**** #1 Redondo Talks Thread ****
- Thread starter anirut
- Start date
anirut
Legend
When I need that "more pop", I put 2 grams total (1 g each) @ 10 & 2 and string it a tad low, plus an overgrip. Otherwise I usually don't have that set up.
Oh, I have 2 grams permanently wrapped around the handle at about 6.25" up from the butt end too.
Agent Orynge
Professional
Any chance that one of you fine foreign folk might be able to give the BA 295 a shot?
I did. it's a nice stick, surprinsingly stable and soft for a light frame.
are you offering one to play test?!
tried the BA98 US version, prefer the 'dondo tbh
Agent Orynge
Professional
Does it have the same feel as it's big brothers? I'd be interested in acquiring one, should the opportunity present itself...
Hi again!
I don't know if I asked politely enough to be honored admission to this honorable club. Anyway, I acquired (the last) Mid @ ********s store in Baltimore (MD). Since I'm from Sweden and the racquet is impossible to get hold of in Europe, I'm very pleased now. The racquet plays beautifully with some lead at 2 & 10, Toalson Pro Grip, Wilson NXT @ 55 (355 g)
I don't know if I asked politely enough to be honored admission to this honorable club. Anyway, I acquired (the last) Mid @ ********s store in Baltimore (MD). Since I'm from Sweden and the racquet is impossible to get hold of in Europe, I'm very pleased now. The racquet plays beautifully with some lead at 2 & 10, Toalson Pro Grip, Wilson NXT @ 55 (355 g)
thug the bunny
Professional
Congratulations on your acquisition of the sweet 'dondo. I also have a couple inches of lead around 10 and 2. I also used to use multis around 54lbs and got used to the super soft, super pocketing feel. However, I recently put some 18g poly (red code) on it just for giggles, and the result is a really cool crisp/soft feel with a crazy amount of control.
Enjoy!
Polaris
Hall of Fame
Welcome to the club, MAPE! I've used NXT at the same tension as you (55), but on a Redondo, MP. It felt pretty nice, gives a satisfying pop if you use a small dampener.
About other strings: My current string is just cheap Prince Synthetic Gut also at 55, but the racquet seems to love it. I've also played Luxilon Big Banger on one of TW's demo versions of the Redondo MP and that gave less power but an insanely huge popping sound at impact. I never thought a racquet could feel so good.
For some reason, the only string that my Redondo hasn't liked so far is the one I bought it with: Tecnifiber NRG 2. It seemed kinda dead. After that, I switched to NXT and all was bliss
.
I've been playing with the redondo mid for about 2 months now and all I can say is that I am glad I found this racket. Great control, balance and feel. I just can't say enough for this frame. I am so surprised that more people don't play with it, its like the best kept secret.
I used to play with the prestige microgel mid and then the youtek prestige and even though these are great frames they just can't compete with the redondo. And the square grip feels so much better than the head type grip.
I currently have the Wilson Champions choice @ 62 and it is just sweet.
I used to play with the prestige microgel mid and then the youtek prestige and even though these are great frames they just can't compete with the redondo. And the square grip feels so much better than the head type grip.
I currently have the Wilson Champions choice @ 62 and it is just sweet.
I know what you mean, been playing with it for about 6 months and in that time have still tried other racquets but keep coming back to this as an all round fab racquet, weighty but wieldy, stable, great feel and control and best of all for me does not destroy my arm like a lot of other racquets do...still playing around with strings...perhaps lacking a bit of power?
my only problem is if they stop making them what am I going to do!!?? Also I am in the UK and you just cannot get them over here, I was very lucky to find what I have. I have 3 but keep thinking I might buy a couple more as I cannot see me changing racquets now for many years
thug the bunny
Professional
I've used NXT and X1 BP as well as Red Code, and I generally don't like polys, but on the 'Dondo as I said the result is a very unique feel since the softness of the frame mitigates the stiffness of the polys. I get a little less power with the Red Code, but I don't mind cause I generally like to smack the ball, and the spin and control keep the ball in, so I'm gonna stick with it for now.
I definitely recommend 17 or even 18g strings on the Redondo since it is 18x20.
yokied
Hall of Fame
A month and many hours of hitting and match play later, and it's the same story as before. I am probably playing about 50/50 with the 5g PSEs and the redondo mids. Both really good racquets, but the redondo's requirement that you swing hard I find better for matchplay.
I'm sure as I age I'll be more willing to just glide through proceedings with more self-control with something like a PSE but not yet.
Thanks, again.
