Best items you found at thrift stores (Goodwill)?

Grafil Injection

Hall of Fame
I don't know that model, but I think I can see some small holes around the hoop that could probably have accepted optional weights. How HL is it currently, without any of them? I wonder if they were weights, or an extension to the head-guard, which would be a more elegant option.
 

mixtape

Professional
Today's Goodwill pull was the sequel to the Silver Ace, the 90 version, containing some ceramic fibers and of course a spiffy white paint job that's hard to photograph as per usual. The blue accents look very nice I do say. The paragraph on the side is more superlative filled than most PK frames of the era, they seem especially proud of this stick, calling it the most versatile racket they ever made. Does anyone know what they're talking about with the APW system? What on earth is supposed to be adjustable here? I'll have to take it out and compare with the original, which I can say by comparing them, does not use the same mould. The Silver Ace 90 is a slightly thicker beam, more rounded head, and lacks the flat hoop bottom of the original. I don't know what year the Silver Ace 90 came out but I suppose its likely 86-88. This mould also differs from my other PK mid 80s sticks in tha the throat bridge thins out somewhat.

In other news I hit for 30 mins each with the Head TXD and Composite director, if you need a refresher the TXD was pretty haggard and the Comp Director is in great shape. I was shocked to find I preferred the TXD, despite its obliterated grommets and beat up nature, it just felt more solid and controllable. The Comp Director wasn't bad per say, just not as good feeling to me. Maybe that price difference was justified lol.

Anyways, onto the PK pics.

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I've said it before and I'll say it again @kevin qmto, you take great photos and this one is a personal favorite, because I used this exact model in high school. I used it between 87-88. I believe came out in 86. The racquet came with little weights (about a 1 gram a piece) that you would attach to the outside of the frame before stringing. You'll notice on the frame at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions there are 5 dashes. That's the recommended location spots you would place the weights. I believe it was supplied with 4-6 weights. I think the APW was competition to Wilson's PWS, but customizable. I strung it a few times with the weights, 2 on each side and it was head heavy!

I don't know that model, but I think I can see some small holes around the hoop that could probably have accepted optional weights. How HL is it currently, without any of them? I wonder if they were weights, or an extension to the head-guard, which would be a more elegant option.

Yes, those small holes were there to lock in the weights before stringing.
 

retrowagen

Hall of Fame
Here's the pics, I know there's 2 paint jobs of the Head Club Pro. If I had to guess based just on aesthetics, I'd speculate this is the later version?
I'm allowed to use such sticks, as I was a Club Pro myself. Nice blue fade, looks very sharp, and the previous owner definitely had an eye for style, getting red and white strings to go with the accents on the frame. I can dig it. I'm not sure if its the Austrian or USA made variant, someone peeled the sticker off the buttcap, leaving only a stamped '315' code on the blank cap. It's a shame about the grommets, as far as frames of this vintage go, they're in pretty good shape. I've certainly seen far worse, heck I own far worse lol. But since the frame overall is in such good shape I'd love to get some replacement grommets so I'll look into snagging them, maybe even from you @Crozzer95.

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There were actually three different paintjobs on the Head Club Pro; this is the 1988 version. The (original) 1987 version was navy blue with gold stripes, and the 1989 version was an orange/red color. All Club Pro racquets were made in Austria. The 1987 version throws some folks off because its graphics has a little American flag on it, as did most if not all 1987 Head frames, many of which were pressed in Kennelbach.
 

bill a

New User
The 1987 Club Pro was my first tennis racquet. Of course, I let it go many years ago but recently I acquired another one and threw it in the closet with no real plans for it. A few weeks ago I took it with me to hit some balls and was impressed by how flexible it was and how good it felt with what appears to be original string. So, I sent it off to the stringer where it is now. A new set of strings and I think I am going to enjoy the Club Pro again. We shall see....
 

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
There were actually three different paintjobs on the Head Club Pro; this is the 1988 version. The (original) 1987 version was navy blue with gold stripes, and the 1989 version was an orange/red color. All Club Pro racquets were made in Austria. The 1987 version throws some folks off because its graphics has a little American flag on it, as did most if not all 1987 Head frames, many of which were pressed in Kennelbach.
I found pics of the orange/red models from a famous racket seller on the bay. Weird how the 87, and 89 paint jobs have the American flag side graphic but the 88 doesn’t? Also in his listing the orange/red racket has a Made in U.S.A buttcap.
 

retrowagen

Hall of Fame
I found pics of the orange/red models from a famous racket seller on the bay. Weird how the 87, and 89 paint jobs have the American flag side graphic but the 88 doesn’t? Also in his listing the orange/red racket has a Made in U.S.A buttcap.
Well, my memory was a little bit off. Checked the old Head 1988 and 1989 catalogues, and the orange/red Club Pro was from 1988, the ice blue one from 1989.
 

