Diary of a Racketaholic

JGads · Nov 29, 2021

tim-ay said:
I definitely recommend trying the TB, but those types of matches are just choppy. Real tough to get the rhythm with any racket. And yet you pulled it out, so kudo’s man. TB is great in that type of play as it is the stronger first strike racket. But it won’t be as good as the dope for grinding out long points over the course of 2 sets. Close though… it just has a bit more pop and you end up going for more at times.

BPlain said:
I'd love to blame choppiness but as a chop inducer myself, I know better that it's operator error. And if I find myself trying to grind out long points, I'm in a world of trouble based on my game so thank you for further validation of my holic purchase. Here's to the TB and fully embracing of my serve plus one tennis game!

Yeah, agree with Tim. If you like serve + 1 tennis, the TB beats out the Doppio. It can be a plus-minus depending on how you're playing, what you're doing, who you're playing, etc.. If you're just hitting, the Doppio is far off from what the TB or 7G can do and yet I do find it almost always answers the bell in point play and I find a great rhythm and feel for what I'm doing, how far to push on the gas, when to peel off, etc. It's more nuanced that way. With the XLs, it's more bully ball, and it rewards confidence and clean hitting, if you're feeling it, with some ridiculousness. The "ceiling" for what the TB or 7G can do plus how much it loves heavy hitting is far higher than the Doppio for me, yet with the Doppio I can go to it whenever I need a bit more of a reserved or grounded oomph and/or more whippiness. When I hit with my coach the other day, who's super consistent and especially on the slower clay forces you to build a point, work him around, the Doppio was just phenomenal. And served so consistently and with great variety too. It's splitting hairs. I love them both obviously, the TB just a little bit more because of the feel and 'ceiling' edge.

BPlain · Nov 29, 2021

JGads said:
Yeah, agree with Tim. If you like serve + 1 tennis, the TB beats out the Doppio. It can be a plus-minus depending on how you're playing, what you're doing, who you're playing, etc.. If you're just hitting, the Doppio is far off from what the TB or 7G can do and yet I do find it almost always answers the bell in point play and I find a great rhythm and feel for what I'm doing, how far to push on the gas, when to peel off, etc. It's more nuanced that way. With the XLs, it's more bully ball, and it rewards confidence and clean hitting, if you're feeling it, with some ridiculousness. The "ceiling" for what the TB or 7G can do plus how much it loves heavy hitting is far higher than the Doppio for me, yet with the Doppio I can go to it whenever I need a bit more of a reserved or grounded oomph and/or more whippiness. When I hit with my coach the other day, who's super consistent and especially on the slower clay forces you to build a point, work him around, the Doppio was just phenomenal. And served so consistently and with great variety too. It's splitting hairs. I love them both obviously, the TB just a little bit more because of the feel and 'ceiling' edge.

Thanks for weighing in. TB should arrive Wed so hope to have it strung and ready for next weekend. I really liked the feel, plow, and balance on the Limoncello 315 and really love serving, whip, and free power on the Doppio so I'm hoping TB provides a happy medium of both. Regardless, it should complete my PK collection.

Power Player · Nov 29, 2021

JGads said:
Interesting about the uncapped PT still feeling sluggish. I have those two incoming and am fully prepared for the possibility of realizing the frame needs the cap for its magic, or the slightly more whip but same feel works better for me. I wonder if some mods here and there can find a happy medium. I can’t stop thinking about how good the feel is on that stick. Top 5 all time feel for me. I just hope that remains for my side pleasure hits.

Which new Prestige are you after?

Have you hit with the original PT280/57A? Just curious since I have that one and I am interested in how it compares. Here are the specs on mine:

336 strung full poly with a leather grip. 6 pts HL balance. 327 SW.

Pretty amazing specs really. Not an easy frame to play with but I am definitely thinking it needs to be strung up with a fresh job and placed in the bag.

Of course I also have a Yoko as well. I'd love to get the lead out from under the grommets and see if I can match that to the Dunlop. Just a project I have put off.

mad dog1 · Nov 29, 2021

If any holics are looking for doppios in L3, PM me.

Vicious49 · Nov 29, 2021

mad dog1 said:
If any holics are looking for doppios in L3, PM me.

Ha! I have 1 up for sale already as well.

v8 16/19 Blade just arrived. SW of 314. Will hit with it stock first before figuring out how much lead to add.

JGads · Nov 29, 2021

Power Player said:
Have you hit with the original PT280/57A? Just curious since I have that one and I am interested in how it compares. Here are the specs on mine:

336 strung full poly with a leather grip. 6 pts HL balance. 327 SW.

Pretty amazing specs really. Not an easy frame to play with but I am definitely thinking it needs to be strung up with a fresh job and placed in the bag.

