Very wise.
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
JGads
G.O.A.T.
So things got a little out of hand tonight.
The Awards from a Hilarious Holic Free-For-All:
Best In Feel: RP’s 293.2.
Underrated Surprise Frame: RP’s Auxetic Prestige Tour
Throwback Beauty of the Night: RP’s Prestige Tour 600
Best in Show: My 293.1
The borrowed bats will soon be headed home (hence why I focused on them tonight), but they’ve been a ball.
I need a cigarette.
tophersuwita
New User
This afternoon I just played doubles on clay (first time). I tried my Regna 100 because of the lighter weight, but damn my shots are erratic, my volleys went long. Tried ATS 98 and the hollow feel made me difficult to block serves. Yes my string on Regna is still 50 lbs, I will try loosen it.
I took out the EZT and suddenly I found my rhythm once more. My volleys became formidable so that when my partner served they made errors to avoid my netting. All in all, I think EZT 2022 is a hidden gem. In this forum there are people who swore for it toon
pedrogcr
Semi-Pro
Hey guys, anyone playing with the PA23+ ever hit with the Yonex VCore 100+ (2021)?
By specs alone they seen pretty comparable, with the VCore maybe needing some weight in the handle to make it a bit more head light?
The review on both mention that stiff but comfortable enough feel, and I was wondering how close they play to to each other.
photos.app.goo.gl
By specs alone they seen pretty comparable, with the VCore maybe needing some weight in the handle to make it a bit more head light?
The review on both mention that stiff but comfortable enough feel, and I was wondering how close they play to to each other.
New item by Pedro Calazans
photos.app.goo.gl
Richard Pioline
Hall of Fame
I always thought I might try this once. Maybe I will. Those go kind of cheap as well, for a Yonex.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Exactly the same happened to my knee, a couple of months back. 1-2 days with Voltaren got rid of the swelling. Glad that you are back, playing again!
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
last night I think my enjoyment with the Whiteout has come back. I think Solinco strings(Confidential 16L) at 40lbs maybe 38-39 work best.
probably no surprise as Solinco most likely designed their rackets around their strings vs designing strings for rackets. the strings came first after all. that signature crisp feel and pocketing complements the racket's feel quite well. it isn't as jarringly uncomfortable. funny enough this is the setup i demoed with and made me want to switch and I haven't used this setup ever since I ordered the package. I will prob use Confidential 17 moving forward though
probably no surprise as Solinco most likely designed their rackets around their strings vs designing strings for rackets. the strings came first after all. that signature crisp feel and pocketing complements the racket's feel quite well. it isn't as jarringly uncomfortable. funny enough this is the setup i demoed with and made me want to switch and I haven't used this setup ever since I ordered the package. I will prob use Confidential 17 moving forward though
My minty used GPs came in yesterday, so now I have 4. Thankfully, they were all within range to match exactly to the one I got new. Unstrung, they all come in at 323g, with a 31.2cm balance, and 313SW. Now I can start messing up my life with lots of string experimentation. I might also look at bumping the static to 325g and dropping the SW to 310 (unstrung), as I think that could work and be pretty amazing. Just a touch more HL and a bit more whip, but still plenty of plow.
tsamo
Semi-Pro
Nice. Feelling better about getting the racket down the road, as my current goto string right now is the confidential, though I have been playing with the different gauges these past two months.
Now if only someone could hurry up and make the racket available in the EU side, that would be swell.
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How would you drop the SW?
tsamo
Semi-Pro
Shaving the bumpers or shortening the frame are the only ones coming to mind right now, at least for unstrung sw.
For strung sw a thinner gauge can also help.
Richard Pioline
Hall of Fame
Prince 97P is a sweet sweet frame!
Also, in contrast to all the other reviewers, I think the sweet spot is much bigger and the racket is much whippier than the 93P, so it deserves its place in the roster.
Also, in contrast to all the other reviewers, I think the sweet spot is much bigger and the racket is much whippier than the 93P, so it deserves its place in the roster.
tsamo
Semi-Pro
Could not gel with it. Like at all.
I really really wanted to like it but to this day, I have not played with a Prince racket I really liked for more than a hit here and there.
It was bad for me on the receiving end for big hits and serves, it lacked a punch when hitting any kind of shots and even adding weight to the frame, it could not gain any put away power.
Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad racket, it had easy spin, it was soft and easy to play with and it had plenty of feel.
The weird thing is that on paper I should like it, but even though I like other rackets with similar specs and playing styles, this one just didn't do it for me.
@SupahMan5000 The LT21's came in and feel super cushy. Unfortunately my toe is right near the front so I'll have to send them back. I should have ordered a half size bigger but they are now out of 10.5 so can't exchange them. How are you finding the sizing on the LT23s?
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
Pulled out the 93P for the first time in a while. Nothing fancy, just some regular old, 16g (I know, crazy for the 93P) PSGD. Forgot how good it felt to hit with this, although I still give the edge to the PC600 and the PS85 on feel. I've been playing almost exclusively with a stock 23VC95, so low static and low SW, and it's really nice to have the 350g static/330SW carry my stroke and shot through. The only thing is I did tire faster and resorted to grunting fair amount, which I don't (or at least I don't think that I) normally do haha. The reason I thought to play around a bit with heavier sticks is because I played against a real MEP recently and felt like maybe the SW and plow might help me out a bit in that context. Will follow up with how that goes...
The 2023 VC95 is a great frame. It is a huge improvement over the previous models when it comes to power and stability. Mine came in at 287 SW unstrung. I put 17g Solstice Power in there at 42#. That's my default tension for pretty much everything now. Strung it was 315SW. I added 2g total to 10 and 2 to bump the SW up to 319. I thought that may still be low but I would give it a try at that spec and adjust later. Yeah, I don't think it needs any more lead.
This thing is all about spin. I felt like Rafa out there just hitting heavy spin balls all over the place. It reminds me of the PA23 in a way because when I took slow swings at about 60-70% I could rally all day with it. When I upped the RHS the balls would fly on me. I think I should be able to dial this one in but it will take an adjustment period. The Regna 98 has more easily controllable power as I can often swing out and nail my spots. The VC95 has more raw power that I'm hoping I can tame.
The other thing that impressed me was the solid feel of the frame and the stability. The frame feels solid when holding it in your hand and there's no hollowness when hitting with it like you'd get with Babs. It is more stable than it's predecessors. Even against heavy incoming shots that I barely had time to get the frame out and redirect I felt no instability or need for additional lead or mass. It does a better job of redirecting pace than the Regna 98. To me the Regna is more scalpel and this one is more power that really needs to be controlled with spin.
Another area where the VC95 excelled was serves. This was to be expected though. I could hit my spots pretty accurately with all my serves but the kick and slice serves felt heavier than usual when coming off the frame.
For those that liked the VC95 in the past like I did because you could swing out and the ball would stay in - this may not be the frame for you. If you're looking for an upgrade in power that isn't a Babolat I'd highly recommend giving it a try. I'm scared to think how much more powerful the VC98 and VC100 could be if I'm getting this much out of the VC95.
EDIT: On a sidenote, I hate stringing Solstice. The string is the sharpest I've come across. It gave me a paper cut on my finger just from stringing it.
This thing is all about spin. I felt like Rafa out there just hitting heavy spin balls all over the place. It reminds me of the PA23 in a way because when I took slow swings at about 60-70% I could rally all day with it. When I upped the RHS the balls would fly on me. I think I should be able to dial this one in but it will take an adjustment period. The Regna 98 has more easily controllable power as I can often swing out and nail my spots. The VC95 has more raw power that I'm hoping I can tame.
The other thing that impressed me was the solid feel of the frame and the stability. The frame feels solid when holding it in your hand and there's no hollowness when hitting with it like you'd get with Babs. It is more stable than it's predecessors. Even against heavy incoming shots that I barely had time to get the frame out and redirect I felt no instability or need for additional lead or mass. It does a better job of redirecting pace than the Regna 98. To me the Regna is more scalpel and this one is more power that really needs to be controlled with spin.
Another area where the VC95 excelled was serves. This was to be expected though. I could hit my spots pretty accurately with all my serves but the kick and slice serves felt heavier than usual when coming off the frame.
For those that liked the VC95 in the past like I did because you could swing out and the ball would stay in - this may not be the frame for you. If you're looking for an upgrade in power that isn't a Babolat I'd highly recommend giving it a try. I'm scared to think how much more powerful the VC98 and VC100 could be if I'm getting this much out of the VC95.
