Diary of a Racketaholic

keithfival · Apr 5, 2013

Ok, PP, JGads, other holics... can you give me a quick rundown on the black blade 18x20 vs 16x19? I hit the 16x19 twice, unbelievably easy, just driving every groundstroke like a hammer, serves, drop volleys, easy. Really maybe the easiest demo ever, just crushing the ball right off the bat. The only things were, it felt a little stiff compared to my 57RA K104, and it was a hair lively. I only had a few flyers but just enough to make me wonder about the 18x20. Does it feel any softer? Is it much lower powered- like MG Rad low, or still pretty lively?

Perhaps I should just demo both. I'm doing well in singles with the K104, effortless groundies, great volleys/touch/lobs, insane first serve %, but in doubles I continue to miss the ability to really drive returns hard and low and the same on groundies. It's more of a lofty, deep ball, not a heavy ball at all. I'm hardly missing a ball but not forcing nearly as many errors....

So, 18x20 vs 16x19, go!

JGads · Apr 5, 2013

keithfival said:
Ok, PP, JGads, other holics... can you give me a quick rundown on the black blade 18x20 vs 16x19? I hit the 16x19 twice, unbelievably easy, just driving every groundstroke like a hammer, serves, drop volleys, easy. Really maybe the easiest demo ever, just crushing the ball right off the bat. The only things were, it felt a little stiff compared to my 57RA K104, and it was a hair lively. I only had a few flyers but just enough to make me wonder about the 18x20. Does it feel any softer? Is it much lower powered- like MG Rad low, or still pretty lively?

Perhaps I should just demo both. I'm doing well in singles with the K104, effortless groundies, great volleys/touch/lobs, insane first serve %, but in doubles I continue to miss the ability to really drive returns hard and low and the same on groundies. It's more of a lofty, deep ball, not a heavy ball at all. I'm hardly missing a ball but not forcing nearly as many errors....

So, 18x20 vs 16x19, go!

Never got to try the 16m but to be honest your description up top was essentially my impression of the 18m so I'm thinking, if anything, that 16m version would be softer than the 18m. 18m very lively as well, more powered than a Rad.

Power Player · Apr 5, 2013

16 mains is almost always softer than 18 mains.

TroutSc · Apr 5, 2013

Boricua said:
Fourth time out with the Q5 295 and Im not clicking with the racket. Cant get the topspin strikes and the launch angle I like. I will send the racket in and trade for a Exo Tour 3 16 x 18. Im planning to use Tour Bite 16 Nvy crosses, 52 and 54.

Have you tried a volkl xv1? I bought one a few weeks ago, feels good. Got the f100 today, bday gift. Gonna give it a whirl for a bit.

Ross K · Apr 5, 2013

keithfival said:
Ok, PP, JGads, other holics... can you give me a quick rundown on the black blade 18x20 vs 16x19? I hit the 16x19 twice, unbelievably easy, just driving every groundstroke like a hammer, serves, drop volleys, easy. Really maybe the easiest demo ever, just crushing the ball right off the bat. The only things were, it felt a little stiff compared to my 57RA K104, and it was a hair lively. I only had a few flyers but just enough to make me wonder about the 18x20. Does it feel any softer? Is it much lower powered- like MG Rad low, or still pretty lively?

Perhaps I should just demo both. I'm doing well in singles with the K104, effortless groundies, great volleys/touch/lobs, insane first serve %, but in doubles I continue to miss the ability to really drive returns hard and low and the same on groundies. It's more of a lofty, deep ball, not a heavy ball at all. I'm hardly missing a ball but not forcing nearly as many errors....

So, 18x20 vs 16x19, go!

I've played a number of Blades now but not the Black Blade 18 mains. They do seem to be a tad stiff perhaps, so string choice here is obviously somewhat crucial. Not sure I've personally found them to be that lively (as in regularly hitting long/flyers) thus far. Probably best to demo both patterns.

BTW, I think you nailed it pretty much with the comments bolded ^ above. I do agree.:wink:

Ross K · Apr 5, 2013

PP, others,

Poly/Nvy in a Blade... anyone tried this combo? A good match up for my 16x19? I'm definitely thinking next 'dark destroyer' stringjob should be a hybrid.

