Diary of a Racketaholic

Nollid said:
Whenever the site is down I have a moment of panic. What if Diary of a Racketaholic vanishes one day? How will I find my (internet) tennis buddies? If I can't, will it just seem like something I dreamt up so I wasn't alone in my pursuit of tennis gear nirvana? We gotta have a plan to find each other if separated. Maybe a discord or reddit community back up plan?
Click to expand...
I vote Germany or Australia/New Zealand, but that's just me...
 
Power Player said:
Yeah I love the Gravity a lot. The feel is really good and a thin beam frame is just a blast to play. On paper I should not like the Blade more, but I do. I think it just gives me a lot more than the Gravity. The main attraction for the Blade 100 is how fun it is to play with and how reliable it is. I have a higher shot tolerance with it because I play nice and relaxed and don't have to sweat the net clearance as much like with the Gravity. Both are top tier Player's 100s, and I'd add the Top Banana to the list as well to round it out.

Main feel difference is the Blade feel is muted but firm and direct. It's kind of a dichotomy in that regard. I like Wilson's feel in general and the DNA is there though. I think Wilson and Head make the best feeling frames in general. Power is a big nod to the Blade. Control goes to Gravity, but the Blade's control is quite good. I can still place the ball in small windows, which is huge. I think you just get a lot more for less effort with the blade, as long as you are willing to sacrifice a little feel. That said, the Blade is starting to feel better and better the more the grommets settle in, so it's not even much of a sacrifice.



The long winded guy? He is something. Love how much time he puts into measuring his frames. Calibrating the SW machine every time and hyper focusing on detail. His videos are an experience for sure. Definitely a fun character to watch, especially since he doesn't feel spammy at all.
Click to expand...
That is some nice company for the Blade 100. Looking forward to my delivery from Wilson tomorrow. I loved the Gravity Pro and it’s one frame I always consider rebuying.

I also totally agree about Wilson and Head having the best feel.
 
@taylor15 do you also have a 98 V9? Think I'm going to grab the 16x19 and just stealth switch between it and the 100 for a while. Ill figure out the best option long term at some point. The Blade 98 with the lower swingweights now is much more appealing. Mid to low 320s but powerful is pretty awesome for a flat beam frame.

I expect the 100 to be the one, especially when the heat kicks in, but you never know.

I think this is where frame designs are trending now. Much higher stability without needing high SWs. Yonex has been pulling it off for a while already.
 
I don’t know what it is, but I go to the courts tonight again with just a backpack on my 30mph scooter, two PSVS strung with razor soft at 45. Play Tuesday tennis until midway into 2nd set and then just lights out for the easy (well relatively) W. I’m just in tennis frame bliss. I don’t crave more control, more placement, more feel, more spin, more serve power or placement, nothing.

I’m craving-less, like a fat man after downing 3 bags of Cheetos watching the good, the bad, and the ugly on a Saturday night.
Craving-less, like Lauren Compton is my girlfriend that my wife hangs out with and isn’t jealous. Craving-less like I’ve just finished Thanksgiving meal and taking a short nap. Yeah. Like that.

Life is weird. I could go for a pizza though. I’m kinda craving pizza.
 
tim-ay said:
I don’t know what it is, but I go to the courts tonight again with just a backpack on my 30mph scooter, two PSVS strung with razor soft at 45. Play Tuesday tennis until midway into 2nd set and then just lights out for the easy (well relatively) W. I’m just in tennis frame bliss. I don’t crave more control, more placement, more feel, more spin, more serve power or placement, nothing.

I’m craving-less, like a fat man after downing 3 bags of Cheetos watching the good, the bad, and the ugly on a Saturday night.
Craving-less, like Lauren Compton is my girlfriend that my wife hangs out with and isn’t jealous. Craving-less like I’ve just finished Thanksgiving meal and taking a short nap. Yeah. Like that.

Life is weird. I could go for a pizza though. I’m kinda craving pizza.
Click to expand...
I know the feeling. I'm gonna have to try some razor soft.
 
