Diary of a Racketaholic

Ross K · Nov 12, 2012

Back prioritizing on the Juice 100 today, and to very pleasing effect (ahhh yeees). Slowly but surely my impressions are starting to get stronger here.

I do find it more precise, there's better placement, with a tad more touch, to the APD. I think I find it easier to nail winers. I can hit flat easier. On the all important b-line heavy top play it was nearer to my APD's today. Serve-wise I think the very damp weather had a lot to do with just so-so serve impressions this morning. I seem to play fluidly, naturally, with this rac. I'm also staying in points a bit longer too. There's that distinctive 'Wilsonian' feel/flavour to it what with the PWS, grip, etc. Still not 100 per cent decided on mods set up TBH. There's a certain crisp stinginess (as opposed to out and out stiffness) I'm liking more and more. In short, RHs, right now I'm struggling to find a reason to put the APD in front of this.

Friday will be the next chance to play, and I'll be again pitting it against the PD 2012, which I hit with last week and was also extremely impressed with.

JackB1 · Nov 12, 2012

Ross K said:
Back prioritizing on the Juice 100 today, and to very pleasing effect (ahhh yeees). Slowly but surely my impressions are starting to get stronger here.

I do find it more precise, there's better placement, with a tad more touch, to the APD. I think I find it easier to nail winers. I can hit flat easier. On the all important b-line heavy top play it was nearer to my APD's today. Serve-wise I think the very damp weather had a lot to do with just so-so serve impressions this morning. I seem to play fluidly, naturally, with this rac. I'm also staying in points a bit longer too. There's that distinctive 'Wilsonian' feel/flavour to it what with the PWS, grip, etc. Still not 100 per cent decided on mods set up TBH. There's a certain crisp stinginess (as opposed to out and out stiffness) I'm liking more and more. In short, RHs, right now I'm struggling to find a reason to put the APD in front of this.

Friday will be the next chance to play, and I'll be again pitting it against the PD 2012, which I hit with last week and was also extremely impressed with.

PD12 or J100 is really splitting hairs Ross. Pick whichever you like the contact feel better on and don't look back.

Power Player · Nov 12, 2012

I'd agree. Those sticks are so similar. Do you like the wilson grip shape better? Does one bother your arm? What has best feel?

Fuji · Nov 12, 2012

Hey fellow RH's!

If someone could do me a favor with shipping to Canada, I'd be more the happy to make it worth your while to make the trip to the shipping office!

-Fuji

klementine · Nov 12, 2012

^I'd be willing to help out Fuji. Is this about the babo-embargo?

Always going to the post office to send packages to family members overseas. Let me know how I can be of assistance.

Fuji · Nov 12, 2012

klementine79 said:
^I'd be willing to help out Fuji. Is this about the babo-embargo?

Always going to the post office to send packages to family members overseas. Let me know how I can be of assistance.

Haha you're exactly right bud! Message me through my profile if you want, or we can discuss it through here. Whichever you are more comfortable with!

-Fuji

klementine · Nov 12, 2012

^Alrighty. email message sent.

Besides the fact that we share the same taste in music (which should be all the criteria you need :smile: ), you can check out my feedback under for sale/trade or fleabay, I'm honest and trustworthy.

-------------
Anyhoot,
I feel guilty about enjoying the PS90 lately. What can I do though. I'm having a blast with it.

Power Player · Nov 12, 2012

klementine79 said:
-------------
Anyhoot,
I feel guilty about enjoying the PS90 lately. What can I do though. I'm having a blast with it.

Dont feel guilty one bit. That stick is awesome. I got one a few years back and was really wowed by the feel and power of it. It wasnt for me, but it was my first real foray into the wilson realm in a long time. Its an absolute pleasure to play with, and i am sure i could do much more damage with it now. But i am finding my style of play is all about head speed and the federer stick is more like conducting an orchestra out there.

Fuji · Nov 12, 2012

klementine79 said:
^Alrighty. email message sent.

Besides the fact that we share the same taste in music (which should be all the criteria you need :smile: ), you can check out my feedback under for sale/trade or fleabay, I'm honest and trustworthy.

