MG Radical or PD GT?

AceServer

Rookie
Hello,

It is my birthday soon, and I plan to get a Pure Drive GT.
The problem is that my grandparents think it is too costly in their opinion, which I think so too. I have thought about getting the MG Radical, but that seems too control oriented. They say to look for any other racket in the 100$ price range, but I don't know what tweeners will play my style.
I play with heavy topspin, and am a baseliner. I cannot restring, as there are no pro shops nearby. I really want this Pure Drive though, as I think it will last me a long time. Are there any tweeners that fit my category? I prefer it midplus headsize, head light, and about 11 oz. Any suggestions? What strings should I use too?

Thanks a lot in advance.
 

Cup8489

G.O.A.T.
The Prince Hybrid Shark MP is a good option.. plays alot like a pure drive but not as stiff or harsh on the arm. One of the less talked about frames. Not sure if it's still available but it wont steer ya wrong.
 

technoob10

New User
I would get the radical since it's easier to customize. Also as you get better, you might prefer a heavier racket, so the radical is pretty good for that.
 

meowmix

Hall of Fame
The 135 anniversary edition is 50 bucks cheaper than the regular one.

That being said, what don't you like about your current LM Radical? Why not get another one of those?
 

pyrokid

Hall of Fame
Wow, the not having a stringer around seems like a big problem. Honestly, I recommend just getting a stringer with the money. That way you can restring your own racquets, because if you hit with any topspin at all you'll destroy any prestrung strings in like a week.
 

AceServer

Rookie
@meowmix I don't like my LM Radical because it's too weak, and can't get much topspin on it. I get more topspin on my $20 beginner racquet.

@pyrokid How much does a cheap stringer cost? I can't afford one that's over 200..
 

meowmix

Hall of Fame
A cheap stringer costs around 140. They include the Klippermate, the Alpha String Pal, Gamma x-2. I'd recommend the alpha string pal- it combines the benefits of both the Gamma and the Klippermate.

What do you mean by weak? Lack of power? If that's what you mean, get a stringer and restring w/ something other than the pre-strung crap. Remember... topspin is mostly generated by your form. You won't generate that much more topspin w/ different rackets.

Another option is the Dunlop Aerogel 500 Tour. Very similar to the PD, but I know of a place where you can get them for $35 each new. PM or email me at meowmix0669 at google mail.
 
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AceServer

Rookie
A cheap stringer costs around 140. They include the Klippermate, the Alpha String Pal, Gamma x-2. I'd recommend the alpha string pal- it combines the benefits of both the Gamma and the Klippermate.

What do you mean by weak? Lack of power? If that's what you mean, get a stringer and restring w/ something other than the pre-strung crap. Remember... topspin is mostly generated by your form. You won't generate that much more topspin w/ different rackets.

Another option is the Dunlop Aerogel 500 Tour. Very similar to the PD, but I know of a place where you can get them for $35 each new. PM or email me at meowmix0669 at google mail.

I emailed.

I use western forehand grip, and I have a full swing.
What would be a good backhander?
 

flashfire276

Hall of Fame
The Prince Hybrid Shark MP is a good option.. plays alot like a pure drive but not as stiff or harsh on the arm. One of the less talked about frames. Not sure if it's still available but it wont steer ya wrong.

+1 on this.
I had one as a backup racquet (best $10 I ever spent). It had that free pop and forgiveness of the Pure Drive, yet it had a more raw and comfy feel. It's not too flexy, but it's just right.
 

prjacobs

Hall of Fame
Forget to Radical MP if you want topspin. I own one and it doesn't compare to a 16 X 19 or in the case of the dunlop I'm recommending, 16 X 18 open pattern. I'd recommend the dunlop 4D 500 tour for $99. It kills the PDGT.... (at least for me) in every category. Great spin, control, goes through the air more aerodynamically than the PDGT. Better on serves, great for my one handed backhand. Good luck.
 

Buckethead

Banned
Hello,

It is my birthday soon, and I plan to get a Pure Drive GT.
The problem is that my grandparents think it is too costly in their opinion, which I think so too. I have thought about getting the MG Radical, but that seems too control oriented. They say to look for any other racket in the 100$ price range, but I don't know what tweeners will play my style.
I play with heavy topspin, and am a baseliner. I cannot restring, as there are no pro shops nearby. I really want this Pure Drive though, as I think it will last me a long time. Are there any tweeners that fit my category? I prefer it midplus headsize, head light, and about 11 oz. Any suggestions? What strings should I use too?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Yonex RDiS 300, Boris Becker Delta Core, if you look at Yonex and Boris Becker sale rackets they have, you'll find better rackets under $100.
 
I would go with the Youtek Radical if you have arm or shoulder issues or past injuries. The Pure Drive GT is way too stiff of a racquet. I also prefer the Radical as you can swing out more on it than a Pure Drive GT which is way too powerful of a racquet.
 

alidisperanza

Hall of Fame
@meowmix I don't like my LM Radical because it's too weak, and can't get much topspin on it. I get more topspin on my $20 beginner racquet.


Lol, I'd worry more about technique and playing. The LM Radical is a solid stick-- you're not going to gain anything by getting the MG version. IMO as you develop, you'll appreciate the stability of it more and more. I've played a lot of frames including the PDGT+ and I'm back to the radicals.

A cheap stringer costs around 140. They include the Klippermate, the Alpha String Pal, Gamma x-2. I'd recommend the alpha string pal- it combines the benefits of both the Gamma and the Klippermate.

What do you mean by weak? Lack of power? If that's what you mean, get a stringer and restring w/ something other than the pre-strung crap. Remember... topspin is mostly generated by your form. You won't generate that much more topspin w/ different rackets.

Another option is the Dunlop Aerogel 500 Tour. Very similar to the PD, but I know of a place where you can get them for $35 each new. PM or email me at meowmix0669 at google mail.

Meowmix is right on the money--- PS. I think I know your secret...Same place that has Mantis Comfort Synthetic reels for stupidly cheap :)
 

user92626

G.O.A.T.
Hey meomix

I got a gamma x-2 with 6 sets of strings free. I couldn't be more satisfied with its performance. I've strung like 4 rackets and couldn't see how the stringer could improve. I guess perhaps a "stop" device which marks where you stop raising the weight arm so it is raised consistently every single time, that would be nice. But where do "the alpha string pal" have over the gamma x-2??
 

meowmix

Hall of Fame
The advantages are in 1. in the linear gripper and 2. the clamps.

The Gamma X-2 clamps are much bulkier than the string pal clamps. This makes them harder to fit into those tight gaps. Also, they're "diamond dusted." The Alpha ones are pure steel- very easy to rough back up with sandpaper and such. With the x-2... I don't know if that diamond dust will stick around for 20+ years. In the short term though, probably not much of a difference.

You've probably noticed by now that the gripper system forces the string at a sharp angle. The linear gripper on the Alpha (IMO) is superior to that of the Gamma in the sense that there is absolutely no string bending when tensioning the string.
 
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