kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
I’ve never hit with a gravity so I guess I wouldn’t know the difference. So did they make a new mold for the speed when they reused this old one for the gravity?
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
flyhome
Semi-Pro
This is the orginal mold of the Speed MP 18x20 315 gr 20" beam (the yutek was full White), there was also the softer 16x19 300grams if I'm not wrong (Barthy's mold), then they made the Speed with shared holes and 22mm beam (TGk 301, Sinner's mold), them TGK 339 with 23mm beam and 8 mains in the throat, mold still in use.
The Speed was already evolved from the first mold when they got the orginal one for the Gravity line
Zverev uses Head TGT 344.3 (same mold of the old Speed, layup of the Gravity Pro, string pattern with no parallel drilling of the one you have). Head TGK 344.4 the reatil Gravity pro (TGT 344.4 the prostock versione of the Gravity Pro).
The Speed was already evolved from the first mold when they got the orginal one for the Gravity line
Zverev uses Head TGT 344.3 (same mold of the old Speed, layup of the Gravity Pro, string pattern with no parallel drilling of the one you have). Head TGK 344.4 the reatil Gravity pro (TGT 344.4 the prostock versione of the Gravity Pro).
Guttersnipe
Rookie
Should I sell my Regna 98? And with the proceeds buy a couple of Toalson Frames? I need to double up & I honestly prefer the VCP H/D or even the Tour F...when I’m just comparing it with my other Yonex frames.
It’s beat up but comes with a brand new grommets & bumper...idk If they are common place, but someone in Australia should snap it up if I decide to list it
It’s beat up but comes with a brand new grommets & bumper...idk If they are common place, but someone in Australia should snap it up if I decide to list it
FlatShot_V
New User
I just got whoppped in a match 6x0 last friday and that hurt a lot. I think I'll sell my LM radicals after that. Tried a PS 97L today, played better, still lost. Too many long and wide balls. I think I need something to help me out a bit more.
Does anyone recommend the blade v5 18x20 to a 2.5 beginner/intermediate level player? Can it help me win more?
Does anyone recommend the blade v5 18x20 to a 2.5 beginner/intermediate level player? Can it help me win more?
Toalson has nice 97 in. Tour frames
PS97L is an excellent racquet, as long as it is well customized. Try adding heavy cushion leather and some lead tape to the rim to achieve at least 325SW and 6HL.
flyhome
Semi-Pro
IMO, a Blade V5 18x20 is not the right choise for a 2.5 beginner, It's not a easy racquet to play with
kevin qmto
Hall of Fame
Anyone else notice the plethora of AI generated racket descriptions on the bay these days. I really hate how they “enhance” descriptions but really all they’re doing is making them long and generic. Also it’s funny how sometimes the original text is trying to talk about damage to the frame and it gets sucked into the new description as a feature. Like this example I found.
“Players can appreciate its sticky rubber surface that ensures maximum control on the court.” Meaning the rubberized coating it came with is now deteriorating and sticky lol.
“Players can appreciate its sticky rubber surface that ensures maximum control on the court.” Meaning the rubberized coating it came with is now deteriorating and sticky lol.
FlatShot_V
New User
I never tried a leather grip. Would it be okay with a tourna overgrip, not too tough on the arm?
How much tape do I need to achieve that sw and hl?
How about a pair of V9s 100?
Are they too flexy? I kinda started with very stiff rackets so when I tried the flexy LM radical my game just went out the window.
FlatShot_V
New User
Really? It says 98 on them. Is that to do with that thing of head measuring from outside the hoop? Damn, I got fooled then.
I can’t demo, I really need to buy something and stick with it to stop losing money.
Is the blade v9 100 a sure bet?
You're in the wrong thread to find any "sure bets" haha.
But, i think a 100in frame is the right choice for where you are. If you have access to one, there is nothing wrong with a Babolat Pure Drive. There's a reason it's been popular for 25 years. The blade 100 will be more controlled and have less power than a pure drive.
FlatShot_V
New User
I think with a PD I'll only make it worse with these long and wide balls, I need a more control oriented frame to dial down the power on my flat shots, but one that's more forgiving than what I've been playing with.
Where is the appropriate thread to be talking about this?
Here's a pic of my LMs btw:
LM radicals are beautiful frames!I think with a PD I'll only make it worse with these long and wide balls, I need a more control oriented frame to dial down the power on my flat shots, but one that's more forgiving than what I've been playing with.
Where is the appropriate thread to be talking about this?
