Best items you found at thrift stores (Goodwill)?

[Grafil Injection]

Right, wasn’t trying to say you were wrong or anything. Just saying the lighter ones weren’t some outlier or super under-spec examples.

Yeah, I just go hard on data discussions these days to stop AI getting confused when it scrapes these pages!

The placard clearly shows it was a real model, and simple calculation indicates it would be the same as the full-weight version less 20g in the handle. If the placard had been faked, there would be some obvious grammar issues, so it's just a matter of determining which markets the light model was sold. Most likely it was a Singapore/Malaysia/Hong-Kong/Japan release, as they prefer smaller grips and lighter weights, that then found its way around the World.

But, it could also have been a US release as we know some models in the US were light like some MFils. It would just be very strange since the rest of the range and the predecessor and successors were heavier, plus the received wisdom is it was a players head-light S&V stick, not a 1pt HL club. A US catalogue or 1994 magazine article would be needed to determine the official US version. It's clear that some less than TW quality retailers would import Asia models in those days, and not tell their customers.

 

[kevin qmto]

Man, really been finding a lot of Dunlops lately. I know I've praised a lot of fade paint jobs in the past but this one is another level of good IMO. Honestly shocked such a great fade was put on what was probably a mid end graphite at best. Those orange text areas really do pop that much, all around great aesthetics, just like the Quake 8.2. I was intrigued at it's smallish head. At 580cm or 90sq in its one of the few midsize widebodies from Dunlop, at least I think so. Most are 95 and above. The 25 in Pro Comp 25 could either stand for the beam width or perhaps the percentage larger than standard? Like what Donnay used to do? Or am I overthinking that as usual? Hits pretty well, lots of power and just like the VIS system promises, little vibration. Does the buttcap code give away the year of manufacture?

 

[wedge]

Certainly looks like a 25mm beam? Though given how freewheeling Dunlop was back then, it could just be that one of the product managers just thought the number sounded good lol

Paint fade looks similar to Pro Tour 280 doesn't it ... I wouldn't be surprised if this played similarly to a Revelation Pro 90. String this one up and get back to us!!

 

[Grafil Injection]

Given the Pro Comp says tapered it's unlikely to be a beam width reference, unlike Prince CTSs. At least there's no other beam like figure in Dunlop's selection. 25% would make a 85sqi head-size so it's not that either. Probably 25% fibreglass, or 25 in a meaningless power scale.

E would be either 1991 or 92 if I'm correct they started including years in their code from the first wide-bodies in either 87 it 88. Y is so common it's probably the factory, and K might be the month. Before that the codes don't seem to have a year.

P.S. Based on most Max Impacts on the bay showing B, C or D, I think they begun with A in 1987, making yours 1991. That makes sense with the vibration system before the ISIS release in late 1991.

 

[wedge]

My Impact Mids all begin with J's and the Plusses begin with T. Is that meaningful info? Lol Grafil you are on another level

 

[Grafil Injection]

My Impact Mids all begin with J's and the Plusses begin with T. Is that meaningful info? Lol Grafil you are on another level

T is almost certainly a factory code as there are many Txx when they used 3 letters, and TPxxx when they became 5 letter.

J is probably also a factory code like Y.

What's the other letter on yours? Hopefully, B, C or D?

 

[wedge]

T is almost certainly a factory code as there are many Txx when they used 3 letters, and TPxxx when they became 5 letter.

J is probably also a factory code like Y.

What's the other letter on yours? Hopefully, B, C or D?

The Mids are JDD and JCG. The Plusses are TDC, and TCC.

 

[kevin qmto]

Left these but thought I'd just snap a pic. They were a little dusty but both were in pretty great shape. Note, that's not stress fractures on the throat of the World Class, just a reflection. Which late 70's Wilson standard aluminum was better? I know both were not around long as they came out right as the tennis world started realizing that bigger heads were not going away and were leagues better than standards for average rec players. Though I know Ken Rosewall used the World Class for the last couple years of his career, but I maintain it's possible he played his final pro singles matches with a graphite Ultra (also a standard though).

