Tennis Warehouse-Mid Atlantic Chapter

auzzie, mclovin - i can't make it to tomorrow. we had a pretty good session tonight and i'm about to pass out. i have no idea when i'll even be able to get up.

JRS - nice meeting you. you should have stayed for the beers. that chicoray stout (spelling?) was so good. definitely my favorite.

magma - thanks for the beers! i'll get you next time.

hollywood is awesome for bringing the old bay. definitely made the fries even better.

sup - what a great workout. thanks. i was definitely sweating up a storm. maybe i can join you guys again.

alright time to pass out!
 

Topaz

Legend
Boys...

Some more playing opportunities over the holidays if you are interested:

The 2nd singles and doubles tournament for the Skyline Club Championships will be held on Jan 2-4, 2009. Categories are:

Men's Open Singles and Doubles

Men's Advanced (4.0 and below) Singles and Doubles

Women's Advanced (4.0 and below) Singles and Doubles

Women's Intermediate (3.0 and below) Singles and Doubles and

Juniors (14 years old and under) Singles and Doubles.

Everyone is guaranteed at least two 8-game proset matches (no ads) per category entered. Entry fee is $30 for members and $35 for non members (plus $10 for 2nd event).



As you can see, non-members are allowed.

I've had two experiences with this tournament. The first time was two weeks after having my appendix out, playing singles, and not really wanting to be there, and having the matches stretch out over at least a week. I did get a lot of matches, though, as there is usually a consolation draw, but was irritated at the scheduling.

The second time, with doubles, the initial round robin between teams was done in one night, with the 'finals' for all the categories done in a separate night, which was kind of fun, as they set up a viewing area, had lots of 'beverages', and such.

I plan on doing singles, and may do doubles if my partner is available.

If you are interested, email me, and I will email the information to you. I'd rather not post peoples' names on the forum. It is being run by one of the pros at Skyline, *not* Sup, but another guy who really has been trying to make the 'club' championships a big deal. He did listen to our complaints regarding scheduling (and price!!!) after the first time, so I think he'll get even better every time he does one.

Yes, there are tropies.
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
Boys...

Some more playing opportunities over the holidays if you are interested:

The 2nd singles and doubles tournament for the Skyline Club Championships will be held on Jan 2-4, 2009. Categories are:

Men's Open Singles and Doubles

Men's Advanced (4.0 and below) Singles and Doubles

Women's Advanced (4.0 and below) Singles and Doubles

Women's Intermediate (3.0 and below) Singles and Doubles and

Juniors (14 years old and under) Singles and Doubles.

Everyone is guaranteed at least two 8-game proset matches (no ads) per category entered. Entry fee is $30 for members and $35 for non members (plus $10 for 2nd event).



As you can see, non-members are allowed.

I've had two experiences with this tournament. The first time was two weeks after having my appendix out, playing singles, and not really wanting to be there, and having the matches stretch out over at least a week. I did get a lot of matches, though, as there is usually a consolation draw, but was irritated at the scheduling.

The second time, with doubles, the initial round robin between teams was done in one night, with the 'finals' for all the categories done in a separate night, which was kind of fun, as they set up a viewing area, had lots of 'beverages', and such.

I plan on doing singles, and may do doubles if my partner is available.

If you are interested, email me, and I will email the information to you. I'd rather not post peoples' names on the forum. It is being run by one of the pros at Skyline, *not* Sup, but another guy who really has been trying to make the 'club' championships a big deal. He did listen to our complaints regarding scheduling (and price!!!) after the first time, so I think he'll get even better every time he does one.

Yes, there are tropies.

Topaz,

I'm interested. Do you know what day/time they schedule the matches?
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
auzzie, mclovin - i can't make it to tomorrow. we had a pretty good session tonight and i'm about to pass out. i have no idea when i'll even be able to get up.

JRS - nice meeting you. you should have stayed for the beers. that chicoray stout (spelling?) was so good. definitely my favorite.

magma - thanks for the beers! i'll get you next time.

hollywood is awesome for bringing the old bay. definitely made the fries even better.

sup - what a great workout. thanks. i was definitely sweating up a storm. maybe i can join you guys again.

alright time to pass out!

