crazyups
Professional
I have the Qtour, I agree that it's 98 headsize
**** #1 Redondo Talks Thread ****
- Thread starter anirut
- Start date
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
I wanted to update about my recent experience with the Redondo 98s. I switched from the C10 Pro on a whim and found great control albeit with a drop in power. I use the Pro Red Code 16 strings and decided to test 17 gauge and also have some Tourna Big Red on order to see if a bit more pop might be better - while still maintaining tension for a month which is what I like about Pro Red Code.
After 3 matches over 2 weeks I started to get a sore elbow which I know shouldn't happen with the low flex Redondo. I never had problems with the C10 Pro even with polys. I believe this time it was because the grips on my Redondos are 4 1/4 where i should use 4 3/8. I could have added another overgrip but that would just add more weight - they were already 354 grams with the stock leather grip, tourna overgrip and dampener.
I switched the leather grip for a TF ATP Tour synthetic grip (2.1mm) and my usual overgrip and I was very surprised at the difference. It was 8 grams lighter (344grm) and played very differently. It felt like a shorter racket and was very mobile. No elbow pain although it's still a bit tender from the earlier set up.
I guess I have reduced the headlight balance but not the swingweight. Now it really plays a lot like the prestiges I used to use - the Pro classic and the IG version. When I had the leather grip on it felt weightier and a bit more unforgiving on off-center hits. I had been thinking of adding lead to the hoop because it was so head light and low powered. It had that very old school feel - the one you get from 100% graphite with a very firm leather leverage point. It was very much driven from the handle. Now, with the synthetic grip it swings more uniformly with a bit less of that unique, old school racket feel. I want to see what happens with a fresh set of PRC 16 at 51 or 52 lbs. I may experiment with tail weighting to see if that increases racquet head speed for spin.
I didn't play well today so it is hard to give a complete review. I had 2 sticks out and was able to compare the 16 and 17 gauges of the PRC. Even though the 16 gauge had been in for 5 weeks, had 6 hours of play already and had been strung 2 pounds lighter I much preferred it. The 17 gauge was more springy and I got some floaters which made me lose some confidence on approach shots. It felt nicer but I'll take the control of the 16 gauge anyday.
Another day another (tennis) lesson.
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After 3 matches over 2 weeks I started to get a sore elbow which I know shouldn't happen with the low flex Redondo. I never had problems with the C10 Pro even with polys. I believe this time it was because the grips on my Redondos are 4 1/4 where i should use 4 3/8. I could have added another overgrip but that would just add more weight - they were already 354 grams with the stock leather grip, tourna overgrip and dampener.
I switched the leather grip for a TF ATP Tour synthetic grip (2.1mm) and my usual overgrip and I was very surprised at the difference. It was 8 grams lighter (344grm) and played very differently. It felt like a shorter racket and was very mobile. No elbow pain although it's still a bit tender from the earlier set up.
I guess I have reduced the headlight balance but not the swingweight. Now it really plays a lot like the prestiges I used to use - the Pro classic and the IG version. When I had the leather grip on it felt weightier and a bit more unforgiving on off-center hits. I had been thinking of adding lead to the hoop because it was so head light and low powered. It had that very old school feel - the one you get from 100% graphite with a very firm leather leverage point. It was very much driven from the handle. Now, with the synthetic grip it swings more uniformly with a bit less of that unique, old school racket feel. I want to see what happens with a fresh set of PRC 16 at 51 or 52 lbs. I may experiment with tail weighting to see if that increases racquet head speed for spin.
I didn't play well today so it is hard to give a complete review. I had 2 sticks out and was able to compare the 16 and 17 gauges of the PRC. Even though the 16 gauge had been in for 5 weeks, had 6 hours of play already and had been strung 2 pounds lighter I much preferred it. The 17 gauge was more springy and I got some floaters which made me lose some confidence on approach shots. It felt nicer but I'll take the control of the 16 gauge anyday.
Another day another (tennis) lesson.