Fintft said:
Lol, I don't believe you (that you like it b/c of the PJ) can't back pedal now :) Still 27.25"? Mine are 338SW, 343g strung(with OG and big dampener).
Click to expand...
OK, I lied. Here is the truth:

The FC is absolute garbage compared to the Ivo. Original or lights, all felt unstable, anemic, less maneauverable, just bad, compared to the Ivo. The Ivo is just the best racquet ever, better feel, better maneauverability, more powerful, while at the same time, better control and stability. Just blows everything else I ever touched out of the water, especially the FCs.

When my strings on this racquet touched the ball for the first time, the clouds parted and I could see the sun. For the first time in my life, I have the feeling I am actually playing the game of tennis. My world has changed since then. I am a better man now, made millions in the last week, probably gonna buy an island with no wind and build some hardcourts and invite top ten players to rallye with me.
 
Anyone else noticed their blade 100 v8 butcap is fused moulded into the handle and can’t be pulled off , not the butcap itself but the part that links the bottom part of butcap to handle

I thought this was more specific to the v9 but seem to be present on late end v8 100 too ?
 
TwinCinema said:
Random question for you golf people: why do caddies have to dress like they're about to go paint a house?
Click to expand...
The Masters jumpsuit is tradition, dating back to when the tournament first started in the early 1930s, but it looks ridiculous, and fortunately for them they don't have to wear it in deep summer. They can wear whatever they want at any other tournament under the tournament bib.
 
I've measured the Babolat Pure Drive swirly jr and the Babolat Pure Drive 1st gen (the regular, 300g version). To my surprise the jr is 67 cm long (26.378 inches) and the regular one is 68 cm long (26.772 inches). Not that much of a difference. Should I keep it?
 
Richard Pioline said:
OK, I lied. Here is the truth:

The FC is absolute garbage compared to the Ivo. Original or lights, all felt unstable, anemic, less maneauverable, just bad, compared to the Ivo. The Ivo is just the best racquet ever, better feel, better maneauverability, more powerful, while at the same time, better control and stability. Just blows everything else I ever touched out of the water, especially the FCs.

When my strings on this racquet touched the ball for the first time, the clouds parted and I could see the sun. For the first time in my life, I have the feeling I am actually playing the game of tennis. My world has changed since then. I am a better man now, made millions in the last week, probably gonna buy an island with no wind and build some hardcourts and invite top ten players to rallye with me.
Click to expand...
Hey, you are having a rapture each week!
 
Thanks to whomever it was that gave me advice on changing pallets, successfully done both the Rad Pros over my lunch, then realised I don't have any leather grips laying around, I thought about re-using the old ones but my better half had taken the rubbish out, including the box that had them in. I know better than to start an argument by raiding bins, so have ordered some new ones to be here tomorrow.

For now though I have been still been enjoying the MP-Ls, played a set of singles against some I should comfortably beat and did 6-2, without breaking a sweat. I am really finding my rhythm on serve with this stick now, and it makes everything seem so effortless. Also threw in a set of doubles with a better standard of player, and again just really comfortable, any errors were all just silly mistakes on my part. I miss the crunch of the Rad Pros, and I think I actually prefer them, but the MP-Ls seem to make the game a lot easier, and for where I am in my game I think that's a massive plus, for now anyway at least.
 
@Vicious49 - Just curious, with your late "bout" between the PA98 and v8 16x19, I can't help but wonder what a TW-matched under-spec 2024 Strike 98 16x19, with an unstrung SW of, say, a bit under 300, might do for you? A good portion of the punch and explosiveness of the PA98, in more of a Blade-like form-factor... And now that they've softened it a bit, perhaps arm-friendly enough to give one a whirl?
 
Last edited:
Was close to 100% for my lesson last night. Really got my butt kicked in a good way. I brought the PSVS but pulled out the 351.1 because it's like and extension of my arm and I'm still getting used to the PSVS. I'm glad I stuck with the 351.1 for my lesson. It's relatively light with a decent swing weight where the PSVS is much heavier. When I'm in the basement lab customizing rackets a few grams doesn't seem like much at all. The placards that come with the PSVS weight 10g and in your hand they feel like nothing. What I'm trying to say here is that for me at least I've learned that if I'm really going to be pushed on the court for an extended period of time those grams matter as the lesson / match wear on. The magic of the 351.1 27.25 is that it literally punches above it's weight and I can wield it when I'm pushed to the edge.
 
