Diary of a Racketaholic

tim-ay

Legend
SO I can’t be as cheeky with the Pro as the Blade. There is a reason it was called the Blade, right? But I want to keep playing with it and see what happens. I don’t find it lacking maneuverability.
It has pretty blade-like control for me with a little more free pop. But that could be my stock spec as mine came in 321 stock static.

Also, I’m jiving hard with some pretty powerful frames right now, so it’s hard for me to give any recommendations. The Pro does seem to have excellent trade offs and blend of power, spin, control, and drive. It isn’t the best frame for feel, but it’s not bad either. Like a 6 on feel vs. a 9 on feel for blade pros.

Once you weight up the MPs, they are very close. The Pro might just be a little better all around. Dang, I want to use it in a match I care about to really know how I gel with it. Soon I guess!
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Whew! Just finished with two sets of singles and three sets of doubles. I rotated Auxetic Radical Pro and Auxetic Extreme Tour. Boy, the Tour needs weight!!!! The Radical Pro was fine stock. I adjusted quicker to the Radical Pro (coming from v7 Blade 18x20), but played much more consistently with the Tour. The Pro was a serving beast. More later.

Wait until you add weight to the Extreme Tour... it just gets better with the added weight. Great frame. I have too many racquets, so the only way I will try the Rad Pro is if I do a swap/trade with someone. Glad you're enjoying it though. If they ever came out with a Nite version though, I might have to get one.
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
Boom Pros are on sale here and my holic tendencies are tingling; the constant thin beam and 16x19 is intriguing. Anyone enjoy this frame or have feedback around it?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
The Pro does seem to have excellent trade offs and blend of power, spin, control, and drive. It isn’t the best frame for feel, but it’s not bad either. Like a 6 on feel vs. a 9 on feel for blade pros.

Good to know. It was tempting to grab one for under $200 but I think I should just stick with the Gravity Pro.
 

PhxRacket

Hall of Fame
Wait until you add weight to the Extreme Tour... it just gets better with the added weight. Great frame. I have too many racquets, so the only way I will try the Rad Pro is if I do a swap/trade with someone. Glad you're enjoying it though. If they ever came out with a Nite version though, I might have to get one.
What do you think about 4g at 3/9 and four in the trap door?
 

tim-ay

Legend
Good to know. It was tempting to grab one for under $200 but I think I should just stick with the Gravity Pro.
I’ve been tempted by the Head sale to go further also. Gravity Pro / Rad Pro - similar themes , just a bit different in execution. That GP beam probably gives better feel, while the 16/19 on the RP probably gives a little more spin or power. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I think either frame can suit similar playstyle. Just differences get accentuated a little.
 

TwinCinema

Professional
Boom Pros are on sale here and my holic tendencies are tingling; the constant thin beam and 16x19 is intriguing. Anyone enjoy this frame or have feedback around it?

I really like it. A tad demanding but it’s more maneuverable than the Speed Pro, with a touch more power, and I found the control to be on point.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
What do you think about 4g at 3/9 and four in the trap door?

Not sure if you mean 4g total or each at those locations...

What I would advise is to refer to the TW University Power Potential tool and the Sweet Zone Size tool. They will let you know where the "gaps" or "weaknesses" exist... and give you an idea of how to improve them.

Personally, I have done quite extensive modifications on mine (you can see all the details in the Head G360+ Extreme Tour thread). I usually get a 4 3/8 grip and add two overgrips (first with almost no overlap, and the second as standard). Initially, I also added 5.6g of weight at 7" above the butt cap (top of grip), and possibly some weight inside the butt cap (I can't remember now, but it will be in that thread), and then at various points throughout the head (2,3,4,8,9,10, and 12 o'clock). In total, I spread 5.5-6g around the head of the racquet, and around 15.6g on the handle.

Later, I removed the 5.6g from the top of the handle and what I put inside the butt cap... and replaced it with silicone in the handle (which added 15g more to the handle). I kept the weights added to the head. My current specs are (dependent on strings used): 362g strung, 315mm balance, and an increased SW (estimate around 335-340 SW - never fully measured).

