*** Long Live The Radicals ***

vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Ross K said:
About a 4.0.


Q. for Doc or others,

Do you happen to know any present or past pro's who play/played with the Rad Tour Twin Tube? I think it was Sebastian Grosjean who played with my XL version. Andre of course may (or may not) have wielded it... but who else?
Click to expand...
Besides Grosjean, Enqvist, and Pioline that have been already mentioned. You have off the top of my head:

Arnaud Clement
ArnaudClement.jpg


Fabrice Santoro
FabriceSantoro.jpg


Marc-Kevin Goellner
Marc-KevinGoellner.jpg


Hernan Gumy The current coach of Marat Safin
HernanGumy.jpg


At the very least they are using the paint job of the Radical Tour TwinTube 630. It could also be the Pro Tour 630 w/ RADTourTT630 paint job. You can't tell from just looking at the racquet because both the PT630 and the RADTourTT630 both use the same mold just different layups.
 
E

EZV

New User
i was lucky enought to snag one a couple of years ago for real cheap, really good condition too. love that stick
 
R

Ross K

Legend
vsbabolat said:
Besides Grosjean, Enqvist, and Pioline that have been already mentioned. You have off the top of my head:

Arnaud Clement
ArnaudClement.jpg


Fabrice Santoro
FabriceSantoro.jpg


Marc-Kevin Goellner
Marc-KevinGoellner.jpg


Hernan Gumy The current coach of Marat Safin
HernanGumy.jpg


At the very least they are using the paint job of the Radical Tour TwinTube 630. It could also be the Pro Tour 630 w/ RADTourTT630 paint job. You can't tell from just looking at the racquet because both the PT630 and the RADTourTT630 both use the same mold just different layups.
Click to expand...

Thanks vs. Great pics that should be framed immediately!... and BTW, I didn't know about Santoro.


EZV,

And I wish I could snag a standard size Twin Tube ('98 model) just to see how it compares to my XL baseline beast!
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
Ross K said:
Thanks vs. Great pics that should be framed immediately!... and BTW, I didn't know about Santoro.


EZV,

And I wish I could snag a standard size Twin Tube ('98 model) just to see how it compares to my XL baseline beast!
Click to expand...

There's one on the bay in good condition.
 
HLM2

HLM2

Rookie
AlpineCadet said:
Just bought 2 LM Radicals from TW last night. Curious to see if they sound/feel metallic with a full poly setup and a dampener.
Click to expand...

I have LM radicals with full poly and the o dampener. I've always used a dampener, and any racket without one to me feels metallic. The radical does not feel metallic and sounds good with the o dampener, the poly really turns the medium level power racket into a traditional players type letting you take much bigger swings. This is my preferred setup.

My question to other LM radical users is do you feel the racket is good enough for heavy returns? The light weight factor makes it feel easily pushed around when im not swinging but blocking back a rreally hard serve. Thoughts?
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
HLM2 said:
I have LM radicals with full poly and the o dampener. I've always used a dampener, and any racket without one to me feels metallic. The radical does not feel metallic and sounds good with the o dampener, the poly really turns the medium level power racket into a traditional players type letting you take much bigger swings. This is my preferred setup.

My question to other LM radical users is do you feel the racket is good enough for heavy returns? The light weight factor makes it feel easily pushed around when im not swinging but blocking back a rreally hard serve. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

In regards to the OS, I thought returns with the LM Radical were terrible and when playing against pace it wasn't able to hold it's own.
 
HLM2

HLM2

Rookie
Im not sure as to my lack of practice on returns or whether it really is the racket. Ill have to pull out my heavier frames or demo something next time and see. Again, its great when im swinging away, but when im just blocking it feels sorta easily pushed around/
 
J

j30tennis

Rookie
HLM2 said:
Im not sure as to my lack of practice on returns or whether it really is the racket. Ill have to pull out my heavier frames or demo something next time and see. Again, its great when im swinging away, but when im just blocking it feels sorta easily pushed around/
Click to expand...

I am getting the same response from the LM rad, I do not use a dampner however. When a ball is hit with good pace and deep or with heavy topspin it seems that blocking is not an option because the ball will end up in the bottom of the net. when swing away it is a terrific stick. I have been trying more of a slice return on deep heavy shots and it seems to work.
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
My fellow Radicals,

I have made the decision that it might be time for me to part with the radicals and find some new sticks to fit my game. For the time being I'll be intensively demoing rackets to see what I like and dislike. As much as I love Andre and my radicals, I have to do what's best for my game and keeps those W's rolling in. Should I decide to switch, you guys will get first dibs on my rackets if anyone wants them.