Grafil Injection

Hall of Fame
Well, my memory was a little bit off. Checked the old Head 1988 and 1989 catalogues, and the orange/red Club Pro was from 1988, the ice blue one from 1989.

Was the Club Pro (and Team Pro) sold alongside the Graphite Pro and Comp Pro in those catalogues, or had the latter two been retired by that time? Does it describe the layups of the former two?
 

bill a

New User
So, was there a difference between the Club Pro and Team Pro racquets or was it just marketing?
How is the Comp Pro different from these racquets?
 
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retrowagen

Hall of Fame
There was a Blue and gold Club Pro too. The Team Pro was never in the mainline catalog it was a department store racket.
Navy blue and gold was the 1987 Club Pro.
I think the Team Pro was an SMU for department stores, yes, and they certainly play like the Club Pro. The Head catalogues I have from 1986, 1988, and 1989 don’t quantify composition percentages, sorry.
 

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
So, was there a difference between the Club Pro and Team Pro racquets or was it just marketing?
How is the Comp Pro different from these racquets?
For one its quite a bit lighter - my Club Pro = 332g strung, Team Pro = 362g strung, (heavier than the Prestige Pro of the same year even!) Maybe it was just a Sporting Goods store frame, but at least being made in Taiwan, its grommets are still minty fresh lol. Both have identical printed stats on the throat. The Team Pro hits wonderful too, I love it, its my favorite 600 series box beam Head frame, yep, over the Prestige Pro...

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bill a

New User
I just measured my 87 Club Pro and it came in at 367g with leather, an overgrip, and dampener. I just had it restrung and took it out this morning to hit with a ball machine. The racquet is so flexible it really feels good and is easy to put the balls where you want them. Of course, this thing has no free power. You really have to swing it to get it where you want the ball to go.

It has a good feel and is really an enjoyable hit. To me, it doesn't feel heavy I guess due to my preference for heavier racquets and a headlight balance. I had no trouble with volleys or overheads. I like the racquet.

Kevin,
I really like the looks of the ice blue Club Pro you pictured. You always post great pics.
 

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
Last night yeilded the most expensive find I’ve ever purchased at a Play it Again location. But it’s a recent model year Pro Kennex Q5 Kinetix 295. There was actually 3 of them, all in good shape but at $49.99 I could only stomach buying one. It’s still about $30 less than the cheapest example I could find on they bay. Will get pics soon.
 

Szszszsz

New User

I don’t know if it counts but this is my recent hit. I bought them online, 630 was ~25$ and OS was ~50$.

Maybe not the cheapest but OS is in great condition (even head guard is clean and has no scratches), 630 has one scratch but it’s just paint (I guess someone’s hand slipped during strings cutting).
 

lefty10spro

Semi-Pro
Last night yeilded the most expensive find I’ve ever purchased at a Play it Again location. But it’s a recent model year Pro Kennex Q5 Kinetix 295. There was actually 3 of them, all in good shape but at $49.99 I could only stomach buying one. It’s still about $30 less than the cheapest example I could find on they bay. Will get pics soon.
Owner of a local PIA Sports once told me he could bargain down to 1/2 price on anything in the store and still make money. I would've offered $20.
 

bobeeto

Hall of Fame
Here's the pics, I know there's 2 paint jobs of the Head Club Pro. If I had to guess based just on aesthetics, I'd speculate this is the later version?
I'm allowed to use such sticks, as I was a Club Pro myself. Nice blue fade, looks very sharp, and the previous owner definitely had an eye for style, getting red and white strings to go with the accents on the frame. I can dig it. I'm not sure if its the Austrian or USA made variant, someone peeled the sticker off the buttcap, leaving only a stamped '315' code on the blank cap. It's a shame about the grommets, as far as frames of this vintage go, they're in pretty good shape. I've certainly seen far worse, heck I own far worse lol. But since the frame overall is in such good shape I'd love to get some replacement grommets so I'll look into snagging them, maybe even from you @Crozzer95.

