Power Player
Bionic Poster
The Rafalito was modded to an 82S handle? That's F'n wild (If I am reading that right).
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
The Rafalito was modded to an 82S handle? That's F'n wild (If I am reading that right).
Thats a tempting review.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Happy New Year yall! Been quite absent as of late as life got busy. Yesterday was the first time hitting two handed backhands since I injured my left wrist. Felt weird at first but as I hit it more it got better and better. Hit a few winners too. Glad to have it back, though I will admit a well struck one hander definitely feels sexier haha.
I’m thinking of trialling some more powerful frames in summer. The PS X is treating me really well, but I wonder if some easier power in a lighter package couldn’t improve my match play. Thinking of frames like the PA 98, Solinco Whiteout XTD, Gravity Tour 98 (not sure this really is a step up in power though?), VCore 98… Idk if I’m missing something.
One thing I’ve noticed with the PS X is that I gravitate towards is more open string patterns more than I thought. The PS X is pretty open and I love that on my forehand and serve most of the time, probably want that to stay the same.
Did the holic bug bite me again? Mayhaps... I’ll be on a lookout for a spare PA 98 on the bay of fleas in the meantime. Happy hitting and I wish everybody a healthy and injury free 2025 above all else!
I’m thinking of trialling some more powerful frames in summer. The PS X is treating me really well, but I wonder if some easier power in a lighter package couldn’t improve my match play. Thinking of frames like the PA 98, Solinco Whiteout XTD, Gravity Tour 98 (not sure this really is a step up in power though?), VCore 98… Idk if I’m missing something.
One thing I’ve noticed with the PS X is that I gravitate towards is more open string patterns more than I thought. The PS X is pretty open and I love that on my forehand and serve most of the time, probably want that to stay the same.
Did the holic bug bite me again? Mayhaps... I’ll be on a lookout for a spare PA 98 on the bay of fleas in the meantime. Happy hitting and I wish everybody a healthy and injury free 2025 above all else!
topspn
G.O.A.T.
Forgive me father, I have sinned. Or have I? My new K7 100 16x20 should be arriving today. I will string it and take it to an indoor match this evening. I have also ordered two of the new Vikings or just Vik for short Both frames have thinner beams and fit into the pleaner not quite tweener category
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Diadem really aiming for the Pure Aero 98 here.
https://diademsports.com/collections/tennis-rackets/products/axis-100
https://diademsports.com/collections/tennis-rackets/products/axis-98
Axis 100 specs:
Head Size: 100 sq in
Weight: 10.6oz / 300 g
Length: 27 Inches
Balance: 4 pts HL / 330 mm
Stiffness: 64
String Pattern: 16 x 19
Beam: 23 mm - 26 mm - 23 mm
Axis 98 specs:
Head Size: 98 sq in
Weight: 10.8oz / 305g
Length: 27 Inches
Balance: 8 pts HL / 315 mm
Stiffness: 68
String Pattern: 16 x 20
Beam: 21.5 mm - 23.5 mm - 22 mm
https://diademsports.com/collections/tennis-rackets/products/axis-98
Axis 100 specs:
Head Size: 100 sq in
Weight: 10.6oz / 300 g
Length: 27 Inches
Balance: 4 pts HL / 330 mm
Stiffness: 64
String Pattern: 16 x 19
Beam: 23 mm - 26 mm - 23 mm
Axis 98 specs:
Head Size: 98 sq in
Weight: 10.8oz / 305g
Length: 27 Inches
Balance: 8 pts HL / 315 mm
Stiffness: 68
String Pattern: 16 x 20
Beam: 21.5 mm - 23.5 mm - 22 mm
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FrankyRelax
Professional
The 98 really has me intrigued
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Could be a minimal beam width difference of 0.5mm, could be not, but the Axis 98 has a 68 RA.
Looking forward for the Japanese guys to show us some clips, then the usual Westworld "suspects".
I'm also interested in the 98, because of the 16x20 and the 23mm-max beam width.
So, this is on my top list for purchase for Spring comeback, along with the Nordicdots Model99.
Nothing else intrigues me (apart from Prince gimmics, Ripsticks etc).
