Diary of a Racketaholic

[JOSHL]

See this is why we need the nicknames spreadsheet google doc for ignoramuses like me. What’s a Eurostaff? I know the Doppio is the PK Ki Q+5 Pro but still learning the rest.

Racquet Finder

The all black one. Initially it was only available in Europe then we all got one and they brought it here to the US. Lol

 

[Vicious49]

Initially it was only available in Europe then we all got one and they brought it here to the US. Lol

Not all that different from the MPL timeline although we had to wait for v2 for that one to be available in the states.

 

[Soundbyte]

See this is why we need the nicknames spreadsheet google doc for ignoramuses like me. What’s a Eurostaff? I know the Doppio is the PK Ki Q+5 Pro but still learning the rest.

I'd love if it the top post had a stickied link to a Google Spreadsheet with all the nicknames (and maybe racketfinder links?)! Someone please do this!

 

[danbrenner]

current bag. slimmed down all my sticks. removed the leather grips .. mainly because the leather was making my L4 s feel clunky.
the first stick ill be using tonight will be the GPRO. its currently at 11.38 oz strung . casper ruud string set up. syntec pro .. no og. 5.0 head light. so yeah. this is a really slimmed down gpro. totally stoked on how it will hit. i was really enjoying it last week at what was almost 11.9 oz strung with leather grip and og. so its waaaay slimmer now. and will give me more whip. thats the thought anyway. others in the bag are pd, pd98.. and exmp. let the games begin.

 

[Vicious49]

And yes, I really like the 23 Rad Pro. I also really like the 21 or whatever it was Rad MPs I have that are heavily customized and 27.25.

I'm having a quandary with this one. I got asked to play doubles last night. I probably should have just said no as it was the 3rd night in a row of me playing but I figured it's doubles so why not. I was lethargic so my timing was off as I was slow to recognize and move to anything. I only took a few frames with me. I started with the Rad Pro and while it hits a heavy ball and I like the feel, I struggled to serve consistently with it. I was also late with a lot of my shots I switched to the 5G for a bit and then eventually the TF RS300. The TF was just so much easier to swing and faster through the air. Also the feeling of hitting lasers like Medvedev is very intoxicating.

I was ready to put the Rad Pro up in the sales forum but gave it some more thought and judging a frame by when I'm playing on fumes may not be the most fair way of judging it. But also on the flip side any frame that I can play well with in that state is definitely a keeper. So the TF 300s are not going anywhere. If nothing else they are great frames for doubles play. It allows me to adjust quickly to any ball and I can get it around quick enough on groundstrokes even I don't prep early enough. I will need to give the Rad Pro some more time, especially when I'm fresher.

 

[TimePlease]

Just got 2 Eurostaff with good price brand new.
ES 1: 309 unstrung, 334 strung with Cyclone 17 and Volkl OG
ES 2: 305 unstrung, 330 strung with same spec above
Doesn't know the SW though but they are almost identical.

In drills and friendly matches I feel that they are GOAT in stock form, but I can't help but asking myself whether tailweight or extra hoop lead will bring more wonders. I came from heavier racket such as RF, Ezone Tour, and Blade Pro 18m (and briefly using Prestige MP auxetic 2.0). Do you have some insights whether it is feasible just with extra 3-5 g in the handle? I have lead tape that will mark the hoop if I put it off so I want a bit assurance before I put it on.

Yeah, I found the Eurostaff needed more stability when up against heavy balls. I seem to remember putting 1g each at 3 and 9, and then another gram at 12... (with a similar amount in the handle to balance)...which raised the swingweight to about 327 ish on mine. Obviously that sacrificed a bit of the whip but it was necessary and still excelled at one handers. So I say go for it, but perhaps add bit by bit to avoid over-weighting...

 

[tim-ay]

I'm having a quandary with this one. I got asked to play doubles last night. I probably should have just said no as it was the 3rd night in a row of me playing but I figured it's doubles so why not. I was lethargic so my timing was off as I was slow to recognize and move to anything. I only took a few frames with me. I started with the Rad Pro and while it hits a heavy ball and I like the feel, I struggled to serve consistently with it. I was also late with a lot of my shots I switched to the 5G for a bit and then eventually the TF RS300. The TF was just so much easier to swing and faster through the air. Also the feeling of hitting lasers like Medvedev is very intoxicating.

I was ready to put the Rad Pro up in the sales forum but gave it some more thought and judging a frame by when I'm playing on fumes may not be the most fair way of judging it. But also on the flip side any frame that I can play well with in that state is definitely a keeper. So the TF 300s are not going anywhere. If nothing else they are great frames for doubles play. It allows me to adjust quickly to any ball and I can get it around quick enough on groundstrokes even I don't prep early enough. I will need to give the Rad Pro some more time, especially when I'm fresher.

Most of my frames are 27.25 these days so the Rad Pro doesn’t feel slow to me at 27. i get what you’re saying, it is a little bit more clunky feeling and not as polarized as the PSVS for instance. It’s very similar to one of my 19SX’s- the one I don’t use that often because it’s higher TW than my others.

The Rad Pro just crunches the ball though and that’s why I like it. The only issue I have with it is that I serve just a bit better with all my 27.25’s. I’m just so adapted to that length now. I thought about playing the Rad Pro exclusively for awhile, but the PSVS’s showed up due to the sale and that put the Rad on the back burner. the Bab just really grabbed me. It’s sexy, plays fast, and hits a heavy ball. That just sucked me in.