The Dark Knight · Apr 6, 2013

keithfival said:
Ok, PP, JGads, other holics... can you give me a quick rundown on the black blade 18x20 vs 16x19? I hit the 16x19 twice, unbelievably easy, just driving every groundstroke like a hammer, serves, drop volleys, easy. Really maybe the easiest demo ever, just crushing the ball right off the bat. The only things were, it felt a little stiff compared to my 57RA K104, and it was a hair lively. I only had a few flyers but just enough to make me wonder about the 18x20. Does it feel any softer? Is it much lower powered- like MG Rad low, or still pretty lively?

Perhaps I should just demo both. I'm doing well in singles with the K104, effortless groundies, great volleys/touch/lobs, insane first serve %, but in doubles I continue to miss the ability to really drive returns hard and low and the same on groundies. It's more of a lofty, deep ball, not a heavy ball at all. I'm hardly missing a ball but not forcing nearly as many errors....

So, 18x20 vs 16x19, go!

The 18x20 is simply more control than the 16x19. The problem with the 18x20 was it simply didnt have as much power.

But to drive you more crazy....Donnay came out with the pro one which is the exact same racquet as the blade but even better. The pro one also has an 18x20 or 16x19 version.

Not to make you even more crazy .....Vortex came out with two similar sticks as well.... The Vortex tour 95 and Vortex tour 100....just with an amazing string pattern of I believe 14x17? This is what I think it was if memory serves me correctly.

I've basically went from dense to sparser and sparser string pattern....all with basically the same stick....

I went from blade 18x20 to 16x19 to Donnay 16x19 to Vortex tour 95 14x17.

So .....for me if you have to choose definitely go sparser with the blade 16x19

Boricua · Apr 6, 2013

TroutSc said:
Have you tried a volkl xv1? I bought one a few weeks ago, feels good. Got the f100 today, bday gift. Gonna give it a whirl for a bit.

I tried the v1. Too light and did not like the grip size. It has good feel though.

JackB1 · Apr 6, 2013

Ross K said:
PP, others,

Poly/Nvy in a Blade... anyone tried this combo? A good match up for my 16x19? I'm definitely thinking next 'dark destroyer' stringjob should be a hybrid.

I loved that combo. Prince Beast 17 w/ Navy crosses at 52/55 was money.

JackB1 · Apr 6, 2013

The Dark Knight said:
The 18x20 is simply more control than the 16x19. The problem with the 18x20 was it simply didnt have as much power.

But to drive you more crazy....Donnay came out with the pro one which is the exact same racquet as the blade but even better. The pro one also has an 18x20 or 16x19 version.

Not to make you even more crazy .....Vortex came out with two similar sticks as well.... The Vortex tour 95 and Vortex tour 100....just with an amazing string pattern of I believe 14x17? This is what I think it was if memory serves me correctly.

I've basically went from dense to sparser and sparser string pattern....all with basically the same stick....

I went from blade 18x20 to 16x19 to Donnay 16x19 to Vortex tour 95 14x17.

So .....for me if you have to choose definitely go sparser with the blade 16x19

I agree about the Pro one. Very similar to the Blade...maybe a better racquet. But it doesn't get much love around here with all these Blade wielding maniacs. I have a Donnay XDual Black 102 I will be trying soon. I think I am steering away from the players type racquets and try something easy for a while and see how it goes.

Power Player · Apr 6, 2013

Ross K said:
PP, others,

Poly/Nvy in a Blade... anyone tried this combo? A good match up for my 16x19? I'm definitely thinking next 'dark destroyer' stringjob should be a hybrid.

Yeah, i used cyclone mains and nvy crosses. Nice setup, but too launchy for me in the powerful blade. Thats why i switched to ogsm crosses.

Federerkblade · Apr 6, 2013

Boricua said:
Fourth time out with the Q5 295 and Im not clicking with the racket. Cant get the topspin strikes and the launch angle I like. I will send the racket in and trade for a Exo Tour 3 16 x 18. Im planning to use Tour Bite 16 Nvy crosses, 52 and 54.

what are you feeling ?? what strings are you using not enough topspin ??