Of course I also have a Yoko as well. I'd love to get the lead out from under the grommets and see if I can match that to the Dunlop. Just a project I have put off.

Long time ago I hit with the PT280 and found it to be really difficult, more so than this one. I've also hit my holic friend's PT57A several times and literally every single time I try to wield it, I fail miserably. Just impossible degree of difficulty for me, that stick. I honestly can't understand how so many people pray to that racquet.

I believe they stiffened this one up a little bit which probably is why it's much easier to hit a big ball than those - at least in my own limited experience - but I was shocked when I found out it was a 64 or 65 RA as it feels like a 60. It's a feel that makes you utter "Oh god" just like the greatest of classics.

Power Player · Nov 29, 2021

JGads said:
Long time ago I hit with the PT280 and found it to be really difficult, more so than this one. I've also hit my holic friend's PT57A several times and literally every single time I try to wield it, I fail miserably. Just impossible degree of difficulty for me, that stick. I honestly can't understand how so many people pray to that racquet.

I believe they stiffened this one up a little bit which probably is why it's much easier to hit a big ball than those - at least in my own limited experience - but I was shocked when I found out it was a 64 or 65 RA as it feels like a 60. It's a feel that makes you utter "Oh god" just like the greatest of classics.

Thats awesome. Nice to hear that its an easier to use option. I competed well with the Phantom 93, so its not like this is a huge stretch to have around. I will have to see, if the Babo Pure Strike Ltd does not deliver as we hope, maybe ill finally try this thing.

This or UT for feel? I ask because I was thinking of revisiting the UP when it comes available again. I'd love to set it up like my Dunlop and see if I fare better with it.

JGads · Nov 29, 2021

Power Player said:
Thats awesome. Nice to hear that its an easier to use option. I competed well with the Phantom 93, so its not like this is a huge stretch to have around. I will have to see, if the Babo Pure Strike Ltd does not deliver as we hope, maybe ill finally try this thing.

This or UT for feel? I ask because I was thinking of revisiting the UP when it comes available again. I'd love to set it up like my Dunlop and see if I fare better with it.

I have to stress that I don't see it as a match hitter if I were as deep into league competition as you are at the moment. This is just a cream of the crop luxury frame. Granted, my buddy who handed over his has seen me hit with everything and he's telling me the toughest ball he's handled from me is the one from the PT, was joking that he was not going to bring it for me to hit with ever again because it was impossible to deal with, and yes, I was hitting bananas with it and this was confusing both of us...

But these were two different instances where we were mainly hitting down the middle and I'd just go for the putaway shot when there was a short ball, that kind of thing. Nothing seriously in the weeds of competition, balls on the run, etc.

The feel is right there, if not better, than the UT (it's just a little firmer, less flexy, but just as rich and buttery smooth). The pancake effect on the strings in stock form is much more pronounced than with the UT, but of course with the UT there is room to roam and build with lead, and you can whip it. Honestly I'm so curious as to these uncapped versions coming my way. They'll either be epic or suddenly mediocre and in need of, well, the caps to add that stability and plow. Prepared for either possibility.

I think the best feeling frames, including pro stocks, that I've ever hit (and I haven't hit many of the classics, mind you), in no particular order, just my top ones as they come to mind, are the UT, PT2.0, TGT 293.2 Prestige (recent Prestige MP pro stock mold), my "Zeus" TGK, Blade Pro/H22, Pro Staff 85.

But if I have to win a set to save my life tomorrow, I'm grabbing a Top Banana, 7G, or Doppio as I know them like the back of my hand at this point.

Pneumated1 · Nov 29, 2021

ryushen21 said:
Interested in an extended demo? I still have one in the bag.

Actually, yes, and maybe a purchase if things go well. I appreciate the generosity.

Vicious49 · Nov 29, 2021

JGads said:
Long time ago I hit with the PT280 and found it to be really difficult, more so than this one. I've also hit my holic friend's PT57A several times and literally every single time I try to wield it, I fail miserably. Just impossible degree of difficulty for me, that stick. I honestly can't understand how so many people pray to that racquet.

I believe they stiffened this one up a little bit which probably is why it's much easier to hit a big ball than those - at least in my own limited experience - but I was shocked when I found out it was a 64 or 65 RA as it feels like a 60. It's a feel that makes you utter "Oh god" just like the greatest of classics.

The H19 was Wilsons version of the PT57A correct? If so, the PT57A is that much harder to use than the UT?

Played a set with the v8 Blade tonight. Nice frame. Very easy to use. It does most things well but there's nothing that stands out about it. The BH slice on it is pretty weak and it felt underpowered in general. I will add about 5g of lead to the hoop and try it again tomorrow.

