The materials are readily available. Know how comes with trying.
It's not like you are working with valuable stuff really. You can just scrape it off and try again.
Best items you found at thrift stores (Goodwill)?
- Thread starter flashfire276
- Start date
It's not like you are working with valuable stuff really. You can just scrape it off and try again.
The one Youtube video I've seen isn't great. I'm curious as to your actual method if you don't mind sharing. It seems like you've done it several times before.
kevin qmto
Legend
Wow. Crazy weirdness today. So after one of my league matches, on the long drive home I stumbled across a new Play It Again Sports location (new to me, it had never shown up on Apple Maps when I searched for the brand before). It was only about 30 mins from home, which is equal to another location in town. I was just confused that my app failed to log it until I was nearby. I checked it out. It had a decent variety of frames, but all at prices far higher than the usual fare at other PIAS locations. I just ended up buying some grips since they were cheap.
Anyways that discovery happened about a month ago, and now when I tried to find the location again I couldn’t. I had to use the gps info from my phone to bring the location up online, only to find the store had closed permanently. So bizarre how I find a new PIAS location and it’s gone again in short order.
Anyways that discovery happened about a month ago, and now when I tried to find the location again I couldn’t. I had to use the gps info from my phone to bring the location up online, only to find the store had closed permanently. So bizarre how I find a new PIAS location and it’s gone again in short order.
mixtape
Professional
Ha! Well, if they priced equipment higher than other PIAS locations, it's not surprising they closed down.
A few years ago, I would browse a PIAS on my way home from work and noticed a Dunlop 200G on the rack. It was in decent shape, and they priced it at $59.99. An employee/manager came over and said they had it for over 6 months, and noticed I was interested in it. They asked me what I would pay for it to be gone. I said a fair price for me would be $25-30. I took it home with tax for $28. I bought it as a gift for my friend's birthday, since he used that particular racquet in high school. Fast forward a few months later and I find a Dunlop 200G at a thrift store, for $5. lol
A few years ago, I would browse a PIAS on my way home from work and noticed a Dunlop 200G on the rack. It was in decent shape, and they priced it at $59.99. An employee/manager came over and said they had it for over 6 months, and noticed I was interested in it. They asked me what I would pay for it to be gone. I said a fair price for me would be $25-30. I took it home with tax for $28. I bought it as a gift for my friend's birthday, since he used that particular racquet in high school. Fast forward a few months later and I find a Dunlop 200G at a thrift store, for $5. lol
kevin qmto
Legend
I found my 200G at PIAS, it was $15, but had 2 $1 bills in the case zipper, both from 1985.
I even took a few pics of the more interesting selections, I would have loved to have that original Pro Tour in my collection, but they have it priced at $79.99.... Yikes. I also dug the Wilson Hammer 5.5 Spin and this Yonex R-4. But yeah both were too much to justify. And now the store's gone.
kevin qmto
Legend
I did take a few pics of the Orbi-Tech before boxing it up and shipping it out to hopefully maybe get some new pallets. I got no guarantees that RP would be able to help me, only that "he will try." The original buttcap remained stuck to the hairpin despite the rest of the pallet crumbling to dust.
I like how their little Spalding Tennis logo guy even has one of these wide throat rackets. nice attention to detail right there.
Both sides of the channel have some metal (lead?) in there, presumably to keep them close to balance specs?
I like how their little Spalding Tennis logo guy even has one of these wide throat rackets. nice attention to detail right there.