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

Currently at the tennis courts, went there to sniff some tennis air. Still not able to play tennis due to the injury but I've collected 2 frames to string within 10 minutes already. Still a fruitful evening.

 

[Pneumated1]

comfort is close. I do think the Whiteout is a bit more comfortable, but strings will be a bigger separator here. You can also string lower in the Wout.

The problem with the Wouts are that they don’t give you the blast through the court with a heavy ball like the PA on a rally ball. You can absolutely work a point and then slap a winner, I’m not saying it doesn’t have closing power. It just gives you less for free. The PA is actually very controlled for the power and spin it gives you. But I don’t love the feel, I just am ok with it.

For me… and these things are all personal… I prefer the PSVS and 19SX300T as they are more controlled than the PA and yet give a ton for free. Too many balls come back with the Wout that wouldn’t with any of the above.

And yes, I really like the 23 Rad Pro. I also really like the 21 or whatever it was Rad MPs I have that are heavily customized and 27.25.

i’m probably going to get rid of my Wouts , if you want to hit a 27.25 version of one, I can send one up to you. i’m not using them.

This helps a lot. I don't like a numb racquet, but a nice muted thud that transmits just enough feedback is perfect for me, so I suspect that's at least part of my initial liking of the PA23. Like you say, these are personal preferences, but that's good to know. A relevant example was the 21 Rad MP, traffic cone. I liked it a lot, but I found it just a touch too brassy along the edges, but I suspect adding .25 to it may mitigate some of that, giving a more meaty feel overall. That said, if that particular feel made its way into the new, I'll probably pass.

A former co-worker got into tennis heavy around 2019 and holic'd like a madman for a few years until settling on the SX300T (pretty sure 2019), and he hasn't budged. Loves them. It's an amazing looking racquet; that's for sure. Just something about the geometry--head size/shape, beam width/type, and color--is fabulous, but I've never hit one. Every time I see Kecmanovic playing, whether he's actually hitting that one or another painted, I sit and admire it, but I have a soft spot for Dunlop since I hit older 300s for 5 years or better.

I'm trying to sell some stuff, and I'll probably start with the PSVS. My history with the PCT just says it's the way to go, but like I mentioned to RP, I'm shelving the PA23 and will work back to it.

About the WO. That's very generous, and I may take you up on it. Thank you. I just wonder, considering I don't hit extended racquets, how much that .25 will skew my perceptions of things. Knowing me, I'd love the extended version but hate the standard, but I wouldn't know until I drop $200+ on the standard, but I already know your reply to that, so yes, I know... you own the other Let me think on that, and I'll PM you. Really appreciate the offer again.

 

[JGads]

Buddy brought his IG Radical Pro and MP to our hit last night. Fantastic sticks.

#retroholicing

 

[SupahMan5000]

my CX200 standard should be coming soon, bit the bullet on a 200 Tour 18M and 400 Tour as well

 

[Pneumated1]

Buddy brought his IG Radical Pro and MP to our hit last night. Fantastic sticks.

#retroholicing

I've never hit the IG Radical MP. Always wanted to. Similar at all to the Artengos? I mean Fritz hits it and without that much customization. I personally lost a match to "one" once--a tough 3-setter against a former doubles partner. Still hurts to think about.

 

[Vicious49]

This helps a lot. I don't like a numb racquet, but a nice muted thud that transmits just enough feedback is perfect for me, so I suspect that's at least part of my initial liking of the PA23. Like you say, these are personal preferences, but that's good to know. A relevant example was the 21 Rad MP, traffic cone. I liked it a lot, but I found it just a touch too brassy along the edges, but I suspect adding .25 to it may mitigate some of that, giving a more meaty feel overall. That said, if that particular feel made its way into the new, I'll probably pass.

A former co-worker got into tennis heavy around 2019 and holic'd like a madman for a few years until settling on the SX300T (pretty sure 2019), and he hasn't budged. Loves them. It's an amazing looking racquet; that's for sure. Just something about the geometry--head size/shape, beam width/type, and color--is fabulous, but I've never hit one. Every time I see Kecmanovic playing, whether he's actually hitting that one or another painted, I sit and admire it, but I have a soft spot for Dunlop since I hit older 300s for 5 years or better.

I'm trying to sell some stuff, and I'll probably start with the PSVS. My history with the PCT just says it's the way to go, but like I mentioned to RP, I'm shelving the PA23 and will work back to it.

About the WO. That's very generous, and I may take you up on it. Thank you. I just wonder, considering I don't hit extended racquets, how much that .25 will skew my perceptions of things. Knowing me, I'd love the extended version but hate the standard, but I wouldn't know until I drop $200+ on the standard, but I already know your reply to that, so yes, I know... you own the other Let me think on that, and I'll PM you. Really appreciate the offer again.

My LM Rad MP is 27.25" due to the buttcap I had to put on it. I don't notice a difference at all in terms of length when playing with it. Now the frame has a lowish SW so when extended .25" it brought it up to a more useable number for me. If something is already high on SW I could see how it could drive that number higher to a point where it may not be as easy to wield.

my CX200 standard should be coming soon, bit the bullet on a 200 Tour 18M and 400 Tour as well

No CX200 Tour 16/19 incoming?

 

[JGads]

I've never hit the IG Radical MP. Always wanted to. Similar at all to the Artengos? I mean Fritz hits it and without that much customization. I personally lost a match to "one" once--a tough 3-setter against a former doubles partner. Still hurts to think about.

