I replaced the original bumper guard and grommet strips (totaled 16 grams) with individual grommets (weighed 5 grams). This setup makes it easier to swing especially for my 1HBH. It also brings more feel. The impact (shock) transfers to my arm more clearly. I really like this feel.
**** #1 Redondo Talks Thread ****
- Thread starter anirut
- Start date
anirut
Legend
Interesting. From where did you get them?
I made the grommets by myself. I made with gel pen refills: scraped them to a certain diameter just well-fitting the stick holes, cut a segment out according to the hole length, made the segment nail-shaped by burning one tip of it , and then insert to the hole. By this way, i relived a lot old grommet-broken sticks. Besides,these grommets are very light, so i also use them to make a more head-light racquet.
anirut
Legend
Great idea! Thanks for the creativity!
Hey Redondo users, I just bought my first Redondo MP from TW (used), and there is just a bunch of sticky residue all over the frame of the racket. I think I saw it discussed briefly in this thread, but is there been a clear consensus in how to safely and easily remove it without damaging the paint? I tried used alcohol to no avail and the feeling is just absolutely horrible. Reminds me of holding a used, sticky lollipop in my hand. Does anyone have any sure-fire suggestions for me to quickly remove this without trouble? Thanks.
...well its an interesting feature i guess.. lol
alright ill give it a try. thanks.
anirut
Legend
Try turpentine.
I have actually used air-brush paint thinner in small amounts. You will have to use very small amounts on a large surface area and then WAIT an hour or more for the thinner to fully evaporate.
If you use too much, the paint could peel off, or bubble up, and will look ugly.
I have actually used air-brush paint thinner in small amounts. You will have to use very small amounts on a large surface area and then WAIT an hour or more for the thinner to fully evaporate.
If you use too much, the paint could peel off, or bubble up, and will look ugly.
anirut
Legend
No.
I did it one time. It is not a perfect fit, the S pallets from Head work better than regular ones.
The problem is the height of each half of the pallet is short than ideal, so you end up with a somewhat strange handle, in that the height is larger then the width, so it is a more squared than rectangular handle. And it is perceptible.
You can use Volkl pallets, that are on the opposite side, their height is longer than ideal, so you can trim or use sandpaper to make it fit, but the upper part is a little wider, so the pallet/core transition becomes a little steeper.
I think Volkl pallets would work better, if you have the skill and patience, but if you must do with a Head pallet, you can.
WayCool
Rookie
Long running thread here 
very cool ! Looks like this frame is simply a good one !
I've been playing a PK 5G for a while... managed to break one in a match last weekend.. So I picked up a Redondo MP... I have elbow problems and figured at RA 56 this might be a good choice..
I don't mind the PK 5G but with gut mains and poly crosses it can be a bit of a rocket launcher at times.. I seem to prefer lower powered racket.. Cant tolerate full poly in the 5G .. golfers elbow wont allow me to serve with it.. Hoping maybe a soft poly will allow in the Redondo..
Is there any mainstay on soft poly and tension? Sounds like maybe Volkl v-star or cyclone tour in the 40's might be a good starting point ? Or should I look to stay with gut/poly?
thanks for any advice
very cool ! Looks like this frame is simply a good one !I've been playing a PK 5G for a while... managed to break one in a match last weekend.. So I picked up a Redondo MP... I have elbow problems and figured at RA 56 this might be a good choice..
I don't mind the PK 5G but with gut mains and poly crosses it can be a bit of a rocket launcher at times.. I seem to prefer lower powered racket.. Cant tolerate full poly in the 5G .. golfers elbow wont allow me to serve with it.. Hoping maybe a soft poly will allow in the Redondo..
Is there any mainstay on soft poly and tension? Sounds like maybe Volkl v-star or cyclone tour in the 40's might be a good starting point ? Or should I look to stay with gut/poly?
thanks for any advice
Tennissee
Rookie
Long running thread here
I've been playing a PK 5G for a while... managed to break one in a match last weekend.. So I picked up a Redondo MP... I have elbow problems and figured at RA 56 this might be a good choice..
