Diary of a Racketaholic

[JGads]

I need to check in here.

Currently using Ezone Xi, just bought yesterday Ezone Xi team plus and I'm looking at the RDis 200 lite and the new vcore tour 97 310g, going crazy with all of this.

Shame to this site that made me like this, .

Welcome. There's beer in the fridge.

 

[skeeter]

I need to check in here.

Currently using Ezone Xi, just bought yesterday Ezone Xi team plus and I'm looking at the RDis 200 lite and the new vcore tour 97 310g, going crazy with all of this.

Shame to this site that made me like this, .

Tistra: Played with the 200 Lite for a bit. Nice power and stability for a 11 oz + frame, and amazing spin. Ultimately, determined the Yonex frames and I didn't mesh as well as with other brands so parting with it (let me know if interested).

Gads: You still hanging on to the IGP MP? Am still jamming with the IG Prestige S; enjoying the more open pattern of the S more than I thought and with 2g at 12, and with OG and dampener, weighs in right around 11.7. Getting good pop on servers and volleys, nice stability, and decent plow on groundies.

 

[Meaghan]

^^^ That match sounds really cool. It's never actually occurred to me before but, obviously, in the US there must be a few opportunities in the summer to see sides from the rest of the world - some great Italian, Spanish, and English sides, etc. Have you ever seen any other teams in friendlies or whatever in the US? I'm sure you'll have a great day anyhow... and btw, though I'm a big-time Spurs fan, I absolutely agree re "You'll Never Walk Alone." Nothing quite compares to a hearty rendition of this classic, as Meaghan could certainly testify.

Klem

Its also the euro finals so spurs and liverpool will be without their national players. Spurs team doesn't run deep so it could be boys against children!

 

[JGads]

Tistra: Played with the 200 Lite for a bit. Nice power and stability for a 11 oz + frame, and amazing spin. Ultimately, determined the Yonex frames and I didn't mesh as well as with other brands so parting with it (let me know if interested).

Gads: You still hanging on to the IGP MP? Am still jamming with the IG Prestige S; enjoying the more open pattern of the S more than I thought and with 2g at 12, and with OG and dampener, weighs in right around 11.7. Getting good pop on servers and volleys, nice stability, and decent plow on groundies.

It's been on the sidelines since coming back from the shoulder issue, when I moved to playing the BC20 and 7G, and here lately, the 7G has retaken top dog status in my racaholic rotation (bc20 was tops initially, but then started to irk my elbow) ... Every time I've gone back to the Prestige, I just can't get it to hit as crisply and sharply as my epic demo experience (repeated demo successes, even), though I have yet to go back to my initial lead setup that gave me the most success. Will do that one last time before giving up and selling the frame off, but my attention is elsewhere now. Also, in the last week or so I've been dealing with a sore knee which has reduced my playing time as well so I haven't been hitting the courts as often as I'm used to. My body's totally failing me here lately.

 

[mark1]

Ive been on with this Dunlop Biomimetic 500 tour for quite a few months now, and still really enjoying it.

Hitting with a tweener racket like this one really makes the game easier. Plus the incredible spin and racket head speed i can generate with it actually makes my game more consistent than it was with "players" frames and im also hitting the ball even bigger now.

The static weight and slight headlight balance seems to be perfect for me. It is light enough that I can keep my racket speed up throughout a long match and heavy enough to be stable against strong hitting 4.5 players.

I really like it, it is a worthwhile contender to the APD and BLX Pro Opens of the world. I think it is easier to control and has better feel than both of those rackets.

Just food for thought.

 

[PED]

^^^ T It's never actually occurred to me before but, obviously, in the US there must be a few opportunities in the summer to see sides from the rest of the world - some great Italian, Spanish, and English sides, etc.

Last summer, Juve played Chivas a mile up the road from me but I passed. Ticket prices were just ridiculous and Juve fielded a team of guys who would never get on the pitch during the year. Glad I passed.

If an English squad came to town, I'd give it a go though.

 

[kybb]

To be honest I feel all of the VCores are pretty stiff, compared to what I'm used to, because of the way the throat doesn't seem to flex at all. But the 98 just seemed to perform the best of the three. Maneuverability of it, plus the stiffness plus the closed pattern equalled an ability to pummel serves, which was quite nice.

Didn't have a big go with the 95 because it seemed to bother my shoulder more than other sticks when I had a recent demo.

I liked 95 more than 98. I found that the 98 is wery stiff. Good thing is that there's no bad vibration. Spin was wery good and racket was much more stable wit off center hits than 95. Serving with 95 was much better for me on first and also on second serve. 95 was like Presige but with more spin and power and with less flex. Prestige was much more stable with off center hits. I personally liked 95 more than 98. After Yonex playtest my elbow was sore. I think that 98 is good racket with right string and tension. It has also lots of room for customisation.

I have always wanted to try 18x19 Instinct and just soo that one Youtek was but up for sale locally... just bought it

 

[PED]

One really nice benefit of the soft, flexy nature of the IGRP: touch shots are off the chart!

BH slice is nice but it also has a NASTY FH slice that you can use for droppers or as a tricky approach shot.

One other side bene is that the split grommets at the tip make it easy to slide lead right under with only 1 screwdriver instead of 2.....nice

 

[808]

My coach had an indoor court booked for tonight so despite me still feeling fairly sick I quickly donned my lucky Rapha shirt and went for a short but painful training session. The indoor courts at my club are rather fast carpet. I took the QT...

