1993 Made In Austria Head Radical Tour OS 690 18x19 string tension recommendation?

[Rezmund13]

Hi

Looking for some advice

I picked up a mint 1993 original Agassi Head Radical Tour OS recently and want to string it with a hybrid set of vs touch black 16 mains and rpm blast 17 crosses.

The original manufacturer's recommendation is 65lbs plus which seems high by modern standards. Am wondering if anyone with the same or similar frame has recommendations based on modern strings and machines.

Thanks

 

[esgee48]

Back in 1993, poly strings were just coming on scene. The recommendations then were based on nylon or synthetic guts. Radical Tour OS generally range between 55-68 # depending on model.

My 1st suggestion is to try the frame with POSG in the middle of the tension range. See what you like or dislike about the tension, control, power levels.

On the 2nd or 3rd try, install your NG mains and poly crosses, much will depend on how much differential you want between mains and crosses. Your prior trials should help you select tension for mains and crosses. IMO, I think you will end up with NG mains between 58-60# with the poly crosses 2-3# lower for shorter compact swings. If you have a long fluid swing, then up all tensions by ~4-5#. Can't really be more helpful since no one knows what your swing looks like.

 

[Rezmund13]

Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.

I do have long fluid strokes and my main go to rackets are a vcore 95D with lead at 3 and 9, plus the RF97. The Radical is for my collection of classic frames to hit with from time to time.

I'm thinking 55-59/52-56 NG/Poly like you've suggested might be a good starting point. The racket recommendation is 64lbs +/- 4lbs.

Cheers.

 

[esgee48]

Thanks. When graphite frames first came out, tension recommendations were really high. Then over the decades, they started to drop into the mid 50's to low 60's. With the advent of polyester strings, tension dropped thru the floor because they are so very stiff. All poly users generally are in the low 50's - high 40's now. Since you are using NG, unless you know exactly what tension to use, it's best to do your trials with something cheap like Plain Old Synthetic Gut. You can translate tensions from SG to NG and poly easily. Just keep in mind that most of the feel from the hybrid will be from the mains. Have fun with the frame.

 

[Erik van der Laan]

Hi, I bought the same racket at **** and I gives a lot (to much) of power.

I give it a try with Head RIP Control 17 @ 26/27 kg.