I don't mind the PK 5G but with gut mains and poly crosses it can be a bit of a rocket launcher at times.. I seem to prefer lower powered racket.. Cant tolerate full poly in the 5G .. golfers elbow wont allow me to serve with it.. Hoping maybe a soft poly will allow in the Redondo..
Is there any mainstay on soft poly and tension? Sounds like maybe Volkl v-star or cyclone tour in the 40's might be a good starting point ? Or should I look to stay with gut/poly?
thanks for any advice
For 5G, try Kevlar (Ashaway 18g is my favorite) in the mains at low tension (< 50lbs) with any kind of soft/cheap stuff (not poly) in the crosses. I have more than 50 PK frames and everyone, when strung, uses this setup. Gut is too springy, Kevlar is actually very comfy and dead (the way I like it) at low tension.
WayCool
Rookie
Interesting idea there.... I may have to try that... you think some multi in the crosses like Tecnifibre Feel Multi would be soft enough ? Kevlar sounds... well scary !
djNEiGht
Legend
good luck with the elbow.
I have had good elbow experiences with the R98. As we all know, this is a decent weighted club.
I was part of the Babolat PAT play test. It came in a 4 3/8 grip and I played about 2/3s of the time with it stock to do a fair review. I then put a full size heat shrink and leather to get to my pref grip size and leather. It weighed in .5 oz heavier than my R98 but seemed easy to play with due to the extra power and forgiveness. I think the combination of the weight and stiffness of the racquet did me in. I have the worst TE I have ever felt. pretty bummed out right now.
Put in close to 25 hours and many of it was singles. It was a string eater and went through 3 sets of strings. I'm not usually a string breaker (about a month for syn gut in standard 16x19) but this open pattern just ate it up. I played with it stock and broke the Spiraltek in about 5 matches. Went with a 16 g multi and broke it in 4. I was wary about the stiffness so wanted to work my way to full poly slowly. I went with a multi/poly (vstar) at 55/50. It was a very good racquet and would consider (maybe) playing with again but with a proper sized grip and not the added weight of the heat shrink.
Prior to the PAT play test I was using my R98 with the Gama test string. It felt very stiff and was 16g. Great play and spin. In the R98 I have been able to play with stiff polys at 45#.
sort of a scatter-brained rant...I'm just frustrated at my elbow pain. Even daily movements hurt. Can't wait to go back to my Redondo/i.prestige sticks.
I have had good elbow experiences with the R98. As we all know, this is a decent weighted club.
I was part of the Babolat PAT play test. It came in a 4 3/8 grip and I played about 2/3s of the time with it stock to do a fair review. I then put a full size heat shrink and leather to get to my pref grip size and leather. It weighed in .5 oz heavier than my R98 but seemed easy to play with due to the extra power and forgiveness. I think the combination of the weight and stiffness of the racquet did me in. I have the worst TE I have ever felt. pretty bummed out right now.
Put in close to 25 hours and many of it was singles. It was a string eater and went through 3 sets of strings. I'm not usually a string breaker (about a month for syn gut in standard 16x19) but this open pattern just ate it up. I played with it stock and broke the Spiraltek in about 5 matches. Went with a 16 g multi and broke it in 4. I was wary about the stiffness so wanted to work my way to full poly slowly. I went with a multi/poly (vstar) at 55/50. It was a very good racquet and would consider (maybe) playing with again but with a proper sized grip and not the added weight of the heat shrink.
Prior to the PAT play test I was using my R98 with the Gama test string. It felt very stiff and was 16g. Great play and spin. In the R98 I have been able to play with stiff polys at 45#.
sort of a scatter-brained rant...I'm just frustrated at my elbow pain. Even daily movements hurt. Can't wait to go back to my Redondo/i.prestige sticks.
WayCool
Rookie
Man I feel your frustration djNEiGht.... I posted some info on my battle with GE over in the fitness forum... I Have my babolat on **** now.. never want to see that effen elbow killer ever again.
I can tell you this the PK 5G has been the only reason I can even play at all.... and even then it MUST be Gut mains and poly crosses. I've done a lot of therapy so if you can get the initial swelling down ... here's a list of items that have helped me...