The Artengo 16x19 almost slots right in between the IG Rad MP and Pro in terms of the ease of trajectory being more of the Pro, but the lightness and feel a bit more MP. However, with these IGs, the feel of those sticks easily outshines the Tengo. It's so plush. The Pro hit a boom boom ball so easily, the plow just carries that ball deep, but you have to work a bit harder to snap it through. The MP just flicks, snaps, moves through the air as effortlessly as the Tengo but hits a more straight ball than the Tengo does. To be honest, it's like the UT with a bit more orange juice, a bit more ease. Still have to work a bit though, finish your stroke, not too much for free yet with a bit of weight modding to make it a touch heftier, could be absolutely special.

It's no surprise to me that the IG molds turned into some oft-used pro stocks.

I'm too into the feel of my pro stock Rad and Fedoras and even these retro Rads now to grab the LeGads. It's a sad time for silver and black.

 

[SupahMan5000]

My LM Rad MP is 27.25" due to the buttcap I had to put on it. I don't notice a difference at all in terms of length when playing with it. Now the frame has a lowish SW so when extended .25" it brought it up to a more useable number for me. If something is already high on SW I could see how it could drive that number higher to a point where it may not be as easy to wield.


No CX200 Tour 16/19 incoming?

could've ordered one, but not sure it is fully up there in my radar, maybe in due time

 

[Pneumated1]

The Artengo 16x19 almost slots right in between the IG Rad MP and Pro in terms of the ease of trajectory being more of the Pro, but the lightness and feel a bit more MP. However, with these IGs, the feel of those sticks easily outshines the Tengo. It's so plush. The Pro hit a boom boom ball so easily, the plow just carries that ball deep, but you have to work a bit harder to snap it through. The MP just flicks, snaps, moves through the air as effortlessly as the Tengo but hits a more straight ball than the Tengo does. To be honest, it's like the UT with a bit more orange juice, a bit more ease. Still have to work a bit though, finish your stroke, not too much for free yet with a bit of weight modding to make it a touch heftier, could be absolutely special.

It's no surprise to me that the IG molds turned into some oft-used pro stocks.

I'm too into the feel of my pro stock Rad and Fedoras and even these retro Rads now to grab the LeGads. It's a sad time for silver and black.

Yeah, I was trying to remember why I never had interest in the Pro, but it was a log. It's coming back to me now. For me, it was the MP, and I admired it from afar for a long time.

'like a UT with a bit more orange juice' and 'feel outshining the Tengo... so plush' may send me to the bay in search of an L4 or two. It's interesting you'd bring it up because it's possibly the only retro frame left of interest I haven't hit, and you may have noticed my vulnerability right now. I'll look into this further after I play here in a bit.

I never got to the magical 25th hour, or whatever it was, with the Tengos. Both of mine are up for sale.

 

[JGads]

Yeah, I was trying to remember why I never had interest in the Pro, but it was a log. It's coming back to me now. For me, it was the MP, and I admired it from afar for a long time.

'like a UT with a bit more orange juice' and 'feel outshining the Tengo... so plush' may send me to the bay in search of an L4 or two. It's interesting you'd bring it up because it's possibly the only retro frame left of interest I haven't hit, and you may have noticed my vulnerability right now. I'll look into this further after I play here in a bit.

I never got to the magical 25th hour, or whatever it was, with the Tengos. Both of mine are up for sale.

I get it. The feel of LeGads never gets me over the line to use it full time. Even though it's so darn close. But when I pick up my pro stock (which is kind of like a LeGads but with epic feel) or a Fedora or even the IG, I go yeah, yeah that's what I need the frame to feel like. For me to want to reach for it.

 

[Boubi]

Yeah, I was trying to remember why I never had interest in the Pro, but it was a log. It's coming back to me now. For me, it was the MP, and I admired it from afar for a long time.

'like a UT with a bit more orange juice' and 'feel outshining the Tengo... so plush' may send me to the bay in search of an L4 or two. It's interesting you'd bring it up because it's possibly the only retro frame left of interest I haven't hit, and you may have noticed my vulnerability right now. I'll look into this further after I play here in a bit.

I never got to the magical 25th hour, or whatever it was, with the Tengos. Both of mine are up for sale.

I disagree with everything said on the LeGads and Rads

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

I get it. The feel of LeGads never gets me over the line to use it full time. Even though it's so darn close. But when I pick up my pro stock (which is kind of like a LeGads but with epic feel) or a Fedora or even the IG, I go yeah, yeah that's what I need the frame to feel like. For me to want to reach for it.

At the very least, those 10-15 year old models' paintjob quality was 100 times better than the latest Heads I've touched in my fingers (Booms, Speed "μπλιαχ").

I remember handing over an even older, a Head Prestige Tour 600 to 2 friends and one of them immediately said "it feels like I'm holding something of great value".

Now, enjoying a lot a gifted underspeced 308grams unstrung (better for me) 20mm, 27.2 inch Head YouTek Speed MP 16*19, 330 grams now strung.

The 8-mains-throat, yes, I feel offers something spectacular mostly on flat hitting.

I've never hit with a Radical. I'll take a look at the YouTek and YouTek IG series.

Mostly looking for a 98 sq inch, 16*19 for faster and easier stringing, not thicker than 22mm, not heavier than 305 approx. I like a headlight balance of 30 degrees and a total weight of no more than 330 grams. Open to suggestions.