Obviously, all these things are dependent on personal preferences, what you're trying to achieve, and what specs you are used to (most of my racquets are 350g+ static weight... and closer to 360g). That is the reason I advised you to look at those Tools in the TW University section.

Finally, I would advise you to spread the weight you put around the head (not just 3 and 9... but halve what you would have put there and add it to 2 and 10 as well... so if you were going to put 2g total at 3... I would put 1 or 1.5g at 3 and the rest at 2, then repeat the process on the other side). I also like putting weight at 12, as it lifts the sweet zone and makes sure that the racquet is not dead feeling towards the top of the hoop/head.

Hope that helps (sorry for the long answer).
 

PhxRacket

Hall of Fame
Not sure if you mean 4g total or each at those locations...

What I would advise is to refer to the TW University Power Potential tool and the Sweet Zone Size tool. They will let you know where the "gaps" or "weaknesses" exist... and give you an idea of how to improve them.

Personally, I have done quite extensive modifications on mine (you can see all the details in the Head G360+ Extreme Tour thread). I usually get a 4 3/8 grip and add two overgrips (first with almost no overlap, and the second as standard). Initially, I also added 5.6g of weight at 7" above the butt cap (top of grip), and possibly some weight inside the butt cap (I can't remember now, but it will be in that thread), and then at various points throughout the head (2,3,4,8,9,10, and 12 o'clock). In total, I spread 5.5-6g around the head of the racquet, and around 15.6g on the handle.

Later, I removed the 5.6g from the top of the handle and what I put inside the butt cap... and replaced it with silicone in the handle (which added 15g more to the handle). I kept the weights added to the head. My current specs are (dependent on strings used): 362g strung, 315mm balance, and an increased SW (estimate around 335-340 SW - never fully measured).

Obviously, all these things are dependent on personal preferences, what you're trying to achieve, and what specs you are used to (most of my racquets are 350g+ static weight... and closer to 360g). That is the reason I advised you to look at those Tools in the TW University section.

Finally, I would advise you to spread the weight you put around the head (not just 3 and 9... but halve what you would have put there and add it to 2 and 10 as well... so if you were going to put 2g total at 3... I would put 1 or 1.5g at 3 and the rest at 2, then repeat the process on the other side). I also like putting weight at 12, as it lifts the sweet zone and makes sure that the racquet is not dead feeling towards the top of the hoop/head.

Hope that helps (sorry for the long answer).
Love a detailed explanation. Thank you and will do tomorrow. I really liked the response of the Auxetic ET, it just needs some help. Looks like the cavalry arrives tomorrow.
 

pedrogcr

Semi-Pro
Hey guys, anyone knows if the grommets from the PA Rafa Origin would fit on a 2nd Gen (Cortex) Aeropro Drive?

I have a Junior one extended to 27.5 that feels amazing with the softer RA, but the bumper guard is in very bad shape, so I'd love to be able to replace it.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Love a detailed explanation. Thank you and will do tomorrow. I really liked the response of the Auxetic ET, it just needs some help. Looks like the cavalry arrives tomorrow.

When looking at those Tools at TW University, throw in other racquets that are comparable (like the PA98) and see what values they have in specific areas and how their Sweet Zone looks (shape-wise). That will give you some ideas as well on what to do and in which areas. I also throw in a Comparison with the Dunlop Srixon SX300 Tour (the 100 sq. in. version - previous iteration from 2019), as it has great values and one of the bigger Sweet Zone sizes. That also allows me to see where improvements can be made.

Good luck... and keep us posted with the changes and progress/results.
 

Vicious49

Legend
So I'm not usually very string sensitive but with the FX500 Tour I seem to be. I think it's because I usually hit fairly flat but with this one I have to hit more with spin and let the frame do the work. Regardless, Confidential felt a bit too low powered and Hit Pro has a bit too much power. I'm really liking Tour Hex in the frame. What other strings would you recommend that are similar to Tour Hex?
No opinions?
 

emhtennis

Hall of Fame
What racket is similar to the 351.1 in comfort level and feel (besides the retail Rad MP)?
I would say they feel comparable to my Angell 97s and 95s. The 351s aren't foam filled, and they give crisper more direct feedback from strings. The Angells tend to mute strings which can make it harder to gel with one.

