CUSTOMIZATION ALERT: A Platform Racquet Overlooked?

[Brando]

Every few years a racquet maker releases a true platform frame, light and yet thin-beamed. But specs ideal for customization tend to feel flimsy in stock form and the public rejects the racquet, which ends up sold at a discount as a starter stick. I believe this rare opportunity exists today in Head’s Graphene 360 Radical MP of 2019.

As you read “Graphene,” many of you will have already begged off. I get it. The word has become so jarring that Head removed it from the names of all of its 2021 updates, burying “Graphene 360+” in the product descriptions. And that’s my point.

2011’s Wilson BLX Steam sold so badly the series was discontinued after 2013’s Steam 99 flopped too (replaced in 2015 by Wilson’s Ultra line, some of which ended up basement-priced at CostCo; but that’s another story). Today, though, those last two Steams are coveted by customizers worldwide and wielded (under a Blade p.j.) by pros with names like Badosa, Raducanu, Kvitova, Nishikori, Halep, De Minaur, Ferrer and many more because few frames are so ideally poised for customization.

The Radical 360 MP checks many of the same boxes. (That its TK82S grip is rounder than Head’s standard ‘rectangle’ is bonus too.) After fiddling, the pair I recently bought on-clearance from TW now sport a 338 swingweight, 174 recoil weight, and 15.1 twist weight while performing, for me at least, like a pair of perfectly polarized pro stock racquets.

So I thought I’d put out the word. (And, no, I have no affiliation with Head or TW; I’m merely an amateur tinkerer who knows how to use TWU’s Customization Tool.) Here’s how the Radical 360 MP stacks up against the BLX Steam of 2012. You decide if this intel was cool enough to post or just so much (heh) hot air…

Wilson BLX Steam (2012) UNSTRUNG Head: 100 sq. in. Length: 27.25 in. (69.2cm) Weight: 295g (10.4oz) Balance: 32.34cm (6 HL) Flex: 66 RA Swingweight: 286 Twist weight: 12.46 String pattern: 16x20 Beam: 23mm straight

Head Graphene 360 Radical MP (2019) UNSTRUNG 98 sq. in. 27 in. 295g (10.4oz) 31.75cm (8 HL) 68 RA 292 13.58 16x19 20 / 23 / 21mm

 

[Return_Ace]

The actual Platform racket there is the 360 Radical MP Lite, which I'm fairly sure is the same racket, minus the weights in the handle.

I CAP'd it and balanced out the handle to try for a lighter/less polarised version of my CAP'd Pro's.

Don't remember what I thought of it as it was brief and I'd moved on to other rackets afterwards.

 

[Brando]

Hi @Return_Ace . What? What? What? A Lite version? I didn't know such existed. Might you be referring to the 2107 Graphene Touch Radical MP Lite, which was 270g unstrung? If so, I agree. THAT one is the ultimate platform, in the true sense of the word. Too bad you can't find a one for sale.

The Radical CAP adds 12g, 7.4mm balance, 23 swingweight, 6.5 twist wt(!), and pretty much kills spin. Without any shims in the handle, I can only imagine how much weight you must have had to add to counter-polarize that CAP! (Not a wonder you moved on to other projects...)

 

[Return_Ace]

Hi @Return_Ace . What? What? What? A Lite version? I didn't know such existed. Might you be referring to the 2107 Graphene Touch Radical MP Lite, which was 270g unstrung? If so, I agree. THAT one is the ultimate platform, in the true sense of the word. Too bad you can't find a one for sale.

The Radical CAP adds 12g, 74mm balance, 23 swingweight, 6.5 twist wt(!), and pretty much kills spin. Without any shims in the handle, I can only imagine how much weight you must have had to add to counter-polarize that CAP! (Not a wonder you moved on to other projects...)

There's a Graphene 360 Radical MP Lite.

Wouldn't necessarily say the CAPs kill spin, I found it gave more than enough spin for me.

Although I remember now that I started looking away from my Pro's because I'd injured my wrist and couldn't stick with the weight of them.

The MP Lite didn't work out as I ended up looking for something softer as well.

 

[Brando]

Copy that. I appreciate the intel. I haven't played with enough CAP'd racquets to know personally about the spin issue. I think it's been alleged because it adds a lot of twist weight. Fine for flat hitters but not so easy to manage along the more vertical swing path of a spinster. BTW, so smart of you to walk away from any racquet that causes you pain. Too many players 'stick it out' and end up needlessly complicating their injury.

