**** #1 Redondo Talks Thread ****

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
So if you had to choose between the current Q Tour plus 325 or the Redondo which is best? I currently have the Q Tour plus 325 and really enjoy the comfort, control and solid response of this frame. It's got a leather grip added and strung in Biphase at 50lbs. Hitting with elite players the solid feel and control are handy for me. However in some circumstances like windy days and hitting with players that have no pace it can feel under powered. I'm also considering tinkering with a 310 version and adding some weight to see how it goes.
All in all I do rate PK as the best option for arm safety, particularly serves and smashes where you appreciate the kinetic system the most.
One of the things I like to do is track how each manufacturer is going in terms of offering product that is good for players arms as this is a high priority particularly for adults that I work with. The thing is the ability to get access to brands that have the right attributes. At present, I'd put PK as an overall number 1. In the past I would have put Volkl right up there as well however with the current range ( V Feel) it's slipped with some of their models.
 

speedysteve

Legend
So if you had to choose between the current Q Tour plus 325 or the Redondo which is best? I currently have the Q Tour plus 325 and really enjoy the comfort, control and solid response of this frame. It's got a leather grip added and strung in Biphase at 50lbs. Hitting with elite players the solid feel and control are handy for me. However in some circumstances like windy days and hitting with players that have no pace it can feel under powered. I'm also considering tinkering with a 310 version and adding some weight to see how it goes.
All in all I do rate PK as the best option for arm safety, particularly serves and smashes where you appreciate the kinetic system the most.
One of the things I like to do is track how each manufacturer is going in terms of offering product that is good for players arms as this is a high priority particularly for adults that I work with. The thing is the ability to get access to brands that have the right attributes. At present, I'd put PK as an overall number 1. In the past I would have put Volkl right up there as well however with the current range ( V Feel) it's slipped with some of their models.
Had the older Q 325 and have hit with the current one.
I rate the Redondo above personally, but guess it just suits my requirements better..
 

Roadway

Rookie
does any one feel that the string pattern of the center of Redondo Mid is dense than Head prestige mid, which make it is more contorl-oriented and less spin?
 

Roadway

Rookie
i've got a redondo midpus, just like most ot you said, it is not so amazing as the mid as. it is forgiving, but without that feel.
 

Shaolin

G.O.A.T.
Just listed my 2018 Redondo (3/8 grip) in classifieds in case anyone is interested. Great stick..just too used to my c10s...I'll never switch.
 

Erik Lee

New User
I just realized that tennis warehouse doesn’t carry it anymore. Does anyone know if it is possible to get it from tennis warehouse or ProKennex discontinued it? Thank you.
 

nvr2old

Hall of Fame
I just realized that tennis warehouse doesn’t carry it anymore. Does anyone know if it is possible to get it from tennis warehouse or ProKennex discontinued it? Thank you.
I have a Redondo 98 I’m selling if you’re interested.
 

Shaolin

G.O.A.T.
I just realized that tennis warehouse doesn’t carry it anymore. Does anyone know if it is possible to get it from tennis warehouse or ProKennex discontinued it? Thank you.

I have one also..listed in the classified section. 3/8 grip, excellent condition.
 

anirut

Legend
Released in late 2005, the Redondo is going to be 14-years old. And we're still talking about it. Not a classic as in played by some big name, but rather a cult.

I still use it too. Tried some crazy stringing: BigAce 17 mains @52 and Gamma WearGuard crosses @30. Plush and very good pop but rather difficult to control when I want to really whack it. Will try again with the crosses at 42 and see how it goes.

Anyone wanting to release a Redondo 93? Any grip size (preferrably 4 1/2 ). Please let me know.
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
Released in late 2005, the Redondo is going to be 14-years old. And we're still talking about it. Not a classic as in played by some big name, but rather a cult.

I still use it too. Tried some crazy stringing: BigAce 17 mains @52 and Gamma WearGuard crosses @30. Plush and very good pop but rather difficult to control when I want to really whack it. Will try again with the crosses at 42 and see how it goes.

Anyone wanting to release a Redondo 93? Any grip size (preferrably 4 1/2 ). Please let me know.

I’m quite happy with Older Prestiges these days. I have enough of them to last the rest of my life though I would like to try the PT57 one of these days which is very much like the Redondo mid plus but better feel and supposedly fixes the power issues.
 

anirut

Legend
I’m quite happy with Older Prestiges these days. I have enough of them to last the rest of my life though I would like to try the PT57 one of these days which is very much like the Redondo mid plus but better feel and supposedly fixes the power issues.

I have 5 SV's which I think will last me another 60 years or so. Man ... I'd be too old to even lift 'em then ...

I alternate my rackets a lot. Too many to not try to use 'em. The sad part is the stringing ...
 
