Count me in with my vantage rackets (384 grams and 360 swingweight)
The HEAVY RACQUET LOVER'S CLUB
- Thread starter harryz
- Start date
Count me in with my vantage rackets (384 grams and 360 swingweight)
KenC
Hall of Fame
Hi,
Count me in. Me play heavy long time.
-Jack
That JKA brings back great memories. I played with it from 1975 to around 1982. I finally was convinced to switch to the Donnay CGX25. I probably have a couple of JKAs still in my mother's attic.
sansaephanh
Professional
Me and my 2k9 with a touch of lead on the handle, no scale no real numbes to post lol.. Rebels. I can't go light anymore, bot used to swinging light rackets unless the SW is high.
i dont know how to calculate swingweight but mine last time i weighed it.. it was 398 grams.. and it's a pc600 and i added the weight from 9 to 3... and the same amount of weight on the handle.. so balance would be the same.. but i dont know overall sw to be honest and im curious
Icedorb217
Semi-Pro
Count me in. 2 Wilson PSC 6.1s 95. Atleast 12 ounces but I have no idea.
ChicagoJack
Hall of Fame
^^^^ Jeezy Kreezie, 404 grams ... a new record? Perhaps the inspiration came from those empty wine bottles I see in the background? (giggle tease)
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haha good one!! kinda is though.. the inspiration came in while i just finished playing tennis, and at the time i was using an ncode 6.1 tour.. felt like the racquet crap on off center hit, it felt harsh..
then one night when i had my gf over, and i had a few drink too many.. it came to my mind that maybe i should add more weight to my racquet.. so i kept adding and adding and adding.. until it felt good.. the next morning when i played with it, i was playing much better than without the weight... i never really weigh my racquet, its just that other ppl kept telling me my racquet are too heavy..
and when i switched to pc600.. same thing happened again.. i just kept adding weight to what feels the best.. until my sister's bf told me that my racquet is too heavy.. and i put it on the scale and come to my surprise it is 400 grams.. :S at the time my ncode was actually at 420 grams
then one night when i had my gf over, and i had a few drink too many.. it came to my mind that maybe i should add more weight to my racquet.. so i kept adding and adding and adding.. until it felt good.. the next morning when i played with it, i was playing much better than without the weight... i never really weigh my racquet, its just that other ppl kept telling me my racquet are too heavy..
and when i switched to pc600.. same thing happened again.. i just kept adding weight to what feels the best.. until my sister's bf told me that my racquet is too heavy.. and i put it on the scale and come to my surprise it is 400 grams.. :S at the time my ncode was actually at 420 grams
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BalboaNoah
New User
here is my setup:
Tec 320 v02 max: handle stuffed with cut up and rolled pieces of a gel shoe insole, wilson shock shield grip (took off the pallets), four quarters(coins) centered around 7.5" from butt, two overgrips, 12g in the hoop between 9&10 and 3&2, strung with Red Code 18g for a grand total of
435g (according to my food scale)
about 2in headlight
estimated swing weight 343
background: i loved what the frame does to the ball, but not what it started to do to my arm. i changed strings and kept adding weight until i arrived at these specs where i feel no shock. mishits are inconsequential. now my arm is happy and the frame punishes the ball even more. even going back to poly strings (at least this string) the stick is comfortable.
oh, i'm 4.5 level, one hand topspin bh, 5'6" 140 lbs dripping wet, and 45 yrs old. i use this for doubles and singles and it's actually ok for my shoulder even on serves since the racquet basically swings itself. if i just touch the ball on defensive stretch shots, it's going over the net. my "light" setup is basically the same racquet except no quarters on the handle, no overgrips, and only 6g in the hoop for a total of 380-385g, but i like the weighty setup better lol.
Tec 320 v02 max: handle stuffed with cut up and rolled pieces of a gel shoe insole, wilson shock shield grip (took off the pallets), four quarters(coins) centered around 7.5" from butt, two overgrips, 12g in the hoop between 9&10 and 3&2, strung with Red Code 18g for a grand total of
435g (according to my food scale)
about 2in headlight
estimated swing weight 343
background: i loved what the frame does to the ball, but not what it started to do to my arm. i changed strings and kept adding weight until i arrived at these specs where i feel no shock. mishits are inconsequential. now my arm is happy and the frame punishes the ball even more. even going back to poly strings (at least this string) the stick is comfortable.
oh, i'm 4.5 level, one hand topspin bh, 5'6" 140 lbs dripping wet, and 45 yrs old. i use this for doubles and singles and it's actually ok for my shoulder even on serves since the racquet basically swings itself. if i just touch the ball on defensive stretch shots, it's going over the net. my "light" setup is basically the same racquet except no quarters on the handle, no overgrips, and only 6g in the hoop for a total of 380-385g, but i like the weighty setup better lol.
