Diary of a Racketaholic

First hit with the GT98 was a success, what a frame. I agree with most that naturally it has a somewhat high launch angle and gives a more loopy ball. At 335g, 31.9 cm and 324 SW it feels whippy, which I'm happy with as I also read comments about this frame feeling slow and clunky. That's very far from what I've experienced. Also lots of powah and tons of easy spin. I like the feel too. Not the feel I would have expected to come with such a low flex frame. It's decently crisp and gives great feedback to the hand, even with a dampener.
 
tim-ay said:
Dang man. Your only hope to improve the ratio is gonna be stringing faster. Get that 30 min down to 20. Or you might have to try something like BBO.
Click to expand...
I couldn’t possibly string a racket in 10 minutes I don’t think. Especially factoring in cutting out and measuring strings

Hopefully with multiple rackets I don’t need to string the same racket 2-3 times a week. I used to use BBO but once I got a feel for strings with actual comfort and nice playing characteristics it’s hard to really move away from it

Hawk Power, Hawk Touch, and Lynx Touch are probably my next options
 
SupahMan5000 said:
I couldn’t possibly string a racket in 10 minutes I don’t think. Especially factoring in cutting out and measuring strings

Hopefully with multiple rackets I don’t need to string the same racket 2-3 times a week. I used to use BBO but once I got a feel for strings with actual comfort and nice playing characteristics it’s hard to really move away from it

Hawk Power, Hawk Touch, and Lynx Touch are probably my next options
Click to expand...
Skip Lynx touch if you are looking for a long term string, breaks very quickly. Great comfort option but not for you.
 
SupahMan5000 said:
I couldn’t possibly string a racket in 10 minutes I don’t think. Especially factoring in cutting out and measuring strings

Hopefully with multiple rackets I don’t need to string the same racket 2-3 times a week. I used to use BBO but once I got a feel for strings with actual comfort and nice playing characteristics it’s hard to really move away from it

Hawk Power, Hawk Touch, and Lynx Touch are probably my next options
Click to expand...
I think 20 mins for a string job is great speed, not factoring in the removal of strings.

I've never been much of a string breaker except when playing with the Origin. Got about 4 hours before popping.

Have you tried any hybrid setups? Maybe a slipperier cross will help reduce friction and get you some extra life.

Otherwise time to channel your Sampras and get some string savers!
 
SupahMan5000 said:
I couldn’t possibly string a racket in 10 minutes I don’t think. Especially factoring in cutting out and measuring strings

Hopefully with multiple rackets I don’t need to string the same racket 2-3 times a week. I used to use BBO but once I got a feel for strings with actual comfort and nice playing characteristics it’s hard to really move away from it

Hawk Power, Hawk Touch, and Lynx Touch are probably my next options
Click to expand...
10 min would be a **** job. But 20 is very doable.

Yeah I don’t like the feel of BBO but it is durable. I’m lucky in that I get enough time out of Durafluxx and it still feels good in the Origin.
 
veelium said:
Skip Lynx touch if you are looking for a long term string, breaks very quickly. Great comfort option but not for you.
Click to expand...

A shame cause my boss speaks very highly of it. I want to still get some kinda comfort or playability out of strings especially if they’re gonna be 1.30+

Soundbyte said:
I think 20 mins for a string job is great speed, not factoring in the removal of strings.

I've never been much of a string breaker except when playing with the Origin. Got about 4 hours before popping.

Have you tried any hybrid setups? Maybe a slipperier cross will help reduce friction and get you some extra life.

Otherwise time to channel your Sampras and get some string savers!
Click to expand...

tim-ay said:
10 min would be a **** job. But 20 is very doable.

Yeah I don’t like the feel of BBO but it is durable. I’m lucky in that I get enough time out of Durafluxx and it still feels good in the Origin.
Click to expand...

