high school player
what kind of strings should i use?
Click to expand...

I answered a few posts ago and you should tell us what you're looking for if you want some suggestions. The post I made previously gives you some reference though.
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Doc Hollidae said:
Good luck!!
Click to expand...

Thanks! ;)
I can already tell that the weight is probably gonna be more than I want to handle the whooooole night, but whatever. It'll take some getting used to, but I rather be playing with a more solid racquet setup and get tired than with an unstable racquet and whack away all night at this point...lol

....wish I had me an '95/'98 TT Radical...or even an Agassi LE Radical would do. Lol. :rolleyes: :p
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
jdelcue said:
Thanks! ;)
I can already tell that the weight is probably gonna be more than I want to handle the whooooole night, but whatever. It'll take some getting used to, but I rather be playing with a more solid racquet setup and get tired than with an unstable racquet and whack away all night at this point...lol

....wish I had me an '95/'98 TT Radical...or even an Agassi LE Radical would do. Lol. :rolleyes: :p
Click to expand...

Both of those rackets are gonna be heavier or about the same as what you got going now. I believe my sticks are probably close to 12.5 - 13 oz. with the heat shrink wrap, overgrip, Gamma Gel Grip, and rubber band.

Though I haven't hit with them in a years, the Ti. Radical will probably play faily similar to the LM Radical and I never remember having stability issues with it.
 
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jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Doc Hollidae said:
Both of those rackets are gonna be heavier or about the same as what you got going now. I believe my sticks are probably close to 12.5 - 13 oz. with the heat shrink wrap, overgrip, Gamma Gel Grip, and rubber band.

Though I haven't hit with them in a years, the Ti. Radical will probably play faily similar to the LM Radical and I never remember having stability issues with it.
Click to expand...

Oh, yeah -- I know they're heavy. But that's what I'm wanting to try right now. I dunno...I'm just skeptical that some lead tape here and there raising one racquet to a similar weight and balance distribution as another which is naturally weighted and balanced that way...they just can't play the same, obviously. The latter would be more structurally sound, without a doubt. Otherwise, we'd all buy cheapy light racquets and weight them up as we please and swing away, no? Lol...I dunno.

Yeah, I've seen a few Ti Radicals for sale here and there (never in my grip size of 1/4 or 3/8, though)...

Why is it you think that you never had stability issues with the Ti but you did with the LM? Is it all these crappy "technologies" that just get added on and goof up the works? :mad:
 
Forehand Forever

Forehand Forever

Professional
Right now I'm using a Babolat Pure Drive with Cortex. The radical has caught my eye though. I have a shoulder injury thats keeping me out of playing until about mid-July but I can hit lightly. Is the Radical a good choice for a racquet.

I'm thinking either the LM Radical or the new one that just came out.
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
frekcles said:
You rang?

Got an OS in 1/4" grip and an extra MP in 1/8" grip (I was going to save this for my daughter).

Let me know - freckles_007@hotmail.com
Click to expand...

I don't wanna be walking down the street somewhere some day and see you and your daughter and have you point at me and say, "see that guy over there, honey? That's the man who took your racquet away from us!" Lol :p

But about the OS...
Perhaps...

I dunno much about the Ti Rads, so I'll have to get back to ya on it. ;)
Plus, I've been thinking about maybe trying out a MP soon side-by-side with my LM OS...
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
xtennisloverx,
You should use the strings that feel the best to you without causing harm to your body. If you're a more feel and finesse oriented player that doesn't break strings go for syn gut, a multifilament, or natural gut. I used Gosen OG Sheep Micro when I played with syn gut. If you're a string breakers and need more control, go with poly. Cyberflash is a good option. My personal preference is Pro Supex Big Ace. I've played with both though. If you prefer a dead and stiff string bed, Kevlar might be worth a try. It's very harsh on your arm and liked by few, but people like me love it.
 
frekcles

frekcles

Semi-Pro
jdelcue said:
I don't wanna be walking down the street somewhere some day and see you and your daughter and have you point at me and say, "see that guy over there, honey? That's the man who took your racquet away from us!" Lol :p

But about the OS...
Perhaps...

