How many people still play with rackets that are over 20 years old?

zncognito

zncognito

New User
After dropping the first set with my (new to me)Pure Drive to a guy I thought I should beat handily, I grabbed the old Prince Graphite II Mid Plus with Prince Synthetic gut in it and took the next 2 sets. I've got a pretty competitive doubles match tonight and it's strung up as a poly hybrid. If all goes well I'm going to look for a few more Graphite II's and just call it a day.
 
R

retrowagen

Hall of Fame
zncognito said:
After dropping the first set with my (new to me)Pure Drive to a guy I thought I should beat handily, I grabbed the old Prince Graphite II Mid Plus with Prince Synthetic gut in it and took the next 2 sets. I've got a pretty competitive doubles match tonight and it's strung up as a poly hybrid. If all goes well I'm going to look for a few more Graphite II's and just call it a day.
Click to expand...

The Graphite II MP is a fabulous racquet, similar to what most modern power/spin frames try to achieve, but with better feel, looks, and workmanship. Great choice. A surpisingly modern classic.
 
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thedunster

New User
Backhanded Compliment said:
Played an hour and a half today with the Max 200G on ultraslow hard courts in 48 degree weather with Pro pen heavy duty balls. Conditions were sloooow but man can the old "doom log" just destroy groundstrokes and yeah that thing has a huge sweetspot for such a small head. No problems hitting lots of topspin... it is strung with black magic.
Click to expand...

I refer to my max200g as "The Sledgehammer".

Mine is strung with Prince Topspin @ 46lb. Which seems to defy logic given that it still has tons of control and power.

15439795223_6937f7dd38_o.jpg
 
anirut

anirut

Legend
Recently I've brought out the oldies ...

Yamaha YFG-30, YFG-50
Head Composite Edge
PK Copper Ace 90 -- love this!
PK Golden Ace Boron
 
frinton

frinton

Professional
Played yesterday for a while with the Prestige Classic I have bought a few weeks back.

IMG_0115.JPG


It is strung with natural gut (I found it like this...who knows how old the strings are!) and offered a great feel...yeap, as buttery as it can get. Because I was playing with my dad I wanted to reduce pace a bit and found it a bit difficult, so I switched to my Youtek Prestige mid, that has my standard string and tension, similar buttery feel, but more control especially over my pace.
And, both prestiges are leaded up quite a bit, not in a very sophisticated way though :-( ... I should go do an apprenticeship at P1

My regular racket is the PS90 (all versions mixed together), but I am wondering about going to the Prestige Mids for a while, thinking it might help with my golferselbow (I think I treated my self to that early this year while fooling around a bit too much with a Borg Allwood :)
 
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thedunster

New User
My two favourite sticks are the 2014 PS90 and My Single stripe Max200g.

Based on that, would I enjoy the Prestige Classic 600 ?
 
O

oldschoolguy

New User
IMO PS90 is quite different in feel to the Head PC600/PT600.


I have bought 5 PT600s in the last month and 1 PC600. This is to tell you how I feel about these frames ;)

For the last 2 years I'd been playing a Head Prestige LM Mid Plus, which is also nice, but the these older MIDs just feel better and are softer on my shoulder. So I now have a 20+ years racket, as my main stick!
 
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H

HeavyLee

New User
I recently started playing after taking a break for 7 years or so. I've been playing with an Estusa Aerosupra, but I'm about to switch to Babolat Pure Drive Plus. I've been demoing rackets for a while now. If I don't like it, I'll go back to the Estusa.
 
max

max

Legend
My frames are Volkl C-9s, modified exactly to my needs. BUT I find that time and wear does affect them. I bought my first one in 1998, and the last two, I think via ****. One's in new-middle aged state; the others are oldsters.

I think using them eventually wears them down.
 
j1ggy

j1ggy

New User
I used to play with this frame until 4 years ago, when I switched to Babolat APD for being stiffer and string pattern. But its still a great frame...
AA_1995_Aus_Open.jpg
g
 
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speedysteve

speedysteve

Legend
I got a Slazenger Challenge no.1 out of the folks attic recently.
My Dunlop Maxply Fort was apparently sold on at some point in my absence!!
The strings were original - it was never restrung.
They were down to a very low tension indeed and dry / stiff.


Racquet tune (android app) that seems accurate enough on my other modern sticks said 12lbs!
So nothing for but to restring.

I watched a couple of Youtube vids on woodies and went for it.

Here it is before the off

WP_20150111_001.jpg
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I had a nat gut half set, so that went on the mains

WP_20150111_003.jpg
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WP_20150111_004.jpg
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And some Dunlop S-gut Multi filament on the crosses (all I had left that was sympathetic in softness if not colour!)
Sacrilege perhap but a string is a string and I quite like the retro with the hybrid look:)
Not sure this racquet will get serious use but if it outshines my Volkl C10 Pro or Pro Kennex Ki Q Tour I will put gut in the crosses as well!