 

[Brando]

Just as you said, @Return_Ace , there is a LITE version of the Graphene 360 Radical, and I found it in India!
Head: 102 sq. in.
Weight: 260g
Balance: 340mm (even)
String pattern: 16x19
Beam: 22 / 25 /23mm

Man, that IS lite! But it kind of exhibits the customizer's issue (or at least this customizer's): The lighter the racquet, the wider the beam and/or the bigger the hoop. Finding a light (<295g) 98 with a thin (<24mm) beam and a polarized construction is pretty rare. At least it seems so to me.

 

[Return_Ace]

Think that's just the "Lite" which i assume is an unweighted version of the "S".

There's an MP Lite which is an MP but lighter.

 

[TennisHound]

Not crazy about the head shape (personal preference). I liked the Touch Radical
MP the best out of these. I prefer the Steam’s head shape much more. Today the Steam shape is the Blade Team, which is also a good platform racquet if you can get past the lack of pallets.

 

[Brando]

Agree the Touch Radical MP has the prime specs. 'Just checked out the Blade Team at Wilson's website. Didn't even know it existed, @TennisHound. Thanks for the heads up. Still, I'd say the 360 is a close 2nd to the Touch, being a mite thinner-beamed than the Blade and more parabolic.

 

[Brando]

Think that's just the "Lite" which i assume is an unweighted version of the "S".

There's an MP Lite which is an MP but lighter.

Here's the link. Maybe it's not the Graphene 360 Radical Lite you're thinking of...

HEAD Graphene 360 Radical Lite Tennis Racquet (Unstrung)

HEAD Graphene 360 Radical Lite Tennis Racquet Description HEAD Radical Lite is a Pro Series racquet specially designed for professional players. Having a lighter weight, HEAD Radical Lite offers remarkable maneuverability and easy handling.

www.racquets4u.com

 

[Return_Ace]

HEAD Graphene 360 Radical MP Lite Tennis Racquet (Unstrung)

HEAD Graphene 360 Radical MP Lite Tennis Racquet Specifications: Playability: This Top End Tennis racquet for men and women offers great feel and controllable power to Advanced players. Exclusive use of Graphene - The strongest known ma

www.racquets4u.com

 

[pedrogcr]

I've been looking into this for a while, and have found what I believe are the optimal platform racquet: Head Graphene 360+ Gravity MP Lite.

62 flex
22mm straight beam
16x20 string pattern
And with a 303 swing weight, it practically begs to be extended to 27.5!

https://imgur.com/a/h9KpELF

 

[McEncock]

I've been looking into this for a while, and have found what I believe are the optimal platform racquet: Head Graphene 360+ Gravity MP Lite.

62 flex
22mm straight beam
16x20 string pattern
And with a 303 swing weight, it practically begs to be extended to 27.5!

https://imgur.com/a/h9KpELF

Indeed!
What about the Boom Mp?

 

[pedrogcr]

Indeed!
What about the Boom Mp?

Probably too high weight and swing weight to be considered a "platform" racquet like the others being discussed by the OP.

 

[Brando]

HEAD Graphene 360 Radical MP Lite Tennis Racquet (Unstrung)

HEAD Graphene 360 Radical MP Lite Tennis Racquet Specifications: Playability: This Top End Tennis racquet for men and women offers great feel and controllable power to Advanced players. Exclusive use of Graphene - The strongest known ma

www.racquets4u.com

Consider my mind blown, @Return_Ace ! How could I have missed the Graphene MP 360 Lite on the very same site where I found the Graphene 360 Lite? And how can I have not been aware of so many versions of this racquet which I dig? That MP is everything you said it was-- obvi the same frame as the standard MP but, at 33cm unstrung, without shims in the handle-- all for $144 at today's rupia-exchange rate.

I have a maxim: The more weight you can add vs. the manufacturer, the more polarized you can make the stick. And that Graphene MP 360 Lite is a polarizers dream. Props for pointing it out.

 

[Brando]

I've been looking into this for a while, and have found what I believe are the optimal platform racquet: Head Graphene 360+ Gravity MP Lite.

