Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
mikeler
Moderator
Rumor has it he was so upset about LeeD telling him to lose weight that he went out to play tennis and is still working out on court. His legend only grows with tales like these.
Fuji
Legend
That's actually great! I would have never thought of that in a million years!
Now what you need is a little one to sit and throw balls constantly for hours on end and you'd be set!
-Fuji
thecrusher956
Rookie
You should get someone else to throw the balls
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I have the opposite problem...I'm always thinking of stupid things like this
It actually works pretty good and after a while your ball throwing aim gets better and you can back up farther away from the rebounder. I was also going to try loosening the net a little to get more power from it.
Another nice thing is the rebound is a little unpredictable, forcing you to move your feet before the shot. What would be ideal would be some type of automatic pitching arm to fire the ball perfectly at the rebounder for you
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
its not always easy to find someone willing to you underhand toss for you for an hour.
this idea is great when you want to practice on the court and nobody's available at the time.
Like drop hitting, only better.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Just hurt my back today at work...lets hope it doesn't affect my ability to play
mikeler
Moderator
I was hiding in a shower today playing hide and seek with my son. I tried to scare him and ended up hitting my bicep on the cold water handle getting a nice deep bruise and dousing myself with water at the same time. Just hoping it does not get worse in the morning where I'm scheduled to play a singles match followed by a playoff doubles match.
Fuji
Legend
I have the opposite problem...I'm always thinking of stupid things like this
It actually works pretty good and after a while your ball throwing aim gets better and you can back up farther away from the rebounder. I was also going to try loosening the net a little to get more power from it.
Another nice thing is the rebound is a little unpredictable, forcing you to move your feet before the shot. What would be ideal would be some type of automatic pitching arm to fire the ball perfectly at the rebounder for you
Hahaha! What I think you should do is set it up on the other side of the net and practice your volleys!
You only need one ball and good aim to hit the rebounder each time!-Fuji
sansaephanh
Professional
guys I completely lost my legs. I can't even poach a floating volley! Granted it was raining while i was playing and did not wanna slip, but it was all within reach. How do i get rid of all the hesitance? I'm guessing just practice?
A diet of water and healthy nutrients and a hefty dose of running will hopefully cure me.
A diet of water and healthy nutrients and a hefty dose of running will hopefully cure me.
Hi I'm Ray
Professional
Thanks for the replies regarding the Yonex strings, it gives me a better idea of what tension to start off with.
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Hi I'm Ray
Professional
Wasnt PP running to lose weight? I heard you were his running partner. I know you love running specially marathons.
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MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I was hiding in a shower today playing hide and seek with my son. I tried to scare him and ended up hitting my bicep on the cold water handle getting a nice deep bruise and dousing myself with water at the same time. Just hoping it does not get worse in the morning where I'm scheduled to play a singles match followed by a playoff doubles match.
Haha how old are ya? I'm going on 20, so this shouldn't be happening
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
LOL Jesus... I can drive a fork truck much better than that idiot!
But on a serious note, I may have to get xrays
Uvijek Argen
Semi-Pro
sansaephanh
Professional
AHH GUYS!!! SOMEONE GOT ME A BLACK ACE MID FOR XMAS!!
I apologize for the caps, but it was well deserved. I'm gonna toss a leather on it and work on my serve and volley with it. It should be in by xmas eve... I'm gonna stick bhbr@57. I can't wait.
How many of you guys hit a 2hbh with a mid? mids are usually so whippy that i wanna switch to 1hbh again lol. But switching really is ruining my game. Lost a set 6-2 basically from bh UEs. I was rocking a YTPrestigeMid demo and that thing plays like a dream if not a little sluggish. I have to say the synthetic/mono that came with the demo really had some nice pop to it, but i prefer the spin/consistency poly give me. I guess i really shouldn't be playing with poly, but it feels so good ={.
How many of you play with synthetic gut? Which is your favorite in terms of pop. I might buy a reel of 17 gauge for fun and go wild until i kill it all. Prince OG? Gamma white? Gosen? Other?
I apologize for the caps, but it was well deserved. I'm gonna toss a leather on it and work on my serve and volley with it. It should be in by xmas eve... I'm gonna stick bhbr@57. I can't wait.
How many of you guys hit a 2hbh with a mid? mids are usually so whippy that i wanna switch to 1hbh again lol. But switching really is ruining my game. Lost a set 6-2 basically from bh UEs. I was rocking a YTPrestigeMid demo and that thing plays like a dream if not a little sluggish. I have to say the synthetic/mono that came with the demo really had some nice pop to it, but i prefer the spin/consistency poly give me. I guess i really shouldn't be playing with poly, but it feels so good ={.
