Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Power Player
Bionic Poster
It is 329 static weight fully loaded with grip, lead, dampener.
Balance point is between 2-3 points HL. I need a balance board to get exact, but that should be it.
The B5e/nvy took the stick with Rip Control from 325 grams to 329, same as the one with gut. So RIP control must weigh a little less than poly.
I think for more modern tennis 2-3 PTs HL, 325-330 grams and a SW in the 320s or 330s is the magic spec formula.
Balance point is between 2-3 points HL. I need a balance board to get exact, but that should be it.
The B5e/nvy took the stick with Rip Control from 325 grams to 329, same as the one with gut. So RIP control must weigh a little less than poly.
I think for more modern tennis 2-3 PTs HL, 325-330 grams and a SW in the 320s or 330s is the magic spec formula.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
haha..yeah I actually went and hit for another 45 minutes after we were done. I practiced my kick serve like crazy and it really helped me fix some things. Hopefully should mean less double faults next time.
And yeah I am going to try and hit with the b5e hybrid tonight.
Thats the next "formula for winning" concept I believe works. Power racquet means use a control string setup. So if my theory is correct, the b5e/nvy may work out quite well.
And yeah I am going to try and hit with the b5e hybrid tonight.
Thats the next "formula for winning" concept I believe works. Power racquet means use a control string setup. So if my theory is correct, the b5e/nvy may work out quite well.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Negative. I sent it right back for a refund since there was a mixup. Probably could have/should have hit with it before sending back just to see, but didn't think I'd be into it at the time.
Ross, Re: BC sticks, I can't say too much about the 30 because I only tried it for a very brief time with a foreign string before trading it on (just didn't feel as good as the 20 right off the bat; didn't give it much of a chance, tho). The 20 is still one of my Top 5-10 sticks of all time. The 20 (and I imagine the 30) can be just so nasty with Tour Bite in it. Crazy spin but you can flatten it out, too. And the flex/recoil just provides a ton of control on that spin. It might be the most interesting/unique feeling frame I've ever tried, I think. Pure joy on groundies from the baseline. My heater serve was just a little inconsistent, and volleys popped up a bit too much. If the frame flexes less, as Meaghan says, these traits might be improved (it's the flex that seems to work so amazingly well for me on groundies that doesn't work so well on serves and putting away volleys. But I'm still confident enough in the overall playability to where I'd still be happy to play a match I need to win with it. Groundies are just that sweet. The 30 could tick a lot of your boxes. But... it's definitely softer/flexier than what you often like. Good thing about that is stiff, crispy strings match up very well.
So, is it possible that some of us rackaholics have found one to groove with for a while?
I'm loving the PSTGT. I ordered 2 of the 2009 ones, and I have a pair of the new paint scheme. The 2009's are TANKS - with leather, string, and OG, the one that I strung is 358g. The 2011 that I've been using is 352g. SW-wise, though, it feels like they're within a few points of each other. I also have a natty gut/poly setup in Tank #1, so that might be impacting the weight a little bit. Going to see if I can't put the frame on a diet though....
I'm loving the PSTGT. I ordered 2 of the 2009 ones, and I have a pair of the new paint scheme. The 2009's are TANKS - with leather, string, and OG, the one that I strung is 358g. The 2011 that I've been using is 352g. SW-wise, though, it feels like they're within a few points of each other. I also have a natty gut/poly setup in Tank #1, so that might be impacting the weight a little bit. Going to see if I can't put the frame on a diet though....
Power Player
Bionic Poster
It is currently grooving for me..In many ways I hate being a Holic just because every stick you get you need to update strings..specs..etc.
Obviously it is always fun to try frames, but when I switch now it is because of game improvement or injury.
I also think the better you get, the more you narrow down the exact specs and style of racquet that works for you.
You can tell in this thread..guys like gads who won his 4.5 region knows what specs he likes and usually his racquet choices are in a similar area.
I have gone back and forth between tweeners and players sticks..usually leaving tweeners because I only used Babs and they would hurt after a while and lacked the feel of players sticks. The Pro Open has so far solved all those issues.
Obviously it is always fun to try frames, but when I switch now it is because of game improvement or injury.
I also think the better you get, the more you narrow down the exact specs and style of racquet that works for you.
You can tell in this thread..guys like gads who won his 4.5 region knows what specs he likes and usually his racquet choices are in a similar area.