Power Player · Nov 29, 2021

JGads said:
I have to stress that I don't see it as a match hitter if I were as deep into league competition as you are at the moment. This is just a cream of the crop luxury frame. Granted, my buddy who handed over his has seen me hit with everything and he's telling me the toughest ball he's handled from me is the one from the PT, was joking that he was not going to bring it for me to hit with ever again because it was impossible to deal with, and yes, I was hitting bananas with it and this was confusing both of us...

But these were two different instances where we were mainly hitting down the middle and I'd just go for the putaway shot when there was a short ball, that kind of thing. Nothing seriously in the weeds of competition, balls on the run, etc.

The feel is right there, if not better, than the UT (it's just a little firmer, less flexy, but just as rich and buttery smooth). The pancake effect on the strings in stock form is much more pronounced than with the UT, but of course with the UT there is room to roam and build with lead, and you can whip it. Honestly I'm so curious as to these uncapped versions coming my way. They'll either be epic or suddenly mediocre and in need of, well, the caps to add that stability and plow. Prepared for either possibility.

I think the best feeling frames, including pro stocks, that I've ever hit (and I haven't hit many of the classics, mind you), in no particular order, just my top ones as they come to mind, are the UT, PT2.0, TGT 293.2 Prestige (recent Prestige MP pro stock mold), my "Zeus" TGK, Blade Pro/H22, Pro Staff 85.

But if I have to win a set to save my life tomorrow, I'm grabbing a Top Banana, 7G, or Doppio as I know them like the back of my hand at this point.

Yeah, that sounds super sweet. I definitely hear you that it may not be a match play frame. Of course my mind says "but what if it is??" even though I am sure you are correct. I did play really well with the UT and if I can find a lighter PT 2.0 I may have to check it out, since the price is right. Of course the UP is out there as well. But a PT 2.0 with the specs of my Pt280 would basically just be a little heavier version of my Dunlop.

And yes, this Dunlop is really starting to give me some stellar feel. The strings are close to popping and the tension is probably 40#'s or so. But everything feels so direct and clean in my hand. We did a team practice tonight and I was hitting really well off of both sides. Big power for a straight thin beam. I realized that I can string this thing at 48/46 or so and it will play with uber control. This is as close as I have come to an easy to use classic frame with really nice feel. It is not the UT, but it is rather great. I hit a lot of shots tonight where each time, the frame just felt wonderful on contact. And the trajectory may be the best I have had with a 16x19. And that is what really hooks me - I can hit these deep and high balls with heavy top or just crank a flat shot and feel that fairly large sweet spot just open up. Love it. Dunlop really made a great decision to return to it's roots while making their frames far less punishing than the fantastic 200s of the past. I honestly think they have done a better job than Head, simply because I don;t feel a twinge at all in my arm ever.

I'd love to see Head take the PT 2.0 and make a 16x19 version with maybe a bit lower weight. Basically the same specs as my Dunlop or a VC95. That could be a huge winner, especially since the PT is listed as a top seller. One can dream.

JOSHL · Nov 29, 2021

I’m sure the new purple pt rev string looks killer in the synthwave but I had some hot pink wasabi laying around and I must say…..looks fantastic.

https://imgur.com/a/FgMRODn

PrinceYonex · Nov 29, 2021

JGads said:
Long time ago I hit with the PT280 and found it to be really difficult, more so than this one. I've also hit my holic friend's PT57A several times and literally every single time I try to wield it, I fail miserably. Just impossible degree of difficulty for me, that stick. I honestly can't understand how so many people pray to that racquet.

I believe they stiffened this one up a little bit which probably is why it's much easier to hit a big ball than those - at least in my own limited experience - but I was shocked when I found out it was a 64 or 65 RA as it feels like a 60. It's a feel that makes you utter "Oh god" just like the greatest of classics.

Loving that the PT is getting some attention here. What strings are you using with the PT?

Vicious49 · Nov 29, 2021

Im surprised the PT2.0 is just now getting some attention here. I assumed most in here had already tried it or owned it. The feel on it is amazing, super stable too. Id recommend stringing it in the low 40s to open up the sweet spot. I got that tip from AC Tennis or TennisNerd and it did help.

esm · Nov 30, 2021

Vicious49 said:
The H19 was Wilsons version of the PT57A correct? If so, the PT57A is that much harder to use than the UT?

IME the stock retail PT57A is heavier than the stock retail UT, unless it is a pro stock PT578A without the commercial weight.
both my PT630 (CAP) and Radical Tour 630 Bumblebee (no CAP) strung/OG only are well into the mid to high 340g's, compared to my current UT setup of low 330g.
the best i could achieve with one of my RT630 Bumblebees is high 330g's.... (with everything exact the same as the UT)
had a brief encounter with one of my PT2.0's, and thought that was rather demanding after a couple of sets... in summer

how do you find the PT57A vs. UT and/or the PT2.0 vs. UT?