I should’ve clarified I usually string about 14-18 min avg but as of now with this Element I get 45-50 min of play time. So for the week for 2-3 hits I’m at 30 min total of stringing for 1.5-2 hours of hitting. Horrible ratio

I’ve thought about doing a hybrid but I think round round hybrids I usually don’t get a very ground breaking or notice a huge differential. It’s not like Poly Tour Spin main poly tour pro cross where you feel that spin potential with a much more comfortable string bed

There’s a lot for me to explore in the coming months before the summer. I guess the thing is the quality of tennis has significantly been better. These kids don’t really miss so 15 min of hitting is equal to 30-40 min of inconsistent tennis
 
SupahMan5000 said:
Hawk Power, Hawk Touch, and Lynx Touch are probably my next options
Click to expand...
Hawk Power is a nice string, string it 10% looser with 10% pre-stretch

Ever tried Prince Warrior Response? Head Lynx Touch is the same string, go for the 1.30, but you'll break it quickly.

Hawk touch is more on the stiffer size but even if you string it with higher tension, It doesn't stiff up too much
 
SupahMan5000 said:
seems to be the one a lot of people here like, potentially more so than original TB
Click to expand...
So far I still prefer TB 1.20 over TB Round 1.25, but I’ve literally hit the latter for an hour at most and I’ve heard it plays best once broken in after this time… but even fresh, l like it a lot. The sweet spot amazing.

I’m just so used to the TB 1.20 and how it behaves so once I get more used to the Round I may prefer it in the end, time will tell.
 
TB round is great. Another cross for me to try since I have another pack laying around .

Durafluxx is probably my favorite cross in the low low tension setup but I ran out of that one.
 
JGads said:
I’m in.
Click to expand...
$20 again? I think that's what the last bet was.

Can we add the 300S to the list along with the 305S even though I didn't mention it initially since it is in the same family? I'm still trying to get dialed in to the frame and my fear is the 305S may be too demanding in the Houston summer when I may want something a bit lighter or easier to swing. I was thinking of sending this 3rd 305S (since I haven't strung it up yet) back for a 300S or seeing if someone is already offloading them in the sales forum for a better price.
 
The frame I really wanted to like was the GT98. The paint job on that thing is gorgeous. Watching TanTennis latest video, the frame is definitely not for me. They said it's more powerful than an Extreme Pro but less maneuverable than a Pure Aero - what?? And to tame it down they may string it in the mid 50's.

It is interesting listening to these reviewers talk about frames. They mentioned how the PA98 requires you to fully extend your arm when hitting the ball like Carlitos does. I don't do anything like Carlitos but my buddy was reviewing SwingVision footage of us yesterday and mentioned how he's trying to get better spacing and not bend his arm as much when hitting the ball. He said I extend my arm out fully when hitting. I never realized that but I guess I do. Maybe that's why the PA98 seemed to gel with me. Although that one still requires you to generate decent RHS if you want to unlock it's potential.
 
Vicious49 said:
$20 again? I think that's what the last bet was.

Can we add the 300S to the list along with the 305S even though I didn't mention it initially since it is in the same family? I'm still trying to get dialed in to the frame and my fear is the 305S may be too demanding in the Houston summer when I may want something a bit lighter or easier to swing. I was thinking of sending this 3rd 305S (since I haven't strung it up yet) back for a 300S or seeing if someone is already offloading them in the sales forum for a better price.
Click to expand...
All good.

Good luck!
 
JGads said:
All good.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Its a bet. I think the fact that Im also biking now and spending less time experimenting with frames will help me this time. You forgot one key rule though . . . .

giphy.gif
 
Vicious49 said:
The frame I really wanted to like was the GT98. The paint job on that thing is gorgeous. Watching TanTennis latest video, the frame is definitely not for me. They said it's more powerful than an Extreme Pro but less maneuverable than a Pure Aero - what?? And to tame it down they may string it in the mid 50's.

It is interesting listening to these reviewers talk about frames. They mentioned how the PA98 requires you to fully extend your arm when hitting the ball like Carlitos does. I don't do anything like Carlitos but my buddy was reviewing SwingVision footage of us yesterday and mentioned how he's trying to get better spacing and not bend his arm as much when hitting the ball. He said I extend my arm out fully when hitting. I never realized that but I guess I do. Maybe that's why the PA98 seemed to gel with me. Although that one still requires you to generate decent RHS if you want to unlock it's potential.
Click to expand...
Id still try it. Everyone has biases of their reviews, even if they don't mean to.
 