1. Theraband exercises three times a day Tyler Twist and reverse Tyler Twist (see youtube)
2. Band-It elbow band (not some knock off.. the real thing ) best $20 you will spend I PROMISE !
3. KT Tape (see youtube, I sleep with it on)
I haven't used much for drugs (NSAIDS)... Once I got to where I could at least play (took 5 months off ) I have been diligent on warm up/stretch, elbow friendly racquet, ice after play. I'm at least not sidelined and hope the elbow will eventually heal.
MP98 should be here on Friday... Have strings waiting, both Nat Gut and several poly's including the V-Star and Lynx (I love this string as a cross with NG mains in the 5G). Will start with ultra low tension... then work from there... Hoping this stick is the right fit...
I can tell you this the PK 5G has been the only reason I can even play at all.... and even then it MUST be Gut mains and poly crosses. I've done a lot of therapy so if you can get the initial swelling down ... here's a list of items that have helped me...
1. Theraband exercises three times a day Tyler Twist and reverse Tyler Twist (see youtube)
2. Band-It elbow band (not some knock off.. the real thing ) best $20 you will spend I PROMISE !
3. KT Tape (see youtube, I sleep with it on)
I haven't used much for drugs (NSAIDS)... Once I got to where I could at least play (took 5 months off
) I have been diligent on warm up/stretch, elbow friendly racquet, ice after play. I'm at least not sidelined and hope the elbow will eventually heal. MP98 should be here on Friday... Have strings waiting, both Nat Gut and several poly's including the V-Star and Lynx (I love this string as a cross with NG mains in the 5G). Will start with ultra low tension... then work from there... Hoping this stick is the right fit...
djNEiGht
Legend
Yes ! Check youtube for the proper application of KT tape.. It will likely take someone to apply it for you
Thanks for the String recommendation !
Tier One Durafluxx 17/18g was nice too. I did 17g at 45# cp with a slight prestretch. Also a nice one is Resistretch/still in black
WayCool
Rookie
Ok.
Redondo MP arrived.... I didn't have the strings I wanted yet.. so tried it with the gut mains and poly crosses that were in it.. WAY too soft... clearly strung low in tension sticker on racquet said 48/46 with poly in crosses... I restrung the stick with some Volkl Cyclone I had on hand (Orange) with 46# mains and 40# crosses.. Racquet is definitely lower on power than the 5G feels good though no problem with spin and net play is amazing.. great touch. I actually noticed the frame size different (100 for the 5G and 98 for Redondo) or perhaps the sweet spot is just smaller.. Launch is much lower comparted to the 5G.. which .. I prefer..
The racquet could use a tick more power.. so will probably look at a string with more "pop" thinking the V-Star will be good match or Lynx or some hybrid.. I may try Nat Gut as well.. but with a bit more tension.. thinking #52/#45 with lynx or Vstar in the crosses.. ?
Dunno.... will take some time to get used to the stick.. it is definitely more work than the 5G though the 5G has NG mains.. so.. power level "should" be higher.. Racquet weighs in at 350 grams strung..
Redondo MP arrived.... I didn't have the strings I wanted yet.. so tried it with the gut mains and poly crosses that were in it.. WAY too soft... clearly strung low in tension sticker on racquet said 48/46 with poly in crosses... I restrung the stick with some Volkl Cyclone I had on hand (Orange) with 46# mains and 40# crosses.. Racquet is definitely lower on power than the 5G feels good though no problem with spin and net play is amazing.. great touch. I actually noticed the frame size different (100 for the 5G and 98 for Redondo) or perhaps the sweet spot is just smaller.. Launch is much lower comparted to the 5G.. which .. I prefer..
The racquet could use a tick more power.. so will probably look at a string with more "pop" thinking the V-Star will be good match or Lynx or some hybrid.. I may try Nat Gut as well.. but with a bit more tension.. thinking #52/#45 with lynx or Vstar in the crosses.. ?
Dunno.... will take some time to get used to the stick.. it is definitely more work than the 5G though the 5G has NG mains.. so.. power level "should" be higher..
