Diary of a Racketaholic

Getsby..FYI:

325 : a little less power, a little stiffer, a little heavier, less spin
320 : more power, less stiff, lighter, more spin

Thanks Power Player! On weight-i know. Balance both racquetss is absolutely identical?

My 325 is 1 point lighter in the head..probably 7
320 is at 6.

They are both powerful racquets.

PED said:

I only have 2 comments

1. It's hard to my mind to go back and forth between the pst and the apd simply based on their balance(length) and more importantly their beam size. I did a similar experiment back in early 08 and my strokes suffered from the switching.

It took me 6 weeks at 5 to 6 days a week before I felt at home with the apd plus. Now, you'd have to pry it from my cold dead fingers before I'd give it up. It does take awhile to get used to the various lead setups so hang in there and have fun.

2. Gooners looked great today

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So, you are dead? ;-)

Meaghan said:

Hey Ross the YTK PP spec seems similar to the older Tec 325 you sent me but with the open string pattern you wanted.
I had a little hit wth the Tec today and found it very HEAD like but had that softer older feel with the 59ra flex.
How do you find the so called whippier frames when like the ytkpp has a flex of 66 ??
For me low flex helps as with my superlongs. Id be interested in seeing how you feel about the old Revelations, in fact if I cut off an inch off mine I think you'd fall in love mate.

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Yes, I was a fan of the old TF325, I could imagine that with some customization experimentation or whatever you could have a really very unique frame there... re the old Revelations, I've never hit with any (though I've been close to a purchase or 2 over the years), but just by their mere reputation, I'd like to sometime...



Everyone,

Re the YT PP, my initial reaction was VERY favorable. It does indeed posses that desired whippiness, that racket balance and weighting that translates into really being able to tee off on your groundies and serve (a la the MG Pres mid and C10 Pro.) I find it pretty easy to maneuver generally. It's solid enough. Powerful enough. The quality build is good. The feel is firm and crisp but not really stiff. The open pattern is my cup of tea. And as a long-time user/dabbler with frames like the PT630, Rad Tours, MG Pres mid, etc - frames that tbh are just a little beyond my skill level or whatever - well, it just feels linked - there's a familiarity - that makes me feel very comfy and at home... and I'll also mention that where I was expecting to struggle a bit (2hbh, serve oomph), I didn't have any problems at all - in fact I was somewhat taken aback at the line-peppering control on serve, nice pop, and, as said before, you can really swing all out and whip into the ball... next week (fingers crossed), I'll get to play and we'll see if such positive vibes can be maintained. Without a doubt though, I am pretty blown away here boys, I won't pretend otherwise... funny because for years I was thinking and investigating the idea of an open pattern, easier to swing PT630... and not that long ago I was thinking that if only the MG Pres mid had an open pattern and a bigger head-size... and then we have this:



And to think she plays as beautiful as she looks! :wink:


R.

Thanks Power Player,I think put the purchase of 320-Fernando Verdasco-a new idol for me
Although I in meditations.Today played three doubles matches .Decided just once of tested YONEX RQIS 1 Tour XL , which on the first impression did not very please and I thought to sell this stick. But on a amazement in doubles this racket is magnificent.Rock at a net, at that this worst part of my game. A serve flew not especially strongly, but what is pleasant-almost without double faults.Usually them there is 4-5 for a match.Today after 3 games the same amount. I think,a minimum of tuning will not prevent.Lead tape,especially in the handle. Maybe few grams on a 3/9 o'clock...

The first step on the road to recovery is to admit you have a problem. I have a problem. My name is HitItHarder and I am a racquetaholic.

So as I was browsing the available racquets today, I saw the racquet I have been looking around for (thanks Power Player :twisted -- the Tflight 320 VO2 max. I tried to jump all over it only to find out I was too late. I was apparently foiled by my inability to constantly monitor the internet while I both sleep and work.

I was having feelings of both guilt and anticipation as I eagerly tried to claim this racquet as my own. After all, it was only 4 days ago that I swore off compulsive racquet buying after putting in a completely dominating performance with one of my long neglected leaded up MG Rad OS racquets. With the embarrassing realization I was able to play so well while leaving the YT Rad Pro, YT Extreme Pro, YT Prestige Pro, APDGT, APDC, etc. at home, I thought it was time to just work on my game. But then I saw the Tflight and I couldn't resist.

After I missed on the Tflight, I made the mistake of browsing ye old auction site just to see what was floating around, never intending to actually buy anything. But then I saw a racquet in my grip size I have always wondered about since I first started playing with the MG Rad OS -- yes it was a Made in Austria Radical Tour Trysis OS. A Bumblebee in great condition was just sitting there waiting for a home.

Like any other racquetaholic would do -- I had to give this racquet a new home.

So I need some help from my fellow racquetaholics that have hit with one of these classic racquets. Any thoughts on this racquet compared to the later OS Radicals? I noticed the stock Bumblebee TW specs look pretty close to my leaded up MG Rad. The swing weight is right on and the static weight is only a few grams higher on the Bumblebee. The Bumblebee is several points more HL which makes me think I won't notice the extra weight.

Also, what grommets fit this racquet in case I need to eventually change them? It is a 18x19 pattern, so my MG Rad OS grommets could fit, but I would love to know for sure. Lastly, what kind of strings and tensions work well with these sticks? I use full poly in the MG Rad OS at 54lbs (recommended tension is 52-62lbs), but I notice that the recommended tension on the Bumblebee runs from 60-68lbs.

Many thanks -- HIH

HitItHarder said:

The first step on the road to recovery is to admit you have a problem. I have a problem. My name is HitItHarder and I am a racquetaholic.