Trip said:
@Vicious49 - Just curious, with your late "bout" between the PA98 and v8 16x19, I can't help but wonder what a TW-matched under-spec 2024 Strike 98 16x19, with an unstrung SW of, say, a bit under 300, might do for you? A good portion of the punch and explosiveness of the PA98, in more of a Blade-like form-factor... And now that they've softened it a bit, perhaps arm-friendly enough to give one a whirl?
Click to expand...
Makes sense to me, Vic.

 
JGads said:
EF continues to impress. The unfanciest, unfeeliest frame I’ve ever liked this much. It’s really hard to explain but in point play it just does what I want. Is it possible I’m not the feel elitist I thought I was? Nah. But maybe.
Click to expand...
My son hit the Touch Rad MP briefly. Somehow, I liked it despite it feeling like hitting a ball with a canoe paddle and being incredibly anemic. But man was it a laser shooter. Just point, shoot, and it's on that line, unwavering, but short. Hit a zippy ball. I think the extra weight of the Pro could have made a difference for me, but probably not. I need something much more plush/pocketing. Or is this a pro stock? Just occurred to me, considering its owner, that it might be, which would make all the difference.
 
Last edited:
Trip said:
@Vicious49 - Just curious, with your late "bout" between the PA98 and v8 16x19, I can't help but wonder what a TW-matched under-spec 2024 Strike 98 16x19, with an unstrung SW of, say, a bit under 300, might do for you? A good portion of the punch and explosiveness of the PA98, in more of a Blade-like form-factor... And now that they've softened it a bit, perhaps arm-friendly enough to give one a whirl?
Click to expand...
I hadnt given it any thought but youre really good at recommending frames to people so ill keep it in mind. Ill add it to the next demo box or keep an eye out for one at a good price to give it an extended demo.
 
JGads said:
I say the bomb shelter for us to reconvene should be the comment section of The Tennis Guy’s YT channel. He’s the only reviewer I still really watch, not for the product reviews but for his lovable weirdness. “Guys.”
Click to expand...
Tennis Guy is the Miles Davis of QC checks. He is the only tennis youtuber with the soul of an artist. But weirdly, he seems to idolize Harry. This is like Miles going to sleep at night under a John Tesh poster.
I’m not even hating on Harry but TG is next level.
Let me tell you about these pupppees!
 
Fed Kennedy said:
Tennis Guy is the Miles Davis of QC checks. He is the only tennis youtuber with the soul of an artist. But weirdly, he seems to idolize Harry. This is like Miles going to sleep at night under a John Tesh poster.
I’m not even hating on Harry but TG is next level.
Let me tell you about these pupppees!
Click to expand...

I mean Tesh did compose the NBA theme song by singing it into his answering machine. The man is a treasure I tell you!




TG did this super long feature on the 16x19 V9 Blade and how he loved it. And since I have loved Blades in the past, I decided to go with that and stealth switch between it and the 100. Specs on mine are identical to the 100 in weight and balance, with the 98 having a 295 SW, which I think is about perfect.

This is not as stealth as switching between a VC98 and a VCT, but it's pretty close.

The 2015 really brought me back to the joy of hitting with the 98 Blades. Really a more modern prestige in some ways. Mainly just the way they swing and feel in the hand with that straight beam.

Thinking the 100 will be my go to, since it is such a compliment to my hitting style, but sometimes the precision- like punch of the 98 is what can reign me in for a set or so. I never got to execute on my "start with a mid, switch to a 100" idea I wanted to try, but this is an acceptable alternative.
 
