Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Its just problematic when you have a tefal head!
Did try a bandana once but look far too camp
Glad i don't sweat like roddick.....
UK TT racquetaholics and tennis bums
- Thread starter Dave M
- Start date
Its just problematic when you have a tefal head!
Did try a bandana once but look far too camp
Glad i don't sweat like roddick.....
Xenakis
Hall of Fame
X get off that French horn and get on the courts man
Haven't played the French Horn since school as it happens (senior school, played Tenor Horn at junior school). Was supposed to do drills at the club tonight but had to rehearse for a band playing at a friend's wedding (one off gig, bass guitar duties). It's got to be done, he'll only get married once (hopefully).
jazar
Professional
Aussie Open Day 10 Recap and Semi-Final Preview: http://www.suite101.com/content/australian-open-day-10-recap--semi-final-preview-a338111. Check it out!
jazar
Professional
Justine Henin Retirement: http://www.suite101.com/content/injury-forces-justine-henin-to-retire-from-tennis-a338182. Check it out!
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
whats the score with grips with everyone??
personally Ive always done leather with overgrip but recently have been using a replacement grip, mainly hydrosorb tour i liked and ive always been happy with the cheap dunlop hydromax from sports direct. Im starting to like a firmer replacement tho like pacific master grip, solid like leather but just enough cushion to feel comfortable.
Ive just bought a few more of these grips, anyone else unhappy when your grip is not white?
I also bought wilsons hybrid offering of a grip that is leather with a cushiony overgrip built in on top. Its 1.8mm so its thin which is good but i also hope it has a little cushion to it to. Anyone had a go?
Cant stand those comfort grips as i need to feel the bevels but the leather and og takes the skin off my fingers.
personally Ive always done leather with overgrip but recently have been using a replacement grip, mainly hydrosorb tour i liked and ive always been happy with the cheap dunlop hydromax from sports direct. Im starting to like a firmer replacement tho like pacific master grip, solid like leather but just enough cushion to feel comfortable.
Ive just bought a few more of these grips, anyone else unhappy when your grip is not white?
I also bought wilsons hybrid offering of a grip that is leather with a cushiony overgrip built in on top. Its 1.8mm so its thin which is good but i also hope it has a little cushion to it to. Anyone had a go?
Cant stand those comfort grips as i need to feel the bevels but the leather and og takes the skin off my fingers.
I'm currently using Fairway leather with a RAB Ace overgrip. The overgrip will change to Tourna when it gets hot again.
When I'm not playing tennis, my hand hates me for playing with a leather grip. My fingers are ok, but I have two large callouses - one just under my middle finger and the other at the base of my palm. But when I am playing, leather feels so much better.
I will also admit that I've started using hand cream. It seems to be helping to keep my hands in one piece.
When I'm not playing tennis, my hand hates me for playing with a leather grip. My fingers are ok, but I have two large callouses - one just under my middle finger and the other at the base of my palm. But when I am playing, leather feels so much better.
I will also admit that I've started using hand cream. It seems to be helping to keep my hands in one piece.
Has anyone here hit with Babolat balls? I need to buy a new case, and noticed they're the official LTA sponsor this year and are reasonably priced on the LTA shop.
I'm currently using Tecnifibre X1, which I really like but are horribly expensive. Slazenger Wimby I find fuzz up really quickly, Dunlop Fort are too heavy, particularly if it's not a new can. Others I'm considering are Head ATP and Wilson US Open, both of which I've used once and have seemed ok.
I'm currently using Tecnifibre X1, which I really like but are horribly expensive. Slazenger Wimby I find fuzz up really quickly, Dunlop Fort are too heavy, particularly if it's not a new can. Others I'm considering are Head ATP and Wilson US Open, both of which I've used once and have seemed ok.
The exact opposite for me; I'm not that neurotic but the grip and overgrip MUST be black. I can't handle the notion of the grip getting visibly and progressively more discoloured. The fraying and saturation of the OG is as much as I can take. :evil:
Have never bought Bab balls myself, but my own anecdotal experience is that whenever I hit with someone who brings previously, but fairly recently, opened cans of these (or Head ATP for that matter) they have always lost a huge deal more pressure than others (e.g Wilson US Open / Slaz Ultra Viz / Dunlop Fort).