-Doc
 
D

Deleted member 25923

Guest
how is the microgel radical? i'm gonna be hitting with it tomorrow during lessons along with my extreme pro demo and possibly a pure drive roddick demo
 
-Kap-

-Kap-

Rookie
Doc Hollidae said:
My fellow Radicals,

I have made the decision that it might be time for me to part with the radicals and find some new sticks to fit my game...
Click to expand...


Doc?? Say it ain't so! :cry:


Seriously, though, at your level it's pretty important to have a racquet that really suits you, and if there's something better for you, then I'm sure you'll find it. I'm curious to see what you'll finally get. Let us know! :D
 
Tempest344

Tempest344

Professional
HLM2 said:
I have LM radicals with full poly and the o dampener. I've always used a dampener, and any racket without one to me feels metallic. The radical does not feel metallic and sounds good with the o dampener, the poly really turns the medium level power racket into a traditional players type letting you take much bigger swings. This is my preferred setup.

My question to other LM radical users is do you feel the racket is good enough for heavy returns? The light weight factor makes it feel easily pushed around when im not swinging but blocking back a rreally hard serve. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

yes I would agree ( at least on the forehand side for me)
I just have to make sure i'm really stepping into it so I have some chance for the next shot
 
H

herosol

Professional
AlpineCadet said:
They play nothing alike in my opinion, because the k90 is much stiffer, weighs at least 1.5 ounces more, has an open string pattern, and is very headlight/whippy.
Click to expand...

spec-wise that is all true.

but to me it was just my usual mid-sizes, with less static and swingweight, more forgiveness, and open string on the k90 really is comparable to the closed on the lm mid+ is the fact the mid+'s 18x20 is really open for a close pattern.

In the same way, the k90's pattern is pretty open, but the headsize compensates some spin, but yea, i love lm mid+ now :D
 
master_stringer_mitchy

master_stringer_mitchy

Banned
ive used the lm radical os and after going away for a while am now using the microgel os's. i usualy string with a full bed of alu power and have added 12 grams of lead at 3 and 9 and they feel good. my only thing is that i am put of by the oversize head now and dont like the midplus. how do you like the pro????
 
AlpineCadet

AlpineCadet

Hall of Fame
I just applied the GRANITECHIEF weight setup on my Radical, and will have the frame strung on Wednesday. I was inspired from watching his match against onehandbh. (Thanks GC.)
 
bertrevert

bertrevert

Legend
Time the MG Rad MP got a rave up...

Preview:

Sunday in Sydney, cloudy but you could feel the UV zip through and sting the skin. Humid, hot, heavy.

I had a competitive match -- ugh, midday -- and I turned to my opponent and said in cornball-US "we is going to be fricasseed chickens out here" and slapped on the sun cream.

After having lost the match, real quick, with my LM Rad strung with poly (and screaming tennis elbow) I wanted to loosen up with the OTHER Rad in my bag - the MG Rad MP - for a social game or two.

Well, you know, no pressure, just fun, and crucially a lighter static weight and syn-gut plus heaps more flexibilty I hit the shots I'd been wanting to hit (without elbow complaint).

Review:

The MG Rad MP's narrowed bridge gives it feel and touch.

That may mean less power and certainty against heavy hitters, it also means the stringbed is more responsive and alive.

The racquet is light but can stand up to quite a lot. (I was against a prestige flat hitter and an I-don't-know spinner.)

The MG Rad MP punches above its weight.

It's for flat hitters being 18x20 so you have all that depth control necessary and it can hit a handy put away when required.

I have this MG pretty much stock except for 5 grams of lead at the top of the handle grip. I tried making it HL with 20 grams under the buttcap but hated it.

It's plenty responsive in the upper hoop, so if you tend to hit high you'll be fine.

But the big plus to me is that it is a lightweight but comfortable frame, and my TE is not as bad as with other racqs and strings.

This Rad has lot more flex than previous Rads, and the thinner bridge softens it further. A very responsive ride.
 
jace112

jace112

Semi-Pro


This Radical TwinTube is awesome. Even better than the first release IMHO. It's lighter, incredible control and power. Very nice stick!
 