Racquet weighs in at 350 grams strung..
djNEiGht
Legend
Ok.
Redondo MP arrived.... I didn't have the strings I wanted yet.. so tried it with the gut mains and poly crosses that were in it.. WAY too soft... clearly strung low in tension sticker on racquet said 48/46 with poly in crosses... I restrung the stick with some Volkl Cyclone I had on hand (Orange) with 46# mains and 40# crosses.. Racquet is definitely lower on power than the 5G feels good though no problem with spin and net play is amazing.. great touch. I actually noticed the frame size different (100 for the 5G and 98 for Redondo) or perhaps the sweet spot is just smaller.. Launch is much lower comparted to the 5G.. which .. I prefer..
The racquet could use a tick more power.. so will probably look at a string with more "pop" thinking the V-Star will be good match or Lynx or some hybrid.. I may try Nat Gut as well.. but with a bit more tension.. thinking #52/#45 with lynx or Vstar in the crosses.. ?
Dunno.... will take some time to get used to the stick.. it is definitely more work than the 5G though the 5G has NG mains.. so.. power level "should" be higher..
I think that vStar at the same tension should give you more pop. It might not grip the ball like cyclone but spin will be good and consistent far longer than cyclone IMO. I do wish as well that this racquet had more power but when I am in a groove and let the racquet do some work, the shots are heavy. happy hitting
WayCool
Rookie
What I tried.... well.. I'm waiting on some Nat Gut to arrive.. so in the mean time I replaced the crosses with some Multi @ 50# leaving the Cyclone mains at #46... Whoa !
After a couple hour hitting session this think feels GREAT ! Switched some between the 5G and the Redondo to try and get a baseline.. my hitting partner said the pace was very similar but spin from the Redondo was wicked.. Obviously this setup wont due as the Cyclone chewed through the multi in nothing flat.. I noticed .. that mostly I can simply hit full out with the Redondo without fear of hitting the back fence.. the 5G I have to temper my swing to maintain court.. I added an over grip to the Redondo as it seemed less head light than the 5G which seemed to affect my control.. the over grip seems to have the balance right to my liking.
Redondo is like nothing I can remember at the net.. wow ! Anyone that plays any amount of doubles would surely appreciate this stick IMO. It is NICE !
Late last night, Since the multi was hanging on by a thread after only a couple hours of hitting.. I found some used Tonic + I had pulled out of another racquet.. and did a quick Yonnex loop with the gut in the 12 center mains and VStar 18g in the crosses.. Gut at 50# and v-Star at 42# .. I'll hit a bit tonight and see.. but I'm thinging this will be the bomb.. if not I may need to figure a cheap way to keep the Cyclone/Multi setup it will be a lot of stringing though...
Elbow is definitely better with the 5G than the Redondo but the difference is very slight.. should be about the same I think with the Nat Gut in the Redondo.. Hoping anyway.. Could always try multi in the mains as well.. with the V-star as a cross... Looking forward to trying this out... (kid .. candy store... experiment... )
After a couple hour hitting session this think feels GREAT ! Switched some between the 5G and the Redondo to try and get a baseline.. my hitting partner said the pace was very similar but spin from the Redondo was wicked.. Obviously this setup wont due as the Cyclone chewed through the multi in nothing flat.. I noticed .. that mostly I can simply hit full out with the Redondo without fear of hitting the back fence.. the 5G I have to temper my swing to maintain court.. I added an over grip to the Redondo as it seemed less head light than the 5G which seemed to affect my control.. the over grip seems to have the balance right to my liking.
Redondo is like nothing I can remember at the net.. wow ! Anyone that plays any amount of doubles would surely appreciate this stick IMO. It is NICE !
Late last night, Since the multi was hanging on by a thread after only a couple hours of hitting.. I found some used Tonic + I had pulled out of another racquet.. and did a quick Yonnex loop with the gut in the 12 center mains and VStar 18g in the crosses.. Gut at 50# and v-Star at 42# .. I'll hit a bit tonight and see.. but I'm thinging this will be the bomb.. if not I may need to figure a cheap way to keep the Cyclone/Multi setup
it will be a lot of stringing though...Elbow is definitely better with the 5G than the Redondo but the difference is very slight.. should be about the same I think with the Nat Gut in the Redondo.. Hoping anyway.. Could always try multi in the mains as well.. with the V-star as a cross... Looking forward to trying this out...