-------------
Anyhoot,
I feel guilty about enjoying the PS90 lately. What can I do though. I'm having a blast with it.

Replied' :razz:

Definitely the PS90 is a sweeeeet stick. I'm just not good enough to use it full time. Plus it just lends the ability to hit droppers and touch shots. Plus lots of flicking, which my game definitely needs less of LOL!

-Fuji

klementine · Nov 12, 2012

It's definitely a beast of a stick. Addicting. A stick that demands you play 3-4x a week, or else!

But what I'm noticing with this iteration (maybe it's just Wilson's QC) but compared to the BLX1, the K90 and the N90, the PS90 is just easier to get racquet head speed with.

Softer as well. I always thought that the PresMid was the best serving stick out there, along with some choice others, but this PS90 packs some heat AND consistency on serve. Probably tops in my book for serving.

For some reason, I have a hard time flattening out the forehand with this one on a consistent basis. Hittin' top is easy-peasy. 2hander... meh... it's alright, catch it sometimes.

Super-early prep, head down through contact (ala fed), smooth stroke, a step-in and the ball just seems to dive and dip, swerve and curve. It man-handles that neon pellet of pleasure.

I better get rid of it before I convince myself that it's for my game. :razz:

For the time being, I'm using it as a training aid, like the weighted bat when you're on deck, waiting for your turn in the rotation. After a half hour of swinging a stick like this, you pick up something like the RadMid+ and you just start wailing on balls, in what seems like close to perfect form.

Fuji · Nov 12, 2012

klementine79 said:
It's definitely a beast of a stick. Addicting. A stick that demands you play 3-4x a week, or else!

But what I'm noticing with this iteration (maybe it's just Wilson's QC) but compared to the BLX1, the K90 and the N90, the PS90 is just easier to get racquet head speed with.

Softer as well. I always thought that the PresMid was the best serving stick out there, along with some choice others, but this PS90 packs some heat AND consistency on serve. Probably tops in my book for serving.

For some reason, I have a hard time flattening out the forehand with this one on a consistent basis. Hittin' top is easy-peasy. 2hander... meh... it's alright, catch it sometimes.

Super-early prep, head down through contact (ala fed), smooth stroke, a step-in and the ball just seems to dive and dip, swerve and curve. It man-handles that neon pellet of pleasure.

I better get rid of it before I convince myself that it's for my game. :razz:

For the time being, I'm using it as a training aid, like the weighted bat when you're on deck, waiting for your turn in the rotation. After a half hour of swinging a stick like this, you pick up something like the RadMid+ and you just start wailing on balls, in what seems like close to perfect form.

Oh man I know that feeling of just swinging super clean RHS after using something as demanding as the PS90. I feel the same way in the fact that it definitely swings lighter. The K90 feels like such a log in comparison.

-Fuji

sansaephanh · Nov 12, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9CaJROylE8

Had to post this guys. Its probably my "warm up" video of the week. Always watch a few vids to get heated up about becoming a beast, but Santoro makes me want to become a magician. Federer makes me want to become THE all courter.

AHHHHHH I WANNA PLAYYY

MikeHitsHard93 · Nov 12, 2012

sansaephanh said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9CaJROylE8

Had to post this guys. Its probably my "warm up" video of the week. Always watch a few vids to get heated up about becoming a beast, but Santoro makes me want to become a magician. Federer makes me want to become THE all courter.

AHHHHHH I WANNA PLAYYY

I haven't played in over a month

JGads · Nov 12, 2012

sansaephanh said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9CaJROylE8

Had to post this guys. Its probably my "warm up" video of the week. Always watch a few vids to get heated up about becoming a beast, but Santoro makes me want to become a magician. Federer makes me want to become THE all courter.

AHHHHHH I WANNA PLAYYY

Sheer mastery. Such crisp shotmaking. That video made me wish I was as much of a Fed fan back in the day when he played like that and wasn't on the wrong side of the hill. You guys see the match today? Crazy shotmaking, too. The shots Fed made on that first set point that he saved in the first set breaker - wow. Great match. Can't believe a 5-4, 40-15 situation was squandered .. AGAIN .. by the master to the djoker. Brought back complete nightmare memories.