GRANITECHIEF

GRANITECHIEF

Hall of Fame
AlpineCadet said:
I just applied the GRANITECHIEF weight setup on my Radical, and will have the frame strung on Wednesday. I was inspired from watching his match against onehandbh. (Thanks GC.)
Click to expand...

Sure AC, hope it works out well for you. Let me know what you think!!

I bet the MG Radical would be mighty sweet with some customization too!
 
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AlpineCadet

AlpineCadet

Hall of Fame
GRANITECHIEF said:
Sure AC, hope it works out well for you. Let me know what you think!!

I bet the MG Radical would be mighty sweet with some customization too!
Click to expand...
Not sure if I got it right, but I tried two strips of 3.5 1/2 inch lead, and four strips 2.5 inches. I'm going to use Wilson Reaction 16, instead of full poly. I can't wait until I get some grommets already.
 
GRANITECHIEF

GRANITECHIEF

Hall of Fame
AlpineCadet said:
Not sure if I got it right, but I tried two strips of 3.5 1/2 inch lead, and four strips 2.5 inches. I'm going to use Wilson Reaction 16, instead of full poly. I can't wait until I get some grommets already.
Click to expand...

The extra weight sounds very similar to what i have, roughly 12 inches of lead.

Why no poly? What about CYBERPOWER!!

BTW, my boy is still in. Made the semi's and gets a shot at #1 seed. Also in the quarters of dubs and would be very surprised if they lost today!!
 
onehandbh

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
AlpineCadet said:
I just applied the GRANITECHIEF weight setup on my Radical, and will have the frame strung on Wednesday. I was inspired from watching his match against onehandbh. (Thanks GC.)
Click to expand...

btw, I don't think it was the granitechief setup that beat me.
it was the granitechief himself. wouldn't have mattered what
he used. I think it was something like 0, 2 & 3. Could have
been even worse if he was serving better.

Thanks for the match, GC. If anyone else gets a chance to
play the GC, give it a go. He's a tough competitor and a
good sport. Hope to improve a bit so that I can make it more
competitive the next time.
 
E

EZV

New User
got a question for those play with the original trisys OS......how different does it play from the later chinese reissues?
 
AlpineCadet

AlpineCadet

Hall of Fame
GRANITECHIEF said:
The extra weight sounds very similar to what i have, roughly 12 inches of lead.

Why no poly? What about CYBERPOWER!!

BTW, my boy is still in. Made the semi's and gets a shot at #1 seed. Also in the quarters of dubs and would be very surprised if they lost today!!
Click to expand...

Well, I had a bad experience with a full set of Gosen Polylon in my Radical. It felt as though the frame had very little power compared to my first string job, which was strung with full synthetic gut. I guess I could try poly again.. I wonder how Cyberpower plays? lol, maybe I should pick up a set and try a hybrid.

onehandbh said:
btw, I don't think it was the granitechief setup that beat me.
it was the granitechief himself.
Click to expand...
I know that. ;) I am just curious to try his setup on the Radical.
 
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GRANITECHIEF

GRANITECHIEF

Hall of Fame
Onehandbh, thanks again for playing, i really enjoyed the sets. You are correct that sometimes my serve clicks a bit better.

I look forward to playing again.

BTW, did you sneak out an extra game in that last set that i didn't know about. I wrote 0,2,2 in my journal.

Alpine, defitely try Cyberpower. Its the closest poly to a multi that i've tried yet and still has wicked spin and good power. Its one of the only poly's that i don't hybrid.
 
onehandbh

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
GRANITECHIEF said:
Onehandbh, thanks again for playing, i really enjoyed the sets. You are correct that sometimes my serve clicks a bit better.

I look forward to playing again.

BTW, did you sneak out an extra game in that last set that i didn't know about. I wrote 0,2,2 in my journal.
Click to expand...

Hi Granitechief. Ditto. I had a lot of fun. It's always fun for
me to playing against good, competitive players who are
also good sports as well.

I could be wrong, but here's what i remember from the last
set:

- I started serving on the side closest to the parking lot.
- I went up 2-0 (this part I remember for sure).
- You came back and took the lead.
- I lost the last game serving on the side closest to the
parking lot. I started the game up 40-0 and then you broke
me.
- In the prior game (also from the same sides) I believe
I broke your serve after you were up something like 40-15.
I think it went to at least one deuce.
- It also adds up if you take the changeovers into account.
 
hyogen

hyogen

Hall of Fame
Hey all you radicals...

can you guys tell me some reasons why you play with a Radical over a Prestige?