How many of you play with synthetic gut? Which is your favorite in terms of pop. I might buy a reel of 17 gauge for fun and go wild until i kill it all. Prince OG? Gamma white? Gosen? Other?
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Hi I'm Ray
Professional
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Nice pickup. Did you get the old one or the 2012? I finally have my oldie up for sale, 6 or 6.5/10 but pretty cheap, in case you find yourself wanting another. (just hitting so much with these tgks now, have to finally part ways with some of my spare sticks that are collecting dust) ...
And yeah, the two-hander can certainly be hit with the ba mid, but I hear you - I revert to a one-hander a lot when playing Mids, including the Ace. But if you make mistakes with the one hander, just force yourself to go two-handed. It certainly can be done, and the Ace can hit a fine two-hander.
Don't be afraid to go lower tension with the Ace. And it takes to any string pretty well, not nearly as string sensitive as many frames. Full Tour Bite is actually my favorite setup in the stick.
Have fun and swing away. Frame shines when you just let go and rip. The control will still be there.
sansaephanh
Professional
Thanks gads, I believe its the older model. I love my sticks closer to 12 oz anyways, so I believe after i'm done adding weight to the handle it will be monstrous.
I'm actually interested in your black ace as well if you don't mind PMing me the price. Its the 2012 model right? (RH Syndrome strikes again)
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I was helping to lift a work bench-table saw combo into a guys van (300lbs) and the guy I was helping didn't even wait for me to get ready. So he started to pick it up and I rushed to help, while using my back instead of legs. I felt a surge go up my back and it just kinda wanted to cave in. Now my lower right side of my back is in pain whenever I bend over.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Old version, actually. And yeah, no lead needed in the hoop. Just heavier grip to make it more headlight, as you're doing, and you're good to go
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Crazy thing, but I am not really digging tour bite like I thought I would. I find it to be powerful at the wrong times for me now. In fact, I seem to play much better with Black Magic in a full job - the spin is more vicious (TB is in a hybrid), and the stringbed is more predictable.
Anyway, my point is that the 4G is the real deal for me. I will go back to that and put BM in the other stick and see which one wins.
Anyway, my point is that the 4G is the real deal for me. I will go back to that and put BM in the other stick and see which one wins.
mikeler
Moderator
Our local ROAT (Racketaholic of all time) Jeff sold me another Exo for $75 today. It had some Babolat synthetic gut in it. Combine that with a leather grip, lead tape at 3 and 9 with power pads, it was a weird setup. I did try it for 1 point...
Jeff, this thread needs you. The ROAT still does not post. My work is not done yet...
Power Player
Bionic Poster
LOL agree..I went dark the past week. I was going to do the open tournament but I had a huge work project that consumed all my time. It sucks, because I wanted to at least go to the tournament and watch. Did you play in it?
RHs,
What did you all think of the old Rad Tour Twin Tubes? (Gads?...)
I haven't had a lot of time at all with the normal standard TT (have one somewhere still), but did play for a short while some years back with it's big 369 SW bully of a brother, the Rad Tour TT XL - a frame I instantly liked due to its crushing power and consistent baseline depth (still have this one also).
Anyhow, the standard size version is one of those frames I think might be good to have a little look at once again to remind myself of what a great rac from the past actually feels and plays like.
Anyone care to share some thoughts on this one? I recall it hitting like a soft pillow, and it had a very distinctive pocketing sensation. It was very solid. A little raw feeling maybe. Perhaps a tad easier to use generally than it's close relations, the PT630 and i. Prestige.
What did you all think of the old Rad Tour Twin Tubes? (Gads?...)
I haven't had a lot of time at all with the normal standard TT (have one somewhere still), but did play for a short while some years back with it's big 369 SW bully of a brother, the Rad Tour TT XL - a frame I instantly liked due to its crushing power and consistent baseline depth (still have this one also).
Anyhow, the standard size version is one of those frames I think might be good to have a little look at once again to remind myself of what a great rac from the past actually feels and plays like.
Anyone care to share some thoughts on this one? I recall it hitting like a soft pillow, and it had a very distinctive pocketing sensation. It was very solid. A little raw feeling maybe. Perhaps a tad easier to use generally than it's close relations, the PT630 and i. Prestige.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
the XL is too sluggish for me, but the TT Rad Tour OS is one of my favorite racquets. i keep one in my bag. hits a heavy ball. great for defense. one of those sticks that get the ball back deep when stretching for a ball out wide. it's soft and buttery feeling. loads of power and great control for an OS stick.
mikeler
Moderator
The Open starts this coming Wednesday and Club starts this coming Thursday.
Ha!! My father is Argentinian and mother puerto rican as well. Funny...