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Damn this is best head cosmetic I’ve seen
 

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
Alright errybody, here's what I think is a pretty recent Pro Kennex Kinetic Q5. I believe this came out in 2015, which might as well be yesterday compared to most of my rackets. I added some lead to the handle to get its static weight up to 325g, closer to my main sticks 330, I'll have to get it on the SW machine to see if it matches up at all. Looks pretty great IMO, I love the little gold PK medallion in the buttcap. PK also joined the rest of the mainstream manufacturers and added some stringing start and tieoff markings. It also has what feels like a quad-PWS system at 4 corners of the frame, very subtle bulges that they call spiral technology for whatever reason.

Found a quote about it: “Spiral Tech Carbon frame uses High Modulus Graphite layered in a spiral structure. This gives the frame greater bending power greater than that of material used. Thus delivering best of both worlds; structural strength, power & stability of a stiff high modulus graphite and control and vibration dampening qualities of a flexible frame.”

Feels a bit loosely strung with a hybrid RPM Blast and NXT. I'll see how it hits Sunday. Hope it was worth the enormous expense of 50 big ones.

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kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
Wow. Used that Q5 for 20 minutes of rallying post USTA match today (won 6/3, 7/5 using my Adidas Barricade), and it actually feels very similar to the Bari in terms of feel. Low power for sure, and very plush since I think it’s gotta be strung in the mid 40s and my usual tension with poly is 52. Enough pop when you swing out though, and since the kinetic bearings are only 5g the ‘maraca’ sound is at a thankful minimum. I give it a preliminary thumbs up, and green light it for match play soon.
 
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kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
There's an Adidas GTM on the bay right now for a quite reasonable price, but I'm bringing it up because it appears to have a hand drawn Adidas trefoil logo on the strings and maybe the babolat stripes below it as well. I just thought that was funny.
 

PBODY99

Legend
@kevin qmto

The double stripes "should" be on the 1st & 3rd crosses from the bottom. Their also was a GTX jr frame, which I had to resist.
 

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
I found a Head 660 Power for $3. I can't find any info on it though. Is that the actual name? Made in Austria.
There’s so many different frames in the “Star Trek number font” era that seemed to last almost all of the 90’s. It started as a cohesive space-inspired line of Widebodies and it gradually ballooned to just about everything lol.
 
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kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
Is anyone else besides me guilty of the following hypothetical situation:

Say you're at the thrift store. and you see a racket case labeled for a specific frame you own at home (not just some generic case), which you're missing for that frame. And so you take the case and slip an unrelated racket you're also interested in buying inside (assuming it fits, or at least mostly fits...) and take it to the register to check out. Because yeah... I do that, especially if its just an empty case sitting on the shelf with no racket in sight. I don't know why, but so many times it seems people open up these cases, toss them aside, and then the racket gets sold without it... But if its a neat case for a specific model that I'm missing, I do this pretty much every time. Tonight I did it for 2 rackets lol.

I picked up the missing cases for my Pro Kennex Composite Presence, and Head Radical Bumblebee. Both cases were in great shape. The only reason I didn't just pick up another Radical is because there was a nice crack at the top of the frame, it even deformed the head a bit, so I tossed the junk racket back on the shelf and its case got wrapped around a Prince frame which should be revealed when I get some time for photos. Actually I ended up getting 3 frames.
 

Grafil Injection

Hall of Fame
I certainly would do, having given >30 rackets to charity. I would even match up a good condition cover, if I already had one at home in dodgy condition.
 

Szszszsz

New User
Is anyone else besides me guilty of the following hypothetical situation:

Say you're at the thrift store. and you see a racket case labeled for a specific frame you own at home (not just some generic case), which you're missing for that frame. And so you take the case and slip an unrelated racket you're also interested in buying inside (assuming it fits, or at least mostly fits...) and take it to the register to check out. Because yeah... I do that, especially if its just an empty case sitting on the shelf with no racket in sight. I don't know why, but so many times it seems people open up these cases, toss them aside, and then the racket gets sold without it... But if its a neat case for a specific model that I'm missing, I do this pretty much every time. Tonight I did it for 2 rackets lol.