Soundbyte said:
Id still try it. Everyone has biases of their reviews, even if they don't mean to.
Click to expand...
I demo'd it but all the frames (3 TF frames and the GT98) in my demo pack came in below spec. My GT98 at the 314SW or whatever it was just had too much flutter and instability near the top of the hoop for me to seriously consider it. The other issue with demo frames are the strings. 2 of my frames came with multi and 2 with poly. The 300S they only had in L2 so it's hard to compare it when the grip size is too small for me.
 
Vicious49 said:
I demo'd it but all the frames (3 TF frames and the GT98) in my demo pack came in below spec. My GT98 at the 314SW or whatever it was just had too much flutter and instability near the top of the hoop for me to seriously consider it. The other issue with demo frames are the strings. 2 of my frames came with multi and 2 with poly. The 300S they only had in L2 so it's hard to compare it when the grip size is too small for me.
Click to expand...
Yikes that quite underspec for SW
 
These are the specs of the GTs I got earlier. Not horrible but not great

G2 2
307.24g
32.1cm
288pts


G2 1
306.92g
32cm
293pts





G3 1
308.85g
31.9cm
293pts



G3 2
305.03g
31.9cm
285pts





G3 3
304.34g
31.8cm
287pts


G3 4
308.38g
32cm
294pts


G3 5
308.70g
32.cm
295pts
 
Vicious49 said:
The frame I really wanted to like was the GT98. The paint job on that thing is gorgeous. Watching TanTennis latest video, the frame is definitely not for me. They said it's more powerful than an Extreme Pro but less maneuverable than a Pure Aero - what?? And to tame it down they may string it in the mid 50's.

It is interesting listening to these reviewers talk about frames. They mentioned how the PA98 requires you to fully extend your arm when hitting the ball like Carlitos does. I don't do anything like Carlitos but my buddy was reviewing SwingVision footage of us yesterday and mentioned how he's trying to get better spacing and not bend his arm as much when hitting the ball. He said I extend my arm out fully when hitting. I never realized that but I guess I do. Maybe that's why the PA98 seemed to gel with me. Although that one still requires you to generate decent RHS if you want to unlock it's potential.
Click to expand...
The new tfight 300 is a great frame, I considered it for just a few mins - ended up buying two more blade 100s though to not muddy the waters. I’m 6 weeks back from my 9 month hip layoff and primarily focusing on just playing.

When these are beat I will give it another go.
 
Hey all! Just thought I would chime in with my experience switching to the GT98 recently.

Quick 2 year racquet history (my favs) since getting back in the game:
Prestige Tour Aux->Radical Pro Aux->PSVS->Blade Pro->Radical Pro Aux->Extreme Pro->GT98

Demo'd the GT98 and immediately ordered 2 matched frames.
To me, the GT98 is like a more user friendly Blade Pro. I find myself feeling right at home with it because it provides power, yet that power is easy to control thanks to the flex and the dwell time of the ball on the stringbed. It is one of the best frames I've used on my one hander. I was worried about the wide pattern, but it's very consistent and predictable. Out of all the sticks I've used, this one is my favorite in terms of how it balances playability and ease of use (for an experienced player) with feel and comfort. It helps me out when I'm on the back foot, and it is ready to go when I want to step on the gas.

Trying to get used to the more HH balance, great on groundstrokes, challenging on the serve.
Frames play absolutely great in stock form, but might try to slap leather on one and see if I like it better.
Still testing out different strings, but thinking a semi-firm or firm poly would probably work best.

My frame specs unstrung w/plastic:
306.45g, 6.5 HL, 295SW
306.74g, 6 HL, 295SW
 
taylor15 said:
The new tfight 300 is a great frame, I considered it for just a few mins - ended up buying two more blade 100s though to not muddy the waters. I’m 6 weeks back from my 9 month hip layoff and primarily focusing on just playing.