Does it suit your more topspin game? Does it have more pop than the prestige? More comfortable to the arm?

More of a tweener stick than the Prestige? More suited for a 4.0 player? :O thanks
 
Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
can you guys tell me some reasons why you play with a Radical over a Prestige?
I liked Andre Agassi more than Ivanisevic. Also at the time I was choosing rackets, the PC600 was much lowered powered than the Radical TT Tour imo.

Does it suit your more topspin game?
More of a user issue than racket issue. They're about similar.

Does it have more pop than the prestige?
Yes, but not significantly more.

More comfortable to the arm?
Subjective. Feel the same to me. Radicals are lighter these days as well.

More of a tweener stick than the Prestige? More suited for a 4.0 player? :O
To an extent yes. Radicals have tweener like specs, but plays like a player's racket. Lowered powered than most tweeners and a lot more flex. No racket is rating specific, it's what fits your game and strokes the best.
 
AlpineCadet

AlpineCadet

Hall of Fame
GRANITECHIEF said:
Alpine, defitely try Cyberpower. Its the closest poly to a multi that i've tried yet and still has wicked spin and good power. Its one of the only poly's that i don't hybrid.
Click to expand...
I just bought two sets of Cyberpower in 17 and 16 gauge. :) BTW, have you seen the specs for the kBlade 98 vs the LM Radical 98? They look pretty similar!
 
bertrevert

bertrevert

Legend
First of all I play the Rad MP, the Agassi-inspired one is the OS.

Rather, in the MP I believe I found a 98 that plays like a 95.

(My view is that it really is a 95, but that's a topic concerned with whether Head measures the stringbed or includes the hoop...)

can you guys tell me some reasons why you play with a Radical over a Prestige?

Different balance, for I always felt the Prestige you had to be Safin-tall to wield it, because it's balance point was further out. The Rad is whippier.

Lighter stock weight (better platform for customisation).

Slightly different teardrop shape. More versatile for all-court play.

And in the latest incarnation the Microgel Rad MP we have a thinned bridge, reducing power, but increasing feel, responsiveness, accuracy.

Does it suit your more topspin game? Does it have more pop than the prestige? More comfortable to the arm?

Yes & yes & yes.

More of a tweener stick than the Prestige? More suited for a 4.0 player? :O thanks

Yes. However the tweener specs don't put it in Babolat PD territory. I know because I spent a year with a Bab PD. Certainly the MP still requires proper mechanics and full-blooded strokes, it doesn't add much power and is nimble and responsive.

I cannot shuck great weight in a racquet in any long competitive match (thin arms). I play 3 times a week and besides running don't do gym for tennis, so the Rad isn't too demanding in fitness terms, rallies no problem.

Summary: the Prestige is for lumberjack weightlifters who have no patience and want to end points in a one-two karate chop!
 
E

EZV

New User
can anybody tell me if the chinese reissue radial tour bumblebee plays different from the original radical trisys 260 OS? and if yes, how? stiffer maybe?
 
hyogen

hyogen

Hall of Fame
bertrevert said:
First of all I play the Rad MP, the Agassi-inspired one is the OS.

Rather, in the MP I believe I found a 98 that plays like a 95.

(My view is that it really is a 95, but that's a topic concerned with whether Head measures the stringbed or includes the hoop...)

can you guys tell me some reasons why you play with a Radical over a Prestige?

Different balance, for I always felt the Prestige you had to be Safin-tall to wield it, because it's balance point was further out. The Rad is whippier.

Lighter stock weight (better platform for customisation).

Slightly different teardrop shape. More versatile for all-court play.

And in the latest incarnation the Microgel Rad MP we have a thinned bridge, reducing power, but increasing feel, responsiveness, accuracy.

Does it suit your more topspin game? Does it have more pop than the prestige? More comfortable to the arm?

Yes & yes & yes.

More of a tweener stick than the Prestige? More suited for a 4.0 player? :O thanks

Yes. However the tweener specs don't put it in Babolat PD territory. I know because I spent a year with a Bab PD. Certainly the MP still requires proper mechanics and full-blooded strokes, it doesn't add much power and is nimble and responsive.