Ross K · Apr 6, 2013

The Dark Knight said:
But to drive you more crazy....Donnay came out with the pro one which is the exact same racquet as the blade but even better. The pro one also has an 18x20 or 16x19 version.

I agree about the Pro one. Very similar to the Blade...maybe a better racquet.

Oh man, I need to sit down...

Ross K · Apr 6, 2013

Jack, PP - cheers gents. Sounds like TB w/poly might well be my kind of thing in the Blade. Liked it in APD but wasn't sure re Blade.

Murray_fan1 · Apr 6, 2013

Ok after some more play with the Vcore, I have again found another stick that just can't compete with the Prestige. Although probably the closest thing I have found to the Prestige feel I do find it a little bit harder to generate the easy pace and plow you get with the Prestige or even the Blade. Every time I picked one of these two up after hitting with the VCore ( I keep hearing in my head "everything you can do I can do better"). I did mess around with a couple different weight set ups but could not find a better mod than just a couple over grips and a little lead in the throat. This however brought the static weight up to 12 ounces which kind of defeats the purpose of what I wanted with this stick. So where does this leave me now? I think I will be putting the Vcore up for sale soon and I will try to acquire another Blade so I can try different set ups against the Prestige. The Blade (16x19) and Prestige are still the best two racquets I have come across in a long time. I still have a slight interest in the Tfight ltd. and may acquire one at a later date for some holic fun but want to concentrate on the Prestige and the Blade for the time being.

Power Player · Apr 6, 2013

The Tec, Blade and Prestige MP are all rather close friends to me.

It just boils down to what you like. I had to use poly mains to tame the power of the Blade, so to go to a lower powered stick gave me more feel and more stringing options.

For example poly mains in the blade had to be higher - around 50#s for me. If I did that in the Tec I could go 46-48 with no problem. I have full syn gut in there at 56#s and it plays great.

Power Player · Apr 6, 2013

Ross K said:
Jack, PP - cheers gents. Sounds like TB w/poly might well be my kind of thing in the Blade. Liked it in APD but wasn't sure re Blade.

Id go with TB and pick a cross like Nvy. You will want a string setup that you can put in every racquet or else there will be too many variables. It is super important to try and get everything strung with 1 setup that you really like. Once you do this, you are going to figure out the sticks better and your consistency will go up.

Trust me, I know there are a million cool strings to try, but you like TB..why screw with it? Its a great string. Just put some Nvy in there and then do it to all your sticks. I promise you will thank me later.

The Blade is not string sensitive so you are going to feel right at home with this setup. I'd still be doing my Ice/OGSM setup I have used for months, but I have to rest the elbow, and frankly the full syn gut is working rather well.

Boricua · Apr 6, 2013

Federerkblade said:
what are you feeling ?? what strings are you using not enough topspin ??

I just prefer 16 x 18 or 16 x 19 . It suits my strokes and playing style better.

keithfival · Apr 6, 2013

Power Player said:
I
The Blade is not string sensitive so you are going to feel right at home with this setup.

I noticed this too. There were two demos when I hit with the Blade, one with poly, one with Hollowcore, they both played the same to me and I am super sensitive about that stuff. I'm a little concerned about not being able to string it low as PP found, but maybe a soft bed of Forten at 58 will still be pretty comfy.

keithfival · Apr 6, 2013

By the by, I picked up a new Blade on the auction site for quite a good deal, Are there a lot of fakes of these out there? If so, how would I know? The guy is selling a variety of new frames for pretty discounted prices.

Power Player · Apr 6, 2013

Everyone is different. You may find 58 tight, but probably not. Its just my experience, but I played with syn gut between 56-62 most of my tennis days until I found this crazy place.

The blade was 98% perfection for me. Just a little too stiff and too much power, but honestly that is nit picking.

TroutSc · Apr 6, 2013

Boricua said:
I tried the v1. Too light and did not like the grip size. It has good feel though.

U try the f100?

Ross K · Apr 6, 2013

PP - yes, think I'll give TB/Nvy a try out and if it does the business for me I'll check it in others.

Keith - I'm actually seeing gold/black Blades all over the place being traded, F/S, etc. Don't know why so many are being let go of when it's such a great racket. I'm hanging on to mine.

