Best items you found at thrift stores (Goodwill)?

[Grafil Injection]

Lol they probably thought it was real gold!
I bought this in Sweden and although we had many great players in the 80's I can't think of anyone who used this racquet!

Thanks for the string advice I was pretty happy with the strings in the other one with synthetic gut probably, I should check the tension in them and maybe go slightly tighter as the balls tended to sail a bit long with that one.

This is with the white butt cap but that's the only difference between the two I have. About the balance I compared them with the eye test and this one is obviously more head heavy now but I will try it and as you mention it should be fine.

When you say white butt-cap, do you mean in the original version with the ridge, or a later version with a recessed octagon? I've only seen a couple of the former on MAX 150Gs.

The leather grips weigh 20-24gs, so are about 8g heavier than a typical replacement grip, which will shift the balance by 0.5cm. If the strung racket is <370g then balances up to about 32.5cm are ok. If the racket is >370g, then it's best if the balance is nearer 32cm or lower if possible.

Syngut at 54lbs is generally great IME. I'm sure you know that 55lbs is the safe limit. If the racket is so heavy that you may find it difficult to swing, then perhaps a bit lower is advisable, say 50-52lbs.

 

[davced1]

When you say white butt-cap, do you mean in the original version with the ridge, or a later version with a recessed octagon? I've only seen a couple of the former on MAX 150Gs.

The leather grips weigh 20-24gs, so are about 8g heavier than a typical replacement grip, which will shift the balance by 0.5cm. If the strung racket is <370g then balances up to about 32.5cm are ok. If the racket is >370g, then it's best if the balance is nearer 32cm or lower if possible.

Syngut at 54lbs is generally great IME. I'm sure you know that 55lbs is the safe limit. If the racket is so heavy that you may find it difficult to swing, then perhaps a bit lower is advisable, say 50-52lbs.

I don't have a precision scale at home but it feels heavy by todays standards. There's a label on that says "light medium 5" whatever that means, it's definitely not light!
The other one I have has lost the label so not sure if they are about the same weight but they feel similar at least.

I don't know enough about old Dunlop butt caps to tell you which one this is but here's a pic.

 

[Grafil Injection]

I don't have a precision scale at home but it feels heavy by todays standards. There's a label on that says "light medium 5" whatever that means, it's definitely not light!
The other one I have has lost the label so not sure if they are about the same weight but they feel similar at least.

I don't know enough about old Dunlop butt caps to tell you which one this is but here's a pic.

LM should mean between about 376-390g strung, which was considered normal at the time! Can be ok if the balance is near 32cm.

 

[davced1]

LM should mean between about 376-390g strung, which was considered normal at the time! Can be ok if the balance is near 32cm.

Yeah it's definitely heavy but manageable to play with. I played just fine with the other one but felt my right bicep muscle was a bit sore afterwards I usually don't feel that after playing tennis.

I could try to check the balance have never done it actually but I know it's not that complicated.

 

[Frankc]

Keep in mind, those 200Gs play great if heavier - mass is great for that wand...

 

[kevin qmto]

At this point in my racket collecting days, I realize my biggest weakness when deciding whether to buy or leave an old racket is condition. I'm an absolute sucker for buying frames, literally anything, if they appear basically 10/10 condition. This thing looks like it's seriously never been used, and I don't really need it but how could I pass up a nice looking Prince Os frame for under $5? This Prince Ice Ti Os dates from 2004 according to a NOS price tag I found on an example online, is pretty light and I'm sure it wasn't particularly expensive. After looking into it, it appears the Force 3 line of rackets replaced the Synergy line of the mid to late 90's, and lasted from 02-05ish, until the O3 stuff really took over Prince's lineup. I have so many rackets to get out to the court in my backlog that my body would fall apart long before I could put much of a dent in it. Maybe its time to try dumping a few frames on CL again. Though I haven't tried doing that in about a year as it was a lot of work listing about 20 frames, and after reposting them for 3 months straight I sold a grand total of 2 of them (and my prices were reasonable I swear, just enough to make it worth my time).

Anyways, no one on this forum has even brought up this frame in 20 years, so it must be a hidden gem!!!

 

[Grafil Injection]

Keep in mind, those 200Gs play great if heavier - mass is great for that wand...