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ Interesting and creative way to add weight.
May ask how many times a week you play with that set-up? Doubles/Singles? How do the strings hold-up?
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400g.... 435g....?..... and to think.. I felt guilty at 365g... :smile:
May ask how many times a week you play with that set-up? Doubles/Singles? How do the strings hold-up?
------------
400g.... 435g....?..... and to think.. I felt guilty at 365g... :smile:
BalboaNoah
New User
doubles, about 4 hrs each Sat. singles, 2 hrs one day a week. this is my first go around w/ the Red Code, so i've got probably six hours on this set up. it's strung at 40 lbs and doesn't feel dead yet, but the string is mushier than i expected. i'd actually been using Gosen OG Micro 17g at 45 lbs for several months and they'd usually break on me around 24 hrs of play, even with hitting lots of topspin. it's a decent string especially for how inexpensive it is. i think playing heavy frames feels great and stable, especially if the frame's balanced in a way that your body can handle. i think i'm more bothered if the balance doesn't feel right rather than if the static weight is high.
Don't Let It Bounce
Hall of Fame
I am overwhelmed with longing every time I see a picture of a Donnay Flex Pro.
My favorite racket these days is The Purple People Eater: a Prince Vortex Lite* with a handle full of silicone and more silicone injected at 3, 9, and 12. It ended up 374 g, 6 pt HL, and SW 371. (That's way more than I intended – had a little silicone management trouble, and now it has so much of the stuff in it that Sports Illustrated wants it for the next swimsuit issue cover – but I love it.)
Once I hit a ball with it as hard as I could. It asked me on the next changeover, "Hey, did you feel something splat against us a minute ago?"
*It's so heavy because it's made of irony, you see.
My favorite racket these days is The Purple People Eater: a Prince Vortex Lite* with a handle full of silicone and more silicone injected at 3, 9, and 12. It ended up 374 g, 6 pt HL, and SW 371. (That's way more than I intended – had a little silicone management trouble, and now it has so much of the stuff in it that Sports Illustrated wants it for the next swimsuit issue cover – but I love it.)
Once I hit a ball with it as hard as I could. It asked me on the next changeover, "Hey, did you feel something splat against us a minute ago?"
*It's so heavy because it's made of irony, you see.
djdannyj25
Rookie
13.2 oz Wilson K90
Over 12 oz APDC, APDGT, and APD2013
Nothing will ever hit better than a 12+ oz racquet. They all just absolutely crush the ball on impact!
Over 12 oz APDC, APDGT, and APD2013
Nothing will ever hit better than a 12+ oz racquet. They all just absolutely crush the ball on impact!
My Fischer Vacum Pro 90s are 411 grams bare. Thats with no grip, no strings, and no lead around the head. Add to that a leather grip, overgrip, strings, and 14 inches of lead at 3 and 9:00 positions and its my starting point. I may be adding some more tape at 3 and 9 as it is feeling a little light lately. As of now they are 456g unstrung. Most of the added weight is in the handle. They dont feel heavy at all to me. Weight is not really ans much of an issue as where its placed. I am not a big fan of head heavy racquets.
I have never understood the big love for light racquets. You just end up muscleing the ball all the time and tensing up you arms and putting strain on the body.
I have never understood the big love for light racquets. You just end up muscleing the ball all the time and tensing up you arms and putting strain on the body.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Magnut I agree... I learned playing with wood and I feel there is simply more quality to my stroke when Im using at least 12.3 oz sticks in a rather headlight setup. My 12.83 OZ beast mode IGMP Prestige (8.5 pts HL) has improved every part of my game by forcing a more natural and relaxed stroke.
Glad to hear its working for you. I should probably add that I am full grown and I train like a choo-choo. After reading a lot of the posts here I am guessing there are a lot of teenagers and younger on this forum whose bodies have not been developed. The focus seems to be on equipment with these younger players instead of development of the body and technique. If they stick with the sport in the long run they too will realize the benefits of heavier frames and clean strokes. look at the pros for instance. Almost none use these lighter frames.
Hitting the shots is the easy part of this game. The mind is where the difficulty comes in. Once you get that figured out its all about keeping the body together and holding on to the movement. When I was a teenager 8 hour days on the court were not uncommon. Now I spend 3 hours a day in the gym (sometimes more), a good hour of stretching and core at home, and maybe 15 hours a week on court when I am really practicing.
All this obsessing over clothes and shoes is kind of silly to me. My favorite playing clothes are rags LOL. Some of the crowd think I am a bumb out on the courts. Once we have a hit and a giggle they change their minds though.
