Ash_Smith
Legend
Joe
I have a hopper of Babolat Team at the moment and find them perfectly useable as a coaching ball. I had Gold before that and found them a bit 'harder' which I dislike for coaching.
Babolat mini-tennis balls are great!
UK TT racquetaholics and tennis bums
- Thread starter Dave M
- Start date
Joe
I have a hopper of Babolat Team at the moment and find them perfectly useable as a coaching ball. I had Gold before that and found them a bit 'harder' which I dislike for coaching.
Babolat mini-tennis balls are great!
Very kind of you. From reading the Stringing forum, I think I'm after the red (or possibly grey) with a dog ear. I already have an orange one, and it doesn't fit. Thanks for the offer though - appreciate it.
I've used Babolat Gold for playing (used them tonight in fact), and I'm not a fan. They fuzz up a bit too much and don't seem to hold tension very well.
My current ball for playing is Mantis. I think these are great - the only ball I might rank higher is the Tecnifibre X1. I'm not sure how cost friendly they are if you're filling a basket though.
Ash_Smith
Legend
Lovely! Will be buying those next week along with my new LTA tracksuit
LTA Tracksuit? new job?!
actually, did you manage to find another club - I know you were looking not so long ago?
crosscourt
Professional
I have played with the Babolat Gold this winter. They are pretty bouncy which I have enjoyed in the cold/damp weather. Don't last that long though.
cc
Aggro
Rookie
Ash_Smith said:
Well I need a new one and the lta ones look nice and are cheaper than most
I have applied for a new job, I have had my first interview and have been invited for a play test on tuesday.
Can't say where at the moment but I shall keep you informed of any progress!
Thank you for thd ball reviews guys, I heard the tecnifibre balls are very nice but they are on the steep side. The babolat balls are discounted for lta people so will be giving the team ones a bash!
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uk_skippy
Hall of Fame
Well I need a new one and the lta ones look nice and are cheaper than most
I have applied for a new job, I have had my first interview and have been invited for a play test on tuesday.
Can't say where at the moment but I shall keep you informed of any progress!
Thank you for thd ball reviews guys, I heard the tecnifibre balls are very nice but they are on the steep side. The babolat balls are discounted for lta people so will be giving the team ones a bash!
Good luck with the job.LTA tracksuit, i've still got my fleeces, they were cheaper than most compoanies stuff but still a quality product that has washed well.
jazar
Professional
Whoever told you Tecnifibre balls were good is wrong. They suck.
I can live with being wrong - I love the X1 balls! They're far too expensive though, and the Mantis Tour balls are my current squeeze: you might want to stay away from those J, as I think they're pretty similar.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Life is testing me .....selling my merc, buyer no show today, effing time wasters......had it valeted yesterday, gleaming, still wet inside tho, turned on engine before, computer has gone down, engine runs, lights on full beam, no dashboard, wipers etc.................I could f*****g.......F**k, F**k ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.............
Not only that I see Liverpool miss a pen, carragher with no legs let VP head the ball into our net, hit the woodwork twice and VP slots home beautifully at the end...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Murray best beat Fed or something bad might happen
Not only that I see Liverpool miss a pen, carragher with no legs let VP head the ball into our net, hit the woodwork twice and VP slots home beautifully at the end...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Murray best beat Fed or something bad might happen
prostaff junkie
Rookie
Life is testing me .....selling my merc, buyer no show today, effing time wasters......had it valeted yesterday, gleaming, still wet inside tho, turned on engine before, computer has gone down, engine runs, lights on full beam, no dashboard, wipers etc.................I could f*****g.......F**k, F**k ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.............
Not only that I see Liverpool miss a pen, carragher with no legs let VP head the ball into our net, hit the woodwork twice and VP slots home beautifully at the end...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Murray best beat Fed or something bad might happen
I guess you know the result by now? Keep calm, get some alcohol down ya neck, have a nice evening!
Seriously though, effing cars drive me mad.......after having a bad experience with an Audi I went and got myself an Alfa (yeah I know, prob not my best move). Really love the car but (after spending £££'s on a new exhaust) now occaisionally it just doesn't seem to start. The garage beckons..........
Ash_Smith
Legend
origmarm
Hall of Fame
Ah I see. Sounds like a fun job actually. I'm sure you'd struggle to find a more motivated bunch of folk.