JGads · Nov 30, 2021

Vicious49 said:
The H19 was Wilsons version of the PT57A correct? If so, the PT57A is that much harder to use than the UT?

Played a set with the v8 Blade tonight. Nice frame. Very easy to use. It does most things well but there's nothing that stands out about it. The BH slice on it is pretty weak and it felt underpowered in general. I will add about 5g of lead to the hoop and try it again tomorrow.

esm has it right in the post above this one. The retail pt57 I’ve hit has a base weight and SW that feels very cumbersome, and on top of that the sweet spot seemed minuscule, so it seemed so hard to hit cleanly and consistently and on top of that the feel felt firmer than the UT, just as the H19 felt firmer, making me realize the UT is in fact my favorite of all of these iterations because a) they give you a lighter stock weight/sw to begin with since we’re not ATP pros, and b) the feel is actually more soft, more buttery, which increases the PF (Pleasure Factor) and if I’m hitting a pleasure stick then I may as well go highest PF for the biggest grin on my face, just as the one or two times per year I eat pancakes I’m just going to say F it and go Hard Syrup Hard Butter.

PrinceYonex said:
Loving that the PT is getting some attention here. What strings are you using with the PT?

Friend had a hybrid of NXT/ALU and though I’m a full poly guy I must say this hybrid was stellar. The two frames coming to me have full Lyon in one and a full bed of some other super low powered poly in the other so I suspect I’ll need to restring almost immediately after I give them an initial hit. What do you like?

Since I don’t have any BK 1.23 left due to shortage I was thinking possibly Tour Sniper in one and maybe a Lynx Tour or something in the other. I think Mark Boone mentioned Lynx Edge or something being a good compliment to the frame because it adds a bit of grab and spin to the tight bed but I have no experience with this string. May also try going with a thinner gauge of something in one to see if that further enhances whip.

orlin zlatarsky · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
Yeah, that sounds super sweet. I definitely hear you that it may not be a match play frame. Of course my mind says "but what if it is??" even though I am sure you are correct. I did play really well with the UT and if I can find a lighter PT 2.0 I may have to check it out, since the price is right. Of course the UP is out there as well. But a PT 2.0 with the specs of my Pt280 would basically just be a little heavier version of my Dunlop.

And yes, this Dunlop is really starting to give me some stellar feel. The strings are close to popping and the tension is probably 40#'s or so. But everything feels so direct and clean in my hand. We did a team practice tonight and I was hitting really well off of both sides. Big power for a straight thin beam. I realized that I can string this thing at 48/46 or so and it will play with uber control. This is as close as I have come to an easy to use classic frame with really nice feel. It is not the UT, but it is rather great. I hit a lot of shots tonight where each time, the frame just felt wonderful on contact. And the trajectory may be the best I have had with a 16x19. And that is what really hooks me - I can hit these deep and high balls with heavy top or just crank a flat shot and feel that fairly large sweet spot just open up. Love it. Dunlop really made a great decision to return to it's roots while making their frames far less punishing than the fantastic 200s of the past. I honestly think they have done a better job than Head, simply because I don;t feel a twinge at all in my arm ever.

I'd love to see Head take the PT 2.0 and make a 16x19 version with maybe a bit lower weight. Basically the same specs as my Dunlop or a VC95. That could be a huge winner, especially since the PT is listed as a top seller. One can dream.

Have you tried Youtek IG Radical Pro? Isn't it closer to the Dunlop? Thanks

PrinceYonex · Nov 30, 2021

JGads said:
esm has it right in the post above this one. The retail pt57 I’ve hit has a base weight and SW that feels very cumbersome, and on top of that the sweet spot seemed minuscule, so it seemed so hard to hit cleanly and consistently and on top of that the feel felt firmer than the UT, just as the H19 felt firmer, making me realize the UT is in fact my favorite of all of these iterations because a) they give you a lighter stock weight/sw to begin with since we’re not ATP pros, and b) the feel is actually more soft, more buttery, which increases the PF (Pleasure Factor) and if I’m hitting a pleasure stick then I may as well go highest PF for the biggest grin on my face, just as the one or two times per year I eat pancakes I’m just going to say F it and go Hard Syrup Hard Butter.

Friend had a hybrid of NXT/ALU and though I’m a full poly guy I must say this hybrid was stellar. The two frames coming to me have full Lyon in one and a full bed of some other super low powered poly in the other so I suspect I’ll need to restring almost immediately after I give them an initial hit. What do you like?

Since I don’t have any BK 1.23 left due to shortage I was thinking possibly Tour Sniper in one and maybe a Lynx Tour or something in the other. I think Mark Boone mentioned Lynx Edge or something being a good compliment to the frame because it adds a bit of grab and spin to the tight bed but I have no experience with this string. May also try going with a thinner gauge of something in one to see if that further enhances whip.