62 flex
22mm straight beam
16x20 string pattern
And with a 303 swing weight, it practically begs to be extended to 27.5!

https://imgur.com/a/h9KpELF

Noice, @pedrogcr ! I hadn't caught this one either! On the very terms of my OP, you've scooped me: THAT is today's doppelganger of the BLX Steam 100 (and I'm practically salivating over that 22mm straight beam). Have you playtested it? And if so, how does it feel?

 

[socallefty]

Play test a Babolat Prue Strike VS also if you want a platform frame. The only thing wrong with it for those who like traditional players frames is the lack of weight. Sweet paintjob also!!

 

[McEncock]

Probably too high weight and swing weight to be considered a "platform" racquet like the others being discussed by the OP.

Is this too high?
295g
64ra
100 sqinch
318 strung swingweight

Not to mention that the new head trapdoor which can be replaced by and old one adds 7g.
If you do so, you'll have a 288g static!

 

[Brando]

TW has it at 300g unstrung, @McEncock , but that's not too heavy if the weight's suitably polarized. The beam, tho, is what gives me pause. 23.5 /24/5 / 23.5mm is maybe a wee bit wide?

 

[McEncock]

Yeah the beam is def wide
It's a 64 RA tweener basically so it's interesting imo

 

[pedrogcr]

Is this too high?
295g
64ra
100 sqinch
318 strung swingweight

Not to mention that the new head trapdoor which can be replaced by and old one adds 7g.
If you do so, you'll have a 288g static!

I'm not saying the Boom MP is heavy or have a particularly high swing weight, but it's higher than the other racquets being mentioned, therefore not offering the same level of customization to users.

One example is that extending a racquet by 0.5 in. adds about 20 SW points.
So, without even considering other factors such as static weight added, the Boom MP's SW would balloon to 338 (which is understandably too high for many people), while the Gravity MP would increase to 323, offering enough room to even add extra weight to the hoop if needed.

https://imgur.com/a/yTQDaH6

 

[pedrogcr]

Noice, @pedrogcr ! I hadn't caught this one either! On the very terms of my OP, you've scooped me: THAT is today's doppelganger of the BLX Steam 100 (and I'm practically salivating over that 22mm straight beam). Have you playtested it? And if so, how does it feel?

I sure did, @Brando!

The Gravity MP Lite, extended to 27.5 in. is currently one of my 2 main racquets (I rotate it with an also extended Prince Phantom 100x 290), both weighting 335g after everything.

On both racquets I added an XTP butt cap with (silicone?) caulk in it, and completed the handle with a heat shrink sleeve to reduce the size difference on the hand.

On the Gravity, I added 3g total (1,5g each) at 10 & 2 and also some bumper guard tape to 3 & 9 to get it to an even 335g total weight.

https://imgur.com/a/F3J2VR9

 

[tennis347]

The Dunlop CX 200 OS is a thin beam 105 sq in frame that is 11 ounces strung and a stock swingweight of 313. This is a great platform racquet for players 4.0 and above. I found adding a few grams at 3 and 9 and counter balancing to the handle brought this racquet alive. There is a nice balance of power and control, easy spin along with good feel and comfort. Highly recommended!

 

[Irvin]

Most people consider lite rackets to be ‘Platform’ rackets but that’s not always the case. Manufacturers tend to make racket so there is enough swing weight to plow through the ball and remove mass from the racket so it keeps the weight down. The only way to do that is to raise the balance point on the racket. In order to lower the balance point to get the racket with the balance many players want they must add so much weight to the handle they may as well have started with a normal racket.

Also often overlooked is the rackets sold at stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and other big box stores. These cheaper racket are generally lite versions of the normally heavier rackets.

 

[Irvin]

Take the Pure Aero vs the Lite version. The PA specs are SW 324, Wt 318 g, and bal 33.02 cm. The PAL specs are 286 SW 311, Wt 286 g, and bal is 34.29. To raise the SW of the PAL to the PA you need to add 4.0 g minimum at 12 which raised the weight and balance. To get the PAL balance back down to the PA you will need a lot of weight in the handle.

 

[Brando]

@Irvin , I dig your point: If the customizer isn't careful with today's light racquets, we can easily end up with a balance point so high as to require so much tailweighting (to bring balance back down) that we'd have been better off buying the standard (heavier) version of the racquet, many of which have pretty efficient weight to swingweight ratios built-in by the manufacturer.

