ryushen21
Legend
Agreed. There is something special about the nCodes. On paper they look just like any other 6.1 but when you play them there is definitely something different and amazing.
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Agreed. There is something special about the nCodes. On paper they look just like any other 6.1 but when you play them there is definitely something different and amazing.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
herein lies the problem.
PresPro was very sweet off the bh wing, just wasn't giving me that knockout punch feel I get from 88, 6.1, extreme, pstgt. I actually like that lumbering feel and the plow it gives.
What's cool though, is that after like a week of hitting some funhouse bhs with the prespro, I felt freer with my other sticks...it carried over a little,the ease of the prespro helped me break through something mentally or tecnique wise and really go for it a little more.
anyway Devilito, you should try it and yes its a lot better with a few grams up high.
alen_david
Rookie
Hey man, you received the iPrestige Mid yet? The YT Prestige Mid is awesome. Thanks!
I hope you enjoy the iPrestige. Yeah, re-string it. Kevlar killed my arm. Def. a bad choice.
el,
I concur. You know what? I may just try my retail YTPP (with your set up) one further time this week just to give it another shot. And BTW, I keep hearing about how the Vantage Bast Cores 'launch' the ball with its recoil... well, all I can say is 'launch' is precisely the word that immediately came to my mind when I played the PP with your mod set up... it was pretty different, and especially for my 2hbh.
Fed,
Yes, I had the same thoughts re the PC+ Swirly... instant b-line nirvana, although it can be like swinging a tree-trunk!
Gads,
Sorry if I've asked this before but any thoughts on how the Prest Pro and Bast Core 20 compare? Thx
R
I concur. You know what? I may just try my retail YTPP (with your set up) one further time this week just to give it another shot. And BTW, I keep hearing about how the Vantage Bast Cores 'launch' the ball with its recoil... well, all I can say is 'launch' is precisely the word that immediately came to my mind when I played the PP with your mod set up... it was pretty different, and especially for my 2hbh.
Fed,
Yes, I had the same thoughts re the PC+ Swirly... instant b-line nirvana, although it can be like swinging a tree-trunk!
Gads,
Sorry if I've asked this before but any thoughts on how the Prest Pro and Bast Core 20 compare? Thx
R
el sergento
Hall of Fame
I know eh? For me it turned a pretty wimpy stick into a schoolyard bully. Only downside to this setup is that it's quite string sensitive, once my strings start to die it can be hard to control the power.
I have some WC B5E coming in and if it's as soft as they say it is I might go full poly.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
My experience with the Pro is very limited: one hour's worth of hitting, maybe 90 minutes. And with no mods. I just remember feeling more comfy with the Midplus and then the Mid, and the reason I didn't get along with the Pro was it just felt very stiff and also more oddly balanced to me in a way that I found hard to control. Serves exploded, I remember that, but then on groundstrokes something with the balance and stiffness of it led me to just send lots of fliers past the baseline when I tried to crack a big shot.
In contrast, for me, one of the biggest reasons I'm loving the 20 is the level of control is just awesome. Not just left-right, but depth, and I overhit with this thing less than any other frame I can think of, but there's still a huge well of laser power when I go after the ball. To me that control comes from the insane pocketing of the ball. I remember the Prestige Pro feeling 'boardy' to me, the ball just slapped off the frame rather than sitting in the stringbed for a moment like it does with the 20 [note, of course, that I had demo strings in the Pro], which, once you get used to that pocketing, just makes you feel like you can throw the ball to a target. Feel wise, I remembered the Youtek Pro feeling kind of stiffer/more hollow (even in comparison to the Midplus and Mid) to me, while the 20 feels full and plush but - especially with Tour Bite - satisfyingly crisp as well.
So for me personally, no contest, but I was never really a Prestige Pro guy in the first place so take that for what it's worth.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Yeah double joined and very flexible. Prep is important as i have to hit it way infront but Tbh its easier for me this way. I don't change grips at all fw both sides, same grip so prep is easier. Love it tho its my favourite shot and very reliable once in the groove.
I do admit i get some comments on how the bloody hell i hit the ball with that grip. Needs a big high low high technique and yeah its difficult when hurried but no more than with any other shot.