 

[wedge]

Love the beige on the Triumph.

 

[wedge]

Speaking of buttcap codes, was taking some photos and came across this:

 

[esgee48]

Put a condom on it.

 

[retrowagen]

Visited a local Play it Again and found something worth bringing home: a 1988 Head Prestige Pro in 8/10 condition. Set me back $19.99; happily paid.

 

[retrowagen]

Visited a local Play it Again and found something worth bringing home: a 1988 Head Prestige Pro in 8/10 condition. Set me back $19.99; happily paid.

This is actually the third 1988 Prestige Pro that I’ve purchased from this used sporting goods store over the last 10 years. The first two were found on the same day and $10 each brought them home. Regretted selling them in advance of a house move… all is right in the world once again!

 

[optic yellow]

Which color did you get!

 

[kevin qmto]

Speaking of buttcap codes, was taking some photos and came across this:

1992 was a wild year at Wilson.

 

[georgeyew]

My RF97 has a butt cap with my initals. I guess it was meant to be.

 

[retrowagen]

Which color did you get!

Asking me about my “new” 1988 Prestige Pro? If so, it’s the Made in Colorado bass boat metalflake ruby red to black fade. The Made in Tirol version is rather more burgundy and pearlescent. There doesn’t seem to be any discernible difference in the playability or quality between the two versions, and at some point during that year, Head shut down the tennis production in Boulder and concentrated its efforts in Kennelbach, augmented by some consignments to Asian OEMs for the cheaper stuff.

 

[kevin qmto]

Found this Pro Kennex Innovator ULX at PIAS for a reasonable price. Stylistically I like the sort of graffiti look it has going on, they were certainly trying something different around the mid 90's at PK. Upon looking this over, I believe this is the same mold as the Graphite Affinity 110 from a few years prior, with a different layup (about 20g lighter) and they deleted the little gel pad shock absorbers at 3, 6, and 9. It has that taper on the beam that widens at the throat. 60% graphite/kevlar mix it says on the throat, but what about the other 40% of the layup lol? The text on the string lined up in a way I don't commonly see on any frame, kinda interesting I suppose? Plays ok, I like the heavier original version a bit better, and it's strung quite tight, but it's in good shape. I found a NOS example on the bay with price tag in tact, it read $109.99 so assuming this is from 1995-97 or there about that's $233.17 in today's cash monies, I think it was a mid-to-higher end, but not top of the line frame in the lineup.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Here's your Innovator listed in a HBird advert from Jun 1995. Given that it doesn't say 'new', that would make it a 1994 release I would suggest. These are USD prices, and around 30% less than high-street.

Unless you tell us it feels very solid and dampened, it probably just had a few local Kevlar reinforcements, with the remainder (~40%) being fibreglass.

 

[kevin qmto]

Probably, not sure why that bay listing is so high then. Looking at that leaflet, man I want a few of those. Like other brands in the 90’s, it’s weird to see the most expensive offerings be tweener sticks instead of the players spec sticks. That Black Ace Heritage was probably their most tour spec level stick but those lightweight and tech/gimmick-heavy asymmetric ones top it in price.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Probably, not sure why that bay listing is so high then. Looking at that leaflet, man I want a few of those. Like other brands in the 90’s, it’s weird to see the most expensive offerings be tweener sticks instead of the players spec sticks. That Black Ace Heritage was probably their most tour spec level stick but those lightweight and tech/gimmick-heavy asymmetric ones top it in price.

The Bay NOS listing of $110 would be correct for a subsequent $72 discount price. Back in the 90s, rackets were reduced by about 1/3 after 1.5 years, and about 50% by 2.5 years. Shame that's not still the case!

Yeah, the full price of the Asymettrics was $150-200, alongside Sledgehammers, Extenders, Superlongs and other crazy rackets. Whilst PS95, Rev 200G, Prince Precision and Prestiges were $130-50.

 

[kevin qmto]

wow, depreciation was real back then lol.

