Buying Redondo MP (2)
Dear Redondians,
I have followed this long thread over the last few weeks with great interest as I searched for rackets. I don’t think there is anything else like it in the tennis world. Maybe followers of Ping Eye IIs might be the only other group so passionate about a product? Of course, I could not read all the threads, but I found Anirut’s urls with comparison listings useful to weigh up a variety of options.
I am now waiting excitedly for 2 Mid Plus Redondos to arrive tomorrow, Tuesday, Bangkok time.
Re: rackets. I bought 2 Head Youtek Prestige MPs over Christmas and was so excited to hit them. I used the Prestige Classic back in the early 90s and remembered it fondly. I figured that the MP version and some multis (TF X-One Bi-phase 17s) strung at 55lbs and the other at 57lbs would prevent any arm damage. I have never had tennis elbow, but I am respectful of my approaching middle-age and I know it can happen to anyone. Despite my caution, third session with the Prestiges, disaster. First hit was a forehand, in the warm-up. Shooting pain in my shoulder and elbow. I ignored it because I thought I just hadn’t warmed up. I played gingerly for 45 minutes, then packed it in. 1 week of ice and rest, the pain went away, but not the memories. Pain was worst at Day 2 and I was already online looking for racket replacements.
Not surprising I am sure to this forum, but ProKennex came up high on every ranking for “comfortable” rackets. The Redondo suited my eye in terms of specs. And then I found this forum which really got me to thinking. The only racket I have used regularly in the last 10 years is the Volkl Tour 10 MP. I think it’s a great racket. I even looked online for a second one and saw a used one go for $175 last week, so it’s held it’s price. But over time, my frame has emitted wax and looks very aged. I haven’t found the right string combination for it yet. Only used multis, but should have probably tried a poly. It is a bit dead-feeling and the multis give it a bit too much power. I also find it a bit light in heavy rallies, so the Redondo really looks good to me.
I did want to share one part of the buying experience. TW was great in their customer service. One rep, Jose, recommended to customize the Prince EX03 Tour 100 (18x20) which he is using. But I stuck to my guns and went with the racket that comes stock with the specs I like - The Redondo. There were only two 4 1/2 left in stock, and Jose said he that they would need to be customized to be matched up. I guess he was expecting that the last 2 in stock would be dog’s body specs. So of course I asked for matching service for the rackets. I was surprised that no customization was required. I double-checked, and this was the response I received:
“The matching service we provide is a process of finding two racquets matching in specifications. Industry standards have a variance in weight, balance, and swingweight. With the racquets remaining in our inventory [2] we were able to find two matching. The specs came in very close to those listed on the website. The specs listed on your order are unstrung specs, as opposed to those listed on the website are strung specs. As for customization none was need since the racquets matched. Customization implies adding weight in order to achieve a desired spec. Each racquet unstrung spec 11.9oz>11pts HL>295 sw. 11 points headlight is measured from the butt cap to the balance point of the racquet. A 27" racquet has a center point of 13.5 " from that center point to the balance point(12 1/8") is 11pts HL (each 1/8" is a balnce point). The Swingweight is lighter unstrung, with strings the swingweight will go up 29 bringing the strung swingweight to be about 324. The balance point strung would be about 9-10 points HL and the strung weight would go up about .08 to .10 of an ounce”.
So this seems to confirm the various views, that manufacturing tolerances at pro Kennex are tight. What an interesting company. In a day and age where great rackets are thrown out to make way for inferior ones. And where manufacturing tolerances vary so greatly. ProKennex seems to be doing what they say and focusing on R&D and letting others do the marketing. Hope I can help PK to stay in business!
I will write up a review of the mighty redondo at the end of the week, once I have used the rackets. I have to admit, that since I purchased them, I have thought about changing many times. TW’s Jose mentioned to me “old” vs “new” technology and that played on my mind a bit. And I re-read the reviews of the Volkl PB 10 mid, which I really seriously considered last year. And after researching ProKennex more, I have been thinking about the pros and cons of the pro 5G classic or the KI5 315. I have also looked seriously at the 3I5 PSE. All this without even receiving the Redondos or hitting with them yet. But I am tempering my impatience and will give the redondos the full chance first. And I have to say, this is all because of this fantastic thread. I hope my post is not too long and I appreciate all the feedback included in here.
so the results weren't that spectacular. throughout the whole practice my timing was horrible in key situations, but enough on that. time for the reveiw. 