Devilito
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the replies guys.
My friend in the video is using the Prestige Pro with Luxilon Alu Power strung at 50lbs. I gave that a go for a limited time today and man did it feel sweet. The racquet was perfectly balanced and the weight was not too light and not too heavy and his string set-up was about perfectly in my range. Felt comfortable, soft, yet crisp and with lots of control. Gave me the ability to flatten out shots and also gave me the ability to go into consistent rally mode with lots of spin. Something that’s missing from my PS85. I can hit the felt off the ball with my Prostaff but I don’t feel confident in sustaining long rallies with it especially against someone that would pressure me with deep shots. It usually results in a shanked shot eventually. The Prestige Pro felt big enough yet small enough. Wonder if he’d consider switching racquets and sell me his
PS. Thanks for the other suggestions I’ve taken them all into consideration but will take a bit more time to get around to hitting with them. Vantage would be impossible to try, would have to buy it and gamble.
My friend in the video is using the Prestige Pro with Luxilon Alu Power strung at 50lbs. I gave that a go for a limited time today and man did it feel sweet. The racquet was perfectly balanced and the weight was not too light and not too heavy and his string set-up was about perfectly in my range. Felt comfortable, soft, yet crisp and with lots of control. Gave me the ability to flatten out shots and also gave me the ability to go into consistent rally mode with lots of spin. Something that’s missing from my PS85. I can hit the felt off the ball with my Prostaff but I don’t feel confident in sustaining long rallies with it especially against someone that would pressure me with deep shots. It usually results in a shanked shot eventually. The Prestige Pro felt big enough yet small enough. Wonder if he’d consider switching racquets and sell me his
PS. Thanks for the other suggestions I’ve taken them all into consideration but will take a bit more time to get around to hitting with them. Vantage would be impossible to try, would have to buy it and gamble.
aimr75
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the replies guys.
My friend in the video is using the Prestige Pro with Luxilon Alu Power strung at 50lbs. I gave that a go for a limited time today and man did it feel sweet. The racquet was perfectly balanced and the weight was not too light and not too heavy and his string set-up was about perfectly in my range. Felt comfortable, soft, yet crisp and with lots of control. Gave me the ability to flatten out shots and also gave me the ability to go into consistent rally mode with lots of spin. Something that’s missing from my PS85. I can hit the felt off the ball with my Prostaff but I don’t feel confident in sustaining long rallies with it especially against someone that would pressure me with deep shots. It usually results in a shanked shot eventually. The Prestige Pro felt big enough yet small enough. Wonder if he’d consider switching racquets and sell me his
PS. Thanks for the other suggestions I’ve taken them all into consideration but will take a bit more time to get around to hitting with them. Vantage would be impossible to try, would have to buy it and gamble.
devilito, vantage's for sure are very nice frames.. i've tried the YTPPro, but found the YT prestige mid even nicer. I did add a bit of weight to the YTPM (6 grams).. felt great, very solid. Havent read through this thread, but may be worth a try also
Devilito
Hall of Fame
i've seen your videos and you're a very good and very clean hitter. I feel the same way in a more relaxed practice session. I'm curious if you still compete? I saw how you went from the 90sq" vantage to the 98 even though you hit with the 90 pretty damn well. Was wondering if your reasons for switching were similar to mine.
aimr75
Hall of Fame
thanks
I dont compete, I am lucky to get a hit in once a week (3 month old baby keeps me and my wife busy ) Yeah, the vantage 95 does have more forgiveness which prompted me to get it, but ultimately with the amount i play it makes little difference whether i use the 90 or 95. Probably if I compete down the track I would face a similar decision like yourself to stick with a larger headsize, but at this stage, I can go back and forth without any detriment.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
lost in the finals dudes. let the soul searching begin. I think I'm going back to the extreme. There's no country for old men out there. Looking to become a doubles specialist...there's a few princes out there that look interesting. Summer's coming, I'm at a crossroads.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Sad to hear it -- any positives, do any better than last time? 88 just too much to get around fast enough against this other gunner?
At least there's this: your crossroads soul searching will make for some good reading for the rest of us.