I’ve liked gut mains with soft poly crosses (ptp, Ghostwire). I also actually like full NRG in this frame, which is not something I usually use with other racquets. It gives the PT a soft plush feel, opens up the sweet spot a bit.

ryushen21 · Nov 30, 2021

Well, I've gone down a string rabbit hole. Ytex had a great BF deal with buy 2 get one reels so I have triangle twisted, quadro twist, and square x coming in. I was going to order a reel of 17g GW from Tier One but their stock remains depleted.

Power Player · Nov 30, 2021

JGads said:
esm has it right in the post above this one. The retail pt57 I’ve hit has a base weight and SW that feels very cumbersome, and on top of that the sweet spot seemed minuscule, so it seemed so hard to hit cleanly and consistently and on top of that the feel felt firmer than the UT, just as the H19 felt firmer, making me realize the UT is in fact my favorite of all of these iterations because a) they give you a lighter stock weight/sw to begin with since we’re not ATP pros, and b) the feel is actually more soft, more buttery, which increases the PF (Pleasure Factor) and if I’m hitting a pleasure stick then I may as well go highest PF for the biggest grin on my face, just as the one or two times per year I eat pancakes I’m just going to say F it and go Hard Syrup Hard Butter.

Friend had a hybrid of NXT/ALU and though I’m a full poly guy I must say this hybrid was stellar. The two frames coming to me have full Lyon in one and a full bed of some other super low powered poly in the other so I suspect I’ll need to restring almost immediately after I give them an initial hit. What do you like?

Since I don’t have any BK 1.23 left due to shortage I was thinking possibly Tour Sniper in one and maybe a Lynx Tour or something in the other. I think Mark Boone mentioned Lynx Edge or something being a good compliment to the frame because it adds a bit of grab and spin to the tight bed but I have no experience with this string. May also try going with a thinner gauge of something in one to see if that further enhances whip.

PrinceYonex said:
I’ve liked gut mains with soft poly crosses (ptp, Ghostwire). I also actually like full NRG in this frame, which is not something I usually use with other racquets. It gives the PT a soft plush feel, opens up the sweet spot a bit.

Woah, multi mains and poly crosses? Now you are speaking to me here. I feel like that combo would break very quickly though. Is not that the case - how is the control?

NRG full seems like it would lose a lot of control as well. What is your experience there? It would be amazing to not use full poly all the time but Im not sure I can do it anymore..lol.

topspn · Nov 30, 2021

ryushen21 said:
Well, I've gone down a string rabbit hole. Ytex had a great BF deal with buy 2 get one reels so I have triangle twisted, quadro twist, and square x coming in. I was going to order a reel of 17g GW from Tier One but their stock remains depleted.

lol you have a lot of stringing to do. I do like square x!

PrinceYonex · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
Woah, multi mains and poly crosses? Now you are speaking to me here. I feel like that combo would break very quickly though. Is not that the case - how is the control?

NRG full seems like it would lose a lot of control as well. What is your experience there? It would be amazing to not use full poly all the time but Im not sure I can do it anymore..lol.

For background, I almost never use full poly, so the drop off in moving to full multi (in spin, in control) is not that immense for me, and what you gain is a very plush, soft feel. In terms of losing tension and control with full multi, it definitely happens over time. But the very dense 18/20 in a smaller headsize helps out here.

ryushen21 · Nov 30, 2021

topspn said:
lol you have a lot of stringing to do. I do like square x!

I just made the stringing schedule for my team. Despite telling them many times, my players don't believe that their strings need to be changed out every 2 weeks or so.

I also wanted to revisit Quadro Twist and Square X with the suggested tension bump that people have mentioned.

But I really need to get that reel of GW because I absolutely love using that as a cross with Triangle Twisted.

tim-ay · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
Woah, multi mains and poly crosses? Now you are speaking to me here. I feel like that combo would break very quickly though. Is not that the case - how is the control?

NRG full seems like it would lose a lot of control as well. What is your experience there? It would be amazing to not use full poly all the time but Im not sure I can do it anymore..lol.

Some setups last an hour, but I’ll get 5 or 6 hours out of PPC mains and Cream crosses. I use that setup in rackets I’m not playing with very much. This time of year, it’s nice for cooler days also. I have that setup in a dope and it plays very similarly to full poly, believe it or not. A little less control and a little too muted for a match set up, but still…. Works better than one would believe.

Curtennis · Nov 30, 2021

ryushen21 said:
I just made the stringing schedule for my team. Despite telling them many times, my players don't believe that their strings need to be changed out every 2 weeks or so.

I also wanted to revisit Quadro Twist and Square X with the suggested tension bump that people have mentioned.

But I really need to get that reel of GW because I absolutely love using that as a cross with Triangle Twisted.