I have gone back and forth between tweeners and players sticks..usually leaving tweeners because I only used Babs and they would hurt after a while and lacked the feel of players sticks. The Pro Open has so far solved all those issues.
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This weekend I played in one of the first tournaments I have played in since I was a kid. The tournament was a major zone and was totally rained out friday and half of saturday. So all matches were condensed, and I played 7 total matches (started each at 2-2 for whatever reason) in approximately 24 hours. I lost in the semi finals of the singles (128 person draw) in 3rd set 10pt breaker.
I currently play with the prince ex03 tour 18x20. I have a very fast swing speed and hit with a lot of spin on my forehand, sort of a mix between a nadal and andreev style of hitting the ball (odd mix i know and obviously not nearly as well
). I noticed that my arm speed raelly fell off on the second day and I got tired and struggled with consistency a bit due to this. I have noticed this before when I have played too much tennis during a week, but it really hurt me in this case because had I been able to hit like I did on the first day of the tournament, I believe that I would have won (although my opponent played very well and was a good player and won the final in straights). I also consider myself extremely fit and powerlifted in college and still do recreationally although I no longer compete. That said, i definitely was fatigued in my arm during the tail end of this event.
I started thinking that perhaps a lighter, less demanding frame may help me maintain my swing speed and consistency because I would be able to better repeat my same strokes and leave less short balls in the middle of the court. With this in mind, i wanted to try the new rebel 98, dunlop 400 tour and 500 tour. There were no rebels available, so i just tried the dunlops.
I just finished the tournament and drove back late last night and woke up sore and exhausted. I knew today was a perfect opportunity to try the rackets in a match setting because I knew i was fatigued. If i could hit well and handle one of these frames in these condiitons, i would really benefit in a tournament setting because I usually play singles and mixed doubles in events and if i am successful, would be playing a lot of matches in a short time frame.
I tried the 400 first, and hit about 50 balls and knew that this racket was not for me. I then tried the 500 tour and really liked it in warmups. Spin was huge, and to my surprise there was a lot of pace available but my shots were still staying in. It was also really easy to swing and felt great at net and on transition shots.
I played four sets of doubles and played great, never slowing down at all, and was beasting at net. THe power off teh ground and off balance shots was also excellent. My returns were huge (relatively speaking lol) as well. Serve was very impressive as well. Lots of free pace and the spin was really large and helped a lot on kick serves.
Very impressed so far. I think that I now understand where the love is for some of these tweeners. I was shocked at the depth and consistency of the racket while improving my ball speed at the same time.
I will give it one more day to demo before deciding for sure, but for now, very impressed.
I currently play with the prince ex03 tour 18x20. I have a very fast swing speed and hit with a lot of spin on my forehand, sort of a mix between a nadal and andreev style of hitting the ball (odd mix i know and obviously not nearly as well
). I noticed that my arm speed raelly fell off on the second day and I got tired and struggled with consistency a bit due to this. I have noticed this before when I have played too much tennis during a week, but it really hurt me in this case because had I been able to hit like I did on the first day of the tournament, I believe that I would have won (although my opponent played very well and was a good player and won the final in straights). I also consider myself extremely fit and powerlifted in college and still do recreationally although I no longer compete. That said, i definitely was fatigued in my arm during the tail end of this event.I started thinking that perhaps a lighter, less demanding frame may help me maintain my swing speed and consistency because I would be able to better repeat my same strokes and leave less short balls in the middle of the court. With this in mind, i wanted to try the new rebel 98, dunlop 400 tour and 500 tour. There were no rebels available, so i just tried the dunlops.
I just finished the tournament and drove back late last night and woke up sore and exhausted. I knew today was a perfect opportunity to try the rackets in a match setting because I knew i was fatigued. If i could hit well and handle one of these frames in these condiitons, i would really benefit in a tournament setting because I usually play singles and mixed doubles in events and if i am successful, would be playing a lot of matches in a short time frame.
I tried the 400 first, and hit about 50 balls and knew that this racket was not for me. I then tried the 500 tour and really liked it in warmups. Spin was huge, and to my surprise there was a lot of pace available but my shots were still staying in. It was also really easy to swing and felt great at net and on transition shots.
I played four sets of doubles and played great, never slowing down at all, and was beasting at net. THe power off teh ground and off balance shots was also excellent. My returns were huge (relatively speaking lol) as well. Serve was very impressive as well. Lots of free pace and the spin was really large and helped a lot on kick serves.