I generally buy Wilson US Opens when I can find a good price for a bulk order.
UKRHs & 10S Bums,
Re grips/Meags...
Leather grips have never quite worked for me. One major reason being I don't like them on stiffer and more powerful frames for a start - not a good combo in my book. Too harsh or whatever. That said, I've tried the Pacific grips you mention and I thought they were superb. Certainly an improvement on the leathers that come with recent Head frames. I'm also fairly impressed with the Hydrosorb Tour that's presently on my TGK YTPP. No general preference for me though... I used 2 o/grips quite often in the past (until i realised what I actually really prefer is a grip size smaller that is natural for my hand.) I also quite like those Karakal grips with either tourna (like Muzza) or ordinary o/grip. And finally, I used to love Pro Supex o/grips the best, when I could get them. Preferred them to a lot of ppl's faves: Wilson Pro's Pro. All in all though, thanks Rich... I think I spot an opportunity here for a whole new area of obsessive collecting, buying, testing, analyzing, etc!
Re the bandana debate... check this out!
:lol:
R.
Re grips/Meags...
Leather grips have never quite worked for me. One major reason being I don't like them on stiffer and more powerful frames for a start - not a good combo in my book. Too harsh or whatever. That said, I've tried the Pacific grips you mention and I thought they were superb. Certainly an improvement on the leathers that come with recent Head frames. I'm also fairly impressed with the Hydrosorb Tour that's presently on my TGK YTPP. No general preference for me though... I used 2 o/grips quite often in the past (until i realised what I actually really prefer is a grip size smaller that is natural for my hand.) I also quite like those Karakal grips with either tourna (like Muzza) or ordinary o/grip. And finally, I used to love Pro Supex o/grips the best, when I could get them. Preferred them to a lot of ppl's faves: Wilson Pro's Pro. All in all though, thanks Rich... I think I spot an opportunity here for a whole new area of obsessive collecting, buying, testing, analyzing, etc!
Re the bandana debate... check this out!
:lol:
R.
Ash_Smith
Legend
Grip wise I tend to go RAB Airsrpung Fusion as a base with a Pro's Pro white OG. The RAB grips are super nice and the OG's are super cheap (as I get through loads!!!).
As for balls, the Babolat balls are pretty good in my experience, was sponsored by Babolat for a few years when the balls first came around and had a few sets. I feel they stack up well against other premum balls like the Slaz ultra-vis etc.
Ash
As for balls, the Babolat balls are pretty good in my experience, was sponsored by Babolat for a few years when the balls first came around and had a few sets. I feel they stack up well against other premum balls like the Slaz ultra-vis etc.
Ash
origmarm
Hall of Fame
Re grips I used to use leather and Wilson OG but I found that a combination of the harshness in the stiffer frames and the wear on my hands was a little too much. I switch it out for Tourna if I'm going somewhere hot. I started using a Head grip (which I can't remember) with OG and it was ok but....
Anyhow the reason I post is that I've discovered the Wilson Pro Hybrid grip. This one:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_Pro_Hybrid_Replacement_Grip/descpageACWILSON-WHPRO.html
and I must say it's BY FAR the best grip I've tried. I have started using Wilson OG over it also as I just like the feel but it's absolutely spot on for those that like the leather feel but find it a bit much as I did. It is apparently leather and PU combined, or at least that's what it says on the packet. Was recommended to me by a friend with similar tastes
Hope it helps Rich. Very recommended.
Orig
Anyhow the reason I post is that I've discovered the Wilson Pro Hybrid grip. This one:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_Pro_Hybrid_Replacement_Grip/descpageACWILSON-WHPRO.html
and I must say it's BY FAR the best grip I've tried. I have started using Wilson OG over it also as I just like the feel but it's absolutely spot on for those that like the leather feel but find it a bit much as I did. It is apparently leather and PU combined, or at least that's what it says on the packet. Was recommended to me by a friend with similar tastes
Hope it helps Rich. Very recommended.
Orig
jazar
Professional
I've used a leather grip for the past year. I like the feel and it adds a bit more weight. I generally don't like white overgrips that much as they get dirty quickly (even though I use a fresh overgrip almost every time I play this still bothers me). My overgrip preferences are Wilson Pro (even though its white) and Tourna Tac (preferably in pink).
