PED
Legend
I love tmav but that's not exactly an unbiased opinion....lol
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
I love tmav but that's not exactly an unbiased opinion....lol
Murray_fan1
Professional
Having played with both I would have to agree. Stock to Stock comparison the 6.1 has slightly more testicular fortitude but I think that has a lot to due with the additional weight. I only added about 6 grams of weight to the bottom of the hoop (covering the bottom 10 mains) and it totally transformed the stick to 6.1 level of balls out performance with a little better feel and forgiveness IMO.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
You want to talk about beef. I turned the blx 6.1 into a pdr on steroids tonight with the natty gut mains and alu power crosses. Wow. This thing plays just like an extended pdr with this setup. I am talking effortless power and the ball come off the court with massive spin. My slices were biting hard. The tension was 55/52, and honestly i will string higher next time..probably 58/54. I got used to it and it is incredible how loud and powerful this stick is with gut..serves are massive now. Easily the hardest serves i have hit in long time. Honestly makes the pdr+ seem a little weak.
The trick is to swing easy and the reward is that you can hit heavy crosscourt balls when pulled wide with just a flick of the wrist. Not sure how long the gut will last. I am hoping 3 weeks, but that is raw optimism. Nothing like cracking the ball with a gut poly setup, and all rholics should try this out. It is simply spectacular in the wilson, and i have another half set of gut to try and dial the tension up better as well. To be honest the racquet truly played and felt like a babolat except more accurate and solid. Im really loving gut right now, but it probably will not love me back for long..we shall see.
Also pulled out the genesis hexonic and i can safely say this is the best feeling full poly job i have used in the blx. A total darkorse string, and a perfect match for the 6.1. The main thing is that it loses tension off the bat, like 7 pounds, (im now at 42) but that is where the magic begins, because the pocketing is so plush and nice. It feels almost like a prestige..just incredible, and even at 42# s i can rear back and crank on the ball with fantastic control. Its so inexpensive i can restring it every week and it doesnt matter really. This could be the day to day poly for me in the 6.1. But if i can get a lot of time out of the gut poly hybrid, i will go away from full poly, because the spin, power and comfort is awesome.
I highly recommend both of these setups..if you guys have not tried genesis hexonic, you will be amazed at how good it feels in the 6.1. Gads, this has your name all over it. I am using the 18 gauge because that is what i had, but i am interested in the 1.26 since that is more my preferred gauge. I also think that it will probably last longer. Recommended tension is 50#s.
The trick is to swing easy and the reward is that you can hit heavy crosscourt balls when pulled wide with just a flick of the wrist. Not sure how long the gut will last. I am hoping 3 weeks, but that is raw optimism. Nothing like cracking the ball with a gut poly setup, and all rholics should try this out. It is simply spectacular in the wilson, and i have another half set of gut to try and dial the tension up better as well. To be honest the racquet truly played and felt like a babolat except more accurate and solid. Im really loving gut right now, but it probably will not love me back for long..we shall see.
Also pulled out the genesis hexonic and i can safely say this is the best feeling full poly job i have used in the blx. A total darkorse string, and a perfect match for the 6.1. The main thing is that it loses tension off the bat, like 7 pounds, (im now at 42) but that is where the magic begins, because the pocketing is so plush and nice. It feels almost like a prestige..just incredible, and even at 42# s i can rear back and crank on the ball with fantastic control. Its so inexpensive i can restring it every week and it doesnt matter really. This could be the day to day poly for me in the 6.1. But if i can get a lot of time out of the gut poly hybrid, i will go away from full poly, because the spin, power and comfort is awesome.
I highly recommend both of these setups..if you guys have not tried genesis hexonic, you will be amazed at how good it feels in the 6.1. Gads, this has your name all over it. I am using the 18 gauge because that is what i had, but i am interested in the 1.26 since that is more my preferred gauge. I also think that it will probably last longer. Recommended tension is 50#s.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Gut poly is the truth. With string savers it will last. Honest eagle.
Gads,
Muzza,
"Testicular fortitude"... love the turn of phrase!... and so apt when applied to the 6.1.
