Diary of a Racketaholic

[gino]

Duality of man, this is by far my favorite radical PJ of all time

But to be fair if you saw my clothing closet you would understand

Agreed !! It’s quintessential radical cosmetic. The bright hue of orange / just the general vibe. Could for sure see AA wielding one of these PJs. Curious what you think of them, keep us looped cheers mate

 

[naturalexponent]

Can't stop staring at this. Love it.

Oh boy here we go…

 

[SupahMan5000]

Might as well add the context to my love for the new paintjobs

 

[naturalexponent]

Might as well add the context to my love for the new paintjobs

look at all that element! that orange tour team bag is my fave head bag design in the last few years.

 

[SupahMan5000]

look at all that element! that orange tour team bag is my fave head bag design in the last few years.

Jan 15 I had 35 sets. I am down to 16 haha. I thought I would make it to May with the Element but I’m pretty much out first week of march

I think Head saw how Wilson was being recognized by their bright red bags and responded. Great response

 

[FrankyRelax]

I saw the new radical PJ live this weekend at the Dallas Open. Pictures don't do it justice. Quite beautiful

 

[jimdontcare]

Might as well add the context to my love for the new paintjobs

I have so much respect for this

 

[Vicious49]

That's a really good point. I think perhaps the easiest way around it is to use one or more fields for Location, and then suggest the most reasonable stance on whoever pays shipping, given the circumstance. Beyond that, if this grows large enough, perhaps even having separate sheets if there are enough racquets localized to whatever region. Starting out, though, I think one or two fields and letting people figure it out on their own aught to be enough.

And my apologies for the text walls – I should have pushed for less verbosity. (noted for future AI text "dumps") In the meantime, I've hidden both behind Spoiler tags, as less of disruption to the thread.

It's a good idea but I would keep it domestic as no one wants to deal with international shipping (unless someone international wants to implement a 2nd one for those users) and I would limit it to established and active users. None of this someone new and random popping up who has no history and nothing to lose if they or the frame disappears.

 

[Vicious49]

Might as well add the context to my love for the new paintjobs

I'm a big fan of orange too but this PJ is too much orange. You need something to break up that sea of orange - even if it was just some lines. I actually really liked the last one with the navy blue contrasting with the orange.

 

[Trip]

It's a good idea but I would keep it domestic as no one wants to deal with international shipping (unless someone international wants to implement a 2nd one for those users)

Yeah, I agree. Maybe start with North America only, then if we get enough interest from those in EMEA and/or APAC, we can launch separate demo/loaner circulation for those regions.

and I would limit it to established and active users. None of this someone new and random popping up who has no history and nothing to lose if they or the frame disappears.

I also agree. You've got to have at least some level of previously-established forum presence, perhaps also at least one or more positive Classifieds referrals under your belt, before being approved to participate.

On the flip side, I think it needs to be made crystal clear that by donating, you accept the likelihood that the frame(s) probably won't be coming back to you in the shape that it/they left in, and worst-case scenario, there may very well be some amount of full loss that occurs, as much as we never want to see that happen. In that sense, one needs to think about this more as a donation than a loan. You only give what you are perfectly willing and prepared to lose, with zero compensation, if that's what it ultimately comes to. Granted, those instances should never occur, but we all know stuff happens. We just never want it getting out of hand. On that note, I'd be just as inclined to hold off on this whole idea, if we foresee too many downsides in the long run.

 

[KC!]

It's a throwback to the red n' glossy Prestige 360+ + keeping up with the AUX 2.0 cosmetics scheme. At least in my eyes.

That’s exactly what came to my mind. I loved the Head Graphene 360 + Prestige, that was one of my favorite paint jobs!

 

[hdjs94]

Might as well add the context to my love for the new paintjobs

My mans decked with that arcteryx and supreme tennis balls.

 

[SupahMan5000]

My mans decked with that arcteryx and supreme tennis balls.

Unrelated to tennis I get a nice deal haha and the supreme balls released when I was a freshman in college in the city. Naturally had to get it

 

[Trip]

My mans decked with that arcteryx and supreme tennis balls.