EDIT: On a sidenote, I hate stringing Solstice. The string is the sharpest I've come across. It gave me a paper cut on my finger just from stringing it.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
It’s the exact same. The ceiling of the toe box is low so it scrunches your toes. One of my buddies found the toes right against the front and is ordering a half up.
I found my size is perfect length wise and width. The toe box feels like it is closing in on the top of my toes when walking and not playing. But it does not feel so dramatic when playing
Yes! That's exactly what I'm feeling. They feel so well cushioned when walking on them that I really wish I could have tried them on the court. They only have 1 color left in my size and it's kind of meh. Still at $75 maybe I will give it a try.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
one of my butt caps is loose and squeaking on my WO. Happened to one of my Ultras and both Dunlops. I hold the racket quite low with some overhang (short handles never bothered me at all)
But I guess I must really hold it low for this to happen so often to me
But I guess I must really hold it low for this to happen so often to me
I know you liked Cyclone 19 a lot in the Aerostorm and Grav Tour - have you continued using it in your Grav Pro's? Interested in what yourself/others may have found to really work well in the Pro.
Had a hit with mine today ('21 GP) and again it's given me a few things to contemplate, and not least how it really shines - really stands out - on serve and 2HBH. Heading off court, two particular and slightly contradictory words kept repeating in my mind... 'precise power'.. I plan on checking it out more fully and seeing if it can mount a challenge to my current no. 1 and no. 2: UT (extended) and Blade 98 (16x19). These two have long been in my bag, but in the last month and more, probably for the control aspect as much as anything, these have pushed my tweener 100's out of the picture somewhat.
Hah - sorry - I should have been clear that to get to that SW, I had to add some lead at 12. All were under 310 unstrung without it. So, I can just take a bit back off, add a bit more putty in to the handle, and be good to go (I think). I do have Volkl Leather grips on all of them too - I'm in love with the grooves I can create with those - makes the grip feel perfectly molded to my hand.
Yes, Cyclone 19 is great in the Pro (I strung it at 45lb, mains and crosses). I cut it out after about 8 hours, so I could get the unstrung specs to match the other 3 with, but it was still going strong - minimal notching. It's the string to beat for me, but I will be trying a few other experiments, to see if anything else works better.
Also, I think "precise power" is a good way to describe the GP - and it doesn't hurt that the feel is amazing to boot.
Yeah, that’s the grapene prestige pro in prostock form. Good frame but not as good as IG
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
I upgraded to the 2020(?) version of the 93P and felt it was an improvement. Surgical on serves and just fun to play creative tennis with it. The slightly stiffer hoop helps.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
I feel the same on serve with the 2020 purple 93P. Creative tennis is right! I can nail slices and touch shots with it that feel sort of like a 50/50 with other racquets.
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
Just got two more 2015 blades in. Not sure I needed to be loading up on these things but I am sure it is a special racquet. Why not…
I’ve tried dozens of racquets in the last two years. By and large they’re all sort of the same not-so-inspiring stick. I’ll be pumped to get something like the new speed pro for example and then… meh. It’s not bad, it’s not good. It’s just another racquet like the other 3 dozen I’ve tried in the last couple years. Blade truly feels different in every way. Im not saying it’s just the best but I do think they make ‘em differently nowadays.
I’m torn between this Blade and my Ezone 98.
If I didn’t already have about a years head start maining the Ezone and roles were reversed, I’d likely just stay with the 2015 blade.
On one hand they appear similar but if you play the 2015 for 30 minutes and then pick up the Ezone, it’s not even same ballpark. They’re roughly same specs, static, swing weight, even balance (after customized the way I have) isn’t all that far off. Yet swinging it and that moment of contact (same strings) you can tell it’s a completely different stick.
I think if I’m loose, feeling good, and ready to pound the Ezone 98 is a no brainer. However the inevitable moment when those balls start going long, I start getting nervous, the 2015 turns into a Swiss Army knife. I feel like I lose maybe 4 mph on the top end but yet pick up so many more options. However a few MPH is what seperated Ricky Bobby from the rest. If you’re not first, you’re last.
and it just feels oh so satisfying.