First of all: the Q Tour won't replace the BD+ as my racquet of choice. Second: damn, it's nevertheless a super nice frame! To begin with, the Pro Kennex (PK) is a bit heavier than my Pure Drive + (BD+), by almost 20g, and a couple of points more headlight. I initially feared the PK would be a touch too headlight for my liking, but it turns out to belie the numbers a little (while not feeling sluggish through the air at all, mind you). Don't know why, maybe it's the weight distribution. It's regular length and 18x20 as opposed to 16x19. I have it strung with Champions Choice, 24kg for the gut mains, 22kg Lux crosses. My frame is stock (I replaced the PK grip with Skin Feel, which weighs the same exactly) with just an overgrip. I took out the dampener after the first couple of hits as I liked the feel better without.

Groundstrokes were very easy to control, both length- and direction-wise. While the PK doesn't quite have the pop of the BD+ the FUP is definitely there. 6.1 95 territory of heaviness I recon. My hitting partner was on fire tonight but the PK didn't budge: top-notch stability and still plenty of precision against fast balls on a fast court. I managed to hit a couple of seriously nasty slices (including droppers), once again the magic of carpet at work. Not surprisingly I tended to hit a bit flatter with the PK than with the BD+ but once adjusted to the difference in weight and balance spin was available on demand (which did somewhat surprise me). The feel was slightly strange to me, maybe due to the Kinetic tech and having never played a PK frame, much less a Ki one, before. Rather muted feeling as opposed to the crispness of the BD+ I've come to enjoy, but then again the PK is also a bit more flexible.

I didn't get to hit many volleys tonight, but no surprises on the few I did. Again precision, plenty of control and stability. Easy to put away with proper preparation. No serves nor serve returns tonight, sorry.

All in all the PK is, as I previously said, a very nice and promising frame. If you enjoy classics like a Prestige MP or 6.1 95 you may very well enjoy the Q Tour. I'd prefer it over the Wilson, certainly (tried the 16x18 only). It's somewhat more oldschool feeling than a Pure Drive (who would have guessed?). Why not switch to it? Because I'm just super-confident with the Pure Drive and simply prefer it feel-wise.

Anyways, I guess Gads will absolutely rip with this frame once he gets hold of it... (shipping it to the US ain't cheap unfortunately, I just checked

 

[JGads]

My coach had an indoor court booked for tonight so despite me still feeling fairly sick I quickly donned my lucky Rapha shirt and went for a short but painful training session. The indoor courts at my club are rather fast carpet. I took the QT...

First of all: the Q Tour won't replace the BD+ as my racquet of choice. Second: damn, it's nevertheless a super nice frame! To begin with, the Pro Kennex (PK) is a bit heavier than my Pure Drive + (BD+), by almost 20g, and a couple of points more headlight. I initially feared the PK would be a touch too headlight for my liking, but it turns out to belie the numbers a little (while not feeling sluggish through the air at all, mind you). Don't know why, maybe it's the weight distribution. It's regular length and 18x20 as opposed to 16x19. I have it strung with Champions Choice, 24kg for the gut mains, 22kg Lux crosses. My frame is stock (I replaced the PK grip with Skin Feel, which weighs the same exactly) with just an overgrip. I took out the dampener after the first couple of hits as I liked the feel better without.

Groundstrokes were very easy to control, both length- and direction-wise. While the PK doesn't quite have the pop of the BD+ the FUP is definitely there. 6.1 95 territory of heaviness I recon. My hitting partner was on fire tonight but the PK didn't budge: top-notch stability and still plenty of precision against fast balls on a fast court. I managed to hit a couple of seriously nasty slices (including droppers), once again the magic of carpet at work. Not surprisingly I tended to hit a bit flatter with the PK than with the BD+ but once adjusted to the difference in weight and balance spin was available on demand (which did somewhat surprise me). The feel was slightly strange to me, maybe due to the Kinetic tech and having never played a PK frame, much less a Ki one, before. Rather muted feeling as opposed to the crispness of the BD+ I've come to enjoy, but then again the PK is also a bit more flexible.

I didn't get to hit many volleys tonight, but no surprises on the few I did. Again precision, plenty of control and stability. Easy to put away with proper preparation. No serves nor serve returns tonight, sorry.

All in all the PK is, as I previously said, a very nice and promising frame. If you enjoy classics like a Prestige MP or 6.1 95 you may very well enjoy the Q Tour. I'd prefer it over the Wilson, certainly (tried the 16x18 only). It's somewhat more oldschool feeling than a Pure Drive (who would have guessed?). Why not switch to it? Because I'm just super-confident with the Pure Drive and simply prefer it feel-wise.

Anyways, I guess Gads will absolutely rip with this frame once he gets hold of it... (shipping it to the US ain't cheap unfortunately, I just checked

Very nice write up, thank you sir. And yeah, too bad that shipping to the US is high, because I was thinking the same thing... I'm clamoring to try this out. There's also supposedly going to be a lighter version of this frame, too - I believe it lists the specs of that one on the placecard that comes within the frame? (remembering vaguely from another thread)

Follow up Qs: is the handle length short like a pre-IG Prestige MP where a second hand might touch the frame, or is it sufficiently long for the two-hander?