Very impressed so far. I think that I now understand where the love is for some of these tweeners. I was shocked at the depth and consistency of the racket while improving my ball speed at the same time.
I will give it one more day to demo before deciding for sure, but for now, very impressed.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Welcome to tweenerland. It is a wonderful place. I think in 5 years the majority of pros will be here as well the way they have slown down the court speeds.
I was pretty wiped out but got to hit with the b5e/n vy setup. Tons of spin on my kickserves..lots of action on groundies as well. I actually like the feel of rip control a little more, but this setup is very controlled and a definite contender in the pro open. It is really soft though..and low powered..i also underestimate how low the power is..i could probably string it lower than 54..more like 51. But it was very very good and i will take a few days off from the courts to rest my bod and then see how it plays later in the week.
I was pretty wiped out but got to hit with the b5e/n vy setup. Tons of spin on my kickserves..lots of action on groundies as well. I actually like the feel of rip control a little more, but this setup is very controlled and a definite contender in the pro open. It is really soft though..and low powered..i also underestimate how low the power is..i could probably string it lower than 54..more like 51. But it was very very good and i will take a few days off from the courts to rest my bod and then see how it plays later in the week.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Mark, that's still a pretty awesome result, man. Congrats.
Lot of tweener talk. I've definitely gotten to the point where I think tweeners are fine: I get beaten by tweener sticks and player sticks alike, just a matter of how you play with whatever's in your hand and adjusting to it. Sometimes I try super light sticks (if out of town and borrowing a friend's racquet or something; or if one of my buddies is demoing tweeners) and I find a certain control of the ball that's just epic when you get into that zone of waiting and waiting and then being able to just flick the wrist at the last moment for a redirection or angle. My old KBlade 98 was awesome in that regard. Also love some tweeners on serve, as PP is finding; heavier sticks can put in more heaviness, but stick speed can also often make up for that and even things out. Also, your timing doesn't have to always be as fine with lighter sticks on serve; lighter means being able to make a last-second adjustment on a bad toss or something a little bit easier.
Lot of tweener talk. I've definitely gotten to the point where I think tweeners are fine: I get beaten by tweener sticks and player sticks alike, just a matter of how you play with whatever's in your hand and adjusting to it. Sometimes I try super light sticks (if out of town and borrowing a friend's racquet or something; or if one of my buddies is demoing tweeners) and I find a certain control of the ball that's just epic when you get into that zone of waiting and waiting and then being able to just flick the wrist at the last moment for a redirection or angle. My old KBlade 98 was awesome in that regard. Also love some tweeners on serve, as PP is finding; heavier sticks can put in more heaviness, but stick speed can also often make up for that and even things out. Also, your timing doesn't have to always be as fine with lighter sticks on serve; lighter means being able to make a last-second adjustment on a bad toss or something a little bit easier.
klementine
Hall of Fame
Welcome to TweenerTalk....... :smile:
I love it guys.... everything goes... and I agree Gads.. the kBlade stock had so much 'punch' off the ground... such a great stick stock.
PP?.. everyone..? I have a theory that needs to be proven or disproven by the members.
I had noticed that with heavier sticks... I'd be tired from the tennis.. as in an 'all-body' experience....
With lighter sticks, the 'toll' on the whole body was lessened... except for my shoulder. Maybe because I was compensating for 'heavy-balls' with RHS...
Maybe the slower swing/heavier ball of a beefier racquet compensated for the RHS of a lighter frame and I could afford to swing-out less often making it easier on the shoulder....
Or maybe it was because I was logging in many hours on the courts and my body was telling me something...
I guess it's the ol' 'swing the heaviest frame possible' theory... I'd like to hear some of your thoughts.
I love it guys.... everything goes... and I agree Gads.. the kBlade stock had so much 'punch' off the ground... such a great stick stock.
PP?.. everyone..? I have a theory that needs to be proven or disproven by the members.
I had noticed that with heavier sticks... I'd be tired from the tennis.. as in an 'all-body' experience....
With lighter sticks, the 'toll' on the whole body was lessened... except for my shoulder. Maybe because I was compensating for 'heavy-balls' with RHS...
Maybe the slower swing/heavier ball of a beefier racquet compensated for the RHS of a lighter frame and I could afford to swing-out less often making it easier on the shoulder....