I do like the ground-stroke plough and volleys with my heavier 200Gs, but I find the best ones are at the 'lighter' end of the range, at least in terms of playing for 1-2hrs full out, especially serving.

 

[Grafil Injection]

At this point in my racket collecting days, I realize my biggest weakness when deciding whether to buy or leave an old racket is condition. I'm an absolute sucker for buying frames, literally anything, if they appear basically 10/10 condition. This thing looks like it's seriously never been used, and I don't really need it but how could I pass up a nice looking Prince Os frame for under $5? This Prince Ice Ti Os dates from 2004 according to a NOS price tag I found on an example online, is pretty light and I'm sure it wasn't particularly expensive. After looking into it, it appears the Force 3 line of rackets replaced the Synergy line of the mid to late 90's, and lasted from 02-05ish, until the O3 stuff really took over Prince's lineup. I have so many rackets to get out to the court in my backlog that my body would fall apart long before I could put much of a dent in it. Maybe its time to try dumping a few frames on CL again. Though I haven't tried doing that in about a year as it was a lot of work listing about 20 frames, and after reposting them for 3 months straight I sold a grand total of 2 of them (and my prices were reasonable I swear, just enough to make it worth my time).

Anyways, no one on this forum has even brought up this frame in 20 years, so it must be a hidden gem!!!

Amazing condition! Would be interesting to know how it hits, also compared to a more well known Prince of the era like the TT Warrior.

 

[davced1]

Played some casual doubles with the Max 200 G and as expected it’s great for doubles. It felt like if I just made good contact with the ball I couldn’t miss. Only complaints is I haven’t really figured out best way to serve with it yet I get considerably less power compared to modern racquets but maybe I just need to accept that, placement is good though and the serve probably feels heavy to the opponent since they didn’t return the serves that well.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Played some casual doubles with the Max 200 G and as expected it’s great for doubles. It felt like if I just made good contact with the ball I couldn’t miss. Only complaints is I haven’t really figured out best way to serve with it yet I get considerably less power compared to modern racquets but maybe I just need to accept that, placement is good though and the serve probably feels heavy to the opponent since they didn’t return the serves that well.

Yes, doubles net and pick-up volleys are superb. The whole hoop becomes the sweet-spot! Serving is inevitably more flat given the 18x20 pattern, so embrace that and the slice rather than the kicker. Inside-out serves are very good, if you have that in the locker. Given the weight, it's all about getting in the rhythm.

 

[davced1]

Yes, doubles net and pick-up volleys are superb. The whole hoop becomes the sweet-spot! Serving is inevitably more flat given the 18x20 pattern, so embrace that and the slice rather than the kicker. Inside-out serves are very good, if you have that in the locker. Given the weight, it's all about getting in the rhythm.

Tried some slice serves but need to work more on it I make them but not with as much spin as I want. I also played some with my pro staff 85 and today I preferred the Max 200 G, the pro staff almost felt flimsy in comparison not often I can say that about the PS 85. Also played with that lightweight 270 g Yonex which I actually played good with in singles but in doubles it just felt like I got pushed around when at the net, definitely not stable enough for me to trust it for doubles.

 

[dak95_00]

I picked up an older Ektelon stringing machine today for $100. It’s likely a DE or D machine but the label has fallen off. It doesn’t matter much because the entire thing has been upgraded to the H aside from the tension head having the longer arm to travel and the ability to switch sides of the crank. It has the clamp downs just and string clamps just like the Neos. The glide bars are extra long with the fat ends on both sides. It even comes with the small set of glide bars. The only downside is it is missing the little plastic adapters for the different types of racquet heads for the throat mounting. Since I already have a Neos and have those pieces, I figure I can either order a new set of have someone 3D print me some. Either way, this is a super nice machine that I’ll end up selling to a friend who wants to get into stringing.

 

[lim]

spotted this fairway from the other side of the aisle..

Of course the half cover gives it away.. mint SV jk85

 

[mixtape]

Nice find! I found one just like that many years ago and was fortunate enough to find the 110 version as well.

 

[teachingprotx]

spotted this fairway from the other side of the aisle..

Of course the half cover gives it away.. mint SV jk85

It’s amazing how flat it looks

 

[teachingprotx]

It’s amazing how flat it looks simply because of the color . Where as the pro staff still seems more rounded and new

 

[mixtape]

The matte finish and black inner hoop does give it a flatter look.

