Best items you found at thrift stores (Goodwill)?
- Thread starter flashfire276
- Start date
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Been on the hunt for one of those, I have the later 90’s widebody variant, the Aero 210.
BDAZ
Hall of Fame
It had probably the original strings in it... very faint F stencil, and still has the original leather. Paint is not in great shape. This seems like a racquet that if you drop it, a huge chunk will break off. Will probably string it up with NRG2, since that's what I have a reel of at the moment.
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Bagumbawalla
G.O.A.T.
Found a Wimbledon "Traditional Pro" tennis racket at a thrift shop ($4.00).
Was in good condition, but the paint was beginning to fade.
Normally I tend to pick up rackets that have some sort of gimmick, but
in this case I thought the name "Wimbledon" was gimmick enough.
It was "designed and manufactured by Kunnan" and sort of resembles
a Prince-style frame.
Was in good condition, but the paint was beginning to fade.
Normally I tend to pick up rackets that have some sort of gimmick, but
in this case I thought the name "Wimbledon" was gimmick enough.
It was "designed and manufactured by Kunnan" and sort of resembles
a Prince-style frame.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
I have an Ultra 2 with a blue metallic blue paintjob that I got from TW years ago. I think it was made for Hana Mandlikova.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Those secrets hit great. If the damage was mostly cosmetic I’d have picked it up as long as it was under 25. Think mine was 20.
How much were they asking on that Kneissel?
How much were they asking on that Kneissel?
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Hard to find a secret in better shape. The paint doesn’t matter as it’s military stealth graphite anyway.
ClayJ
New User
Secret was around $4 (maybe I'll go back)
Kneissel from PIAS was $59.99
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Ok yeah that’s way off on the Kneissel lol. But yes totally grab that Secret. It’s matte paint job was known for being a bit fragile but it won’t affect how it plays (which is wonderful).
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Wonderful indeed until it shatters your clavicle.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
It's ok so long as he has normal US insurance. They have a 'Total arm replacement for Secret 04 users' clause since the late 80s.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
What state is that Play it again sports in?A few random racquets which I didn't buy:
Kneissl at the same Play it Again Sports I bought that prostock from, with pricetag for more than the prostock :
Yamaha Secret 04 in poor shape:
AMF Head Graphite Edge:
And one more funny one:
T3000
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
How does PIAS work? Are they a charity selling donated items, or do they source the old rackets from real thrifts and the Bay? Do they refurb / restring before selling, or just sell things however they turn up?
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
They buy your old used sports junk for pennies on the dollar and resale it. They’ll take stuff for almost any sport there is. For tennis rackets they rarely give more than $10-15, most times like $5-7 and sell them at prices that seem almost completely random. Both for the good and bad.
At least in the Mid west USA they’re a pretty common chain, my moderately sized city of St. Louis Missouri has 3 locations within driving distance for me. Though one usually doesn’t have anything good for whatever reason.
They sell new low-mid end rackets as well as balls, grips, bags and baskets, but don’t restring anything.
I once asked how they acquire new racket stock. And the kid behind the counter said it’s a mix of local trade ins, and if stock gets particularly low, they call corporate and they ship the store a large cardboard box labeled “tennis rackets” and inside there will be an assortment of 20-25 totally random frames from one of their warehouses. Most will be crap, but if I’m any living proof, there are fantastic deals to be found if one puts in the legwork.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Alright, another cheat day for me. 3 rackets found their way into my possession.