All,
Sneaked in a quick session with the PD+ Swirl yesterday. Interesting to see me struggle far more against better player than week previous. Initially I was made to feel late to the ball and was getting a bit jammed up and out of sync. But after a while, it began to get a whole lot better as I attuned to the rack. Kabooming consistent groundies, heavy and spinny... always the potential of a big serve... extra reach for when I'm coming in on short stuff, reaching up high, etc. Just need to see what happens after I've had the opportunity to contrast with the BLX (possibly today, more likely on Friday.)
I think there's almost something mystical how this can occur with certain frames, and in general and not just serves (I posted recently about how I love how the C10 Pro swings.) It does seem to be about so much more than mere specs. BTW (and going against some of the PresPro slightly more negative vibes emanating from these racketaholic pages), I think the YTPP swings very sweetly and gets to the ball fast.
Muzza,
"Testicular fortitude"... love the turn of phrase!... and so apt when applied to the 6.1.
All,
Sneaked in a quick session with the PD+ Swirl yesterday. Interesting to see me struggle far more against better player than week previous. Initially I was made to feel late to the ball and was getting a bit jammed up and out of sync. But after a while, it began to get a whole lot better as I attuned to the rack. Kabooming consistent groundies, heavy and spinny... always the potential of a big serve... extra reach for when I'm coming in on short stuff, reaching up high, etc. Just need to see what happens after I've had the opportunity to contrast with the BLX (possibly today, more likely on Friday.)
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
oh good...maybe i can pick the 6.1 up cheeaaappp!!!
Yeah totally agree.....but having played both sticks the crossover either way would be ann easy transition.
This its what I found, large sweet soot, comfort and better feel.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Sounds like a good night. The feel of the hexonic, specifically? softer? Crisper? That gut/lux combo sounds great, too.
I played tonight, didn't have quite the PP groove. Quite the opposite, in fact. Played mainly with the BLX 6.1 (full Iontec) and just ... couldn't find it. Specifically, the put-away. Would be on the gas at 70, 80 percent swing during the rally, then I'd get my opening and go after the ball and would shoot it past the baseline. I'm afraid this just happens too often for my liking, and real doubt is entering my mind about my ability to handle the 6.1 quite like my other sticks. Not full-on giving up because I've played very, very well with it, but I can't seem to find the consistent groove I had during my TW playtest of the upcoming version.
el sergento
Hall of Fame
5:45 am local time, the three morning S's have been taken care of. Feeling good and rested and I'm off to the courts for a pre work morning session on clay.
In the bag:
Freshly strung N 6.1 with a full job of Alu power rough @ 53/51#'s
Freshly modded BLX 6.1 with 2 grams at 12.
This is it for the BLX, if it can keep up with my fully be-poly'd node then we could have something special.
Bag feels extra heavy this morning, must be all the beef inside.
PP, I will never forgive you if you get me hooked on gut. Although I've often thought about it since I already fork Out so much on NXT.
In the bag:
Freshly strung N 6.1 with a full job of Alu power rough @ 53/51#'s
Freshly modded BLX 6.1 with 2 grams at 12.
This is it for the BLX, if it can keep up with my fully be-poly'd node then we could have something special.
Bag feels extra heavy this morning, must be all the beef inside.
PP, I will never forgive you if you get me hooked on gut. Although I've often thought about it since I already fork Out so much on NXT.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Sounds like a string issue tho gads, although sometimes you can get results with a stick but never feel totally in cink with it, the pb10 mid was mine, never lost a match in the couple of months I used it but my problem its feel.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Meagan, got your vcore yet?
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Don't know if it's a string thing. Still some fairly fresh Iontec in there.
Some doubt is creeping in that perhaps frames over 12 ounces just don't cut it for me. I can handle a decent swingweight - my both my Aces and 7Gs are just over 330 - but they're 11.7-9. When I've crept over 12 ounces, it seems to make a difference.
I don't know. I could be fine and just had a bad day. In fact I didn't even play that bad. Was just annoyed by losing control of the FYP when I tried to tap into it. Instead it was FMP.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Oh yeah, how's the V95 going, Fed?