 

[Pneumated1]

I disagree with everything said on the LeGads and Rads

I like LeGads and LeMonf a lot and even brought LeGads out again tonight to test once more, side by side, against my modified C-10 Evo. I was hoping I was wrong and missing something. Once again, it fell a little short, and I was losing shape on the ball. And by comparison, it felt a little toyish. Feedback from the other court was that my ball with the Evo was heavier with much better shape, off both wings. Received the 'shape' compliment a few times, which got my attention. I will concede that I liked the full bed of Gosen G-Tour 3 and Hawk Touch in LeGads better than this G-Tour 3/syn. gut hybrid.

I tried, Boubi, but I'm moving on.

 

[Pneumated1]

My LM Rad MP is 27.25" due to the buttcap I had to put on it. I don't notice a difference at all in terms of length when playing with it. Now the frame has a lowish SW so when extended .25" it brought it up to a more useable number for me. If something is already high on SW I could see how it could drive that number higher to a point where it may not be as easy to wield.

Yeah, that's part of the problem with extended. The WO 18x20, if listed SW is accurate, is about where I like it. As long as it doesn't add too much and push me over 330, I should be fine. How much does .25 add?

 

[tim-ay]

Yeah, that's part of the problem with extended. The WO 18x20, if listed SW is accurate, is about where I like it. As long as it doesn't add too much and push me over 330, I should be fine. How much does .25 add?

The math says 10. And that’s exactly right if you do it right.

 

[Fintft]

I'd love if it the top post had a stickied link to a Google Spreadsheet with all the nicknames (and maybe racketfinder links?)! Someone please do this!

And specs.
I delegate you

 

[JGads]

The math says 10. And that’s exactly right if you do it right.

I was told by a customizer that it should be about 7-8 per .25 .. have you experienced otherwise?

 

[EggSalad]

I cut down a WO XTD from 27.5 to 27 and it removed 10 sw points. All I got.

I then made that thing the Frankenstein of customized racquets. It played extremely well. I had to put a good bit of lead in the hoop to get the SW back up.

 

[Soundbyte]

And specs.
I delegate you

I believe I've the one who has asked "what racket is that" more than anyone else.

I feel like there's 5 people who consistently create nicknames. And I'm not one of them

 

[topspn]

Lorenzo started it, blame him

 

[Pneumated1]

The math says 10. And that’s exactly right if you do it right.

I sincerely appreciate the offer on the WO, but I've decided to eliminate it from consideration, as well as the Radical23s. Maybe it's the white paint, but the WO keeps giving me TF40 305 vibes, and I grew to hate that racquet over a few weeks hitting it. Once I sell a few frames, I think I'll focus in on the PSVS/PS97 and new CX200. Just to confirm, but you're saying the latest SX300T doesn't have the magic of the previous 2019? I'll probably throw the PA98 into the mix as well at some point, and, of course, the PA23 will be revisited. I get the sense that the PA23 is that special tweener that will appeal more to a player like me who prefers and has always played traditional butter sticks but who wants a frame with a little (or a lot) more potassium. And on the PA23 revisit, I'll likely throw in the FX500T and FX500 per 808's recommendation. The man doesn't strike me as someone who makes those lightly.

In the meantime, this modified Evo is a marvelous little buttery scalpel, so I couldn't be happier with it currently... so much so that if none of these others pan out, it's ok. I'll enjoy the ride.

 

[Vicious49]

I sincerely appreciate the offer on the WO, but I've decided to eliminate it from consideration, as well as the Radical23s. Maybe it's the white paint, but the WO keeps giving me TF40 305 vibes, and I grew to hate that racquet over a few weeks hitting it. Once I sell a few frames, I think I'll focus in on the PSVS/PS97 and new CX200. Just to confirm, but you're saying the latest SX300T doesn't have the magic of the previous 2019? I'll probably throw the PA98 into the mix as well at some point, and, of course, the PA23 will be revisited. I get the sense that the PA23 is that special tweener that will appeal more to a player like me who prefers and has always played traditional butter sticks but who wants a frame with a little (or a lot) more potassium. And on the PA23 revisit, I'll likely throw in the FX500T and FX500 per 808's recommendation. The man doesn't strike me as someone who makes those lightly.

In the meantime, this modified Evo is a marvelous little buttery scalpel, so I couldn't be happier with it currently... so much so that if none of these others pan out, it's ok. I'll enjoy the ride.

I haven't tried the standard FX500 but used the FX500T for a little while and even tried to make it a primary. The FX500T is a good racquet that does everything well but nothing stands out. It's like the Toyota Camry of racquets. You'll quickly get bored with it. Or at least I did. 1 shot that the FX500T was lacking in was the slice. Slices with it were floaty and not low/skidding so they were a liability more than a weapon.

 

[topspn]

I sincerely appreciate the offer on the WO, but I've decided to eliminate it from consideration, as well as the Radical23s. Maybe it's the white paint, but the WO keeps giving me TF40 305 vibes, and I grew to hate that racquet over a few weeks hitting it. Once I sell a few frames, I think I'll focus in on the PSVS/PS97 and new CX200. Just to confirm, but you're saying the latest SX300T doesn't have the magic of the previous 2019? I'll probably throw the PA98 into the mix as well at some point, and, of course, the PA23 will be revisited. I get the sense that the PA23 is that special tweener that will appeal more to a player like me who prefers and has always played traditional butter sticks but who wants a frame with a little (or a lot) more potassium. And on the PA23 revisit, I'll likely throw in the FX500T and FX500 per 808's recommendation. The man doesn't strike me as someone who makes those lightly.