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OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
Hi Anirut - long time no see - hope you are well. Did you find another Redondo mid? Cheers
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anirut
Legend
Nope. No other Redondo Mid. So I'm storing mine away, letting it rest with all the battle scars. I still have two BlackAces 93's, which I pull one out to play with once in a while.
Right now I'm "back" to the old days ... SV85 (5 of 'em) and the more modern RF85 (2 of 'em).
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
Btw - if any Redondo users are still looking for solutions to the sticky paint issue - I finally found a way to clean them this morning. Mine had been sitting for a long time and it is humid here and the room was dusty. So the frames were really sticky and dirty. I had found that with the frame I started using again I could work away at the sticky residue with my sweaty palms when I played and it was gradually getting smoother. This morning I happened upon my bike cleaner "Muc-off" used by Team Sky, IAM Cycling teams etc. to clean their bikes. It was really effective at removing the sticky residue and restoring the paint to smooth rubber feel. I think the rubber paint itself is resistant to scraping on the court and scratching and now that I have a way to clean it, I actually see it as very a resilient solution. And it probably contributes to how the frame feels - e.g. compared to the hard, shiny lacquer finish of my C10 pros. Hope this is helpful.
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djNEiGht
Legend
hhhhmmm...i have some bicycle spray/frame cleaner with "giant" on it.
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
Hi DJ - test with a cloth - rub it on a small area and see what happens. The Muc-off is designed to apply and leave for a few minutes before wiping away. I found I still had to work the excess residue off with a cloth using my thumb- and then wipe off with a damp cloth. But came up amazing.
In the process I realized that when I changed the grip pallets a while back I cut one of them too short and one of the bats must be only 26.5". Now trying to find where i can get pallets that fit.....
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djNEiGht
Legend
Thanks. I sold off two of my r98. I used to use alcohol wipes and it helped do the job for a while. The sole r98 I have still has that nice soft touch feel and isn't sticky...yet. I hope it stays that way. If it does go down that route I'll consider the muc-off.
Now I really need to clean my bikes. Other than the dust...I have a bike that has dried drip stains of an electrolyte drink on the seat tube and bottom bracket.
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
Anirut - I notice the Prokennex Thailand website still lists the Redondo 93 on its site. Did you try them to see if they have any?
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anirut
Legend
You can't expect accuracy on PK sites. Ages ago when the Heritage 93 (silver) was discontinued, you still see them on PK sites.
And, sadly in Thailand, PK is considered "a toy brand" by most.
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
Is the C98 round a good fit these days?
Simplicius
Semi-Pro
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
Hi - I found when I switched from the C10 Pro with Technifibre Ro Red Code and used the same string even with lower tension it was too dead and low powered for me. I tested a couple of strings and find Tourna Big Red works really well - but more pop and feel.
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joe sch
Legend
See new listing forHi! I am looking for a spare of Redondo Type C Mid. I hope you could point me to the right direction. Thank you!
Racquet: ProKennex Heritage Type C98 Redondo MP pair avail
maximus
Semi-Pro
Sent you a pm sir! thanks!
maximus
Semi-Pro
djNEiGht
Legend
possibly the balance
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
I did this with my 98s. It does play quite differently. Obviously less headlight, and depending on the replacement grip you use more cushioned and comfortable. I find it to be a balance I like better and I get the benefit of an overall lighter racquet with the same plowthrough.
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maximus
Semi-Pro
Thanks! I am planning to do this!
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
How did it go? I am playing with a Prince Textreme Tour 100P now and still find that around 6 points headlight is ideal balance for me even in a modern frame.
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maximus
Semi-Pro
Haven't had the chance to play yet. Hopefully, this weekend.
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
So have had played 4 matches with the Prince TT100P. I am starting to understand the tradeoffs of a modern frame v the classic Redondo MP. I am serving better and it helps to hit attacking groundies which stay in with spin. But miss the balance, heavy slice and solid volleys of the Redondo. I am starting to appreciate what a great racquet the Redondo MP really is. Got to get some replacement pallets is all now.....
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You might want to try the PP100P..I thought it felt like a more modern Redondo MP though a bit slower because it's not as head light. The TT100P feels faster but not as stable as the Redondo. The PP100P volleys better than both.