Or maybe it was because I was logging in many hours on the courts and my body was telling me something...
I guess it's the ol' 'swing the heaviest frame possible' theory... I'd like to hear some of your thoughts.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
To me the weight thing hasn't seemed to affect me much in terms of being tired. Maybe a tad more dead arm feeling in the shoulder if I've been serving a lot on consecutive days with a heavier stick. But if it's under 12 ounces, I'm pretty much good. And I tend to play a ton. It's definitely more my legs that get burned out if I play a lot.
athleticstennis
Rookie
Heavy racquets have high stresses to the shoulder. That's for sure. I use pretty heavy racquets, and I need to protect my shoulder all the time, and do preventive work always. With lighter sticks I also feel stresses on my shoulder but definitely a different stress. Not sure which stress is higher, but I without doubt prefer the heavy frame.
klementine
Hall of Fame
But do you feel the shoulder is bearing the brunt from over-swinging with a lighter frame?
I agree, the legs get wobbly after awhile.. but a heavier frame (12.5+) just made me sweat more than a lighter frame. Just more effort I guess.
A lighter frame, always made the shoulder sore (on serve) from over-swinging. I guess there's a middle ground.
I agree, the legs get wobbly after awhile.. but a heavier frame (12.5+) just made me sweat more than a lighter frame. Just more effort I guess.
A lighter frame, always made the shoulder sore (on serve) from over-swinging. I guess there's a middle ground.
athleticstennis
Rookie
Yeah, a happy medium. It's not good also when you are overswinging and swinging too fast. There are more injuries in throwing motions for baseball than for football because the motions of baseball are much more brusque due to the lower weight. So find the happy medium, but I think is better a bit heavier, than a bit lighter.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Im with gads, it is usually more in my legs...but i did get fatigued on serve in the 3rd sets of matches with the heavier stick. The more important thing is timing and racquet head speed. I get so much more speed so i can keep the ball dropping in far more often.
Also have been practicing serves and can drop in 9/10 kick serves now. The ball kicks very nicely off the court with the b5e hybrid. The lighter stick is a huge benefit on kickers for me because i had been double faulting forever and needed to get my second serve reliable.
I think the thing that stuck out to me about this racquet is how you can just plow the ball at such a light weight, plus it is easy on the arm, which is a huge plus.
Next string combos to challenge the b5e. Tour bite with iontec penta crosses, then the other half of the tour bite with e nvy.
Also have been practicing serves and can drop in 9/10 kick serves now. The ball kicks very nicely off the court with the b5e hybrid. The lighter stick is a huge benefit on kickers for me because i had been double faulting forever and needed to get my second serve reliable.
I think the thing that stuck out to me about this racquet is how you can just plow the ball at such a light weight, plus it is easy on the arm, which is a huge plus.
Next string combos to challenge the b5e. Tour bite with iontec penta crosses, then the other half of the tour bite with e nvy.
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ The baseball/football analogy is a great one.
Pitchers are always throwing out or injuring their shoulders. Due to repetition and of course the more violent and quicker motion of throwing a baseball.
I guess that's what lighter racquets do to me. Because I'm used to hitting with heavier frames, I try to compensate (esp on serve) by swinging faster.
Pitchers are always throwing out or injuring their shoulders. Due to repetition and of course the more violent and quicker motion of throwing a baseball.
I guess that's what lighter racquets do to me. Because I'm used to hitting with heavier frames, I try to compensate (esp on serve) by swinging faster.
bad_call
Legend
agreeing with you klem tho haven't spent much time with sub 12 oz sticks. thinking that too light a racquet can't do enough damage (for my game). so even tho getting to the ball is easier the arm(mind) tries to put more into the shot which bears the brunt as you put it.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I actually have the opposite theory now. I swing the lightest frame i can use that is solid, gives me plow and heavy bals, and is stable.
So far the lightest i can get away with is 325-330 but it is perfect if you are a spin hitter.
I agree that if its too light, you can hurt yourself from swinging too hard.
The benefits from this for me are heavy spin, more control, more consistent serve and easier to dig up balls off the court.
But the spin is great..i hit a desperation banana shot tonight that was out and then bent back in before crossing the service line. It was pretty nasty to get that type of racquet head speed to be able to hit that shot.
klementine
Hall of Fame
Good to hear your thoughts... gads,athtennis,bc and pp.... I think I'm siding with bc/atennis on this issue...