I'm just interested to chat to a player at some point, particularly one that has made the transition at some point to wheelchair tennis. Just interested in things like the serving height but also I have no idea how they manage the court coverage they do and how they learn to position the chair to restrict body interference with the shots. How do you handle a moonball for example? It's almost like a backcourt winner. Are there rules to handle situations like that? That and the tactics must be very different in some ways due to things like the double bounce.
origmarm
Hall of Fame
I hope it works out for you Meags. I've had really different experiences with the Mercs. I had one that went (literally) forever and another (newer one) that had nothing but problems with the electrics. It sounds like you have the latter. Interestingly the biggest problem I had (which turned out to be a good thing in that I got the electrics replaced for free on a local "wildlife insurance" scheme) was that a pine marten ate my electric cables (!!!!). I know this sounds like a joke but I can assure you it isn't. I had to fit an electrified grid under the car in the end as the little b*stards kept trying to get in there. One of these things:
http://www.marder-stop.com/index.php. They have a great picture on the website of an "evil twin" marten
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
haha great stuff rob........computer is back on after the inside dried out! New buyer hopefully coming thursday. The car is great just some superficial paint issues. Its just too costly on the insurance and its an auto and costs me a tenner a day in petrol just sitting in the garage!
Ash_Smith
Legend
Rob
Court coverage = push hard! Well, it's not that simple, but not far off - there are movement patterns just like in able-bodied tennis and depending on the situation different patterns of turns. Contact points are similar also, mostly hit from a semi or fully open position, around shoulder height. Keeping the body behind the ball is as key in wheelchair tennis as it is in able-bodied tennis, if not more so, so all movement patterns are geared around approaching the ball from behind as often as possible. Chair position to protect the contact point is vital, and many players will use their off hand to rotate the chair to create angular momentum during the foreword swing.
Tactically loop balls are effective as they force the player further back behind the baseline, players these days will try to take as many balls on the first bounce as possible - the game is way more offensive these days!
Hope that starts to answer you questions!
Cheers
prostaff junkie
Rookie
Interesting stuff Ash. Are you going to be involved on the Paralympic Tennis Team?
Ash_Smith
Legend
^^^
Not sure yet! Places in the village are very tight, and although I work with some of the athletes targeted for medals for this year, I mostly work with the players targeted for Rio 2016. I will be involved therefore in some capacity, but I don't know what yet! We have World Team Cup (our Davis/Fed cups) in S.Korea in May, so need to get that done first and then things should become clearer!
Cheers
Not sure yet! Places in the village are very tight, and although I work with some of the athletes targeted for medals for this year, I mostly work with the players targeted for Rio 2016. I will be involved therefore in some capacity, but I don't know what yet! We have World Team Cup (our Davis/Fed cups) in S.Korea in May, so need to get that done first and then things should become clearer!
Cheers
forthegame
Hall of Fame
Life is testing me .....selling my merc, buyer no show today, effing time wasters......had it valeted yesterday, gleaming, still wet inside tho, turned on engine before, computer has gone down, engine runs, lights on full beam, no dashboard, wipers etc.................I could f*****g.......F**k, F**k ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.............
Not only that I see Liverpool miss a pen, carragher with no legs let VP head the ball into our net, hit the woodwork twice and VP slots home beautifully at the end...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Murray best beat Fed or something bad might happen
Meags, a bad weekend is not a reason to go selling all your racquets, what would you do when Liverpool end up in the Championship? :twisted: (Just seen your Melbourne FS thread, what gives?)
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Ive got three Mellys and a Legend, this Melbourne is for sale is as Ive just bought another Legend and they all match, this one I wont use.
forthegame
Hall of Fame
^^
I noticed you nicely sidestepped the football bit :twisted::twisted::twisted:
I noticed you nicely sidestepped the football bit :twisted::twisted::twisted:
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Rio, Korea........bet they don't have heated courts!
Have you heard how Lucy Shuker is doing this year? Haven't had any updates from her in a fair while and daughter was asking about her!
origmarm
Hall of Fame
Thanks Ash very interesting. Personally I think it looks exceedingly difficult so I'm in awe of the points frankly. Are the courts in any way different? i.e. do they have more space around them etc?
One last question. Presumably changing direction is a proper pain. Are the chairs adapted for this?
Sounds like a really interesting challenge coaching these guys. Best of luck with it.