So as I was browsing the available racquets today, I saw the racquet I have been looking around for (thanks Power Player :twisted -- the Tflight 320 VO2 max. I tried to jump all over it only to find out I was too late. I was apparently foiled by my inability to constantly monitor the internet while I both sleep and work.

I was having feelings of both guilt and anticipation as I eagerly tried to claim this racquet as my own. After all, it was only 4 days ago that I swore off compulsive racquet buying after putting in a completely dominating performance with one of my long neglected leaded up MG Rad OS racquets. With the embarrassing realization I was able to play so well while leaving the YT Rad Pro, YT Extreme Pro, YT Prestige Pro, APDGT, APDC, etc. at home, I thought it was time to just work on my game. But then I saw the Tflight and I couldn't resist.

After I missed on the Tflight, I made the mistake of browsing ye old auction site just to see what was floating around, never intending to actually buy anything. But then I saw a racquet in my grip size I have always wondered about since I first started playing with the MG Rad OS -- yes it was a Made in Austria Radical Tour Trysis OS. A Bumblebee in great condition was just sitting there waiting for a home.

Like any other racquetaholic would do -- I had to give this racquet a new home.

So I need some help from my fellow racquetaholics that have hit with one of these classic racquets. Any thoughts on this racquet compared to the later OS Radicals? I noticed the stock Bumblebee TW specs look pretty close to my leaded up MG Rad. The swing weight is right on and the static weight is only a few grams higher on the Bumblebee. The Bumblebee is several points more HL which makes me think I won't notice the extra weight.

Also, what grommets fit this racquet in case I need to eventually change them? It is a 18x19 pattern, so my MG Rad OS grommets could fit, but I would love to know for sure. Lastly, what kind of strings and tensions work well with these sticks? I use full poly in the MG Rad OS at 54lbs (recommended tension is 52-62lbs), but I notice that the recommended tension on the Bumblebee runs from 60-68lbs.

Many thanks -- HIH

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Yeah I know the compulsion as lately I've been a Babolat quest, finally getting my hands on an original non cortex Aeropro Drive in my grip size. Before that I was trying to get my hands on some older beam profiled Head midplus 102 sized racquets as well as any OS Radicals. Right now I have at least a pair of every single Radical OS ever made.

To me the OS Bumblebees are one the best Radicals if not the best made to date. Considering they're the original, it's understandable...kind of how people feel about the original non cortex Aeropro Drive. I have found that if you've grown up using classic racquets, the newer Radicals (from the Ti line to now) are a bit light for my tastes and so to me they all need some lead to bring them up to the weight of the classics. The classic Radicals to me feel more solid and in the the case of the Bumblebees, have that classic crispy feel as well. Head no longer makes the grommets for them, so the next best available ones would be any of the newer ones as Head kept the drill pattern the same. Since the classics are 21mm, the bumper guard on the newer ones (up the the MG line) will fit but have a really thin extra amount of material (.5mm on each side extra), but I don't think it's a big deal. Also the grommets will stick out a little more on the inside of the hoop, but I haven't found this to be an issue either.

So far I can say one of my favorite of the same classic mold is the Pro Tour 280 OS, which I am fortunate to have a few of since they are so very hard to find. The Pro Tour 280 MP is far easier to find from my experience.

Like just about everyone else here, man I've got way too many racquets!

ace0001a said:

Right now I have at least a pair of every single Radical OS ever made.

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I think I officially have racquet envy.

Thanks for the response. Hopefully I will get this new one in by the end of the week so I can string it and take it out for a hit this weekend. For tonight, I am going back to the old trusty Rad OS for a USTA doubles match. My shoulder and arm are feeling better so I could pull out one of the other racquets, but the good results last time out with my old stick means it gets another go. Plus my team really needs a win so no room for messing around with racquet self-exploration.

Time: too early in the morning... Mood: bad (no tennis for days)... Thoughts: keen to see if my first impression with the YT PP will be maintained, strengthened - or is it another case of 'honeymoon syndrome' (I'm sure we've all been there before, right)?:wink:

Furthermore, I'm also wondering a little bit now about the Aerstorm (hmm, is it really worth looking at?)... the MG Extreme Pro (I have one after all, so maybe I should give it a new string-job to get a true idea of its qualities or otherwise? FWIW, it reminded me a bit of a lighter Rad Pro, but I didn't really click with it first time out)... and what about that APD and giving it a looky with its new string-job?

So many frames, so little time.:roll:

How about everyone else? Talk to me. Tell me your troubles.

R.

Ross,
I got the RD7 a couple weeks ago... brought it out to the court for a hit... Then realized how serious my ECU tendinitis was. It's quite aggravating having to sit the beasts (including my main stick) inside a bag and take leave from tennis, and later on having to play with a Radical to ease back into it. Hope you feel a little better about your situation now

Ah, the honeymoon period - it's an interesting one isn't it. I've had this with a few racquets I've tried, and I do wonder if it has more to do with my own game when I try a new racquet.
How? Well (assuming the racquet is somewhere in the ball park specs) I concentrate on what's happening with the racquet - feel, power, spin, the lot - rather than just my overall game, so suddenly the racquet has a focus that it doesn't usualy as I adjust, and I think this can rasie your game. And bingo, the new wonder racquet, the perfect fit for me
And then on second/third/fourth plays it becomes the norm and it may then appear that your game drops back to the same or similar level as before, and suddenly it isn't the new wonder racquet...

Bit like changing cars really - you drive in a second-nature manner on your usual route & with your regular car. Change cars however and the same route with the same weather/traffic/etc becomes a different drive as you see how the car handles, rides, brakes etc...and you end up concentrating on different thngs, until it becomes the norm.