Although, string tension and type plays a crucial role with lighter frames.
I remember hitting an old 10.5oz prince aluminum frame (the name escapes me) with some really old and loose syn.gut in it.. felt like it was in the 30's tension wise.
It was a fabulous hitting frame. All the power and ease in the world. I didn't have to over-swing with that one because the strings were a trampoline.
PP? Do you find that string tension in particular is more finicky of an issue with a lighter frame as oppossed to a heavier frame?
----------
A side-note. It was good to see Davydenko reaching the semis in rotterdam this past week after switching back to 'ol faithful. It kind of reaffirms the insanity (maybe just a little) for us racquetholics... who are always searching for THE frame... THE string set-up.
Yes. Technique is king. Yes. Footwork and conditioning are more important... but then you see Davydenko drop the dunlops... pick-up his prince frames (which suit his game much better) and play some great tennis.
Now, if Verdasco would only do the same.......
Although, string tension and type plays a crucial role with lighter frames.
I remember hitting an old 10.5oz prince aluminum frame (the name escapes me) with some really old and loose syn.gut in it.. felt like it was in the 30's tension wise.
It was a fabulous hitting frame. All the power and ease in the world. I didn't have to over-swing with that one because the strings were a trampoline.
PP? Do you find that string tension in particular is more finicky of an issue with a lighter frame as oppossed to a heavier frame?
----------
A side-note. It was good to see Davydenko reaching the semis in rotterdam this past week after switching back to 'ol faithful. It kind of reaffirms the insanity (maybe just a little) for us racquetholics... who are always searching for THE frame... THE string set-up.
Yes. Technique is king. Yes. Footwork and conditioning are more important... but then you see Davydenko drop the dunlops... pick-up his prince frames (which suit his game much better) and play some great tennis.
Now, if Verdasco would only do the same.......
Power Player
Bionic Poster
No, string tension is about the same for both.
As for frame weight i think it boils down to how you play. If you like controlling the ball with spin from the baseline go lighter. That is at least what i am into, but there are many ways to play the game where a heavier stick is the way to go.
As for frame weight i think it boils down to how you play. If you like controlling the ball with spin from the baseline go lighter. That is at least what i am into, but there are many ways to play the game where a heavier stick is the way to go.
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ Yep. Couldn't see DelPo swinging anything less than what he has.... and Ferrer no more.
ryushen21
Legend
Interesting thoughts going on here in the thread lately. Sadly, I just have something much more vanilla.
String setups for the n95.
I'm liking the full Tornado setup since it has settled in now but my gearhead mind has been turning and is pondering some different options.
BC/Gut: I played BC for a long time and I think that this hybrid could be pretty GOATish in the n95 and the BC wouldn't saw through the gut as quickly as Tornado would.
Ruff Code: Looks pretty interesting and as I've been using full poly for a long time this one just kind of calls to me.
BHB7: Don't know enough about it honestly but it looks good
ALUR/Gut: Completely impractical cost wise but man am I seriously tempted to try it out.
I'm open to other suggestions. I don't do syn gut or multi though. I have hated them every single time that I have used them.
String setups for the n95.
I'm liking the full Tornado setup since it has settled in now but my gearhead mind has been turning and is pondering some different options.
BC/Gut: I played BC for a long time and I think that this hybrid could be pretty GOATish in the n95 and the BC wouldn't saw through the gut as quickly as Tornado would.
Ruff Code: Looks pretty interesting and as I've been using full poly for a long time this one just kind of calls to me.
BHB7: Don't know enough about it honestly but it looks good
ALUR/Gut: Completely impractical cost wise but man am I seriously tempted to try it out.
I'm open to other suggestions. I don't do syn gut or multi though. I have hated them every single time that I have used them.
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ Syn.gut crosses are great though... really crispen-up the feel.
One of my favorites I ever tried was the gut/syn hybrid from babolat. Feel-wise, good until they pop. More of a power/feel set-up, rather than spin/control.... but it is delicious.
If you haven't tried alu/gut... I think it's worth it at least once. Absolutely wonderful feel/power/spin. I put the alu in the X's and the gut in the mains, 53/51. Should've gone higher in retrospect.
RoughCode and Duramix, I've always wanted to try those. I would always go with BBO/M2 over them. When I get back, I'm going to try them out.