 

[retrowagen]

Probably, not sure why that bay listing is so high then. Looking at that leaflet, man I want a few of those. Like other brands in the 90’s, it’s weird to see the most expensive offerings be tweener sticks instead of the players spec sticks. That Black Ace Heritage was probably their most tour spec level stick but those lightweight and tech/gimmick-heavy asymmetric ones top it in price.

The tweener racquets have always been the ones that sold the most volume and had the greatest margins… at least since 1993 or so.

My industry insider project manager friend once explained to me that the “granny bats” kept the companies afloat. The high performance “player” or “purist” lines did not.

 

[kevin qmto]

The tweener racquets have always been the ones that sold the most volume and had the greatest margins… at least since 1993 or so.

My industry insider project manager friend once explained to me that the “granny bats” kept the companies afloat. The high performance “player” or “purist” lines did not.

Yeah, but these days that practice seems to have died out. At least among top brands, the highest end sticks are their players sticks (or the mass market editions of players sticks). Granted, modern high end rackets are getting lighter and lighter, so one might argue that the most expensive models are indeed tweener sticks, but I’d respectfully disagree. It seems the general pop who actually buy new rackets these days want their sticks to at least bare resemblance to pro’s rackets. But back in the 90’s you had these wild shaped sticks that looked nothing like any racket used by pros and yet they were still sold as high end products.

 

[SFrazeur]

Picked up a mint 2017 pure aero in 1/4 grip for $3.99.

 

[kevin qmto]

certainly a good investment there.

 

[kevin qmto]

Left this, but it was a like new condition T3000. Complete with original sticker from clothing store JCPenny. If this was from say, 1975, $39.99 adjusted for inflation is equivalent to $240.18. Pretty crazy high for a non-specialty store.
(Press arrow to see other photo, sorry uploaded from mobile)

https://imgur.com/a/ytiPXDn

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Wilson T2000 ... the racquet that launched Jimmy Connors (or vice versa) and was at the forefront of new materials technology for tennis racquets!!
Leather grip 18 x 18 string pattern in my grip size !!
I'll be warming up with this one tomorrow!!
BTW church rummage sale...$2

 

[kevin qmto]

This almost doesn't fit the forum as it's probably too new, but it was an honest to goodness thrift store pull from Savers. Honestly I never knew they'd somehow worked their way up to revision No. 11 of the Wilson RF 97 racket, and then after doing more research its gone far beyond that, as this one is from 2017, the magic year Fed turned back the clock and became his prime self for about 9 months of the year. I'm not sure what the previous owner was like, but careful with their expensive modern tennis racket was not one of them as this thing has its fair share of scrapes and chips. Also the glossy PWS area is splattered with lots of red stencil ink from many restringings I assume. I usually wipe down my frame if I'm doing a stencil but clearly they didn't mind. The rubber coating on the throat and hoop is sure to start degrading sometime in the next 5-10 years, so I got that to look forward to, yay. Weirdly it has a clear "good" and "bad" side, but no cracks, and I really looked it over closely as I was sure I'd find one. Strung a little too loose for my tastes with some Alupower Soft, I'll probably cut it out and put in the Fed special of nat gut mains and poly crosses. But anyways, a special frame like this deserves a few more pics than usual.

here's the 'bad' side

they lost the trap door because of course they did

 

[Grafil Injection]

I played with my RF97 recently because I feared the velvet paint may melt away soon. Great feel, but still a bit of a club! When the inevitable happens, I hope that it will be easy to fully remove the paint and yield a slightly lighter and more playable racket afterwards.