MikeHitsHard93 · Apr 6, 2013

I know this is a racket thread, but what brand of bags do you guys use? Which has the best quality?

JGads · Apr 7, 2013

Ross K said:
PP - yes, think I'll give TB/Nvy a try out and if it does the business for me I'll check it in others.

Keith - I'm actually seeing gold/black Blades all over the place being traded, F/S, etc. Don't know why so many are being let go of when it's such a great racket. I'm hanging on to mine.

TB/NVy: one of my all time fave hybrids.

Ross K · Apr 7, 2013

JGads said:
TB/NVy: one of my all time fave hybrids.

Yes, it sort of became my 'go to' in the APD Orig but have tried it in other frames and not been so into it. Anyhow, yes, that's one for the dark destroyer for sure.

Boricua · Apr 7, 2013

JGads said:
TB/NVy: one of my all time fave hybrids.

How was it on yhe arm? Comfortable or felt stiff? In what rackrt did you use TB/ Nvy? How many hours did you get?

corners · Apr 7, 2013

Highschoolers
in their midst.

keithfival · Apr 7, 2013

Power Player said:
Everyone is different. You may find 58 tight, but probably not. Its just my experience, but I played with syn gut between 56-62 most of my tennis days until I found this crazy place.

The blade was 98% perfection for me. Just a little too stiff and too much power, but honestly that is nit picking.

Actually I just remembered I recently did a full bed of natural 17 at 54lbs in an open pattern exo tour and it was terrible. Not sure a few pounds was the problem. I have a go to setup for tight patterns but not really for open. I do have some Ice on hand, maybe I'll try your hybrid. What tension you think to tame the 16x19 a hair but not kill my arm? (I'll probably use Forten cross, I always find it softer and sweeter than ogsm cross).

Power Player · Apr 7, 2013

I did 50/52 in the blade.

JGads · Apr 7, 2013

Boricua said:
How was it on yhe arm? Comfortable or felt stiff? In what rackrt did you use TB/ Nvy? How many hours did you get?

It was my go-to setup in my softer tgk Rads for awhile before switching over to Tour Bite/iontec Hexa. I was getting about 12-16 hours I think and it was crisp but comfy in the softer frame. Most notable was the Tour Bite Drop Off wasn't as steep with the NVY in there.

bad_call · Apr 7, 2013

comfort acceptable with OGSM17/MFeel at 42/44 in the blade. however serving not as easy as the yy200. so spoiled with the pocketing of B5E/Nvy in the yy200. hope this GE will be but a memory come summer. checking with mikeler to see if the flexbar offer still good.

keithfival · Apr 7, 2013

Ack! I don't know if the 104 is turning me into a better, more rounded player or just an epic pusher!? I just played my first league match with it and won 6-0, 6-1 without hitting one good driving forehand! Not one!! Just rally shots, slice BH, drop shots, lobs, and lots of first serves. It felt quite unsatisfying to not crank any FH's but maybe that's silly, maybe being an epic pusher with a giant headed granny stick who never hits the ball out is my new destiny and I should just embrace it?!?

This is why I have a Blade on the way. Just dying to crush some groundies. I guess I should see if I actually get better results crushing forehands or if it's just sort of fool's gold. One thing is for sure, the 104 is an unbelievable pusher's stick. I feel like I can hit 10,000 slice backhands without ever missing, and then when the guy inevitably comes to net just an easy lob to the baseline. Oh man, and I'm not even an old fart yet. Don't tell the old farts about the 104!!

mikeler · Apr 7, 2013

bad_call said:
comfort acceptable with OGSM17/MFeel at 42/44 in the blade. however serving not as easy as the yy200. so spoiled with the pocketing of B5E/Nvy in the yy200. hope this GE will be but a memory come summer. checking with mikeler to see if the flexbar offer still good.

If I can find the darn thing! I'm moving this week, so perhaps it will reveal itself.

Fed Kennedy · Apr 7, 2013

keithfival said:
Ack! I don't know if the 104 is turning me into a better, more rounded player or just an epic pusher!? I just played my first league match with it and won 6-0, 6-1 without hitting one good driving forehand! Not one!! Just rally shots, slice BH, drop shots, lobs, and lots of first serves. It felt quite unsatisfying to not crank any FH's but maybe that's silly, maybe being an epic pusher with a giant headed granny stick who never hits the ball out is my new destiny and I should just embrace it?!?