One of my fellow players simply says, pick one and devlop your game... And whilst I wouldn't disagree (and hence played the PST for the last 2 years albeit with a few tests here and there) I actually enjoy trying different racquets!

Wednesday moring ramblings...anyone else?

Ross C said:

Ah, the honeymoon period - it's an interesting one isn't it. I've had this with a few racquets I've tried, and I do wonder if it has more to do with my own game when I try a new racquet.
How? Well (assuming the racquet is somewhere in the ball park specs) I concentrate on what's happening with the racquet - feel, power, spin, the lot - rather than just my overall game, so suddenly the racquet has a focus that it doesn't usualy as I adjust, and I think this can rasie your game. And bingo, the new wonder racquet, the perfect fit for me
And then on second/third/fourth plays it becomes the norm and it may then appear that your game drops back to the same or similar level as before, and suddenly it isn't the new wonder racquet...

Bit like changing cars really - you drive in a second-nature manner on your usual route & with your regular car. Change cars however and the same route with the same weather/traffic/etc becomes a different drive as you see how the car handles, rides, brakes etc...and you end up concentrating on different thngs, until it becomes the norm.

One of my fellow players simply says, pick one and devlop your game... And whilst I wouldn't disagree (and hence played the PST for the last 2 years albeit with a few tests here and there) I actually enjoy trying different racquets!

Wednesday moring ramblings...anyone else?

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Ross -- you asked for ramblings so put on your reading glasses. You pose an interesting question and it reminds me of an ongoing debate with one of my buddies. In addition to normal matches, practice, etc., I have been hitting at least once a week with the same guy for about the past two and a half years. We have always been pretty close in skill level (at least until recently -- but I will get to that later), although he is a few years younger than me and has more pure athletic ability. Something about him being a single guy that spends most of his free time running and at the gym and me being married with kids and such.

We both have played with the same racquet for most of this time - the MG Rad OS, having both switched from older POG OS racquets.

In the past few months, I have also spent a lot of time (as if you couldn't tell from my posts) trying out different racquets. I wanted to see what other modern racquets were out there that may compliment my game. He has continued to play with the MG Radical mostly just letting me string his racquet with different string setups to find what he likes.

Here lately he has really stepped up his game. Where in the past our practice matches would tend to be spit sets with us alternating wins, recently I really have to fight to take a set off of him or scratch out a win. He basically attributes this to him sticking with one racquet and just working on making his game better. He has absolutely no interest in trying any other racquets.

I on the other hand seemed to have taken a small step back in my game as I have lost some of my consistency and I think it is fair to say that is a result of my switching racquets so frequently. He is constantly telling me to just pick one and get back to working on getting my game back to a higher level. I think he has a valid point to a degree in that I will never be able to reach a consistent high level until I settle on one racquet and spend some real quality time grooving my strokes with that one stick.

However, I don't think that demoing all of these racquets is a waste of time in the long run. Tennis is my hobby, not my job. At the end of the day, I am still just a recreational tennis player -- so in the big picture my win/loss record is never going to be the thing that defines me. It is fun to experiment and try new things.

But more importantly, without checking out all of these different racquets, I would not know what kind of racquet gives me the most confidence in my game. In my humble opinion, confidence plays one of the biggest roles in my tennis game. When I have the confidence to swing out and hit my shots, I play very good tennis. When I have that "on" feeling when I walk on the court and think I am going to win this match -- good things happen even though I might not always win.

I now have a good understanding of the specs and characteristics I like in a racquet because I have tried so many. I now know what types of racquet my arm and shoulder can tolerate and how string patterns effect my shots. I know what swing weight does to the power of my shots and what kind of static weight allows me to play full out three hours in and deep into a third set. I know what kind of racquet head size gives me the most options and allows me to be consistent, even when I am having to play defensive tennis against a player that is just better than me. I know how different balance points effect my ability to serve and effect manuverability at the net. I only have this knowledge because I have tried so many different racquets with different specs.

I am using that knowledge to find the racquet that fits my game and gives me confidence to play that kind of a game. There is no one size fits all, in my opinion. So why we may be "racquetaholics," there is a method to the madness.

One day, hopefully soon, I will find that racquet that just clicks and get back to just improving my strokes (that is after I spend countless hours trying different string setups ). But until then, the racquet quest will continue.

By the way, as I mentioned earlier -- next on the list is a Radical Tour Trysis OS. Hopefully it will arrive in time for some hitting this weekend. I have to admit I am pretty eager to try out the classic Bumblebee. It should be fun, and to me that is what tennis is all about.

Now back to work. I do have to pay for all these dang tennis racquets afterall.

I have switched enough times over the past few years, but I figured out what I like..you have to have an idea. I like modern frames with some stiffness. The flexy frames are comfortable, and if I hurt my elbow I would just get them again, but for the modern game of tennis, I want a flex over 65. I also want a static weight of 120zs or less. I don't need a super high swingweight to produce a heavy ball, so something in the 320s is fine for me. Balance wise, I like them 5-7 points.

So once you get those specs down, just find the racquets that fit them and demo. Then you will be comfortable out there and not worry about the racquet. I never worry about my racquet once I make a decision on it, and the only reason to switch then would be injury or pain from the stick.

The other thing is to make sure you are not working too hard. Get a racquet that makes it easy to play your game. I think a lot of people who want flexy low powered frames need to know that they take a lot more work to use. In todays game with poly strings, a flexy stick may be the worst option for your game even though it feels "buttery" and "plush". You will get those feelings with all good sticks if you hit the ball cleanly anyway.

I get a plush feeling from my 320 with full poly in it. It's just because I hit the sweet spot.