I picked up the missing cases for my Pro Kennex Composite Presence, and Head Radical Bumblebee. Both cases were in great shape. The only reason I didn't just pick up another Radical is because there was a nice crack at the top of the frame, it even deformed the head a bit, so I tossed the junk racket back on the shelf and its case got wrapped around a Prince frame which should be revealed when I get some time for photos. Actually I ended up getting 3 frames.
I find those racket cases funny. Why would you even need it? I assume you take more than one racket for the match, so you need to carry them in a bag and if you want it to just store your racket why not just building a shelf for them or some nice display instead of hiding them in a case? Imo those single-racket cases are useless.
 

davced1

Hall of Fame
I find those racket cases funny. Why would you even need it? I assume you take more than one racket for the match, so you need to carry them in a bag and if you want it to just store your racket why not just building a shelf for them or some nice display instead of hiding them in a case? Imo those single-racket cases are useless.
Racket cases are for when running out of space for rackets in the bag but you still want to bring more rackets on court.
 

Szszszsz

New User
Racket cases are for when running out of space for rackets in the bag but you still want to bring more rackets on court.
Option 1: buy a bigger bag

Option 2: just carry one extra racket in your hand

No offence but for me case make you look like an idiot ;)
 

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
I find those racket cases funny. Why would you even need it? I assume you take more than one racket for the match, so you need to carry them in a bag and if you want it to just store your racket why not just building a shelf for them or some nice display instead of hiding them in a case? Imo those single-racket cases are useless.
1. It’s kind of like keeping the jewel cases that movies and games come in, when you could toss all those original boxes and put them in a binder.

2. I’ve found the face of rackets can get scuffed pretty badly around the hoop when you’ve got 2 or more unprotected frames rubbing against each other when being carried in a 12 racket bag without being in a protective case. So even when they’re in my gearbag I like to keep them in a case if I have it.
 

Szszszsz

New User
1. It’s kind of like keeping the jewel cases that movies and games come in, when you could toss all those original boxes and put them in a binder.

2. I’ve found the face of rackets can get scuffed pretty badly around the hoop when you’ve got 2 or more unprotected frames rubbing against each other when being carried in a 12 racket bag without being in a protective case. So even when they’re in my gearbag I like to keep them in a case if I have it.
Well, when I play with a racket it will get scratches anyway, I just view them as battle scars. Also I know a guy who put some foam-kind-of-foil between his racket when they are in a bag but I guess I’m not that pedantic kind of person.

I get it if you kind of collect them but for me they just don’t look attractive even on the display.
 

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
Well, when I play with a racket it will get scratches anyway, I just view them as battle scars. Also I know a guy who put some foam-kind-of-foil between his racket when they are in a bag but I guess I’m not that pedantic kind of person.

I get it if you kind fof collect them but for me they just don’t look attractive even on the display.
I don’t really display my rackets in my house. They’re just in a series of duffel bags.
 

Grafil Injection

Hall of Fame
I dont expect to find Maxplys in great condition in charity shops these days as they usually head to the web, so this Super-Fort for £2 was surprising to say the least. A rather beefy 404g, but the 'light balance' thanks to the graphite lamination was achieved at 32.25cm. Strung with lovely Hy-Sheep too. Quite rare I believe.

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Grafil Injection

Hall of Fame
Here we can see the 'layup' of the Maxply Super Fort. Beech and hickory have been replaced by the central graphite lamination. There is still a traditional wooden crescent shoulder reinforcement, unlike the later Maxply Graphite that had thin fibreglass shoulders. It does feel very powerful and solid, although that could be the 404g, whilst having a svelte and aerodynamic hoop. The neck is just 24mm across, compared to 28-30mm for most Maxplies.

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Grafil Injection

Hall of Fame
At the other end of the range, this Wilson Pro Team was in very good condition for £1.50. 'Designed for Intermediate Player' presumably means it was good value with a colourway inspired by a certain cigarette brand. Standard size and length, but with an interesting square beam of 15mm x 15mm. Extremely light for a wood at 341g strung, it feels fine in the centre, but a bit weak outside. Not bad for gentle hitting, but just no power or stability when things speed up. It's tempting to see if the performance would be changed by applying a few layers of varnish, as the current paint is very lightly applied compared to most rackets, but I'll think I'll drop it back at the charity shop for someone else to try.

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kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
Found this at Savers and fell in love. Sure it has a decent amount of head rash at the top, but no cracks so it came home with me. Was this the highest end of the Ace line for a time? I like how it says 'Boron' right after 'Boron Ace' just in case you thought that name was just for show. Definitely stiffer than the benchmark Copper Ace, and maybe a little thinner beam? Maybe its the gloss finish but it feels thinner, guess I'll have to measure. Anyways its another worthy addition to my Pro Kennex collection and I'd say give it a whirl if you find one. I wonder what it retailed for back in 84-86?