This is why I have a Blade on the way. Just dying to crush some groundies. I guess I should see if I actually get better results crushing forehands or if it's just sort of fool's gold. One thing is for sure, the 104 is an unbelievable pusher's stick. I feel like I can hit 10,000 slice backhands without ever missing, and then when the guy inevitably comes to net just an easy lob to the baseline. Oh man, and I'm not even an old fart yet. Don't tell the old farts about the 104!!

Ive had this exact same experience. This stick turns you into a wall

Power Player · Apr 7, 2013

You can crush with the 104. I liked the control of it even more than the regular blade. What you are going to deal with when you get the blade is hitting longer since it has more power.

I have played matches where I dont have to rip the ball at all. If the other player is giving you no pace, it is really risky to try and dial it up unless you have a good opening.

It took me a long time to figure that out, but it is much more enoyable to win instead of shooting wild shots all over the place and losing.

Timbo's hopeless slice · Apr 7, 2013

another Beast update.

tough weekend, total of 18 sets of singles (round robin?, what do you mean, 'round robin'??!) and 8 sets of, wait for it, mixed doubles!

If I was ever going to suffer from the stiffness, this tournament would have done it..

Anyway, happy to report that, while I can barely walk, my arm is fine!

Played really well, first time I have really played a lot of dubs with the X-7 and it came up trumps, lots of volleys and heavy serves to handle.
(it was an Open tournament, unusual format, pooled round robin then finals for leaders)

so, winners were hit, aces were served, sitters were missed, much fun was had, racquet rocks!

klementine · Apr 7, 2013

keithfival said:
Ack! I don't know if the 104 is turning me into a better, more rounded player or just an epic pusher!? I just played my first league match with it and won 6-0, 6-1 without hitting one good driving forehand! Not one!! Just rally shots, slice BH, drop shots, lobs, and lots of first serves. It felt quite unsatisfying to not crank any FH's but maybe that's silly, maybe being an epic pusher with a giant headed granny stick who never hits the ball out is my new destiny and I should just embrace it?!?

This is why I have a Blade on the way. Just dying to crush some groundies. I guess I should see if I actually get better results crushing forehands or if it's just sort of fool's gold. One thing is for sure, the 104 is an unbelievable pusher's stick. I feel like I can hit 10,000 slice backhands without ever missing, and then when the guy inevitably comes to net just an easy lob to the baseline. Oh man, and I'm not even an old fart yet. Don't tell the old farts about the 104!!

Ha!... this is a great poast.

League matches should be THE only thing that counts. You're automatically more timid and reluctant because you want to prove your rating. You don't know the person across the net OR their game. You tend to hit long when going for it because you're naturally more tense. More pressure on your serve and back-hand... more pressure in general.

I like to hit with friends or people I'm more comfortable with in non-league matches before I bust out a stick in a ladder's match or league play. Getting the 'W' is all that matters in the end, I guess?

Takes a while to build up that confidence you have when hitting against friends and transition it to a more formal stage like league matches.

Shotgun'ng a miller before the match loosens me up. :razz:

JackB1 · Apr 7, 2013

keithfival said:
Ack! I don't know if the 104 is turning me into a better, more rounded player or just an epic pusher!? I just played my first league match with it and won 6-0, 6-1 without hitting one good driving forehand! Not one!! Just rally shots, slice BH, drop shots, lobs, and lots of first serves. It felt quite unsatisfying to not crank any FH's but maybe that's silly, maybe being an epic pusher with a giant headed granny stick who never hits the ball out is my new destiny and I should just embrace it?!?

This is why I have a Blade on the way. Just dying to crush some groundies. I guess I should see if I actually get better results crushing forehands or if it's just sort of fool's gold. One thing is for sure, the 104 is an unbelievable pusher's stick. I feel like I can hit 10,000 slice backhands without ever missing, and then when the guy inevitably comes to net just an easy lob to the baseline. Oh man, and I'm not even an old fart yet. Don't tell the old farts about the 104!!

tennis is more about the game than just hitting winners. You won easily 0 and 1 and you're complaining?