This reminds me of that other rare element to look for in a platform stick: one with a 5 HL or lower (head-lighter) balance point. This is rare because the lighter the frame, the higher the balance point tends to be, for exactly the reasons you state.

Yes, CostCo and Sam's Club et.al. are amazing places to find light frames. Still, your caution applies there, too. Check out this Tennis Spin video about CostCo's $50 Wilson Ultra Comp strung, weighing 286g, with a 328 s/w and 354mm (3.4 HH) balance. The only practical customizing anyone's going to do with such is a whole lotta tailweighting.

 

[Irvin]

Yes, CostCo and Sam's Club et.al. are amazing places to find light frames. Still, your caution applies there, too. Check out this Tennis Spin video about CostCo's $50 Wilson Ultra Comp strung, weighing 286g, with a 328 s/w and 354mm (3.4 HH) balance. The only practical customizing anyone's going to do with such is a whole lotta tailweighting.

No need to check out the video it is exactly what I was saying.

 

[Brando]

I sure did, @Brando!

The Gravity MP Lite, extended to 27.5 in. is currently one of my 2 main racquets (I rotate it with an also extended Prince Phantom 100x 290), both weighting 335g after everything.

On both racquets I added an XTP butt cap with (silicone?) caulk in it, and completed the handle with a heat shrink sleeve to reduce the size difference on the hand.

On the Gravity, I added 3g total (1,5g each) at 10 & 2 and also some bumper guard tape to 3 & 9 to get it to an even 335g total weight.

https://imgur.com/a/F3J2VR9

I've never extended a handle. Impressive work, @pedrogcr ! 335g is a bit heavy for me but I get it; a heat shrink sleeve alone adds 6g.

If you're ever interested in lightening the frame up a bit, may I posit a scenario? Per the Customization Tool, the twist weight on the 360+ Gravity MP Lite is around14.68. That's pretty high. Adding even the modest weight you've added at both 10&2 and and 9&3 has ballooned your twist weight up to 16-17, which is making your frame more cumbersome than it needs to be, particularly at net and on serve. May I suggest you try migrating your added hoop weight to noon only? Compare your setup and this scenario in the Customization Tool and you'll see that far less weight need be applied at noon to achieve the same swingweight you have now, and you'll lower your twistweight back to earth again in the bargain. (Not that this is even an original idea: @Irvin has been spreading the gospel of tip-weighting for eons.)

 

[Irvin]

Yes I like tip (and handle) weighing and never liked adding weight to ‘stabilize’ a racket. I don’t think adding weight at 3 & 9 helps a racket. Unless I’m trying to match TW I don’t add weight at 3 & 9 any more.

But just because I don’t like increasing TW doesn’t mean it is a bad thing. If you like it I couldn’t care less because I’m not playing with it. Everyone should try modifications of all kinds to see what they do and do not like.

 

[pedrogcr]

I've never extended a handle. Impressive work, @pedrogcr ! 335g is a bit heavy for me but I get it; a heat shrink sleeve alone adds 6g.

If you're ever interested in lightening the frame up a bit, may I posit a scenario? Per the Customization Tool, the twist weight on the 360+ Gravity MP Lite is around14.68. That's pretty high. Adding even the modest weight you've added at both 10&2 and and 9&3 has ballooned your twist weight up to 16-17, which is making your frame more cumbersome than it needs to be, particularly at net and on serve. May I suggest you try migrating your added hoop weight to noon only? Compare your setup and this scenario in the Customization Tool and you'll see that far less weight need be applied at noon to achieve the same swingweight you have now, and you'll lower your twistweight back to earth again in the bargain. (Not that this is even an original idea: @Irvin has been spreading the gospel of tip-weighting for eons.)

Thanks for the tips, @Brando.

But this is actually me trying to play with lighter frames. I used to play with extended racquets weighting between 367g & 375g, but my shoulder couldn't take it anymore, so that's why I started looking for lighter frames, so I can customize to my liking without becoming too heavy.

If you think about, any 305g racquet should play at around 330g after strings, overgrip and dampener, or closer to 335g if the player user a leather grip.

As for the weight placement, I did try it at 12, but like it much better at 10 & 2 (more like 10:30 and 1:30) and feel like the added bumper guard tape at 3 & 9 didn't change much the way the racquet plays, so I kept it as I tend to destroy my frames at those spots.