I usually stay around for eats... but you know - had to get home to the wife and kid.
 

McLovin

Legend
I saw ice this morning. What was it Chevy Chase said before he jumped into the pool w/ Christie Brinkley? "This is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy", yet he still jumped in...
 

Topaz

Legend
The 2nd singles and doubles tournament for the Skyline Club Championships will be held on Jan 2-4, 2009. .

I posted the dates...exact days/times for each even will more than likely be determined by how many sign up for each draw.

I'll email you guys the info.

Anyone else other than JRS and Auzzie???
 

auzzieizm

Semi-Pro
Sap, Thanks.

However, I think I may have found the frame I have been looking for: Fischer MComp 95. McLovin's frame is amazing! So much control. Such nice soft flex. Good heft. Great stability. It is so controlled with such good feel, which enables you to take big swings to create your own power. Serves are the same: so controlled and flexy that you can really pick a spot and hit out on serve and it goes where you want. Solid at net. Solid from everywhere. And it is extremely hard to hit the ball out. I was looking for a frame to give me more power, when it seems like what I should have been looking for is a frame that gives me so much control that I can create my own power. Such a solid hit.

It is kind of eerie how calm I got after hitting with it. There is a sense of serenity knowing that I found (what I think may be) the one. It is almost like I don't have to hectically search for a replacement for my Donnay anymore (I actually like this frame more than the Donnay), and the frames are readily available! I don't have to troll auctions and for sale posters to find them. I may be changed! It is also comforting to know that I tried a frame for the first time, and would not consider changing it. It was great as is! I think I frazzle myself wondering: if this demo had this string or this much lead, etc... McLovin's set up was next to perfect.

So let's see if this honeymoon lasts...

Oh and McLovin, You are an extremely good player. Solid on every single shot and every single situation. Thanks for hitting! I am looking forward to more hitting sessions- if you don't mind putting up with me.
 
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sapient007

Semi-Pro
F1-tech has been rather quiet recently. looks like he can sneak in the 4th playoffs spot if i loose this week and he pulls out a win.. YOTW...

chances are i'll loose like sup, by 0.38 pts.


:)
 

McLovin

Legend
Wow, such wonderful words about my racket. Seriously, though, you are pretty much echoing my thoughts from when I first hit with it, especially the comment about not being able to hit a shot out. A very comfortable, forgiving, stable frame that seems to play better the harder you swing. Which is possibly its single drawback, that you need to have some good arm strength to wield it for 2 - 3 sets.

And, as far as my game goes, I thought about how I'd do against you in a match after we hit, and my feeling is 6-3, 6-4 in your favor. Most likely a break a set. Unless we played indoors, in which case it might be a little closer, maybe a TB in one of them. Your backhand is definitely your stronger side IMO, especially the drive down the line. Well disguised.

And even w/ the temps topping out @ 39, it was well worth the time. Here's to temps above 40 next time we hit...
 

McLovin

Legend
Oh, and if you are serious about it, I just found them for $126. Unfortunately, its not at TW, and they won't be able to price match as I have a 10% discount code (they only match advertised prices). I just ordered 3 more...
 

auzzieizm

Semi-Pro
Wow, such wonderful words about my racket. Seriously, though, you are pretty much echoing my thoughts from when I first hit with it, especially the comment about not being able to hit a shot out. A very comfortable, forgiving, stable frame that seems to play better the harder you swing. Which is possibly its single drawback, that you need to have some good arm strength to wield it for 2 - 3 sets.

And, as far as my game goes, I thought about how I'd do against you in a match after we hit, and my feeling is 6-3, 6-4 in your favor. Most likely a break a set. Unless we played indoors, in which case it might be a little closer, maybe a TB in one of them. Your backhand is definitely your stronger side IMO, especially the drive down the line. Well disguised.

And even w/ the temps topping out @ 39, it was well worth the time. Here's to temps above 40 next time we hit...

Oh, and if you are serious about it, I just found them for $126. Unfortunately, its not at TW, and they won't be able to price match as I have a 10% discount code (they only match advertised prices). I just ordered 3 more...