But arm comfort wise, they seem close.

As a contrast, my swirly babolat pure control has a raw graphite crack to it.
 

Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
What? No,sorry, but they are definitely not close in feel... 293.1 is a very different beast feel-wise, not saying one is better. But one has that classic vibrations pocketing feel, whatever strings you put in there really. The other has that modern crisp feel, but it is clear, not dampened. Very fast feeling racquet, regarding balls in and out of string bed. Kind of explosive.
Guess which one is which.
 

Fintft

G.O.A.T.
What? No,sorry, but they are definitely not close in feel... 293.1 is a very different beast feel-wise, not saying one is better. But one has that classic vibrations pocketing feel, whatever strings you put in there really. The other has that modern crisp feel, but it is clear, not dampened. Very fast feeling racquet, regarding balls in and out of string bed. Kind of explosive.
Guess which one is which.
And if you throw the PT57A into the equation as well ( as you suspect your original FC might be and not a 293.1)?

To me both the 351.1 and 293.1 have a solidity that no retail racquet has, plus control and power, at the same time. Slightly different feel, yes and different levels of power.
 

Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
Played with my team mates today. I must say, I liked the racquet even more. On our slower carpet it was much easier to get into position and swing at a decent pace. It is incredible how easy this racquet is to whip around on fast defensive shots. I don't know if LT is the best string in it, but the SW is nice and high with it. I would like to get two very high sw ones in L3.
I might try Hit Pro next.
Somehow this plays very similar to my FCs from a purely playing perspective. I swing at the same speed, the balls aren't as heavy, but good enough, I guess.
I frame more balls with the ISO, I think because the the beam is thicker. With the ISO I am sometimes a bit too early, but this is because I am new to this kind of light-weight and balance racquets.
 

RF_PRO_STAFF

Hall of Fame
Ended up selling two '23 VC95s to a friend who was trying one over the past week. He's by far the best player of my club and was playing with a 100 square inch 285g racket for the last years because it was one of the only few that didn't trigger his injuries. To get the control he needed he was always stringing at 57 lbs with a stiff poly. How this setup didn't trigger his injuries and more logical and sensible choices did, I don't know. At least now that his injuries have diminished, he wanted to try something new because he always had to work so hard with his setup.

Recently he just picked a VC95 that was in my bag and hit some balls with it. He kind of liked it so I lended him a different VC95 that I was selling and was completely stock. I strung it up for him with Head Hawk 1.25 at 52 lbs and he tried it three times this week, including two doubles matches we played yesterday. He was honeymooning and said he only had to put in 50% of the effort to produce the same type of ball. He basically loves the frame so he asked if he could buy one of my other VC95s as well so he's got two to work with.
I actually wanted to keep three of the four I had, just in case my Prestige MP-L journey goes south somewhere in the future. At least I could go back to the '23 VC95 if that were to happen. But I'm not using the VC95s anyway right now so I just went ahead with it. I'll just buy another one and customize it again if the need is there.

Performance wise the MP-L is still performing superb after these few weeks. Especially my returns are bombing right now. The MP-L just absorbs less incoming pace than the VC95 and it's more stable so I'm just blasting returns with full confidence almost every time when I get the chance to do so. The only thing is I would have hoped the '23 MP-L would have had even less impact on my arm than I was expecting beforehand but at least it's way more manageable than the '21 version was for me. It's also not the best serving stick for me. I can produce the same serves with it as I do with the PA98 for example, but with the PA98 it's just way more effortless. Which is a big plus because with my shoulder everything overhead isn't 100% optimal.
 

pedrogcr

Semi-Pro
Hey guys, anyone knows if the grommets from the PA Rafa Origin would fit on a 2nd Gen (Cortex) Aeropro Drive?