If I was you guys, that prestige pro does look good. I would seriously ride that thing out for a while. Get past the first few days of bliss and have a bad day with it. You will see that your technique is letting you down and not the racquet. You will probably come back a few days later and have a clearer picture on how you feel about the stick. I like to make decisions and move on. So demoing sticks for me is a huge pain. What I do is grab 2-3 and lean them against the fence. I use each one and can eliminate them really quickly. I did this with the Tfight 320 and naturally found myself going back to it until I put the other racquets away. The next day I walked in and bought a new one and I was done.

I have the bad days after the honeymoon with it, but it was my playing, not the racquet. The good days have completely outweighed them and I am real comfortable out there.

I would strongly suggest going with your gut and sticking with a racquet if you like it. Then use that extra money and pay a pro for some lessons. They are way more valuable then switching sticks over and over, even if you are a racquetaholic.

Power Player said:

The other thing is to make sure you are not working too hard. Get a racquet that makes it easy to play your game. I think a lot of people who want flexy low powered frames need to know that they take a lot more work to use. In todays game with poly strings, a flexy stick may be the worst option for your game even though it feels "buttery" and "plush". You will get those feelings with all good sticks if you hit the ball cleanly anyway.

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I would have to disagree with you on that one. Though I would say that a fair amount of frames can achieve that feeling as long as you are hitting the ball cleanly in the sweet spot, there are definitely some that do not.

Immediately coming to mind are the k6.1 95 frames. They produce an excellent quality ball but the feel is harsh no matter if you hit cleanly or not. I used the same setup that I always do (full poly at 60) in those frames and they felt terrible. I played with them for a week and then sold them off. The n6.1 was close but still kind of in that same feeling.

I also played a few times with the PD frames and they produced a similar feeling though not as severe as the 6.1s.

It just happened to be that a low powered, crisp (I wouldn't call the YT Mid flexy) worked perfectly for my game. So I agree with the other stuff you said. Know what you need, then narrow it down and stick with it. I also need to put in some lesson time myself. But I hardly consider myself a racquetaholic.

I agree with Power Player and similarly I prefer rackets with inflexibility not below 64. with flexible rackets(wilson blx pro tour, donnay pro one international, redondo mp) I transformed in walking gentleman- about what winnings for my hand did not go speeches, only defence

I am on the same page as Ross and HitItHarder,......I really enjoy testing/using several different racquets!!!!.....I'been all over the board testing most of the sticks listed in my Sig. all this past summer,...and i've had a blast doing it!!!...That having been said,...i think my actual 'game' would have been better if i had used only 'one' all summer,...and built/refined my stuff around it.
But it was worth giving up some of that 'level' of play,...to jump around like that.....last night i picked again for the first time in mos,...my PSL,...and it was great!!!!!...I think i keep 'reinventing' that honeymoon period over and over again!!!!!!....(Ross...Your comments were insightful!!!!)

Power Player said:

I have switched enough times over the past few years, but I figured out what I like..you have to have an idea. I like modern frames with some stiffness. The flexy frames are comfortable, and if I hurt my elbow I would just get them again, but for the modern game of tennis, I want a flex over 65. I also want a static weight of 120zs or less. I don't need a super high swingweight to produce a heavy ball, so something in the 320s is fine for me. Balance wise, I like them 5-7 points.

So once you get those specs down, just find the racquets that fit them and demo. Then you will be comfortable out there and not worry about the racquet. I never worry about my racquet once I make a decision on it, and the only reason to switch then would be injury or pain from the stick.

The other thing is to make sure you are not working too hard. Get a racquet that makes it easy to play your game. I think a lot of people who want flexy low powered frames need to know that they take a lot more work to use. In todays game with poly strings, a flexy stick may be the worst option for your game even though it feels "buttery" and "plush". You will get those feelings with all good sticks if you hit the ball cleanly anyway.

I get a plush feeling from my 320 with full poly in it. It's just because I hit the sweet spot.

If I was you guys, that prestige pro does look good. I would seriously ride that thing out for a while. Get past the first few days of bliss and have a bad day with it. You will see that your technique is letting you down and not the racquet. You will probably come back a few days later and have a clearer picture on how you feel about the stick. I like to make decisions and move on. So demoing sticks for me is a huge pain. What I do is grab 2-3 and lean them against the fence. I use each one and can eliminate them really quickly. I did this with the Tfight 320 and naturally found myself going back to it until I put the other racquets away. The next day I walked in and bought a new one and I was done.

I have the bad days after the honeymoon with it, but it was my playing, not the racquet. The good days have completely outweighed them and I am real comfortable out there.

I would strongly suggest going with your gut and sticking with a racquet if you like it. Then use that extra money and pay a pro for some lessons. They are way more valuable then switching sticks over and over, even if you are a racquetaholic.

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I agree with pretty much everything here except the bit about flexy racquets.
Mostly because my radicals are just as powerful as APD+es after I put three grams of lead or so on [the radicals], so flexy and powerful aren't really mutually exclusive. But then again, the radicals do play stiffer than their ratings indicate... Whatever, not really the point.

It kind of gets to a point where you have to decide whether you value improving as a player and getting to a point where matches are more fun to play because you can compete at a higher level or if you like experimenting with gear.

I liked experimenting with gear heavily for a few months, and during that period I tried just about every setup. I also stopped improving, and maybe even moved back a little. On the plus side, I now know what I want and was able to pick specs I liked.

After I figured out what worked well for me, I demoed four final racquets and stuck to the one I liked best. It took about 2 weeks to get everything to click, but I've been slowly noticing my confidence go from average to outstanding. I go for shots I never would have before. Because I picked a racquet that I feel confident in. I think that's pretty much all there is to it.