Just strung up my first racket in the new Star V. Very smooth. Think I'm going to like this machine. Gosen Polylon Ice (very cool looking string) at 25/26. Hopefully playing indoors in a couple of hours. Will probably use a Kirschbaum overgrip, forget what it's called, but it's like 0.3mm thick (or should I say thin!).
Just strung up my first racket in the new Star V. Very smooth. Think I'm going to like this machine. Gosen Polylon Ice (very cool looking string) at 25/26. Hopefully playing indoors in a couple of hours. Will probably use a Kirschbaum overgrip, forget what it's called, but it's like 0.3mm thick (or should I say thin!).
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Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Thanks rob thats exactly what i thought and why im liking firmer replacement grips like pacific master's. I hope this new grip by wilson does the trick, should be here in a day or so. One note is that i bought it on the bay and paid 2 squid more than stringers world.....
As for balls the best Ive used are Head ATP stay fresher longer and are a little harder.
jazar
Professional
Australian Open Day 11 Recap: http://www.suite101.com/content/australian-open-day-11-recap-a338806. Check it out!
Had a couple of hours indoors earlier. Best I've played all year. Love playing indoors.
Had a couple of hours indoors earlier. Best I've played all year. Love playing indoors.
I think I may give them a crack. If they turn out horrible, I'll have to apologise to PureAlph4 for ignoring his advice.
Part of the attraction is I've liked playing with the Tecnifibre, not only because they're good balls, but because no one else plays with them so they never get lost. I've not seen any Babolat balls at the club either, but there are plenty of Slazenger, Wilson and Head.
Don't worry; I'm invariably wrong.
:twisted:The latest example has been quite a disappointment! This evening I decided to string up a couple of PSTs I've just received in Focus Hex mains and PS Spiral Flex crosses using that £15 Pro's Pro starting clamp (from the auction place) I was asking about a few weeks ago.
I can reliably inform you that it is absolutely $***e. Previously I had strung all my 2 piece without a starting clamp, but attempted to start the crosses this time using it. Tried twice to clamp outside the frame on the first cross and each time tension was applied it exploded off and fell to the floor, rendering it functionally useless and likely leading to quite a shock to the frame. There's no way I will take another chance with this, so have to now widen a grommet on the mains so that I can make a starting knot there.
Evidently this was a false economy and I should have invested in some quality. A lesson learned.
I'm having a very fickle evening. Since writing that, I've decided that the Babolat balls are barely a saving over my current Tecnifibres, so I'm most likely to go with the US Open after all. So obviously now if I don't like them, I'll just have to blame you instead. ;-)Don't worry; I'm invariably wrong.
I have the RAB starting clamp. It has never slipped. It's the only starting clamp I've ever used so I can't compare it to others, but I can't fault it.
Have not posted here for a while but I will second the opinion on the previous postee regarding the Wilson Pro Hybrid overgrip tis brilliant.
Regarding an overgrip I have tried many, Head, Technifibre, Wilson, Babolat, Karakal, Goosen and Tourna I think.
In my opinion Babolat VS Touch Original stands out from the crowd, its thin so the bevels stand out, never had a sweaty hand experience. Only problem I have had is after several times using it starts to rip slightly, possibly because I stretch it when I rap it around the racket handle..
Regarding tennis balls here is what I think,
Slazenger Ultra Vis is the best to play with but not as economical than lets say Wilson US Open.
Wilson US Open are good tennis balls but are heavier and more durable but they do not bounce as high, if you love the topspin and bounce then Slazenger Ultra Vis are better but it will cost that little more..
Head Radicals are kind of good at times but less durable than Wilson US Open balls, similar if not better than Slazenger Ultra Vis in terms of Durability but the bounce is not the same...
Dunlop Fort, I have tried and gave up on these, indoors or outdoors they are not as good as Head Radical even though they are not that good. Similar sort of price range..
Wilson Championship tennis balls have a better bounce than the US Open tennis balls but not as durable, kind of like a cheaper version of the Slazenger Ultra Vis (reason why I keep reffering to the Ultra Vis, I have not experienced a tennis ball that bounces higher when playing with a lot of topspin)
Slazenger Open tennis balls I only played with once, I liked them they were durable, had a bounce similar to the US Open tennis balls and are probably as durable as them but then again only played with them once...