How did the flex feel? Did it feel pretty stiff/rigid or was there a lot of give, and where was that give - throat, hoop? Really wish I filter out a bit more of what you mean by the 'muted' feel of the frame, but like you said, it's your first PK so I can't necessarily ask for a comparison with the Black Ace or 7G series in terms of the feel. ... when you say you prefer it to the 6.1 95, why specifically? Just a little easier to use? Gotta imagine the power level is a bit of a drop to the Q, which for me, actually, isn't a terrible thing.

If you think of any other tidbits, details, or if you play any more, please update. I commend you, sir, for playing through your condition for the benefit of Racaholic Nation.

 

[808]

Very nice write up, thank you sir. And yeah, too bad that shipping to the US is high, because I was thinking the same thing... I'm clamoring to try this out. There's also supposedly going to be a lighter version of this frame, too - I believe it lists the specs of that one on the placecard that comes within the frame? (remembering vaguely from another thread)

Follow up Qs: is the handle length short like a pre-IG Prestige MP where a second hand might touch the frame, or is it sufficiently long for the two-hander?

How did the flex feel? Did it feel pretty stiff/rigid or was there a lot of give, and where was that give - throat, hoop? Really wish I filter out a bit more of what you mean by the 'muted' feel of the frame, but like you said, it's your first PK so I can't necessarily ask for a comparison with the Black Ace or 7G series in terms of the feel. ... when you say you prefer it to the 6.1 95, why specifically? Just a little easier to use? Gotta imagine the power level is a bit of a drop to the Q, which for me, actually, isn't a terrible thing.

If you think of any other tidbits, details, or if you play any more, please update. I commend you, sir, for playing through your condition for the benefit of Racaholic Nation.

You're welcome. Shipping would be something like 34 or 52 Euros depending on service, so yes quite a bit. The lighter version you're thinking of is the QS – 100in², 315g, 310mm/10pt HL balance, swingweight 295, flex 65, all unstrung and according to the placard.

The handle is rather short, in fact it's shorter than my IG Prestige Mid (which in turn might be longer than a pre-IG, didn't check). It's 18cm (IG Mid is 20cm). I play a one-handed backhand so I don't mind.

The flex feels pretty uniform to me. Can't say where exactly it flexes, really, just that it feels a bit softer than the new Pure Drive and not stiff or rigid at all. Upper hoop feels pretty stable too (know this from a mishit). Now what do I mean by muted? For one thing this frame doesn't seem to vibrate, well, ever. Not that the BD+ is prone to bad vibrations either, but this one just feels extra safe. Also quite a bit softer overall. Longer dwell-time than with the BD+ (as expected, 63RA vs., what, 70?). Maybe "muted" was just the wrong word (non-native speaker) and I should have put "soft" or "cushioned" instead, sorry. Didn't mean to say it feels dead or disconnected from the ball. It's just very plush.

While I didn't spend much time with the 6.1 95 I feel the Q Tour is a bit more refined and, for me, does everything a touch better. Power level is similar, maybe a bit less with the Q Tour. Control is better with the PK, both in length and angles (again, the 6.1 I tried was the 16x18.). Also it probably doesn't help that I'm not that fond of Wilson racquets in general, so probably I'm just biased. And mind you, I only played about 1.5 hours so far with the PK.

Tidbit time. One thing of note (lol, maybe not) is the beam width: it's 20.5mm on my frame. I'm trying to get some more play time in with this frame but unfortunately the weather forecast is still rather crappy plus my club is going to get pretty much closed down soon for an ATP tournament that's going to start in ten days, so I'll have to look elsewhere for courts once the sun decides to show up.

 

[JGads]

You're welcome. Shipping would be something like 34 or 52 Euros depending on service, so yes quite a bit. The lighter version you're thinking of is the QS – 100in², 315g, 310mm/10pt HL balance, swingweight 295, flex 65, all unstrung and according to the placard.

The handle is rather short, in fact it's shorter than my IG Prestige Mid (which in turn might be longer than a pre-IG, didn't check). It's 18cm (IG Mid is 20cm). I play a one-handed backhand so I don't mind.

The flex feels pretty uniform to me. Can't say where exactly it flexes, really, just that it feels a bit softer than the new Pure Drive and not stiff or rigid at all. Upper hoop feels pretty stable too (know this from a mishit). Now what do I mean by muted? For one thing this frame doesn't seem to vibrate, well, ever. Not that the BD+ is prone to bad vibrations either, but this one just feels extra safe. Also quite a bit softer overall. Longer dwell-time than with the BD+ (as expected, 63RA vs., what, 70?). Maybe "muted" was just the wrong word (non-native speaker) and I should have put "soft" or "cushioned" instead, sorry. Didn't mean to say it feels dead or disconnected from the ball. It's just very plush.

While I didn't spend much time with the 6.1 95 I feel the Q Tour is a bit more refined and, for me, does everything a touch better. Power level is similar, maybe a bit less with the Q Tour. Control is better with the PK, both in length and angles (again, the 6.1 I tried was the 16x18.). Also it probably doesn't help that I'm not that fond of Wilson racquets in general, so probably I'm just biased. And mind you, I only played about 1.5 hours so far with the PK.