Vicious49
Legend
I just watchet the TW vid on the new TF 305S. I don't know about anyone else but most of the footage with the Cali guys looks so set up. Like the person on the opposite side just doesn't run for balls they could or sets easy shots up for the person 'testing' the racquet. This has always been the case with the TW vids though and has bugged me since the beginning. On the other side, watching Zsofi play in this vid - she is a beast. The angles she hit on her highlight reel were actual winners.
djNEiGht
Legend
I wish they did a 98 in the Nova for their Tour instead of just a heavier model.
tim-ay
Legend
Video on tennis racket reviews is just eye candy anyway. It has nothing to do with the racket, but it’s fun to see. The only guy with the b*lls to put frames and shanks in his reviews is @dr. godmode , which helps the authenticity of the actual hitting.
ryushen21
Legend
I've got the 100 ordered. Will give feedback once it comes in.
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
To properly test a racquet one must evaluate shanking performance. Hitting on the strings only tests the strings.
I feel seen.
gino
Legend
lmfao
naturalexponent
Legend
true scientist, properly isolating the variable
808
Professional
Yeah, my Rafalitos have had their grips removed (including the weights baked into the factory grip) and replaced by molded ones in TK82S shape (sans weight). Then a leather grip and some silicone in the handle and they're matched at 296g / 330mm / 297sw (all unstrung of course).
Id be curious about how this process is actually performed.
I guess once you have the mold and whatever foam is used, you could apply it to any hairpin. For a chronic tinkerer...It would be the perfect gift. Can only find L5 second hand? No worry, just chisel away the molded grip and re mold your L3 TS82 shape to it, adding weight as needed
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
The holics won’t enjoy this statement:
The Gravity Tour doesn’t need mods. It has so much power and stability in its stock form that I feel like additional weight will potentially make this too unwieldy
I want to add leather as I always do for the feel, but I don’t want to mess with the balance and having to add lead to counter
The Gravity Tour doesn’t need mods. It has so much power and stability in its stock form that I feel like additional weight will potentially make this too unwieldy
I want to add leather as I always do for the feel, but I don’t want to mess with the balance and having to add lead to counter
gino
Legend
this holic doesnt mind that. personally i dont want to add weight to any upper hoop. which is why the pure strike tour is so great to me
ill prob add a more weighty replacement grip. if you dont want to go full bore leather, try the diadem hybrid replacement
Could take out the buttcap weight, removes 5-6g. Not sure how heavy your preferred leather grip weighs and it would still balance a bit.
808
Professional
No idea how it's done, but I think I heard there's also heat involved in removing the factory grip, probably faster than just chiseling it away. As far as I know there's typically about 10g additional weight in a Bab grip and depending on the foam used for the new grip it can be made a bit lighter than factory too. Lots of room to tinker with weighting (reason in my case: I wanted a leather grip but also as close to stock specs as possible).
naturalexponent
Legend
same here. don't like tinkering, just like holicing with frames
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
don't get me wrong I'll end up tinkering as I shake off the rust and if I play Men's opens this summer. but for now getting to know this frame, it is 100% usable no tinkering. I'm OCD with brand matching cause leather grips tend to be embossed or printed with logos, i would have to use a head replacement grip
forgot they do that. that's a good reminder if I do end up putting in a head leather grip, which is on the heavier end
there's that much residue under? I haven't replaced a head grip in some time that will be interesting if I don't actually gain much weight
808
Professional
Not residue. As fas as I understand there are metal weights baked into the foam of the Babolat factory grip (and most other manufacturers, I guess).
Head rackets use a pallet system with metal weights baked into the hairpin on retail models.
Boredsurfer
Semi-Pro
Glad to hear you are safe. If you need to hit some balls to forget your troubles come to Echo Park Public courts... we would all welcome you here. Also wondering if Malibu Tennis is in trouble?
djNEiGht
Legend
I've hit an ace on a framed lob serve.
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
surely it was an instant switch
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Shank performance, so underrated.
(this is 90 percent joke but 10 percent true, as I always find that my favorite frames, the shanks tend to go in; the ones I hate, the shanks betray)
No weighted trap doors on the new Gravity frames, FYI. Just a standard one, but there is still space for a sensor to fit.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
I’m guessing the holics won’t like it cause it’s enabling their worst impulses? (me, I’m holics and my bank account doesn’t like you rn)
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
I feel like there’s multiple sentiments. As holics we are searching (we tell ourselves this at least) for “the one” to cure the holicism to end the search with minimal tinkering. For some ppl this very well could be it.