Ross K · Nov 12, 2012

JackB1 said:
PD12 or J100 is really splitting hairs Ross. Pick whichever you like the contact feel better on and don't look back.

I'd agree. Those sticks are so similar. Do you like the wilson grip shape better? Does one bother your arm? What has best feel?

Peeps and JB,

Hey, come on, allow me to take my time and savour this racketaholic experience!

Right now, maybe the J100 edges it, but I'd like another few sessions contrasting, especially (like yesterday) when the weather isn't having too much of an influence. I do think they're both superb racs, with the J100 being somewhat underrated or just lumped in with that generic tweener pile of frames when it deserves more prominence and acclaim.

sansaephanh · Nov 13, 2012

Hey RH's!

I got to hit for 10 minutes before the lights turned off. My one handed backhand is getting more consistent, but lacks the bite to scare of net players. I think i found my tension on my crappy drop weight machine+rdis200. 62-64lbs for mulit/sg's. I'm guessing i'm losing all sorts of poundage when I tie off improperly and it did feel a little board like at first hit, but after it loosened up it plays pretty darn well! The lack of control I was constantly complaining about with this stick is almost completely tamed.

So my RDIS200 is a 12.3oz, 5pts headlight, with multi@64lbs. I'm enjoying it for now...

That being said I still wanna get the black ace 93.... What i'm afraid of is feeling the lack of pop on serve like I felt from the rebel 95.

Prodigy1234 · Nov 13, 2012

Ah, Fabrice Santoro, my favorite match of his was against Fed at AO 2008. I mean look at this point http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qyZJFZ-KdQ&feature=related
Possibly the GPOAT, its my fav

Prodigy1234 · Nov 13, 2012

Also another Santoro fav of mine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5UtvvK5fMw&feature=related
Fabrice Santoro is most likely the king of the tweener

JackB1 · Nov 13, 2012

Hey what do you guys think I should do? I got my new Juice 100 from TW, but they made a mistake and strung it full poly, instead of poly/ Nvy like I asked. I don't like full poly....I tried it tonite and if felt too firm and low powered. Should I just restring the crosses myself?

Fuji · Nov 13, 2012

Oh man. RPM is killing me right now. I'm using a full bed at 56lbs in the PSTGT and it's just money. Hits so freaking nice and it's just a GOAT set up for me. Damn RPM is so expensive though. Anyone know of cheaper alternatives that play just as soft? Its on its 3rd hour of play, so I'm assuming its about to go dead soon. Most likely tomorrow from past experience. Or it will break. I'm hitting with a futures guy tomorrow that hits the ball harder and cleaner than anyone else I know.

-Fuji

Fuji · Nov 13, 2012

JackB1 said:
Hey what do you guys think I should do? I got my new Juice 100 from TW, but they made a mistake and strung it full poly, instead of poly/ Nvy like I asked. I don't like full poly....I tried it tonite and if felt too firm and low powered. Should I just restring the crosses myself?

What poly did you get it strung with? I'd definitely let TW know, they sort of really dropped the ball on that one!

-Fuji

Hi I'm Ray · Nov 13, 2012

Fuji said:
Oh man. RPM is killing me right now. I'm using a full bed at 56lbs in the PSTGT and it's just money. Hits so freaking nice and it's just a GOAT set up for me. Damn RPM is so expensive though. Anyone know of cheaper alternatives that play just as soft? Its on its 3rd hour of play, so I'm assuming its about to go dead soon. Most likely tomorrow from past experience. Or it will break. I'm hitting with a futures guy tomorrow that hits the ball harder and cleaner than anyone else I know.

-Fuji

Have you tried:

-Using a less expensive poly as a cross
-Volkl Cyclone
-A hybrid with RPM mains

sansaephanh · Nov 13, 2012

Hexy fiber is popping left and right now haha. I guess i'm getting more confident in my strokes. I'm averaging like 3-5 hours now. No fraying, usually just a middle main or two popping. I'll have to get a few sets of RIP in this stick... I have a feeling that i would enjoy it.