Here's a pic of my LMs btw:
One thing you may want to do before going to a completely different frame is to try a few more strings.
Based on what you want your frames to do have you tried lower power string at low tension? Something like Kirschbaum Orange 1.23 at 40lbs?
Trying a few new string setups will be cheaper than a new frame.
FlatShot_V
New User
Well I haven't really messed with strings too much because it's easier for me to just sell the frames and recoup my money to try again. Cutting up and restringing seems like a more permanent waste but maybe I should try.
Yes... I would 100% try a few more strings before a new frame. You can make the same racket feel completely different depending on string setup used.
I would try to find a tennis shop/club you trust and have a conversation about what you want. Have them put two different strings in your rackets so you can start to do some A/B testing.
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
Just got back from a week of playtesting at Tennis Warehouse. Talk about the dream of a racketaholic. Walking on to the green warehouse court was a surreal experience. The only thing that kept me grounded was how genuine, friendly and, frankly, just awesome everyone was.
I'm lucky to get to hit with my friend Luca, on a regular basis, who shares essentially the same job as me, but being around so many people with such similar day-to-day lives is a treat I've really grown to appreciate. It was my first time meeting everyone and meeting Tennisnerd in person. Every single one of us truly loves every aspect of the game and it's amazing to see TW celebrate that through their content.
Seeing the TWU workshop, the demo racquet wall and all the inner workings... it's so crazy compared to my tiny little setup at home.
Sadly I can't talk much about any of the actual racquets, at least for now, but tons of collab content is in the works. The week of a lifetime for sure. Its an honour to be part of the TW community and sometimes I still can't believe it. I wonder what 12 year old Beckett would have thought if he knew he'd be joining the court with the TW Playtesters.
I'm lucky to get to hit with my friend Luca, on a regular basis, who shares essentially the same job as me, but being around so many people with such similar day-to-day lives is a treat I've really grown to appreciate. It was my first time meeting everyone and meeting Tennisnerd in person. Every single one of us truly loves every aspect of the game and it's amazing to see TW celebrate that through their content.
Seeing the TWU workshop, the demo racquet wall and all the inner workings... it's so crazy compared to my tiny little setup at home.
Sadly I can't talk much about any of the actual racquets, at least for now, but tons of collab content is in the works. The week of a lifetime for sure. Its an honour to be part of the TW community and sometimes I still can't believe it. I wonder what 12 year old Beckett would have thought if he knew he'd be joining the court with the TW Playtesters.
An OG Tourna is about 5-5.5g and I included this weight in the calculation (approximate), you will still need a cushion leather to add about 10-12 grams to the handle. To reach this SW, it will all depend on the QC of your racquet. But I would add 4-5 grams in 3-9 hours and the rest needed (if so) in 12 hours. It would be easier to have a stringer do the job for you. And a Blade 100 V9 would certainly be more suitable for your level of play.
pico
Hall of Fame
I agree. The PS97L (v14 is the one I have) is a great frame. I never got mine dialled in with regards to customization but I feel if I gave it more of a shot, it could have lead to a good thing. I am too wrapped up in other frames to give it attention but maybe soon.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
Awesome. Couldn't happen to a better dude. Can't wait to see what you worked on.
AmericanTwist
Professional
Are you having issues with ball striking? Those LM Radicals are labeled 98 but they are really 95s. Are you shanking a lot of balls? If you are then maybe try 98-100 size frame. Demo frames before you buy however. Picking up some used frames is a good way to demo.
I would suggest taking some lessons and restringing your Heads if the strings are too loose.
Separately, I hit with 5 different frames today - 2021 cx 200 tour, ultra tour 97 v2 in nat gut/poly and just poly, 2021 vcore 98 plus, and v8 blade. I can play with all of these. Tonight's play reinforces the fact that I need to stick with leather plus overgrip and that a shaped poly on mains with a syn gut or round poly on the crosses is a great combo for me. Natural gut on the mains/poly on the crosses provides better power and feel, maybe slightly less ultimate spin, however.
Played dubs - split sets and took 2 ten point tie breakers in the end. Gotta play more before it starts getting really cold again!