Both sides of the channel have some metal (lead?) in there, presumably to keep them close to balance specs?
mixtape
Professional
Again, I enjoy your photos. Good eye on the Spalding logo! The colors, checkered strip and "Orbi-tech 95" font just has that 80's vibe to it. Interesting how they recommend 10lbs higher tension on the cross. My arm hurts just thinking if it was strung with a full bed of poly. lol
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Harry Spin's hit with the Yonex R1 aluminium reminded me to upload a better picture of the Jaguar Moto, as it similarly performs surprisingly well. In fact the Jag doesn't have the weak upper hoop of the Yonex, so no real downsides that I have found.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Anyone remember this Wilson Staff 100? I've seen it in a few adverts, but never read a review, probably because it's mid-low range. Full weight at 364g, 33 balance, this has a 19mm beam and 16x18 pattern. Seems similar to a PS95 mould. Flex feels low 60s. Butt-cap KAS is mid 80s I think? Nice condition except the white leather is nearly going. A tan replacement could look good.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Is restringing wise? You can't beat vintage syngut!
kevin qmto
Legend
I don't expect many of you would give this frame a 2nd glance, but it was actually on my list to buy for a long time, as it's a very nostalgic frame for a simple reason. Now I know what you're thinking: "Hey, you were born in the early 90's, how could you possibly say that about a frame from 12-ish years before you were born?" This Head Edge was the first 'old racket' I ever used.
Little background. It's 2007, my family vacations to Hilton Head Island, and it was determined we didn't have enough room to pack our tennis rackets, but I was told the condo we were staying at had them. My brother and I were faced with this predicament when we arrived. Our choices were either a slightly bent Prince Mag Pro (which my brother ended up claiming, and I got the Head Edge) I actually snapped a pic with my old point n shoot camera.
Initially we thought we wouldn't even bother with tennis because who wants to use such shoddy equipment? But after seeing the amazingly manicured Har-Tru clay courts within walking distance, we decided it was worth trying to play. And basically every day over a week we played with those rackets. I'd never hit with such a small headed frame before, and had my share of shanks and whiffs from never having played on clay. But like anything, you hit with it long enough and it becomes 2nd nature. Before long I was hitting about as well with that Head Edge than just about anything else. I was only 15 at the time and my skills were nothing to write home about, but I could play for 2 hours a day and do it every day because I had tons of energy. We even entered a little club tournament and both of us managed to win a match before losing to the local ol duffers who never miss. They gave us props for using these sticks though. For the most part, my brother said the bent Mag Pro hit fine, the wonders of a metal frame, right?
Here's the club which we could walk onto at any time, it was brushed frequently. I've since forgotten its name.
So anyways, looking forward to hitting with one of these for the first time in 16 years. Anyone know the head size on these things? Do they still count as a larger Standard, or small Midsize? Here's some kinda lousy pics because I still don't know how to take decent evenly lit pictures on my black backdrop.
Little background. It's 2007, my family vacations to Hilton Head Island, and it was determined we didn't have enough room to pack our tennis rackets, but I was told the condo we were staying at had them. My brother and I were faced with this predicament when we arrived. Our choices were either a slightly bent Prince Mag Pro (which my brother ended up claiming, and I got the Head Edge) I actually snapped a pic with my old point n shoot camera.
Initially we thought we wouldn't even bother with tennis because who wants to use such shoddy equipment? But after seeing the amazingly manicured Har-Tru clay courts within walking distance, we decided it was worth trying to play. And basically every day over a week we played with those rackets. I'd never hit with such a small headed frame before, and had my share of shanks and whiffs from never having played on clay. But like anything, you hit with it long enough and it becomes 2nd nature. Before long I was hitting about as well with that Head Edge than just about anything else. I was only 15 at the time and my skills were nothing to write home about, but I could play for 2 hours a day and do it every day because I had tons of energy. We even entered a little club tournament and both of us managed to win a match before losing to the local ol duffers who never miss. They gave us props for using these sticks though. For the most part, my brother said the bent Mag Pro hit fine, the wonders of a metal frame, right?
Here's the club which we could walk onto at any time, it was brushed frequently. I've since forgotten its name.