#1 was a freebie. I always wondered why I never saw woodies at Play it Again Sports, and tonight I got my horrifying answer. So as I was being checked out with my 2 finds for the evening (more on those to come) I noticed someone had just traded in some rackets (they were still piled up on the checkout counter, so this happened like, minutes earlier) There was about 6 rackets, 2 of them were racquetball ones though. One was a 70s aluminum thing, 1 was a late 90's Dunlop Pro Laser 95, and in the middle were 2 woods. This one caught my eye and I asked what they were going to sell it for. I was shocked when the kid behind the counter said they don't sell wood rackets. The kid said just ask the owner how much he'd like for it (the owner happened to be there, and I was shocked to see this guy was like my age, maybe 30... maybe.) And I think he recently bought the business as he had no idea of the company policy of not selling wood rackets. The kid behind the counter who was maybe 20-22 was like, talking the owner through the listing process and seemed far more familiar with company procedure than the owner, which I found amusing. Anyways, as soon as he heard they weren't gonna sell the racket, he said "Just take it bro. It'll probably get thrown away otherwise." Which made me realize with shock they probably regularly get people trying to sell old woodies, and when they tell them they won't give them any money for it, they just leave it, and it gets thrown away... Well I rescued one tonight.
Dunlop A-Player (374g strung). In great shape, isometric ish? Strung VERY tight, I'm tempted to just cut them out and restring right off the bat, there's some cutting groves going on and I don't want to make it worse when I'm likely going to get it restrung anyways. Was Dunlop trying to make A-Player its own sub brand? They had balls too branded like that.
#1 was a freebie. I always wondered why I never saw woodies at Play it Again Sports, and tonight I got my horrifying answer. So as I was being checked out with my 2 finds for the evening (more on those to come) I noticed someone had just traded in some rackets (they were still piled up on the checkout counter, so this happened like, minutes earlier) There was about 6 rackets, 2 of them were racquetball ones though. One was a 70s aluminum thing, 1 was a late 90's Dunlop Pro Laser 95, and in the middle were 2 woods. This one caught my eye and I asked what they were going to sell it for. I was shocked when the kid behind the counter said they don't sell wood rackets. The kid said just ask the owner how much he'd like for it (the owner happened to be there, and I was shocked to see this guy was like my age, maybe 30... maybe.) And I think he recently bought the business as he had no idea of the company policy of not selling wood rackets. The kid behind the counter who was maybe 20-22 was like, talking the owner through the listing process and seemed far more familiar with company procedure than the owner, which I found amusing. Anyways, as soon as he heard they weren't gonna sell the racket, he said "Just take it bro. It'll probably get thrown away otherwise." Which made me realize with shock they probably regularly get people trying to sell old woodies, and when they tell them they won't give them any money for it, they just leave it, and it gets thrown away... Well I rescued one tonight.
Dunlop A-Player (374g strung). In great shape, isometric ish? Strung VERY tight, I'm tempted to just cut them out and restring right off the bat, there's some cutting groves going on and I don't want to make it worse when I'm likely going to get it restrung anyways. Was Dunlop trying to make A-Player its own sub brand? They had balls too branded like that.
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Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Alright, another cheat day for me. 3 rackets found their way into my possession.
#1 was a freebie. I always wondered why I never saw woodies at Play it Again Sports, and tonight I got my horrifying answer. So as I was being checked out with my 2 finds for the evening (more on those to come) I noticed someone had just traded in some rackets (they were still piled up on the checkout counter, so this happened like, minutes earlier) There was about 6 rackets, 2 of them were racquetball ones though. One was a 70s aluminum thing, 1 was a late 90's Dunlop Pro Laser 95, and in the middle were 2 woods. This one caught my eye and I asked what they were going to sell it for. I was shocked when the kid behind the counter said they don't sell wood rackets. The kid said just ask the owner how much he'd like for it (the owner happened to be there, and I was shocked to see this guy was like my age, maybe 30... maybe.) And I think he recently bought the business as he had no idea of the company policy of not selling wood rackets. The kid behind the counter who was maybe 20-22 was like, talking the owner through the listing process and seemed far more familiar with company procedure than the owner, which I found amusing. Anyways, as soon as he heard they weren't gonna sell the racket, he said "Just take it bro. It'll probably get thrown away otherwise." Which made me realize with shock they probably regularly get people trying to sell old woodies, and when they tell them they won't give them any money for it, they just leave it, and it gets thrown away... Well I rescued one tonight.