I have a Junior one extended to 27.5 that feels amazing with the softer RA, but the bumper guard is in very bad shape, so I'd love to be able to replace it.

Decided to get one for $5.99 to try and of course I wasn't going to pay for the shipping, so I HAD to get the old model Rafa 6 pack bag for $66!

Anyone has any good strategy to measure if the grommets will fit before removing the old ones? Just want to make sure the racquet will not be made useless as I don't think I'll be able to put the old one back on after removing it.
 

BPlain

Professional
(HONEYMOON PERIOD DISCLAIMER!)

Compared to VC95 2023, the modified Gravity MP 2023 was competitive from a maneuverability standpoint. That's been the first test that most other frames I've tried lately haven't passed. I also found similar control with a little more free power which makes sense going from 95 to 100 head size.

If you hit a relatively flat ball off both sides, I think there are better frames more suited for your game, but if you play with a good amount of spin off both wings like I do, then it's hard to beat what this frame offers. It seemed like no matter how I swung when hitting topspin that the ball just dipped and found it's way into the court. Anything that I sprayed was immediately recognizable as user error and not a "huh, wonder why it did that".

Despite being sharing the same frame width, I found the Gravity MP easier to put action on the ball as it really cut through the air on my serves, slices, and touch volleys. I didn't hit enough aggressive slices to comment on that shot specifically but topspin forehand and backhand and forehand and backhand blocks off serve return all performed well.

This frame – even weighted up like I have it – could be more stable but given it's lower flex and thinner beam, I found it plenty stable for its profile. Again, there were shots where the frame didn't bail me out like a thicker beam, more stable, higher RA frame would but there also weren't any shots when I got the racket to the right spot that the frame let me down stability wise.

Obviously early days over here but being able to step into good 4.5 doubles and have the frame feel comfortable, playable, and predictable off the jump was a good sign. Hoping to get out again on Sunday and maybe play some singles with it.

Today was a good day.
Round 2 with modified Gravity MP 2023 this morning. This frame just really suits an all-court game well. Maintains a lot of maneuverability while giving you a huge sweet spot to work with. Compared to the VC95 2023, I find the Gravity MP 2023 doesn't hold have as much dwell time but the trade off is you get a little more free power on a 75% effort swing. I personally find the touch and feel at net and half volleys to be much more connected on the Gravity MP 2023 too. I walked off the court this morning thinking it might be time to string up the other new one. Just an easy pick up and play frame for me that I think has a lot more to unlock the more I play with it. (Honeymoon period disclaimer!)
 

Vicious49

Legend
That Rafa Origin is looking awfully tempting at under $250 during this current sale. Its not a realistic frame at all but still would be cool to own.
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
That Rafa Origin is looking awfully tempting at under $250 during this current sale. Its not a realistic frame at all but still would be cool to own.
Its a fantastic frame. And I think it gets a bad wrap. I'm a classic control racket guy (normally), but the Rafa Origin is definitely worth a try. Get one! If anything it'd a great piece for 'the collection'
 

Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
Ah, another thing. I am pretty happy TF makes these 18x19 98". Those Blade 98" 18x20 seem to be too linear for me as hit long too often wothout the spin. With those 16x19 they are too powerful, launch too high for my game mostly.
The 18x19 brings the balls over the net no problem, but also down in time without going long too long often with my strokes.
 

TwinCinema

Professional
Those Blade 98" 18x20 seem to be too linear for me as hit long too often wothout the spin. With those 16x19 they are too powerful, launch too high for my game mostly.

This is the first I’ve heard someone say the Blade 98 16x19 is “too powerful.” I’d love to have that problem with mine (which is great in every respect except for lacking put-away power). What strings have you used in it?
 

Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
This is the first I’ve heard someone say the Blade 98 16x19 is “too powerful.” I’d love to have that problem with mine (which is great in every respect except for lacking put-away power). What strings have you used in it?
Don't know for sure, I just played with one of my friend's racquets. I think it was Max Power at 28kilos.
 