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
No, no tennis funds atm.........how does it play, what have you done mod wise?
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Its just starting.... thro gads initial play test there seem some good signs that these are an improvement on the previous few models.
It'll prob all kick off very soon
Oh, I definitely know this feeling - had it with the Bio 300T - felt like I couldn't miss, but hated the feel of the string. And very much the inverse as well - I've loved the way a racquet felt but not had the results I'd prefer.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Gads, what other strings have you tried in the 6.1? I have no mojo with the iontec yet, and play like a total wuss, just no pacing heavy topspin balls since I often hit long. I will try it at a higher tension, but it may be the string.
Or it may not just be your style stick. But one thing I like a lot is how I keep the ball in a lot more with a relaxed swing and can hammer the ball. I could not do this as well with the 7g or the PSTGt, and it may just be because how I hit. I also can generate insane spin with the 6.1 and that helps as well.
Forgot to mention I hit a topspin forehand with the gut/poly hybrid that got over my friends head right after the baseline. It was pretty crazy.
Serg, I think gut is a must try for anyone. It is the best string you can use, but obviously it can break earlier than we want. I will let you guys know how long it lasts so you have an idea. Liek I said, If somehow it lasts so I can string 2 sticks every 3 weeks, then I'm making the switch. This is probably wishful thinking though.
The feel of the Hexonic is crisper than the Iontec. You can really feel the ball and know where every shot is going to go. It pockets so well that it makes the 6.1 feel almost like a prestige..you know when you just dime a forehand and it cracks really loud and feels awesome? That is what it does basically. It is an inexpensive string that you can get 8 hours out of. The spin is average or a little above for a poly.
This is what I want:
The spin of Lux ALU power
the feel of Hexonic
The comfort and durability of Iontec.
Is that asking too much??
Or it may not just be your style stick. But one thing I like a lot is how I keep the ball in a lot more with a relaxed swing and can hammer the ball. I could not do this as well with the 7g or the PSTGt, and it may just be because how I hit. I also can generate insane spin with the 6.1 and that helps as well.
Forgot to mention I hit a topspin forehand with the gut/poly hybrid that got over my friends head right after the baseline. It was pretty crazy.
Serg, I think gut is a must try for anyone. It is the best string you can use, but obviously it can break earlier than we want. I will let you guys know how long it lasts so you have an idea. Liek I said, If somehow it lasts so I can string 2 sticks every 3 weeks, then I'm making the switch. This is probably wishful thinking though.
The feel of the Hexonic is crisper than the Iontec. You can really feel the ball and know where every shot is going to go. It pockets so well that it makes the 6.1 feel almost like a prestige..you know when you just dime a forehand and it cracks really loud and feels awesome? That is what it does basically. It is an inexpensive string that you can get 8 hours out of. The spin is average or a little above for a poly.
This is what I want:
The spin of Lux ALU power
the feel of Hexonic
The comfort and durability of Iontec.
Is that asking too much??
Chyeaah
Professional
This is what I want:
The spin of Lux ALU power
the feel of Hexonic
The comfort and durability of Iontec.
Is that asking too much??
This is what I want.
The spin of BHBR
Tension Maintenance of Gut
Durability of Kevlar
Feel of Gut
Control of Lux
Price of OGSM
I think that's asking for too much.
Why don't companies make Gut surrounded by Poly? would that work?
PED
Legend
Nice feedback, sounds like the gut mains are $$. The serve sounds diabolical.
I wish they made the Hexonic in a 1.25mm. The 1.27mm is their 16L and it feels "thick" compared to 1.25mm tour bite. I used to love thicker strings(BBO 1.30mm) and have moved to 1.25mm-it seems to caress the ball more. I may have to try out the thinner Hexonic like you did.
PED
Legend
I agree, you would think we would all love the thought of the new IG but I think several of us have done time with the MG and YT Prestige Pro and are leery of it's lack of penetration.