And on the other pt like you said the holics don’t like being tempted into another frame
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
I keep telling them that I’m trying around, experimenting, to find my true soulmate to cure my holicism. But somehow they just respond that I have commitment issues and I’m selfish. Please adv— Oh we’re talking about frames are weI feel like there’s multiple sentiments. As holics we are searching (we tell ourselves this at least) for “the one” to cure the holicism to end the search with minimal tinkering. For some ppl this very well could be it.
And on the other pt like you said the holics don’t like being tempted into another frame
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I was curious if anyone has had a similar experience to this. Around Christmas time, I bought a 344.4 from PST. It arrived last Friday. Unfortunately, they sent me a L2 by accident when I ordered a L3. I’ve sent multiple emails to them about this and needing to return the L2 and have the L3 sent to me. They have not responded.
I’m frustrated and disappointed as they’ve been responsive to previous emails with me, so it feels like this is intentionally being ignored
I sent them an email this morning letting them know how disappointed I am in their customer service and that if I don’t hear back from them today, I’ll be working through my CC company to stop and refund the payment to them.
Has anyone else had a similar experience with PST? Any other advice?
And no, I’m not switching the pallet out myself even though I’ve done that before. This is way too much to spend on a racquet for me to be doing that.
Also of note, this isn’t the first purchase I have made from them recently.
I’m frustrated and disappointed as they’ve been responsive to previous emails with me, so it feels like this is intentionally being ignored
I sent them an email this morning letting them know how disappointed I am in their customer service and that if I don’t hear back from them today, I’ll be working through my CC company to stop and refund the payment to them.
Has anyone else had a similar experience with PST? Any other advice?
And no, I’m not switching the pallet out myself even though I’ve done that before. This is way too much to spend on a racquet for me to be doing that.
Also of note, this isn’t the first purchase I have made from them recently.
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That sucks to hear. I've purchased from them twice and had good experiences. The 2nd purchase they even swapped a pallet from a 3 to a 2 for me free of charge. If they are ignoring you, the CC company is the way to go. I bet you hear from them almost immediately after that. I've had to do similar with Amazon holding a refund for weeks after I returned the item.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
Good news - they got back to me. I guess the threat of having to go to my CC company created some urgency. I’ve also had great experiences with them and was pretty disappointed that they weren’t responding. Hoping this gets taken care of now as I absolutely love these racquets.
Speaking of, I put 17g Triax in the 344.4/gravity pro yesterday and then played 1.5 hours of 10 pt tie breaks with one of my regulars. That string played so well. It was such a reminder that I don’t need to use full poly or shaped poly. The extra pop, comfort and touch were phenomenal. As long as I can get 6 hours out of it before it breaks, I think this is going to be my new full time set up going into the spring season.
Speaking of, I put 17g Triax in the 344.4/gravity pro yesterday and then played 1.5 hours of 10 pt tie breaks with one of my regulars. That string played so well. It was such a reminder that I don’t need to use full poly or shaped poly. The extra pop, comfort and touch were phenomenal. As long as I can get 6 hours out of it before it breaks, I think this is going to be my new full time set up going into the spring season.
6 hours with 17g Triax is gonna be tough I'd assume. You dont want the 16 or 15?
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I’m somewhat optimistic that they’ll last 6 hours based on how they looked yesterday after I played. Also hoping the 18x20 contributes to a little more life before they break.
The 16g/1.33 is definitely an option. It seemed like that might be a little too thick though for the pattern.
KC!
Hall of Fame
I think you will be fine in the Gravity Pro. If you were playing with an Aero then no.
Honestly didnt notice a big difference in playability between the 1.28 and 1.33 so wouldn't worry about it, just drop the tension a bit. Maybe it will last long enough anyway.
I just got a reel of 1.38 for a really good price so I'll try that one next.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I had the Tour a year ago. Predicted many here would love it. Nice plush feel, but not on the level of the head classics by any means.
TwinCinema
Professional
You’re talking about the 100” 18x20 though, right? I think he means the 2025 98” 16x19.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I decided that the one head frame I will continue to bag is the IG Extreme Pro 2.0. Baked in weight so it’s solid. It also has the TK82 grip and an APD-esque tight pattern. I’ve owned it for 10 years and won many matches with it so it must stay.