Kozzy

Hall of Fame
I continue to be floored by how well the TC90 is working for my game. I'm definitely riding a good patch of play also, after several months of what felt like mediocre results on the court, but there's something about that stiffness combined with the whip, that just makes for a good combo in my view. Will I ever hit with anything else? Of course I will, but I've got those a couple SX 300 Tours collecting dust that I haven't even tried yet and am not sure that I will bother with. I'm riding the TC90 wave for the moment. Hang loose.
 

AmericanTwist

Professional
I wish everyone a belated good Thanksgiving weekend!

Got back out on the courts for dubs. Went 1-1 with different partners. Used the UT because I haven't had time to customize and string up my cx 200 tour 18x20s yet. Oh I will say 50 lbs with natural gut/poly is too tight for 40F ambient temps. Nylon at 47 lbs is the better choice.
 

veelium

Hall of Fame
Ah, another thing. I am pretty happy TF makes these 18x19 98". Those Blade 98" 18x20 seem to be too linear for me as hit long too often wothout the spin. With those 16x19 they are too powerful, launch too high for my game mostly.
The 18x19 brings the balls over the net no problem, but also down in time without going long too long often with my strokes.
The TF 18x19 pattern is pure perfection. I wish some of my prestiges had thix exact pattern.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
The silly stringer at the tennis center hasn’t been answering their phone for a few days. I was annoyed and just drove out there and sure enough my racquets were already strung. Got my 27.25 ZUS and React strung with super toro. The React strung/OG is 324g/32.2/334SW. It will be interesting trying out such a light static with high SW. I’ll probably stuff weight later under the butt cap but wanna try stock first.
 

SupahMan5000

Hall of Fame
haven't played in about a month , life got in the way and continues to do so. cant give the most constructive thoughts but essentially with the Prestige Pro 2023 i felt a little less connected than the previous iteration as it is a little more muted. With the tighter string pattern and lower launch angle the muted feel kinda makes it a bit too "meh". the rawer feel on the 2021 gave me more feeling of a pop to be reductive. that's pretty much all i can give with the level im at right now. not very in tune with my game at all. serves seemed solid. playability seems the same I just don't like the direction of the feel.

Prestige Tour 2023 tho weirdly i enjoyed the muted feel comapred to the 2021. the raw feel and open ish string bed on the Tour 2021 might've been too much for me

Prestige Pro 2023 strung with Tour Bite Diamond Rough @ 40lbs

 

skeeter

Professional
Round 2 with modified Gravity MP 2023 this morning. This frame just really suits an all-court game well. Maintains a lot of maneuverability while giving you a huge sweet spot to work with. Compared to the VC95 2023, I find the Gravity MP 2023 doesn't hold have as much dwell time but the trade off is you get a little more free power on a 75% effort swing. I personally find the touch and feel at net and half volleys to be much more connected on the Gravity MP 2023 too. I walked off the court this morning thinking it might be time to string up the other new one. Just an easy pick up and play frame for me that I think has a lot more to unlock the more I play with it. (Honeymoon period disclaimerCa

Round 2 with modified Gravity MP 2023 this morning. This frame just really suits an all-court game well. Maintains a lot of maneuverability while giving you a huge sweet spot to work with. Compared to the VC95 2023, I find the Gravity MP 2023 doesn't hold have as much dwell time but the trade off is you get a little more free power on a 75% effort swing. I personally find the touch and feel at net and half volleys to be much more connected on the Gravity MP 2023 too. I walked off the court this morning thinking it might be time to string up the other new one. Just an easy pick up and play frame for me that I think has a lot more to unlock the more I play with it. (Honeymoon period disclaimer!)
Can't recall if you have a 1HB or 2, but thoughts on this racquet for backhands? I'm a 1-hander and always on the eye out for one that seems to accentuate that stroke. And pop on serves with the MP?
 