So anyways, looking forward to hitting with one of these for the first time in 16 years. Anyone know the head size on these things? Do they still count as a larger Standard, or small Midsize? Here's some kinda lousy pics because I still don't know how to take decent evenly lit pictures on my black backdrop.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I think all the Edges were described as 'Midsize' to distinguish them from Standards, but your aluminium model from 1980 is a bit smaller than the later graphites and Tournament Edge Aluminium, which were 82sqi. I have a recollection of 76-78sqi from some advert.
kevin qmto
Legend
I have that McEnroe can in the garage now to store random bits and stuff.
mixtape
Professional
Ha! I was thinking about grabbing it for the same reason. I like quirky tennis related things to display, repurpose or both, but GW recent pricing is insane! The can of flat tennis balls was $3.99! I found a sealed vintage metal can of Penn tennis balls for $0.99 at GW before their insane pricing practices.
dak95_00
Hall of Fame
I was in Cincinnati at a Goodwill and picked an authentic style Bengals jersey for $5. It was an Andy Daulton but still only $5 for a Nike stitched jersey. There was also a Tyler Eiffert for the same but I left it. I figured one was enough. I also got a really nice bowling ball for $6. I’ve seen this one go for $100 in similar or worse condition.
No. Unfortunately, there was no tennis. The Play It Again Sports up the road had some nice racquets. Some very good condition Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 Classics at $30/racquet. I left them behind. I did buy an ORIGINAL Babolat Aeropro Drive Plus for $40 in good condition in my preferred grip size; 4 1/4.
dak95_00
Hall of Fame
The Head Pro Tour 280 is probably worth $80 if in good condition.I found my 200G at PIAS, it was $15, but had 2 $1 bills in the case zipper, both from 1985.
I even took a few pics of the more interesting selections, I would have loved to have that original Pro Tour in my collection, but they have it priced at $79.99.... Yikes. I also dug the Wilson Hammer 5.5 Spin and this Yonex R-4. But yeah both were too much to justify. And now the store's gone.
The Head Pro Tour 280 is probably worth the $80 if it’s in good condition.
mavsman149
Hall of Fame
My play it again sports don't have great deals. The only one I considered was a hyper hammer 5.0 MP for 30. I might pick it up if it is there next time!
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Picked up this motley crew of low-end aluminium sticks to see if the Jaguar Moto was of the same ilk. And it's clear the Moto is a class above as each of these is seriously flimsy outside the centre. Only the Emrik has any substance, but that has a limited sweet area. The Moto in comparison is stable and plush. Perhaps it's just because the Moto weighs an ounce more.
These lot can safely head back to a thrift store.
These lot can safely head back to a thrift store.
kevin qmto
Legend
Those rackets look like they could’ve all been from the same year. All Taiwan sourced?Picked up this motley crew of low-end aluminium sticks to see if the Jaguar Moto was of the same ilk. And it's clear the Moto is a class above as each of these is seriously flimsy outside the centre. Only the Emrik has any substance, but that has a limited sweet area. The Moto in comparison is stable and plush. Perhaps it's just because the Moto weighs an ounce more.
These lot can safely head back to a thrift store.
I hit with the Head Edge tonight. It has the same oval shaped grip of the earlier Standard, just longer. The wider pattern on the 16x17 head meant you could muster quite a bit of spin if you have the muscles to get that head speed up. Very solid on both wings, hit every bit as good as I remember on groundies but serving was a challenge. For some reason I just kept shanking it, an issue I don’t typically have even with standard sized woods.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
Tricky to date low-end aluminiums because they hardly changed for 15 years, from the late 70s to the early 90s. But the Dunlop is JBJ and the Jaguar DBJ, so I guess that means they're either the same year, or 6 years apart. The Emrik and McEnroe have a more modern box beam, compared to the i-beams, so I guess late 80s for those. Yes, fairly certain they're all Taiwan, although not a label in sight.
michael_1265
Professional
$4.99 apiece at Goodwill. The PD is rough, so I stole the grip for the Wilson, which had turned to tar.