I have quite a few strings to choose from (ProSupex BA 17, Tecnifibre X-1 BP 16, Signum Tornado 17, Babolat RPM Blast 17 and Wilson NXT 16). I think that the power with NXT @ 55 is borderline low. Tempted to try thinner gauge poly next time. I'll let you know.
well whilst knocking last night started hitting with a BA98 I have in my bag and thought nice and grunty, weighty feel getting decent power etc but did not feel amazing and felt that I could not swing away as easily as I can with 'the dondo'
I then tried my trusty old friend PS 6.0 95 and whilst i have weighted that up for a bit of stability even thus I wanted only one racquet
so went and swapped for 'the dondo' and whilst not as grunty every thing else about my game was so much better including (to me a big thing) the confidence to swing away with a large dose of wrist action
to top it all off I was knocking with a coach chappie who I had not seen nor knocked with for about 9 months, his reaction 'wow your game has improved' I genuinely think this is because of 'the dondo', some of it being in my head as it has given me the confidence to swing away
this is frustrating because I am now worried that I will never like another racket in my life and I do enjoy trying other rackets, 'the dondo' has both enhanced and ruined my enjoyment of tennis perhaps forever
I then tried my trusty old friend PS 6.0 95 and whilst i have weighted that up for a bit of stability even thus I wanted only one racquet
so went and swapped for 'the dondo' and whilst not as grunty every thing else about my game was so much better including (to me a big thing) the confidence to swing away with a large dose of wrist action
to top it all off I was knocking with a coach chappie who I had not seen nor knocked with for about 9 months, his reaction 'wow your game has improved' I genuinely think this is because of 'the dondo', some of it being in my head as it has given me the confidence to swing away
this is frustrating because I am now worried that I will never like another racket in my life and I do enjoy trying other rackets, 'the dondo' has both enhanced and ruined my enjoyment of tennis perhaps forever
thug the bunny
Professional
Valid concerns chippy. I felt that way after getting a KPS88, but if you are a racquet wh*re like I am, your attention will soon start wandering. Just keep the 'dondo in your bag and ready for action.
I have not got the mighty KPS88 out of my bag for a while, I had 2 but offloaded 1 and have kept 1 because of it's 'awesomeness' sadly destroys the old arm/shoulder after about 1 set! But you have now made we want to play with it
I am fast becoming one having only played with PSs since early 20s (now 38) am now enjoying experimenting...but what to look at next mmmm?
thug the bunny
Professional
One of my fav's right up there with the 'dondo is the Prince Diablo Mid. Kind of strange how this stick doesn't get much publicity. It's crisper than the 'dondo with a touch more power, but the weight and balance feel similar. The control though, is off the charts. I feel like I can literally hit the ball on a dime with the Diablo.
I did want to get annoyed with you telling me this info as now I want one of these, but I did lead you to this! The spec certainly makes it look like a racquet I will very much enjoy. The only weakness for me regarding 'the dondo' is it lacks grunt this Prince loos like it might solve that issue...now to find one in the UK...
anirut
Legend
Try the current Black Ace line and weight it up to Redondo's weight and balance. May be a bit more heavier and a bit more HL than the Redondo. String it right and you'll get close to having a WMD.
thug the bunny
Professional
Just wanted to report that I played lights out with my Redondo today. Nailing the center of the strings every time, and putting some serious heat on the ball too. And I love the Bop! sound that echoes across the courts. Man does this stick feel sweet when you play well.
Chippy, I had been loving my Diablo lately, but I used it yesterday and it wasn't nearly as good as me and my 'dondo today. Strange how the relationships with your rackets ebb and flo...
Chippy, I had been loving my Diablo lately, but I used it yesterday and it wasn't nearly as good as me and my 'dondo today. Strange how the relationships with your rackets ebb and flo...
ethebull
Rookie
anirut, if you would be so kind, Please add me to the list! In fairness, the use of my month old Redondo 98 might be limited, as I just bought two Laver Type C 93's in excellent condition. They came strung with Gosen JC SG with stickers indicating they were done at 56# in September of 2007! The strings appeared unused, and the frames are about as clean as one could hope for, given their age.
I hit with one as supplied, just for kicks. For a 4+ year old string job, it wasn't bad at all, but the ping frequency told me tension had dropped down to around 40# I'd guess.
Freshly strung with a gut hybrid (see sig), this stick is outstanding! A great balance of control, feel, power and feedback that is immediately addicting. Weight and balance are pretty much perfect for me without a gram of lead. I only have 6-7 hours on court with it so far, but I am loving how the feel and feedback encourages proper form and aggressive play.
I'll be lurking about and posting as I get more court time with these. Might have to add a 93 Dondo to my quiver at some point as well.