In the meantime, this modified Evo is a marvelous little buttery scalpel, so I couldn't be happier with it currently... so much so that if none of these others pan out, it's ok. I'll enjoy the ride.

Just to confuse things more, the new PS100 16x20. I haven’t named it yet but it will get on the court real soon so stay tuned

 

[danbrenner]

current bag. slimmed down all my sticks. removed the leather grips .. mainly because the leather was making my L4 s feel clunky.
the first stick ill be using tonight will be the GPRO. its currently at 11.38 oz strung . casper ruud string set up. syntec pro .. no og. 5.0 head light. so yeah. this is a really slimmed down gpro. totally stoked on how it will hit. i was really enjoying it last week at what was almost 11.9 oz strung with leather grip and og. so its waaaay slimmer now. and will give me more whip. thats the thought anyway. others in the bag are pd, pd98.. and exmp. let the games begin.

the above was yesterdays post. so an update to my playtest last night. the slimmed down gpro proved to be worse off that when i had a leather grip on it. i felt a slightly boardy feel. but worse than that. just couldnt generate put away power against my toughest opponent when under pressure. the gpro had to be put back in the bag. i then went to my pd 98. immediately felt better . just easier power, wristy spin potential, just all around felt more nimble. but i still felt it needs some more weight added to it. mine is underspec. with just a hydrosorb pro and no og mine weighs in at 11.07 oz and 3.1 pt hl. so it really does need a little weight to not get pushed around. so back in the bag that went. then i tried using the pa 100. and i just can get comfy with this grip shape. no matter what i do. that more tubular or oval feel just doesnt make sense to my hand. so back in the bag. then i grabbed my slimmed down pd100. it weights in at 11.20 oz on the nose. hydrosorb pro grip.. no og. and 2.9 pt hl . and wow. im home again. everything came naturall to me again. serves were the best they have been in a long time. i was controlling second serves with power and spin and not making double faults. groundies were a blast. because of the 2.9 pt hl that this stick has.. the low static of 11.20 oz is just fine. so my foreheands were blasting off with power and maniupulated spin. this was the best set up i have experienced in a long time. IMO i attribute alot of this success last night to the head hydrosorb pro grip. this grip is softer and tackier than syntec pro or feel. so that emables it being used with no og. so feeling the bevels and grip this directly was just sublime. i also used the black hydrosob pro. fwiw. Big Blue (pd100) has proved herself over and over again. this current pd 100 setup has really set the bar amazingly high for me. 11.20 low static. .meaty 2.9 hl bal. amazing feeling grip. hp. no og. im stoked. ironically i have a gravity mp coming to me n a few days. that will prob end up being a wasted experiment. but i bought it so cheap. that it really doesnt matter. i wont lose money on it.

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

About two years back a buddy bought three Blades (V8 16x19 US Open edition) and I customized/matched them to something like 310g | 31.6 cm | 292 SW. He gave me one yesterday to restring when I was watching his training session and I was shocked. He put two shrink sleeves over all three frame handles because he felt he needed a bigger grip size. The one I got to restring is now 380g, 29.3cm - 326.5 SW strung (Max Power 1.30) and bigger than a gripsize 5 with an overgrip.

 

[Power Player]

I get it. The feel of LeGads never gets me over the line to use it full time. Even though it's so darn close. But when I pick up my pro stock (which is kind of like a LeGads but with epic feel) or a Fedora or even the IG, I go yeah, yeah that's what I need the frame to feel like. For me to want to reach for it.

Makes sense to me. Does the rad ig pro feel like a blade pro? It would be sick to have a BP with a more manageable sw plus the head grip shape. I can see why you are digging that one.

 

[Soundbyte]

About two years back a buddy bought three Blades (V8 16x19 US Open edition) and I customized/matched them to something like 310g | 31.6 cm | 292 SW. He gave me one yesterday to restring when I was watching his training session and I was shocked. He put two shrink sleeves over all three frame handles because he felt he needed a bigger grip size. The one I got to restring is now 380g, 29.3cm - 326.5 SW and bigger than a gripsize 5 with an overgrip.

You're friends IRL with @danbrenner?

King of the Grip!

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

You're friends IRL with @danbrenner?

King of the Grip!

I think Dan likes to feel some bevels. These are almost as round as a tennis ball.

 

[Pneumated1]

I haven't tried the standard FX500 but used the FX500T for a little while and even tried to make it a primary. The FX500T is a good racquet that does everything well but nothing stands out. It's like the Toyota Camry of racquets. You'll quickly get bored with it. Or at least I did. 1 shot that the FX500T was lacking in was the slice. Slices with it were floaty and not low/skidding so they were a liability more than a weapon.

808 didn't actually recommend the 500T; that's just me being a snob and thinking the 98" head and lower flex of it are surely more my thing. I'm not sure how much of a chance an FX500 of any flavor has of entering my bag. I truly think that PA23 will uniquely appeal to me like no other tweener.

Just to confuse things more, the new PS100 16x20. I haven’t named it yet but it will get on the court real soon so stay tuned

The reported SWs on those make my shoulder ache just reading. What does yours measure?

 

[Richard Pioline]

About two years back a buddy bought three Blades (V8 16x19 US Open edition) and I customized/matched them to something like 310g | 31.6 cm | 292 SW. He gave me one yesterday to restring when I was watching his training session and I was shocked. He put two shrink sleeves over all three frame handles because he felt he needed a bigger grip size. The one I got to restring is now 380g, 29.3cm - 326.5 SW and bigger than a gripsize 5 with an overgrip.