18M, 20C and as you see skipping 9t and no skips on the hoop, gives the wide mains that Slazenger C inward slope.
I did double check that this was right and all the pics I can find show them like this.

No real issues stringing up and I put some leather powerpads under the 4 innermost mains.
I went for 47lbs all round as I like em a little softer than some...

Today I will give it a hit and see how I get on.
I think the last time I hit with a woodie was 1982 or around then.

Gonna be fun - my arm might think otherwise.
Remember Steve - nice early prep, big looping swing, watch the ball on right on to the minuscule sweet spot...
 
speedysteve

speedysteve

Legend
Well, the Slaz played just fine in my capable hands:)
All of a sudden the years rolled away and I was 12 again, playing in the summer tennis camp finals, and winning. Still got the Placque to prove it... ah the memories!

What was fun was at club doubles I got more hits as the opponents would hit at me to test me/my racquet. I loved it!
Serve was pretty good too. Ol' Roscoe Tanned has no trouble developing pace with wood.
I did fine I needed big swings and good follow through.
Volleys np.
I would not play league singles with it though, well not against the better chaps anyway.
Club doubles next week it is def coming out again;)
Real talking point. "Wow that looks like a squash racquet mister". I love vinyl too btw...
 
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m2nk2

m2nk2

Hall of Fame
I play with my PS85's from the 80s, although I bought them much later.

Also have a couple of Emrik racquets from the early 90s. Haven't played with them for ages though.

I've got a couple of modern APDs too, but don't really like modern racquets.
 
frinton

frinton

Professional
speedysteve said:
Well, the Slaz played just fine in my capable hands:)
All of a sudden the years rolled away and I was 12 again, playing in the summer tennis camp finals, and winning. Still got the Placque to prove it... ah the memories!

What was fun was at club doubles I got more hits as the opponents would hit at me to test me/my racquet. I loved it!
Serve was pretty good too. Ol' Roscoe Tanned has no trouble developing pace with wood.
I did fine I needed big swings and good follow through.
Volleys np.
I would not play league singles with it though, well not against the better chaps anyway.
Club doubles next week it is def coming out again;)
Real talking point. "Wow that looks like a squash racquet mister". I love vinyl too btw...
Click to expand...


Great report speedysteve! Good stuff! Enjoy the Slazy!
 
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treo

Semi-Pro
I was hitting with my PS85 and noticed from the fuzz that I am hitting in the sweetspot more. With a 100 size, tend to hit on the upper half of the hoop but with a small head the contact area is lower.
 
od_sf

od_sf

New User
Switched from Prestige Youtek MP to the 600 about 9 months ago, and haven't looked back. My game has improved significantly since the switch.

pt600.jpg
 
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noro

New User
prestige classic 600 trek font. What a feeling and plow on the shots. Absolutely recommended with msv focus hex 1.10
 
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dtomelden

New User
I have 4 ProStaff Classics: 3 Stretches and 1 Standard. Two of the Stretches have been cut down to 27" and would correlate to the ProStaff Classic Tour or European version (18x20). The Standard is 16x18 and a beast. I play with the two modified Stretches and the Standard. These must be at least 20yrs old.
 
C

chrischris

G.O.A.T.
thedunster said:
I refer to my max200g as "The Sledgehammer".

Mine is strung with Prince Topspin @ 46lb. Which seems to defy logic given that it still has tons of control and power.

15439795223_6937f7dd38_o.jpg
Click to expand...



Its an awesome racker, one of kind.
The effect of the dwell time is amazing in its plow and mass .
I string mine with VS gut and Alu Power,
 
Rock Strongo

Rock Strongo

Legend
thedunster said:
I refer to my max200g as "The Sledgehammer".

Mine is strung with Prince Topspin @ 46lb. Which seems to defy logic given that it still has tons of control and power.

15439795223_6937f7dd38_o.jpg
Click to expand...

Mine's the Grand Slam edition. I just refer to it as "the Max".

I remember a backhand return I hit with it. Just wound up, and smacked it cross-court at seemingly a million MPH, pasting the line.

Gotta love that dynamic stiffness!
 
S

Spandy22

New User
I have lots of old prince sticks I still use..
Can't work out how to post photos though on here..

Any clues please?
Thanks
 
djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Legend
@spandy22 - upload the photo to flickr/photobucket/facebook and then copy the photo/image url. click on the photo icon and paste the url as you are entering comments.
 