Ross K · Nov 13, 2012

Hi I'm Ray said:
Have you tried:

-Using a less expensive poly as a cross
-Volkl Cyclone
-A hybrid with RPM mains

What do you think of Cyclone? Tried it once full job in my APD and it played very springy. Wondering if I just strung it too low?

How's the Hextreme Pure testing going? Your numero uno now?

BTW, finally checking out Scorpion this Friday in my black drive.

BigM · Nov 14, 2012

Fuji said:
Oh man. RPM is killing me right now. I'm using a full bed at 56lbs in the PSTGT and it's just money. Hits so freaking nice and it's just a GOAT set up for me. Damn RPM is so expensive though. Anyone know of cheaper alternatives that play just as soft? Its on its 3rd hour of play, so I'm assuming its about to go dead soon. Most likely tomorrow from past experience. Or it will break. I'm hitting with a futures guy tomorrow that hits the ball harder and cleaner than anyone else I know.

-Fuji

Your current setup is hard to match. I know about 7 people all with that setup and have not even entertained the idea of changing. Cyclone is ok but it's a more of a crisp feel. The new cyclone tour sounds like it has potential. Oh also there is luxilon savage which is a very nice string. I think it's going to be tough though to match that setup is sooooo good!

JackB1 · Nov 14, 2012

Fuji said:
What poly did you get it strung with? I'd definitely let TW know, they sort of really dropped the ball on that one!

-Fuji

The poly was Kirschbaum Pro evolution 17.
I am torn between sending the rackets back to TW or just restringing the crosses myself. I am not sure what to do.

Hi I'm Ray · Nov 14, 2012

Ross K said:
What do you think of Cyclone? Tried it once full job in my APD and it played very springy. Wondering if I just strung it too low?

How's the Hextreme Pure testing going? Your numero uno now?

BTW, finally checking out Scorpion this Friday in my black drive.

I was replying by email & included the response about Cyclone and Hextreme with it.

Hmm, Scorpion + PD... I think it could go either way with that one. Both have a very crisp response especially on hard impacts which might end up being "too crisp"... or it could be fine with Scorpion adding some control and feedback to the PD.

Power Player · Nov 14, 2012

JackB1 said:
The poly was Kirschbaum Pro evolution 17.
I am torn between sending the rackets back to TW or just restringing the crosses myself. I am not sure what to do.

Just hit with it for 8-10 hours and then string up whatever you want.

Let's put it this way, if you are going to tell ross that it is splitting hairs to try the juice/pd/apdo (as I agree with), you have to stay strong man. Ross would not cut those crosses out. He wold go out there and destroy the earth with full poly until the UK grass he plays on caught fire and burnt the nets to the ground.

JackB1 · Nov 14, 2012

Power Player said:
Just hit with it for 8-10 hours and then string up whatever you want.

Let's put it this way, if you are going to tell ross that it is splitting hairs to try the juice/pd/apdo (as I agree with), you have to stay strong man. Ross would not cut those crosses out. He wold go out there and destroy the earth with full poly until the UK grass he plays on caught fire and burnt the nets to the ground.

lol.. But I don't want to reignite any old TE pain. I NEVER use full poly...always a hybrid with soft multi or syngut crosses. Full poly with a racquet as stiff as the Juice is a little too risky IMO. I tried it last night and didn't like the feel.

Power Player · Nov 14, 2012

I'd ask TW if they would credit you a pack of strings your choice. then cut the whole thing out and restring.

JackB1 · Nov 14, 2012

Power Player said:
I'd ask TW if they would credit you a pack of strings your choice. then cut the whole thing out and restring.

they are sending me 2 new racquets strung correctly. The problem now is what if the specs are off on these? The 2 I got already were 330 and 324 grams.
Maybe I will get lucky?

Hey Ross....what's the specs on your Juice? Did you add lead and where? I think this racquet plays better when you add some lead in the hoop to marking less than the 6 hl pts it is stock.

Fed Kennedy · Nov 14, 2012

JackB1 said:
they are sending me 2 new racquets strung correctly. The problem now is what if the specs are off on these? The 2 I got already were 330 and 324 grams.
Maybe I will get lucky?