Dunlop A-Player (374g strung). In great shape, isometric ish? Strung VERY tight, I'm tempted to just cut them out and restring right off the bat, there's some cutting groves going on and I don't want to make it worse when I'm likely going to get it restrung anyways. Was Dunlop trying to make A-Player its own sub brand? They had balls too branded like that.
That looks to be in great condition and specs. Something about the proportions suggests this will play very nicely to me. Probably best not to hit your bullet forehand at first though!
ClayJ
New User
Southwest Ohio
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
I’ll try to take it easy on it. At 374g it’ll take quite an effort to even get it moving that fast lol. Despite its smaller head size, it outweighs my other graphite reinforced wood frames like my PK Blue Ace and Adidas Cosmos. Though the Prince Woodie is still 6g heavier. But that has a much larger head.
Did these come out after the Black Max do you think?
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I think it came out after the Black Max, which had a 1979-80 launch, at around 1982-84. But it was in the Dunlop range at the same time since the Black Max was still in the shops until the mid 80s.
My 384g Galaxy Mid wood-composite is not a problem manoeuvring, so I suspect the A-Player will be fine too, as the shape puts more of the mass near the shoulders rather than the top of the hoop.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
If it’s cheap buy it. Has a cool graph on the side, always a plus.
$10 with the bag.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Jeez yeah I’d do that in a heartbeat. Austrian frame, early widebody era, hopefully good grommets. Yeah worth it for sure.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Ok, so like my A-Player post above alluded, I got 2 other frames the previous night. One caught my eye immediately upon walking in. First thing that I noticed about this frame is just how heavy duty and nice the case is. This is the heaviest, plushest, and most 'high end' feeling racket case I've ever seen, and probably rivals the Prince Boron in terms of quality. It. Is. Heavy! but in a good way of course, complete with zippered side pouch. The inside has a gentle reminder of what line the frame is a part of, and the identification sleeve is Velcro'd to the interior and can be easily removed. Even the strap is detachable, and made of the same synthetic leather.
Anyways, moving onto the racket itself. It's gloss black, but somehow it's more shiny than the usual gloss blacks like you'd see on a POG or that Sting I posted days ago. It's like a mirror black finish almost. It's quite stunning really. I'm actually very uninformed on Pro Kennex frames after the mid 90s, I really don't know what year this came out. I was going to guess 2000ish? But that's just a wild guess. I suppose this was about the time PK stopped naming their rackets actual names, and started just using codes, taking a page out of the Acura playbook? The SMI 10g. Never seen another frame where the model name is only on the inner throat, have you?
It's the 100sq. in version. Weighing in at a respectable 336g, basically exactly the weight of a racket I like. It's the Kinetic system, so that means it has the micro lead-bearings inside, and it's a neat gimmick for sure. I wonder why the split throat too? Looks cool I suppose. And we even have a Prince-style authentic jewel! YES!!!!!! Alls I can really say after hitting with it tonight is, its pretty great. I've yet to hit with any of my lets see, 6 PK frames and think "well that sucked." (which I certainly did after trying to use the following: Yonex RD6, Profile 3.6, Head Tis1). I don't know why I've never considered playing with a PK frame as my "main" stick in league matches, when my normal main frame is certainly not mainstream by any means, in fact its less so than a PK lol (Adidas Barricade...) On the bottom of the frame is the familiar Pro Kennex sticker, but this time its under a classy 3d jewel sticker instead of just a sticker. Anyways, if YOU, yes YOU find one of these laying in the gutter, ignore your first instinct to walk past it scoffing while clutching your APD or PSRF97 and grab it and give it a swing. It's one to keep an eye out for. As always, you can trust my word, because I'm a person on the internet whom you've never met. the most trustworthy type of person there is.