I absolutely loved that frame! I really hope under different playing conditions (maybe less glaring sun, less side-blowing wind, slightly elevated temperatures, or just different courts) that it performs as spectacularly as it did today. I will probably need to have a couple more demo sessions to firm up my already ethereal opinion of this frame before I make a final decision. But if I had to make an opinion after today, there would be no question in my mind what my next (and last) frame would be.

In a match, the competitive side of me likes to think I could keep it close. But you are such a solid player. No weaknesses, textbook point construction, great footwork and speed. I really doubt I would be able to hit a backhand down the line on my terms. I would have predicted the opposite scoreline (in your favor). I thought I hit a decent kicker out wide in that ad court, but somehow you got around it and found that sharp angle return. I have a feeling I would see a lot of those. Let's make a habit of these hitting sessions, and maybe if we get to play under more normal conditions, we could play a couple sets sometime.

How did you do in your other match?
 

auzzieizm

Semi-Pro
Oh and McLovin, How many hours of play before the Cyber Blue feels dead/ you need to cut it out? Comparable to Big Ace at all?
 

McLovin

Legend
I won 6-3, 7-6. The guy I played is the son of the owner of the club. He's in his early 30s, ~ 6' 3" and hits booming 120MPH+ serves. In years past, he never moved his serve around, and I just sat there & pounded returns (there's nothing that frustrates a big server more than putting their serve back at them just as hard).

But lately he's picked his game up. When he hits his serves in the corner, there's not much I can do but guess, which is what happened in the 2nd set. I swear he aced me 5 times in one game down the tee. Smack! 120MPH in the corner. I felt like Agassi vs Sampras in the US Open...

Yesterday was my first hit w/ a full Cyber Blue, so I don't know about its longevity. I can tell you that in the cross, w/ Gut mains, I played ~ 10 matches before I finally cut it out. It didn't really feel dead, but the Gut was fraying badly, so I just restrung it.

We'll keep an eye on the weather for next week. Right now, they're calling for rain/snow in the first part.
 

auzzieizm

Semi-Pro
Great win! It's hard to impose your game on players who don't give you any rhythm (big servers). Playing people with big serves, makes me wish that I only practiced serving sometimes. It is such a crucial start to every point.

I noticed there is a $20 difference in reel prices for Cyber Blue compared to Cyber Flash. Do the two strings play alike at all? How does the Cyber Flash stack up against the Cyber Blue?
 

Moz

Hall of Fame
auzzieizm / mclovin

I'm on the verge of committing to the M Comp 95 as well. I echo your sentiments.

It's certainly a frame that doesn't get pushed around anywhere on the court.
 
V

Vitaly Evchenkov

Guest
string ////////////////////////////////// gauge ///// stiffness ///////// tension lost
Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Fluoro123 ///1.23 ///// 226 ///// 17.64
Toalson Cyber Blade Thermaxe 123 ///// 1.23 ///// 226 ///// 17.97
Unique Big Hitter Blue 17 //////// 1.26 ///// 229 ///// 18.21
Topspin Cyber Blue 1.25 ///// 1.24 ///// 233 ///// 15.66
Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 17 ///// 1.26 ///// 235 ///// 16.27
Wilson Enduro Pro 17 /////// 1.25 ///// 239 ///// 15.77
Topspin Cyber Flash 1.25 ///// 1.23 ///// 240 ///// 15.54


Toalson/Topspin/Wilson have very good strings... here are the 17g comparisons according to USRSA.
krapperz, i can't get the columns aligned... just check out the strings here:
http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/issues/200809/200809allstrings.html

those Topspin strings are still really cheap.. both are good.. (don't forget MW 10% off!) CB is just softer than CF and ALU...and BLUE.. if you want softer and grey/white/red their are plenty of similar strings out now.
 
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McLovin

Legend
I would say that Blue is definitely softer than Flash. There are a few guys I string for who used to use Lux, but after using CyberFlash have converted, if for nothing else it is cheaper and plays the same (some even said it was better). Is Blue worth the extra $? Well, only you can make that decision. However, if you do the math on a reel, it comes to $3.45 per set for Flash, and $4.25 per set for Blue. Only a an $0.80 difference, and still 1/3 the cost of Luxilon.