I can’t speak for those strings, but I did use Ytex Hexagon X ever so slightly above their recommended tension and it was still way too trampoliney with how soft and powerful the string already is. I think they’re doing themselves a huge disservice by recommending head sizes under 100 go to under 45 lbs. I probably would have liked the string much more at 52+ but that’s not how I tried it, per their recommendation and now I just dislike their strings because of my beyond bad experience. Worst stringbed I ever played.

Power Player · Nov 30, 2021

tim-ay said:
Some setups last an hour, but I’ll get 5 or 6 hours out of PPC mains and Cream crosses. I use that setup in rackets I’m not playing with very much. This time of year, it’s nice for cooler days also. I have that setup in a dope and it plays very similarly to full poly, believe it or not. A little less control and a little too muted for a match set up, but still…. Works better than one would believe.

What is PPC?

tim-ay · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
What is PPC?

Prince Premier Control. Plays deader than most multi’s which is what I prefer by a long shot.

Power Player · Nov 30, 2021

tim-ay said:
Prince Premier Control. Plays deader than most multi’s which is what I prefer by a long shot.

Yeah I may put a multi/Element setup in my classic frames. Sounds like a good idea.

tim-ay · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
Yeah I may put a multi/Element setup in my classic frames. Sounds like a good idea.

PPC is cheap too. 89 bucks a reel. Probably cheap in single packs also…. I bought a reel years ago and only use it for side lined rackets. I tried quite a few multi’s back in the early 2010’s and hated almost all of them. Xcel isn’t terrible, I’m not a fan of any of the TF multi’s (clearly I’m in the minority) and PPC is the only one I’ll use. Plays almost like a poly if you cross it with a round poly.

Tranqville · Nov 30, 2021

@Power Player Which Dunlop are you so happy about, is it the latest CX 200 Tour 16x19?

Kozzy · Nov 30, 2021

I've really been loving cream mains with OGSM crosses (I've settled on mid 40s with a couple pounds tighter on the crosses). That's a great combo that's quite durable and long lasting for me. And the feel is great, at least in most of the racquets I've been using recently (Vcore tour 89 and Volkl Sense 10 Tour "player stocks"). Also, it has a great sound (no dampener) - satisfying crack. I really did love full syngut or multi in the PT630 when I was playing with that. If I wasn't loving the Volkls so much that I don't even want to look at another frame, I might consider trying it again since I still have a nice one lying around...

Power Player · Nov 30, 2021

Tranqville said:
@Power Player Which Dunlop are you so happy about, is it the latest CX 200 Tour 16x19?

Yes, thats what I am using. I wouldn't suggest it unless you can customize it with a Sw machine and know the target specs that work for you. But if you can do those things, I am finding this to be my favorite modern control frame.

Power Player · Nov 30, 2021

Kozzy said:
I've really been loving cream mains with OGSM crosses (I've settled on mid 40s with a couple pounds tighter on the crosses). That's a great combo that's quite durable and long lasting for me. And the feel is great, at least in most of the racquets I've been using recently (Vcore tour 89 and Volkl Sense 10 Tour "player stocks"). Also, it has a great sound (no dampener) - satisfying crack. I really did love full syngut or multi in the PT630 when I was playing with that. If I wasn't loving the Volkls so much that I don't even want to look at another frame, I might consider trying it again since I still have a nice one lying around...

Ok yeah, this may be even better to me as well. I love syn gut crosses and Cream is awesome. I think this is probably a great setup for the frames I don't use as often.

Tranqville · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
Yes, thats what I am using. I wouldn't suggest it unless you can customize it with a Sw machine and know the target specs that work for you. But if you can do those things, I am finding this to be my favorite modern control frame.

I used to play with Dunlop a lot in the past (200G from the early 2000s), so I keep wondering how the modern incarnation plays. Looks like a perfect racquet for my game, but I want a bit higher SW and static weight.

ryushen21 · Nov 30, 2021

Curtennis said:
I can’t speak for those strings, but I did use Ytex Hexagon X ever so slightly above their recommended tension and it was still way too trampoliney with how soft and powerful the string already is. I think they’re doing themselves a huge disservice by recommending head sizes under 100 go to under 45 lbs. I probably would have liked the string much more at 52+ but that’s not how I tried it, per their recommendation and now I just dislike their strings because of my beyond bad experience. Worst stringbed I ever played.

So, you played with a string one time and made a definite judgment based on that? Sounds terribly narrow-minded if you ask me. I usually purchase 2-3 sets of a test string at one time so that I can start with my usual reference tension and adjust from there until I can get a better overall picture of the string performance.

For example, my first time playing with Ytex PPT, I found the result was ok but not quite to my liking. I adjusted the tension up 3 pounds and now it's contesting to be my primary string.