I dunno much about the Ti Rads, so I'll have to get back to ya on it. ;)
Plus, I've been thinking about maybe trying out a MP soon side-by-side with my LM OS...
Click to expand...

Not a problem. Take your time.

BTW, I tricked out my other Ti Radical MP with CAP grommets. I'll have it strung soon and try it out.
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
frekcles said:
Not a problem. Take your time.

BTW, I tricked out my other Ti Radical MP with CAP grommets. I'll have it strung soon and try it out.
Click to expand...
Could you tell me a little more about those CAP grommets? Just a quick fly-by description of it's pros/cons, if you've got a chance...

They seem to be something people look forward to adding to their current model Prestiges, Radicals, and I dunno what else...
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Hey guys...
Is there such a racquet as the "Head Ti. Radical Elite"?

Someone's selling one, but it looks sorta funky to me........
 
M

Muffin Man

New User
just got my microgel radicals. strung 'em up tonight and looking forward to playing tomorrow and sunday. i'm switching back from the n6.1 95's by way of the k 6.1 tour, n 6.1 tour and a variety of other rqts after moving away from the lm radical a few years ago.

glad to be back with the radical. i loved the demo at my club and looking forward to playing with full alu power tomorrow.
 
HLM2

HLM2

Rookie
Muffin Man said:
just got my microgel radicals. strung 'em up tonight and looking forward to playing tomorrow and sunday. i'm switching back from the n6.1 95's by way of the k 6.1 tour, n 6.1 tour and a variety of other rqts after moving away from the lm radical a few years ago.

glad to be back with the radical. i loved the demo at my club and looking forward to playing with full alu power tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Be sure to tell us how it goes, especially with the full alu power. I feel that the radicals are more lively than the n6.1s
 
jdelcue

jdelcue

Rookie
Got to test drive the racquet today. Played a little doubles with my dad in a mini-tournament...

I'll start by saying that it felt a heck of a lot better. At 12.3oz/4pts HL w/ M: Hurricane Pro Tour (55lbs) and X: Attraction Power 17 (59lbs), the LM Rad OS started to feel pretty solid (especially rallying from the baseline), but of course it was a little bit tougher to wield at the net (although not much more, actually). Couldn't really tell too much about the serve...I still gotta work on my serve, as I always tend to put too much spin on it, but the spin was magnified today (causing more faults than usual). Could be the new strings, I guess...?

My only real gripe was too much power. Lol. Imagine that...
On returns, I'd just put a racquet to the ball, and it'd go long on the court (consistently). Before I changed everything, it'd just plop in the middle of my opponent's courtside (whenever I didn't mis-hit and send the racquet into a "spin wiggle" in my hand). Not sure if this increase in power is coming from the 10 grams added to 3/9 o'clock or maybe the lower-end tensions used on my strings (assuming a combo?). I'm pretty sure it's the string tension, but I'm gonna go ahead and take 5 grams off of 3/9 (it's gonna make the stats very similar to a HEAD Classic Tour @ 12.1oz/5pts. HL) and see how that affects the power level (and stability), but otherwise, I was very happy with the performance and stability of the racquet today (whenever I could GET to the ball! My footwork is still HORRENDOUS! Lol. And I've never really played organized doubles before). Forehands were going a tad longer than I was expecting, but I can figure that out. And 1hbh were doing pretty good for my level (didn't get an opportunity to try out a 2hbh -- actually didn't think of it -- wish I would have).


Still looking to secure a good, used LM Radical MP, though. Wanna test-drive it next to my OS with an identical setup....

And I would eventually like to move up to one of those bad-ass HEAD racquets! An older Radical, a PC600, PT280/630, etc...

Lol. But I know I got years ahead of me before I can even take advantage of the fact that I have any of those in my hands. For now, I'll be focusing on footwork, my FH/BH technique from the baseline, finding that sweetspot, and getting my serve going (and I will always be looking to study every facet of the game's theory, of course)...and I think an LM Radical will suite me just fine for the task.

:D
 
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