Tidbit time. One thing of note (lol, maybe not) is the beam width: it's 20.5mm on my frame. I'm trying to get some more play time in with this frame but unfortunately the weather forecast is still rather crappy plus my club is going to get pretty much closed down soon for an ATP tournament that's going to start in ten days, so I'll have to look elsewhere for courts once the sun decides to show up.

Interesting. Not liking that the handle is short -- it's the same way with their most recent black ace 98s, while the BA Mid was always sufficient enough - much like how Prestige Mids have had a longer handle than the MPs, which really shouldn't make sense but that's the mold. The IG MP was the first Prestige in awhile that lengthened the handle - one of my favorite small tweaks - just enough to cover the two-hander. Not that wrapping an overgrip up higher is too difficult, but it is a minor annoyance.

Also, too bad on the beam width. I was hoping that 19 mm beam held true for maneuverability's sake, and feel.

OK, good stuff man.

 

[808]

I feel like a dork for the checking the beam width with a calliper, but you know, once you start measuring one thing leads to another and, well.

I used to believe I could only play with thin-beamed mids. I laughed at the guys and gals with their big Kübler racquets (remember those?). Now I'm one of them, lol.

Anyways, 19mm or 20mm or 20.5mm is no big deal. There's plenty of manoeuvrability in this stick.

 

[JGads]

I feel like a dork for the checking the beam width with a calliper, but you know, once you start measuring one thing leads to another and, well.

I used to believe I could only play with thin-beamed mids. I laughed at the guys and gals with their big Kübler racquets (remember those?). Now I'm one of them, lol.

Anyways, 19mm or 20mm or 20.5mm is no big deal. There's plenty of manoeuvrability in this stick.

Thin-beamed mids do kind of ruin a racaholic's mind. I'm still such a fan of them. My Pro Staff 85 is still utterly sensational every time I bring it out for a hit, I can move to my PK Black Ace Mid at any point (even mid-match) and feel at home. And so many Prestige and Wilson 90 Mids are capable of making a 'holic weep with feel-joy.

 

[klementine]

=Ross K;6470953Have you ever seen any other teams in friendlies or whatever in the US?

Some international friendlies/exos ... ecuador v brasil a few years back. dc united v real madrid 3 years ago as well. The environment is better than the actual performance on the pitch. The matches are almost always sold out, split 50/50 and rowdy (like all the spanish supporters in miami/uso).

I know your a hotspurs supporter and meaghs, liverpool, so when I heard about the match, the irony caught my attention. I'm a reds convert since 2005 (and that miraculous CL final comeback against Milan) before then I never had an interest/side in the premier but always enjoyed watching matches.

Klem

Its also the euro finals so spurs and liverpool will be without their national players. Spurs team doesn't run deep so it could be boys against children!

I know. A shame. As long as Ad****or and Suarez show up, I'll be content. Still foreign to peek at the standings and see Tottenham and Newcastle in the top5 and Liverpool and Chelsea especially not in contention. The reds have always been big in champion's league and a steady top10 in the premier.

 

[Power Player]

Speaking on the pure storms..the team sure slid under the radar. That could end up being the sleeper with some lead. I never hit with it, but it appears to be real soft and hits rather big from what I have read.

 

[klementine]

^ Always thought the same thing about the team. Great balance as well, pretty much even. You could fill the entire handle with silicone, lead on the hoop and still have a manueverable stick.

Can't wait 'til that one is $119.

 

[skeeter]

You're welcome. Shipping would be something like 34 or 52 Euros depending on service, so yes quite a bit. The lighter version you're thinking of is the QS – 100in², 315g, 310mm/10pt HL balance, swingweight 295, flex 65, all unstrung and according to the placard.

The handle is rather short, in fact it's shorter than my IG Prestige Mid (which in turn might be longer than a pre-IG, didn't check). It's 18cm (IG Mid is 20cm). I play a one-handed backhand so I don't mind.

The flex feels pretty uniform to me. Can't say where exactly it flexes, really, just that it feels a bit softer than the new Pure Drive and not stiff or rigid at all. Upper hoop feels pretty stable too (know this from a mishit). Now what do I mean by muted? For one thing this frame doesn't seem to vibrate, well, ever. Not that the BD+ is prone to bad vibrations either, but this one just feels extra safe. Also quite a bit softer overall. Longer dwell-time than with the BD+ (as expected, 63RA vs., what, 70?). Maybe "muted" was just the wrong word (non-native speaker) and I should have put "soft" or "cushioned" instead, sorry. Didn't mean to say it feels dead or disconnected from the ball. It's just very plush.

While I didn't spend much time with the 6.1 95 I feel the Q Tour is a bit more refined and, for me, does everything a touch better. Power level is similar, maybe a bit less with the Q Tour. Control is better with the PK, both in length and angles (again, the 6.1 I tried was the 16x18.). Also it probably doesn't help that I'm not that fond of Wilson racquets in general, so probably I'm just biased. And mind you, I only played about 1.5 hours so far with the PK.

Tidbit time. One thing of note (lol, maybe not) is the beam width: it's 20.5mm on my frame. I'm trying to get some more play time in with this frame but unfortunately the weather forecast is still rather crappy plus my club is going to get pretty much closed down soon for an ATP tournament that's going to start in ten days, so I'll have to look elsewhere for courts once the sun decides to show up.