I hit with one as supplied, just for kicks. For a 4+ year old string job, it wasn't bad at all, but the ping frequency told me tension had dropped down to around 40# I'd guess.
Freshly strung with a gut hybrid (see sig), this stick is outstanding! A great balance of control, feel, power and feedback that is immediately addicting. Weight and balance are pretty much perfect for me without a gram of lead. I only have 6-7 hours on court with it so far, but I am loving how the feel and feedback encourages proper form and aggressive play.
I'll be lurking about and posting as I get more court time with these. Might have to add a 93 Dondo to my quiver at some point as well.
MAXXply
Hall of Fame
Hello Redondons
I'm engaging this thread for the first time after a recent random hit with a PT630 opened my eyes to the world of flexy 50-60RA midplus, 18x20 rackets. I've backtracked through the thread but am still only up to page 170, working backwards. I'll continue my Redondo education but in the meantime can anyone share their knowledge on the following:
- Is there really a noticeable 1mm difference between the BA98 and Redondo 98? Surely they didn't create a whole different mold for just 1mm?
- Does the leather-wrapped Redondo grip run large? I'm familiar with the shape and size of synthetic-gripped Kennexes but am mindful of a leather Redondo blowing out too big.
- Which would you choose for someone like me who's grown up with the weight and balance of POG Mids but instantly liked the weight and swingweight of the PT630: BA98 or Redondo 98? My long-held default stance when picking a racket is anything in the ballpark of a POG Mid but would now appreciate a slightly lighter swinging racket that still provides adequate plow-through.
Thanks for your insights
I'm engaging this thread for the first time after a recent random hit with a PT630 opened my eyes to the world of flexy 50-60RA midplus, 18x20 rackets. I've backtracked through the thread but am still only up to page 170, working backwards. I'll continue my Redondo education but in the meantime can anyone share their knowledge on the following:
- Is there really a noticeable 1mm difference between the BA98 and Redondo 98? Surely they didn't create a whole different mold for just 1mm?
- Does the leather-wrapped Redondo grip run large? I'm familiar with the shape and size of synthetic-gripped Kennexes but am mindful of a leather Redondo blowing out too big.
- Which would you choose for someone like me who's grown up with the weight and balance of POG Mids but instantly liked the weight and swingweight of the PT630: BA98 or Redondo 98? My long-held default stance when picking a racket is anything in the ballpark of a POG Mid but would now appreciate a slightly lighter swinging racket that still provides adequate plow-through.
Thanks for your insights
anirut
Legend
ethebull, welcome aboard!
I'm too lazy to check through the backlog of names that I haven't listed. :lol: And thus I've stopped listing names now. Anyhow, happy hitting!
BTW, I haven't played tennis for over a month now due to the flood in Thailand. I'll get to hit, once again, this Wednesday. I wonder how freaky I'm going to hit. hahaha.
I'm too lazy to check through the backlog of names that I haven't listed. :lol: And thus I've stopped listing names now. Anyhow, happy hitting!
BTW, I haven't played tennis for over a month now due to the flood in Thailand. I'll get to hit, once again, this Wednesday. I wonder how freaky I'm going to hit. hahaha.
HEADfamilydynasty
Rookie
Mine And my brother's redondo arrive later today. i got the mid he got the MP. Unfortunately I can't hit with it yet and probably won't be able to until spring because CSI cost way too much for the time allowed on the indoor courts:evil::evil:!
thug the bunny
Professional
Mine And my brother's redondo arrive later today. i got the mid he got the MP. Unfortunately I can't hit with it yet and probably won't be able to until spring because CSI cost way too much for the time allowed on the indoor courts:evil::evil:!
Dude, that sucks, cause the Redondo is such a beautiful stick you're gonna be just looking at it for 3 months and jonesing something terrible. You're in NY? I'm in NJ and I hit through the winter as long as it gets to 40 deg or so.
You play a Speed Pro at 13.4 oz? I play one un-modded, and I have about 3" of lead on each side of my Redondo's hoop so that they have similar SWs and plow. I think you're gonna have to add a ton of lead to your Redondo..
DoctorBackhand
Rookie
Mine And my brother's redondo arrive later today. i got the mid he got the MP. Unfortunately I can't hit with it yet and probably won't be able to until spring because CSI cost way too much for the time allowed on the indoor courts:evil::evil:!
At least you'll get to play in the spring. I'll be too busy with my 3rd job, if you get my drift
DoctorBackhand
Rookie
The Redendos Are Here!