. When the opportunity is there, I can still hit winners with the 104. The Blade 98 does feel nicer because of the greater plow, but I am definitely getting more balls back over the net with the 104. BTW I just got back from my singles league match and won 6-3, 6-4. Good weekend!

MikeHitsHard93 · Apr 7, 2013

Any of you tried full bed of scorpion before? I just did but I want to know your thought before I post mine lol.

The Dark Knight · Apr 7, 2013

MikeHitsHard93 said:
Any of you tried full bed of scorpion before? I just did but I want to know your thought before I post mine lol.

Hated it ....but so many people swear by it .

mykoh · Apr 7, 2013

hey guys, any comparisons with the Blade 104 and the Radical OS? specs seem similar.

keithfival · Apr 7, 2013

Fed Kennedy said:
Ive had this exact same experience. This stick turns you into a wall

Totally. I feel so relaxed rallying and slicing and dicing with it that impetus to take any risk just fades away into the hypnotic rhythm of casual backhand moonballs.

Power Player said:
You can crush with the 104. I liked the control of it even more than the regular blade. What you are going to deal with when you get the blade is hitting longer since it has more power.

I have played matches where I dont have to rip the ball at all. If the other player is giving you no pace, it is really risky to try and dial it up unless you have a good opening.

It took me a long time to figure that out, but it is much more enoyable to win instead of shooting wild shots all over the place and losing.

Well, I wouldn't have lost this match even attacking like crazy but I walked off the court thinking I probably would have felt like I played "better" if I'd won 3 & 3 and hit a bunch of FH winners. Hence my post-- if this is actually playing "better" (which it may be), is this stick turning me into a total pusher?!! Could this be better??

I'm normally controlled/aggressive, not wild at all, but I do tend to attack every FH to the corners and start moving the guy around right away. With this stick in my hand it just seduces me into playing safer - it's hard to explain, it's so easy to hit deep with a relaxed stroke that I just find myself waiting to see, what's he gonna do on the 3rd ball, 5th ball...and eventually the point is over! When I demo'd the blade I was crushing off both sides right away, it just just begged me to do that like the 104 begs me to relax and wait. With all that plow it just felt easier for me to hit hard and drive through the ball and I felt more connected to those shots, so they didn't feel risky.

But yes, I guess winning easily without risk is pretty optimal but it feels weird to play so differently! Much more relaxed and less aggressive. I'll have to see how it holds up against more challenging opponents, if forced to hit harder it will probably be there.

klementine79 said:
Ha!... this is a great poast.

League matches should be THE only thing that counts. You're automatically more timid and reluctant because you want to prove your rating. You don't know the person across the net OR their game. You tend to hit long when going for it because you're naturally more tense. More pressure on your serve and back-hand... more pressure in general.

I like to hit with friends or people I'm more comfortable with in non-league matches before I bust out a stick in a ladder's match or league play. Getting the 'W' is all that matters in the end, I guess?

Takes a while to build up that confidence you have when hitting against friends and transition it to a more formal stage like league matches.

Shotgun'ng a miller before the match loosens me up. :razz:

Ha ha! Yeah, I've been waiting for the league to start to see where I am with the 104 because I've played a ton with my regular partners with it already and feel the same thing with them, getting good results but without lots of flashy FH winners. The highlight reel is all lobs and droppers now! I guess it's clear that I am winning easy matches easier, the question will be how I do in really hard matches without the FH feeling like a big weapon.

JackB1 said:
tennis is more about the game than just hitting winners. You won easily 0 and 1 and you're complaining? . When the opportunity is there, I can still hit winners with the 104. The Blade 98 does feel nicer because of the greater plow, but I am definitely getting more balls back over the net with the 104. BTW I just got back from my singles league match and won 6-3, 6-4. Good weekend!

Congrats on the win, the 104 claims another! So....just an existential crisis I guess, if I'm actually more successful being relaxed and steady all over the court but not ripping FHs left and right will I be satisfied with that? The fact that I just ordered a Blade reveals my extent of my skepticism!

Doubles · Apr 7, 2013

MikeHitsHard93 said:
Any of you tried full bed of scorpion before? I just did but I want to know your thought before I post mine lol.