<a href='https://postimg.cc/sQNHrC6Q' target='_blank'>
<a href='https://postimg.cc/sQNHrC6Q' target='_blank'>
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
After a bit of research I found that the Staff 100 I mentioned above was early 90s, priced at £45 when a PSC was £135. It was a bit of a bottom of the range throwback as the rest of the Staff sticks were High-Beam wide-bodies. However, in play it is probably closest to the PSC, with easy depth, good control, similar stiffness and very solid; it feels chunkier than its 19mm beam.
The downside is the performance seems to come from a 33cm balance, compared to a 31.5cm PSC. The SW must be around 345.
However, an interesting benefit of the paint job is that the silver at 9 & 3 seems to make it feel bigger and at least psychologically easier to hit.
The downside is the performance seems to come from a 33cm balance, compared to a 31.5cm PSC. The SW must be around 345.
However, an interesting benefit of the paint job is that the silver at 9 & 3 seems to make it feel bigger and at least psychologically easier to hit.
kevin qmto
Legend
Well idk what the hell happened but my racket I mailed to RP out of NY is being returned to sender after getting forwarded to two different addresses. Their website only has one main address for the store, so that’s what I wrote on the label, but either I messed up somehow, or RP changed their mind about receiving it. But that wouldn’t make sense to me as I literally spoke to him about sending it in over the phone. And I wrote a detailed description of what this frame was and what I wanted done, along with several modes of contact. But the way the tracking is updated it appears as though he never got it. Idk what addresses it was forwarded to but I guess it never got where it was supposed to go, and now I get to call and try again.
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Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure if this version of the Slazenger Challenge Comp came out as early as 1983, but it certainly has a Club Tropicana vibe to it:
350g, 32.25cm balance, slim 16mm beam and interesting 18x18 pattern fitting the very round hoop. Nice feel about half way between a Copper Ace and a Sting. Surprisingly easy depth and solidity against fast balls.
350g, 32.25cm balance, slim 16mm beam and interesting 18x18 pattern fitting the very round hoop. Nice feel about half way between a Copper Ace and a Sting. Surprisingly easy depth and solidity against fast balls.
kevin qmto
Legend
Tonight's impulse buy got me because it was only 2 bucks and in great shape. And now I can use it as an excuse to compare two similar series rackets. I'd never heard of this one before, the Jack Kramer 'Registered'. Registered to whom? Jack? Me? I'm only familiar with the Kramer Autograph and Pro Staff. I could tell this was a Belgian frame before looking at the throat, just from the large print Wilson throat logo and very thick glossy lacquer over the whole frame which I particularly like. It's hefty too, coming in at 386g strung compared to my Kramer Auto's mere 372g. I love the strings, and despite the 45-50 year old age, they're super crystal clear with black striping. I'd buy a reel of that.
But seriously, what is "Speed Flex"?
@Grafil Injection love the matching strings/grommets on that Slaz.
But seriously, what is "Speed Flex"?
@Grafil Injection love the matching strings/grommets on that Slaz.
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Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
The hoop dimensions of that Registered appear to be thinner than the JKA despite its higher weight, which implies higher density woods like beech and hickory. And there are two fibre layers. I suspect the Registered was a high level model in Wilson's range. In fact, the way 'registered' is lower case suggests to me that is a place-holder before the final name for that stick was applied / agreed. Is it another model perhaps, or even one they didn't get around to officially launching?
Yes, those neon strings are Slazenger branded so probably original, but still very good tension and pleasant feel. They do flouresce a bit under floodlights.
Yes, those neon strings are Slazenger branded so probably original, but still very good tension and pleasant feel. They do flouresce a bit under floodlights.
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kevin qmto
Legend
Idk, but I’m not sure if there’d be many Wilson prototypes made at one of their outsourced factories like Donnay’s in Belgium. You’d think they’d finalize the design/name in house and then send the specs over.