I've tried both in a Gut main / Blue or Flash cross hybrid, and I liked the Blue better.
 

auzzieizm

Semi-Pro
I've been reading that Blue is pretty much the same as Unique Big Hitter Blue. Then I found the USRSA report on Big Hitter Blue, and it scored better than Big Ace in almost everything. Big Ace has been my main stay, but if I can get slightly better everything with that nice blue color...
 

auzzieizm

Semi-Pro
auzzieizm / mclovin

I'm on the verge of committing to the M Comp 95 as well. I echo your sentiments.

It's certainly a frame that doesn't get pushed around anywhere on the court.

Its nice hitting with a frame that has amazing control with low power and not one or the other. Plus it was so solid, accurate, liked the flex. It was a pleasure.
 
V

Vitaly Evchenkov

Guest
i hope this lasts longer than the nBlade OS did! :twisted:
i'd like to see the wiz flying around hitting topspin with his fancy yellow racquet. hopefully some day soon... (above 48.5F)

just don't let me try it!!!!! :shock::oops: i can't afford another switch!
must stick w/ the yonex RQIST1L(adies) racquet.. fits my 2HBHSwVlly game!!!
wooo
 
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McLovin

Legend
I agree, which is why I won't be switching for another 3 - 4 years.

I demoed a bunch of rackets (Bab PST, kSix One, Volkl Becker 11, Tecnifibre 325), and was set on going custom w/ Vantage before I demoed the M-Comp.

The funny thing was, I didn't think I would like it. I went into the demo thinking I'd prefer the Pro No 1 or Progressor, but after just a few swings I was pretty certain. I was able to string it up w/ my stuff & play for a week or so just to be sure.

Then I bought one & played a little more. Once I was confident it was "the one", I bought 2 more. Now, I'm stocking up for the next few years. My racket progression over the last 10 has been:

Yonex RD Power 10 Long (3 years)
Wilson Hyper PS 6.1 (3 years)
Babolat PC+ "swirl" (4 years)

For the first time in 10 years, though, I'm changing strings as well as rackets. Living life on the wild side...
 

auzzieizm

Semi-Pro
i hope this lasts longer than the nBlade OS did! :twisted:
i'd like to see the wiz flying around hitting topspin with his fancy yellow racquet. hopefully some day soon... (above 48.5F)

just don't let me try it!!!!! :shock::oops: i can't afford another switch!
must stick w/ the yonex RQIST1L(adies) racquet.. fits my 2HBHSwVlly game!!!
wooo

I won't let you try it... promise! Vitaly, after hitting with the MComp for 10 minutes, I couldn't help but think: this is exactly what I was expecting the RQiS Tour 1 to be like :shock: But I won't let you try it... even if I get it.

I agree, which is why I won't be switching for another 3 - 4 years.

I demoed a bunch of rackets (Bab PST, kSix One, Volkl Becker 11, Tecnifibre 325), and was set on going custom w/ Vantage before I demoed the M-Comp.

The funny thing was, I didn't think I would like it. I went into the demo thinking I'd prefer the Pro No 1 or Progressor, but after just a few swings I was pretty certain. I was able to string it up w/ my stuff & play for a week or so just to be sure.

Then I bought one & played a little more. Once I was confident it was "the one", I bought 2 more. Now, I'm stocking up for the next few years. My racket progression over the last 10 has been:

Yonex RD Power 10 Long (3 years)
Wilson Hyper PS 6.1 (3 years)
Babolat PC+ "swirl" (4 years)

For the first time in 10 years, though, I'm changing strings as well as rackets. Living life on the wild side...

I have a feeling I might be able to stick with the MComp for a while as well, If I decide on it. It is the type of frame that lets you play instinctive tennis. When I miss, I would have a difficult time blaming any errors on the racquet.

Also, based on your past racquet choices, it is a little surprising that you end up with the MComp. All three of those racquets were alot more similar to each other than to the MComp in my opinion. You really are living on the wild side.

p.s. Cyber Blue is some of the best looking string I have ever seen.