HEADfamilydynasty
Rookie
I told you to make sure to make time for yourself because ur ROTC program was going to recruit with a vengeance.:wink: try to join your team if possible.
HEADfamilydynasty
Rookie
we finally got to open the redondos today. they were a xmas present from our mom. mine is a mid strung with X-one 17g white mains @ 64 and Rip crosses at 61. my brother got the midplus strung with axon multi @ 62. First off after comparing the sizes of the heads with other rackets they are about 3 sq. in. smaller as mentioned earlier in the thread. the sweetspot is small but not minuscule there is plenty of sweetspot to hit and off-center were still forgiving due to the flex. Strangely we only got to practice volleys. the volleys with the mid were infinitely better feeling than my previous rackets (see sig) and outperformed them both STOCK. i fully intend to customize the redondo. it is an absolutely beautiful racket to play with and to look at. when the weather (and my parents) permit i will do a full on court reveiw of the redondo mid.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS
HEADfamilydynasty
Rookie
Hello!
DrBackhand with my short review of the PK Redondo MP (too lazy to sign in from my computer).
First off, let me mention the grip. The leather on the Redondo is very soft and much easier on my hands than the prince calfskin I got on my POGOS. The grip is slightly smaller but it doesn't bother me too much.
Now for the volleys. I could tell just from the volleys that this will be a different animal than the POG. While they have identical specs, the redondo felt stiffer and swung much faster. I can count on one hand the number of volleys I ever did but with the redondo I found volleys much easier because of the maneuverability. There was so much power on the volleys that all I had to do was stick the racket out and the ball went flying. I actually might try to use the volley more often now.
Unfortunately that was all we were able to practice today. Hopefully we will be able to put up a full review soon, and maybe with some video.
(P.S. I really want to see why 1stSeed likes to hit the 2hfh with a redondo mid. I can see a midplus but the mid seems strange to me.)
PSS Happy holidays TT!
DrBackhand with my short review of the PK Redondo MP (too lazy to sign in from my computer).
First off, let me mention the grip. The leather on the Redondo is very soft and much easier on my hands than the prince calfskin I got on my POGOS. The grip is slightly smaller but it doesn't bother me too much.
Now for the volleys. I could tell just from the volleys that this will be a different animal than the POG. While they have identical specs, the redondo felt stiffer and swung much faster. I can count on one hand the number of volleys I ever did but with the redondo I found volleys much easier because of the maneuverability. There was so much power on the volleys that all I had to do was stick the racket out and the ball went flying. I actually might try to use the volley more often now.
Unfortunately that was all we were able to practice today. Hopefully we will be able to put up a full review soon, and maybe with some video.
(P.S. I really want to see why 1stSeed likes to hit the 2hfh with a redondo mid. I can see a midplus but the mid seems strange to me.)
PSS Happy holidays TT!
HEADfamilydynasty
Rookie
Our new Redondos.
I tried the lowest string tension that racquet recommends (25kg, 55lbs) with a 1.32mm multi and found the control was perfect but the power and the spin wasn't that good. So, i want to go a little lower tension (22kg, 49lbs) with a thin multi (1.25mm). Would this contribute to more power and spin?
late reply sorry, been away
I do find the 'dondo comes into it's own when hit with confidence and trust, ie swing away and trust the spin the racquet can generate to bring the ball down, always amazed at how deep I can hit a forehand if I just trust 'the dondo'
have been looking for a Diablo but no luck yet in the UK so now may stop my search, in fact seriously thinking of just conentrating on using the 'the dondo' exclusively for a while; bought a BA98 recently nice enough but still have gone back to the old girl
I have 3 and finally got round to weighing them (I have not checked the balance) but 2 were within a gram of each other at 354/355g but the other was 10 grams heavier and weirdly that was the one I like the least...
anirut
Legend
I haven't tried multis that low. I've only tried 17g multis at 62 and you can just hit lights out with it.
The Redondo is a weird stick. Just whack it hard with nice easy flowing strokes and relaxed wrist. Upon contact, the ball will react to your will, may it be depth, spin, or whatever.
The only problem, for me, is that sometimes I stress up and whack too hard that the ball go sailing ... over the fence :lol:
HEADfamilydynasty
Rookie
while i i still haven't been able to play with the redondo yet when i measured the specs i also found the specs to be dead-on:shock:. both my mid and my bros mid+. its very impressive.
. both my mid and my bros mid+. its very impressive.
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
My Redondos measured 12.1 oz (spec is 12.6) but the accuracy of the scale was to the nearest tenth of an ounce so I'd say that it was spot on.