(kid .. candy store... experiment... )
grhcan99
Semi-Pro
What I tried.... well.. I'm waiting on some Nat Gut to arrive.. so in the mean time I replaced the crosses with some Multi @ 50# leaving the Cyclone mains at #46... Whoa !
After a couple hour hitting session this think feels GREAT ! Switched some between the 5G and the Redondo to try and get a baseline.. my hitting partner said the pace was very similar but spin from the Redondo was wicked.. Obviously this setup wont due as the Cyclone chewed through the multi in nothing flat.. I noticed .. that mostly I can simply hit full out with the Redondo without fear of hitting the back fence.. the 5G I have to temper my swing to maintain court.. I added an over grip to the Redondo as it seemed less head light than the 5G which seemed to affect my control.. the over grip seems to have the balance right to my liking.
Redondo is like nothing I can remember at the net.. wow ! Anyone that plays any amount of doubles would surely appreciate this stick IMO. It is NICE !
Late last night, Since the multi was hanging on by a thread after only a couple hours of hitting.. I found some used Tonic + I had pulled out of another racquet.. and did a quick Yonnex loop with the gut in the 12 center mains and VStar 18g in the crosses.. Gut at 50# and v-Star at 42# .. I'll hit a bit tonight and see.. but I'm thinging this will be the bomb.. if not I may need to figure a cheap way to keep the Cyclone/Multi setup
Elbow is definitely better with the 5G than the Redondo but the difference is very slight.. should be about the same I think with the Nat Gut in the Redondo.. Hoping anyway.. Could always try multi in the mains as well.. with the V-star as a cross... Looking forward to trying this out...
From my experience using the multi/poly setup there's hardly any difference with the multi being in the mains or crosses. Polys will either shred or cut them. If durability is of prime importance polys at low tension is the way to go.
PMChambers
Hall of Fame
No way, there are too many other options if you want more power, there aren't too many options out there similar. You have to start going back to 85-90in to find similar feel and power and 95-100 is a real nice zone. I'd tighten the tension up a bit if i was you, I've lowered mine to 56lb recently from 60lb might go a touch lower but it good around the mid-50. If you want more pop then Q-series and 5ki/g series are there and very sound racquet aim for a much wider audience. And if you want real power the 5g PSE is got to be one of the Top 5 most powerful racquets around. I like the Red98 as is if it was not for the crap exchange rate I'd be getting another for Christmas. I do have a Red 90 but the 98 is better for me in nearly every shot except 1st serve and control volley.
WayCool
Rookie
I said a "tick"
The gut .. is too much ... at least at the tension I picked... I have elbow problems so not sure full poly is an option in ANY racquet (I have a 5g and could not find comfortable poly in it). I'll either increase tension or try poly mains and gut crosses I really did like the Cyclone mains and multi crosses, just not sure I want to replace crosses every few hours .. I'll likely play this for a while though... it is VERY easy on my elbow... FWIW I have the Red98 me likes it better every time I hit with it.. though what I WANT is poly.... what my elbow NEEDS is gut. Save the elbow ! Feedback is greatly appreciated !
PMChambers
Hall of Fame
I'd say the 5g (or 5g PSE) will be better for the elbow than Red98. The Red98 benefit is you can rip up the back of the ball and the stable low power will get really good spin whilst maintaining control. I don't hybrid strings, but multi hybrid is not a good option as the multi will fray, you might be better off with a Gossen Natural Gut (Couriers string of choice) and cutting it out when it notches. It's cheap by the reel. Also Cyclone is shaped so it has an edge which will fray multi, maybe try the non-shaped cyclone string (Pro-V or something). i prefer cyclon to Pro-V or whatever it's called as when new it slides easier.