 

[Brando]

After posting said tips, I upbraided myself for sending out unsolicited advice. Thanks for taking it in good spirit-- especially since you've already tried what I suggested! But then, no surprise; you obviously know what you're doing. May I ask whether you'd call yourself more of a flat hitter or a spinster?

 

[pedrogcr]

After posting said tips, I upbraided myself for sending out unsolicited advice. Thanks for taking it in good spirit-- especially since you've already tried what I suggested! But then, no surprise; you obviously know what you're doing. May I ask whether you'd call yourself more of a flat hitter or a spinster?

Hey, we are sharing experiences with strangers on an internet forum! If every unsolicited piece of advice was given in such a polite and useful way, I'd probably do it much more often!

And I'm definitely not that experienced or even knowledgeable. I'm still learning to string my own racquets (still take more than 1 hour per racquet), and don't even know how to measure swing weight. Fortunately, I'm not that sensitive to small differences, so, as long as they have close characteristics, I can change racquets during a match and play at the same level - the benefits of a consistently low one! lol

Regarding play style, I'm definitely a spinster! Grew up playing on red clay in Brazil, but play mostly on Har Tru nowadays (Florida), so love playing angles and hitting heavy loopy topspin shots from the baseline. But I can definitely crack a flat forehand when the opportunity presents itself.

And that's exactly why I like to play with extended racquets, I feel like the extra length helps tame some of the spin, allowing me to hit a heavier, deeper ball, all while adding a little bit of reach to my thbh.

 

[slipgrip93]

Today, though, those last two Steams are coveted by customizers worldwide and wielded (under a Blade p.j.)

Comparing with the steam 100 blx, which I have as a collectible. Probably not as appealing for today's game nor as a 'platform racquet'? , because it's the last oldschool 17.5mm box beam by Wilson. The prostaff six one 95 blx, which I use as my "alternate" if the occasion occurs. But it's very light on feel, one of the lightest rectangular box beams with the blx. I weight tinkered it a bit, and I'm by no means an expert , having more recently learned about this and experimenting, but had tried to give it more plow by adding for swingweight and making it a bit more head heavy, but it's still fairly light on feel, although the plow did improve.

(tw review of the prostaff six one 95 blx (2012))

And that's exactly why I like to play with extended racquets, I feel like the extra length helps tame some of the spin, allowing me to hit a heavier, deeper ball, all while adding a little bit of reach to my thbh.

aha, all those wta ladies currently playing with the steam 100 mold under the blade repaints, they're all the 27.25 in. slightly extended lengths!
(badosa's steam 100 racquet).

 

[Brando]

Regarding play style, I'm definitely a spinster! Grew up playing on red clay in Brazil, but play mostly on Har Tru nowadays (Florida), so love playing angles and hitting heavy loopy topspin shots from the baseline. But I can definitely crack a flat forehand when the opportunity presents itself.

I'd have bet the farm that you were a flat hitter because they're the ones who typically prefer the higher twist weights. Think Novak and his long swaths of lead at 9&3 or Aslan Karatsev and his CAP'd Prestige. Goes to show, you never know....

 

[Brando]

Comparing with the steam 100 blx, which I have as a collectible. Probably not as appealing for today's game nor as a 'platform racquet'? , because it's the last oldschool 17.5mm box beam by Wilson. The prostaff six one 95 blx, which I use as my "alternate" if the occasion occurs. But it's very light on feel, one of the lightest rectangular box beams with the blx. I weight tinkered it a bit, and I'm by no means an expert , having more recently learned about this and experimenting, but had tried to give it more plow by adding for swingweight and making it a bit more head heavy, but it's still fairly light on feel, although the plow did improve.

Have read much about the famous Pro Staff Six One 95 BLX. Would give my left *** to playtest it. 'Had no idea the beam was so thin. A collectable indeed, and so ripe for polarization. When you tip-weighted it, did you try counterweighting with tailweight?

 

[Irvin]

If you’re looking for a good platform racket it may be a good idea to use racquet finder and plug in you maximum weight (11 on) and balance (-4) http://www.racquetfinder.com/?name=...ins=&crosses=&currentcheckbox=ASICS&current=Y

Other maximums or parameters would work too, but this is a start.

EDIT: Keep in mind what you’re looking for and how you will modify the racket. Use the TWU customization tool to see if the platform racket can meet you wanted specs.

 

[tomkowy]

I’d say Head Graphene Touch Speed MP is a nice platform racquet. Strung 315 grams, swingweight below 310, 33 cm balance (very depolarized), 22 mm beam. A great starting point for any customization.
By the way, wasn’t the Steam 99 a more controlled Pure Drive? A bit different characteristics to Radicals.

 

[pedrogcr]

I’d say Head Graphene Touch Speed MP is a nice platform racquet. Strung 315 grams, swingweight below 310, 33 cm balance (very depolarized), 22 mm beam. A great starting point for any customization.
By the way, wasn’t the Steam 99 a more controlled Pure Drive? A bit different characteristics to Radicals.

Yes! But TW lists the swing weight as 318.

Did you check the "Adaptive" version? It sounds even nicer (as it should be, being that it was actually designed as a platform racquet), with an RA of 57, vs 64 from the MP!

And, with the "tunning kit" you can even change the string pattern to a crazy spin 16x16.

But the reviews on that racquet weren't the best, as people felt like the adaptive pallets didn't feel good.

 

[pedrogcr]

And since we're going back to older racquets, has anyone tried the Wilson Envy 100 (BLX or the regular 100L)?

They sound like a customizer's dream with a 22.5mm straight beam, 61 RA, 283g (strung!) ad 289 SW.

With the beloved 16x20 string pattern as the cherry on top!

But the best part is, you can get a decent condition on eB@y for around $50 shipped.

https://imgur.com/a/X4lgtEr

 

[tomkowy]

Yes! But TW lists the swing weight as 318.

Did you check the "Adaptive" version? It sounds even nicer (as it should be, being that it was actually designed as a platform racquet), with an RA of 57, vs 64 from the MP!

And, with the "tunning kit" you can even change the string pattern to a crazy spin 16x16.

But the reviews on that racquet weren't the best, as people felt like the adaptive pallets didn't feel good.

TWU shows 309 on swingweight and 32,6 cm balance. I’ve played only the RA 64 version with heavier 16x19 grommets from adaptive kit. The racquet plays nicely with it, as it gets OKish stability and power. One of the easiest frames to pick up and play that I’ve tried.

In stock form it lacks power and stability so I get that potential buyers could be dissapointed after demo. 309 SW with 57 RA in a 100 sq in frame sounds exotic

 

[pedrogcr]

TWU shows 309 on swingweight and 32,6 cm balance. I’ve played only the RA 64 version with heavier 16x19 grommets from adaptive kit. The racquet plays nicely with it, as it gets OKish stability and power. One of the easiest frames to pick up and play that I’ve tried.

In stock form it lacks power and stability so I get that potential buyers could be dissapointed after demo. 309 SW with 57 RA in a 100 sq in frame sounds exotic

Strange, as racquet finder. com shows it as 318 SW.

And I didn't know you could use the adaptive grommets on the regular MP.

I'd love it if companies would sell racquets with replaceable grommets with different string patterns.

Imagine how a Gravity Pro with 16 mains would feel! I guess only Barty knows.

 

[WacTennis2017]

And since we're going back to older racquets, has anyone tried the Wilson Envy 100 (BLX or the regular 100L)?

They sound like a customizer's dream with a 22.5mm straight beam, 61 RA, 283g (strung!) ad 289 SW.

With the beloved 16x20 string pattern as the cherry on top!

But the best part is, you can get a decent condition on eB@y for around $50 shipped.

https://imgur.com/a/X4lgtEr

Is current Wilson BLX US Open essentially the previous Wilson Blx Envy? Similar specs, 100 sq inch , 16x20, ~10 oz strung

 

[KingGrayskull]

The Wilson Blade v8 UL (I believe only available in the USA on Wilson.com) is a fantastic “platform” racquet. Thinner beam, lower flex than the regular blade, super light stock form.

 

[pedrogcr]

The Wilson Blade v8 UL (I believe only available in the USA on Wilson.com) is a fantastic “platform” racquet. Thinner beam, lower flex than the regular blade, super light stock form.

Can't find info on the V8 UL, but the previous one had an RA of 68 or 69, same as the V8 100L.

 

[KingGrayskull]

Can't find info on the V8 UL, but the previous one had an RA of 68 or 69, same as the V8 100L.

Specifications

Head Size:	100 in / 645 cm
Length:	27in / 68,5cm
Strung Weight:	283g / 10oz
Unstrung Weight:	265g/9,4oz
Balance:	34,29cm / 0 pts EB
Unstrung Balance:	33,5cm/3 pts HL
Swingweight:	319
Stiffness:	64
Beam Width:	22mm / 22mm / 22mm
Composition:	Graphite
Racket Colours:	Green
Grip Type:	Wilson Pro Performance
String Pattern:	16 Mains / 19 Crosses Mains skip: 8T,8H
Tension:	22-27kg / 50-60lb

 

[TennisHound]

…By the way, wasn’t the Steam 99 a more controlled Pure Drive?

Yes, but a little flexier.

 

[pedrogcr]

The Wilson Blade v8 UL (I believe only available in the USA on Wilson.com) is a fantastic “platform” racquet. Thinner beam, lower flex than the regular blade, super light stock form.

The regular Blade has a 21mm beam and 60 RA, so it's actually thinner and has a much lower flex...
And the UL already comes with a 319 SW, so not much room to add weight to the hoop...

 

[KingGrayskull]

The regular Blade has a 21mm beam and 60 RA, so it's actually thinner and has a much lower flex...
And the UL already comes with a 319 SW, so not much room to add weight to the hoop...

apologies, meant the regular L, not the full size

 

[HitMoreBHs]

I sure did, @Brando!

The Gravity MP Lite, extended to 27.5 in. is currently one of my 2 main racquets (I rotate it with an also extended Prince Phantom 100x 290), both weighting 335g after everything.

On both racquets I added an XTP butt cap with (silicone?) caulk in it, and completed the handle with a heat shrink sleeve to reduce the size difference on the hand.

On the Gravity, I added 3g total (1,5g each) at 10 & 2 and also some bumper guard tape to 3 & 9 to get it to an even 335g total weight.

https://imgur.com/a/F3J2VR9

Nicely done with your customisation.
You might be interested to know that until last year, Ring & Roll used to sell a custom longbody of the Gravity MP Lite in 27.25 and 27.5 variants (along with expected eye-watering price tag), and they don't ever choose a racquet to do this with if it isn't a strong performer.

I did have a Gravity MP Lite for a year, which I used in standard length as a platform stick to test out a range of custom specs. It's a very good platform racquet indeed, and has the advantage of a decent starting swingweight whilst still balancing at 32.5cm unstrung. ie: unlike the scenario @Irvin describes above where light variants can often be too head heavy in balance.

The Gravity MP Lite is often assumed to be the same hairpin as the Gravity MP, but with reduced handle weights. This is not the case in my experience. Even with weight added so that the MP Lite is a matched spec to a Gravity MP, the MP feels plusher with much less vibrations especially on off-centre hits. That said, feel is subjective and some of my playing partners preferred the more communicative feedback from the MP Lite. I subsequently sold it on to one of them who likes it so much that he still uses it as his main racquet.

 

[tomkowy]

1.
I've looked for frames similar to Steam 100 but this combination is simply hard to find
100 sq in
high-ish flex
average beam (23 mm max)
low twistweight (below 14 as a starter)
low swingweight (below 315 strung)
Especially the low twistweight with a 100 sq in frame is very hard to find today.

2.
First thing that surprised me was that Wilson ProStaff 97L popped up as a similar frame on TWU. It's standard length, it's 97 sq in instead of 100 sq in, but it has really open 16x19 pattern. My brother plays with it and it's not an easy frame to play, as there is no forgiveness at all (~13 twistweight). At the same time it's very easy to swing and if you hit clean, there is a lot of spin and nice power.
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3.
Other question: if Gravity Lite is so good, why not Speed MP Lite? It's even closer to Steam 100 on paper.

4.
Head Adaptive Tuning Kit is now on promo on TWE, just 5 EUR: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Adaptive_Tuning_Kit_-_Speed_Racquets/descpageHEAD-HATKITS.html
Forget the grommets, they fit only to Graphene Touch Speed MP. But the heavier buttcap is universal for all TK82S pallets and the spacers fit probably to all new Head racquets. They fit to Head Extreme Tour at least. It's very easy to extend racquet length with them. I've found out that putting all three spacers (0,6 inch extension) is not working well - buttcap starts to move. But 0,2 inch extension works fine.