Anyways, moving onto the racket itself. It's gloss black, but somehow it's more shiny than the usual gloss blacks like you'd see on a POG or that Sting I posted days ago. It's like a mirror black finish almost. It's quite stunning really. I'm actually very uninformed on Pro Kennex frames after the mid 90s, I really don't know what year this came out. I was going to guess 2000ish? But that's just a wild guess. I suppose this was about the time PK stopped naming their rackets actual names, and started just using codes, taking a page out of the Acura playbook? The SMI 10g. Never seen another frame where the model name is only on the inner throat, have you?
It's the 100sq. in version. Weighing in at a respectable 336g, basically exactly the weight of a racket I like. It's the Kinetic system, so that means it has the micro lead-bearings inside, and it's a neat gimmick for sure. I wonder why the split throat too? Looks cool I suppose. And we even have a Prince-style authentic jewel! YES!!!!!! Alls I can really say after hitting with it tonight is, its pretty great. I've yet to hit with any of my lets see, 6 PK frames and think "well that sucked." (which I certainly did after trying to use the following: Yonex RD6, Profile 3.6, Head Tis1). I don't know why I've never considered playing with a PK frame as my "main" stick in league matches, when my normal main frame is certainly not mainstream by any means, in fact its less so than a PK lol (Adidas Barricade...) On the bottom of the frame is the familiar Pro Kennex sticker, but this time its under a classy 3d jewel sticker instead of just a sticker. Anyways, if YOU, yes YOU find one of these laying in the gutter, ignore your first instinct to walk past it scoffing while clutching your APD or PSRF97 and grab it and give it a swing. It's one to keep an eye out for. As always, you can trust my word, because I'm a person on the internet whom you've never met. the most trustworthy type of person there is.
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kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Oh hey, I'm not done yet. Literally behind the PK Kinetic frame, was this. The near-mint condition, and identical purple strings (which matched the PK far better, lets be honest) led me to believe these rackets were traded in by the same individual. Here we have a time capsule worthy version of the original(?) Head Radical 260 Mid Plus. for only $15. I did not hit with it tonight but shall soon. Somehow, the original rubber grips have not deteriorated and still feel great. I have no idea how that's possible. It is strung VERY tight, I could barely move the strings with my fingers when I tried to straighten them for photos. oddly the crosses were all bent downwards, the opposite of what usually happens when I play. I wonder what kind of play style creates that pattern? Anyways, allow me to spam more giant photos on this page...
actually somewhat of a plain buttcap for this era Head racket.
So here's a little side by side with another Bumblebee Radical that was at the same Play it Again Sports that evening, an OS model, and there's some slight differences, so who can tell me which ones the original? Both made in Austria, the paint on the OS is a bit 'warmer' shade of yellow. The only reason I didn't get this is because I already have an OS Ti Radical and just wanted a Mid Plus of some kind. It was also priced at $15, and not in quite as good of shape as the MP one I got.
OS on top, MP below
Now MP is on top, OS Below. sorry for not keeping that consistent.
actually somewhat of a plain buttcap for this era Head racket.
So here's a little side by side with another Bumblebee Radical that was at the same Play it Again Sports that evening, an OS model, and there's some slight differences, so who can tell me which ones the original? Both made in Austria, the paint on the OS is a bit 'warmer' shade of yellow. The only reason I didn't get this is because I already have an OS Ti Radical and just wanted a Mid Plus of some kind. It was also priced at $15, and not in quite as good of shape as the MP one I got.
OS on top, MP below
Now MP is on top, OS Below. sorry for not keeping that consistent.
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Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Ok, so like my A-Player post above alluded, I got 2 other frames the previous night. One caught my eye immediately upon walking in. First thing that I noticed about this frame is just how heavy duty and nice the case is. This is the heaviest, plushest, and most 'high end' feeling racket case I've ever seen, and probably rivals the Prince Boron in terms of quality. It. Is. Heavy! but in a good way of course, complete with zippered side pouch. The inside has a gentle reminder of what line the frame is a part of, and the identification sleeve is Velcro'd to the interior and can be easily removed. Even the strap is detachable, and made of the same synthetic leather.