I’ve tried dozens of racquets in the last two years. By and large they’re all sort of the same not-so-inspiring stick. I’ll be pumped to get something like the new speed pro for example and then… meh. It’s not bad, it’s not good. It’s just another racquet like the other 3 dozen I’ve tried in the last couple years. Blade truly feels different in every way. Im not saying it’s just the best but I do think they make ‘em differently nowadays.
I’m torn between this Blade and my Ezone 98.
If I didn’t already have about a years head start maining the Ezone and roles were reversed, I’d likely just stay with the 2015 blade.
On one hand they appear similar but if you play the 2015 for 30 minutes and then pick up the Ezone, it’s not even same ballpark. They’re roughly same specs, static, swing weight, even balance (after customized the way I have) isn’t all that far off. Yet swinging it and that moment of contact (same strings) you can tell it’s a completely different stick.
I think if I’m loose, feeling good, and ready to pound the Ezone 98 is a no brainer. However the inevitable moment when those balls start going long, I start getting nervous, the 2015 turns into a Swiss Army knife. I feel like I lose maybe 4 mph on the top end but yet pick up so many more options. However a few MPH is what seperated Ricky Bobby from the rest. If you’re not first, you’re last.
and it just feels oh so satisfying.
tim-ay
Hall of Fame
Fun watching smart vs. stupid at RG. Normally I would cheer for stupid as I can relate to making stupid choices of when to change direction, short ball mishaps, going for too much at the wrong time, etc…. but I like Carlitos way too much. Cheering for smart on this one. Bagels are in the air.
edit - much better second set. however, methinks slicing into an approaching Carlitos is a little bit..er… stupid.
edit - much better second set. however, methinks slicing into an approaching Carlitos is a little bit..er… stupid.
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tim-ay
Hall of Fame
i really thought he would do it a few years ago. But there is just something wrong with his thinking on the court. Tactical fundamentals are just off. He has all the strokes and the power… thus my poor taste jokes about stupid. But it’s frustrating to see someone with that much high end just play the way he does.
His double faults make me hate everything.
Oh, me too. He has a very odd motion with how he seems to open his palm all the way. Seems very Sampras inspired, but not Sampras level execution
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah mentally Shapo is not strong enough. This is where guys like Carlitos dominate. They never lose focus and drive to win is always there.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I got myself a get well soon present. The desire for having a prestige in my bag turned into a 293.1 in glossy Auxetic paint.
Unstrung specs are 315g / 31cm / 295 SW but I forgot to check those before I strung it. Strung with 17g Confidential (+ OG & Dampener), it’s a very playable 334g, 324 SW. although I quickly realized that I just don’t care for 1.20 strings so 1.25 of something will be on deck. Although it doesn’t really matter because it’s probably 1-3 months before I can play competitive tennis again.
It’s a dead sexy looking frame and the feel of drop hitting is really impressive. The sweet spot and extra pop from this frame were surprising. Didn’t really feel like other retail prestige’s I’ve hit (360, 360+). Aside from the extra pop, it’s pretty reminiscent of classic racquets.
Unstrung specs are 315g / 31cm / 295 SW but I forgot to check those before I strung it. Strung with 17g Confidential (+ OG & Dampener), it’s a very playable 334g, 324 SW. although I quickly realized that I just don’t care for 1.20 strings so 1.25 of something will be on deck. Although it doesn’t really matter because it’s probably 1-3 months before I can play competitive tennis again.
It’s a dead sexy looking frame and the feel of drop hitting is really impressive. The sweet spot and extra pop from this frame were surprising. Didn’t really feel like other retail prestige’s I’ve hit (360, 360+). Aside from the extra pop, it’s pretty reminiscent of classic racquets.
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That’s beautiful and very close to my specs now. I think I was around 310gm / 295Sw. I added 3g and 10/2. I don’t know what that packs up to as I haven’t been able to access my briffidi for a couple of weeks but it hits like a truck.I got myself a get well soon present. The desire for having a prestige in my bag turned into a 293.1 in glossy Auxetic paint.
Unstrung specs are 315g / 31cm / 295 SW but I forgot to check those before I strung it. Strung with 17g Confidential (+ OG & Dampener), it’s a very playable 334g, 324 SW. although I quickly realized that I just don’t care for 1.20 strings so 1.25 of something will be on deck. Although it doesn’t really matter because it’s probably 1-3 months before I can play competitive tennis again.