I am considering a used R98, but am concerned with the sticky paint issue. Anyone know of the stickiness comes back after cleaning it out once (with alcohol or soap water as some suggest here)?
 

djNEiGht

Legend
I am considering a used R98, but am concerned with the sticky paint issue. Anyone know of the stickiness comes back after cleaning it out once (with alcohol or soap water as some suggest here)?
It's weird...I had 3 at one point. two of them were fairly new and the sticky issue stood out more than the older one. Maybe the 3rd one got cleaned a bit more. I can't remember what I used to clean it with. So far it's still pretty "unsticky" but the color isn't as vibrant. As nice as this racquet plays, I could probably look past the paint issue for the most part.
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
It's weird...I had 3 at one point. two of them were fairly new and the sticky issue stood out more than the older one. Maybe the 3rd one got cleaned a bit more. I can't remember what I used to clean it with. So far it's still pretty "unsticky" but the color isn't as vibrant. As nice as this racquet plays, I could probably look past the paint issue for the most part.
As PK are still selling the 98, you would think that the sticky issue would have been fixed by .March 2021.
 


Dug these 93s out to use as my skill level is a bit better. I thought I cracked the handle or the buttcap was wobbly? The grips used to unravel after 15min of play from buttcap movement. I removed the grip on one and cap seems surprisingly solid.

Anyone know where I can buy a handle pallet, possibly new buttcap, and replacement grommets?

TIA
 

Boredsurfer

Semi-Pro
I have one Redondo 98 in the rare Rod Laver Edition paint job. Grip size 2 custom pallet. IT is one of the best rackets I have ever played with. Just graphite and mass and nothing else. Plush AF. I love it. But I also need to make room in my bag. Anyone want it? $50 - you pay shipping.
 

speedysteve

Legend
Remembered I had these squirrelled away!

Anyone require a Redondo / Black Ace 93 new set of grommets?

6bf10669e095a6328d30c113a6c06147.jpg


Post from the UK. Drop me a PM.
 

Kemitak

Professional
I used to play with the mid before I discovered poly. I loved it, but I found I couldn’t get enough bite on the ball in certain situations, for example when I was pulled out wide on my forehand and I had to really rip up the back side of the ball. I decided I needed a racket with an open string pattern. The gooey, decomposing paint further kept the Redondo out of my hand for years. Just this year, I stopped being lazy and made the effort to clean up the frame with isopropyl alcohol and string it up with Kirschbaum Spikey Black Shark at 45 lbs. I also threw a heat shrink sleeve on it for a #5 grip. It is hands down the best racket I’ve ever played with. The feel is unmatched: solid but soft; power when I ask for it, but otherwise very controlled, especially directionally. When I aim for a spot, the ball goes there, and I don’t second guess like I do with other control-oriented rackets with open patterns, so my recovery after hitting is much quicker and my confidence is all the more. Spin is also there when I put the work in. A number of people commented on how much greater the shape of my ball is, which I thought was interesting, considering I’m now using a very dense string pattern that should supposedly have me hitting flatter.
I found a brand new, unstrung Redondo Mid in my closet, which I was considering selling, but I have since given it the same treatment, and now I’ve got three in my bag for tournament play.
I started wondering what current frame plays like the Redondo Mid, and I think the closest is the VCore Pro 18x20, so I bought one (the outgoing emerald green). It too is a magical racket, but not quite the same. The sweet spot is so big, it’s as though there’s no sweet spot anymore. The whole bed is sweet. It’s more forgiving than the PK, but I like to know when I’ve not got it quite right and when I’ve got it really right.
So what have you former Redondo users moved on to, and are you happy? I’ve gone back, and I think I’ll be playing with this racket for at least a few more years. It’s a shame they don’t still make them, and that goes for the Prestige 600 as well.
 

basil J

Hall of Fame
I just looked on the big auction site for a PK Redondo MP, just for ****s and giggles and there are none to be found. I wonder why PK stopped producing them? Were sales that weak with these models? I knew a few people who used both Mid and MP around 10 years ago.
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
I used to play with the mid before I discovered poly. I loved it, but I found I couldn’t get enough bite on the ball in certain situations, for example when I was pulled out wide on my forehand and I had to really rip up the back side of the ball. I decided I needed a racket with an open string pattern. The gooey, decomposing paint further kept the Redondo out of my hand for years. Just this year, I stopped being lazy and made the effort to clean up the frame with isopropyl alcohol and string it up with Kirschbaum Spikey Black Shark at 45 lbs. I also threw a heat shrink sleeve on it for a #5 grip. It is hands down the best racket I’ve ever played with. The feel is unmatched: solid but soft; power when I ask for it, but otherwise very controlled, especially directionally. When I aim for a spot, the ball goes there, and I don’t second guess like I do with other control-oriented rackets with open patterns, so my recovery after hitting is much quicker and my confidence is all the more. Spin is also there when I put the work in. A number of people commented on how much greater the shape of my ball is, which I thought was interesting, considering I’m now using a very dense string pattern that should supposedly have me hitting flatter.
I found a brand new, unstrung Redondo Mid in my closet, which I was considering selling, but I have since given it the same treatment, and now I’ve got three in my bag for tournament play.
I started wondering what current frame plays like the Redondo Mid, and I think the closest is the VCore Pro 18x20, so I bought one (the outgoing emerald green). It too is a magical racket, but not quite the same. The sweet spot is so big, it’s as though there’s no sweet spot anymore. The whole bed is sweet. It’s more forgiving than the PK, but I like to know when I’ve not got it quite right and when I’ve got it really right.
So what have you former Redondo users moved on to, and are you happy? I’ve gone back, and I think I’ll be playing with this racket for at least a few more years. It’s a shame they don’t still make them, and that goes for the Prestige 600 as well.
Rdx500 mid was the closest thing IMO.