If you have elbow issues your best bet is to have a pro check you're action, and they might make it more old school or WTA long swing, use full multi, reduce the amount of tennis, play shorter less strenuous game IE: S&V S&H&V, play lawn tennis (Shorter points and you will play the net more, also more slicing and gut suits) and lastly do specific exercises. The last one is actually the best as it should be done anyway. Regardless of all the above if your elbow is weak or inflames easily that can just be how life is, it will always hurt and all you can do is reduce the impact. Every body is different. I play full poly and it does not hurt my elbow, probably because my knees hurt before the elbow is screwed. I have trained a lot in the past and all though multi-jointed exercises help support the joints but only to a point, my shoulder is damaged but does not hurt during the game. Personally I really like the Red98 because I naturally hit out and I'm strong through years of weight training though not last 10 years and natural large sizing. I need a dead racquet and historically played with dead racquets from wood to rosignol so the Red98 is a good choice. I also play in a high temperature low humidity climate (arid desert) so balls fly.
A touch of lead will help power, probably at 10 & 2 or 9 & 3 so you get stability benefits as well. I put lead on but usually take it off again as I prefer it dead. I used to have 20g lead just at the top of the handle, where the rubber thing is, played like that 6 months, but currently like it as is as I was over hitting as I reduced practice. (IE: More power means I need to more practice to control it). If you want a little more power than 4-6g above the handle will get you a touch without upsetting balance, but 2g at 9 & 3 better otherwise as a start.
If your elbow is really bad try lawn tennis, go full gut and develop a slice serve and good volley. It's fun but very different to HC. Soft on the knees and less full blooded swinging and heavy topspin. There is only HC where I'm currently living but as a transient location we have a lot of ex-lawn tennis players.
If you have elbow issues your best bet is to have a pro check you're action, and they might make it more old school or WTA long swing, use full multi, reduce the amount of tennis, play shorter less strenuous game IE: S&V S&H&V, play lawn tennis (Shorter points and you will play the net more, also more slicing and gut suits) and lastly do specific exercises. The last one is actually the best as it should be done anyway. Regardless of all the above if your elbow is weak or inflames easily that can just be how life is, it will always hurt and all you can do is reduce the impact. Every body is different. I play full poly and it does not hurt my elbow, probably because my knees hurt before the elbow is screwed. I have trained a lot in the past and all though multi-jointed exercises help support the joints but only to a point, my shoulder is damaged but does not hurt during the game. Personally I really like the Red98 because I naturally hit out and I'm strong through years of weight training though not last 10 years and natural large sizing. I need a dead racquet and historically played with dead racquets from wood to rosignol so the Red98 is a good choice. I also play in a high temperature low humidity climate (arid desert) so balls fly.
A touch of lead will help power, probably at 10 & 2 or 9 & 3 so you get stability benefits as well. I put lead on but usually take it off again as I prefer it dead. I used to have 20g lead just at the top of the handle, where the rubber thing is, played like that 6 months, but currently like it as is as I was over hitting as I reduced practice. (IE: More power means I need to more practice to control it). If you want a little more power than 4-6g above the handle will get you a touch without upsetting balance, but 2g at 9 & 3 better otherwise as a start.
If your elbow is really bad try lawn tennis, go full gut and develop a slice serve and good volley. It's fun but very different to HC. Soft on the knees and less full blooded swinging and heavy topspin. There is only HC where I'm currently living but as a transient location we have a lot of ex-lawn tennis players.
What is the weight of the Redondo? I am considering demoing one since the Tennis Warehouse specs seem like it would be in my wheelhouse, or at least just at the edge of it. 343 g strung and very headlight. I can't handle anything heavier. But the Pro Kennex website has the weight listed as 335 g, I assume unstrung. That would be too heavy for me I think.
anirut
Legend
A stock strung Redondo should (normally) weight around 338-345 grams and about 10 +/-1 pts HL.
anirut
Legend
It's 2016 now ...
The Redondo made its debut in late 2005 ...
10 years have gone and the Redondo's still going strong ...
Kudos to PK for taking the lead in making a no-nonsense tennis racket like the Redondo. (And the Kinetic series which came way before the 'dondo.)