It’s a dead sexy looking frame and the feel of drop hitting is really impressive. The sweet spot and extra pop from this frame were surprising. Didn’t really feel like other retail prestige’s I’ve hit (360, 360+)
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I’m curious if mine isn’t closer to 310. To go from unstrung 315 to strung + OG + dampener at 334g seems kind of odd. Although maybe it’s just the 1.20 poly not adding as much weight as I am used to. Either way, it’s very playable and I was pleasantly surprised by the lower static weight. Next time I decide to string it, I’ll have to take measurements.
I was also surprised by the pop. I was alternating between my EZ98s and the gap in power was much smaller than I expected. But this was just drop hitting, so who knows.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Hawt. Congrats and welcome. Your velvet robe and slippers are in your locker.I got myself a get well soon present. The desire for having a prestige in my bag turned into a 293.1 in glossy Auxetic paint.
Unstrung specs are 315g / 31cm / 295 SW but I forgot to check those before I strung it. Strung with 17g Confidential (+ OG & Dampener), it’s a very playable 334g, 324 SW. although I quickly realized that I just don’t care for 1.20 strings so 1.25 of something will be on deck. Although it doesn’t really matter because it’s probably 1-3 months before I can play competitive tennis again.
It’s a dead sexy looking frame and the feel of drop hitting is really impressive. The sweet spot and extra pop from this frame were surprising. Didn’t really feel like other retail prestige’s I’ve hit (360, 360+). Aside from the extra pop, it’s pretty reminiscent of classic racquets.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I can put a velvet robe and slippers to immediate use, so this is great news. There is no injury that prevents velvet Robes.
danbrenner
Legend
I need a case of balls. what do you guys recommend. recently bought the dunlop xd .. but many on here didnt approve. .. ?? out door use.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
If you’re fine spending the money, a case of the Wilson US Open balls are pretty great
I second this vote
Nollid
Professional
Dead sexy is right. This frame is timeless.I got myself a get well soon present. The desire for having a prestige in my bag turned into a 293.1 in glossy Auxetic paint.
Unstrung specs are 315g / 31cm / 295 SW but I forgot to check those before I strung it. Strung with 17g Confidential (+ OG & Dampener), it’s a very playable 334g, 324 SW. although I quickly realized that I just don’t care for 1.20 strings so 1.25 of something will be on deck. Although it doesn’t really matter because it’s probably 1-3 months before I can play competitive tennis again.
It’s a dead sexy looking frame and the feel of drop hitting is really impressive. The sweet spot and extra pop from this frame were surprising. Didn’t really feel like other retail prestige’s I’ve hit (360, 360+). Aside from the extra pop, it’s pretty reminiscent of classic racquets.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
All high end balls but USO and AO are pretty different imo.
USO has stiffer felt that doesn’t really fluff as much. So sometimes on dirtier courts or hitting with flatter hitters it rounds out quite quickly. Doesn’t have as much fluff and grab on the court. USO also has a lot of pop and the sound echos. Makes you sound pro
AO is closer to a typical training ball when new. They’re a little harder and almost rocket like your typical mid grade ball. But they fluff like crazy. Like you’ll see some loose strands like someone was plucking at it. Then they become much lighter and have a little more pop. They last a bit longer in my experience too. Especially when used indoors. AO balls also don’t bounce as high. They have a deader weight to them. So if you play someone that can’t control their depth (mostly in warm up) it gets frustrating when ppl hit top spin drop shots on me
AO I find better as practice balls and then USO better for match play when you wanna feel the ball a little better
tim-ay
Hall of Fame
Just believe in yourself. If that doesn’t work, try a shot of whisky with a beer chaser. Scream out “I am going to kick everyone’s ***!!!!!” Then tell your wife to put up or shut up. You’ll have two cases of balls then.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
Diadem Premier and USO are very similar.
I like the AO balls from a longevity pov and I get them at a much better rate. But I think I prefer diadem/USO
Nothing though beats the Tecnifibre training balls or the X-One. Even the training balls have so much feel and last quite a long time. They are very pricey tho.
I find the Dunlop XD fine as well. Typical training ball. Last quite a long time indoors. Dunlop tho across all the range tend to bounce lower tho
FrankyRelax
Semi-Pro
I rotate cases of pro Penn marathons and Penn tours in my korny keg system