Yes, Ytex tends to be on the softer side but that should leave a wider range to find the tension that works for you. You don't have to follow a manufacturer's recommendation. Advice in the string forum is invaluable.

Power Player · Nov 30, 2021

Tranqville said:
I used to play with Dunlop a lot in the past (200G from the early 2000s), so I keep wondering how the modern incarnation plays. Looks like a perfect racquet for my game, but I want a bit higher SW and static weight.

Right, thats why I think its a platform frame that needs lead. I love the old Dunlops and this captures that solid thumping feel. I play at 336 strung and 328 SW and it's fantastic. If I played it with stock swing weight it would probably not work for me. Its a very, very solid racquet which is nice in the era of hollower feeling stuff.

Most important, I am playing really great tennis with this frame. It just gives me a ton of confidence when the pressure is on.

ryushen21 · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
Right, thats why I think its a platform frame that needs lead. I love the old Dunlops and this captures that solid thumping feel. I play at 336 strung and 328 SW and it's fantastic. If I played it with stock swing weight it would probably not work for me. Its a very, very solid racquet which is nice in the era of hollower feeling stuff.

Most important, I am playing really great tennis with this frame. It just gives me a ton of confidence when the pressure is on.

Now, you've got me wondering if there was some weird voodoo that the 16x19 got that the 18x20 didn't.

2nd Serve Ace · Nov 30, 2021

tim-ay said:
PPC is cheap too. 89 bucks a reel. Probably cheap in single packs also…. I bought a reel years ago and only use it for side lined rackets. I tried quite a few multi’s back in the early 2010’s and hated almost all of them. Xcel isn’t terrible, I’m not a fan of any of the TF multi’s (clearly I’m in the minority) and PPC is the only one I’ll use. Plays almost like a poly if you cross it with a round poly.

PPC black is the deadest multi going. Although Velocity B isn't far behind.

Power Player · Nov 30, 2021

ryushen21 said:
Now, you've got me wondering if there was some weird voodoo that the 16x19 got that the 18x20 didn't.

No idea. I can only say that this frame has rocketed to the top for me over the Vc95. But I really like the level of control plus the ease of use and comfort.

ryushen21 · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
No idea. I can only say that this frame has rocketed to the top for me over the Vc95. But I really like the level of control plus the ease of use and comfort.

I love the swings in this thread. It's crazy how just as we think we're getting settled in with a frame that something else comes and mixes things up and gets everyone's wheels spinning.

JGads · Nov 30, 2021

Power Player said:
Woah, multi mains and poly crosses? Now you are speaking to me here. I feel like that combo would break very quickly though. Is not that the case - how is the control?

NRG full seems like it would lose a lot of control as well. What is your experience there? It would be amazing to not use full poly all the time but Im not sure I can do it anymore..lol.

Yeah, with NXT in the mains I would have expected launchiness and lack of snap back but wasn't experiencing that in the fresh-ish (less than two hours) bed there in the PT. How it would age, I don't know, but the feel is spectacular and I was getting the very poly-like late-dips at the baseline to clip it. As with the PT for me, nothing has made sense as to how I was hitting so well with it - frame or stringjob - compared to what I'm usually swinging, but it was what it was. It'll be interesting to see what different beds feel like once my used pair hits, which should hopefully be in the next couple of days.

Vicious49 · Nov 30, 2021

esm said:
IME the stock retail PT57A is heavier than the stock retail UT, unless it is a pro stock PT578A without the commercial weight.
both my PT630 (CAP) and Radical Tour 630 Bumblebee (no CAP) strung/OG only are well into the mid to high 340g's, compared to my current UT setup of low 330g.
the best i could achieve with one of my RT630 Bumblebees is high 330g's.... (with everything exact the same as the UT)
had a brief encounter with one of my PT2.0's, and thought that was rather demanding after a couple of sets... in summer

how do you find the PT57A vs. UT and/or the PT2.0 vs. UT?

I've never hit a PT57A so can't compare there. I feel the UT is a bit easier to use than the PT2.0. It's a little easier to swing and has a slightly bigger head size. Feel is great on both but the PT2.0 may take that one by a nose. My arm gets tired faster with the PT than it does with the UT. The PT does pancake the ball though.

Power Player said:
Woah, multi mains and poly crosses? Now you are speaking to me here. I feel like that combo would break very quickly though. Is not that the case - how is the control?

NRG full seems like it would lose a lot of control as well. What is your experience there? It would be amazing to not use full poly all the time but Im not sure I can do it anymore..lol.

I've used NRG crossed with round poly on my VC95s and loved it so I decided to try it on some other frames. I tried that in the Dunlop and it feels almost too plush. I guarantee you'll never have arm issues using that setup in that frame.

My PT2.0 is strung with Lynx Tour crossed with TNT syn gut at 42#. I'm tempted to go out and play with it tonight.