Great input, thanks; especially since you're not 100% yet. As Gads knows, I've also been lusting over the Q's specs. Maybe I missed it, but what was the overall weight of your stick? We'll keep sending get well thoughts your way as anxious to hear how the serves work for you.

 

[Meaghan]

I know. A shame. As long as Ad****or and Suarez show up, I'll be content. Still foreign to peek at the standings and see Tottenham and Newcastle in the top5 and Liverpool and Chelsea especially not in contention. The reds have always been big in champion's league and a steady top10 in the premier.

there has been a lot of rubbish been said about liverpool's season. Two cup finals and hopefully two victories brings much needed silverware. The football in the majority of the games has been very good if we had a goal scorer we would be challenging for the title.

I'm happy, I have my complaints with some decisions as does rossy with rednapp, doors have done well again and I think deep down rossy is happy to be in the mix.

I used to think how fortunate I was to be born a liverpool supporter......now I would rather support fulham and have my parents own a house in central london!

 

[808]

Great input, thanks; especially since you're not 100% yet. As Gads knows, I've also been lusting over the Q's specs. Maybe I missed it, but what was the overall weight of your stick? We'll keep sending get well thoughts your way as anxious to hear how the serves work for you.

Thanks. Here are the strung specs again:

Length: 68,58cm (27in)
Balance: 31,5cm (~9pt HL)
Weight: 339,5g (~12oz)
Swingweight: 323

 

[klementine]

there has been a lot of rubbish been said about liverpool's season. Two cup finals and hopefully two victories brings much needed silverware. The football in the majority of the games has been very good if we had a goal scorer we would be challenging for the title.

I'm happy, I have my complaints with some decisions as does rossy with rednapp, doors have done well again and I think deep down rossy is happy to be in the mix.

I used to think how fortunate I was to be born a liverpool supporter......now I would rather support fulham and have my parents own a house in central london!

^ London!? No way... Stick with it. All the Reds need is the american owners to jump ship and a saudi/russian to take over! :smile:

I've seen maybe 20 matches this season, time difference and schedule interference, and here are my impressions of the squad/play.

-midfielders...adam/henderson/downing???!!!??... no control of midfield = no goals
-Gerrard... yes he's getting up there in age but he's still a natural goal scorer, something the reds need badly!! Gerrard's natural position on the field is playing closer to a forward than the middie he is.. but their inconsistency and lack of ability to control midfield has forced Gerrard to play back
-Carroll/suarez are not the answers up front... and unfortunately as a result Dalglish has of yet to find his starters!! It's the end of the season and it seems as if they're still trying to find the starting 11 out there.

Winning the league cup and maybe the FA in may is no consolation for me. Either this team gets younger and builds around some more young talent or it sticks to it's old guns like chelsea did a few years back... bellamy,gerrard,kuyt,carragher. Seems like two different philosophies trying to work together from the front office/manager... but really it's led to a lack of chemistry.

 

[Power Player]

808 awesome work. I am now at about 7 grams at 12 in the black drive. The balance is 2 pts hl. The serves are sick and the groundies hit big.

I probably wont play until next week..too busy with work. But I do have some red alert string coming to try against the RIP control.

 

[PED]

I am now at about 7 grams at 12 in the black drive.

That does produce some nice heaviness; I've used 7g at the tip on my pdr and apd+. You can really feel the stringbed biting into the ball.

 

[808]

808 awesome work. I am now at about 7 grams at 12 in the black drive. The balance is 2 pts hl. The serves are sick and the groundies hit big.

Nice. I experimented with an additional 2g at 12 but removed in the end. 3.5g is pretty much ideal for me right now. I plan on trying RIP control soon, got me a set in 17 gauge. Still love PHT17 though.

 

[Power Player]

808 the 17 gauge rip is not nearly as good as the 16. It breaks way faster..so if you like the 17, the 16 will be your best friend.

 

[Meaghan]

^ London!? No way... Stick with it. All the Reds need is the american owners to jump ship and a saudi/russian to take over! :smile:

I've seen maybe 20 matches this season, time difference and schedule interference, and here are my impressions of the squad/play.

-midfielders...adam/henderson/downing???!!!??... no control of midfield = no goals
-Gerrard... yes he's getting up there in age but he's still a natural goal scorer, something the reds need badly!! Gerrard's natural position on the field is playing closer to a forward than the middie he is.. but their inconsistency and lack of ability to control midfield has forced Gerrard to play back
-Carroll/suarez are not the answers up front... and unfortunately as a result Dalglish has of yet to find his starters!! It's the end of the season and it seems as if they're still trying to find the starting 11 out there.

Winning the league cup and maybe the FA in may is no consolation for me. Either this team gets younger and builds around some more young talent or it sticks to it's old guns like chelsea did a few years back... bellamy,gerrard,kuyt,carragher. Seems like two different philosophies trying to work together from the front office/manager... but really it's led to a lack of chemistry.

Its interesting, Ive seen 90% of the games this season via some quality streaming.....Ive said it on the football thread also.....before Gerrard came back, we were playing some brilliant football, lovely triangles playing Utd and city and chelsea off the pitch....then Lucas got injured, Suarez was banned and the crap that came with that and Gerrard came back into the team. Henderson is a very good player but with Gerrard next to him (and this includes the rest of the Liverpool team) they all give the ball to him, we're predictable. He's a superb player but has this need to do everything. We know tennis players like this playing doubles, I watched Messi yesterday and he doesnt demand the ball, it finds him, there's a difference. Lucas was the big blow he's been our best player for the past two seasons. Him, Adam Henderson, Bellamy, Maxi, Suarez were all playing really attractive stuff.