Have any of you guys ever tried the Yonex RDS 003???

Did you have to ask? I was actually about to buy that frame in the spring, when towards the tail end of the demo week, I decided to pull out that old, ancient frame sitting in the collection: the Donnay Pro One. The RDS 003 is fairly solid feeling, nice available power, good spin, good control, I felt really comfortable going after shots with that frame. It was a fun hit. It may be my favorite frame in that player tweener category. I think it ended up being just a tad too light for me, but it was still a very capable frame. The new 2008 version also looks really nice; great finish. I was going to suggest you try it when you first brought demoing up, but you seemed to have your sights set on something Babolat...
 
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V

Vitaly Evchenkov

Guest
Topiary, try the RDS003 and RQIS2Tour... pancake flippers rule!!!! :mrgreen:
 

Topaz

Legend
Topiary?? It either sounds like a bird or a skin disease.

College boy!!! A topiary is when people prune shrubs into shapes and such. A bird 'house' is an aviary...close. Not sure where you're going with the whole skin disease thing! :shock:
 
V

Vitaly Evchenkov

Guest
top, i use the RQIS Tour 1 Light ... the Tour 2 is a bit more powerful..
 

auzzieizm

Semi-Pro
Topiary?? LOL, that's a new one!

The RQIs2Tour, as well? Hmmm...*looking it up*...what is it that you use again? I can't keep track! ;)

The RQiS 2 isn't half as good as the 003. It is a lot less stable. ALOT easier to mishit because of the super wide beam around the sweetspot. It felt medium powered but also low on control. Didn't notice a spin improvement. The extra length felt weird. I didn't like one thing about it. I demoed this frame along side the rds 003, rqs 11, volkl c10, and then eventually my donnay. I would have chosen any of the others by a long shot over this one. I love yonex racquets, have tried and owned many of them. This was one of my least favorites. On a side note, while it may be a little too light, the rqs 11 is a great stick! Reminded me of a more control oriented, flexible, better looking babolat pure drive.
 

Topaz

Legend
Ok, so, the next and last round of demos will be a Yonex round, and then that's it!

Hit with the kTour this morning...nice, but not better than the nTour.

Still hitting well with the K-blade, too.

Hit just a bit with the updated Skunk, and I kind of liked it, but not different enough from the k-4s. Hmm, may give it another look tomorrow night.

K-Pro Tour - nada. Too heavy and unwieldy, though thanks to this cold that just won't let go, I didn't exactly feel like I had a lot of strength this morning.

Honestly considering, given the price, just buying one nCode and giving it a serious look. If it doesn't work out, then sell it, or just keep it around for fun.

So, thinking of checking out the Yonex RDS 003 and maybe RQS 11 or RQISTour 2 (really wierd beam thing going on with this racquet!). Any others? Speak now!

Interesting that all of the feedback on the RDS 003 was positive!
 

shintan17

Semi-Pro
Another vote for RDS 003.

I've hit with nTour and it's a solid racquet, but does nothing great. Everything was just average.

Also, RQiS Tour 2....
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
Hi peeps.

Plays in the Herndon Bubble today against Bruce Willis - lost 1-6, 3-6 and it ended when time ran out on my serve 2-5. He commented that my backhand looked better and my movement and positioning were much better (thank sup!).

I need to figure out how to deal with the chip and charge to the backhand. I was actually doing pretty well so he changed up his tactics to make me cough up some cheap points. He'd hit a deep floaty slice to my backhand and charge the net. My lob wasn't working and I don't hit hard enough/accurately enough off the backhand side to pass him (bummer). Any suggestions?

Sup - we need to do that passing shot drill again.
 

McLovin

Legend
Possibly the most underused shots in tennis is the slow, low, angled slice BH pass (ala Federer). First, it is hard for people to put the volley away. Many either drop it into the net or get too cute w/ an angled drop volley. And if they do hit a good volley, its usually one you can get to as they (1) will most likely have to 'volley up' and (2) won't have much on it (since you didn't put much on the passing shot).

Many times their volley will result in an easy FH pass for you.