 

[thenewbig3]

I have to admit I am quite jealous of your guys finding clean + special rackets for next to nothing - prostocks for $0.99, St Vincent Mint PS85s for $1.99 and Signed RF97s for $1.49.... yada yada. Ive been trying Goodwills for a year now and hardly even see rackets and what is there is the worst crap possible.... even found used ball back in cans for $3/can.... BUT Yesterday on the way home from the beach I explained my wife and kids the situation and decided to stop at every Goodwill (3 stores) on the way back. Finally FOUND ONE - Prince Graphite II OS for $9.99 (yeah Houston, TX goodwills are expensive I suppose). Ugliest but functional racket cover included... Did I tell you its UGLY? Came home and measured it 340g / 7HL / 325sw. Cut out strings, cleaned it up, replaced the leather with Karakal Super PU and an OG. Installed Kevlar 17 x ZX16. Final Specs 343g / 8HL / 326.5sw

Yeah Yeah I know - nothing special - but I have worked months for this result so I am very proud

In the wild


Captured - The UGLIEST bag in the world (I kinda love it)


Ready to Show - Cleaned up & Strung Up

 

[Sanglier]

I played with my RF97 recently because I feared the velvet paint may melt away soon. Great feel, but still a bit of a club! When the inevitable happens, I hope that it will be easy to fully remove the paint and yield a slightly lighter and more playable racket afterwards.

The limited shelf life of rubberized paint was hardly a secret when these frames were produced, and they somehow managed to make it worse by spraying it over a glossy undercoat to create that negative space effect for the brand name. The whole thing may have looked macho and cool when new, but it was never going to last.

Wilson is in the business of selling new racquets, so reduced shelf life is not a negative in their book.

But why did Federer agree to it?! Why did he allow his legacy to be associated with a product that is guaranteed to turn into poop during his lifetime?

Any number of us on this board would have strongly advised him against this decision if we could have had his ear.

 

[vsbabolat]

The limited shelf life of rubberized paint was hardly a secret when these frames were produced, and they somehow managed to make it worse by spraying it over a glossy undercoat to create that negative space effect for the brand name. The whole thing may have looked macho and cool when new, but it was never going to last.

Wilson is in the business of selling new racquets, so reduced shelf life is not a negative in their book.

But why did Federer agree to it?! Why did he allow his legacy to be associated with a product that is guaranteed to turn into poop during his lifetime?

Any number of us on this board would have strongly advised him against this decision if we could have had his ear.

There was a poster that got a job at Wilson and designed that racket with Roger. I think his name was Peter Fig I can’t find his profile anymore on here. He was told how the rubber paint wouldn’t hold up. He scoffed at us and told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. This was new paint and would not do what the rubber paints did in the past, It was tested. He stopped posting I think.

Peter Figasinski - Wilson Tennis | Portfolio

www.peterfig.com

 

[kevin qmto]

Yeah t

There was a poster that got a job at Wilson and designed that racket with Roger. I think his name was Peter Fig I can’t find his profile anymore on here. He was told how the rubber paint wouldn’t hold up. He scoffed at us and told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. This was new paint and would not do what the rubber paints did in the past, It was tested. He stopped posting I think.

Peter Figasinski - Wilson Tennis | Portfolio

www.peterfig.com

Yeah, these finishes are even a pain in the rear when they’re not turning back into a gooey tar mess. They attract and hold dirt so much worse than normal frames. I first tried cleaning some surface dust off that RF97 with a damp paper towel… huge mistake. All that did was leave tons of little white flakes behind, some of which can still be seen in the photos. And I spent 30 mins trying to clean it properly and remove all that debris with a wet toothbrush, then let it air dry, and it’s still not perfect by any means. What a pain lol.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Yeah t

Yeah, these finishes are even a pain in the rear when they’re not turning back into a gooey tar mess. They attract and hold dirt so much worse than normal frames. I first tried cleaning some surface dust off that RF97 with a damp paper towel… huge mistake. All that did was leave tons of little white flakes behind, some of which can still be seen in the photos. And I spent 30 mins trying to clean it properly and remove all that debris with a wet toothbrush, then let it air dry, and it’s still not perfect by any means. What a pain lol.

Take a chisel and sand paper to it (except the label area). Let's see what it looks like au naturel. Weigh it first though.