I mean honestly...most of these racquets dont even weigh a pound. If you are having trouble with a 12-13 ounce racquet you need to develop some shoulder and forearm strength. Most of its core and wieght transfer anyways. These racquets being made today feel like junior racquets from walmart to me.
I am not ragging on you young guys here just trying to give some input on where to best put your priorities if you want to develop in this sport. Good god beef beef your legs up kids. Tennis players have thick solid legs that can take a lot of pounding and abuse. Some of these younger players I am seeing wont last ten years in this sport without knee injuries.
Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95
The Dunlop 200g was one of the head-heavy rackets I've played with; then switched to head light WPS 6.0 85 though also overall heavy racket. Currently, I play with the classic WPS 60 95, also a heavy racket and re-learning to play with a two-handed backhand.
I'm looking for a racket that has a similar feel like the WPS 60 95, which is stiff and low power. Does anyone know of a racket in the 95 or 100 head size that is comparable to the WPS 60 95?
10isluv
The Dunlop 200g was one of the head-heavy rackets I've played with; then switched to head light WPS 6.0 85 though also overall heavy racket. Currently, I play with the classic WPS 60 95, also a heavy racket and re-learning to play with a two-handed backhand.
I'm looking for a racket that has a similar feel like the WPS 60 95, which is stiff and low power. Does anyone know of a racket in the 95 or 100 head size that is comparable to the WPS 60 95?
10isluv
Ace of Aces
Semi-Pro
I'll join.
Bab ps ltd leaded up to 12.5 ounces
Bab ps ltd leaded up to 12.5 ounces
v-verb
Hall of Fame
I'll buy a scale to weigh them, but I'm a fan of POGS and Prince Boron and 2 newly acquired Donnay X-Platinum 94s.
They hit better IMO and no wrist or arm pain afterwards. Babs and any light hollow racquets kill my wrist and arm
Ranging from 335g to 350g.
Bought a scale today - strung with overgrip, string and damper:
POG Mid 366 g - 12.91 oz, Donnay X-Platinum 357 g - 12.6 oz
They hit better IMO and no wrist or arm pain afterwards. Babs and any light hollow racquets kill my wrist and arm
Ranging from 335g to 350g.
Bought a scale today - strung with overgrip, string and damper:
POG Mid 366 g - 12.91 oz, Donnay X-Platinum 357 g - 12.6 oz
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v-verb
Hall of Fame
I think I am winner here! wilson Kprostaff88 with in total 12 stripes of lead tape on 3 and 9
every kind of tennis bal feels like sponge
Good lord you must have a Popeye arm
I'm jealous!
VaporDude95
Banned
Can I join? 2x Wilson blx 90, 1x Wilson PS90
djdannyj25
Rookie
It's a great idea for a thread!
Kudos to you my good sir.
Kudos to you my good sir.
v-verb
Hall of Fame
I added a 10g buttcap to my Donnay, so it's now 367g!
mattavery24
Rookie
I customized two 2013 APD to 12.2 ounces. Plays great!! Love the extra plow through on my shots and serve. This racquet plays great at 12 ounces or higher!!
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
Not exactly Jack and cokes or Brian Teachers but I have a racket that is 16.25 oz and by my math it is 412 sw. I played a set with it against a TT member: Papa Mango. Its super head light and pretty easy to swing:
I could play with syngut crosses but on this beast the syngut was too stiff and I moved to prince premier 18g. Better.
I could play with syngut crosses but on this beast the syngut was too stiff and I moved to prince premier 18g. Better.
kimguroo
Legend
Agree. I've never liked APD but after customizing APD, it plays really nice.
My APDs are 12.4oz. Tried both 2013 and previous version but I prefer previous APD though.
ilovetennis212
Professional
Six.one 95 18x20
360grams after leather replacement grip with over grip.
Enough to join??
360grams after leather replacement grip with over grip.
Enough to join??
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
I have been using my Prince Exo3 Graphite 93 recently.
I modded it slightly by replacing the leather with a Babolat skin feel grip and its a lovely racquet to use. It was before the grip change, but this has just given it a better gripping surface and made it much more manouvrable. It weighs in at 337g so I know thats not exactly heavy, but it is the heaviest racket used at my club lol, so I hope that counts for something.
I don't seem to see a lot of love for this racket on here. Its such a lovely racket to use, really comfortable, great control and plenty of power with a nice full swing. Maybe its slipped under a lot of peoples radar or they just dont like the ports.
I modded it slightly by replacing the leather with a Babolat skin feel grip and its a lovely racquet to use. It was before the grip change, but this has just given it a better gripping surface and made it much more manouvrable. It weighs in at 337g so I know thats not exactly heavy, but it is the heaviest racket used at my club lol, so I hope that counts for something.