Shrink sleeve adds 20g, I think.

I wanted to play a tourney tomorrow, but instead I am in bed sick. So ****ty.
Tried the VCore Tour with a leather grip yesterday, and the Electric Firecracker is still the best racquet I touched by a mile.
Somehow the EF is magic, I don't know. It is the most controlled racquet ever for my strokes.

 

[topspn]

808 didn't actually recommend the 500T; that's just me being a snob and thinking the 98" head and lower flex of it are surely more my thing. I'm not sure how much of a chance an FX500 of any flavor has of entering my bag. I truly think that PA23 will uniquely appeal to me like no other tweener.

The reported SWs on those make my shoulder ache just reading. What does yours measure?

My demo with RPM rough measures 337SW lol but feels fine swinging it around my living room will see how it is in actual play. I did order one and asked them to look for close to stock specs with 297-298SW. Will see what they find

 

[DerPflegerDUS]

I got

2 babolat pure Drive Andy Roddick
4 Wilson Blade 98 V7
2 PrinceWarrior 100 STWC

And my newst Family member

1 Wilson Hyper Pro Staff Tour 90

 

[Fintft]

I believe I've the one who has asked "what racket is that" more than anyone else.

I feel like there's 5 people who consistently create nicknames. And I'm not one of them

But, since you have the greater need?

 

[JGads]

Makes sense to me. Does the rad ig pro feel like a blade pro? It would be sick to have a BP with a more manageable sw plus the head grip shape. I can see why you are digging that one.

Blade Pro is more crisp. The IG Rad feels strangely damp/plush on contact, a bit more removed from ball-felt feel then the connection I feel with the ball with my TGK Rad or my Fedora, but still it’s extremely nice. Like the Blade Pro, the IG Pro I tried is a bit demanding and would likely end up in the same bin as the BP - the “just too hefty for me to use as a match frame, yet so fun just to bang balls with for 15 minutes” bin (I need a large sign for this bin).

The IG Rad Midplus may intrigue me even more, but then again that one could ultimately end up in the “damn this feels good, but maybe I need a bit more help” bin. I may explore this though. The MP could potentially be tweaked into a super fun dagger.

Or I could just keep on playing the beauties in my bag, which of course I will do. But for the next hit my pal is bringing another Rad pro stock to hit around with. Just having some holic fun from our corners in simple drills. Last PRP (I hope) was today and hoping I can begin running around and actually training soon. I can’t wait for that first good training day that wipes me and is without thoughts of health or holding back.

 

[veelium]

About two years back a buddy bought three Blades (V8 16x19 US Open edition) and I customized/matched them to something like 310g | 31.6 cm | 292 SW. He gave me one yesterday to restring when I was watching his training session and I was shocked. He put two shrink sleeves over all three frame handles because he felt he needed a bigger grip size. The one I got to restring is now 380g, 29.3cm - 326.5 SW strung (Max Power 1.30) and bigger than a gripsize 5 with an overgrip.

Holy hell, those are some crazy specs.

 

[Fintft]

OK, beware,

Yeah, as I said, don't be surprised if I find another racquet by next week. It is always these moments when I totally gel with a racquet and tennis is almost too easy when I want to try something new that makes tennis a bit harder again, just to have a challenge again.

Nice, but at the risk of repeating myself, are we still talking about racquets?
Or girls?

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

Holy hell, those are some crazy specs.

It doesn't even feel heavy to swing as it's all just handle weight, but it does feel and look stupid. It swings very weirdly. Plus how does one even find his grip while playing?

 

[Power Player]

Blade Pro is more crisp. The IG Rad feels strangely damp/plush on contact, a bit more removed from ball-felt feel then the connection I feel with the ball with my TGK Rad or my Fedora, but still it’s extremely nice. Like the Blade Pro, the IG Pro I tried is a bit demanding and would likely end up in the same bin as the BP - the “just too hefty for me to use as a match frame, yet so fun just to bang balls with for 15 minutes” bin (I need a large sign for this bin).

The IG Rad Midplus may intrigue me even more, but then again that one could ultimately end up in the “damn this feels good, but maybe I need a bit more help” bin. I may explore this though. The MP could potentially be tweaked into a super fun dagger.

Or I could just keep on playing the beauties in my bag, which of course I will do. But for the next hit my pal is bringing another Rad pro stock to hit around with. Just having some holic fun from our corners in simple drills. Last PRP (I hope) was today and hoping I can begin running around and actually training soon. I can’t wait for that first good training day that wipes me and is without thoughts of health or holding back.

Yeah the mp I remember was pretty low powered. I think the pro has a 330 sw and doesn’t weigh too much so in theory some putty In the handle plus og and it’s a 6 pt hl 335/330 frame. Plus it has the 16x19 which can be helpful in those frames.

Of course Fritz destroys the ball with his mp, but he’s tall and immensely talented so that’s probably not the best example.

Of course with all that, these older rad pros are a bit demanding, I think due to the sweet spot size. Not sure. But they definitely feel amazing.

I had the youtek radical pro and the swing weight was immense. In the 340s if I remember right.