I admit there are too many similar players in Lucas, Adam, Henderson. Adam was a steal so thats fine, Henderson has shown signs that he is a player, its Downing thats been disappointing. Glimmers of excellence in the Carling cup final but most of the time sh1te!

We are ok, Carragher needs to become back room staff, Kuyt can move on and if we can put Robbie fowler into Jacko's oxygen machine and bring him back to his prime we'd be laughing

Anyways, anybody watch the brilliance that is Stan ?

I do love his game, apart from the top 4, on clay he is as good as it gets. The streaming today was at a shallower angle than usual and it showed the immense power of that bh, why Almagro thought, "I know I'll hit it to his backhand" doh !!!

 

[Boricua]

808 the 17 gauge rip is not nearly as good as the 16. It breaks way faster..so if you like the 17, the 16 will be your best friend.

You use the black or copper RIP?

 

[PED]

I watched Messi yesterday and he doesnt demand the ball, it finds him, there's a difference.



Lucas was the big blow he's been our best player for the past two seasons.

Both excellent points. Re Lucas, that's when your season went pear shaped: got have that steel in the midfield, we'd be screwed without Song.

 

[PED]

You use the black or copper RIP?

Boricua,

What's the power level like on the Vcore 98 compared to something like an APD?

 

[Boricua]

Going back to the APD GT, need my windshield stroke and aggresive topspin back. Going to try RIP and Donnay X Hybrid black which is pretty cheap. Right now Im experimenting with the overly pricey LTEC strings at the 3 hour mark (5S mains, 3S crosses at 44 and 46). Feel is very nice for a copoly and good control. Lets see if the tension maintenance is as good as they say, lol.

 

[Boricua]

Boricua,

What's the power level like on the Vcore 98 compared to something like an APD?

APD has more power, beter to generate topspin. VCORE has better feel and a bit more precise. For my strokes, the APD is more suitable as I hit with topspin and go over the ball alot.
VCORE hits a heavy ball though.

 

[PED]

APD has more power, beter to generate topspin. VCORE has better feel and a bit more precise. For my strokes, the APD is more suitable as I hit with topspin and go over the ball alot.
VCORE hits a heavy ball though.

Thanks, I was always curious about the 98. Wish it were about 5g heavier. It seems there is ample room for mods since the SW is only 309ish.

 

[Ross K]

APD has more power, beter to generate topspin. VCORE has better feel and a bit more precise. For my strokes, the APD is more suitable as I hit with topspin and go over the ball alot.
VCORE hits a heavy ball though.

Yep, I haven't found anything that hits oomphy spin quite like the bab stick and swings similarly easyish.

Side-note: I did quite like this though...

The TF Speedflex 315 is similar to the APD in a few respects including big power and big spin. The vibrationless solidness and dampened grip feel made an impression on me. Unfortunately it seemed to swing a tad slow and late (even modded to be more head-light.) TF should look at this frame and tweak it a bit as there's a lot of potential here IMO.

 

[808]

808 the 17 gauge rip is not nearly as good as the 16. It breaks way faster..so if you like the 17, the 16 will be your best friend.

Yeah, I hear you. Wanted to try the 17 first as I tend to prefer thinner gauges. If this one passes a set of 16 shall be next.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Here is something to note about the vcore line: the racquets are much more powerful than you would think from the specs...the low sw might make you think otherwise and I cant quite figure it out, perhaps the upper hoops are rrreally stiff. For example, the 98d looks weak on paper, but this racquet is a cannon.
The 95d hits bigger than a bab pure storm. They just have some kind of very stiff powerful material in the layup that kind of cheat the specs.
I think I might have hit some of my hardest shots ever with a stock 95d...very strange TW has it at sub 320 sw...makes no sense.

I am curious about the new vcore tours that are foam filled and heavy...sounds rrrreally good to me. Blood red pjs. Gotta like that.
Btw Ross, I knocked around with the 100 for awhile...to my surprise I was bombing serves...

 

[JGads]

Here is something to note about the vcore line: the racquets are much more powerful than you would think from the specs...the low sw might make you think otherwise and I cant quite figure it out, perhaps the upper hoops are rrreally stiff. For example, the 98d looks weak on paper, but this racquet is a cannon.
The 95d hits bigger than a bab pure storm. They just have some kind of very stiff powerful material in the layup that kind of cheat the specs.
I think I might have hit some of my hardest shots ever with a stock 95d...very strange TW has it at sub 320 sw...makes no sense.

I am curious about the new vcore tours that are foam filled and heavy...sounds rrrreally good to me. Blood red pjs. Gotta like that.
Btw Ross, I knocked around with the 100 for awhile...to my surprise I was bombing serves...

I was able to hit comically hard serves with the VCore 98 when I tried that stick out. Pure bombs.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

I was able to hit comically hard serves with the VCore 98 when I tried that stick out. Pure bombs.