I'm still not ruling out a demo of the IG Rad Pro. I like the idea of a 332g stick that hammers the ball.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah I agree.how long did the 16L last you? I am at 3 hours on the 18 so far. It dropped 7 pounds real fast but has settled in and plays stellar at 42#s. 1.25 is my favorite gauge. 1.18 is too thin, but still feels great in the 6.1
The gut though.wow. strings are seriously so annoying, the ones that wow you seem to cost a ton and never last long. Maybe the VSTouch will prove me wrong.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
It makes the 6.1 into a super Babo beast racquet. I will try again tonight with it. also getting some string savers because I want to see if that helps prolong the string life.
I just sit back and swing real nice and relaxed and hit driving groundies all over the court. I got to the point where I could dial up heavy shots too and paint the lines. That is rather satisfying. I'm still a little unconfident on shortball putaways, but im just going to swing easier tonight on those and see how that goes. The tension dropped from 53 to 48#s after 2 hours..not bad.
Serving is insane..im talking 90+ mph with a small effort. I really would like this setup to workout..im going to try MSV cofocus as my next cross because the ALU Power is nice, but probably not necessary. Cofocus is 8 bucks a set and should last a lot longer. If the string savers can prolong the life of the gut, I may have found the ultimate racquet and string setup.
I would say the tension should be higher in the 6.1..probably 58#s on the mains and 52 poly crosses. You can split the tensions more with gut then if you were doing a hybrid.
Also, reconfirmed the new 6.1s come out 2/15. My store can't break the sales date or they would do it. Anyway, I'm on the list for 1.
PED
Legend
Plus 1 on both of those ideas. I think any high quality poly would work as a cross and also maintain tension longer as well.
Regarding the string savers, shoot an email to kcraig on the boards; he's the sensei on string savers and where to place them.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
This is what I want:
The spin of Lux ALU power
the feel of Hexonic
The comfort and durability of Iontec.
Is that asking too much??
Thats about it PP, I really love the control and spin of fresh Alu, the feel of some of these softer polys Im testing and Im hoping that one is comfortable on the arm. Durability is not a problem if they come in at a good price.
Cant wait to get back out on court, just wish I had more Melly's to cross compare.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I will hit up Kcraig for sure..good guy..knows his strings.
Im going to see where the gut wears over the weekend and then install the savers when they arrive with the cofocus on ordered.
Wilson sticks are meant for gut..id seriously play full gut if it wasn't so expensive..string that baby up at 62#s and just go..It is such a freaking pleasure to hit with.
Im going to see where the gut wears over the weekend and then install the savers when they arrive with the cofocus on ordered.
Wilson sticks are meant for gut..id seriously play full gut if it wasn't so expensive..string that baby up at 62#s and just go..It is such a freaking pleasure to hit with.
el sergento
Hall of Fame
Boys, had the hit of my life this am.
The N6.1 with full Alu is godly, almost unfair. The BLX put on a good show too, but the N was on another planet.
More to come but, wow, just wow.
The N6.1 with full Alu is godly, almost unfair. The BLX put on a good show too, but the N was on another planet.
More to come but, wow, just wow.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Full ALU is so amazing in the 6.1.
It sucks because you have 3-4 hours of bliss and then realize it's $16 a set..lol.
Torture.
Levy, we are all on the 95 bandwagon and drinking mad amounts of koolaid.
It sucks because you have 3-4 hours of bliss and then realize it's $16 a set..lol.
Torture.
Levy, we are all on the 95 bandwagon and drinking mad amounts of koolaid.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
watching the top seeds play in the AO appears to have bumped this player's 1HBH hitting. anyone else gaining here? (or is it all in my head or just a fleeting moment of improvement)
what say you?
My bh is closer to wawrinka's and he went out last week!
el sergento
Hall of Fame
watching the top seeds play in the AO appears to have bumped this player's 1HBH hitting. anyone else gaining here? (or is it all in my head or just a fleeting moment of improvement)
what say you?
Totally, I was blasting my one-hander this am, something I attribute to having watched so much Federer as of late.