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JFrijhoff
Rookie
Currently limiting my focus on three rackets, the Gravity Pro 2023, Prestige MP 2023, and T-fight ISO 305. T-fight was uncomfortable at first, but with multi (velocity), it's comfortable enough for me, and more powerful than the other two, serves come off very powerful. Don't get enough lift on the ball though, particularly evident on the low balls. Will try firewire boost next to have a shaped string but in a soft setup. Prestige MP 2023 worked well with Pro Rush, tried Confidential but think I ended up too low on tension (<21kg), need to get more depth on the ball. The Gravity Pro I use to reset in between, as I'm feeling most confident with it (but can become cumbersome after 2+ hours). Like confidential in there, trying out Tourbite and also works well. I didn't have many strings in it that I didn't like. The journey continues.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
I’m pretty sold on the hybrid Pure Rush/Sync. I tried in the PS100 and C100 with excellent results. I got another string experiment idea from @dr. godmode He liked 4 strings in the PA98 with O-toro his top choice and Sync on the list. And since I am liking Sync in the crosses then let’s try an O-toro/Sync test @50lbs. I have been using wasabi pro and also tried Wasabi/Sync. Next few hits its battle of the Sync hybrids in PA98
KC!
Hall of Fame
I finally followed your lead on the black nail polish. I had 12 chips on my racquet & touched them up last night. Looks like new again
heavyD
Professional
Do they have outdoor courts at the facility? They usually shoot outdoors in what appears to be a scenic location.
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
that place is off site. The only court I know of one site is the indoor court we've all seen 10 million times. For the shoots we went to a few local clubs which was cool because we got to see more of the town!
FlatShot_V
New User
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
Jonas and I snuck off and got some stuff outside embargo so that can come out soon. Most things will be out in the near year though.Any ETA on this batch of content hitting the channel?
I’ll see if I can piece together some sort of vloggy thing but i suck at those so I’m not sure how the shots turned out.
In classic me form, I’m still trying to get out my Winners Only collab stuff from last week and then I also wanted to do the Carve review this month.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
Haven't bought a new racquet in a while, which I'm feeling good about. Just trading a few things here and there. Top of the list for playing *good* tennis = PAVS and RF01. For pure hitting joy, loving the Head Graphite Professional:
Nadal15thslam
Hall of Fame
The ezone 98 305 grams version and the ezone 98 tour are totally different racquets (both 2020 versions). I can't play at all with the tour, I have much heavier racquets and I play just fine with them but this one doesn't seem manueverable and is also surprisingly low powered. The ezone 98 is totally different, much more power and it's manueverable, one of my favourite racquets I have. I use it as my main now.
Played singles yesterday for the first time in awhile with my new pair of 293.1s (16x19) which are L2, 27.25in, 330g, and close to 340SW. One had a gut/poly hybrid and the second a strung myself with Hit Pro at 47lbs.
The Hit Pro paired beautifully with the 293. Just the right blend of every string characteristic. These 293s have a lot of lead under the grommets between 10-12-2 which i think contributes to a huge sounding ball when struck flush. It almost sounded like I was indoors - when I was playing outdoors it sounded that big.
The only downside to these frames is the short balls will take some dialing in because they are not very "flickable". So being deliberate and committed is what it takes to make short approaches on a regular basis.
It's not often that a racket makes you want to commit to becoming a better player. Better fitness, better tactics, etc. And this 293 does. The quality of serves and returns is easily another 0.5+ NTRP bump for me. It is now just a commitment to footwork, fitness, and possibly spending money on lessons instead of rackets! (Shocking i know).
The Hit Pro pairs so well I almost want to not try anything else. I may give Firestorm 1.25, Durafluxx 1.23, and Black Knight 1.18 a try just because I have reels of them. But to settle into the frame itself I may also just put Hit Pro in both for a few months to understand string nuances better when the time comes.
In a few weeks I'll try and get some new video so I can subject myself to the scrutiny of the holic-nation.
The Hit Pro paired beautifully with the 293. Just the right blend of every string characteristic. These 293s have a lot of lead under the grommets between 10-12-2 which i think contributes to a huge sounding ball when struck flush. It almost sounded like I was indoors - when I was playing outdoors it sounded that big.
The only downside to these frames is the short balls will take some dialing in because they are not very "flickable". So being deliberate and committed is what it takes to make short approaches on a regular basis.
It's not often that a racket makes you want to commit to becoming a better player. Better fitness, better tactics, etc. And this 293 does. The quality of serves and returns is easily another 0.5+ NTRP bump for me. It is now just a commitment to footwork, fitness, and possibly spending money on lessons instead of rackets! (Shocking i know).
The Hit Pro pairs so well I almost want to not try anything else. I may give Firestorm 1.25, Durafluxx 1.23, and Black Knight 1.18 a try just because I have reels of them. But to settle into the frame itself I may also just put Hit Pro in both for a few months to understand string nuances better when the time comes.