 

[gino]

Got selected for the 98 pure strike play test. As probably the only guy here who mains the 98 pure strike tour I’ll pass along learnings to my holic friends

Our buddy @naturalexponent selected for 100 headsize, eager to hear his thoughts as someone who knows / plays a lot of modern & classic rackets

Wanted to pass along my post in the Pure Strike Playtest thread for anyone who wanted to learn more about my experience with 2024 Gen 4

Thanks again @TW Staff for selecting me for the PS98 16x19 playtest. It's been a joy to get to try this frame alongside my own pure strikes (my frame of choice is the Gen 3 Pure Strike Tour). See below for a written review - I also decided to put my thoughts/hitting experience into a review video to add a bit of a personal touch. Hopefully other members enjoy reading/hearing my thoughts. Thanks again TW!

String and tension used for test: Volkl Cyclone Tour 18 Black @48lbs

Tennis experience/background: Former NCAA collegiate player/coach & nationally ranked junior. Come from a long history of using player's frames (Wilson 6.1 95, HEAD Prestige Microgel - Youtek, HEAD Speed Youtek IG, Wilson RF97, & Wilson Blade Pro.

Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): All-court attacking player. Always seeking a midcourt forehand. Uses slice backhand frequently. These days more placement over power as my legs age. One-handed backhand & semi-western forehand grip.

Current racquet/string setups: My current frame of choice is a tie between the Wilson kBlade 98 & Babolat Pure Strike Tour. I can comfortably switch between both of these options in any given match. Strings rotate between Diadem Solstice Black, Topspin Cyber Flash, & Volkl Cyclone Tour.

How many hours did you play with the racquet? 8-10 hours

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):

Groundstrokes: Groundies with the PS98 16x19 are terrific. For me, it's the perfect blend between power and control. Enough free power to use my opponents pace & redirect shots on defense, but also enough control to take a large cut at the ball & not worry about it sailing long. I enjoy the ball-pocketing with this open pattern, it grips the ball well but also doesnt impart an offensive launch angle. A great modern player's frame from the ground, allowing for considerable forgiveness with all groundstrokes. I'm a huge fan of the upper hoop response with these frames, a controllable level of power.

Serves: Serving with the PS98 16x19 was a really enjoyable experience. Tons of forgiveness but also control. The upper hoop response allows to a comfort in the attacking mindset, being able to take a big cut at a kick serve or slice serve without fear of imparting too much spin. Flat serves were excellent as well - great directional control and a solid level of power for a 98 sq inch player's frame.

Volleys: The touch on these frames is exceptional. I mentioned this in my video, but too often people have claimed this line of frames lacks feel. I believe that is an incorrect classification of a muted/dampened/soft layup. To me, the string bed is incredibly responsive & easy to trust, which is a more true reflection of feel/touch. The touch on volleys, overheads, and drop-shots is stellar & allows for a lot of confidence in the trajectory of touch shots. I love the way the string pattern catches a volley, the ball sinks into the stringbed, but comes out with interest. I think the experience at net is a lot like using a pro staff 97 with more forgiveness outside of the sweetspot.

Serve returns: I would echo my sentiments in terms of the groundstrokes. This frame is great at absorbing pace based on the beam design/molds construction. More of the same when compared to pure strikes of old. Great in terms of blocking the ball back but still having free power on board. One of the few players frames on the market today that can deliver a chip return with some weight of shot. I love the way the slice return bites with this frame.

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)

Power/Control: As I mentioned in my video, the power on these is substantial but not alike to other thicker beamed Babolat frames. To me it’s more powerful than a blade or pro staff 97 but less so than a modern prestige, radical or speed. I would say enough free power onboard to feel like you aren’t losing anything, but not enough to get away with abbreviated swings and still feel like you are hitting with depth. The control is exceptional, especially for a 16 main frame. It allows for controllable power and spin off of ground, which makes for a really balanced hitting experience.

Top Spin/Slice: Also mentioned in my video review, the spin production on this 16 main PS98 is exceptional. The string pattern allows for a controllable degree of spin that doesn’t create a launch angle that makes you have to tailor your game to the frame. In short, enough spin on tap to take big cuts, but not so much that you feel like you have to consciously calculate the right level of spin.

Comfort: The PS98 16x19 is a really comfortable frame. The mid-60s RA coupled with a low vibration frequency make for a soft and dampened layup. As mentioned prior, this doesn’t affect the touch or string bed responsiveness. The softer band dampened feel just makes for a comfortable ride when hitting outside of the sweet spot, something very foreign for a frame with the Babolat branding. If I could compare it to any other frames comfort level, I think I would compare it to the Wilson blade pro, plush but not overly dampened or soft.

Feel: As mentioned in my section on volleys & netplay - the PS98 has a really predictable response across the stringbed and upper hoop, which allows for a ton of confidence in every shot. The predictability of the string bed and blend of control/power make this frame great from a feel perspective. Never really had to second guess my shot placement with this frame.

Maneuverability: This is is one area I think this frames could be better out of the box. For whatever reason the weight distribution & beam design make for a weighty head even if the balance doesn’t suggest it. I’m sure with tail weighting or even a simple leather grip this could be solved. I customize my pure strike tour gen 3 frames up to 370g with tail weighting and they are more maneuverable than the PS98 out of the box.

Stability: the PS98 is incredibly stable out of the box. The mid/upper hoop can handle pace and redirect the pace with interest. Really a gem of a frame in terms of stability, especially given the thin beam and 98 headsize. I found blocking heavy balls back with pace easy while still managing to hit with considerable depth.