I dont know how to explain this with a 309 swingweight...you dont really want to lead up because the powers already there...its a little weird. Normally I would not be into sticks that are sub 12 oz and sub 330sw but these feel different.

 

[JGads]

I dont know how to explain this with a 309 swingweight...you dont really want to lead up because the powers already there...its a little weird. Normally I would not be into sticks that are sub 12 oz and sub 330sw but these feel different.

my best guess: stiffness of frame+higher racquet head speed+higher/larger sweetspot with the yonex shape.

I felt similarly able to bomb at will when I played with a KBlade 98, which was also at around 11 oz and very stiff with a higher sweetspot. Lighter-but-stiffer frames can crack some serious pace on serve, so long as you're able to get that racquet head speed up, whereas heavier sticks you rely on the mass to do the work. Either stick can get you to the same place, methinks.

 

[Ross K]

Here is something to note about the vcore line: the racquets are much more powerful than you would think from the specs...the low sw might make you think otherwise and I cant quite figure it out, perhaps the upper hoops are rrreally stiff. For example, the 98d looks weak on paper, but this racquet is a cannon.
The 95d hits bigger than a bab pure storm. They just have some kind of very stiff powerful material in the layup that kind of cheat the specs.
I think I might have hit some of my hardest shots ever with a stock 95d...very strange TW has it at sub 320 sw...makes no sense.

I am curious about the new vcore tours that are foam filled and heavy...sounds rrrreally good to me. Blood red pjs. Gotta like that.
Btw Ross, I knocked around with the 100 for awhile...to my surprise I was bombing serves...

Hmm... Well, I'm presuming it's made for b-line spinny apd-ing, if that makes sense - but how was the VCore 100S for vibration (hopefully a lack thereof), feel and solidness?

 

[Ross K]

Fed,

Just read the feedback section on TT re the VCore 100S. Sounds right in my wheelhouse frame-wise. Not sure I've quite seen anything to make me want to stray though TBH. I've tried a load of similarish frames - Extreme Pro, Exo 100, TF SF 315, BC30 - to name but 4, but none have quite suited me as well as the Nadal Bab. Demoing also not really an option in England. I'll definitely look into the racket a bit more and follow posts on it.

 

[klementine]

Oh man!

The weather is so nice and every time I drive home from work, I make sure to pass by two public courts to see if any of my 'ol friends are there hittin'.

I wanna grab my racquet off the stringer and hit some grounstrokes tomorrow while the wife is getting her lessons.

Shoulder feels great. The other day at the rehabilitation center, we record my reps/weight for certain exercises to gauge the strength/progress of the shoulder and I maxed out at 15lbs and 35 reps!! with no soreness or range of motion problems. I'm going into my 3rd month of post-op and the base is 5-10lbs and ~10reps.

I'm going in for x-rays as well with my primary next week and a scheduled visit with the ortho. This is the most critical time of all because it feels fine and I could do something ludicrous (like hit groundstrokes) and push back the progress or damage the repaired connective tissue again.

I wake up, stretch it for 10minutes (bands and wall exercises), at work now and doing some 'chair' or sit-down exercises. I get home and stretch it out 2-3 times more and do some light barbell exercises before going to sleep. And sleep... even then I can't lay on my right side.. I change positions through out the night- back-stomach-left side. It's a life changer for sure.

To all, if you don't have stretch bands in your bag... at home... light barbells for some aerobic exercises.. get some. Learn some proper stretching and breathing techniques and not just what you 'think' is right. I always took care of my body, worked out, stayed active but maintaining health and being healthy are different things. I'll be better off in the long run because of this but it shouldn't take this experience to change some habits.

 

[Boricua]

Thanks, I was always curious about the 98. Wish it were about 5g heavier. It seems there is ample room for mods since the SW is only 309ish.

I can tell you that eventhough the 98 is light it plays like a heavier racket. Its very stable and control oriented. But you can wait and see if the VCORE 97 frame that people are talking comes out and maybe its more suitable for you.

I love the way the 98 feels when I smack the ball but there is something about the aerodynamics of the Aeropro that lets me hit the ball with more confidence and accuracy. My topspin strokes are easier to generate and feel more natural with the Aeropro.

 

[Boricua]

Yep, I haven't found anything that hits oomphy spin quite like the bab stick and swings similarly easyish.

Side-note: I did quite like this though...

The TF Speedflex 315 is similar to the APD in a few respects including big power and big spin. The vibrationless solidness and dampened grip feel made an impression on me. Unfortunately it seemed to swing a tad slow and late (even modded to be more head-light.) TF should look at this frame and tweak it a bit as there's a lot of potential here IMO.

That is where the Aeropro excels, fast swings. That compensates for its not so outstanding feel.

 

[Boricua]

Hmm... Well, I'm presuming it's made for b-line spinny apd-ing, if that makes sense - but how was the VCore 100S for vibration (hopefully a lack thereof), feel and solidness?

VCORE 100 is also solid and nice has feel but too light for my taste. Better for spin than the 98 but not as "natural" for topspin as the APD

 

[SlapShot]

To all, if you don't have stretch bands in your bag... at home... light barbells for some aerobic exercises.. get some. Learn some proper stretching and breathing techniques and not just what you 'think' is right. I always took care of my body, worked out, stayed active but maintaining health and being healthy are different things. I'll be better off in the long run because of this but it shouldn't take this experience to change some habits.