Pneumated1 · Nov 30, 2021

tim-ay said:
Plays almost like a poly if you cross it with a round poly.

It really does. I had a hard time busting it in the mains in the UT.

Pneumated1 · Nov 30, 2021

JGads said:
Yeah, with NXT in the mains I would have expected launchiness and lack of snap back but wasn't experiencing that in the fresh-ish (less than two hours) bed there in the PT. How it would age, I don't know, but the feel is spectacular and I was getting the very poly-like late-dips at the baseline to clip it. As with the PT for me, nothing has made sense as to how I was hitting so well with it - frame or stringjob - compared to what I'm usually swinging, but it was what it was. It'll be interesting to see what different beds feel like once my used pair hits, which should hopefully be in the next couple of days.

That's the beauty of a premium multi/poly hybrid in my experience. Sublime tennis for 2-5 hours until the mains bust, and yeah, gut mains last weeks/months longer, but you end up with a bagged out string bed at some point. As long as stringing and stringing costs aren't an issue, something like NXT is amazing.

faded_lines · Nov 30, 2021

Vicious49 said:
I've used NRG crossed with round poly on my VC95s and loved it so I decided to try it on some other frames. I tried that in the Dunlop and it feels almost too plush. I guarantee you'll never have arm issues using that setup in that frame.

I might try NRG2 crossed with GW in my VC95 and see how it plays, as I have a reel both. Never tried Multi/Poly before so interested to try.

Vicious49 · Nov 30, 2021

Pneumated1 said:
It really does. I had a hard time busting it in the mains in the UT.

It last much longer in a dense pattern like the UT. I wouldn't recommend it as much in most 16/19 as it won't last nearly as long.

faded_lines said:
I might try NRG2 crossed with GW in my VC95 and see how it plays, as I have a reel both. Never tried Multi/Poly before so interested to try.

Should be fine for a while with a round poly like GW. If you're 4.5 or higher it will pop on you much faster than it does for me.

Vicious49 · Nov 30, 2021

Just added 5g of lead to bring the v8 Blade SW to 325. It felt way too anemic in stock form.

Not sure if I should be proud or sad about how comfortable I'm becoming with lead.

Curtennis · Nov 30, 2021

ryushen21 said:
So, you played with a string one time and made a definite judgment based on that? Sounds terribly narrow-minded if you ask me. I usually purchase 2-3 sets of a test string at one time so that I can start with my usual reference tension and adjust from there until I can get a better overall picture of the string performance.

For example, my first time playing with Ytex PPT, I found the result was ok but not quite to my liking. I adjusted the tension up 3 pounds and now it's contesting to be my primary string.

Yes, Ytex tends to be on the softer side but that should leave a wider range to find the tension that works for you. You don't have to follow a manufacturer's recommendation. Advice in the string forum is invaluable.

It sounds terribly narrow minded to take what I said, form your own opinion and then flame me. I received one pack of that particular string and even at the tension I strung (their recommended tension mind you) it performed worse than any other string I typically use even at that tension. I’ve used Hyper-G, Lynx Tour, all somewhat firm strings and I just prefer them. I’m already very happy with the strings in my rotation so why fool around and spend cash on something I really don’t need. I simply shared my single experience and noted it as such. I will refrain from sharing in your forum moving forward.

ryushen21 · Nov 30, 2021

Curtennis said:
I probably would have liked the string much more at 52+ but that’s not how I tried it, per their recommendation and now I just dislike their strings because of my beyond bad experience. Worst stringbed I ever played.

Curtennis said:
It sounds terribly narrow minded to take what I said, form your own opinion and then flame me. I received one pack of that particular string and even at the tension I strung (their recommended tension mind you) it performed worse than any other string I typically use even at that tension. I’ve used Hyper-G, Lynx Tour, all somewhat firm strings and I just prefer them. I’m already very happy with the strings in my rotation so why fool around and spend cash on something I really don’t need. I simply shared my single experience and noted it as such. I will refrain from sharing in your forum moving forward.

You wrote off an entire line of strings based on one bad experience. You didn't even attempt to try the string again at a tension that you might have preferred or that could have changed some characteristics of how the string played. If that's not narrow-minded, I don't know what is.

At the very least, that's ill-advised for most players as trial and error is part of the game.

mad dog1 · Nov 30, 2021

Curtennis said:
It sounds terribly narrow minded to take what I said, form your own opinion and then flame me. I received one pack of that particular string and even at the tension I strung (their recommended tension mind you) it performed worse than any other string I typically use even at that tension. I’ve used Hyper-G, Lynx Tour, all somewhat firm strings and I just prefer them. I’m already very happy with the strings in my rotation so why fool around and spend cash on something I really don’t need. I simply shared my single experience and noted it as such. I will refrain from sharing in your forum moving forward.

Please stick around and continue sharing!

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