So much of this game is mental, that if you're using a racquet you don't really feel confident in, even if it's a perfect choice for you, you won't play your best tennis with it.

Now, if you like demoing different racquets so much that you're willing to handicap yourself in a sport you love because of it, I respect your decision. I won't personally ever see eye to eye with you, but there's nothing wrong with that. Do whatever makes you happy.

But to me, it sounds like the reason you're a racquetaholic... is just because you want to find the frame that can elevate your game to its highest.
Just from personal experience, the tiny bit better you'd play because of the 'perfect racquet' for you won't nearly make up for the months of instability in your game caused by experimenting with different frames.
Are you demoing to learn what you like, or just to demo?

Ross K said:

Yes, I was a fan of the old TF325, I could imagine that with some customization experimentation or whatever you could have a really very unique frame there... re the old Revelations, I've never hit with any (though I've been close to a purchase or 2 over the years), but just by their mere reputation, I'd like to sometime...



Everyone,

Re the YT PP, my initial reaction was VERY favorable. It does indeed posses that desired whippiness, that racket balance and weighting that translates into really being able to tee off on your groundies and serve (a la the MG Pres mid and C10 Pro.) I find it pretty easy to maneuver generally. It's solid enough. Powerful enough. The quality build is good. The feel is firm and crisp but not really stiff. The open pattern is my cup of tea. And as a long-time user/dabbler with frames like the PT630, Rad Tours, MG Pres mid, etc - frames that tbh are just a little beyond my skill level or whatever - well, it just feels linked - there's a familiarity - that makes me feel very comfy and at home... and I'll also mention that where I was expecting to struggle a bit (2hbh, serve oomph), I didn't have any problems at all - in fact I was somewhat taken aback at the line-peppering control on serve, nice pop, and, as said before, you can really swing all out and whip into the ball... next week (fingers crossed), I'll get to play and we'll see if such positive vibes can be maintained. Without a doubt though, I am pretty blown away here boys, I won't pretend otherwise... funny because for years I was thinking and investigating the idea of an open pattern, easier to swing PT630... and not that long ago I was thinking that if only the MG Pres mid had an open pattern and a bigger head-size... and then we have this:

And to think she plays as beautiful as she looks! :wink:


R.

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Did you seriously just place that on gravel D:

Yes... exactly... no tennis at all this week... Friday session cancelled due to all-day lashing rain all over London (grrrrrrr :evil: how I envy it when I see some of you have the audacity to be based in sunnier locations like bloody Florida! ) So therefore any further deliberations and considerations on the YT PP and and APD (the PSTGT+ is pretty much out of my thoughts now) have been STALLED. So in the absence of any playing (discussion/thoughts on frames is pretty futile really), an earlier post made me suddenly think of something... something that leads me to ask the following...

A qsn going out to all you racketaholics!

WHICH ARE YOUR TOP EVER HONEYMOON FRAMES?...

You know, which racket/s did you initially find gave you superpowers, and you were just transported to a different level where the the planets aligned and you were suddenly playing like a pro, for a week or two anyhow, before your game dropped back to its usual level of profoundly dissappointing mediocrity :lol:.

For me... hmmm... definitely the C10 Pro, definitely the MG Pres mid (these 2 just had a balance, way of swinging and lining up behind the ball that was fantastic - plus the Volkl I found played more like an APD than the APD, if that makes sense?)... the PT 630 (just so smooth and generally orgasmic feeling off the ground)... the PSC 6.1 (wow, such felt-crushing stability)... the N95 (just really clicked with this for a while - has a woofer-like "power boost" I really like)... the pro Fischer VT 98 I had... I'll try and remember if there's any more (I'm sure there will be.)

How about you chaps?


R.

Interesting question Ross,

I'd have to say my best honeymoons have been the APDC and AG100. Opposite ends of the spectrum, I know, but really the only thing the honeymoons had in common was their awesomeness. With the APDC I just knew that if I hit heavy topspin crosscourt forehands, I would have nothing to worry about. Once I found the rhythm on this front, I expanded and built up from there, first with backhands, then with approach/touch shots and finally with volleys. I still can't serve with it to save my life, but I think that's a symptom of the larger problem I have when it comes to serving: I can't serve very well.

The AG100 honeymoon didn't require that I work my way up from my forehand. It was as if, instantaneously, my entire game was dialed in and I could do no wrong. It was quite a feeling. Of course, in a self destructive manner that only a fool like myself could accomplish, I began experimenting with lead setups. Even though all the lead is off, I've never quite found the rhythm again. The silver lining is that I've learned my lesson. Previously, I had planned on adding lead to my KBT, but after my lead experience with the AG100, I decided to leave well enough alone and enjoy it in its stock form.

Ross one of the guys I hit with is a brit straight out of the heart of London and tells me the same thing you do about the weather over there.

As for honeymoons..that's easy..the k90. I did not even play that well with it, but I loved it so much it didn't matter. It was such a sweet racquet, but just didn't match my style at all. I was in demo mode and trying out all different types of sticks to see what really worked for me. The K90 just had an incredible feel and solidity to it that I had not experienced. Truly an awesome stick.

I would have to say that the Rebel 95 was a honeymooner for me. When I was coming out of the Aero Storm Tour, I knew that I wanted something softer, easier to swing and denser. I had my list narrowed to three: n95, rebel, mgp mid.

I knew that I loved the results from the MGPM but I just wanted something easier to deal with so I went for the rebel. Soft, easy to use was effortless really. But no feedback. I couldn't tell when a shot was gonna miss. I could blast em but I had no idea what was gonna happen. On good days, it was the best frame I had every played with. Bad days, I wanted to throw it against the fence and leave it there.