BPlain

Professional
Can't recall if you have a 1HB or 2, but thoughts on this racquet for backhands? I'm a 1-hander and always on the eye out for one that seems to accentuate that stroke. And pop on serves with the MP?
I'm a 2HB but mix in slice BH too. I really like this frame off my backhand wing as it cuts through the air really easy. As a lefty, I like to take the ball early sometimes off my backhand and hit a topspin, angled 2HB out wide to a righty forehand to really pull them off the court. I found that stroke in spades with this frame so far so I think that would translate well to a 1HB too.

I'm also finding more pop on my serves – and free power overall – with MP compared to VC95 2023. Again, as a lefty, I'm rarely hitting a true flat serve but I did flatten out a few today and there was plenty behind the ball with this frame. My regular hitting partner commented that my serves had noticeably more on them with the MP.
 

Kozzy

Hall of Fame
I'm a 2HB but mix in slice BH too. I really like this frame off my backhand wing as it cuts through the air really easy. As a lefty, I like to take the ball early sometimes off my backhand and hit a topspin, angled 2HB out wide to a righty forehand to really pull them off the court. I found that stroke in spades with this frame so far so I think that would translate well to a 1HB too.

I'm also finding more pop on my serves – and free power overall – with MP compared to VC95 2023. Again, as a lefty, I'm rarely hitting a true flat serve but I did flatten out a few today and there was plenty behind the ball with this frame. My regular hitting partner commented that my serves had noticeably more on them with the MP.
I tried all three of these racquets (MP, Pro from the previous gen and an Auxetic Tour) this spring and I liked the MP the best. Really fun racquet to play with. Not that different really from the PSVS in a lot of ways, so that's why I ultimately decided to move on. I think I did lead it up a bit, but not as much as usual.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Just received my Shift 99 300 (Pro Labs version)... and it was 300g on the nose (go Wilson!). I got this one to compare with my Shift 99 315.

I added silicone to the handle of the Shift 300... and it is now 315g unstrung (and curing for 3 days).

Once it is "ready", I will add similar mods as I put on the 315 (but based on the TW University info and differences between the racquets - TW, SW, etc).

Then, I will be stringing both up (unfortunately probably not the same strings due to different string spacing, but I'll try to be close), and comparing them.

Very exciting stuff.

My BP v8 18x20 also came in... and after mods is sitting at 330g unstrung. The weather here has not been cooperating... so I hope I get a window when I can get them all out for a hit.

In addition, my selection of Toroline strings has arrived... and will be utilized on select racquets. I have already strung up one of the ETs with what is known as K-PRO (Carbon Wasabi in the Mains, and Caviar in the Crosses) @ 48M/45C, and I will be looking to get out and try this combo. If I like it, I will also try it in the modified PA98, so that I can do a comparison with the ET with the same string and tension.

I'm like a kid in a candy store at the moment... the weather just has to cooperate.
 
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Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
Just got the new Briffridi TW adapter in. Thing is a breeze to use.

Just wanted to post my observations from measuring my current collection.
i.Prestige XL (for sale)
12.5​
Pro Kennex 7g
14.4​
Rafa Origin
15.6​
Rafa Origin #2
15.3​
PS85
12.5​
RF97
14.3​
Prestige Classic 2.0
12.9​
Pro Kennex C1 Pro Tour (for sale)
12.6​
React 99
12.9​
TC95
13.6​

Interesting that the Rafa Origin, PK7G, and RF97 all have the highest twist weight. Most of my rackets ('control frames') are clustered between 12.5-12.9.
It's a curious metric to know. Like swingweight, as first it means nothing but once I understood it and the experienced the differences, I became to appreciate it more.
It'll probably end up being just a 'nerd number' for me to measure on frames. But maybe I'll find I prefer a certain narrow range.
Of course, this doesn't help me practically speaking, as twistweight data isn't reliably published anywhere for rackets.
 

Vicious49

Legend
Just got the new Briffridi TW adapter in. Thing is a breeze to use.