MrRandom247

MrRandom247

Semi-Pro
At home club lost to a fit 35yo 4.0 in singles using my 2014 Head Radical Pro 5-7, 3-6, didn't play badly just not baseline steady enough.
Weeks later played same guy at away club using heavier old school ~1994 Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 Classic 95 with recent hybrid restring Kirchbaum Pro-line 2 mains & Gosen OG sheep crosses - beat him 6-3, 7-6.
Was an issue with old racket near end of 2nd set, 4cm of bumper guard cracked away & was flapping around. Really annoying.
Used another flexy? Pro Staff 6.1 for a few points, didn't like it
Switched to Radical Pro to finish off last few points in TB with a few solid serve & volleys
Always hard for a mid-range opponent to come up with that great pass at 4-4 in the breaker.
Served less aces in winning match, but also less double faults.
I was quite pleased overall, old racket made my ground strokes more steady.
 
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dak95_00

dak95_00

Hall of Fame
I've been using a Prince Mono for three years now. I've taken the time to acquire 7 in various grip sizes and condition; 2-4 1/4, 4-4 3/8 (2 new in plastic still), and 1-4 1/2.

After my team played last night, a couple guys asked to hit them. One has hit with it before and thought he really liked it but plays a Wilson KZen. He's been thinking about switching and buying something new but I believe he's probably going to buy some Monos. The other guy plays a Head Youtek Radical MP.

Here's what we like about the Mono. It's heavy so it hits a heavy ball; mine weigh depending upon customization between 12.4-13.7oz. It's very headlight. I haven't measured mine but if the RF97 is 10-12pts headlight, these are off of the charts because they swing so much lighter. They look ridiculous so it makes it fun and annoys opponents who think you're playing something from two centuries ago. Some will even ask, "Who's Jimmy Connors?"
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
dak95_00 said:
I've been using a Prince Mono for three years now. I've taken the time to acquire 7 in various grip sizes and condition; 2-4 1/4, 4-4 3/8 (2 new in plastic still), and 1-4 1/2.

After my team played last night, a couple guys asked to hit them. One has hit with it before and thought he really liked it but plays a Wilson KZen. He's been thinking about switching and buying something new but I believe he's probably going to buy some Monos. The other guy plays a Head Youtek Radical MP.

Here's what we like about the Mono. It's heavy so it hits a heavy ball; mine weigh depending upon customization between 12.4-13.7oz. It's very headlight. I haven't measured mine but if the RF97 is 10-12pts headlight, these are off of the charts because they swing so much lighter. They look ridiculous so it makes it fun and annoys opponents who think you're playing something from two centuries ago. Some will even ask, "Who's Jimmy Connors?"
Click to expand...
Prince Precision racquets from the mid-90s are awesome.
 
frinton

frinton

Professional
dak95_00 said:
I've been using a Prince Mono for three years now. I've taken the time to acquire 7 in various grip sizes and condition; 2-4 1/4, 4-4 3/8 (2 new in plastic still), and 1-4 1/2.

After my team played last night, a couple guys asked to hit them. One has hit with it before and thought he really liked it but plays a Wilson KZen. He's been thinking about switching and buying something new but I believe he's probably going to buy some Monos. The other guy plays a Head Youtek Radical MP.

Here's what we like about the Mono. It's heavy so it hits a heavy ball; mine weigh depending upon customization between 12.4-13.7oz. It's very headlight. I haven't measured mine but if the RF97 is 10-12pts headlight, these are off of the charts because they swing so much lighter. They look ridiculous so it makes it fun and annoys opponents who think you're playing something from two centuries ago. Some will even ask, "Who's Jimmy Connors?"
Click to expand...

I haven't tried my Mono's in a long time. Last time I tried I couldn't really dial in... was my only racket for about 10 years! Recently bought a Mono in perfect condition online only to find out, it's a Jr. Mono [emoji22]! Amazing racket, Volleys like a dream


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Frankc

Frankc

Professional
Still taking a 2nd generation Head PPPro red head (600 or US Model) to the dance. To much fun - varying pace and just total control... The new multis really fit these softer, heavier beauties, IMHO...
 
Rock Strongo

Rock Strongo

Legend
dak95_00 said:
I've been using a Prince Mono for three years now. I've taken the time to acquire 7 in various grip sizes and condition; 2-4 1/4, 4-4 3/8 (2 new in plastic still), and 1-4 1/2.

After my team played last night, a couple guys asked to hit them. One has hit with it before and thought he really liked it but plays a Wilson KZen. He's been thinking about switching and buying something new but I believe he's probably going to buy some Monos. The other guy plays a Head Youtek Radical MP.

Here's what we like about the Mono. It's heavy so it hits a heavy ball; mine weigh depending upon customization between 12.4-13.7oz. It's very headlight. I haven't measured mine but if the RF97 is 10-12pts headlight, these are off of the charts because they swing so much lighter. They look ridiculous so it makes it fun and annoys opponents who think you're playing something from two centuries ago. Some will even ask, "Who's Jimmy Connors?"
Click to expand...
I love the Mono. Especially the one that got stolen from me as it came with the right grip size. Probably not the best stick from the baseline but absolutely brutal at the net.