I didn't feel that I got a bunch of spin, but at the same time, I had plenty of control. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but that's what I thought.

Fed Kennedy · Apr 7, 2013

mykoh said:
hey guys, any comparisons with the Blade 104 and the Radical OS? specs seem similar.

I feel that the blade generates a much spinnier ball. It might just be that i hate the head grip, but the blade has an almost headextreme like shape to it with a thin beam, whereas the radical has a more OS pizza head feel that is more awkward.

Fed Kennedy · Apr 7, 2013

keithfival said:
Totally. I feel so relaxed rallying and slicing and dicing with it that impetus to take any risk just fades away into the hypnotic rhythm of casual backhand moonballs.

Well, I wouldn't have lost this match even attacking like crazy but I walked off the court thinking I probably would have felt like I played "better" if I'd won 3 & 3 and hit a bunch of FH winners. Hence my post-- if this is actually playing "better" (which it may be), is this stick turning me into a total pusher?!! Could this be better??

I'm normally controlled/aggressive, not wild at all, but I do tend to attack every FH to the corners and start moving the guy around right away. With this stick in my hand it just seduces me into playing safer - it's hard to explain, it's so easy to hit deep with a relaxed stroke that I just find myself waiting to see, what's he gonna do on the 3rd ball, 5th ball...and eventually the point is over! When I demo'd the blade I was crushing off both sides right away, it just just begged me to do that like the 104 begs me to relax and wait. With all that plow it just felt easier for me to hit hard and drive through the ball and I felt more connected to those shots, so they didn't feel risky.

But yes, I guess winning easily without risk is pretty optimal but it feels weird to play so differently! Much more relaxed and less aggressive. I'll have to see how it holds up against more challenging opponents, if forced to hit harder it will probably be there.

Ha ha! Yeah, I've been waiting for the league to start to see where I am with the 104 because I've played a ton with my regular partners with it already and feel the same thing with them, getting good results but without lots of flashy FH winners. The highlight reel is all lobs and droppers now! I guess it's clear that I am winning easy matches easier, the question will be how I do in really hard matches without the FH feeling like a big weapon.

Congrats on the win, the 104 claims another! So....just an existential crisis I guess, if I'm actually more successful being relaxed and steady all over the court but not ripping FHs left and right will I be satisfied with that? The fact that I just ordered a Blade reveals my extent of my skepticism!

I have the same good wins with the racquet but fear of what i am becoming. This stick can suffocate people for sure, you can win points while never leaving the comfort of high rally balls and slices.

keithfival · Apr 7, 2013

Fed Kennedy said:
I have the same good wins with the racquet but fear of what i am becoming. This stick can suffocate people for sure, you can win points while never leaving the comfort of high rally balls and slices.

EXACTLY!!!! Thank you for your testimony! Yes, and I can feel that the other guy can feel how relaxed I am and that I'm not going to miss, so they start pressing and either overhit or approach on a weak ball or just miss. It's the pusher voodoo but now it's on me!@!@# I feel so dirty!!!

keithfival · Apr 7, 2013

mykoh said:
hey guys, any comparisons with the Blade 104 and the Radical OS? specs seem similar.

Only hit the OS once but string bed felt uneven, hotspots, dead spots. The 104 is very uniform, no hotspots, no deadspots, feels like one giant sweetspot.

mykoh · Apr 7, 2013

Fed Kennedy said:
I feel that the blade generates a much spinnier ball. It might just be that i hate the head grip, but the blade has an almost headextreme like shape to it with a thin beam, whereas the radical has a more OS pizza head feel that is more awkward.

LOL. OS pizza head sounds horrible. is it similar to the speed head shapes (before graphene)? found them oddly oblong and awkward.

keithfival said:
Only hit the OS once but string bed felt uneven, hotspots, dead spots. The 104 is very uniform, no hotspots, no deadspots, feels like one giant sweetspot.

thanks for that guys. amazing how specs are so similar but they play so different.

keithfival · Apr 7, 2013

mykoh said:
thanks for that. amazing how specs are so similar but they play so different.

I did only hit with it once but my first impression was, wow, the OS feels really awkward compared to the MP. The 104 is freakishly even.

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