I think what put me in that position was that I wanted a new frame and knew the YT Mid was coming but I had no patience for it. I wanted new and now so I jumped on the rebel train.

Strangely though, I can appreciate the rebel more now than I did when I played with it. I can understand some of the nuances of the frame that I overlooked.

But I am much, much happier with my YT Mids. Although if Volkl ever decides to make and 18x20 PB10 mid I may be in trouble. :twisted:

I've had honeymoons with all the racquets listed in my sig,......and when 1 honeymoon ends i just move to the next stick i havent used in awhile,...and WHAM!!!!....Brand new honeymoon!!!!!!....ahhhhh,....the bliss neverends!!!!!....

Honeymoon stick- KPS88 the first few hits with this sticks were pure bliss - However when I came back down to earth, I realized that the few wonderful moments where I could really connect with the ball were not worth losing to players well below my level.

..yeah the weather here in London is beyond dreadful - I haven't played for over a week :-(

Best honeymoon was probably the Head YT Prestige MP - lasted about a week unit I gave it back. Then borrowed it again recently knowing it was time ot buy new frame, and over a two week period just couldn't get enough out of it on consistently. Followed by AeroPro Drive GT - one match ok and then I found it just wasn't for me as everything fell apart!

Bring back the dry weather!

Ross C said:

Bring back the dry weather!

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return a summer! a hall season began for us. prices from 50 $ and higher, all courts are busy :evil:

Hey racqholics,
I had a very strange experience yesterday. I put down my security blanket (extreme pro) in order to hit with my newly acquired Asian K90 (god bless the classifieds). Always wanted to try one, weight and balance are almost identical to extreme...but sw is waaay lower, I would estimate 10-20pts lower, the thing felt like a feather.
I was warming up and the racquet felt like wood. I'm talking a drastic dropoff in power and depth. I thought to myself: dude this is a bad idea, you are sniffing that ******* dust, this is a BAD IDEA. I almost put the stick down immediately but I spent some hard earned paypal on the thing so let's give it a shot.
My opponent was a tough 4.0 level tourney winner who usually beats me.
Long story short: I threw down an emphatic win and I don't even really know how. My winners seemed to be of medium speed, but they were just going where he wasn't.
Maybe he was hungover? Anyway, I started to think that maybe a high sw stick is not necesarry or beneficial.
I am confused and have to see if it was a fluke.

I've recently been moving more and more toward 'low swingweight' sticks,...i am liking the ability to swing away,...the maneuverability,....the general 'easy to use' nature,....

Fed Kennedy said:

Hey racqholics,
I had a very strange experience yesterday. I put down my security blanket (extreme pro) in order to hit with my newly acquired Asian K90 (god bless the classifieds). Always wanted to try one, weight and balance are almost identical to extreme...but sw is waaay lower, I would estimate 10-20pts lower, the thing felt like a feather.
I was warming up and the racquet felt like wood. I'm talking a drastic dropoff in power and depth. I thought to myself: dude this is a bad idea, you are sniffing that ******* dust, this is a BAD IDEA. I almost put the stick down immediately but I spent some hard earned paypal on the thing so let's give it a shot.
My opponent was a tough 4.0 level tourney winner who usually beats me.
Long story short: I threw down an emphatic win and I don't even really know how. My winners seemed to be of medium speed, but they were just going where he wasn't.
Maybe he was hungover? Anyway, I started to think that maybe a high sw stick is not necesarry or beneficial.
I am confused and have to see if it was a fluke.

Click to expand...

Hey, Fed. Very interesting. Reminds me of my brief but intense time with the MG Pres mid earlier this year. As you say, see if you perform as well again, and I'd maybe suggest to carefully pay attention to how it seems to make you play... any differences to your normal game?... do these differences really actually play to your strengths?... ie, does this stick truly perform and gel with you are your individual game?

For me, the MG Pres mid had a lot of wonderful qualities (like feel... and let me tell you, when you nail a winner with a Prestige mid, it truly is one of those nirvanic, planet aligning, I've discovered the meaning of life, I can now die a happy man, my life is complete, ommmmmmmmmm moments! ... a beautiful way of swinging, great precision, etc), and, initially, I saw that it added a different aspect to my game and made me less one-dimensional. However, it dawned on me after not so long, that it was taking me too far away from my strengths and preferences - b-line, topspin wailing, powerful 2hbh; and too close to the direction of more all court, flatter-hitting, more generally demanding.

Put it another way: the frame took me off the b-line and made me have to run my lazy backside around way too much! :roll:

Keep us posted.


R.

BTW... STOP THE PRESS!.... HOLD THE FRONT PAGE!... SPECIAL NEWS ALERT!... it looks like I can finally freakin' well play tomorrow morning!.. someone give me an "amen"!... :grin: so then, London rain permitting of course, I can look a bit more at the YTPP and APD tomorrow.

Fed Kennedy said:

Hey racqholics,
I had a very strange experience yesterday. I put down my security blanket (extreme pro) in order to hit with my newly acquired Asian K90 (god bless the classifieds). Always wanted to try one, weight and balance are almost identical to extreme...but sw is waaay lower, I would estimate 10-20pts lower, the thing felt like a feather.
I was warming up and the racquet felt like wood. I'm talking a drastic dropoff in power and depth. I thought to myself: dude this is a bad idea, you are sniffing that ******* dust, this is a BAD IDEA. I almost put the stick down immediately but I spent some hard earned paypal on the thing so let's give it a shot.
My opponent was a tough 4.0 level tourney winner who usually beats me.
Long story short: I threw down an emphatic win and I don't even really know how. My winners seemed to be of medium speed, but they were just going where he wasn't.
Maybe he was hungover? Anyway, I started to think that maybe a high sw stick is not necesarry or beneficial.
I am confused and have to see if it was a fluke.