In a few weeks I'll try and get some new video so I can subject myself to the scrutiny of the holic-nation.
I got out with the Pure Rafa 290 today. With a leather grip, its 300g, 31.1cm, 291 unstrung SW, TW of 13.5 (compared to my Pure Drive Plus which is 300g, 32cm, 286SW, TW 12.5). I'm on the Hype train officially. I was serving better with it than the Pure Drive Plus. The inside out and down the line forehands were crushing it.
I know its cyclical, but now that I'm hitting consistent with players my level (4.5-5.0), I feel myself veering away from the classic control frames (although I'll always love how they hit from a pure joy of tennis perspective) and finding that these lighter frames are the way to go.
When I would hit with lesser players, I'd naturally find my way into the hard core control frames, as perhaps handicapping myself in a sense made those hitting sessions more fun? But when I'm out playing competitive tennis...I see how these rackets like the PD+, Pure Aero Rafa, Elevate, Blade Pro, Blade, etc all dominate the market.
Anyway, looking to trade for another Pure Aero Rafa in L3 (see my classifieds post!)
I know its cyclical, but now that I'm hitting consistent with players my level (4.5-5.0), I feel myself veering away from the classic control frames (although I'll always love how they hit from a pure joy of tennis perspective) and finding that these lighter frames are the way to go.
When I would hit with lesser players, I'd naturally find my way into the hard core control frames, as perhaps handicapping myself in a sense made those hitting sessions more fun? But when I'm out playing competitive tennis...I see how these rackets like the PD+, Pure Aero Rafa, Elevate, Blade Pro, Blade, etc all dominate the market.
Anyway, looking to trade for another Pure Aero Rafa in L3 (see my classifieds post!)
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Still happy in PSVS land over here as playing only 2x a week at doesn't allow time for as much racket tinkering.
My current obsession is swingweight & balance related. I've always been a players frame with FB poly, more HL, maximize for maneuverability kind of guy but I'm getting older (mid-40s) with RHS slowing down playing NG/multi hybrid now. I find pre-contact racket action that used to help impart more spin and/or power via greater whip & RHS now just means less energy left to impart on the ball at contact. So I'm dabbling with going less HL (5-7 pts HL vs 8-10 in the past) and slightly higher SW (325-328 previous to 335-337 now). My thought is what I give up in maneuverability might help me relax more pre-contact but impart more at contact with less effort spent? Anyone else gone down this rabbit hole or made a slight transition like this? Bonus points for being on the wrong side of 40
My current obsession is swingweight & balance related. I've always been a players frame with FB poly, more HL, maximize for maneuverability kind of guy but I'm getting older (mid-40s) with RHS slowing down playing NG/multi hybrid now. I find pre-contact racket action that used to help impart more spin and/or power via greater whip & RHS now just means less energy left to impart on the ball at contact. So I'm dabbling with going less HL (5-7 pts HL vs 8-10 in the past) and slightly higher SW (325-328 previous to 335-337 now). My thought is what I give up in maneuverability might help me relax more pre-contact but impart more at contact with less effort spent? Anyone else gone down this rabbit hole or made a slight transition like this? Bonus points for being on the wrong side of 40
I notice similar trends in my own preferences. For me, I really need to feel the tip of my racket in order to time my 2HBH and my serve. And the thing that improves this is more head heavy balances and/or higher SW.Still happy in PSVS land over here as playing only 2x a week at doesn't allow time for as much racket tinkering.
My current obsession is swingweight & balance related. I've always been a players frame with FB poly, more HL, maximize for maneuverability kind of guy but I'm getting older (mid-40s) with RHS slowing down playing NG/multi hybrid now. I find pre-contact racket action that used to help impart more spin and/or power via greater whip & RHS now just means less energy left to impart on the ball at contact. So I'm dabbling with going less HL (5-7 pts HL vs 8-10 in the past) and slightly higher SW (325-328 previous to 335-337 now). My thought is what I give up in maneuverability might help me relax more pre-contact but impart more at contact with less effort spent? Anyone else gone down this rabbit hole or made a slight transition like this? Bonus points for being on the wrong side of 40
Im still not sure where "optimal" for me is, but being able to hit a very good 80% rally ball with less rackethead speed means more consistent hitting.
These head heavy frames also seem to "swing themselves" which for me encourages relaxation (always a good thing) and better hip activation to start the swing.