Anyways, moving onto the racket itself. It's gloss black, but somehow it's more shiny than the usual gloss blacks like you'd see on a POG or that Sting I posted days ago. It's like a mirror black finish almost. It's quite stunning really. I'm actually very uninformed on Pro Kennex frames after the mid 90s, I really don't know what year this came out. I was going to guess 2000ish? But that's just a wild guess. I suppose this was about the time PK stopped naming their rackets actual names, and started just using codes, taking a page out of the Acura playbook? The SMI 10g. Never seen another frame where the model name is only on the inner throat, have you?
It's the 100sq. in version. Weighing in at a respectable 336g, basically exactly the weight of a racket I like. It's the Kinetic system, so that means it has the micro lead-bearings inside, and it's a neat gimmick for sure. I wonder why the split throat too? Looks cool I suppose. And we even have a Prince-style authentic jewel! YES!!!!!! Alls I can really say after hitting with it tonight is, its pretty great. I've yet to hit with any of my lets see, 6 PK frames and think "well that sucked." (which I certainly did after trying to use the following: Yonex RD6, Profile 3.6, Head Tis1). I don't know why I've never considered playing with a PK frame as my "main" stick in league matches, when my normal main frame is certainly not mainstream by any means, in fact its less so than a PK lol (Adidas Barricade...) On the bottom of the frame is the familiar Pro Kennex sticker, but this time its under a classy 3d jewel sticker instead of just a sticker. Anyways, if YOU, yes YOU find one of these laying in the gutter, ignore your first instinct to walk past it scoffing while clutching your APD or PSRF97 and grab it and give it a swing. It's one to keep an eye out for. As always, you can trust my word, because I'm a person on the internet whom you've never met. the most trustworthy type of person there is.
Was this was the first kinetic racket? I think it was 1996-7 ish.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Oh hey, I'm not done yet. Literally behind the PK Kinetic frame, was this. The near-mint condition, and identical purple strings (which matched the PK far better, lets be honest) led me to believe these rackets were traded in by the same individual. Here we have a time capsule worthy version of the original(?) Head Radical 260 Mid Plus. for only $15. I did not hit with it tonight but shall soon. Somehow, the original rubber grips have not deteriorated and still feel great. I have no idea how that's possible. It is strung VERY tight, I could barely move the strings with my fingers when I tried to straighten them for photos. oddly the crosses were all bent downwards, the opposite of what usually happens when I play. I wonder what kind of play style creates that pattern? Anyways, allow me to spam more giant photos on this page...
actually somewhat of a plain buttcap for this era Head racket.
So here's a little side by side with another Bumblebee Radical that was at the same Play it Again Sports that evening, an OS model, and there's some slight differences, so who can tell me which ones the original? Both made in Austria, the paint on the OS is a bit 'warmer' shade of yellow. The only reason I didn't get this is because I already have an OS Ti Radical and just wanted a Mid Plus of some kind. It was also priced at $15, and not in quite as good of shape as the MP one I got.
OS on top, MP below
Now MP is on top, OS Below. sorry for not keeping that consistent.
PT57 for $15. Not bad!
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Wow, I didn’t know it was that old.
And I thought the PT was that blue/black racket? Or was that just a joke (I literally just woke up, my brains not functioning yet)
ClayJ
New User
PT57A for the trisys 260 mp; you just joined a cult by accident.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Still wondering about that name difference between the OS and MP Radical though if anyone knows.
djNEiGht
Legend
@kevin qmto
IIRC
The Bumblebee OS original has a ton more heft than that Ti.Rad OS.
I had several versions of the Bumblebee OS and as much as the original MIA model train wrecked the ball...I started to enjoy one of the re-issues that was close to 20 pts lighter in SW. I also had the MP and that thing was another beast. I gave it to my friend who likes those kind of specs. It was pretty tough for me to hit with for a long period of time in a match. I thought it would be a fun addition to my collection but just didn't fit in with my iPrestige/MG.Prestige MP racquets.