Click to expand...

Yup that's what the AK90 does and thats why it has a very royal following on this board. When your game is on, you can go all out with the groundstrokes and still have supreme control. Volleys are also very nice. But again, I have to warn you that after the honeymoon period and on off days, it can be a $#%#$ to get any point.

I can definitely see that happening manu. This is a looow powered stick. I think I was psyched out by the "asian" factor thinking it would be some light toy, but in fact it is heavier than a prestige.

Gave the YT PP another good look today, and the APD a very brief outing...

Re the Youtek Prestige Pro though, I feel I'm getting more familiar with it now, enough to say my overall impression is as follows... this frame has certain small but important similarities to older Head frames (including the Prestige mid and the PT630), such as a specific feel, sweet way of swinging, grip shape, etc, that makes me feel very at home... it also helps that, for me, it's generally easier to use, and has a better string-pattern (I repeat: for me)... I'd also like to mention something I don't recall hearing anything about: the frame really feels like it wraps itself around the ball... it's odd but I get the sensation that it just kind of encases the ball and sends it off curling away... and curling is the operative word... someone said recently that he didn't think the YTPP produced much spin, but not only do I disagree, I also would say it produces a unique spinning, curling ball... hard to explain, but maybe other YT PPer's know what I mean... Anyhow, with this racket I find I play a fairly controlled b-line game with additional all court elements and dimensions that (and certainly with the APD), is not much of a factor with other frames... the much talked of 'whippiness' is very much to my liking, ditto the balance and weighting and way it swings... I refound my inside out fh today big time... the serve is pretty damn good re pop and action...the power is there, but it's not an inherently 'big power' frame... and, to cut this short, I'm liking this frame very much. (Note: at times I thought the frame was just a tad slower to rise up with that lead @ 12... might remove some or all of it... also might string lower tension next time, like around 50-52lbs vicinity.)

Re the APD, it is what this frame excels at that stops me from totally embracing the YT PP right away... it hits massive topspin with inherent big power... serves, 2hbh, fh - kaboom!... and I also noted today how amazingly lethal this thing can be with a stabbing volley or an overhead... it also just happens to be too overpowered, too toy-like, too one-dimensional, etc, but where as with the YT PP I was getting into a pattern of attritional rallying (and if I'm being honest, I'll admit I could have done with a bit more of the 'hurt' and heaviness of ball I seemed to get with that old, forgiving APD)... with the Bab the points were shorter, as I was either really putting my reg, hitting partner on the back foot with all that spin and oomph and kind of blasting him away, or I was hitting long (sometimes very long)...

To close, I'll say I'm presently just slightly leaning more towards the better all around performance and general quality frame that is the YT PP - but that's probably because I played with it longer today/recently and to better effect. Next time, I'll start with the APD... and I have to say for the 20th time how much fun (in a addictive sort of manner) it is to b-line bash and serve big with this racket... and give it a more prolonged look.


R.

What are you stringing that pp with ross?
I'm 3-0 with this ak90...just when I thought I had it all figured out...I think I am generating more spin with this thing than my extreme. Total confusion. Maybe it's just the trusty wilson grip. I'm going to keep playing with it until someone crushes me.

Fed Kennedy said:

What are you stringing that pp with ross?
I'm 3-0 with this ak90...just when I thought I had it all figured out...I think I am generating more spin with this thing than my extreme. Total confusion. Maybe it's just the trusty wilson grip. I'm going to keep playing with it until someone crushes me.

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Part of it might be due to the weight even though it's the Asian Version. In stock form, I produce a much bigger ball with a ytpp over an apd or pd.

Give me the PDR and it's a different story though. I had to weigh my apd's up to 342 to get the ball I wanted.

I enjoyed my time with the extreme but couldn't produce as heavy of a ball with it. It hit a "fast" but not heavy ball for me. Most likely user error for me

Either way, it's working for you so let it ride

I am not hitting a hard ball with this racquet but whatever, it's zippy and accurate.
Hey PED, how is that hexonic string? I am looking for a lively, biting poly for this ak90. Signum hyperion is my usual go-to...for reference I thought spin-x was not powerful enough. Great control but dead-ish. I like a little zip and the red would look cool.

^^^

Fed, PED

All interesting stuff re frames and their perceived relative heaviness of ball, etc.

As I said, I thought the APD hit a heavier, more powerful ball than the Pres Pro (and I'd also say the MG Extreme Pro too on the not that conclusive evidence of a small amount of hitting.) Though I'd actually say the PSTGT+ hits a heavier ball than all of these, however, due to other factors (most notably, its slightly 'lagging behind' way of swinging), I'm no longer really considering this racket.

Anyhow, I'm aware that my perceptions, especially re the YT PP and just wanting a bit more power, can change, what with tension/string experiments, modding up, etc... though I confess, yesterday I did have the thought that perhaps something akin to a 100" open pattern head-size Head racket might be worth more consideration on my part... the problem is I definitely like the feeling I get with the APD of being able to consistently crush and kaboom the living daylights out of the ball (though it can be quite hit and miss with the Bab), whereas I can't say I can do this quite so frequently and in such an effortless manner with the PP.

Btw, Fed, re your qsn, it's strung @ 55lbs with RPM Blast... btw2, I'm loving what's happening with you and the AK90!... it's kind of one of those wonderful things about rackets that can occasionally happen .


R.