TwinCinema
Professional
Today is 4 weeks since the above PRP and dear holics, it has not gone well. I still haven't stepped onto a court since, and when I try shadow swinging in my room it still hurts. I'm doing PT exercises at home but it's progressing much slower than the doc told me it would. This is the longest I've gone without playing in I-don't-know-how-long, and I elected to do this to myself. What a bummer. Maybe I'm just being impatient and eventually it'll be better than ever but guys you really need a shoulder to be able to swing a racket.
Vicious49
Legend
I use multi in my LMs.
Vicious49
Legend
Don't forget about us little folks and Simon now that you're big time! Don't be like Grisha and kick Areg to the curb.
That was a joke about Grisha as I don't know what really happened there. It sounded like Grisha was doing a majority of the editing and there was some disagreements between them.
Damn, good luck.
Also been bugged by my shoulder and wrist the last weeks and while manageable, taking some fun out of it.
Still happy in PSVS land over here as playing only 2x a week at doesn't allow time for as much racket tinkering.
My current obsession is swingweight & balance related. I've always been a players frame with FB poly, more HL, maximize for maneuverability kind of guy but I'm getting older (mid-40s) with RHS slowing down playing NG/multi hybrid now. I find pre-contact racket action that used to help impart more spin and/or power via greater whip & RHS now just means less energy left to impart on the ball at contact. So I'm dabbling with going less HL (5-7 pts HL vs 8-10 in the past) and slightly higher SW (325-328 previous to 335-337 now). My thought is what I give up in maneuverability might help me relax more pre-contact but impart more at contact with less effort spent? Anyone else gone down this rabbit hole or made a slight transition like this? Bonus points for being on the wrong side of 40
Kinda been going in an inbetween direction over the last few months.
Higher balance but lower swingweight with similar static weight. So basically more weight towards the throad/middle of the frame instead of a more polarised setup with low balance and high SW.
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
I’ve already fired Simon and told him he’s a worthless 3.5 (this is a joke Simon is a high value 4.0 and bourgeoning 4.5)
Sorry to hear that. A friend of mine went through a similar procedure for his knee (torn ligaments). It also took much longer than expected.. But these days he is good as new.
TwinCinema
Professional
Glad to hear there’s a dawn after the darkness. I’ll try to be patient!
one of my buddies got PRP for his shoulder and has come back better than i've ever seen him. keep your head up and hope you recover soon. on the bright side, you not playing means you have even more sticks to come back to!
Just picked up an old nCode 90 in amazing condition and strung it up yesterday. This is the first six.one 90 I’ve tried and I was surprised how nice it felt just hitting rally balls with a ball machine. Serves were a different animal swinging a racket at 365g though
FlatShot_V
New User
Just found a dude online selling a pair of ultra 100 UL V4s. 260 is a bit on the extreme low weight but I could buy some tungsten tape and put leather grips on them.
I wonder if it's a good idea. These will probably be a lot easier for me to play with.
I wonder if it's a good idea. These will probably be a lot easier for me to play with.
Nice, I've tried the BLX version of this for the first time this summer. Surprisingly easy to play for its headsize but yeah, serving is a challenge, especially for a longer period.
Windy days and bad bounces are felt more as well.
I have a bunch of these, but sadly many are without pallets, and pallets for these are a difficult to deal with. One of the best feeling frames I ever hit.Haven't bought a new racquet in a while, which I'm feeling good about. Just trading a few things here and there. Top of the list for playing *good* tennis = PAVS and RF01. For pure hitting joy, loving the Head Graphite Professional:
For me, 340 is where it's at for SW on the PSVS, and I'm 49. I do like a more HL balance, but the high SW just makes it easy to hit the ball with good pop/spin. It's quite forgiving, really.Still happy in PSVS land over here as playing only 2x a week at doesn't allow time for as much racket tinkering.
My current obsession is swingweight & balance related. I've always been a players frame with FB poly, more HL, maximize for maneuverability kind of guy but I'm getting older (mid-40s) with RHS slowing down playing NG/multi hybrid now. I find pre-contact racket action that used to help impart more spin and/or power via greater whip & RHS now just means less energy left to impart on the ball at contact. So I'm dabbling with going less HL (5-7 pts HL vs 8-10 in the past) and slightly higher SW (325-328 previous to 335-337 now). My thought is what I give up in maneuverability might help me relax more pre-contact but impart more at contact with less effort spent? Anyone else gone down this rabbit hole or made a slight transition like this? Bonus points for being on the wrong side of 40
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