And where do you live, in what country? And what does your username mean?
mikeler
Moderator
He lives right next to Power Player and myself. The username story is a little more complicated, he'll have to explain that one.
klementine
Hall of Fame
OFFICIAL RUMOR ALERT WITH NO SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE!
Rogi has switched to 4g crosses?
mikeler
Moderator
Who is the better player between you three?
I've never played against UA so I can't answer that.
sansaephanh
Professional
You know I played a few games with nat/alu and found it to feel like BM with more pop. I'm sure I don't swing fast enough to get the "full benefit" but it really wasn't as spectacular as I thought it was. A teeny bit better feel, a teeny bit more comfy, and bigger power on the gut.
Not enough difference to make me go gaga
Not enough difference to make me go gaga
Fuji
Legend
You guys are nuts with your expensive string combos, I use possibly one the most budget hyrbids out there and I love it. Dunlop Ice/GosenOG. Both 17G. Sure the durability isn't as strong as it could be, being that they are both 17G, but in denser patterns it doesn't make that much different. :razz:
-Fuji
-Fuji
Any of you fine fellows care to compare and contrast the Yonex Vcore 95D and the Wilson BLX Blade 98? Both are on offer here in the UK, and pique interest as I search for something in between my TGK 238.1 and Prince EXO3 Tour. I've found a couple of very short threads via the search, but nothing with substance.
In case it assists with your information, what I'm searching for is the precision of the TGK when I'm on the attack, and the assistance of the Prince when scrambling against better players. The Prince is better for forehands and volleys, but I can't hit a suitable flat serve with it and my 1hbh is awkward. The TGK lacks when I'm unable to have a full swing... which means I suffer both when I'm forced into defensive mode, but also against weaker players when I'm trying not to overhit short balls (the latter is clearly a technique issue, but nonetheless is much easier with the Prince). However, against a small subset of players, it plays so well that I feel like I'm cheating (and then promptly get brought back down to earth by a weaker opponent the next time out).
Thank you kindly for your consideration.
In case it assists with your information, what I'm searching for is the precision of the TGK when I'm on the attack, and the assistance of the Prince when scrambling against better players. The Prince is better for forehands and volleys, but I can't hit a suitable flat serve with it and my 1hbh is awkward. The TGK lacks when I'm unable to have a full swing... which means I suffer both when I'm forced into defensive mode, but also against weaker players when I'm trying not to overhit short balls (the latter is clearly a technique issue, but nonetheless is much easier with the Prince). However, against a small subset of players, it plays so well that I feel like I'm cheating (and then promptly get brought back down to earth by a weaker opponent the next time out).
Thank you kindly for your consideration.
A reel of the Gosen is about £90 here in the UK. We clearly choose to believe you're a big spender. ;-)
sansaephanh
Professional
I might go to iontec and synth gut soon! thatll be like 2.50 in strings lol.
Fuji
Legend
LOL! I think I paid 90$ CAD for a reel of Gosen and Ice combined. 20ish string jobs for 90 bucks? I definitely cannot complain!
-Fuji
Yes, the XL is too sluggish for me too, but just to experience the full crushing b/line experience, maybe I'll put it in my bag next time. :wink:
I've never actually played an OS stick before... hmm, maybe I should check it out some time?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
out of all my OS sticks, the TT Rad Tour is my fave. the 18x19 pattern is tighter than the POG's 16x19 so i get more control. and the flex makes it a more comfortable hit as well. it's addictive because the power makes it easy to deliver a heavy ball.
out of all my OS sticks, the TT Rad Tour is my fave. the 18x19 pattern is tighter than the POG's 16x19 so i get more control. and the flex makes it a more comfortable hit as well. it's addictive because the power makes it easy to deliver a heavy ball.
Well, I certainly like a frame that hits consistently deep and powerful - and the Rad Tour TT XL certainly did that.
This particular performance trait of a frame is what I probably always look for first in any racket. Furthermore, it's interesting how many supposed big power frames or whatever don't actually provide this, or not for me anyhow and in quite that reliable baseline peppering manner.
As a side-note, I'll mention XL frames generally do seem to provide this for me also and have long made me consider switching to one permanently.
Of course, it gets a whole lot more complicated as soon as you throw in feel, solidness, responsiveness, spin, control and all these other aspects into the equation - but, yes... consistent big b-line peppering oomph - that's how this here racketaholic likes to roll.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
OFFICIAL RUMOR ALERT WITH NO SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE!
Rogi has switched to 4g crosses?
Why not. Serena couldn't be stopped when she made that switch, even if it was by accident (she thought Rog had switched, so she did the same.. funny stuff). Nice to see Roger experimenting a bit. But we'll see what he has in that stick in Australia.