Additional category - SOUND: I think the tone of a frame is important to consider. It can play a role in the tactile perception of a frames comfort. I think the Gen 3 was really dull in terms of sound but Gen 4 I feel a more bass/low-end frequency when I strike the ball. Check the end of my video for a sound test where I use Gen 3 and Gen 4 in consecutive alike shots with the same conditions (same string, tension, grips, weight, etc). Have spent some considerable time with other pure strike-truthers like @socallefty analyzing this notion relative to the pure strike tour.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: see above video for more in depth general comments. This frame is a great modern players option, something with controllable power & ample spin production. Highly recommended for the attacking player coming from the pro staff, prestige, or alike players frame lineage.

Concluding remarks: the pure strike 98 is a special frame to me personally. I switched back in 2017 to this frame full-time after years/decades of using classic player's sticks like the Wilson 6.1 95, HEAD Prestige Microgel - Youtek, HEAD Speed IG, and Wilson RF97. I've used the Gen 3 strike 98 tour competitively in men's opens & even had the privilege to take to Europe and use on the legendary Foro Italico (Rome Open) clay courts - see below pics.

To me, the pure strike 98 is the perfect well-rounded player's stick. Controllable power but also a lot of things I like in a player's frame (thin beam, 98 inch head, etc). The gen 3 pure strike tour is an all-time frame for me. Gen 4 Pure Strike 98 picks up right where Gen 3 left off. Offering a comfy soft layup with all of the benefits of a modern Babolat frame. The sound/tone of the Gen 4 is more of a pronounced "thud" - I think that will be a welcome change for a lot of people who wanted to use a pure strike 98, but didn't love the tactile experience of Gen 3.

 

[Richard Pioline]

Man, we were talking about how different racquets aren't really gonna make one play better in the end, but yeah, I feel an immense difference right now.

TF 305 ISO, I love to swing this, play ok with it. Same as the VCT, but I don't like to swing it as much, but I prefer the feel. Both would have the same result for me. 97H is still my favourite YY and I play better with it than with the other two mentioned. Up next is the FC, and yeah, I play much better and much more effortless with it than with the others. I tried it in friendly sets and I would always win easily with the FC, whereas I have some difficulty, making it pretty close with the others.

And then there is the EF...

 

[Zodd]

This is the way

Reminded me of this old music video. Look past the cheesy video, focus on the positive message and just soak up the old school 90's eurodance vibe

This is the way

 

[Pneumated1]

Wanted to pass along my post in the Pure Strike Playtest thread for anyone who wanted to learn more about my experience with 2024 Gen 4

I've always liked the Strikes. Hit a friend's P17 once with just a leather grip, only mod. The feel/stability/pop/control combination were exceptional. Pretty sure I even had the option of buying it from him, but then my research uncovered the all of the arm casualties, so I didn't commit. Many complained about the Gen3's muted feel, so I didn't even hit it, even though I like muted frames. If this new Gen4 weaves a little feel back in while remaining plush and comfortable, I may give it a whirl alongside the PSVS/P97. 'Pronounced thud' is a tune I can sing along to all day.

 

[Zodd]

Quite an adventure on court today. Brought 2x new editions to the forever-family: An iPrestige MP XL and the Pure Drive Team+ Swirly. Also seeing action were one of my TGT351.1s, Angell TC97 16x19s, and a PK 7G. Played 4x sets then 5 groundstroke games to 10. Impressions follow.

iPrestige MP XL 18x20 strung with Diadem ProX at 45lbs - if I had to choose 1x frame to play for serious money in a groundstroke game (no serving) it would be this frame. It came with a Babolat leather grip, and out the door it is 365g @Classic-TXP-IG MID would be proud of me! As long as you prepare well, you will never lose a collision with the ball. U played the first set and serving was super hot and super cold. When I could get some rhythm and timing serves were so big and had a ton of action on them. But I am not used to frames pushing 13oz so I had a lot of wonky serves too. Slices are dead filthy with this frame too. I was so happy to find this racket. It was my first real frame in high school and it was great fun to play some "modern tennis with a racket like this"

Played set #2 with the TGT with K-Pop. Swingweight is probably close between these two, but the Radical prostocks are regular length and almost 30g lighter. What this meant was that all of my quick reaction shots were back. I had hit a lot of mid court and more flick-ish forehands long with thr iPrestige, but everything was back with the Radical. That and my serve quality went into the stratosphere. Hit many aces and unreturnable serves because of the action I was getting.

Set #3 was with the Angell 16x19 with MSV Co-Focus 1.23 at 47lbs. I also added about 4g at 12 so I could feel the tip of the racket better on my backhand. This was a good setup for the more open pattern. Trajectory was on the flatter side, but I was able to still get good shape on the ball. It also felt really good, with nice pocketing.

Set #4 I had to play one set with the Swirly just to let it unload on some serves. I wish there was just a little more graphite on the whole thing. Maybe 10g everywhere, but the extra length still let's you crank balls at will.

I was happiest with being able to still feel my forehand technique at the end of three hours. Sometimes I just lose it once I get too tired. Today was a good day.

Today's Kelly's Heros. The iPrestige is Donald Sutherland!

https://imgur.com/a/GiCMAuD

Agree on the iPrestige MP - I played them on and off for a few seasons - very stable frames that held up to all heavy hitters and with control from the predictable string bed response. I played the standard length (never hit with the XL) but according to racquetfinder there's only a 3 point difference in SW. Ultimately went back to the PC/PT600 because of the plusher response.