Can't recommend the alu/gut - syn./gut hybrid set-ups enough. They're both great for different reasons. PP probably has more to say than I on the subject.
One of my favorites I ever tried was the gut/syn hybrid from babolat. Feel-wise, good until they pop. More of a power/feel set-up, rather than spin/control.... but it is delicious.
If you haven't tried alu/gut... I think it's worth it at least once. Absolutely wonderful feel/power/spin. I put the alu in the X's and the gut in the mains, 53/51. Should've gone higher in retrospect.
RoughCode and Duramix, I've always wanted to try those. I would always go with BBO/M2 over them. When I get back, I'm going to try them out.
Can't recommend the alu/gut - syn./gut hybrid set-ups enough. They're both great for different reasons. PP probably has more to say than I on the subject.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
That frame is probably still the best serving frame I ever had. Just utterly blistered the ball (stiffness+static weight + swingweight) in a precise way (pattern), and that was in stock form. I can see how Raonic is hitting them at 150 with this stick, albeit a tweaked one, of course. I'll bet PP's Open thumps the ball, too, especially when leaded up a bit.
Only other frame that was just insane on serve was the Platinum 99 I demoed for a time. That thing was just epic from the service line.
It's only been a few days away but I already can't wait to get back to the courts, boys. Will probably be ordering up my Prestige MP in a few days so it's ready upon my return. Until then, more vicarious 'holism through you guys and this thread.
Mark,
Keep us updated re your time with the 500 Tour. Interesting reading. Not a frame I've encountered before but, hmm... btw, could you please say more on what the 400 had that you didn't like in contrast to the 500. TIA
ry,
Just thought I'd mention as you're checking string combos for your N95, I played with BBO/NXT in my N95 a few weeks back and I thought it was horrible. Unbelievably pingy and a bit stiff and just disappointing.
klem,
I seem to recall you (or someone else?) praising the kblade before a while back. I've never actually hit with any k Wilsons. What's it like off the b-line? Big topspin cutting? Plowy and heavy ball hitting? Speak to me oh klementine...
PP,
How are you finding the big weight transition coming off the hefty BLX to the light Pro Open? Also, how about the transition in terms of head-size?
All,
Playing tomorrow am and plan on a bit of a racketaholic day out... BC30, MGPP, BLX 95 and maybe APD are going to be put against each other... weather is picking up a bit here in the UK too... ah yes... You know what? Sometimes I just love being a racketaholic!
Keep us updated re your time with the 500 Tour. Interesting reading. Not a frame I've encountered before but, hmm... btw, could you please say more on what the 400 had that you didn't like in contrast to the 500. TIA
ry,
Just thought I'd mention as you're checking string combos for your N95, I played with BBO/NXT in my N95 a few weeks back and I thought it was horrible. Unbelievably pingy and a bit stiff and just disappointing.
klem,
I seem to recall you (or someone else?) praising the kblade before a while back. I've never actually hit with any k Wilsons. What's it like off the b-line? Big topspin cutting? Plowy and heavy ball hitting? Speak to me oh klementine...
PP,
How are you finding the big weight transition coming off the hefty BLX to the light Pro Open? Also, how about the transition in terms of head-size?
All,
Playing tomorrow am and plan on a bit of a racketaholic day out... BC30, MGPP, BLX 95 and maybe APD are going to be put against each other... weather is picking up a bit here in the UK too... ah yes... You know what? Sometimes I just love being a racketaholic!
ryushen21
Legend
I've honestly never understood the obsession with BBO. I hit with it a few times in my friends' frames but it never really worked for me. Just wasn't as good compared to the newer polys I was used to.
I've also been thinking about the idea of poly/poly hybrids and maybe, and I can't believe I'm saying this, the J011y setup....
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Whats he trying now??
last time I read he was slagging off TB in his usual superior manner..........
Hey Ross,
I didnt like the 400 tour because it really didnt meet my expectations I had coming in based on specs and reviews. I didnt think it was particularly light to swing (didnt feel like 9pts headlight) and also thought it felt stiff and low powered. It had OK spin, but basically felt like a stiffer worse verison of my current racket. Nothing really stood out to me on that frame in a good way.
The 500 tour was much faster through the air and had a lot more action on the ball and energy. On stretched out returns I was able to still get the ball back deep with spin and a decent amount of pace whereas normally that same shot would land very short or into the net.