On tonight’s stop I found a racket from a brand called Johnny Walker. Looked like it was from the 60s, I left it as it was a bit warped. I asked my local collector contact and he assumed it was a promotional item from the whisky brand. But I checked and the spelling isn’t the same, nor is the business address so I don’t think they’re related. Anyone know anything about the Walker International company out of Detroit. There’s a sealed can of their balls on the bay that were made in England.
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kevin qmto
Legend
Alright. Imma try to be nice as I like the idea and have actually made a similar series completely independently though I have yet to publicly post them (and I would never even try to claim that I’ve invented the concept of buying thrift store rackets to review them, I’m sure that concept has existed in other hobbies for decades.) This guy isn't anyone who frequents this thread right?
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retrowagen
Hall of Fame
Not me…
Though I have played with the idea of doing something like this with the 180+ racquets that are in my collection, and walking through as much history as possible on them as well.
I would give the chap in the PK Ace video an A for effort, C- for videography, C for acting, B for historical analysis and information.
Though I have played with the idea of doing something like this with the 180+ racquets that are in my collection, and walking through as much history as possible on them as well.
I would give the chap in the PK Ace video an A for effort, C- for videography, C for acting, B for historical analysis and information.
kevin qmto
Legend
You’re kinder than me. A for effort. Takes gumption to ever get in front of a camera, which I used to have in abundance and now can barely muster, it’s a wonder I even still get recognized in my other hobby (paintball) that I was once somewhat-Internet-famous.
Videography is fine. But I have sizable reservations about the historical information, which has gaping holes and outright incorrect information in what little he said at all. And it is my opinion, that if one is to make a video that gives an opinion on the function of a sports object. One should at the very least, be somewhat competent at that sport. The first serve he did, I thought was an intentional joke. Then I realized that’s actually how he serves… oh my. His skill set looks about 3.0ish level, and I just don’t think much info is there to be gained by someone who’s ability to wield a frame is that basic. Hell, I’m constantly worried about posting videos of myself talking about rackets with any authority for precisely that reason, I don’t think I’m good enough.
Then there’s the issue of apparently he has no people to hit with. If you don’t have a hitting partner and have to resort to drop hitting (very awkwardly), you probably should just not make the video. And it seems like this is his format for every video. Yeesh. Needs work.
kevin qmto
Legend
Oh I don’t want him to stop, maybe just join here so he doesn’t post stuff that’s not accurate or incomplete lol.
kevin qmto
Legend
Wood rackets. wood rackets everywhere. Who can resist the red candy cane nylon strings? not me, this find hailed from an Antique mall, which is usually the last place to find usable wood frames. Most are from the 40s-60s and are in wretched condition, completely unplayable and they always ask for insane amounts of money. Not this time ($7). This Rawlings frame came with John Newcombe's endorsement and without it. Interestingly, it hailed from Japan during his tenure with Rawlings, and from Taiwan afterwards. I just love the graphics on here, and I gotta rep a hometown brand ever now and again. We never had any huge brand like Wilson in Chicago, but at least we had Rawlings and Markwort lol.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
I wonder who the OEM was?Wood rackets. wood rackets everywhere. Who can resist the red candy cane nylon strings? not me, this find hailed from an Antique mall, which is usually the last place to find usable wood frames. Most are from the 40s-60s and are in wretched condition, completely unplayable and they always ask for insane amounts of money. Not this time ($7). This Rawlings frame came with John Newcombe's endorsement and without it. Interestingly, it hailed from Japan during his tenure with Rawlings, and from Taiwan afterwards. I just love the graphics on here, and I gotta rep a hometown brand ever now and again. We never had any huge brand like Wilson in Chicago, but at least we had Rawlings and Markwort lol.
kevin qmto
Legend
I’ve also wondered about what manufacturer was responsible for most contract work by western companies in Japan. Hard to find answers for such things.
I ended up buying the Graphite Edge previously mentioned. Too nice to pass up and it had survived in the store since I last saw it. Just need to cut up some grommets to fit and re-string.