JG,
Cheers for thoughts on PP VS Bast Core.
Devilito,
Sounds like you might want to check out the PP properly... and btw, nice to hear your positive impressions... FWIW, thus far, it has proved to be pretty close to what I'm after, but I've always had a few issues with it. I do love how sweetly it swings though and the nice weighting, balance, etc... BTW, Given a bit you've said, I might also recommend you look at the PSTGT... ever hit with one?
R
Cheers for thoughts on PP VS Bast Core.
Devilito,
Sounds like you might want to check out the PP properly... and btw, nice to hear your positive impressions... FWIW, thus far, it has proved to be pretty close to what I'm after, but I've always had a few issues with it. I do love how sweetly it swings though and the nice weighting, balance, etc... BTW, Given a bit you've said, I might also recommend you look at the PSTGT... ever hit with one?
R
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Lots of positives, I played well, dude is 6'5" 25 years old, no way I can really get around that. I was up a break at one point, didnt really know what to do with myself. Difference in the match was his huge serve.
88 performed beautifully, really had him on the run at times, just couldn't sustain it. The racquet seemed more plush and powerful the harder he was hitting. I can't fault the 88. He is better than me and a bad matchup to boot. A Hewitt type could handle him much better.
I'm left in a spiritual quandary. Seriously a crossroads. Nobody my age plays my level. I have to hit with youth or old dudes. Do I go for ease of use or try to hang on to the big hitting fantasy. So in between right now...
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Devil, If you can try the donnays, do it. They made them for old school pro staffers. I will have a dual core tomorrow and post thoughts, but I know they are offering them with 14 day money back guaranteed right now.
I liked the prestige pro, but the prestige mid smokes it, the TGK beat the retail, and the Donnays are like pro molds.
I decided to string the dual core platinum with solinco tourbite. I bought a pack from the TW..the 16L.
If I love this string, is there a better place to buy it on the cheap?
Ryushen, you have some of the best sticks available right now..lol..in terms of mids..this should be a good read once you get some time with them.
I liked the prestige pro, but the prestige mid smokes it, the TGK beat the retail, and the Donnays are like pro molds.
I decided to string the dual core platinum with solinco tourbite. I bought a pack from the TW..the 16L.
If I love this string, is there a better place to buy it on the cheap?
Ryushen, you have some of the best sticks available right now..lol..in terms of mids..this should be a good read once you get some time with them.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Man, the thought of Tour Bite 16L in a Platinum makes me shiver. Crisp feeling string should be perfect for a Donnay, and the insane ball grab/spin should be a huge complement to the 18x20 pattern, giving you plenty of spin and control. PP, get out there immediately. I think I'm almost as excited as you are.
It's weird suddenly being the guy with the girlfriend, vicariously watching my fellow holics experiment from afar while I pretty much stick with the 20. She's now starting to leave her 'things' at my apartment, and it's weird.
It's weird suddenly being the guy with the girlfriend, vicariously watching my fellow holics experiment from afar while I pretty much stick with the 20. She's now starting to leave her 'things' at my apartment, and it's weird.
ryushen21
Legend
Ha! I'm married with a baby on the way and I still get time for racketaholism.
LOL - this is the real 'honey moon' period. It's when she starts tidying up, organizing your apartment, choosing the furniture, eating a bit too much in front of the TV, and not being quite so eager to, er, please her man - now that's when you've got problems!
R
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I feel like I am currently dating twins with different colored hair..lol.
This will probably be my most enjoyable decision since the sticks are spec matched (besides RA and pattern).
This will probably be my most enjoyable decision since the sticks are spec matched (besides RA and pattern).
ryushen21
Legend
LOL - this is the real 'honey moon' period. It's when she starts tidying up, organizing your apartment, choosing the furniture, eating a bit too much in front of the TV, and not being quite so eager to, er, please her man - now that's when you've got problems!
R
This has nothing on pregnancy.....
ryushen21
Legend
Four racquets, all alike in dignity
In fair North Texas, where we lay our scene.......
The stage is set, the player is ready. The greatest (ok, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but come on) mid battle ever conceived is soon to be under way. Frames will be strung tomorrow. First hits will be Thursday. May I have the strength to not totally bungle this and resultantly throw all of the frames in the bin....