Pneumated1 said:
My son hit the Touch Rad MP briefly. Somehow, I liked it despite it feeling like hitting a ball with a canoe paddle and being incredibly anemic. But man was it a laser shooter. Just point, shoot, and it's on that line, unwavering, but short. Hit a zippy ball. I think the extra weight of the Pro could have made a difference for me, but probably not. I need something much more plush/pocketing. Or is this a pro stock? Just occurred to me, considering its owner, that it might be, which would make all the difference.
Click to expand...
Nope, regular old retail.

Everything at first glance, or first hit, is regular and simple. I mean there is nothing that stands out about it. Yet the more you hit it (and find the right string and tension), the more the stick kinds of shows you it can do what you ask of it, and especially in points it offers this nice blend of control-first with defensive help, and a really nice linear ball with access to spin when necessary.

8 out of 10 people may hate it. It’s not a wowser, huge impression type. Just a reliable, with an increasingly endearing personality the more dates you go on.

All that being said…
 
Fed Kennedy said:
Tennis Guy is the Miles Davis of QC checks. He is the only tennis youtuber with the soul of an artist. But weirdly, he seems to idolize Harry. This is like Miles going to sleep at night under a John Tesh poster.
I’m not even hating on Harry but TG is next level.
Let me tell you about these pupppees!
Click to expand...
Kind of blue is still solid gold. So what … dayem.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AA7
… the Fedora and 293.1 goated tonight.

The Fedora, with a twist:

Inspired by Jannik and @dr. godmode I created a JannikFedora, tweaking one of mine to his 325g, 340sw spec.

It was amazing, although some of the stacked lead at 12 peeled away mid hit. But man that was fun. Loose arm, let the frame go, easy boom and just super fun. A cure for some holic boredom.
 
Pneumated1 said:
Makes sense to me, Vic.

Click to expand...
I actually did so something else sensible. All the talk in that Novak Legends frame thread had me looking for aomething similar to his specs. Head frame, 95”, thin beamed, 18/19 pattern . . . I got all of them nailed except the head size. Decided to grab a pair of them as thats as close as I can get to a Novak frame. All credit to @dr325i since he mentioned the frame in that thread.
 
Vicious49 said:
I actually did so something else sensible. All the talk in that Novak Legends frame thread had me looking for aomething similar to his specs. Head frame, 95”, thin beamed, 18/19 pattern . . . I got all of them nailed except the head size. Decided to grab a pair of them as thats as close as I can get to a Novak frame. All credit to @dr325i since he mentioned the frame in that thread.
Click to expand...
haha why so coy? the prestige MP?
 
JGads said:
… the Fedora and 293.1 goated tonight.

The Fedora, with a twist:

Inspired by Jannik and @dr. godmode I created a JannikFedora, tweaking one of mine to his 325g, 340sw spec.

It was amazing, although some of the stacked lead at 12 peeled away mid hit. But man that was fun. Loose arm, let the frame go, easy boom and just super fun. A cure for some holic boredom.
Click to expand...
What are the specs for your XL FC?
 
naturalexponent said:
I took @dr. godmode 's suggestion from his sinner spec video and got a speed mp graphenext. it's very... graphene-y. looking forward to customizing and trying.
Click to expand...
I watched and read all the reviews for that frame and it requires a vertical swingpath with a lot of RHS. Which just isnt me so I passed on that one.

KC! said:
Speed Pro is what I thought he was referring to.
Click to expand...
This is the only 18/19 thin beam Head has released anytime recently.
 
Vicious49 said:
I watched and read all the reviews for that frame and it requires a vertical swingpath with a lot of RHS. Which just isnt me so I passed on that one.


This is the only 18/19 thin beam Head has released anytime recently.
Click to expand...
Also this, which I was referring to, plus the 2.0 non-US release: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/racquet_reviews/MIPPREreview.html

Was in Europe a few weeks ago and looked for the 2.0 but no luck. Did bring home a Gravity Tour, though.
 
Vicious49 said:
I watched and read all the reviews for that frame and it requires a vertical swingpath with a lot of RHS. Which just isnt me so I passed on that one.


This is the only 18/19 thin beam Head has released anytime recently.

