kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Sir, you are a treasure. People like Cult Tennis shouldn't make youtube content of their own, they should translate your intricate posts into video form with their flashy editing, then we'd have content worth watching for sure! Now I want to hit with the Ojoee, whatever kind of name that is.The "100" in the name refers to the 100% graphite layup of this model. Its companion model "80", painted white and even less common, has an 80% graphite layup. However, both models came out of the same mold, weighed about the same (350-360g strung), had a wide range of balance (2-6 pt HL) and comparable stiffness (62-65 RA). I honestly can't detect any difference in their playing characteristics.
Included for comparison in the photo below is the Ojoee, which came out in 2016 or so, and reminded many of the PowerTech. Note that the Ojoee is strung on the inner bridges, consequently its designer(s) didn't violate Janes' patent, which had in any case expired in the mid '00s, nor did he/she/they benefit from the structural advantages available only from the original PowerTech layout. I would have to cut one open to know for sure, but I believe the outer bridges on the Ojoee, including those little connectors that link them to the inner bridges, are separate modules grafted onto the frame for looks only, and do not play a significant load-bearing role. It's the reverse arrangement of the one found on the PowerTech.
In unrelated news, my collecting addiction knows no bounds, but when I see rackets that I think compliment others in my collection and are under $15 each I crumble and say "I think that duffel bag in my closet can fit a couple more frames if I re organize them juuuust right." I have to make room for:
Head Mg.Carbon 3001 in excellent condition. I've always been curious about the surprisingly competent Head Ti Carbon series, perhaps the best 'big box store exclusive' frames ever. I believe the Mg.Carbon series was a complement of those lines. Instead of a Titanium Mesh layup (who knows if that was even true), we have a Magnesium Carbon mesh instead. Is this the most recent time a manufacturer has tried to use Magnesium as part of a racket's selling points? Hey it worked for Prince in the 80's right? I believe the last number signifies the year of manufacture. There was a 3000 that was blue (honestly the better looking paint job IMO), and here's the 2001 model colors, reminds me of the Ti S4 a bit. Weighing in at 332g and is a 27.5in frame, it really takes on more of the Head Ti series like the S1/2, except about 50 grams heavier, probably due to the magnesium. See the beam width difference and thickness. The Carbon and Magnesium lines share far less in common than I initially suspected. OS v MP, 27.5 v 27 length etc. Can't wait to try it out.
The same trip found me bringing home another Pro Kennex, the Alliance. I really dig the paint on this one, and it has a round OS head like its a Prince Classic transported 20 years in the future. Can't find much info about this one, its definitely a later Pro Kennex Widebody, the graphics have evolved a bit, and there's no paragraph on the side about how this is another breakthrough from the worlds largest reuser of the same old taglines. Made in Thailand, so I guess that puts it from 1991-95. I would bet the farm that this frame has NEVER touched a tennis ball. The stencil is so fresh, its still shiny, no scuffs or chips whatsoever. And the head guard is totally unblemished and unscratched. This is a survivor for sure, but I'll put an end to that soon enough, it will get used. Now gaze upon it with your eyes and tell me it was worth the price of a fast food meal these days.
Last edited:
