zspyderman
Rookie
Yes. I've done many Babolats. A lot of them are the Pure Drives, as most players are in a hurry to change them into a tennis racquet from a christmas ornament....
Customized HEAD Youtek Radical MP
- Thread starter zspyderman
- Start date
zspyderman
Rookie
Not my Radicals. They have balls...
However... Capping them is a little more difficult....
PED
Legend
What types of mods do you usually do on the PD's to bring up the weight?
I used to use the PDR but was thinking of trying a PDGT+ as it has more room for customizing.
zspyderman
Rookie
First. You need to get rid of the "hollowness" of the racquet. The PDs are the worst in that department. If you've ever seen a broken christmas ornament with the thin glass, that's exactly what a borken Pure Drive looks like. You need to make it more "stocky". It also needs a little more mass in the head around the frame. The regular length PD starts to play pretty nice around 12oz-12.3oz. The long version could be a little lighter.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the response xzspyderman. Like you said in the first post if we want to get our hands dirty how would you customize pure drive give us some examples that we can replicate. I am assuming you meant silicone in the handle (for annoying pinging sound) and some lead at 12 to counterbalance Do you have any specifics setups that you have done for any pro.
zspyderman
Rookie
If you give me your email, I will send you a specific set-up with instructions for your Pure Drive...
zspyderman
Rookie
No Problem. You should have it already....
I tried to cap my MG Radical MPs using MG Prestige MP grommets [TK-238]. It turned out however that the bottom two or three string channels on the grommet (the longest ones, near the bridge) were two short to go all the way through the frame. They were definitely in all the way and yet 2-3 mm short... the string would rub against the frame if I were to strung 'as is'... a definite show-stopper. In the end I had to put the original Rad grommets back on.
Guys with capping experience ;-) how do you get around this problem? Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!
Guys with capping experience ;-) how do you get around this problem? Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!
zspyderman
Rookie
Raymond089
New User
What cap grommets did you use zspyderman?
saying its been done before does not help a lot, we all know it can be done. But which cap grommets did you use?
Please let me know.
Regards,
Raymond.
saying its been done before does not help a lot, we all know it can be done. But which cap grommets did you use?
Please let me know.
Regards,
Raymond.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
I believe he did mention the TK238...
I used the TK238, they fit except a few PITA holes...
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
I'd say they were NOT in all the way. You need to push hard on the CAP until it "clicks" into the place. I had no issue (of that kind) with the YT Radical MP (TGK260.1).
Raymond089
New User
whats PITA holes? :S
Which grommets did people find easiest to cap their radicals? Microgel or intelligence caps?
Which grommets did people find easiest to cap their radicals? Microgel or intelligence caps?
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
PITA -pain in the ***
Someone suggested to pre-soak the TK238 in a hot water, then try to fit them in. I will definitely do that next time...
zspyderman
Rookie
As you probably know, heat extends materials. If you don't have the proper heating equipment, you probably have a hair dryer...? Whater is PITA$$, but you can actually use the steam from the boiling water. DR is right. it was not in all the way, but it is an issue. The MG Radical is a little thicker in that area then the Youtek. But don't forget, you will have about 55 lbs of pressure pulling those suckers out with the string. They will stick their heads out, don't worry, even though they are reluctant to do it by hand. However. It does need special attentoin when stringing! Your stringer can really screw things up for you.
If you don't want to suffer, get the iPrestige MP grommets. Those sleeves are so big, you can tie a not on them on the other side. With that grommet, you can use power pads on the first 2 holes.
Raymond089
New User
Hi Zspyderman,
Thanks for the information, what do you mean by it needs special attention during stringing? i string for myself and would like to know what i need to look out for?
Also, would i prestige cap grommets be easier to put on a youtek radical?
Thanks,
Raymond.
Thanks for the information, what do you mean by it needs special attention during stringing? i string for myself and would like to know what i need to look out for?
Also, would i prestige cap grommets be easier to put on a youtek radical?
Thanks,
Raymond.
zspyderman
Rookie
With the Youtek you don't have the same problem. It's not the length of the sleeves, but the size of the portholes you need to worry about. I know... If it's not this, it's that... LOL
As to stringing. You can't go out where the grommet sleeve needs to be pulled in. Your 2 trouble spots, you can only pull at a 90 degree angle. You gotta do what you gotta do. Go out of your way, even if that's not what the next step is stringing the racquet. The good news is; You only have to do it once. To be any more clear, I would have to do it myself ....and I charge for that.
zspyderman
Rookie
The de-capped Prestiges do not lose any power at all. The overall weight strung on the ones you saw in the picture are almost 13oz. They are great sticks, but extremely head light for more of an agressive net play. If you drop the tension in them about 4 to 6 lbs, you maintain the same power and debt, and gain a very quick racket. They feel unbeliable good. After swinging it, I had two people calling head from my place to change the specs on their racquets...
Raymond089
New User
With the Youtek you don't have the same problem. It's not the length of the sleeves, but the size of the portholes you need to worry about. I know... If it's not this, it's that... LOL
As to stringing. You can't go out where the grommet sleeve needs to be pulled in. Your 2 trouble spots, you can only pull at a 90 degree angle. You gotta do what you gotta do. Go out of your way, even if that's not what the next step is stringing the racquet. The good news is; You only have to do it once. To be any more clear, I would have to do it myself ....and I charge for that.
Thanks for the quick reply spyderman, i would love to pay you to do it for me. But the problem is i would have to send it to you from Australia and would cost me a fair bit of cash.
Would you be able to coach me through the process?
Thanks.
Raymond.
zspyderman
Rookie
No worries mate. As I'm gonna be in Singapore next week, and Australia in a couple of weeks...
Shoot me an email.
Thanks for the info, much appreciated!
zspyderman
Rookie
No problem.
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!
downs_chris
Professional
masterdeno
New User
hi! I play with Babolat Pure Drive +. I'd like to customize it. I'm interested in your setup, could you please share it? If you prefer sending it to e-mail, my e-mail is denis.marut(at)inet.hr.
Thanks!
Hey Spyderman!
I want to cap my MG radical mp-s, and I already know that the CAP grommets will add about 15 gramm plus to the total mass of the racquet. My question would be that in order to keep the same balance as the stock version has how much weight (lead tape) should I add and where (on the handle or on the throat)? I don't like the leather grips so it won't be an option.
thanks, Tom
I want to cap my MG radical mp-s, and I already know that the CAP grommets will add about 15 gramm plus to the total mass of the racquet. My question would be that in order to keep the same balance as the stock version has how much weight (lead tape) should I add and where (on the handle or on the throat)? I don't like the leather grips so it won't be an option.
thanks, Tom
Hey Z,
R here... I picked up a couple TGK Mids with the 16's we talked about, and LOVING them. Finally, everything is landing IN. Always played with 16's when I was sponsored, and just couldn't get behind the off-the-shelf 18's, even though I love the Head racket feeling (MG Prestige Pro didn't turn my crank).
Great post. Always learn something when you kick in on the boards.
Question: How far down does the silicone generally extend into the handles? To the wrap? Halfway? Does it vary per player's reqs' depending on weight and balance point? Just curious...
Thanks
R here... I picked up a couple TGK Mids with the 16's we talked about, and LOVING them. Finally, everything is landing IN. Always played with 16's when I was sponsored, and just couldn't get behind the off-the-shelf 18's, even though I love the Head racket feeling (MG Prestige Pro didn't turn my crank).
Great post. Always learn something when you kick in on the boards.
Question: How far down does the silicone generally extend into the handles? To the wrap? Halfway? Does it vary per player's reqs' depending on weight and balance point? Just curious...
Thanks
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Depends on how much weight the player wants.
Last night I put the silicone in my YT Rad MP, about 1/2 to 3/5 of the handle filled and it added about 25g.
Now my Rad MP is 350g strung, 32cm ballance, should be fun tonight, the experiment is finished after this...
PED
Legend
DR, let us hear how it goes, I'm interested in your feedback; the specs sound really nice.
Raymond089
New User
I have my microgel prestige mp cap grommets
hi guys,
I have my microgel prestige mp cap grommets and i am going to heat them up in some boiling water.
What should i do next? start at the throat of the racquet and move up using the awl to guide the grommets into the holes.
What issues will i come across that i should know before i perform this task?
Please let me know.
Regards,
Raymond.
hi guys,
I have my microgel prestige mp cap grommets and i am going to heat them up in some boiling water.
What should i do next? start at the throat of the racquet and move up using the awl to guide the grommets into the holes.
What issues will i come across that i should know before i perform this task?
Please let me know.
Regards,
Raymond.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
Yes, soften them up in a warm (not necessarily "boiling") water. I did not do it, and right now have the issues with approximately 4 holes that seem to be smaller than the rest -- two at approx 4 and 8 o'clock, and two tie offs on top.
Yes, start at the throat and work your way up. Should not be too bad...
Raymond089
New User
what do you mean smaller than the rest? holes are too small on the racquet? or grommets are too small for the holes?
Please let me know.
Also, is there any easier method to putting in caps grommets on a youtek radical mp? heating would make it easier yes, but what about the tight areas at 4 and 8 o clock? would heating help around those areas?
Please advise.
Please let me know.
Also, is there any easier method to putting in caps grommets on a youtek radical mp? heating would make it easier yes, but what about the tight areas at 4 and 8 o clock? would heating help around those areas?
Please advise.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
It SEEMS that the racket holes are tighter at those locations. I am not sure, but I could not fit them in. But as I said, I did not use any heating methods, would do it in the future.
WOuld the heating solve this issue -- I am not sure since I have not tried it, but again, don't stress it too much -- it is not bad at all...
purple-n-gold
Hall of Fame
Raymond, one fella suggested coiling the caps like a snake and putting a rubberband around em and letting them sit overnight. I'm gonna try that plus the hot water and maybe use a hair dryer as well on the PITA holes.
Raymond089
New User
Dr, have you tried stringing up the racquet to get those grommet areas in yet? because stringing it will help apply pressure to those grommets and hopefully make them fit.
Please let me know how it goes.
Thanks for the suggestion purple and gold, but i think i will try the hot water treatment for the grommets.
Regards,
Raymond.
Please let me know how it goes.
Thanks for the suggestion purple and gold, but i think i will try the hot water treatment for the grommets.
Regards,
Raymond.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
I am on the THIRD string job and it did not happen -- here is the solution:
at 4 o'clock:
top tie-off:
Raymond089
New User
damn, that looks bad dr.
Anyone out there know how to fix/ avoid this problem or issues with installing these grommets in radicals?
Anyone out there know how to fix/ avoid this problem or issues with installing these grommets in radicals?
I'd suggest taking a grommet grinder tool and slightly enlarge the trouble hole in the frame. The tieoff hole of the grommet should slide in better than what's pictured above.
Also, using i.Prestige MP grommets works better than others, IME.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
I don't think it is bad at all -- does not affect the play or the racket...
As PSP suggested, there are different ways to fit it, my primary goal was to mess with the weight, balance and see if I can get a comfortable stick out of the stock Radical -- I did. It is not a PT57A, but feels very nice, stable and definitely like a completely different stick from the stock.
Next, I will mess witht he YT Prestige MP to see its potential. However, it will be a limited potential because the Prestige is stiffer, it is more headlight and it is heavier, therefore, probably no room to add any silicone in the handle, then counterbalance it with lead in the hoop as it would make it too heavy...
zspyderman
Rookie
I have customized many many Youtek Radicals, probably close to a hundred, but never had this problem of the grommet sleeve not coming all the way through. I would be careful leaving the string directly against the frame like that.
Although, it seems Dr have been using it quite a bit, so it does not break the string or effect the playability(?) It's worth playing around with it, if you don't mind throwing a few frames away.
dr325i
G.O.A.T.
If you look carefully, the (bare) string is not touching the frame...
zspyderman
Rookie
to keep the original balance after the cap grommet, you need to add about 14g of weight to thehandle. The difference between the two grommets.
zspyderman
Rookie
I got it. I just saw it the second timearound... Good job. The tube def. helps solving the problem. You can work that sleeve in all the way though. try to be careful the first time so it wont flatten against the inside of the frame when applying pressure. You have to gide it through with something that fits into the hole.
Hello.
I bought two Head Microgel Prestige MP Custom Nenad Zimonjic with you in ****.
Can you tell me the Head Code from these racquets? TGK238.1,2,3? Another?
Thanks.
Spiderman, could you tell me if the sylicone dampens the feel? Because I do agree that many frames have that disgusting hollow feel, and I am sure the silicone gives them a more solid feel, but doesn't it dampen the feel too much?
Also, what do you think about capping the liquid metals?
Thanks.
Also, what do you think about capping the liquid metals?
Thanks.
Buckethead
Banned
There isn't such a racket, but there is a racket customized for him
The CODE must be inside the throat, if not you just got fooled.
Buckethead:
You are right. I bought a Custom Zimonjic Microgel Prestige MP (price was high...) and I received a regular Microgel Prestige MP.
It is unfortunate, I feel robbed ...