Can't help here, have very limited experience with both sticks, but PP maybe can chime in as he's played both...
out of all my OS sticks, the TT Rad Tour is my fave. the 18x19 pattern is tighter than the POG's 16x19 so i get more control. and the flex makes it a more comfortable hit as well. it's addictive because the power makes it easy to deliver a heavy ball.
MD's Rad Tour is a truck of a frame. Smooth stroke better than muscling the ball, as the frame has enough beef to do just about all of the work. I never tried the other Rad you asked about, Ross.
I think tight patterns in oversize sticks makes a lot of sense. There should be more options, rather than the usual light, open-patterned tweener frames. Though I haven't really hit too too much with it in the midst of my current Radical Renaissance, that Blade Team 104 is kind of fun to mess around with since it has a more controlled and softer response for me than something like the APD, but I haven't found a suitable weight setup for it in my limited time with it.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
The 95d is an awesome racquet, but it really hurt my elbow. It also is a lot heavier than the Blade, and serving with it was more challenging. the Blade allows me to whip the ball into corners on the run and hit very very sharp angles. I really love the thing and have been Blading the whole 4th quarter of 2012 with no real end in sight.
I have a feeling the Blade Tour is probably amazing as well, but it seems rather heavy for how I like to hit or Id be demoing it. If you look at that PJ, the rumors of Sampras using it, and the rave reviews by midheads like Chris, you have to imagine this is one of the best releases of the year and some holic needs to take it for a ride.
Fuji - im interested in the Ice. I am reading that it is a control string, and like yourself, I am buying a reel of OGSM. So tell me more - how much control are you getting and how long does this string last for you? The price is awesome and TB in the mains is a little too stiff for me, plus it just can be unpredictable in the power department compared to the 4G.
I hate spending the cash on 4g, but it is so freaking good.
I have a feeling the Blade Tour is probably amazing as well, but it seems rather heavy for how I like to hit or Id be demoing it. If you look at that PJ, the rumors of Sampras using it, and the rave reviews by midheads like Chris, you have to imagine this is one of the best releases of the year and some holic needs to take it for a ride.
Fuji - im interested in the Ice. I am reading that it is a control string, and like yourself, I am buying a reel of OGSM. So tell me more - how much control are you getting and how long does this string last for you? The price is awesome and TB in the mains is a little too stiff for me, plus it just can be unpredictable in the power department compared to the 4G.
I hate spending the cash on 4g, but it is so freaking good.
RadicalMPfan
Rookie
Why can't we get the matte black finish for the 98! Hopefully there is some kind of special release. The blade 93 has the PJ of the year.
I'm currently using gut/poly set-up in my blade 98 and it is the most lethal combination I've ever used. Hopefully I don't go back to my bad habit looking for a better racquet.
Has anyone here been able to break your racquetaholic tendencies? I am past the honey moon period where I usually go demo/buy a new racquet.
I'm currently using gut/poly set-up in my blade 98 and it is the most lethal combination I've ever used. Hopefully I don't go back to my bad habit looking for a better racquet.
Has anyone here been able to break your racquetaholic tendencies? I am past the honey moon period where I usually go demo/buy a new racquet.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Im going to OTC tonight I think and ill find out. My company is having this crazy database cleanup that is extended through the month so I am not sure if I can take any days off besides christmas. I have 1 month of PTO that I can't use his month..lol...but they will credit me for it next year.
While it could be rather awesome to play guys with ATP points, I have no business being out there. I may hit a few sweet winners but getting bageled blows.
Fuji
Legend
Ice is such an odd duck for a poly. I honestly don't like it in my open frame sticks like the Rad Pro, but in closed patterns it's money. I have it in the blades now with gosen crosses and its just money. I honestly love how it plays. I'll give you a heads up though. It's super super soft for a poly. I'm stringing at 54/56 and I think that the bed might still be a bit soft. I might even be going full bed next time because of how soft it is. I don't know what it is about Ice, but I find it increadiblely comfortable. The spin generation isn't huge for a poly, no where near ALU rough or anything, but it's Definitly managable. I really like it. That being said I'm using 17g, next reel I'll probably get 16 to get a bit firmer feel.
Any more questions feel free to ask!
-Fuji
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Awesome..how is the control, and how long does it last? A nice comfy poly with great control is basically what the 4G is.
Uvijek Argen
Semi-Pro
Like Mikeler mention I live in Orlando. The nick is Serbo-croatian(my argentinian side is second generation italian/ex-yugo)
Uvijek means "always", and argen..well argentino
Mikeler and I never play before, he play more clay and I play with full bed of NG so I try to avoid playing on it. I had hit briefly with crazy racket changer PP
.But our schedule always conflict so no match yet.
BTW I was planning to play the Open, but I practice twice in mikeler club and destroy my NG. I wont have enough money for a few sets if I even pass 1 or 2 rounds.