IIRC
The Bumblebee OS original has a ton more heft than that Ti.Rad OS.
I had several versions of the Bumblebee OS and as much as the original MIA model train wrecked the ball...I started to enjoy one of the re-issues that was close to 20 pts lighter in SW. I also had the MP and that thing was another beast. I gave it to my friend who likes those kind of specs. It was pretty tough for me to hit with for a long period of time in a match. I thought it would be a fun addition to my collection but just didn't fit in with my iPrestige/MG.Prestige MP racquets.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Name difference with Radical Trisys 260 and Radical Tour 260? The only difference is marketing. With the Radical Trisys 260 coming out in 1993 and then in 1994 marketing change for the name to Radical Tour 260.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I think the PK is from them because the design is similar to the Black Ace 'Precision' 93 and 98 that came out in 1995 I believe. It's scary how up to about 1987 you could easily tell the era of rackets, but many midplus and larger frames after that date still look modern today.
ClayJ
New User
I am refurbishing my Play It Again Sports Pro stock 263.1, and there are some interesting modifications made that i have never seen before. I took the pallets off, to see what code is underneath, and to eventually swap the pallets to size 3.
As it arrived to me, it weighed 312g strung, with original grip.
After I removed grip and Pallets the sticker became visible with the specs of the frame.
It looks like some of the hairpin handle was drilled out, i assume to make the frame lighter, and about an inch or so of silicone was added.
After cutting out the strings, the hairpin was super light, at 249.7g
With the pallets and butt cap off, the racquet measures under 27 inches, but I think when they are put back it is back to standard length.
Based on how the racquet cosmetics are rashed and scraped, and the lack of dust in every crevice, I would hazard it never really made it to any clay courts.
I ordered TK263A grommets and they should arrive in a week or so, so I pulled off the bumper and grommets and found 2 strips 10 inches long of lead tape from 11-1 on the hoop.
As it arrived to me, it weighed 312g strung, with original grip.
After I removed grip and Pallets the sticker became visible with the specs of the frame.
It looks like some of the hairpin handle was drilled out, i assume to make the frame lighter, and about an inch or so of silicone was added.
After cutting out the strings, the hairpin was super light, at 249.7g
With the pallets and butt cap off, the racquet measures under 27 inches, but I think when they are put back it is back to standard length.
Based on how the racquet cosmetics are rashed and scraped, and the lack of dust in every crevice, I would hazard it never really made it to any clay courts.
I ordered TK263A grommets and they should arrive in a week or so, so I pulled off the bumper and grommets and found 2 strips 10 inches long of lead tape from 11-1 on the hoop.
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kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
My Sting collection, I think I'm done buying them (maybe). I got a variety to compare.
left to right is oldest to newest. Wilson just loved giving these things double beams and taking them away.
left to right is oldest to newest. Wilson just loved giving these things double beams and taking them away.
Now you just need the sting standard and you’ll be setMy Sting collection, I think I'm done buying them (maybe). I got a variety to compare.
left to right is oldest to newest. Wilson just loved giving these things double beams and taking them away.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Arrg, don't remind me that something crazy like a standard size Sting exists lol. If I ever get one it'll have to show up at either a Play it Again Sports or Goodwill, as all 4 of these frames came from there. None of which cost over 15. I think I got the set for the following
Sting Largehead: 9.99
Sting SC: Most expensive of the bunch at 14.99
Sting 95 HB: 11.99
Sting (mid 2000's version): NWT for 5 bucks at Goodwill.
Anyways, here's the studio shots of the Sting 95. From the right angle you could be forgiven for thinking this is the 80s version. Look at Wilson ahead of the curve with the retro look. Think these were from the early to mid 90s right? Seen two paint jobs of this frame, but I think they're identical in layup. The other had a Swing Index rating where this does not, leading me to believe this is older. But then again maybe I'm dead wrong! You know, this thick beam width and heft heavily, heavily reminds me of a Wilson Graphite Aggressor 95 just with a throat cross bar... Maybe that's all it is, maybe they're totally different! Though I'm assuming the Sting cost more because lots of Graphite Aggressors I've seen don't even have head guards(!!!). Crazy for a full graphite frame from the 90s to not have one.