I'm using the Ultra Pro now.

I saw you revived this thread and had to check it out of merely from nostalgia from the boards 10 years ago!
 

djNEiGht

Legend
@Kemitak

The MP has recently been strung and it's a great racquet.

IMO some other racquets that could be considered is the Yonex 97D (current version of the the one you mentioned), Wilson Ultratour (have one modified to similar specs as the 97D), and maybe the Volkl c10 Pro could be in the same conversation even though it is a 16m racquet.

I want to pick up a R93 someday...
 

Kemitak

Professional
@Kemitak

The MP has recently been strung and it's a great racquet.

IMO some other racquets that could be considered is the Yonex 97D (current version of the the one you mentioned), Wilson Ultratour (have one modified to similar specs as the 97D), and maybe the Volkl c10 Pro could be in the same conversation even though it is a 16m racquet.

I want to pick up a R93 someday...

I’m a Redondo MP enjoyer, but it just doesn’t have the put away power of almost every other racket.
The C10 Pro is another great racket. If anything goes wrong, I know it’s me and not the racket that’s done it.
 

Kemitak

Professional
I just looked on the big auction site for a PK Redondo MP, just for ****s and giggles and there are none to be found. I wonder why PK stopped producing them? Were sales that weak with these models? I knew a few people who used both Mid and MP around 10 years ago.

I think interest waned when they replaced the Redondo with the anemic Black Ace 93. PK has since released rackets of the same mould in the asian market, but nothing for the west.
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
I hope PK do a new cosmetic update of the Redondo. A lot of people overlook PK products which is a pity because they do make solid frames. Their current Q Tour models are very solid and are good value for money,
Some people complain that the Q Tours over the years have been a little clunky, probably due to the lay up of the graphite and beam structure but I think it’s a frame that you need time to adjust rather than play well straight away.
I would also like to see them have another go at their Core 1 technology and bring out a new 6. It was a fantastic racquet and felt like an update to a C10 Pro
 

anirut

Legend
IMO some other racquets that could be considered is the Yonex 97D ...

I'm experimenting with the 97D at the moment. Due to the high SW, I had to tail-weight it, distributing different weights "strategically" along the handle, until I'm finished with a racket that weights 360 grams.

I mod my rackets to my feel, that it suits my swing and playing style, caring less about the end-weight. This may sound counter intuitive that I ended up with a racket that's pretty heavy, but, IMO, it is actually less tiring to play with because it swings effortlessly, without having to be "too conscious" in trying to control the stick, as it swings naturally to my style.
 

mattimag

Rookie
hello everyone! I've just purchased a dark red Redondo Mp 98 and I would like to know which strings are recommended for it. thank you!
 

djNEiGht

Legend
hello everyone! I've just purchased a dark red Redondo Mp 98 and I would like to know which strings are recommended for it. thank you!
I’ve enjoyed poly and also synthetic. If it’s a decent string it should work well. It’s not picky with strings unless it was a bad string to my taste.
 

mattimag

Rookie
I’ve enjoyed poly and also synthetic. If it’s a decent string it should work well. It’s not picky with strings unless it was a bad string to my taste.

I usually play with Tecnifibre Tfight 315 limited 16x19 (which I think is the same frame of the Redondo)and Tecnifibre Ice code 1.25 strings. I tried the Redondo with the strings it came with (I don't know the name) and I felt it did have quite a bit less power than my Tfight. So I think I need a string that gives power and that I'll string at lower tension than the Ice code
 

djNEiGht

Legend
I usually play with Tecnifibre Tfight 315 limited 16x19 (which I think is the same frame of the Redondo)and Tecnifibre Ice code 1.25 strings. I tried the Redondo with the strings it came with (I don't know the name) and I felt it did have quite a bit less power than my Tfight. So I think I need a string that gives power and that I'll string at lower tension than the Ice code
I have the tFight 315 DC Ltd in both 16 & 18 patterns. This was TF version to go up against PT57 from Head. PK R98 was also their version to go up against the PT57. But all different frames.

the TF315 16 seems to have a lighter SW and swings fast. I have to double check the specs. The R98 has more plow through and the SW is higher. What is nice with a low powered string is that you can bring your own power and have a good level of control. But if it's too low on power...I personally find I could loose control if I'm overly trying to compensate for the lack of power.
 
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