Haven't posted in a while because I haven't been on the courts much the last two weeks. I got a shoulder thing going on that is a little aggravating and I am trying to take it easy. It started during my brief fling with the YT Extreme Pro and it flares up now when I rely on my kick serve a little too much. I know it is my bad form on that particular serve, but it is hard move away from it because of the results I get. The lefty kicker is my go to serve when I need a big point and I think I overdid it last match.

On the racquet front, I have been hitting with the Radical Tour (bumblebee) lately and it is an interesting stick. The feel is very different from the feel of modern OS racquets. The headlight balance and the crispy (I can't call it stiff per se, so crisp seems like the better word) feel are very solid of both wings. But there is also a good bit of control. More so that the MG Rad OS I have used for so long. It is also really solid at the net. That is a little different than the other OS racquets I have used as well.

Biggest comment I can say so far is that I think the Bumblebee plays really well in stock form. I haven't said that about a racquet in a while. Hopefully, this shoulder thing works itself out in the next week or two and I can get a little more court time soon.

can be compared with the MG version? To specs MG Pro seems to be more comfortable and more powerful ...

Fed Kennedy said:

I am not hitting a hard ball with this racquet but whatever, it's zippy and accurate.
Hey PED, how is that hexonic string? I am looking for a lively, biting poly for this ak90. Signum hyperion is my usual go-to...for reference I thought spin-x was not powerful enough. Great control but dead-ish. I like a little zip and the red would look cool.

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The Hexonic is great man. You should try it out. The thing that stands out is the feel of it. It is extremely comfortable for a poly. It also packs a lot of power in it, but you can still string at your regular tension. I have hit some incredibly hard shots with this string that stay in the lines. And they are super loud..this string really cracks. It does drop tension pretty quick, but then it holds. So I found myself adjusting to that rather easily.

In the 320, I am finding that I like 16 or 16l polys over thinner. Thinner ploys just start to feel a little harsh in the racquet, but thicker strings feel like butter. I am also going to get some regular big hitter blue 16 and see how that compares to the hexonic.

PP, you're a fan of TF`s racquets, but not a fan of string?

Not a fan of the price. I'd use the string in 2 seconds if it was cheaper. I go through string a little too fast.

getsby said:

can be compared with the MG version? To specs MG Pro seems to be more comfortable and more powerful ...

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Actually, it's just the opposite, the YT has a good deal more feel and it's probably 5 to 7% ,more powerful. Really nice stick

Fed Kennedy said:

Hey PED, how is that hexonic string? I am looking for a lively, biting poly for this ak90. Signum hyperion is my usual go-to...for reference I thought spin-x was not powerful enough. Great control but dead-ish. I like a little zip and the red would look cool.

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I've had it laying around for 3 months for zero to low expectations and PP talked the other day about how he liked it.

Well, for once he was right...lol.

Seriously though, he was spot on the Hexonic 1.27. I used it this am. It's more like typhoon as opposed to spinX. It's very lively and I did it at 55/53 in my PDR. Spin and control were just fantastic. I loved the power and it reminded me alot of Typhoon: the ball just EXPLODES off the stringbed.

Did I happen to mention that a reel is only 75. I'll see how long it lasts and go from there. It's the best new string I've used along with tour bite 1.25mm in the last few months.

Thanks for the great idea PP I've also got a set of Heptonic I'll try next.

PED said:

Actually, it's just the opposite, the YT has a good deal more feel and it's probably 5 to 7% ,more powerful. Really nice stick

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very important for me swingweight. MG at it 330. at YT 338

My fault totally, I was talking about the YT PRestige Pro. After reading Ross' post, I had that on the brain. Sorry about that.

I still think the feel is better on the YT Extreme Pro vs the MG version. It doesn't feel like a 338 SW IMO. The feel is similar to the YT Prestige Pro that Ross speaks about, the frame feels like it "wraps" around the ball. very nice stick.

good that you have corrected the error. I'm looking for a powerful racquet with adequate mobility. YT Prestige Pro not as powerful as I would like to

PED said:

I've had it laying around for 3 months for zero to low expectations and PP talked the other day about how he liked it.

Well, for once he was right...lol.

Seriously though, he was spot on the Hexonic 1.27. I used it this am. It's more like typhoon as opposed to spinX. It's very lively and I did it at 55/53 in my PDR. Spin and control were just fantastic. I loved the power and it reminded me alot of Typhoon: the ball just EXPLODES off the stringbed.

Did I happen to mention that a reel is only 75. I'll see how long it lasts and go from there. It's the best new string I've used along with tour bite 1.25mm in the last few months.

Thanks for the great idea PP I've also got a set of Heptonic I'll try next.

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Awesome man. Keep me posted on how it goes with the hexonic. I am getting over being sick so I have not been able to play in a few days. This string really changes the feel of your racquet, which is why I think when people look for the ultimate stick, they sometimes put feel to high on the list.

In my experience, the Tfight is very string sensitive.

getsby said:

good that you have corrected the error. I'm looking for a powerful racquet with adequate mobility. YT Prestige Pro not as powerful as I would like to

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Well, I've only had 3 sessions with this frame, still, for me it's a bit lacking in that desired oomph also (hence why the APD still has my attention.) However, I'm guessing that lowering tension, string experimentation, and lead tape usage, etc, would all have a big impact here. And if I were to ultimately fail to feel happy with it in this regard, I think my next step would be to properly look at the Extreme Pro (I recently got the MG version), er, that's presuming the APD wasn't quite doing it enough also... "Deep sigh"... as I 've said so often before: "so little time, so many frames."


R.

Have you tried the Warrior yet? It's now quite cheap, so I picked one up, and it seems to deliver the best of all worlds. A player's frame with a little extra stiffness from the 23mm beam, and extremely uniform ball response over the entire stringbed relative to other frames.