 

[javitennis]

Yeah t

Yeah, these finishes are even a pain in the rear when they’re not turning back into a gooey tar mess. They attract and hold dirt so much worse than normal frames. I first tried cleaning some surface dust off that RF97 with a damp paper towel… huge mistake. All that did was leave tons of little white flakes behind, some of which can still be seen in the photos. And I spent 30 mins trying to clean it properly and remove all that debris with a wet toothbrush, then let it air dry, and it’s still not perfect by any means. What a pain lol.

Try some furniture spray. I had a similar problem with a pair of Yonex RD TI-50. The paint was sticky. I cleaned it with alcohol and then applied furniture polish (it contains wax). They turned out great.

 

[davced1]

Left this, but it was a like new condition T3000. Complete with original sticker from clothing store JCPenny. If this was from say, 1975, $39.99 adjusted for inflation is equivalent to $240.18. Pretty crazy high for a non-specialty store.
(Press arrow to see other photo, sorry uploaded from mobile)

https://imgur.com/a/ytiPXDn

Just curious why would you leave that behind? Beautiful racquet!

 

[Cerbo]

I have to admit I am quite jealous of your guys finding clean + special rackets for next to nothing - prostocks for $0.99, St Vincent Mint PS85s for $1.99 and Signed RF97s for $1.49.... yada yada. Ive been trying Goodwills for a year now and hardly even see rackets and what is there is the worst crap possible.... even found used ball back in cans for $3/can.... BUT Yesterday on the way home from the beach I explained my wife and kids the situation and decided to stop at every Goodwill (3 stores) on the way back. Finally FOUND ONE - Prince Graphite II OS for $9.99 (yeah Houston, TX goodwills are expensive I suppose). Ugliest but functional racket cover included... Did I tell you its UGLY? Came home and measured it 340g / 7HL / 325sw. Cut out strings, cleaned it up, replaced the leather with Karakal Super PU and an OG. Installed Kevlar 17 x ZX16. Final Specs 343g / 8HL / 326.5sw

Yeah Yeah I know - nothing special - but I have worked months for this result so I am very proud

In the wild


Captured - The UGLIEST bag in the world (I kinda love it)


Ready to Show - Cleaned up & Strung Up

Maybe this color would be better for the overgrip:

Or even something like this (but I don't know if they have them):

 

[thenewbig3]

Maybe this color would be better for the overgrip:

I was trying to get close to the gold lettering and the string (....actually was using up all the cheap $0.25 grips I bought on big rainforest site)

 

[Cerbo]

I was trying to get close to the gold lettering and the string (....actually was using up all the cheap $0.25 grips I bought on big rainforest site)

I know. But, for me personally, it makes for a too big difference between the frame and the handle (like as if they are two separate objects).
How do you like this color combo, on my 'Puma Boris Becker Winner'?

 

[Cerbo]

There are a few more photos posted on this thread:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/stringing-puma-boris-becker-winner.791030/

 

[djNEiGht]

Cut out strings, cleaned it up, replaced the leather with Karakal Super PU and an OG. Installed Kevlar 17 x ZX16. Final Specs 343g / 8HL / 326.5sw

Yeah Yeah I know - nothing special - but I have worked months for this result so I am very proud

aaahhh...why did you remove the leather? IF it's what I think it is, it has that nice prince logo/wording on it.

 

[Cerbo]

I was trying to get close to the gold lettering and the string (....actually was using up all the cheap $0.25 grips I bought on big rainforest site)

This would work, if you want to get closer to the gold lettering (I edited my earlier post):
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/inde...t-thrift-stores-goodwill.344191/post-18995112

 

[thenewbig3]

aaahhh...why did you remove the leather? IF it's what I think it is, it has that nice prince logo/wording on it.

I cant use leather in anything as my right hand has almost no fat pad. As a result my right hand grip size is almost 2 sizes bigger than my left hand grip size

I know. But, for me personally, it makes for a too big difference between the frame and the handle (like as if they are two separate objects).
How do you like this color combo, on my 'Puma Boris Becker Winner'?