 

[teachingprotx]

The matte finish and black inner hoop does give it a flatter look.

Not in a bad thought. I’ve always loved the look .. I played with it awhile back I swear to me it felt stiffer than the 85 pro staff

 

[kevin qmto]

Not in a bad thought. I’ve always loved the look .. I played with it awhile back I swear to me it felt stiffer than the 85 pro staff

That doesn’t seem to make sense given the layup of each but perhaps there was a substantial difference in strings and tension.

 

[PistolPete23]

Wrong forum, delete

 

[teachingprotx]

agreed I believe the kramer is graphite , fiberglass.
where the OG has the sweet kevlar aramid fiber in her.
kevlar provides a different characteristic.. not flex and bending but a breathing quality upon impact. So it’s a softer ride for me. I wish the Kramer had a higher % of fiberglass because it’s not Babolat stiff as is but it’s not plush either . For me anyway

 

[Grafil Injection]

After being impressed by the similarity of the Pro Supex Titanium Tour that I found last year (^) to the Head Radical Titanium OS, I thought this 6.1 95 homage was worth a try despite being thoroughly used. Especially since such heavy use does imply an advanced player who enjoyed its performance. In the flesh, I can confirm this Tour Pro Extra has dimensions almost identical to a 6.1 95 including the beam width and location of the PWS bulges. The difference is the beam is completely oval, whereas 6.1s are ovalised hexagons, plus this Pro Supex has a 16x19 pattern that I actually prefer. I wonder if Wilson sold some 6.1 moulds to Pro Supex when they were no longer crisp.

I believe these were 00s releases, when Chinese OEMs were still ‘learning the meaning of Western patents’. Despite the heavy use, there are no cracks or rattles, and it has a substantial nature very similar to a 6.1, just happily 1/2 oz lighter. The feeling is like a typical Wilson with a solid yet pleasant sensation with very few vibrations get through to your hands; I would even say it has the Kevlar or Basalt type very slightly muted response, which is a bit surprising for a clone. At 338g strung, 32cm balance, this does indeed feel like a mix between a 6.1 18x20 and a 6.1 S (18x16). If it wasn’t so battered, I’d consider adding a leather grip.

 

[kevin qmto]

After being impressed by the similarity of the Pro Supex Titanium Tour that I found last year (^) to the Head Radical Titanium OS, I thought this 6.1 95 homage was worth a try despite being thoroughly used. Especially since such heavy use does imply an advanced player who enjoyed its performance. In the flesh, I can confirm this Tour Pro Extra has dimensions almost identical to a 6.1 95 including the beam width and location of the PWS bulges. The difference is the beam is completely oval, whereas 6.1s are ovalised hexagons, plus this Pro Supex has a 16x19 pattern that I actually prefer. I wonder if Wilson sold some 6.1 moulds to Pro Supex when they were no longer crisp.

I believe these were 00s releases, when Chinese OEMs were still ‘learning the meaning of Western patents’. Despite the heavy use, there are no cracks or rattles, and it has a substantial nature very similar to a 6.1, just happily 1/2 oz lighter. The feeling is like a typical Wilson with a solid yet pleasant sensation with very few vibrations get through to your hands; I would even say it has the Kevlar or Basalt type very slightly muted response, which is a bit surprising for a clone. At 338g strung, 32cm balance, this does indeed feel like a mix between a 6.1 18x20 and a 6.1 S (18x16). If it wasn’t so battered, I’d consider adding a leather grip.

Reminds me of the Zarsia pro staff clones. But the throat beam here is definitely a bit more rounded than any actual Wilson mold I believe, so I’m not sure it’s a 1/1 clone. One of my local proshops actually sold the Zarsia 97s new a few years back.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Reminds me of the Zarsia pro staff clones. But the throat beam here is definitely a bit more rounded than any actual Wilson mold I believe, so I’m not sure it’s a 1/1 clone. One of my local proshops actually sold the Zarsia 97s new a few years back.

Yeah, the whole beam is more bulbous than a 6.1, so perhaps the feel is a bit less direct. But it surprises me how solid the hoop is, just like a 6.1, and the 16x19 relatively even pattern extends the sweet-zone further outside the PWS zone. The base grip is quite light, so if a leather added 10g, it would be very similar to 6.1 spec (although I quite like the current lightness).