Mostly, I made a deliberate effort to always plant my right foot well ahead of me. That and really driving the slice.
I had fantastic success pushing my opponent back with my slice today, especially dtl to his forehand.
el sergento
Hall of Fame
Stan's move to Yonex will be ill-fated, you heard it here first folks.
That being said, I totally understand him, he's one of the higher profile players for them so he probably got a better deal than what he had with Head.
el sergento
Hall of Fame
My biggest surprise was how comfortable it was. I strung it up @ 53/51 and it felt plush from the very first hit.
I probably won't do it again until summer though. The thought of the ALU just dying in my unused racquets is painful.
At least in the summer it'll die on the court.
RHS,
Day of reckoning tomorrow... doomsday... Ali - Frazier... Hearns - Hagler... Morales - Barrera - it's a battle of the big hitters... BLX 95 versus the PD+ Swirly ... the Wilson is weighing in w/Iontech @ 52 lbs, and the Bab is w/TB @ 45 lbs... BTW, Had a very brief little hit with both earlier... the PD+ w/TB felt bloody amazing - could be stunningly good I'm thinking... and the very first ball I hit with the BLX was like "OMG, this truly is the BLXcalibur!"
Bring... it... on...
Day of reckoning tomorrow... doomsday... Ali - Frazier... Hearns - Hagler... Morales - Barrera - it's a battle of the big hitters... BLX 95 versus the PD+ Swirly ... the Wilson is weighing in w/Iontech @ 52 lbs, and the Bab is w/TB @ 45 lbs... BTW, Had a very brief little hit with both earlier... the PD+ w/TB felt bloody amazing - could be stunningly good I'm thinking... and the very first ball I hit with the BLX was like "OMG, this truly is the BLXcalibur!"
Bring... it... on...
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ Keep it up Ross,Serge,PP,Gads and Meg.
Whilst reading, I'm going through the mental steps and picturing playing with help from your descriptions.
Whilst reading, I'm going through the mental steps and picturing playing with help from your descriptions.
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ I'm scheduled for surgery next thursday. It's definitely bothersome with everyday activities but as I said thankfully I can still work.
Rehabilitation depends on how my shoulder heals. Doc says about half require intensive rehab. He also says due to my age and physical condition, I'm a good candidate for quick recovery.
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the commentary in this thread.
Rehabilitation depends on how my shoulder heals. Doc says about half require intensive rehab. He also says due to my age and physical condition, I'm a good candidate for quick recovery.
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the commentary in this thread.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
RHS,
Day of reckoning tomorrow... doomsday... Ali - Frazier... Hearns - Hagler... Morales - Barrera - it's a battle of the big hitters... BLX 95 versus the PD+ Swirly ... the Wilson is weighing in w/Iontech @ 52 lbs, and the Bab is w/TB @ 45 lbs... BTW, Had a very brief little hit with both earlier... the PD+ w/TB felt bloody amazing - could be stunningly good I'm thinking... and the very first ball I hit with the BLX was like "OMG, this truly is the BLXcalibur!"
Bring... it... on...
Ross, to this post, the brit in me cries out, "this post is just bloody brilliant!" :mrgreen:
PED
Legend
IIRC, Head dropped him last year and he was paying for his sticks.
Question for you re your hybrids. When you hybrid poly with NXT crosses, which breaks first?
I broke my TB/Head FXP hybrid today after 3.5 hours. I assumed that the multi cross would break first but the poly main was the one to let go. Really surprised at this.
Also surprised that I have some aches and pains from my hybrid this week that I never feel from full poly.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
^ I'm scheduled for surgery next thursday. It's definitely bothersome with everyday activities but as I said thankfully I can still work.
Rehabilitation depends on how my shoulder heals. Doc says about half require intensive rehab. He also says due to my age and physical condition, I'm a good candidate for quick recovery.
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the commentary in this thread.
ugggh..man that sucks you got hurt like that. Injuries are a bummer.
I started riding a bike everywhere to stay in shape and it helped a lot. try and find an alternative form of exercise...really helps when you hit the courts again.