When these are beat I will give it another go.
Click to expand...
hope your hip is doing better bro. everyone raving about the Tec, need to hit it.......
 
SupahMan5000 said:
These are the specs of the GTs I got earlier. Not horrible but not great

G2 2
307.24g
32.1cm
288pts


G2 1
306.92g
32cm
293pts





G3 1
308.85g
31.9cm
293pts



G3 2
305.03g
31.9cm
285pts





G3 3
304.34g
31.8cm
287pts


G3 4
308.38g
32cm
294pts


G3 5
308.70g
32.cm
295pts
Click to expand...

kinda surprising with the quarter cap grommet that the SWs are coming in pretty low. which are you going to keep?

julianokay said:
Hey all! Just thought I would chime in with my experience switching to the GT98 recently.

Quick 2 year racquet history (my favs) since getting back in the game:
Prestige Tour Aux->Radical Pro Aux->PSVS->Blade Pro->Radical Pro Aux->Extreme Pro->GT98

Demo'd the GT98 and immediately ordered 2 matched frames.
To me, the GT98 is like a more user friendly Blade Pro. I find myself feeling right at home with it because it provides power, yet that power is easy to control thanks to the flex and the dwell time of the ball on the stringbed. It is one of the best frames I've used on my one hander. I was worried about the wide pattern, but it's very consistent and predictable. Out of all the sticks I've used, this one is my favorite in terms of how it balances playability and ease of use (for an experienced player) with feel and comfort. It helps me out when I'm on the back foot, and it is ready to go when I want to step on the gas.

Trying to get used to the more HH balance, great on groundstrokes, challenging on the serve.
Frames play absolutely great in stock form, but might try to slap leather on one and see if I like it better.
Still testing out different strings, but thinking a semi-firm or firm poly would probably work best.

My frame specs unstrung w/plastic:
306.45g, 6.5 HL, 295SW
306.74g, 6 HL, 295SW
Click to expand...

nice man. appreciate you sharing your journey. I loved the blade pro, as did a lot of others here. Hows the stability of the upper hoop? looks like with strings youll be in 325SW territory. happy hitting
 
gino said:
nice man. appreciate you sharing your journey. I loved the blade pro, as did a lot of others here. Hows the stability of the upper hoop? looks like with strings youll be in 325SW territory. happy hitting
Click to expand...
To me these feel unbelievably stable stock. Had a similar feeling when I tried out the Ezone 98 (2022) so I'm guessing the head-shape has something to do with it.
 
gino said:
Haha I’m the same way, never measured SW in my life. But I always find it interesting to see how the samples are tracking when they come in. Also bless you for doing God‘s work and funneling the Holics the drugs that they need
Click to expand...
I measure it after but don’t really do anything to match. More like an interesting fact to know. I kinda like the mysteriousness of your favorite racket without knowing specs.

I feel like the holics are fueling my addiction to unboxing things. I just like unpacking a box and seeing shiny rackets in bulk
 
SupahMan5000 said:
I measure it after but don’t really do anything to match. More like an interesting fact to know. I kinda like the mysteriousness of your favorite racket without knowing specs.

I feel like the holics are fueling my addiction to unboxing things. I just like unpacking a box and seeing shiny rackets in bulk
Click to expand...

For sure & moreover I feel like if you can’t perfectly match a few, the “known fav” going down mid match will be an annoying thing to manage mentally. The blissful ignorance works for me

lmaoooo unboxing frames is such a joy. Especially that rubber band snapping off the base of the handle… mmmm
 
taylor15 said:
Thanks man, it’s coming along. Torn labrum and FAI (impingement) which will eventually need surgery but for now getting more fit and flexible has relieved the pain.
Click to expand...