I also thought the 500 tour was a beast at net. Very fast, and easy to hit good reflex volleys. It was also easy to really step into some floaters even from as far back as the service line with confidence. Overheads were excellent too becuase I could react so fast with the racket.
Serving was notably good as well. I was hitting the ball pretty big, but mainly getting a ton of spin on my serves, and this was with a synthetic string which I normally do not like. I find that poly plays much more consistent and better for me.
Long story short, I have one on the way with BHB 17g at 58lbs to try. I will play with it tomorrow and see how it goes.
So far so good, I'm anxious to see if I can play even better next time because I will be fresh and not fatigued.
I didnt like the 400 tour because it really didnt meet my expectations I had coming in based on specs and reviews. I didnt think it was particularly light to swing (didnt feel like 9pts headlight) and also thought it felt stiff and low powered. It had OK spin, but basically felt like a stiffer worse verison of my current racket. Nothing really stood out to me on that frame in a good way.
The 500 tour was much faster through the air and had a lot more action on the ball and energy. On stretched out returns I was able to still get the ball back deep with spin and a decent amount of pace whereas normally that same shot would land very short or into the net.
I also thought the 500 tour was a beast at net. Very fast, and easy to hit good reflex volleys. It was also easy to really step into some floaters even from as far back as the service line with confidence. Overheads were excellent too becuase I could react so fast with the racket.
Serving was notably good as well. I was hitting the ball pretty big, but mainly getting a ton of spin on my serves, and this was with a synthetic string which I normally do not like. I find that poly plays much more consistent and better for me.
Long story short, I have one on the way with BHB 17g at 58lbs to try. I will play with it tomorrow and see how it goes.
So far so good, I'm anxious to see if I can play even better next time because I will be fresh and not fatigued.
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ryushen21
Legend
I was referring to his ALU Rough/Kevlar setup....
I have no idea what he's gotten himself into lately.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
RYU..don't buy ALU for the stick.buy pacific classic gut or VS gut and then msv cofocus crosses. Save yourself some cash. ALU rough is a setup that is going to cost way too much.
But that is the best string setup for the 6.1s. The gut main perfectly counters the stiffness of the racquet.
Ross, the transition was fairly easy. Took a few hours to get my timing down, but I'm good to go now. Backhand and serve got a nice bump..but at the end of the day it's footwork when it comes to the backhand more than anything. Its just a lot easier to be out in front over and over with a lighter stick..I am also hitting the ball a lot harder and able to use a lot of top, so that takes time away from the opponent.
But that is the best string setup for the 6.1s. The gut main perfectly counters the stiffness of the racquet.
Ross, the transition was fairly easy. Took a few hours to get my timing down, but I'm good to go now. Backhand and serve got a nice bump..but at the end of the day it's footwork when it comes to the backhand more than anything. Its just a lot easier to be out in front over and over with a lighter stick..I am also hitting the ball a lot harder and able to use a lot of top, so that takes time away from the opponent.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
That's the secret..you need a higher twistweight for the lighter sticks. I think that is why the Pro Open is so solid at a light weight.
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Tried kevlar in my vantage, it was nice and controlling but you cant get that extra mph out of it when needed, unless you are the Terminator like jo11y
Mark, you are beginning to get my attention now.
The 400 Tour has been a frame I've long thought might be exactly my cup of tea. And now you've thrown this idea into the ring for me... so many frames though of interest floating about now, what's a man to do?!No-one hit with the Reb 98?
bad_call
Legend
ryushen21
Legend
If I did buy ALU it would just be to string them up with it once for the heck of it. I just know that would be an amazing setup in my nCodes but not one that I could afford to keep using. But something that has the ALU Rough characteristics would be nice. I've never been a fan of MSV.
Tried kevlar in my vantage, it was nice and controlling but you cant get that extra mph out of it when needed, unless you are the Terminator like jo11y
This would be true. I can take some huge cuts at the ball but I don't know that I want to attempt to totally beast it out like J011y. There can be only one....
I am not sure it makes much of a difference to me. If I am hitting the ball off center badly it probably is going to result in a poor shot anyway. I noticed that my mishits or frame hits (on returns of good serves on the stretch) were still pretty solid and almost always went in and still had some useful pace and spin on them.