Hey Ross....what's the specs on your Juice? Did you add lead and where? I think this racquet plays better when you add some lead in the hoop to marking less than the 6 hl pts it is stock.

For 10 bucks you can get racquets with the same specs...worth it for wilsons

Ross K · Nov 14, 2012

JackB1 said:
they are sending me 2 new racquets strung correctly. The problem now is what if the specs are off on these? The 2 I got already were 330 and 324 grams.
Maybe I will get lucky?

Hey Ross....what's the specs on your Juice? Did you add lead and where? I think this racquet plays better when you add some lead in the hoop to marking less than the 6 hl pts it is stock.

4g in b/cap, 2g @ 12, 4 g @ 3 and 9.

Still not settled and will probably experiment. What I'm used to and like is a whippy polarized set up. For me, in terms of the hoop, the J100 has a bit more of the PST to it than the APD, if you know what I mean? The PWS definitely adds a bit of 'support'. With my APD I was accustomed to 330+ SW. More tinkering to be done for sure.

corners · Nov 14, 2012

Fuji said:
Oh man I know that feeling of just swinging super clean RHS after using something as demanding as the PS90. I feel the same way in the fact that it definitely swings lighter. The K90 feels like such a log in comparison.

-Fuji

K90 shortened by 1/2" with syngrip replacing leather Swings like a feather duster but Hits like a goat. 345g/32cm/320SW

The center of the stringbed of a 26.5" mid is the same distance from the hand as it is with most 27" midpluses, so the shortened length is not much of a hardship.

Boricua · Nov 14, 2012

PP:
What do you think of 4G mains (46). Nvy crosses (50) in a Aeroprodrive? Good for spin? comfortable?

Power Player · Nov 14, 2012

Sure?

LOL..I dont know. It's up to you. I like 4g a lot personally.

It's a low powered, comfortable, control based string.

2ManyAces · Nov 14, 2012

What are your experiences with Babs quality control?

Fed Kennedy · Nov 14, 2012

2ManyAces said:
What are your experiences with Babs quality control?

Horrendous, get a matched pair

2ManyAces · Nov 14, 2012

Fed Kennedy said:
Horrendous, get a matched pair

... darn. I didn't so, oh well haha. I'll try to match as best a can.

Can someone rank QC from like best to worst by manufacturer? Thanks!

Fed Kennedy · Nov 14, 2012

Yonex, pacific and then everyone else...wilson at the bottom

MikeHitsHard93 · Nov 14, 2012

Was checking out the used racket section today...might have to pick up a prestige pro...

Murray_fan1 · Nov 14, 2012

Ok I have now Bladed a couple times and although i can see why PP would be attacted to this frame i have to say it can't take the #1 spot from the IG Prestige. Yes it hits a really heavy ball, has good control and feel etc.. All the good stuff that PP has been raving about and if I was looking for a lighter option to the Prestige this would be on a very short list of alternatives. For me though the Prestige does everything the Blade does but just a little bit better and therefore comes in as a better alternative. The Prestige just has that magic combination of weight, balance, spin,control, manuverability and is probably the the best serving stick of all time IMO. So where does this leave me as a devout racketaholic? The sensible side of me says sell the Blade, get another PP and call it a day as I think this is as good as it gets for me. The racketaholic in me has other plans :twisted:

On a string note Polybreak is the GOAT for me in the Prestige. I really have to thank PP for turning me on to this string as I would have never even considered it if it wasn't for his glowing review. I will have to try 4G but I am definately going to track down a reel of the Polybreak in the near future.

Power Player · Nov 14, 2012

Glad somebody else tried it. And nice review of the blade. Its not for everyone but it is a great one nonetheless.