Head Speed Legend - Djokovic Signature

When will it be going on pre sale ?
tt.tennis-warehouse.com tt.tennis-warehouse.com
Click to expand...
I have a pair of Prestige MP 18x19’s. But I’m almost positive they are going to do a Speed Pro 18x19.
 
naturalexponent said:
Also this, which I was referring to, plus the 2.0 non-US release: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/racquet_reviews/MIPPREreview.html

Was in Europe a few weeks ago and looked for the 2.0 but no luck. Did bring home a Gravity Tour, though.
Click to expand...
Didnt the Tour get rebranded as the MP? So i think that may be an update to the one I got but the SW on the newer one is much higher. 334 as opposed to 326 in the previous model.

The post below is the one I was referring to.
dr325i said:
Head has produced a 18x19, 21.5mm beam retail frame, just like NOVAK’s…
Click to expand...
 
KC! said:
I have a pair of Prestige MP 18x19’s. But I’m almost positive they are going to do a Speed Pro 18x19.
Click to expand...

If they made a 98” 16x20 speed pro I would buy 4 of them tomorrow.

Back when I was demoing (and ultimately settled on the Blade 98 16m then the PSVS) the speed pro would have been the winner but the 100” size made it a little hard to maneuver with its swing weight, and the 18 mains kept the launch a little low.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KC!
JGads said:
Nope, regular old retail.

Everything at first glance, or first hit, is regular and simple. I mean there is nothing that stands out about it. Yet the more you hit it (and find the right string and tension), the more the stick kinds of shows you it can do what you ask of it, and especially in points it offers this nice blend of control-first with defensive help, and a really nice linear ball with access to spin when necessary.

8 out of 10 people may hate it. It’s not a wowser, huge impression type. Just a reliable, with an increasingly endearing personality the more dates you go on.

All that being said…
Click to expand...
The crazy thing about it is, with this racquet, you never feel like actually playing defense at all. It is just so easy to play and to hit great shots from anywhere.
 
I vouched not to buy any new rackets this Year. I have stayed loyal to it.
On the other hand, I'm not stupid to turn down gifts or demos from friends.

IMG-20240411-090031.jpg



Visited a great friend in Athens in-between other things, he had more than 30 rackets: maaany Pro Staffs, my former Ki5 295 and Black Ace 300.

I could get whatever I wanted back with me, but I've got 4 rackets in my rotation now.

What caught my eye was a Volkl C10 Evo (latest model). I can easily borrow it for a review
https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Volkl_C10_EVO/descpageRCVOLKL-C10EVO.html
 
Vicious49 said:
Didnt the Tour get rebranded as the MP? So i think that may be an update to the one I got but the SW on the newer one is much higher. 334 as opposed to 326 in the previous model.

The post below is the one I was referring to.
Click to expand...
Yeah that's what he meant.
Only one of the prestige line I don't own.
Don't forget to add 30 points of SW for full Novak feel.
 
konstantinos kalfountzos said:
I vouched not to buy any new rackets this Year. I have stayed loyal to it.
On the other hand, I'm not stupid to turn down gifts or demos from friends.

IMG-20240411-090031.jpg



Visited a great friend in Athens in-between other things, he had more than 30 rackets: maaany Pro Staffs, my former Ki5 295 and Black Ace 300.

I could get whatever I wanted back with me, but I've got 4 rackets in my rotation now.

What caught my eye was a Volkl C10 Evo (latest model). I can easily borrow it for a review
https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Volkl_C10_EVO/descpageRCVOLKL-C10EVO.html
Click to expand...
Where in Greece are you based?

I am going to be in Rhodes in a few weeks if that is local and fancied a knock?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

henrytennisadelaide
Diary of a Racketaholic... picture thread
Replies
20
Views
3K
Deleted member 775108
D
J
Diary of a Diabetic Racketaholic....
Replies
22
Views
2K
WYK
WYK
I
APD vs APDC vs APD GT
Replies
7
Views
2K
baseline_monster
baseline_monster
Mateo
APD GT 2012/2013 Diff
Replies
1
Views
1K
tennistomcat
tennistomcat
Z
Racquet choice dilemma
Replies
9
Views
1K
AJK1
A
Back
Top