Agent Orynge
Professional
I'm rooting for the BA.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Ry,
Awesome, man. Just a handsome, esteemed bunch right there, and I like how the playtest is a mix of older and newer.
In my world, had another day of overwhelming positivity. And another sign of racquetholic growth. Down 0-3 (but only one break), I stayed calm, collected, didn't even think about switching -- my shots felt very good, the guy just got off to an awesome start hitting some ridiculous serves and corner shots. Whereas 0-3 in the past might have meant a flummoxed trip to the bag, Seabiscuit was purring just fine, and she likes to hang back at the start, look the other horses in the eye, then go. And that's just what she did again today, winning the next 6 straight for a 6-3 first set win. 6-2 in the second.
My serving today was ridiculous. Returns of his huge serve were easier than they should have been (he aced me plenty, but had very few service winners because if I got the racquet on the ball, I could always somehow do something decent with it). At the end he told me that he just couldn't handle the action on my ball, saying the ball wasn't just hit hard but was dancing -- and I, too, noticed that on some shots I created balls that had this funny sidespin that would sometimes go into or away from his body on the bounce.
Tour Bite+BC20 recoil=funk.
I just can't get enough of this frame right now. The feel of the ball is just sensational.
Awesome, man. Just a handsome, esteemed bunch right there, and I like how the playtest is a mix of older and newer.
In my world, had another day of overwhelming positivity. And another sign of racquetholic growth. Down 0-3 (but only one break), I stayed calm, collected, didn't even think about switching -- my shots felt very good, the guy just got off to an awesome start hitting some ridiculous serves and corner shots. Whereas 0-3 in the past might have meant a flummoxed trip to the bag, Seabiscuit was purring just fine, and she likes to hang back at the start, look the other horses in the eye, then go. And that's just what she did again today, winning the next 6 straight for a 6-3 first set win. 6-2 in the second.
My serving today was ridiculous. Returns of his huge serve were easier than they should have been (he aced me plenty, but had very few service winners because if I got the racquet on the ball, I could always somehow do something decent with it). At the end he told me that he just couldn't handle the action on my ball, saying the ball wasn't just hit hard but was dancing -- and I, too, noticed that on some shots I created balls that had this funny sidespin that would sometimes go into or away from his body on the bounce.
Tour Bite+BC20 recoil=funk.
I just can't get enough of this frame right now. The feel of the ball is just sensational.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Me too!
Though I have a certain bias...
The Ace is awesome, though. One of the truly great frames out there that goes mostly unknown because of its scarcity.
Devilito
Hall of Fame
so the deal on the Boris Becker Legend for $99 got me. I ordered 1 as a tester (which i could probably re-sell for what i paid worse case) and can't wait to test it out. The specs seemed to fit right in my range and i'm always partial to something more eclectic than the standard fair. Hopefully the joke won’t be on me when I get it
bad_call
Legend
warning: rumor has it that the spec obsessed peeps days are numbered. :shock:
Devilito
Hall of Fame
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Dual Platinum is in hand. Could it change the game of tennis forever?
Devilito
Hall of Fame
saw your pics racquet looks awesome. Can't wait until you post up a review of it
Power Player
Bionic Poster
yeah man..between the black and platinum, I think I'm set..add in the PC600 for the pleasure hit now and then, and my racquet collection is too good.. probably ridiculous at this point.
I will fire off the details..hoping to restring the black before I hit with Tour Bite so I can compare the two sticks as well as possible.
I will fire off the details..hoping to restring the black before I hit with Tour Bite so I can compare the two sticks as well as possible.
bad_call
Legend
you tell em dude!!! specmoelians UNITE!!
eidolonshinobi
Professional
bad_call
Legend
alen_david
Rookie
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I posted some thoughts on the dual plat in the Donnay thread, but I wanted to share here some stuff as well.