Honestly it’s one of the best frames head has made in years if you are more of a spin hitter. I think at some point more people will figure out that 315 grams is not insanely heavy and actually is an incredible fit with a tweener frame. You get solid feel and epic power with no hollow/tinny sensations.
I will continue to Origin, but I can’t deny the majesty of this frame.
Honestly it’s one of the best frames head has made in years if you are more of a spin hitter. I think at some point more people will figure out that 315 grams is not insanely heavy and actually is an incredible fit with a tweener frame. You get solid feel and epic power with no hollow/tinny sensations.
I will continue to Origin, but I can’t deny the majesty of this frame.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah but it’s the same layup same feel. They took the Tour 100 and made it a 98.
FourOutOfFive
Rookie
Looking for a replacement for my 23’ VC95. I’ve really come to appreciate the free depth and spin from the open pattern, paired with the control from the smaller headsize. Somebody else on here said this, can't remember who, but it really does play like a "mid-size Pure Aero" in a lot of ways. Unfortunately, it’s still a 95, and I’m not sure I want to go back to a sub 97” for competitive play. I only have one VC95, and as I start to play more seriously again I’d like to pull the trigger on a few matched frames and lock down the holicism for a few years. For a potential switch, I'm prioritizing weight of shot + ease of use.
I tried the G98 Tour recently and found the same easy depth and spin I get from the VC95, and despite the Grav only being 320sw strung I was impressed with the weight of shot I could create. It definitely needed some weight in the hoop, and I can only imagine the sting I could get on the ball if I bring that unstrung sw up to my usual 300. I felt the sweetspot was a little smaller than I anticipated, and the stability was just ok. Hopefully with some customization both would improve.
I also tried the new Tec 305S. They did a great job with the new weight distribution. There's obviously more weight in the throat compared to the ISO but there's still plenty of weight in the hoop to retain the solidity of the ISO. It's impressive how natural and solid it swings, for just being 305g. I continue to be impressed with that 18x19 pattern, it's so linear for driving the ball but also effortless to create extra lift when needed. The problem is I just can't get the same easy depth and spin I get with the VC95 or G98. Also, I think the new feel of the T-Fight, despite being super solid and clean, is going to be too stiff for me in the long run.
Per usual I'm finding myself frustrated with all the potential options out there. It feels like there are so many good racquets available these days and I could probably switch to most of them, adjust, and still play good tennis. As you all know it's super easy to get in your head about these things. I don't want to get stuck in an endless demo loop, but I'm definitely trending in that direction. Even though I'm very much a 'holic, I have less fun on the court when I'm switching frames all the time. Maybe I should take some inspo from @curtstead, blind buy some EZ100s, and delete my TT account.
I tried the G98 Tour recently and found the same easy depth and spin I get from the VC95, and despite the Grav only being 320sw strung I was impressed with the weight of shot I could create. It definitely needed some weight in the hoop, and I can only imagine the sting I could get on the ball if I bring that unstrung sw up to my usual 300. I felt the sweetspot was a little smaller than I anticipated, and the stability was just ok. Hopefully with some customization both would improve.
I also tried the new Tec 305S. They did a great job with the new weight distribution. There's obviously more weight in the throat compared to the ISO but there's still plenty of weight in the hoop to retain the solidity of the ISO. It's impressive how natural and solid it swings, for just being 305g. I continue to be impressed with that 18x19 pattern, it's so linear for driving the ball but also effortless to create extra lift when needed. The problem is I just can't get the same easy depth and spin I get with the VC95 or G98. Also, I think the new feel of the T-Fight, despite being super solid and clean, is going to be too stiff for me in the long run.
Per usual I'm finding myself frustrated with all the potential options out there. It feels like there are so many good racquets available these days and I could probably switch to most of them, adjust, and still play good tennis. As you all know it's super easy to get in your head about these things. I don't want to get stuck in an endless demo loop, but I'm definitely trending in that direction. Even though I'm very much a 'holic, I have less fun on the court when I'm switching frames all the time. Maybe I should take some inspo from @curtstead, blind buy some EZ100s, and delete my TT account.
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
Honestly it's pretty hard to go wrong with EZ100s. But I do think you are on to something with the G98. If the VC98 doesn't fit the bill coming from the 95, the Gravity makes a ton of sense IMO. It's a very creative frame that loves playing the spin game, just like the VC95.
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