I had no issues with the stability of this frame. I could see it being an issue if the frame is unstable and is relatively heavy for a player. For me, since the frame is light, it was easy for me to control the racket.
Mark, you are beginning to get my attention now.
No-one hit with the Reb 98?
Maybe the 400 tour would be a good fit for you, certainly worth a try.
I was mainly just surprised that the 500 tour was able to provide both power and still be controlled at the same time. I played with a pure drive for a bit before, and that frame had similar pop, but much less control. It would also randomly just fly the ball on me on some shots.
I am really impressed with the versatility of this stick. As long as I followed through properly and used proper technique, I had excellent results. Playing defense was also much easier.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Don't put gut in for the heck of it. It is too good, you will not want to go back. The MSV CoFocus as a cross is a far different experience than a full job. When you have it in the crosses it is very slippery and it lasts longer. It also preserves the gut and provides more spin.
Providing you get the tension right (id suggest 58/53), you will not want to switch from this setup. It is amazing in the 6.1. I could never use full poly in the 6.1 again after this. ALU is not as good..I tried both as crosses.
Mark, I should have said the Pro Open's stability is what allows me to simply lead it at 12 a little bit and be done with it. It just does not twist if you lead at the pole like I did, where some sticks can.
ryushen21
Legend
PP, try to sell me on this CoFocus. Tell the characteristics, life, playability, etc. all the good stuff that I want/need to know and not just what I can read on the TW page. I hated Focus Hex (felt too plasticky) and there was another one that I tried that I wanted to just cut out immediately.
Any thought on either BHBR or BHSR as a possibility to hybrid with the gut?
Any thought on either BHBR or BHSR as a possibility to hybrid with the gut?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
cofocus and gut is rated as one of the most spinny setups you can get. It basically is so smooth that it will not chew into your gut.
There are tons of threads on it if you look at gut/poly ones. I mean it's your money, but I would NOT hybrid gut with a rough string unless you just want a real fast experience before breakage
There are tons of threads on it if you look at gut/poly ones. I mean it's your money, but I would NOT hybrid gut with a rough string unless you just want a real fast experience before breakage
ryushen21
Legend
Didn't mean to sound like a jerk in that previous post (I reread and realized that I may have come off a bit aggressive).
I'm just leary about "value" strings. I know that some of them are really good but others are absolute garbage.
I'm not looking for a super spin setup since I'm a flatter hitter and just want something, like you mentioned, that will give good feel, good life and not saw through the gut. At the same time, I'm used to using profiled poly so I don't want to lose the characteristics that I have become accustomed to from that.
I'll look more into the CoFocus though.
I'm just leary about "value" strings. I know that some of them are really good but others are absolute garbage.
I'm not looking for a super spin setup since I'm a flatter hitter and just want something, like you mentioned, that will give good feel, good life and not saw through the gut. At the same time, I'm used to using profiled poly so I don't want to lose the characteristics that I have become accustomed to from that.
I'll look more into the CoFocus though.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
It's a hybrid setup, and you're talking about the rough version, but just an fyi: my recent experience with Big Hitter Silver (normal version, and in a full bed) was a let down: crazy amazing first 2-3 hours with beautifully crisp, pocketing feel, then suddenly, a totally dull, dead feeling string during the next few hours. I mean, after Day 1 I was about ready to switch to this string. After Day 3 I pretty much resigned to never using it again. Weird experience.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Nah, you sounded fine to me.
The cofocus is just a real soft setup that will last . You can hit flat as well..thats the beauty of it. But you basically want to keep the gut intact as long as possible, and the cofocus does an excellent job of that. the pocketing and feel is so good in the 6.1..it holds the ball a little longer so you really get nice comfort and control.
PED
Legend
Oh no, I've got a set in my bag ATM......BH blue broke quickly for me so I assume silver will have a short life as well so at least it will be over quickly
bad_call
Legend
also a flattish hitter here. have u tried b5e/nvy hybrid? works well for me at tension 48/52 in the low powered 4D100.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Any of you guys use Rip Control? I know BC did. I think I had the 17 gauge and may add the 16 gauge to my list.
It's such a good string..the feel..spin..etc is awesome. the b5e/nvy gets a little better spin, but it is just missing that feel and extra oomph that RIP gives me.
It's such a good string..the feel..spin..etc is awesome. the b5e/nvy gets a little better spin, but it is just missing that feel and extra oomph that RIP gives me.
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