Understand that I'm speaking from the other side of the net on this, as I have a few friends who hit this, and I hate hitting volleys off of it. I'd rather someone try to rip a shot by me than hit those little dink shots.
 

Sup2Dresq

Hall of Fame
Hi peeps.

Plays in the Herndon Bubble today against Bruce Willis - lost 1-6, 3-6 and it ended when time ran out on my serve 2-5. He commented that my backhand looked better and my movement and positioning were much better (thank sup!).

I need to figure out how to deal with the chip and charge to the backhand. I was actually doing pretty well so he changed up his tactics to make me cough up some cheap points. He'd hit a deep floaty slice to my backhand and charge the net. My lob wasn't working and I don't hit hard enough/accurately enough off the backhand side to pass him (bummer). Any suggestions?

Sup - we need to do that passing shot drill again.

Possibly the most underused shots in tennis is the slow, low, angled slice BH pass (ala Federer). First, it is hard for people to put the volley away. Many either drop it into the net or get too cute w/ an angled drop volley. And if they do hit a good volley, its usually one you can get to as they (1) will most likely have to 'volley up' and (2) won't have much on it (since you didn't put much on the passing shot).

Many times their volley will result in an easy FH pass for you.

Understand that I'm speaking from the other side of the net on this, as I have a few friends who hit this, and I hate hitting volleys off of it. I'd rather someone try to rip a shot by me than hit those little dink shots.

Mclovin,

Thats my favorite shot. I do it so much, it almost goes out of style. It a fascinating shot and it works in most situations. Especially to open up the court. I primarily use that shot for such a reason.

JRS,

Your comment on Bruce Willis's tatic should give you hope. If someone has to change their tatic to beat you, when before they did nothing spectacular, you are really onto something.

Now for his tatic. I have a couple questions, along with answer.

1) Did you wait for the floating chip to get to you? If yes, then he got what he wanted. When something is floating at you, think of it like our mid-court drill or even better the "hustle" drill. Get there and direct it quickly. He is counting on you waiting long enough for him to get to the net.

2) Did you attack the shot to pass him and not succeed? One of the flaws with the wookie, is that you try to either hit through someone or try to really hit away from someone... to the point where it goes out or is an impossile angle. Try hitting a clean shot to the opposite side he is approaching. Nothing that cracks the sound barrier, enough where he has to hit another volley. Then step it for the reply. With bruce he moves so fast to the net, that he over runs everything. You'll get a chance for a second shot if you play the safer shot penetrating first.

3) Did you move your feet. When something comes at anyone slow, they tend to do what they see.. go slow. You need to think the opposite. If its coming at you fast, shuffle, but stay grounded. When it comes at you slow, move quickly.. shuffle.. and stay light on your feet. Attack. So in the same situation, you need to attack sometimes rather than wait for it to get to you. Give him a scare or two.

4) If its effective against you, then don't give him the chance to use it. Meaning, that Bruce was chipping it at you, and I'm suspecting it was coming off a slow paced shot to his backhand. Try to recognize when that shot is available and if you can help it, try hitting away from it more than often. Like playing someone who is really fast. Don't try to over hit to the open court.. sometimes its easier to just hit behind him.

Lastly. It could be the YOTW, but you do still clobber things withouth thinking. Next session is about strategy and tatics in play. You'll understand more what to do when the time is right.

Wookie Summary:
1) Direct a slow paced shot to put you on the offensive.
2) Dont go for the ESPN clip on a passing shot. Go for the effective shot that gives you more options. Make him hit another volley.
3) Move faster when the shot is slow and ground yourself on high paced shots.
4) If its your kryptonite. Then don't give him a chance to use it often. Hit away from it.

Sup
 

Sup2Dresq

Hall of Fame
YOTW!

Both my starting quarterbacks get carted off the field this week. You just can't make this stuff up.

Come on Jan 09!!!
 

NiteFly

Rookie
Thanks PPL. Im sure Ill see you on court again soon!

Eric J,
Welcome to TWMAC!
I am sort of near Baltimore (Odenton Md). What part of Baltimore are you in?
 

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
iplaybetter is in baltimore. unfortunately i didnt get to meet up with him yet. sounds like HW knows all the short cuts
 
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