 

[retrowagen]

I still crack up when I see the Pro Supex chicken logo… whereas the French are historically (ahem) cocky with their Coq Sportif, reflecting their chosen national sporting symbol, on the Supex, it appears lifted from a ramen package. Chicken Noodle Supex?

 

[kevin qmto]

Tonight I found a gem of a stick that I'm excited to try. Finally found me a tapered beam series Ultra Kevlar, in 8/10 condition for $3.50. Came with the original case, which I'm currently soaking in some fabric stain remover, in an effort to remove some age related yellowing. The original owner (Joe) actually filled out the paper ID card inside, complete with date of purchase, (1/16/1990) and even what store (Tennis Etc. I think they're either under a different name or out of business, last Facebook post by the store was in 2013) , along with his full home address (I googled it, nice house, its in Alpharetta Georgia). No idea what ol Joe's racket is doing in a thrift store in St. Louis MO, but I'll take good care of it. It's another white frame so I did my best to capture its luminosity. The strings are Babolat 'Fine Play 16', a few spots have started to split the outer casing. Any ideas when those were around?

 

[Grafil Injection]

Tonight I found a gem of a stick that I'm excited to try. Finally found me a tapered beam series Ultra Kevlar, in 8/10 condition for $3.50. Came with the original case, which I'm currently soaking in some fabric stain remover, in an effort to remove some age related yellowing. The original owner (Joe) actually filled out the paper ID card inside, complete with date of purchase, (1/16/1990) and even what store (Tennis Etc. I think they're either under a different name or out of business, last Facebook post by the store was in 2013) , along with his full home address (I googled it, nice house, its in Alpharetta Georgia). No idea what ol Joe's racket is doing in a thrift store in St. Louis MO, but I'll take good care of it. It's another white frame so I did my best to capture its luminosity. The strings are Babolat 'Fine Play 16', a few spots have started to split the outer casing. Any ideas when those were around?

Looks superb! I would be interested to hear how it hits. Is it a bit hefty being full weight (360g?) and 110sqi, or did they lower the weight for the OS models?

 

[mixtape]

Nice find! I believe those came around '88-'89. I remember seeing those around that time because the tapered beam was the reverse of Prince's tapered CTS line. I'm sure there's an Ultra Graphite and another one that I can't remember in that "Ultra" lineup.

 

[teachingprotx]

Yep 87 88 89 ish I think too . Babolat super fine play was a legit string all the top juniors used it in KY ,IN back in late 80’s myself included . Hot pink bab fine play at 68lbs in my donnay apollo and my prince CTS approach . Played those strings till I was turned onto the future of strings ! With .. the new prince topspin optic yellow . Or white . White first in my estusa white advantech ..checkerboard
Then it was optic yellow in my 85 pro staff &72 lbs or higher if possible and the white in my puma super at 72 lbs or higher if at possible

 

[teachingprotx]

Nice find! I believe those came around '88-'89. I remember seeing those around that time because the tapered beam was the reverse of Prince's tapered CTS line. I'm sure there's an Ultra Graphite and another one that I can't remember in that "Ultra" lineup.

Lots and lots of ultras kids .
Here stateside the ubiquitous FPK . The Kevlar, then the graphite .
Went stiff to flexy .
Graphite ultra is in the 50’s RA . Close in feel to the pro staff 7.5 I presume ????

 

[kevin qmto]

Looks superb! I would be interested to hear how it hits. Is it a bit hefty being full weight (360g?) and 110sqi, or did they lower the weight for the OS models?

It’s 350g so perhaps slightly lighter. SBW stamp, and Sanglier said on one of my other posts that means a manufacture year of 1989.

 

[Grafil Injection]

It’s 350g so perhaps slightly lighter. SBW stamp, and Sanglier said on one of my other posts that means a manufacture year of 1989.

Quite an overlooked series really. If I remember correctly, they (mainly the 95s) started in 1988 as top of the range, or at least equivalent to the Pro-Staff and just below the Profile. But by 1990 they were demoted below those to the mid-range, and then the Birds came out. I feel they were considered a bit old fashioned very quickly compared to lighter models and the powerful Prince CTSs, but I always liked them. Who can name a Pro that used one?