Head ATP tennis balls vary some were good some were bad, reason i say this is because I seem to get far more Head ATP or even Radical tennis balls that go dead really quick what I mean by this they are squishy lol but not at the time it happens.
Most consistent no hassle tennis ball has to be Slazenger Ultra Vis THAT I have experienced..
I have not tried the Technifibre tennis balls, I dont play in club matches and so forth im more of a recreational player so I don't see the point buying expensive tennis balls..
I am interested to know those of you that have used Head Radical or the Head ATP tennis balls what you think, have any of you experienced them going dead more often than the other brands?
Sorry for the long post guys and if any punany browsing this thread
Regarding an overgrip I have tried many, Head, Technifibre, Wilson, Babolat, Karakal, Goosen and Tourna I think.
In my opinion Babolat VS Touch Original stands out from the crowd, its thin so the bevels stand out, never had a sweaty hand experience. Only problem I have had is after several times using it starts to rip slightly, possibly because I stretch it when I rap it around the racket handle..
Regarding tennis balls here is what I think,
Slazenger Ultra Vis is the best to play with but not as economical than lets say Wilson US Open.
Wilson US Open are good tennis balls but are heavier and more durable but they do not bounce as high, if you love the topspin and bounce then Slazenger Ultra Vis are better but it will cost that little more..
Head Radicals are kind of good at times but less durable than Wilson US Open balls, similar if not better than Slazenger Ultra Vis in terms of Durability but the bounce is not the same...
Dunlop Fort, I have tried and gave up on these, indoors or outdoors they are not as good as Head Radical even though they are not that good. Similar sort of price range..
Wilson Championship tennis balls have a better bounce than the US Open tennis balls but not as durable, kind of like a cheaper version of the Slazenger Ultra Vis (reason why I keep reffering to the Ultra Vis, I have not experienced a tennis ball that bounces higher when playing with a lot of topspin)
Slazenger Open tennis balls I only played with once, I liked them they were durable, had a bounce similar to the US Open tennis balls and are probably as durable as them but then again only played with them once...
Head ATP tennis balls vary some were good some were bad, reason i say this is because I seem to get far more Head ATP or even Radical tennis balls that go dead really quick what I mean by this they are squishy lol but not at the time it happens.
Most consistent no hassle tennis ball has to be Slazenger Ultra Vis THAT I have experienced..
I have not tried the Technifibre tennis balls, I dont play in club matches and so forth im more of a recreational player so I don't see the point buying expensive tennis balls..
I am interested to know those of you that have used Head Radical or the Head ATP tennis balls what you think, have any of you experienced them going dead more often than the other brands?
Sorry for the long post guys and if any punany browsing this thread
forthegame
Hall of Fame
:shock: :shock:
Morning RHs,
As everyone is saying, this is surely his best chance yet of winning a Slam... I know there's 1 or 2 of us who aren't exactly fans, But I, for one, really hope he wins the AO.
"Come on, Muzza!... no pressure, son"...
Oh yeah... qsn... I know ppl will take the p*** here I'm sure but, seriously, how would ppl actually describe his game and playing style... just curious...
R.
As everyone is saying, this is surely his best chance yet of winning a Slam... I know there's 1 or 2 of us who aren't exactly fans, But I, for one, really hope he wins the AO.
"Come on, Muzza!... no pressure, son"...
Oh yeah... qsn... I know ppl will take the p*** here I'm sure but, seriously, how would ppl actually describe his game and playing style... just curious...
R.
origmarm
Hall of Fame
Yeah I thought that was proper hilarious also!
He seems to be trying to play like a male wozniacki (or however it's spelt)
I've found pros pro O ' grips to be good but as a grip i've been usiing either the dunlop hydromax (or tour if they are around) or yonex ones,they feel quite nice too.
We tried some karakal baals at our club, not bad but some tubes contained 2 or 3 dead balls out of 4.They replaced them but it did make a bit of a hassle.
jazar
Professional
Aussie Open Day 12 Recap and Women's Final Preview: http://www.suite101.com/content/australian-open-day-12-recap--womens-final-preview-a339230. Check it out!
Xenakis
Hall of Fame
Pleased for Murray but with all those netted shots early on I felt like smacking my own hand into a tennis racquet. Not easy viewing.
Won't win against Djoker playing like that (unless he has another contact lens malfunction). If he can find the form he showed against Melzer then he's got a good chance.