I didn't measure my Ki5 PSE but it was a quarter inch longer than spec (fine with me). I think that PK does an outstanding job on QC, at least for the Redondo.
I didn't measure my Ki5 PSE but it was a quarter inch longer than spec (fine with me). I think that PK does an outstanding job on QC, at least for the Redondo.
thug the bunny
Professional
Been playing exclusively with my Redondo since the weather is getting cold. It is definitely a 'mojo meter'. It responds to confidence and a well timed stroke. Can't arm, stab, rush, or twitch with her!
HEADfamilydynasty
Rookie
We were able to hit on a wall today so i decided to update my review. Stock the Redondo was quite powerful when it hit the ball directly on the SS. the Sweetspot was generous and spin production was adequate despite my "modified" eastern grip and the 18/20 string pattern. when modded to my spec these qualities were greatly enhanced. Spin was easier to generate, judging from the sound of the ball hitting the concrete depth will be easier to achieve as well. when you hit the sweetspot it sounds like thunder:twisted:. i'll finish the review when i'm able to get on court for a real playtest.
well played for 2.5hrs indoors on carpet over the weekend, against a lad half my age and 'the dondo' was working well
if I can be critical a weakness i am finding is finishing a short ball off I find it slightly lacking in this area (my rubbisgh tennis could have something to do with it!) but it just doesn't seem to give the neccessary grunt to make sure that the ball does not come back
also my volleys (which is a weakness in my game) seem to have got a bit worse but I think this could be due to not having the confidence in these shots that 'the dondo' requires
still loving it and beat the young guy 6-7 6-0 7-6!! being almost 40 it is still hurting two days later
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
> if I can be critical a weakness i am finding is finishing a
> short ball off I find it slightly lacking in this area (my
> rubbisgh tennis could have something to do with it!) but
> it just doesn't seem to give the neccessary grunt to make
> sure that the ball does not come back
You can always add lead tape for more power but I always expect the ball to come back on any approach shot that I take. Defensive skills are so good and the other person just has to guess 50-50 on where it goes. If the ball doesn't come back, then it's nothing to worry about.
> also my volleys (which is a weakness in my game) seem
> to have got a bit worse but I think this could be due to
> not having the confidence in these shots that 'the dondo'
> requires
When I was using the Redondo, I had an incredible amount of control on volleys and used touch volleys and sharply angled volleys to good effect. I had difficulty putting something away with a deep volley that I couldn't take a swing at. So I think that you need very good mechanics on the volley to get enough punch on deep volleys. On my current racquet, I just need to get the racquet to meet the ball and I get a lot of punch - it takes more effort to hit the touch and angled volleys. Again, I think that lead tape would help here.
> being almost 40 it is still hurting two days later
When I was out of shape, a match could have me sore for three days. I'm in much better shape these days and I'm usually sore for one day. I played a 2:20 match on Friday and ran two miles on Saturday and three on Sunday and was feeling pretty good.
> short ball off I find it slightly lacking in this area (my
> rubbisgh tennis could have something to do with it!) but
> it just doesn't seem to give the neccessary grunt to make
> sure that the ball does not come back
You can always add lead tape for more power but I always expect the ball to come back on any approach shot that I take. Defensive skills are so good and the other person just has to guess 50-50 on where it goes. If the ball doesn't come back, then it's nothing to worry about.
> also my volleys (which is a weakness in my game) seem
> to have got a bit worse but I think this could be due to
> not having the confidence in these shots that 'the dondo'
> requires
When I was using the Redondo, I had an incredible amount of control on volleys and used touch volleys and sharply angled volleys to good effect. I had difficulty putting something away with a deep volley that I couldn't take a swing at. So I think that you need very good mechanics on the volley to get enough punch on deep volleys. On my current racquet, I just need to get the racquet to meet the ball and I get a lot of punch - it takes more effort to hit the touch and angled volleys. Again, I think that lead tape would help here.
> being almost 40 it is still hurting two days later
When I was out of shape, a match could have me sore for three days. I'm in much better shape these days and I'm usually sore for one day. I played a 2:20 match on Friday and ran two miles on Saturday and three on Sunday and was feeling pretty good.
anirut
Legend
Is your other name "Clark Kent"? :shock:
I tried a set of Luxilon BB Ace on the Redondo Mid (it's the string I swore by in the Prestige Mids), and it's easily the front runner. I also am digging the WC Silverstring 1.20, so I'll need more time to see which I prefer, but I'm closer to settling on a string setup.
Ordered a third mid that should be here this week, just in time for my first tournament of the year.
Ordered a third mid that should be here this week, just in time for my first tournament of the year.