 

[retrowagen]

Quite an overlooked series really. … Who can name a Pro that used one?

Zina Garrison used the white Kevlar 95 with considerable success.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Zina Garrison used the white Kevlar 95 with considerable success.

Did she get a special long handle version?

Zina Garrison used the white Kevlar 95 with considerable success.

And played it like a 25' racket.

 

[retrowagen]

Did she get a special long handle version?

And played it like a 25' racket.

Hahahaha! It certainly looked like it…

 

[pedrogcr]

Hey everyone! I posted this on the holics thread, but maybe someone here can help me confirm what i just purchased online?

It sure looks like a prostock Wilson PS 6.0 95 painted like a K Factor Six.One, right?

https://imgur.com/D5iT8cX

https://imgur.com/UNGBkOA

It has the PS6.0 flat box beam;

https://imgur.com/GUSYIFh

And the PS 6.0 original bumper with the rectangle marks (not sure how to call it).

https://imgur.com/opcnoTO

And seems to be in awesome shape, including the leather grip!

https://imgur.com/llIqScZ

https://i.imgur.com/YgHDvAx.jpg


Thanks for the help!

 

[teachingprotx]

Hahahaha! It certainly looked like it…

Zina ! Yes indeed . She used the white Wilson 85 ceramic then onto the ultra kevlar blue overgrip and choked up high especially on returns . She was fun as hell to watch I thought . Loved miss Garrison the original G.

 

[kevin qmto]

Zina ! Yes indeed . She used the white Wilson 85 ceramic then onto the ultra kevlar blue overgrip and choked up high especially on returns . She was fun as hell to watch I thought . Loved miss Garrison the original G.

I am always perplexed seeing how far she choked up on the frame. I can barely keep the ball in the court (or out of the net) if I hold it like that!

 

[Sanglier]

Garrison was clearly a gearhead from an early age. In this photo from 1978, the young teenager was holding a Dunlop "Graphite", arguably one of the most cutting-edge frames of its day, and far less common than what Gibson and the others in the photo were holding, even though they were all relatively forward-looking in their racquet choices.

Her grip-choking did not look so severe in 1982, when she elected to play with the "Galaxy" - Wilson's flagship offering that year, with an eye-watering $350 MSRP that was $55 more than that of its rival POG.

 

[kevin qmto]

Quite an overlooked series really. If I remember correctly, they (mainly the 95s) started in 1988 as top of the range, or at least equivalent to the Pro-Staff and just below the Profile. But by 1990 they were demoted below those to the mid-range, and then the Birds came out. I feel they were considered a bit old fashioned very quickly compared to lighter models and the powerful Prince CTSs, but I always liked them. Who can name a Pro that used one?

Update, unlike most of my new acquisitions, that sit in my closet for months after buying them, I got the Ultra Kevlar out for a hit tonight. The verdict: It's awesome! Absolutely worth grabbing in an instant if you find one! I'm going to have to grab my POG 3 and see if it can take crown for my absolute favorite oversize frame ever. I don't want to rush to conclusions before I hit with both back to back. But seriously, it's that good. The fine play strings did indeed play fine, and didn't break like I was expecting them to. This thing is STABLE. Felt like I was hitting every ball so clean. Low on power, definitely more akin to a players stick then most OS frames, if that's a thing. I've seen some people say there's no such thing as a 110sq in players frame, but oh well.

I’ll say this. The Ultra Kevlar makes the Jack Kramer 110 Staff look like crap in comparison.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Update, unlike most of my new acquisitions, that sit in my closet for months after buying them, I got the Ultra Kevlar out for a hit tonight. The verdict: It's awesome! Absolutely worth grabbing in an instant if you find one! I'm going to have to grab my POG 3 and see if it can take crown for my absolute favorite oversize frame ever. I don't want to rush to conclusions before I hit with both back to back. But seriously, it's that good. The fine play strings did indeed play fine, and didn't break like I was expecting them to. This thing is STABLE. Felt like I was hitting every ball so clean. Low on power, definitely more akin to a players stick then most OS frames, if that's a thing. I've seen some people say there's no such thing as a 110sq in players frame, but oh well.