PED
Legend
^ I'm scheduled for surgery next thursday. It's definitely bothersome with everyday activities but as I said thankfully I can still work.
Rehabilitation depends on how my shoulder heals. Doc says about half require intensive rehab. He also says due to my age and physical condition, I'm a good candidate for quick recovery.
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the commentary in this thread.
Is it the rotator cuff? My mom had her's done a few years back. You're young and strong and will be back at it in no time.
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ Thanks. Yep, rotator cuff. I explain it in full a few pages back. Injured during a friendly game of Hockey.
A lesson to all. Indoor tennis court fees are cheaper than ice time and better for you. :smile:
As of right now I'm just watching my diet. My list of activities is very short. I'm on the walker everyday since the accident and never take the elevator.
A lesson to all. Indoor tennis court fees are cheaper than ice time and better for you. :smile:
As of right now I'm just watching my diet. My list of activities is very short. I'm on the walker everyday since the accident and never take the elevator.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Everyone says it is too low powered so i think ill pass.
You still loving the tfight? Such a great stick.
You still loving the tfight? Such a great stick.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Gads, what other strings have you tried in the 6.1? I have no mojo with the iontec yet, and play like a total wuss, just no pacing heavy topspin balls since I often hit long. I will try it at a higher tension, but it may be the string.
Or it may not just be your style stick. But one thing I like a lot is how I keep the ball in a lot more with a relaxed swing and can hammer the ball. I could not do this as well with the 7g or the PSTGt, and it may just be because how I hit. I also can generate insane spin with the 6.1 and that helps as well.
Forgot to mention I hit a topspin forehand with the gut/poly hybrid that got over my friends head right after the baseline. It was pretty crazy.
Serg, I think gut is a must try for anyone. It is the best string you can use, but obviously it can break earlier than we want. I will let you guys know how long it lasts so you have an idea. Liek I said, If somehow it lasts so I can string 2 sticks every 3 weeks, then I'm making the switch. This is probably wishful thinking though.
The feel of the Hexonic is crisper than the Iontec. You can really feel the ball and know where every shot is going to go. It pockets so well that it makes the 6.1 feel almost like a prestige..you know when you just dime a forehand and it cracks really loud and feels awesome? That is what it does basically. It is an inexpensive string that you can get 8 hours out of. The spin is average or a little above for a poly.
This is what I want:
The spin of Lux ALU power
the feel of Hexonic
The comfort and durability of Iontec.
Is that asking too much??
So far in the 6.1, I've had:
Tour Bite 16L: too stiff of a feel in the 6.1 for me, but, I'll admit, possibly the best performance.
Silverstring: my favorite in feel, a CRISP softness, loved that, but I couldn't keep the ball in.
Iontec 17: very nice soft feel, performance in between the TB and the SS but I'm losing control of those attack shots.
I'm about 70/30 on the idea that the BLX just isn't my bag; when I went after my attack shots with that 6.1 TW Playtest, I didn't lose control of them like I am now. Instead I fondly remember the exhilaration of just ripping through whatever opening I was given. Could it be the lower swingweight of my TW Playtest (probable), or could it have been the ALU, which felt stiff to me like the TB does in the 6.1, but again, I had a much preferred performance with both of those strings to the last two setups. Anyway, still leaning toward the frame being the issue, but we'll see. I might be hopping off the BLX 6.1 train here shortly. It's like that scene in Cast Away when Tom Hanks sees Wilson floating away in the distance. Wilson? WILSON! Not sure whether to go after it once more, or let it go.
Re: strings, that hexonic sounds pretty nice.
And Klem, good luck man.
PED
Legend
I'm still totally on board with the Tec, just doing a mental demo with the specs. Like Jimmy Carter said, I'm lusting in my heart
el sergento
Hall of Fame
Did you string at you usual tension or go higher on the FXP than what you're used to?
I go all the way up to 58 sometimes with NXT and I can say that the full Alu job at 53/51 was as comfortable if not more so than my hybrid at 54/58. I was actually very surprised by that.
It. Old also be that you're swinging harder than usual to compensate for the drop in spin?