Surprise me re the computer! I am surprised however to hear of the fuel problems, mine was frugal beyond belief for a car that size. The insurance was a real problem though. I now have a battered focus diesel that I've done 3500 miles in over the last 6yrs. Who needs a car in London eh
. Makes a change from the car before that though. I had a Noble GTO3R for a brief period. Total beast but had real grip issues in the wet and the old "numb a*se" problem after about 15 miles in it. That and the "chav subaru racer giving you revs at the lights" issue. I had to get rid of it for cost reasons otherwise I would have kept it just for the fun, I had cashflow issues at that point though.
EDIT: I did once drive it in a tracksuit and a burberry hat after an ill-advised bet
prostaff junkie
Rookie
Dave can you ask them for PS 6.0 95 grommets please? (If any actually still exist!)
I asked them but they could only get the 85.
Ash_Smith
Legend
Rio, Korea........bet they don't have heated courts!
Have you heard how Lucy Shuker is doing this year? Haven't had any updates from her in a fair while and daughter was asking about her!
Hi Dave
Funny you should ask - i've been working with Lucy quite a bit recently (in fact i'm working with her tomorrow and thursday!). She's just coming back from injury and surgery, so is easing back in gently. Just come back from an ITF 3 in Sunderland with her, which she won so hopefully injuries are all behind her!
Cheers
Ash
Ash_Smith
Legend
Courts are exactly the same Rob! At Wimby we play on the same courts as the AB guys, Aus and US Open the same - no changes! It's a movement game so he/she who can turn quickest can often protect their contact point the best and therefore hit the better shots. The chairs have cambered wheels, the greater the camber, the quicker the turn, less camber = more straight speed, it's balancing act!
It is exceedingly difficult! I can either move the chair, or hit the ball - but not both!!!
Cheers
forthegame
Hall of Fame
1st outing with the BBDCPro...
After my 2 week hiatus, finally hit the courts this evening. Tired after work but desperate to hit.
1st outing with the Boris Becker Delta Core Pro was a bit of a disappointment. Doesn't feel solid enough. Topspin was really good as was power. Hurt my elbow although I think it was from serving (more GE-like), trying to serve out wide and failing.
I have to acknowledge that the strings were very old! Strung with gut more than a year ago, LOL! Very frayed even with string savers, one shank and...
Will have to string her up and give it a proper go. I'm thinking a multi as this old gut felt hard and boardy - methinks not for this kinda racquet.
On the plus side, my shoulder feels ok!
After my 2 week hiatus, finally hit the courts this evening. Tired after work but desperate to hit.
1st outing with the Boris Becker Delta Core Pro was a bit of a disappointment. Doesn't feel solid enough. Topspin was really good as was power. Hurt my elbow although I think it was from serving (more GE-like), trying to serve out wide and failing.
I have to acknowledge that the strings were very old! Strung with gut more than a year ago, LOL! Very frayed even with string savers, one shank and...
Will have to string her up and give it a proper go. I'm thinking a multi as this old gut felt hard and boardy - methinks not for this kinda racquet.
On the plus side, my shoulder feels ok!
Ahh that is the name trhat sounds familiar, wilson UK didnt seem to know!Thanks
I'll ask!Dave can you ask them for PS 6.0 95 grommets please? (If any actually still exist!)
Sounds like great news and explains a lot! Thanks
This is what Framework said after I asked them for PS6.0 95 grommets:
Hi,
You have come through to the right place but we only ever stock the 85
sq inch version of this racquet in the UK.
So Im afraid we cant help you on this one.
Are you a stringer or tennis coach? If you are then you can buy Wilson,
Luxilon and Prince strings and accessories from us so if you supply we
with your address I will get some brochures out to you.
Kind Regards,
Mark Jarvis
Hi,
You have come through to the right place but we only ever stock the 85
sq inch version of this racquet in the UK.
So Im afraid we cant help you on this one.
Are you a stringer or tennis coach? If you are then you can buy Wilson,
Luxilon and Prince strings and accessories from us so if you supply we
with your address I will get some brochures out to you.
Kind Regards,
Mark Jarvis
prostaff junkie
Rookie
Sounds like we're doomed then...........
May have to consider retiring my 2 95's, having a more recent regular stick.
Here we go again..........
forthegame
Hall of Fame
^^
Rather disappointing. Can't they rustle up something from somewhere?
Rather disappointing. Can't they rustle up something from somewhere?