I’ll say this. The Ultra Kevlar makes the Jack Kramer 110 Staff look like crap in comparison.

Being larger and a little lighter, I'd really like to try a 110, but they seem very rare here. The most obvious issue with the 95s was the unpredictable string-bed outside of the PWS area; was that cured in the 110?

 

[Grafil Injection]

Couldn't resist this Donnay Volleyer for 2.99. I don't know much about it, but it seems to be similar in design to the Monte Carlo with the elegant wood reveals on the neck. I'm sure it's lower range, but the finish is still excellent and the hoop very solid for a wood. I note the thickness of the cross-section at 13mm compared to most others that are 11mm. And the shoulders are fibreglass reinforced rather than wood on Borg's Allwood. 385g, 33cm balance.

 

[kevin qmto]

Couldn't resist this Donnay Volleyer for 2.99. I don't know much about it, but it seems to be similar in design to the Monte Carlo with the elegant wood reveals on the neck. I'm sure it's lower range, but the finish is still excellent and the hoop very solid for a wood. I note the thickness of the cross-section at 13mm compared to most others that are 11mm. And the shoulders are fibreglass reinforced rather than wood on Borg's Allwood. 385g, 33cm balance.

Is that Rudd’s badge original? Like it was a store exclusive?

 

[Grafil Injection]

Is that Rudd’s badge original? Like it was a store exclusive?

Yep, that's a local sports shop that closed about 10 years ago. They did a good job making their logo fit this racket nicely.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Is that Rudd’s badge original? Like it was a store exclusive?

It's not a store exclusive, it's just most independent shops in the UK would add their details for marketing and future reference. It fits particularly well on this frame but isn't on the other side.

 

[teachingprotx]

What a beautiful wood

 

[teachingprotx]

At this point in my racket collecting days, I realize my biggest weakness when deciding whether to buy or leave an old racket is condition. I'm an absolute sucker for buying frames, literally anything, if they appear basically 10/10 condition. This thing looks like it's seriously never been used, and I don't really need it but how could I pass up a nice looking Prince Os frame for under $5? This Prince Ice Ti Os dates from 2004 according to a NOS price tag I found on an example online, is pretty light and I'm sure it wasn't particularly expensive. After looking into it, it appears the Force 3 line of rackets replaced the Synergy line of the mid to late 90's, and lasted from 02-05ish, until the O3 stuff really took over Prince's lineup. I have so many rackets to get out to the court in my backlog that my body would fall apart long before I could put much of a dent in it. Maybe its time to try dumping a few frames on CL again. Though I haven't tried doing that in about a year as it was a lot of work listing about 20 frames, and after reposting them for 3 months straight I sold a grand total of 2 of them (and my prices were reasonable I swear, just enough to make it worth my time).

Anyways, no one on this forum has even brought up this frame in 20 years, so it must be a hidden gem!!!

Anyone know what the specs are for this? Looks like. A pros pros art of war frame kinda, which makes me wonder if she’s soft like the art of war ?

 

[kevin qmto]

My backlog of "things I left in the thrift store" is getting pretty big, Commence photo dump now!

Can someone tell me the actual difference between this Prince International and the very similar looking and feeling Classic or Pro? I was going to buy it as this one was in stellar shape, but then I figured its nearly the same damn thing that I already have so I left it.

This next one would have left with me if it was in better shape. My favorite looking Head Double Power Wedge frame, the Polaris. Had a chip all the way through the outer shell of the frame, and in general it's seen a lot of use over its 30+ year life. I'm not sure if that would necessarily impact performance, but I like my frames to be somewhat presentable lol, if only for your sake . Throat stats stickers are barely even there, the deterioration is quite extreme even compared to the many other Austrian frames I've seen.

 

[kevin qmto]

Anyone know what the specs are for this? Looks like. A pros pros art of war frame kinda, which makes me wonder if she’s soft like the art of war ?

Static strung weight on the Prince Ice Ti OS is 292g and its balance is 5pt head heavy.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Noting the 1983 patent, I believe the International was just a re-issue of either the Classic or the Pro, which came out earlier. Not sure which one though. The Pro had better quality aluminium I believe, making it stiffer. Given its nice quality and the case I think the correct strategy would have been to buy it, then you could compare to your existing model and have given back the worse one.