I don't seem to see a lot of love for this racket on here. Its such a lovely racket to use, really comfortable, great control and plenty of power with a nice full swing. Maybe its slipped under a lot of peoples radar or they just dont like the ports.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
I thought about that racket as tennis warehouse had a used one, but the ports turned me off. I hit with the WHite racket which I think had the ports. That racket sucked and was "pingy" and not controlled at all. I kind of blamed the ports whether that was right or not. Also I string my own rackets and the ports scare me....
Glad you dig it though!
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
If it was the Exo3 or O3 White you hit with, I dont think that even closely compares to the Exo3 Graphite 93. The 93 gives great control and has a soft feel to it. It's worth a hit if you get a chance, but its going to feel like a fly swatter compared to those axes you currently wield.
MAXXply
Hall of Fame
I never really jived with the EXO 93 and when I discovered I had misplaced it/lost it I didn't really shed a tear for it. I thought the grip shape was HEAD-esque the way it was slightly flatter than the familiar blocky Prince shape.
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
Yes I'm not sure its one of those versatile rackets that can suit a multitude of playing styles, which perhaps explains its lack of popularity (although I do also put that down to marketing and lack of pro's using it). I think it's geared towards the old school SV type game, but of course that then falls into ProStaff territory and with Wilson's Blade 93 getting rave reviews, its hard to compete. Plus of course, the new release POG Mid (and original originals) makes it even tougher. But I have always liked the feel of Prince rackets. One day (if I have the spare money) I would like to try a 'proper' POG Mid. Ive always seen that as the classic players racket, just due to its longevity.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Heavy racquets don't get pushed around, it's the lighter racquets that get pushed around. That's why many people prefer heavier racquets - to avoid getting pushed around.
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
I think ultradr means that 'he' is getting pushed around the court as opposed to his racquet. I guess if you are stretching to reach shots and not being able to set up your swing and shot properly, a heavier racquet can start to feel a bit cumbersome. But I do prefer a bit of weight on my racquets, so I can be the one who is doing the pushing around and not letting the light racquet users get their whippy forehands going
SCRAP IRON
Professional
I used to be in the heavy racket club, now I'm just a member of the heavy feet club!
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Not exactly Jack and cokes or Brian Teachers but I have a racket that is 16.25 oz and by my math it is 412 sw. I played a set with it against a TT member: Papa Mango. Its super head light and pretty easy to swing:
I could play with syngut crosses but on this beast the syngut was too stiff and I moved to prince premier 18g. Better.
Hulk racquet SMAAAASH!!! Maybe some torn denim for an overgrip?
No kidding - that thing is way beyond groovy.
I'm not sure if it is the racquet. I think it is my body who needs some help.
Maybe more powerful frame?
BLX_Andy
Professional
I think ultradr means that 'he' is getting pushed around the court as opposed to his racquet. I guess if you are stretching to reach shots and not being able to set up your swing and shot properly, a heavier racquet can start to feel a bit cumbersome. But I do prefer a bit of weight on my racquets, so I can be the one who is doing the pushing around and not letting the light racquet users get their whippy forehands going
True. When I started using my 95 I felt I was being pushed around because it was cumbersome for me. Now it feels amazing.
MauricioDias
Rookie
I have two different equipments,
a pro staff six one 90 with lead tapes in the sides and int he head to balance the racquet, it is 14.11 oz or 400g.
Im using a K pro staff 88 that is about 13 oz.
a pro staff six one 90 with lead tapes in the sides and int he head to balance the racquet, it is 14.11 oz or 400g.
Im using a K pro staff 88 that is about 13 oz.
I think I am winner here! wilson Kprostaff88 with in total 12 stripes of lead tape on 3 and 9
every kind of tennis bal feels like sponge
I wanna try out that setup. I really need to start experimenting with more weight.
My vote goes to Shroud's green meanies.
I used one of his 15 oz'ers for a few minutes, and it worked great. Not something I'd choose to use when playing my peers, but it works very well against stronger hitters.
OTOH, I can initiate a forcing first shot if I decide to, with any weight racket. And after that shot, very few players can hit hard solid shots against me until I hit a weak short shot, my fault, not the light racket's fault.
And what kind of racket is best? A racket that doesn't get pushed around, meaning a great hitter's racket? Or a racket that can win more points more of the time?
I used one of his 15 oz'ers for a few minutes, and it worked great. Not something I'd choose to use when playing my peers, but it works very well against stronger hitters.
OTOH, I can initiate a forcing first shot if I decide to, with any weight racket. And after that shot, very few players can hit hard solid shots against me until I hit a weak short shot, my fault, not the light racket's fault.
And what kind of racket is best? A racket that doesn't get pushed around, meaning a great hitter's racket? Or a racket that can win more points more of the time?