Ugh… really sorry to hear it bro.. an elderly member at my childhood club told me something when I was a junior that always sticks with me… “Tennis is a beautiful thing because your game adapts technically to your body and age” (went on in not exact words to say, he didn’t hit kick serves much anymore bc they f__ked with his bad back)

It’s true and I’ve realize the same after my triple knee fracture/LCL tear from playing hoops. My body doesn’t move the same way and the interaction with the court is different, but my game has adapted to avoid some technical / footwork elements that stress the left knee more. & that’s okay, I don’t need to rip open stance backhands all my life. Although I do miss a good old closed stance hop step forehand wjth full bore explosion. Alas, such is life. It’s different for everyone, so hoping in your case for as full of a recovery as possible dude
 
@ACT I watched your 305S review again. You mentioned towards the beginning of the vid that you tried 3 different weight setups on this frame but you never said which one was your preferred setup. The reason I ask is because I'm thinking of adding a bit of weight to it. I figured if you've already tried it, it will save me some time experimenting.
 
Ugh, how many years and thousands of dollars did Madison Keys just set us all back?!?

Just when I was starting to feel comfortable with my racquet (been a year now with no switches), she goes and achieves her best ever career result immediately after switching racquets!

What does it all mean!?!?

Nollid said:
Haha, yeah. Keys (& Shelton & Paul etc.) got me thinking about YY again.
Click to expand...
I've been very happy with the Vcore 95. But not those guys (and gals) have be so curious about the Vcore 98 and the Ezone 98!

SupahMan5000 said:
Are shaped polys more durable?
Click to expand...
Have you tried Solinco Revolution yet (the blue one). It's shaped, but not in an exaggerated way like some others, and I think the durability is EXCELLENT.

For me it gave me good performance in the Vcore 95, but most importantly a ton of feel, which I had been missing with other polys.

I wanted to keep it a secret, to keep it cheap, but I never see or hear about anyone using it, and now I'm scared it will be taken out of production. So everyone get on the train!

Soundbyte said:
I think 20 mins for a string job is great speed, not factoring in the removal of strings.
Click to expand...
Ha, I'm happy if I can string my crosses in just 20 minutes. Granted, I'm using a drop-weight machine, but anything under 70-80 minutes is good for me.

The last few crosses in particular, with full poly, are a bear for me to thread.
 
robyrolfo said:
Have you tried Solinco Revolution yet (the blue one). It's shaped, but not in an exaggerated way like some others, and I think the durability is EXCELLENT.

For me it gave me good performance in the Vcore 95, but most importantly a ton of feel, which I had been missing with other polys.

I wanted to keep it a secret, to keep it cheap, but I never see or hear about anyone using it, and now I'm scared it will be taken out of production. So everyone get on the train!
Click to expand...
Revolution is a hidden gem, my old coach at Princeton U used to use it. I also had some packs on our wall and it has sold out quite fast

i need to revisit it in this frame for sure
 
Notes from a visit to a pro shop and some illicit fondling:

- lots of excellent new paintjobs, although wow, I’m only just realizing I never went over to see the new Gravity, surely the sweetest. But the Tecnifibre 305 gloss gives it a nicer look in hand than on screen (still quite ‘meh’ on white racquets though), PD and Ezones look really great in their new blues.
- aside from a stringjob, main reason I wanted to go was to get some swingweight measurements to compare to the Briffidi. When I arrived they said their swingweight machine is broken.
- the second Marin has arrived and today was given his welcome gift: a gut/poly stringjob.
- I left also with some new grips, overgrips, a pair of shoes, but something kept nagging at me for the rest of the day. Something else I knew I was meant to get. And then finally, I remembered:
- balls.
 
JGads said:
Notes from a visit to a pro shop and some illicit fondling:

- lots of excellent new paintjobs, although wow, I’m only just realizing I never went over to see the new Gravity, surely the sweetest. But the Tecnifibre 305 gloss gives it a nicer look in hand than on screen (still quite ‘meh’ on white racquets though), PD and Ezones look really great in their new blues.
- aside from a stringjob, main reason I wanted to go was to get some swingweight measurements to compare to the Briffidi. When I arrived they said their swingweight machine is broken.
- the second Marin has arrived and today was given his welcome gift: a gut/poly stringjob.
- I left also with some new grips, overgrips, a pair of shoes, but something kept nagging at me for the rest of the day. Something else I knew I was meant to get. And then finally, I remembered:
- balls.
Click to expand...
My balls are British, Dunlop Fort clay and also expensive...They last long though.
 