Uhm...yeah..it's really damn good. Does it make me want to sell my Blacks? No..these racquets can coexist due to the uniqueness of what Donnay has done. The black is a stick that needs to be strung at around 48#s or so..low..it hits with a high trajectory and lots of spin. The ball is not a heavy as the Platinum. The Platinum is the best Prestige I have ever used. It is similar in so many ways. The control, swing, sound at contact are all reminiscent. The feel is exceptional. I have to say it is kinder to your arm, and when you have time to prep and absolutely crush the ball through the sweet spot, it is as satisfying as the prestige to me. I believe it feels in many ways like the PC600 to be quite honest. The difference is that the PC600 does not have the power of the platinum.
The plats power is substantial, but controllable. What I like is that you can block back shots, and they will have depth, but you can swing out with absolute control. It definitely hits harder than the black, but some of that is due to the pattern and the lower trajectory. It was not a huge difference to me, but I did hit some absolute bombs with it, and really did not use much energy at all.
Most spin I have gotten with an 18x20..it is not a baseline spin machine, but it gives you some serious kick off the bounce.
If you like the Prestige..miss the old school feel of the classic graphite racquets, are comfortable with 18x20, this is the best racquet you can probably buy. I would never even consider going after at PT57A..or TGK..etc after using these Donnays.
The feel on the platinum is really that good. It is a very easy to use racquet IMO..not that demanding. I think FedK would love this stick, Gads (mark my words) will give in and demo it, and Ryu down the road..try this baby out if you can.
I am really going to take some time..string them both with Tour Bite over the weekend..and just go back and forth with them.
To be honest, my first impression after 1 night of hitting with a 4.5 player was that this racquet is the first stick that comes close to the PC600 in feel, and completely surpasses it in playability. Once I get it set up with full poly, I am pretty sure I will be hitting the hardest groundstrokes I possibly can, and they will stay in the court for me more often.
Final thoughts are that it really seems like a 95 in size..swings light..like it is 11.3 ozs or something, but when you make contact you know you are pancaking the ball. It's really a great racquet guys. I hate to make it sound so good..it really is annoying to read raves of all these different sticks, but between the Black and the platinum, I feel like almost everyone here could pick 1 and be happy.
Uhm...yeah..it's really damn good. Does it make me want to sell my Blacks? No..these racquets can coexist due to the uniqueness of what Donnay has done. The black is a stick that needs to be strung at around 48#s or so..low..it hits with a high trajectory and lots of spin. The ball is not a heavy as the Platinum. The Platinum is the best Prestige I have ever used. It is similar in so many ways. The control, swing, sound at contact are all reminiscent. The feel is exceptional. I have to say it is kinder to your arm, and when you have time to prep and absolutely crush the ball through the sweet spot, it is as satisfying as the prestige to me. I believe it feels in many ways like the PC600 to be quite honest. The difference is that the PC600 does not have the power of the platinum.
The plats power is substantial, but controllable. What I like is that you can block back shots, and they will have depth, but you can swing out with absolute control. It definitely hits harder than the black, but some of that is due to the pattern and the lower trajectory. It was not a huge difference to me, but I did hit some absolute bombs with it, and really did not use much energy at all.
Most spin I have gotten with an 18x20..it is not a baseline spin machine, but it gives you some serious kick off the bounce.
If you like the Prestige..miss the old school feel of the classic graphite racquets, are comfortable with 18x20, this is the best racquet you can probably buy. I would never even consider going after at PT57A..or TGK..etc after using these Donnays.
The feel on the platinum is really that good. It is a very easy to use racquet IMO..not that demanding. I think FedK would love this stick, Gads (mark my words) will give in and demo it, and Ryu down the road..try this baby out if you can.
I am really going to take some time..string them both with Tour Bite over the weekend..and just go back and forth with them.
To be honest, my first impression after 1 night of hitting with a 4.5 player was that this racquet is the first stick that comes close to the PC600 in feel, and completely surpasses it in playability. Once I get it set up with full poly, I am pretty sure I will be hitting the hardest groundstrokes I possibly can, and they will stay in the court for me more often.
Final thoughts are that it really seems like a 95 in size..swings light..like it is 11.3 ozs or something, but when you make contact you know you are pancaking the ball. It's really a great racquet guys. I hate to make it sound so good..it really is annoying to read raves of all these different sticks, but between the Black and the platinum, I feel like almost everyone here could pick 1 and be happy.