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
Thanks Kenyee. This is really useful info. The Phantom Pro 100P is exactly the racquet I would like to get - although the stock swingweight seems slightly high for me. I kept the Redondo at same swingweight in the end (tried some lead tape for a while, but decided better without). And I have added just 1gram at 12 oclock to the TT100P. That improved the feel a bit - but I feel like if I go further than mid 320s SW I will be giving up the benefit of switching to a modern racket. The Phantom 93P and 100P start at 330 SW and I think that's a bit much for me, especially with what I am trying to do with my game. For now I'll persevere with the changes I need to make to play with the TT100P - and keep the Redondo in the bag as a back up. Cheers
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Yep, the swing weight is why it has more stability I think...and I'm sure it's one reason it feels slower than a Redondo (along with being less head light).
I had lead on the buttcap and 3 and 9 o clock and head tape onthe Redondo...for the PP100P, I only needed the lead at the buttcap and head tape but it still feels slower.
I had lead on the buttcap and 3 and 9 o clock and head tape onthe Redondo...for the PP100P, I only needed the lead at the buttcap and head tape but it still feels slower.
OldSkoolSlice
Rookie
Wow - the Redondo must have been heavy. I took off the leather grip and got it down to 345 with overgrip and dampener. Will keep trying with the light, modern TT100P
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djNEiGht
Legend
my first guess would be....The Redondo is extremely stable
Maybe the throat or at 6 o'clock.
To address not changing the balance...make sure you counter balance. Go with a little at a time.
I run mine with lead at 3/9 and on the butt cap
PMChambers
Hall of Fame
Hi 3 & 9 don't do long strips better more point loading at extreme points. Count it a little at handle.
Smaller head sizes almost always feel lighter because you have less stuff to move around.
More aero heads also feel lighter...e.g. the PK5G feels more head light because it's more aero. The phantom100 feels lighter because of the O ports.
TW measures RA after it's strung IIRC...it goes down when strung.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
Incidentally the Volkl Sensor tour handle pallets ( the ones they used in the tour, v engine , DNX and PB series) fit PK racquets really well. I've just done a replacement for my Core 1 No 6 and it fits perfectly. Previously I had tried with Head pellets and it's a little too tight with gaps on the sides.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
Out of interest, with the Redondo still being sold in shops in the US ( They were never brought to Australia, only as samples for the reps) I was wondering whether they are still good sellers especially with the Q tour plus 325 available as well.
The current Q Tours are very good frames with nice comfort and definately more muted than a Black Ace or Core 6 but Im interested how the Redondo stacks up. For PK to still be making them must mean that the frame's feel and performance still have great support. Anybody care to share your thoughts and experiences?
The current Q Tours are very good frames with nice comfort and definately more muted than a Black Ace or Core 6 but Im interested how the Redondo stacks up. For PK to still be making them must mean that the frame's feel and performance still have great support. Anybody care to share your thoughts and experiences?
topspn
G.O.A.T.
To be honest, at least in the Chicago area it is rare to even see a PK stick much less a redondo. I had a redondo 98 a long time ago and played pretty good except serves were a bit difficult to put heat on them. I had to really swing out and hit the best second serve i can. A big downfall for me.
Shaolin
Talk Tennis Guru
No one uses anything but Babolat where I live (Kansas). You see them in the hands of 4 year olds all the way to 95 year old seniors. Pretty sad really but they'll go out of style soon enough.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
Here in Oz in my area we are seeing a decline in Pure Drives and a rise in Yonex. There is very little PK here at present because the agent that brings them in is more focussing on Tecnifibre.
Shaolin
Talk Tennis Guru
Good to hear Babs are in decline there at least.
I saw a high school match here the other day and every player on both teams except one had a PD or AD. Rallies would last about 2 shots before someone hit it 75 feet out of the court.
Pro Kennex will never be popular since their yearly marketing budget is about what I spend on lunch in a week.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
Volkl pallets work ok on PK but was wondering whether you were going to source PK pallets and from where ?