Happy New Year, guys.
The Redondo made its debut in late 2005 ...
10 years have gone and the Redondo's still going strong ...
Kudos to PK for taking the lead in making a no-nonsense tennis racket like the Redondo. (And the Kinetic series which came way before the 'dondo.)
Happy New Year, guys.
Thanks Anirut and movdqua for your responses on the weight. I actually just got a 98 Redondo demo yesterday from Tennis Warehouse. It's a 4 1/2" grip size strung with Wilson Sensation 17. It didn't have a leather grip on it, which I believe is stock. But anyway, strung and wrapped with a Tournagrip XL and rubber band dampner, it tipped the scales at 342 grams. I assume it might weigh a bit more and be a bit more headlight with a leather grip.
I only played one set of doubles with it since I had other demos to try. One set with the Redondo 98, one set with a Volkl Powerbridge Mid 93, one set with a Volkl C10 Pro 98 (2012 model). I served very well last night with all three of these sticks. First impressions after one set of doubles with each:
- Redondo 98: butter at the net. So fun to place volleys with. Definitely put a smile on my face, very predictable response.
- Volkl C10 Pro: good all-around racquet. Seemed a bit unstable on off-center hits.
- Volkl PowerBridge Mid: for some reason it was just fun to hold, slick all black cosmetics, great feel in the hand. I'm not used to the smaller 93 headsize, but it was fun to wail on the ball and watch it drop in nice and deep. I amused myself with McEnroe-like half volleys and approach shots (at least I felt like McEnroe in my mind!).
I didn't have time to try the Prince Tour 95 demo (the black and yellow Exo ports, Bryan Brothers model). I look forward to more hitting today and tomorrow if the weather holds out. I need to hit some longer groundstroke rallies to get a better feel for these demos. If I had to pick a frame right now, just off that brief play test last night, I'd go with the Redondo. If I had more money than sense, I'd also pick up the PowerBridge Mid just because it was fun to test myself with it. My regular racquet is the Pro Kennex Kinetic 7G strung with Babolat Tonic at 50 lbs, so perhaps that's why the Redondo felt instantly the most comfortable for me. I'm wondering how I might enjoy the 93 Redondo.
For reference: I'm a pretty strong 4.0, briefly a USTA 4.5 in 2013 after a really strong 2012 season. So take my comments with a grain of salt. I'm certainly no pro. My best shot is a two-handed backhanded. I like to get free points off my serve, or at least set up my partner with an easy volley put away off the return. I play doubles now almost exclusively at the ripe old age of 42. And I love quick net exchanges with all 4 players at the net. I also take a lot of joy in deadening a drop volley as people try and blast shots through me from the baseline with their rocket launcher modern racquets.
I hit with the Prince Tour 95 (yellow and black Bryan Bros) and it's a very solid stick. But just a bit too heavy for me given it's only about 6 points headlight. My Prince demo weighed in at 346 g strung with one over grip. Volleys were great, but I found it a little hard to get around on serves and groundies. I also think I missed the extra 3 square inches on the Rendondo MP. I did like the feel of that older Tour 95 better than the new Textreme Tour 95, despite the Textreme being much easier to wield. I also decided the Volkl Powerbridge Mid 93 was just too much racquet for me. Despite being a joy to serve and volley with for pinpoint accuracy, that Volkl was just too demanding off the ground.
So I pulled the trigger on two Redondo 98s today, 4 5/8" grip from Tennis Warehouse. Unfortunately on back order, so I have to wait a bit! The Redondo won me over for being so competent on serves, volleys, half volleys, overheads, forehands, and backhands. The soft feel is great from the flexible frame. It's definitely less powerful on a slow swing than my Pro Kennex 7G, so I think it will make me a better player by forcing me to lengthen and speed up my swing more consistently. But long swings are surely rewarded every time with a heavy, deep, accurate ball!