Devilito
Hall of Fame
Tennis Maverick seems to think the BB Legend has similar qualities. Prestige – like, comfortable and while it’s an 18/20 feels more like a 16/19 in terms of spin/ heaviness of ball yet maintains the control you get with the 18/20. Interesting… Very similar spec wise with the Platinum apart of the stiffness rating. BTW. Great write up! Enjoy the new stick.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I hit with a guy who has used the legend for over a year and loves it. I think you will be quite pleased.
I should add, the stiffness feels far less than 70 on the plat. Very very similar to the prestige youtek, or even a little softer.
I should add, the stiffness feels far less than 70 on the plat. Very very similar to the prestige youtek, or even a little softer.
Devilito
Hall of Fame
yeah they mention something like that on their website about the stiffness
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Interesting thoughts PP. How is the plow through compared to a sixone? I usually favor the open patterns because I like to go for that big dipper cc off the bh...I tried the blue 99, felt a little rubbery...I like the looks of the 70ra though.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Awesome, PP. Just awesome. I'm most certainly in for a demo. (wasn't a bold prediction that I'd cave, for I am JGads, He Who Demos All). Really does look like an interesting racquet, and there was so much to like about my Dark Red experience that I always knew I'd be trying again if they did something about the soft feel. ...
And you can definitely confirm this? Feel is crisper and/or more solid and/or less flexy than the X series? You've likened the feel to a Prestige (some TALL words there, my friend), so I'm guessing as much, but it's like I have a tick and need this confirmed to me again and again.
Looks like I'll be prepping myself for a be-all, end-all battle between the BC20 and the Donnay Platinum. Heading to NYC next week, though, so will have to wait for a bit, though if I can find any Platinums for demo in NY I may jump on it since I'm supposed to play my buddy out there while visiting.
And being a Prestige Mid fan, any interest, PP, in trying the Platinum 94? I hope to demo both but if I had to go with just one I'd probably want to try the 94 just because I usually veer towards smaller heads. Even though the 18x20 in the 99-inch head sounds like an awesome mix of pop and control, kind of like the EXO3 Tour 100 18x20 was.
Anyway, great stuff. And happy to hear Tour Bite is working in the Black. I initially thought that that would be a perfect match. Can't wait til you get it in the Platinum as well.
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Fed Kennedy
Legend
It was a brief demo, got it in a box of tw demos same time I had the pstgt...I liked the pstgt much better. Ton of power on the serve...it had that crappy hybrid stringjob, probably biased me. It felt very quiet and dead on impact. I liked it, but didnt have that aha moment with it and wasnt willing to shell out the cash for experimentation.
Time goes by, I think I'm a wilson guy more and more.
Time goes by, I think I'm a wilson guy more and more.
Talking of being a Wilson guy, weren't you all due to to buy and start getting busy with a 6.1 95 (was it the K?)...
BTW, I do sometimes think back with relish to my 2 long outings with the N95... you know that rare feeling 'this is the one' feeling?... I certainly knew this frame could provide that bit extra, another gear of controllable but killer oomph, when required. Actually, at first I loved the closed pattern (and still really rate this rack), but the open pattern suited my game a tad better; it was very powerful and zippy (but you could reign it in); very spinny; swung great (although that major head/light balance is a bit much for me now); and was pretty solid and tank-like. Like you, I think, (born out by recently going ga-ga over the PC+ Swirly) I do occasionally wonder if these slightly heftier frames don't suit me a bit more.
Anyhow, with my playing time having become very limited, I'm big-time looking forward to good match tomorrow. My more recent if brief sessions/matches, etc, has shown me I'm leaning more towards the APD than anything.
Hmm, quite what else I'll be bringing to the party though, I haven't decided. I'll see what mood I wake up in... could it be an N95 mood?!...
R
Fed Kennedy
Legend
My paypal is swelling...I traded my prestypros for k95s, they have jive string in them but I played dubs once with one of them...routine holds like clockwork...it's like coming home after a long time at sea...I might sell them and get N or blx 95s becuase I love the little bit softer response...such a solid stick, serve in particular. It's like a ribeye steak compared to a veggie burger.