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Grafil Injection

Hall of Fame
At the top of the range was firstly the Black Ace in 1979. Then the Diamond Ace came out around 1982 at the top, and stated 30% boron in its layup. It was around twice the price of the Silver Ace at about £180 (USD 250). The label on your Boron Ace shows there is less boron, but it still replaced the Diamond at the top of the range according to 1985 magazines, at around £130 in the UK, which should be about 180 USD. It came down rapidly in price, however, as thin beams died.
 
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Casey 1988

Semi-Pro
At the top of the range was firstly the Black Ace in 1979. Then the Diamond Ace came out around 1982 at the top, and stated 30% boron in its layup. It was around twice the price of the Silver Ace at about £180 (USD 250). The label on your Boron Ace shows there is less boron, but it still replaced the Diamond at the top of the range according to 1985 magazines, at around £130 in the UK, which should be about 180 USD. It came down rapidly in price, however, as thin beams died.
I found the old original Ace line with most of the wood era and the over produced Jr Power Ace/Silver Ace same model just changes depending on era tends to by most sellers be the cheapest on e-Bay simply becuse nobody really wants a model in wood mixed design unless that rare model of micro ace that has an 19x20 string pattern. This is in the old lineup of Ace models the ProKennex brand had a 25 inch long Jr Ace, I am not talking about the Cheap line in the early 2000's where they had a few models of Jr Ace and an adult model, two once the titanium option came out that the adult model seems hard to find on e-bay always selling out.

Nice to see models prices on the expensive side have not really changed in price from ProKennex now selling most of the current line around $180--$190 besides the modern Black Ace line that is $200 along with a 120 square inch head and 109 square inch head from the Q+ series probably higher cost at $200 due to more material and then the 100 square inch classics which due to price the being around $127--$129 are bestsellers being both models in classic are higher performance racquets. Now, I am using Tennis Warehouse prices becuse of how few other sites have the ProKennex models in stock as they fear they will just sit around forever only selling the 27.25 and 27.5 inch 104 square inch head on up models to old retired from a job people who when they want to play tennis not pickle ball use. Some smarter places carry the 2 models in the classics line becuse of price knowing they will sell but that is about it from other sellers
 
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kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
At the top of the range was firstly the Black Ace in 1979. Then the Diamond Ace came out around 1982 at the top, and stated 30% boron in its layup. It was around twice the price of the Silver Ace at about £180 (USD 250). The label on your Boron Ace shows there is less boron, but it still replaced the Diamond at the top of the range according to 1985 magazines, at around £130 in the UK, which should be about 180 USD. It came down rapidly in price, however, as thin beams died.
I remember that old ad from 83 you posted showing the Diamond Ace. Those sure don’t pop up often on the bay. I had assumed the Boron Ace Replaced the Diamond Ace around 84-85 but I was only guessing. Wonder if any of the pros PK had in their stable used the Boron?
 

Grafil Injection

Hall of Fame
I remember that old ad from 83 you posted showing the Diamond Ace. Those sure don’t pop up often on the bay. I had assumed the Boron Ace Replaced the Diamond Ace around 84-85 but I was only guessing. Wonder if any of the pros PK had in their stable used the Boron?

Yeah, Boron Ace is listed as TOTR in 1985, and I assume the first Diamond Ace was retired in 1984, probably because it was too expensive and too stiff like other 1st gen boron rackets. Noting the weird shape of the first Diamond Ace, I believe those initial boron sticks had a full lamination of the stuff, whereas, later models had boron just at strategic points in the racket. There was a 2nd Diamond Ace with just 5% boron, and a more normal throat bridge too.

There is a PK advert somewhere, indicating Black, Silver and Bronze Aces were used by Pros, but I don't recall if Diamond or Boron were.
 

kevin qmto

Hall of Fame
Yeah, Boron Ace is listed as TOTR in 1985, and I assume the first Diamond Ace was retired in 1984, probably because it was too expensive and too stiff like other 1st gen boron rackets. Noting the weird shape of the first Diamond Ace, I believe those initial boron sticks had a full lamination of the stuff, whereas, later models had boron just at strategic points in the racket. There was a 2nd Diamond Ace with just 5% boron, and a more normal throat bridge too.

There is a PK advert somewhere, indicating Black, Silver and Bronze Aces were used by Pros, but I don't recall if Diamond or Boron were.
I knew a few pros listed as using the black and silver. I had no idea PK had any of their pros using the lower end Bronze Ace.
 
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