JGads said:
Notes from a visit to a pro shop and some illicit fondling:

- lots of excellent new paintjobs, although wow, I’m only just realizing I never went over to see the new Gravity, surely the sweetest. But the Tecnifibre 305 gloss gives it a nicer look in hand than on screen (still quite ‘meh’ on white racquets though), PD and Ezones look really great in their new blues.
- aside from a stringjob, main reason I wanted to go was to get some swingweight measurements to compare to the Briffidi. When I arrived they said their swingweight machine is broken.
- the second Marin has arrived and today was given his welcome gift: a gut/poly stringjob.
- I left also with some new grips, overgrips, a pair of shoes, but something kept nagging at me for the rest of the day. Something else I knew I was meant to get. And then finally, I remembered:
- balls.
Click to expand...

Dude the gravity 25 paint is so sexy in person. An instant classic

& retweet on white sticks. I had my strikes painted I hated the all white so much lol
 
Rabbit said:
I would like to thank the group for the positive karma sent my way. I have detailed my latest fall from grace and after buying 5 different models in 3 freakin' months, I've arrived at an end. Right back where I started. o_O I purchased a couple of the new EZone 100's last week. After playing and adjusting to the RF01 Future with a bit of lead added, these things feel like I'm swinging barbells. But, weight of shot has returned. I decided to aid my repatriation by putting leather grips on both of them. I think I've at least stopped the Jonesing for the present.
Click to expand...
Just demo'd the 2025 EZ100 and really enjoyed it; liked it more than the previous version so a purchase is likely to happen soon. What string setup did you put in it?
 
Vicious49 said:
@ACT I watched your 305S review again. You mentioned towards the beginning of the vid that you tried 3 different weight setups on this frame but you never said which one was your preferred setup. The reason I ask is because I'm thinking of adding a bit of weight to it. I figured if you've already tried it, it will save me some time experimenting.
Click to expand...
Think it was just leather and few grams at 12 to bring it to around 336 32.1cm ~330 sw
 
Haven't heard any good responses from my fleabay messages but the search continues. That said I stumbled across a good offer for an RF 01 that has me tempted as a fun project to play around with. What were people’s thoughts on that frame with some weight added to it? Worthwhile project or not worth the effort and money?

In other news I’ll probably be able to test the new speed mp on the weekend for a few minutes while being a hitting partner for a junior and hope to be able to rule that one out quickly. Yeah I have the holic bug again there’s no doubt lol
 
the place I coach at is a Wilson club so I might be required to take a Wilson contract and many of us aren’t 100% happy with that but it is what it is

None of the Wilson frames really make sense for me considering what I’ve decided is best for my game. PS97 too heavy in stock form, maybe a tad underpowered, blade 98 I’ve never gotten along with a blade for whatever reason but I guess it’s the closest thing to what I should like
 
SupahMan5000 said:
the place I coach at is a Wilson club so I might be required to take a Wilson contract and many of us aren’t 100% happy with that but it is what it is

None of the Wilson frames really make sense for me considering what I’ve decided is best for my game. PS97 too heavy in stock form, maybe a tad underpowered, blade 98 I’ve never gotten along with a blade for whatever reason but I guess it’s the closest thing to what I should like
Click to expand...
Man it's been a long time since I connected with a Wilson frame. I try to love the PS97 every time the new gen comes out and thought the PSX would be one that would work for me, but just never can get along with them. Every Blade I've tried to play feels like I can barely get the ball to clear the net
 
SupahMan5000 said:
the place I coach at is a Wilson club so I might be required to take a Wilson contract and many of us aren’t 100% happy with that but it is what it is

None of the Wilson frames really make sense for me considering what I’ve decided is best for my game. PS97 too heavy in stock form, maybe a tad underpowered, blade 98 I’ve never gotten along with a blade for whatever reason but I guess it’s the closest thing to what I should like
Click to expand...
Perhaps I misunderstood in a post you made a week or two ago but didn't you just become Head sponsored?
 
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