No top down photo because I forgot to take one!
You know, none of these boxes are checked off, so maybe this racket has none of these things. Pity. It's sure not lightweight at 354g strung.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
And the 2nd pickup was something I bought to give as a gift to the older guy I'm helping rehab from knee surgery. He's in his 60s and his main racket is an early Head TiS6. So early it was actually made in Austria. Anyways, when I saw this at PIAS, I said,, Ah heck, why not? I brought it home and spent nearly an hour scrapping all the tar like grip goo off the pallet, which is not separate from the frame, just molded out of the same graphite 'intellifiber' mesh. Interesting.
Anyone know what the deal was with the Intelligence series of Head frames (all appearing to be Austrian produced)? Besides the player oriented sticks I mean. Because these 'i' S2,4,6 rackets came a year or so after the TiS2,4,6 frames right? Yet, those Titanium series frames far outlived these ones, unbelievably, Head still makes the TiS6 24 years later, and made the S2 until maybe 2 or 3 years ago. And they started making the TiS1 Pro again for whatever reason... I used to think the iS6 was just a different paint job of the TiS6, but actually the drill pattern and shape is distinctly different, just slightly. So they're not the same.
This iS6 is also freakishly lightweight. I swung a TiS2 as my main stick for literally 12 years, which weighed in at 274g strung. And with no grip this iS6 was at 248g... For a 115sq in head frame!!! Goodness gracious. So I laid down some lead strips along the flats of the grip, and a bit at the top and bottom of the hoop. And with a grip it now weighs in at 278g. At least we're getting somewhere now... I'll probably swing it for a few mins just to get an idea for how it hits and then present it to the guy as a gift.
Pics, because like I'm gonna buy a racket and not take pictures of it.. Cmon now you know me better than that.
Anyone know what the deal was with the Intelligence series of Head frames (all appearing to be Austrian produced)? Besides the player oriented sticks I mean. Because these 'i' S2,4,6 rackets came a year or so after the TiS2,4,6 frames right? Yet, those Titanium series frames far outlived these ones, unbelievably, Head still makes the TiS6 24 years later, and made the S2 until maybe 2 or 3 years ago. And they started making the TiS1 Pro again for whatever reason... I used to think the iS6 was just a different paint job of the TiS6, but actually the drill pattern and shape is distinctly different, just slightly. So they're not the same.
This iS6 is also freakishly lightweight. I swung a TiS2 as my main stick for literally 12 years, which weighed in at 274g strung. And with no grip this iS6 was at 248g... For a 115sq in head frame!!! Goodness gracious. So I laid down some lead strips along the flats of the grip, and a bit at the top and bottom of the hoop. And with a grip it now weighs in at 278g. At least we're getting somewhere now... I'll probably swing it for a few mins just to get an idea for how it hits and then present it to the guy as a gift.
Pics, because like I'm gonna buy a racket and not take pictures of it.. Cmon now you know me better than that.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Honestly I have trouble wrapping my my head around the fact they made swing style numbers up to 11 and 12. Like the 6 is already super light and powerful. How could those be even more so lol.
I have one around here somewhere...when I find it I'll throw up some pics. It's a fun stick to mess around with its basically a Toalson Sweet Area racquet but with a crossbar.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Probably the most tasteful of the HIgh-Beam series. How high is that beam? 23mm?Arrg, don't remind me that something crazy like a standard size Sting exists lol. If I ever get one it'll have to show up at either a Play it Again Sports or Goodwill, as all 4 of these frames came from there. None of which cost over 15. I think I got the set for the following
Sting Largehead: 9.99
Sting SC: Most expensive of the bunch at 14.99
Sting 95 HB: 11.99
Sting (mid 2000's version): NWT for 5 bucks at Goodwill.