Who would stock them in the usa?
forthegame
Hall of Fame
My God! Neither Lyon nor Apoel deserve to be in the Champions League!
origmarm
Hall of Fame
Sounds like we're doomed then...........
May have to consider retiring my 2 95's, having a more recent regular stick.
Here we go again..........
There is a company that actually makes ProStaff grommets to order. They are expensive but it can be done. I saw someone about this on the board a while back so post a thread and one of the yanks should let you know.
I presume you've checked if the new '95 box beam grommets fit?
If both of those come to nothing you are down to fixing them up with fittex unfortunately.
Sounds like we're doomed then...........
May have to consider retiring my 2 95's, having a more recent regular stick.
Here we go again..........
They are sending me the catalogue, so i can compare against other frames, but yes it might be time unless you want to do the custom thing!What string pattern are they ? I'm struggling to remember and remember the offer of a refund on your ppurchase price could still be avaliable! (or some sort of trade for something from the huge amount of frames i've been accidentally buying!
Aggro
Rookie
To you all racketaholics out there, and i know there are a few!
I would like to know your opinions on the new Babolat Rackets in particular the Pure Drive Roddick.
My friend has got the Original cortex model and i must admit i'm not a fan, the feel of the racket was all wrong for me personally.
Reading a few peoples reviews and comments it seems that babolats sticks have now gone to a more solid feeling racket.
Any thoughts on this guys ?
Much appreciated,
Joe
I would like to know your opinions on the new Babolat Rackets in particular the Pure Drive Roddick.
My friend has got the Original cortex model and i must admit i'm not a fan, the feel of the racket was all wrong for me personally.
Reading a few peoples reviews and comments it seems that babolats sticks have now gone to a more solid feeling racket.
Any thoughts on this guys ?
Much appreciated,
Joe
I thought the cortex was awful, just dreadful and had virtually no redeaming features...... The GT was better havent got my its on a new one yet, i've been using the original a few times this last month or two, much more solid than those since!
YOU straying from your t fights?
YOU straying from your t fights?
:shock:
Hmm I see, you'd be best off looking at the storm family from a playing sense but the pure drives (or light even) are good for feeding, no denying that, i had the pd's and they gave me a sing VS drive which was great, stiff but you cold feed all day and barely have to swing for the ball.....some of the fall off in my technique could of started there now i think about it!
Well if I get this new job the club would like coaches to be using the babolat brand. Just forward thinking nothing set in stone yet
Hmm I see, you'd be best off looking at the storm family from a playing sense but the pure drives (or light even) are good for feeding, no denying that, i had the pd's and they gave me a sing VS drive which was great, stiff but you cold feed all day and barely have to swing for the ball.....some of the fall off in my technique could of started there now i think about it!
prostaff junkie
Rookie
Just had a look, the new boxy 95 is 16x19, the 6.0 95 is 16x18. Are the fittex things a load of hassle?
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origmarm
Hall of Fame
Personally I really like the GT but really disliked the Cortex. I believe I sold two GTs to a mate of Dave's through him and subsequently missed the free points etc that come with that racquet. I had a very bad arm at the time and am now seriously considering going back to them given that it's cleared up. They are not going to feel like a T-Fight, that's for sure. They feel a lot stiffer and don't have that dwell. Also they are more of a ping than a thud like the t-fight if that makes any sense. Lastly the pattern is more open for sure, a more lively feel to the bed. Encourages a vicious style of play which is what I loved about it.
Good feeding/teaching racquet for sure, perhaps a bit heavy.
prostaff junkie
Rookie
They're 16x18. As for a trade, well yeah maybe. Problem is that they've always been my 'go back to' frame when I've tried something else and not been completely happy.
What I want/prefer is a box beam, preferably no wider than 20mm, RA mid sixties or lower, somewhere in the region of 330/340g strung, 95/100 sq inches, got to have a solid feel and good plough-through(that's probably why I keep going back to the Prostaffs), headlight, swingweight not really higher than 330ish.
I've got a Dunlop AG 300 Tour to try out properly, just need to get some grommets for it (another impossible task though I think the ones for the Bio 300 Tour will fit). I liked the 03 Tour, but couldn't fully accept the different feel you get from the holey Prince rackets. I should probably try the Exo Tour at some point and would like to try a Head Speed Novak stick at some point, and also try the new boxy 95 Prostaff.
Send me a catalogue of your stock Dave!
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