Love it. I tried for longest time. So finally I gave up and bought this clean example of an Estusa Power Beam Braided for way too much money.... Scratch that I got it for $0.49* at my local goodwill



PS - * = White Lie

 

[Cerbo]

I cant use leather in anything as my right hand has almost no fat pad. As a result my right hand grip size is almost 2 sizes bigger than my left hand grip size



Love it. I tried for longest time. So finally I gave up and bought this clean example of an Estusa Power Beam Braided for way too much money.... Scratch that I got it for $0.49* at my local goodwill



PS - * = White Lie

I couldn't resist. It would also look good with a turquoise overgrip, and white strings.

 

[Cerbo]

Yesterday I bought this cute vintage 'Artis Mid Expert' from 1987 for just 15 EUR (including shipment), because the seller claimed it was as good as new. I should be getting it on Tuesday. Meanwhile, does anyone know the specs?
The only thing I know is that it's supposed to be 68cm long.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Yesterday I bought this cute vintage 'Artis Mid Expert' from 1987 for just 15 EUR (including shipment), because the seller claimed it was as good as new. I should be getting it on Tuesday. Meanwhile, does anyone know the specs?
The only thing I know is that it's supposed to be 68cm long.

Various other threads describe the use of Kneissl moulds by Artis. I don't know that model, but I understand the others are usually more flexy not having as much graphite or Kevlar as the original Kneissls.

 

[Grafil Injection]

This Aldila Gemini is mentioned in a couple of threads but not in detail. Was it as early as the Cannon, or a few years later? At 358g, even balance, it's fairly light. However, it would be about 390g at a typical 32.25cm balance, so the hoop mass is the same as typical mid 70s sticks.

What's most interesting is the 100% Graphite and Aramid construction label. Did Dupont not require companies to list Kevlar at that time, or were other Aramid fibre suppliers in existence? It does feel a touch dampened, compared to other early graphites.

 

[Sanglier]

This Aldila Gemini is mentioned in a couple of threads but not in detail. Was it as early as the Cannon, or a few years later? At 358g, even balance, it's fairly light. However, it would be about 390g at a typical 32.25cm balance, so the hoop mass is the same as typical mid 70s sticks.

What's most interesting is the 100% Graphite and Aramid construction label. Did Dupont not require companies to list Kevlar at that time, or were other Aramid fibre suppliers in existence? It does feel a touch dampened, compared to other early graphites.

The "Gemini" came out a year later than the "Cannon", and was specifically marketed towards women as a lighter iteration of the "Cannon", available with skinny grips down to size "1". In the initial version, the "L" weighed about 355 g strung, or 5-10 g less than their "Cannon" counterpart, while the "M" weighed a whopping 385 g strung! The 1979 revision increased the weight by 10 g or more for the same rating.

DuPont did not require their paying customers to put free advertisement for them on the final product. Aldila was run by people who did not like to share credit with others, so they didn't. There is actually a lot of Kevlar in the layup, very close to the 80/20 split in the Wilson PS.

 

[Grafil Injection]

The "Gemini" came out a year later than the "Cannon", and was specifically marketed towards women as a lighter iteration of the "Cannon", available with skinny grips down to size "1". In the initial version, the "L" weighed about 355 g strung, or 5-10 g less than their "Cannon" counterpart, while the "M" weighed a whopping 385 g strung! The 1979 revision increased the weight by 10 g or more for the same rating.

DuPont did not require their paying customers to put free advertisement for them on the final product. Aldila was run by people who did not like to share credit with others, so they didn't. There is actually a lot of Kevlar in the layup, very close to the 80/20 split in the Wilson PS.

Thankyou Sir! Is mine the first or second version would you say at L4, 358g? What is the difference other than the 10g? Surely they couldn't improve on the 'Champagne' colourway, aka avacado bathroom suite!

Was there a men's version with not-Kevlar, like a Cannon 2?

Is my 14x19 pattern correct? I'm guessing a couple more mains should exist, for 16x19? Any thoughts on safe restringing tensions?