So I pulled the trigger on two Redondo 98s today, 4 5/8" grip from Tennis Warehouse. Unfortunately on back order, so I have to wait a bit! The Redondo won me over for being so competent on serves, volleys, half volleys, overheads, forehands, and backhands. The soft feel is great from the flexible frame. It's definitely less powerful on a slow swing than my Pro Kennex 7G, so I think it will make me a better player by forcing me to lengthen and speed up my swing more consistently. But long swings are surely rewarded every time with a heavy, deep, accurate ball!
n8dawg6
Legend
the redondo was a nice, comfy, flexy frame that was a joy to take long groundstrokes with. i put 2 g at 12 to bump the SW. i hit a very consistent, flat ball with it. great placement and feel. the weight was a little taxing on my shoulder on serves, and pace was unremarkable. i could not use it effectively to return against big servers, so it went back and became store credit. i enjoyed my time with it though.
PMChambers
Hall of Fame
Reminiscing - Missing my R98, got a QTour 325 as a replacement recently. The R98 had a much more consistent string bed. Could hit out more as well. Miss the consistent 2nd serve low powered high spin generation. Always felt I could put a 2nd serve in deep with movement, the QTour serves more spin and faster but needs to be more precise and guts for consistency. Might use my Pacific Feel 95 it's something in between. Loved that low power, allowed for a a lot of low power spin and angle as well and ability to fit big heavy servers without ballooning. I'll get over it, the R98 was damaging my shoulder as I hit as hard a lot with reverse spin, top spin, slice, etc. Have not hit with many racquet which can be consistently hit as hard with aggressive acceleration and forgiveness. Got a R93 but it's not a R98, the extra 5 counts.
(Near forgot the QTour had a fake grip? What real racquet gets a leather fake grip. Seriously! The pacific has one but it's a fake Fischer so got to expect it.)
(Near forgot the QTour had a fake grip? What real racquet gets a leather fake grip. Seriously! The pacific has one but it's a fake Fischer so got to expect it.)
I still might be interested depending on the condition; and on the weight and balance compared to the two new ones I have on order. TW rep is placing an order from their Pro Kennex rep. I asked if they would order more than two so I could get a matching pair on the lighter end of the spec range. He thought not very likely given lower volume sales of the Redondo and given the grip size. Why do people act like you're insane or must be mistaken if you want a 4 5/8" grip size?!?! Almost every local store around me (and none of them carry ProKennex anyway) seem to stock nothing bigger than 4 3/8". I do like that TW has 4 1/2" demos at least so I can at least get a feel of the racquet with just one over grip on it.
djNEiGht
Legend
@Jadom - i hear those comments too about such a large grip. Well large hands. I can play with a 4 3/8 with an over grip but still not preference of mine. I wrap the leather grip pretty taught that it thins out a bit and play bare.
I have one in storage, one in the bag (keeper and is beat up), and one that a friend is demoing. Will weigh for you if you decide you need another.
I have one in storage, one in the bag (keeper and is beat up), and one that a friend is demoing. Will weigh for you if you decide you need another.
donnayblack99
Semi-Pro
Interested in a comparison between Redondo mid and the Yonex vcore Tour 89... thanks in advance!
donnayblack99
Semi-Pro
I am officially a member. Moved from a Yonex vcore tour 89 to the 'Dondo mid. Couldn't be happier but looking for a little more pop... Any suggestions?
basil J
Hall of Fame
Use natural gut on the mid. Put some lead tape on at 3:00 & 9:00 and you should have sufficient power. This is as "raw" of a frame that is available anywhere. Once you get it tweaked to your liking it is an excellent all around frame. I liked the MP better than the mid, but I know lot who like the mid better.
donnayblack99
Semi-Pro
Thanks. I have a 1HBH and that's why I like the mid more than MP sticks. I can whip a mid around faster... it's probably all in my head though. I started tennis playing with mids, so anything more than 95 sq inches feels like a frying pan. I'll throw in some gut next week and put my own version of PWS at 3 and 9 and see what happens.
Thanks!
donnayblack99
Semi-Pro
Can anyone compare the Redondo Mid to a Wilson PS 85, Wilson ProStaff 90, Prince Textreme 95 or a Volkl Powerbride Mid?
Thanks!
Thanks!