Annoying thing is I've got to get up early on Sunday to watch it.
Won't win against Djoker playing like that (unless he has another contact lens malfunction). If he can find the form he showed against Melzer then he's got a good chance.
Annoying thing is I've got to get up early on Sunday to watch it.
jazar
Professional
Interesting to hear he changed string tension and started hitting thro the ball bit more and in return looking more aggressive. Hint hint wink wink wakey wakey maybe start with that higher tension in the first place
lots of pro's go out on court with rackets at different tensions in case conditions change or they feel they need more power or control
Qsn for the string gurus... what is the most powerful string/strings/combination thereof you can think of to really give a power boost to the Prestige (and I mean all across the whole range of strings)?... also, if it was topspin friendly, even better... Paul.. Rob... Jamie... Ed... etc - would love your input here.
TIA,
R.
TIA,
R.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
i know that Jamie !!!
i was kinda making a statement about his general lacklustre pushing style which gives opponents opportunities and his more aggressive win win win nature that most of us love. It doesnt take upping tension a couple of pounds to change from one to the other, i know it helps technically but its more a mental thing.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Jaz is right with thin gut but its a difficult question. I like low powered poly because i hit the ball harder knowing its not going out. With full gut this would not happen i would prob end up pulling out of shots to keep the ball in and therefore not making use of its power.
Xenakis
Hall of Fame
What Jamie said. Gut as it's the most elastic string. Alternatively use your normal string but drop the tension. Re topspin, not sure there's any conclusive evidence either way about string type and tensions, perhaps there are too many variables.
Most people think the low power strings like poly and high tensions will allow you to hit the ball harder/faster and generate more spin which does seem to make sense but I'm not up to date on the science (last time I looked it up it seemed contentious).
It's the way the equipment is marketed but that's no guarantee of truth (e.g. textured strings seem to make no difference to spin but they're sold as if they do).
I stand to be corrected on all this as you might infer from my slightly hesitant tone, I'd like to hear if anyone is more up to speed on current thinking.
jazar
Professional
there is some evidence about tension for topspin. topspin is generated off the stringbed by the strings sliding across each other. a lower tension allows the strings to do this more so will give more spin. another thing to do would be to drop the tension on the crosses.
Aggro
Rookie
I watched a video the other day about strings and the generation of spin and the science boffins took a super slo mo of what happens during ball impact - they found that increased top spin from the new co polys was due to the fact that the string 'sprung back' into place which obviously will have a huge effect on spin.
They also tested just normal synthetic gut but coated it in vaseline or some other lub and found the results the same because of the spring back from the string.
So less resistance = more movement = more spin and power, theoretically.
but then i havent seen comparsions from full poly vs poly mains and gut crosses, as gut is very soft i imagine it would be the same effect ? could be wrong tho
I don't suppose you have a link to the video? I'm curious whether it displays conclusive evidence of what is actually happening. The strings move, but could be either:
- snapping back whilst the ball is dwelling, thus imparting the spin, or
- snapping back after the ball has left the string bed, and doing diddly squat other than returning to their original position.
Anecdotally, the most spin I've generated is with a gut main / poly cross. Elastic gut snapping back as it slides along the smooth poly? Who knows, but I'm sticking with it.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
ive never done this Jamie ive always kept the same tension on both (which i like the feel of). Ive never really understood why you would do this other than the crosses are shorter and therefore relatively tighter at the same tension, so the sliding of strings makes sense. I always string mine in a one peice so wouldnt it just even itself out after a few hits of the tennis ball?? Is this thus only done with 2 peice stringing and if so how much would you drop the crosses if your dealing with a stiff poly (full bed)?
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
totally agree dags, although i played well last week i still really struggled with these balls and got next to no free points!
It's not on early is it? I thought it started about 8am?
I've been roped into a mixed league match on Sunday 10am start so hopefully it'll be a quick match so i can see it!In light of that I have spent tonight stringing frames up, two 4D aerogel 200 16 by 19s one with a hybrid and the other a thin pros pro syn gut and a pro stock prestige MP with a full bed of mfil tour as a play test tommorow to see what to use on Sunday.
On another note, playing Wed night, cold, windy and raining then to top it all off a floodlight blew out covering us in glass, good fun this!