Just wanted to post my observations from measuring my current collection.
i.Prestige XL (for sale)
12.5​
Pro Kennex 7g
14.4​
Rafa Origin
15.6​
Rafa Origin #2
15.3​
PS85
12.5​
RF97
14.3​
Prestige Classic 2.0
12.9​
Pro Kennex C1 Pro Tour (for sale)
12.6​
React 99
12.9​
TC95
13.6​

Interesting that the Rafa Origin, PK7G, and RF97 all have the highest twist weight. Most of my rackets ('control frames') are clustered between 12.5-12.9.
It's a curious metric to know. Like swingweight, as first it means nothing but once I understood it and the experienced the differences, I became to appreciate it more.
It'll probably end up being just a 'nerd number' for me to measure on frames. But maybe I'll find I prefer a certain narrow range.
Of course, this doesn't help me practically speaking, as twistweight data isn't reliably published anywhere for rackets.

Mine was 12.8-13.4 or so. Some said my measurements had to be incorrect because that's a full point lower than what others prefer on their measured frames. But for me, I like maneuverable frames so it makes sense that my TW wouldn't be so high.
 

Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
As for the TF Rackpack I have, it is nice and all, but the waterproof material is worth nothing when there is a mesh opening on top when I am riding my bike. It is very nice on the back though when riding. As I live in a country where the tab water is great, I usually bring empty bottles and fill them up at the courts, so I have to carry less weight. But even full loaded, the TF rackpack is good.
Another thing I don't really like is that the racquets in the middle compartment always slant unless you fill everything up. Those Velcros aren't as good as the ones in the Wimby HEAD bag I have and come off sometimes. In the HEAD bag that never happened, unless I wanted to.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Just got the new Briffridi TW adapter in. Thing is a breeze to use.

Just wanted to post my observations from measuring my current collection.
i.Prestige XL (for sale)
12.5​
Pro Kennex 7g
14.4​
Rafa Origin
15.6​
Rafa Origin #2
15.3​
PS85
12.5​
RF97
14.3​
Prestige Classic 2.0
12.9​
Pro Kennex C1 Pro Tour (for sale)
12.6​
React 99
12.9​
TC95
13.6​

Interesting that the Rafa Origin, PK7G, and RF97 all have the highest twist weight. Most of my rackets ('control frames') are clustered between 12.5-12.9.
It's a curious metric to know. Like swingweight, as first it means nothing but once I understood it and the experienced the differences, I became to appreciate it more.
It'll probably end up being just a 'nerd number' for me to measure on frames. But maybe I'll find I prefer a certain narrow range.
Of course, this doesn't help me practically speaking, as twistweight data isn't reliably published anywhere for rackets.
I’m a fan of TW now. I do think the range is a bit wider for “what I like” as a percentage vs. SW as a percentage. 5% seems about right where I can really tell a difference in stability.

It’s also a very helpful number when matching frames. Every bit as important as SW and maybe more so to make 2 frames feel the same.

Score on the new adapter. The older one is very repeatable and I like it, but the new one looks quite a bit better and removes user error.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Cyber Monday for me. Technifibre Rackpack XL for $60 on TW is a friggin steal.
It’s a great bag for 60 bucks. Mine sits empty in the garage as I’m full on with the Geau duffle and it’s significantly better than the rackpack, as it should be for 140 bucks more.

I should have given you mine.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Mine was 12.8-13.4 or so. Some said my measurements had to be incorrect because that's a full point lower than what others prefer on their measured frames. But for me, I like maneuverable frames so it makes sense that my TW wouldn't be so high.
No - I think your numbers make sense. If you like really fast frames, that’s about right for Briffidi numbers. I really don’t trust any measurements coming from spin weight differences which is what nearly every other method is using. Although if a different method is consistent, that can work for an individual customizing.

My biggest “aha” is that I can like fast frames on the forehand and serve, I just do not gel with them on the backhand. I absolutely need stability there or I start doing stupid sh**. The compromise is where does stability start to hurt me on serve? (That’s where I start to feel it first).

The TW measurement seems to really give insight into this. I don’t think it matters to most people as they will just gel with a frame or not given how well covered the OEMs have designed to wide preferences. Kind of like swingweight.
 
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