I cannot shuck great weight in a racquet in any long competitive match (thin arms). I play 3 times a week and besides running don't do gym for tennis, so the Rad isn't too demanding in fitness terms, rallies no problem.

Summary: the Prestige is for lumberjack weightlifters who have no patience and want to end points in a one-two karate chop!
Click to expand...

this was helpful... might sway me to the radical...today lol.

the only other racquets i'm considering are.... Pure Storm, Pure Storm Tour and Tour plus... and... MG Instinct (i think the stiffness is too much for my arm 64)... and..... KTour. ....and Aerogel 300....lol
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Lumberjack? Saw a high school girl play with a Wilson Ultra 2, about 13.5 oz. Just need to swing fast. Btw, use the Bumblebee OS, great stick, its no Prestige.
 
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Doc Hollidae

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
I'm gonna have to disagree with bev's description of the Prestige as well.

Might be too heavy for him, but the Prestige line is far from being a stick for pounding groundies. If anything, that's what the Radicals are geared towards. Agassi ring a bell?

The Prestige line has always been low powered and require good form to produce power. It really rewards good technique and they have exceptional control. They are great all court rackets and really excel at serving and volleying. If you're more baseline oriented, go with a Radical. If you're looking for all court play and net play, go with a Prestige.
 
hyogen

hyogen

Hall of Fame
so i demo'd a MG radical MP today. unfortunately the 2 Midpluses they had for demo were strung with Wilson Stamina...lol.

I was overhitting a lot and the ball would fly up wheN i would try to take aggressive cuts at the ball like I would with the prestige. I like how it's more maneuverable, more comfy, and easier to swing...less tiring. but I had bad experience...but most likely due to 100% stamina strings. .

what do you guys think your experience would be if you had the MG radical MP with all stamina strings.... cheap poly right? would you have hated it like me?

seemed to be strung somewhat loosely as well--there was a fair amount of string movement.

so....one last thing. what do you think my experience would be for the MG Instinct? Or LM Instinct? could it be the holy grail i've been looking for? look at my signature for my desired specs.
 
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AlpineCadet

AlpineCadet

Hall of Fame
Doc Hollidae said:
I'm gonna have to disagree with bev's description of the Prestige as well.

Might be too heavy for him, but the Prestige line is far from being a stick for pounding groundies. If anything, that's what the Radicals are geared towards. Agassi ring a bell?

The Prestige line has always been low powered and require good form to produce power. If you're more baseline oriented, go with a Radical. If you're looking for all court play and net play, go with a Prestige.
Click to expand...
That's not always true.

TW Staff said:
If you swing the racquets at the same speed, the heavier one will give you more power.

Weight is the most dominant characteristic when it comes to power.

Chris, TW.
Click to expand...

Also, Agassi was known for making his frames almost even balanced with a very high SW, much higher than the stock Prestiges could ever be. The Radical is very much a tweener frame that can easily be modified to surpass a stock Prestige in weight/performance.
 
J

jayserinos99

Hall of Fame
AlpineCadet said:
Also, Agassi was known for making his frames almost even balanced with a very high SW, much higher than the stock Prestiges could ever be. The Radical is very much a tweener frame that can easily be modified to surpass a stock Prestige in weight/performance.
Click to expand...

I'm curious what stiffness Agassi's frames were. I'm assuming since he used the POG OS, they would be fairly flexy but I can imagine if they were stiff along with the high weight/even balance it would be quite a bludgeon.

I miss my Trisys 260 MP with CAPs.
 
AlpineCadet

AlpineCadet

Hall of Fame
hyogen said:
alpine cadet can you address my post that's above yours? thanks
Click to expand...

Where would I start? I don't think I'd be the one to ask, but.. hmm.. first of all, Stamina isn't a polyester string, it's actually a synthetic gut. ;)

If you want my advice, forget the hype of owning the latest/greatest frame, and just demo the frames that you've narrowed it down to. "It" meaning your personal preferences in a frame which would suit your strokes and playing style. I would start with a comfortable headsize, then figure out a comfortable weight/balance. (Don't forget about racket flex, string density, and power level.) Lastly, don't make the mistake of buying over half a dozen different frames (or more, like myself) because it's only going to tax your game. The sooner you find a frame, the sooner you'll figure out how to improve your game.
 
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