Nowadays I use my only PC600. It does everything right apart from the slice which is usually a weapon of mine. It helps me hit what I want to hit on the baseline, it's fantastic when serving, and a dream at net where I live.
 
MrRandom247

MrRandom247

Semi-Pro
Prince Graphite Original 1987! POG
with prince Overtime lemon 1.35mm strung by myself in 1998!!
Played 2 sets vs Club Captain & beat him 6-1, 7-5 (was 5-3 down).
Its a bit thick & stiff, but ok, 14 mains is a ripper.
Should put some left over Wilson Natural Gut mains & Forten Dynamix crosses.
 
re_ipsa

re_ipsa

Rookie
I still do play old rackets. Wilson prostaff 6.0 85 and 95 and 6.6. Good as they were and still are to me. Strings are the same from the oldays ashaway crossfire 17 & 18.
 
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R

Ruark

Professional
I play with a Head Orion 720. Got it about 1990. It's a 100 sq. in., 12.2 oz strung, graphite (I think) with a wide rim. Head PPS syngut 16 @ 55 lbs. Plenty of power and spin, in fact, it seems like the easier I stroke, the faster the ball comes off of it. I've thought about "moving up" to a modern racket like a Pro Aero, but they are so different I'm afraid I'd ruin my game. After 27 years, this old friend is like an extension of my arm. I'd LOVE to know of anybody else playing one.
 
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vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Ruark said:
I play with a Head Orion 720. Got it about 1990. It's a 100 sq. in., 12.2 oz strung, graphite (I think) with a wide rim. Head PPS syngut 16 @ 55 lbs. Plenty of power and spin, in fact, it seems like the easier I stroke, the faster the ball comes off of it. I've thought about "moving up" to a modern racket like a Pro Aero, but they are so different I'm afraid I'd ruin my game. After 27 years, this old friend is like an extension of my arm. I'd LOVE to know of anybody else playing one.
Click to expand...
The 720cm2 was 112sq.in.
 
Crocodile

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
When I have a hit with my Puma Power Beam Pro it's a lot of fun and takes time to adjust but I certainly then appreciate my return to my current modern stick.
 
Wise one

Wise one

Hall of Fame
jimanuel12 said:
i was just wondering, i see allot of people on here play with the older "players" rackets.
i just bought two prince 110 rackets, one is a pro series and the other is a spectum 110 composite.
i loved the way the older rackets played and just found these two at a great price so i went ahead and picked them up.
have not hit with them yet (the weather is too bad) but can't wait to get out on the court and hit a few around.
i played with these back about 20 some years ago but sold them and went the newer rackets.
just wanted some more input from folks that love the older rackets.
thanks:???:
Click to expand...


I do. All mine are wood, from the early 80s.
 
Don't Let It Bounce

Don't Let It Bounce

Hall of Fame
I'm going to China for a coaching job in a couple of weeks and still haven't settled on which rackets to take for the year. Right now it's a battle between the Prince Graphite Comp (1984-85) and the Prince Graphite OS (I have the 1988 4-stripes and the recent Classic Graphites, and I like them equally). The 33-year-old Comp, which hits like a freight train but cuts through the air the way only an 18 mm frame can, is a nose ahead.

A step back, but still in the running, are the Fischer MPro No. One 105 and the Prince Spectrum Comp, and I haven't completely ruled out the Prince Vortex MP.
 
Sixpointone

Sixpointone

Professional
The model I use was introduced in 1996, and I have no plans to ever change from it. It's the Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 Oversized Stretch.
 
coachrick

coachrick

Hall of Fame
As I've mentioned in another thread, I am using a 1969 Wilson T-2000 with original strings...to launch tennis balls for the pup! Haven't been on the tennis court in years; but who knows what the fall season will bring!!! My first choice would be my YY 8500 that belonged to my brother in the late '70s, last strung in '95. Of course, my old standby, the Red Head Pro would come along as well as maybe a Slazenger Professional woodie and wood Jack Kramer Mid. Playing tennis after a decade away and recently taking up Pickleball should be a HOOT !!! :)
 
coachrick

coachrick

Hall of Fame
I find the conversation interesting, since one could argue that really NOTHING has been introduced technology/design-wise in the past two decades that would render a benchmark 20-25 year-old frame obsolete. I don't believe that was true before the 20-teens, certainly not at the turn of the century(although there were plenty of "classics" around 1980).

I've got a few NOS frames that are 20 years old and could easily pass muster against the designs of the 2000s. My NOS frames from the '70s/'80s wouldn't fare as well, I'm afraid(still fun to hit, of course!).
 
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