I know where there is another one at a Play it Again for $30. Since I got one for $2 and this one for $7 I figure I'd still be ahead.
I know where there is another one at a Play it Again for $30. Since I got one for $2 and this one for $7 I figure I'd still be ahead.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I would be interested to hit with one of those. The Head Graphite Radial (22x23) is quite nice. No excuses for inaccuracy!
kevin qmto
Legend
A frame on my list to buy eventually for sure.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I remember Hanimex as a low range maker, usually found in petrol stations and rarely in actual sports shops. But this 6006TS has the same weight (357g) and balance (32cm) as my Prince Pro 110, and hits a fine solid ball, despite it's Standard size. Gorgeous leather grip, almost nubuck texture. The round head rather than egg-shape like most woods explains the 18x18 pattern again. I believe the name relates to the grade of aluminium, which is known for good extrudability. These unpainted aluminiums have a pleasing minimalist style, but lack a bit of feel compared to the Maxply.
kevin qmto
Legend
Looks very Head Tournament-ish.I remember Hanimex as a low range maker, usually found in petrol stations and rarely in actual sports shops. But this 6006TS has the same weight (357g) and balance (32cm) as my Prince Pro 110, and hits a fine solid ball, despite it's Standard size. Gorgeous leather grip, almost nubuck texture. The round head rather than egg-shape like most woods explains the 18x18 pattern again. I believe the name relates to the grade of aluminium, which is known for good extrudability. These unpainted aluminiums have a pleasing minimalist style, but lack a bit of feel compared to the Maxply.
Steve Huff
G.O.A.T.
Kevin--a few comments. 1) Your Edge is in surprisingly good condition. Not out-of-round, which many of those were after a couple of years of playing. 2) The Kramer Register was most likely meant to compete with the Dunlop McEnroe Maxply (the one with a couple of graphite/fiber layers in it). Might have even been made by the same manufacturer, but doubt it. 3) It's funny looking at the Rawlings. It has very little shoulder reinforcement. I wonder how it held up to pro use? 4) I found your video entertaining. There are a couple of more Aces (Diamond, Golden, and maybe more). I used the Black Ace for many years. It could definitely handle hard hitting. Anyway, enjoy following this thread. Good job.
kevin qmto
Legend
Oh that’s not my video. When I do make a review you’ll know it, for better and worse lol
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
The Rawlings looks like it has the usual 2-3mm shoulder reinforcement (indicating it's wood), but it's just hard to see with the white paint I think.
I agree, the 'registered' is interesting because I can't find another Wilson with three bindings either side (Wilson usually has 4) and two fibre layers in the hoop. The label looks slightly skew-whiff, suggesting the registration was a process rather than the name. Perhaps it was one sent to the patent office. It certainly seems like a high level stick with the rolled beech shoulders, but I can't imagine Dunlop built it, at least not in England.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
This Donnay GT Pro 25 looks very similar to the typical Taiwan 85sqi, 16x19, 12oz unstrung racket from the mid 1980s, with a 18mm beam it's similar to the Wilson Matrix etc. Plenty of fibreglass in it too, as the chips reveal, but not too flexy. However, it's clearly 1/4 inch shorter like many Donnays, and feels like the SW is hence a lot lower. Not going to be providing sufficient power I fear. At least the grommets are still robust.
kevin qmto
Legend
I’m so glad TennisTV did this challenge again this year. I’m a little shocked I couldn’t immediately tell what models they’re using. If you guys remember last year, they totally screwed up both players choices. Dimitrov’s racket was supposed to be from the 50’s but was clearly from the 70s (70’s era Kramer Auto) and Rublev’s was supposed to be 80’s but was also the 70’s (red head tournament)
Alright eagle eyes @Sanglier @Grafil Injection what do we have here?
Alright eagle eyes @Sanglier @Grafil Injection what do we have here?