+a large number.

My shoulder scare wasn't nearly as serious as yours, but I haven't been able to play without pain since November, and had finally felt I kicked it before my serious setback last week. The key for my pain relief has been band work and stretching. When I originally went in, I had roughly 30 degrees of forward rotation in my right shoulder - most people have about 60. When I went back in a month later after doing stretching work, I was back up to 50 degrees. My physio said in no uncertain terms that for as long as I want to be an overhead athelete, I need to be doing rotator cuff work. I'm just lucky that there was no structural damage, it was just stiffness and soreness from lack of flexibility and strength in the supporting muscles.

 

[JGads]

Oh man!

The weather is so nice and every time I drive home from work, I make sure to pass by two public courts to see if any of my 'ol friends are there hittin'.

I wanna grab my racquet off the stringer and hit some grounstrokes tomorrow while the wife is getting her lessons.

Shoulder feels great. The other day at the rehabilitation center, we record my reps/weight for certain exercises to gauge the strength/progress of the shoulder and I maxed out at 15lbs and 35 reps!! with no soreness or range of motion problems. I'm going into my 3rd month of post-op and the base is 5-10lbs and ~10reps.

I'm going in for x-rays as well with my primary next week and a scheduled visit with the ortho. This is the most critical time of all because it feels fine and I could do something ludicrous (like hit groundstrokes) and push back the progress or damage the repaired connective tissue again.

I wake up, stretch it for 10minutes (bands and wall exercises), at work now and doing some 'chair' or sit-down exercises. I get home and stretch it out 2-3 times more and do some light barbell exercises before going to sleep. And sleep... even then I can't lay on my right side.. I change positions through out the night- back-stomach-left side. It's a life changer for sure.

To all, if you don't have stretch bands in your bag... at home... light barbells for some aerobic exercises.. get some. Learn some proper stretching and breathing techniques and not just what you 'think' is right. I always took care of my body, worked out, stayed active but maintaining health and being healthy are different things. I'll be better off in the long run because of this but it shouldn't take this experience to change some habits.

Amen. Great post.

 

[Meaghan]

Anyone see berdych forehand yesterday. I know its big but he had his usual cross court flick that just rocketed off his racket and thro the clay court. It would be interesting to know his set up modifications.

Hes the only one who can make inroads into the top 4......as he has the least to do with his game.

Stan played well against rafa but he hasn't got that ' extra'.....

 

[Ross K]

RHs,

Not much tennis of late so good to get a bit practice in yesterday. I worked on one thing only and that was 2hbh follow-through and getting the buttcap pointed at your opponent at the very end of the stroke.

Have to say after an hour it was feeling notably more dynamic and snappy. There's definitely more pop with this, plus you really get the left hand/arm fully engaged as the right hand is just along for the ride. The thing to watch is the control aspect because I felt I was over-hitting a bit.

Tagged on to this, I also looked at not only keeping my hands closer to my body, but a bit lower too. Will look at this more next week.

Any RHs care to discuss 2hbh technique stuff post up it up gents! Being a late convert from 1hbh to 2hbh, I always feel a bit like I'm playing catch up. That said though, at least it's consistent and natural to me now. But a bit more of a weapon would be nice.

 

[aimr75]

RHs,

Not much tennis of late so good to get a bit practice in yesterday. I worked on one thing only and that was 2hbh follow-through and getting the buttcap pointed at your opponent at the very end of the stroke.

Have to say after an hour it was feeling notably more dynamic and snappy. There's definitely more pop with this, plus you really get the left hand/arm fully engaged as the right hand is just along for the ride. The thing to watch is the control aspect because I felt I was over-hitting a bit.

Tagged on to this, I also looked at not only keeping my hands closer to my body, but a bit lower too. Will look at this more next week.

Any RHs care to discuss 2hbh technique stuff post up it up gents! Being a late convert from 1hbh to 2hbh, I always feel a bit like I'm playing catch up. That said though, at least it's consistent and natural to me now. But a bit more of a weapon would be nice.

I'm in a similar boat to you coming from a 1hbh. I've been working on starting the racquet low (below the incoming ball), turn with shoulders, arms closer to the body. Starting to get my takeback to a point where it's feeling more natural. Have been shadow swinging it a lot and eager to try it on court when I get a chance. People mention the 2hbh being easier, but it's a hard stroke to transition to.

 

[klementine]

Anyone see berdych forehand yesterday. I know its big but he had his usual cross court flick that just rocketed off his racket and thro the clay court. It would be interesting to know his set up modifications.

Hes the only one who can make inroads into the top 4......as he has the least to do with his game.

Stan played well against rafa but he hasn't got that ' extra'.....

Berdych definitely has that extra. I've watched so many close matches of his, caught yesterday's on replay late night, played aggressive against Murray. He won't be able to do that against djoko/rafa/fed and get away with it. Needs to play a smarter game against those 3.

He loses his patience too much, too often and goes for broke, leading to UE's. But he does have the tools to get into the top4. There should be a 'no fly zone' over the court when he throws his service toss. Amazing athlete.

Another aspect I like about his game is it seems effortless. Unlike watching Murray,Djoko,ferrer or Rafa, who are grinding and seem like they struggle to manufacture points, Berdych is smooth, effortless and efficient; guess you have to be if you're 6'5".