Ross K · Nov 14, 2012

Murray_fan1 said:
Ok I have now Bladed a couple times and although i can see why PP would be attacted to this frame i have to say it can't take the #1 spot from the IG Prestige. Yes it hits a really heavy ball, has good control and feel etc.. All the good stuff that PP has been raving about and if I was looking for a lighter option to the Prestige this would be on a very short list of alternatives. For me though the Prestige does everything the Blade does but just a little bit better and therefore comes in as a better alternative. The Prestige just has that magic combination of weight, balance, spin,control, manuverability and is probably the the best serving stick of all time IMO. So where does this leave me as a devout racketaholic? The sensible side of me says sell the Blade, get another PP and call it a day as I think this is as good as it gets for me. The racketaholic in me has other plans :twisted:

On a string note Polybreak is the GOAT for me in the Prestige. I really have to thank PP for turning me on to this string as I would have never even considered it if it wasn't for his glowing review. I will have to try 4G but I am definately going to track down a reel of the Polybreak in the near future.

Hey Muzza,

As an RH who cut his racketaholic teeth with Head MPs like the PT630, the i. Prestige and Rad Tour TT, as well as more recently the YT Prestige Pro and TGK PP, your declarations every now and then re the IG PP always make me take notice, and slightly wonder... hmmm... haha.

Re Polybreak, or string recommendations in general here - it's one of the very best features of this thread IMO that the likes of PP can fill us all in on various strings. I, too, intend to check out Polybreak. Just have to get through the Black Widow, Poly Pro Tour and TCS first LOL.

Ross K · Nov 14, 2012

RHs,

A few of us UKRHs were having this chat in our FB group... very best, most effective shock dampeners for stiff frames... the Wilson Shock Shield and Wilson Shock Trap were mentioned.

Anyone familiar with these ^ or others? What's your thoughts? Anything else ppl would care to recommend? Checking out the J100 and PD right now as I am, I definitely want to be putting in something which can really be of use.

rlau · Nov 15, 2012

Hi Ross,

I thought the concensus was that dampeners only help to prevent the pinging sound your strings make and that they don't really help to prevent the impact shock getting to your arm.

However, if you use the Wilson Shock Shield grip, strings and dampener, that might help a bit.

PED · Nov 15, 2012

Ross K said:
RHs,

very best, most effective shock dampeners for stiff frames...

I've found that hitting the sweet spot every time is the most effective :twisted:

Seriously, though, any of the dampeners will work. I use the rubber band.

JackB1 · Nov 15, 2012

Ross K said:
RHs,

A few of us UKRHs were having this chat in our FB group... very best, most effective shock dampeners for stiff frames... the Wilson Shock Shield and Wilson Shock Trap were mentioned.

Anyone familiar with these ^ or others? What's your thoughts? Anything else ppl would care to recommend? Checking out the J100 and PD right now as I am, I definitely want to be putting in something which can really be of use.

I found the Gamma worm to be the most effective at filtering our bad vibes.

Fuji · Nov 15, 2012

Ross K said:
RHs,

A few of us UKRHs were having this chat in our FB group... very best, most effective shock dampeners for stiff frames... the Wilson Shock Shield and Wilson Shock Trap were mentioned.

Anyone familiar with these ^ or others? What's your thoughts? Anything else ppl would care to recommend? Checking out the J100 and PD right now as I am, I definitely want to be putting in something which can really be of use.

Wilson Shock Shield is the best grip overall IMHO. It gets rid of like 90% of funky vibrations in the frame for off centre contact. I use them on every single stick I use minus the Blades which are with the pro-hybrid.

That being said, the only dampener I would stay away from is the Volkl ones. Everytime I try them I get some form of elbow problem. I have absolutely no idea what it is, but I get wicked TE and GE from less than 30 minutes of hitting with that dampener. It just sends freaking weird vibes up my arm no matter what I'm strung with. (PT630 strung with full gut gave me TE with that dampener after half an hour. I took it out, and it was fine the next time I took it out for a hit.)

-Fuji

Power Player · Nov 15, 2012

BLX Blade Tour gets massive reviews today on this site. Pretty hefty frame. Sick paint job though. Sleeper frame for the mid crowd?

Also sounds like the 18x20 Blade is the better stick for the reviewers. This is not a huge surprise to me as the beauty of the blade is the control fused with the headspeed you get. When you combine those 2, the result is a very heavy ball with more than enough spin on it.

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