Anyways, here's the studio shots of the Sting 95. From the right angle you could be forgiven for thinking this is the 80s version. Look at Wilson ahead of the curve with the retro look. Think these were from the early to mid 90s right? Seen two paint jobs of this frame, but I think they're identical in layup. The other had a Swing Index rating where this does not, leading me to believe this is older. But then again maybe I'm dead wrong! You know, this thick beam width and heft heavily, heavily reminds me of a Wilson Graphite Aggressor 95 just with a throat cross bar... Maybe that's all it is, maybe they're totally different! Though I'm assuming the Sting cost more because lots of Graphite Aggressors I've seen don't even have head guards(!!!). Crazy for a full graphite frame from the 90s to not have one.
No top down photo because I forgot to take one!
You know, none of these boxes are checked off, so maybe this racket has none of these things. Pity. It's sure not lightweight at 354g strung.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
That's so chunky, it looks like a key-ring racket!And the 2nd pickup was something I bought to give as a gift to the older guy I'm helping rehab from knee surgery. He's in his 60s and his main racket is an early Head TiS6. So early it was actually made in Austria. Anyways, when I saw this at PIAS, I said,, Ah heck, why not? I brought it home and spent nearly an hour scrapping all the tar like grip goo off the pallet, which is not separate from the frame, just molded out of the same graphite 'intellifiber' mesh. Interesting.
Anyone know what the deal was with the Intelligence series of Head frames (all appearing to be Austrian produced)? Besides the player oriented sticks I mean. Because these 'i' S2,4,6 rackets came a year or so after the TiS2,4,6 frames right? Yet, those Titanium series frames far outlived these ones, unbelievably, Head still makes the TiS6 24 years later, and made the S2 until maybe 2 or 3 years ago. And they started making the TiS1 Pro again for whatever reason... I used to think the iS6 was just a different paint job of the TiS6, but actually the drill pattern and shape is distinctly different, just slightly. So they're not the same.
This iS6 is also freakishly lightweight. I swung a TiS2 as my main stick for literally 12 years, which weighed in at 274g strung. And with no grip this iS6 was at 248g... For a 115sq in head frame!!! Goodness gracious. So I laid down some lead strips along the flats of the grip, and a bit at the top and bottom of the hoop. And with a grip it now weighs in at 278g. At least we're getting somewhere now... I'll probably swing it for a few mins just to get an idea for how it hits and then present it to the guy as a gift.
Pics, because like I'm gonna buy a racket and not take pictures of it.. Cmon now you know me better than that.
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
I have no idea how Head assigned swing styles back in the day. You look at this and the TiS7, which had no completed throat hoop, and think how could they come up with a lighter power swing style than that S7. But there’s a S10, 11, 12, then unbelievably, S18…
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Taking a little weekend trip to go to a paintball tournament. Along the way there happened to be a Play it Again Sports. And it’s the largest location I’d come across. Had huge selections of every sport imaginable.
Except tennis. Tennis was a sad tiny display on one rack. They had a couple used contemporary Wilson Ultras, priced at 79.99. And one Dunlop Impact Graphite Ti for $15. Almost bought it just because I knew I’d never be there again. But in the end left it.
Except tennis. Tennis was a sad tiny display on one rack. They had a couple used contemporary Wilson Ultras, priced at 79.99. And one Dunlop Impact Graphite Ti for $15. Almost bought it just because I knew I’d never be there again. But in the end left it.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I'm trying to remember the date on this Snauwaert Dynamic 900. I could have put it in the Best Paintjob category, and it comes with a robust full case good enough for two rackets, so not bad for £7.50 in virtually mint condition. I think it's late 90s, but could be a decade later. The description sounds great as well: 100% HM Graphite and Kevlar, 18x19 on a 100sqi head, and about 21.5mm beam. But seems a bit anaemic weighing only 315g strung. First hit will be next week. Probably too light for me. Were Snauwaert still a Belgium company at this time, or was this just a use of the brand by Sports Direct or similar?