@SupahMan5000 - Massive props for having dedicated shelf space in your closet to just lay out and admire bare string coils. Huge flex. Making me rethink my wardrobe...

 

[JGads]

Oh boy here we go…

It’s just the grip that makes it crazy. Replace with white grips/og, as the Pros are doing, and this paintjob looks great on court.

 

[SupahMan5000]

@SupahMan5000 - Massive props for having dedicated shelf space in your closet to just lay out and admire bare string coils. Huge flex. Making me rethink my wardrobe...

It’s like meal prep haha I just grab a set clip the zip tie hang it on the throat and throw my rackets in the queue

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Sorry random question - any recommendations for replacement grips to add a little thickness to the grip size? I feel like I'm between L2 and L3, and the L2s I'm trying (yonex) could use a replacement grip to make it a little thicker (could add two overgrips, but I miss the bevels a bit)

 

[EggSalad]

Sorry random question - any recommendations for replacement grips to add a little thickness to the grip size? I feel like I'm between L2 and L3, and the L2s I'm trying (yonex) could use a replacement grip to make it a little thicker (could add two overgrips, but I miss the bevels a bit)

I absolutely love the Head Hydrosorb grips on a yonex & Bab. They are 1.75mm and will give you a little more girth.

The gamma hitech is another one to consider. That one will add 3-5g more likely and be thicker than the heads.

 

[TwinCinema]

I second EggSalad. I’ve been using Hydrosorb Comfort on my PSVS for several months and it’s nice and thick and cushy.

Edit: these are 2.1mm, so definitely more thickness than Hydrosorb Pro or Tour.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Spamming photos today but champagne lynx tour is such a nice color

 

[Fighting phoenix]

I second EggSalad. I’ve been using Hydrosorb Comfort on my PSVS for several months and it’s nice and thick and cushy.

Edit: these are 2.1mm, so definitely more thickness than Hydrosorb Pro or Tour.

Right I saw that - so I'm guessing the regular Yonex grips are like 1.6mm, Pro and Tour are like 1.75 and 1.80, and comfort is 2.1mm. Thanks guys!!

 

[Trip]

@SupahMan5000 - What model stringing machine do you have?

 

[SupahMan5000]

@SupahMan5000 - What model stringing machine do you have?

At home I use the new X cord. At the club I have an Ergo One but I do most of the work at home

 

[Trip]

That X-Cord looks sick!!!

 

[SupahMan5000]

That X-Cord looks sick!!!

It’s incredible. Of all the machines I’ve used this one is just incredibly smooth. I use a Baiardo at the other club and I’m honestly not the biggest fan. I equate the machines to cars to explain the differences in feel

Ergo One - muscle car. It’s very mechanical and super well machined heavy metal parts coupled with a high grade but robust motor

Baiardo - kinda like a BMW from the 2016-2020 era. A lot of old school functions, clunky but still pure speed and luxury

X-Cord - like a Porsche Taycan. No jutting handles or levers strings can get caught on. Simple touchscreen. Modern, fast, sleek, maybe missing some mechanical charm but looks fantastic

 

[jimdontcare]

Sorry random question - any recommendations for replacement grips to add a little thickness to the grip size? I feel like I'm between L2 and L3, and the L2s I'm trying (yonex) could use a replacement grip to make it a little thicker (could add two overgrips, but I miss the bevels a bit)

I absolutely love the Head Hydrosorb grips on a yonex & Bab. They are 1.75mm and will give you a little more girth.

The gamma hitech is another one to consider. That one will add 3-5g more likely and be thicker than the heads.

I second EggSalad. I’ve been using Hydrosorb Comfort on my PSVS for several months and it’s nice and thick and cushy.

Edit: these are 2.1mm, so definitely more thickness than Hydrosorb Pro or Tour.

Thirding Head Hydrosorb. I used Hydrosorb Pro to increase the size on my Princes, which run quite small imo.

 

[KC!]

Random string question. I’ve been using mainly Toroline strings like Super Toro, Toro Toro & O Toro. I have some Restring Sync I’ve been meaning to try. Any thoughts on it & how comfortable is it?

 

[JOSHL]

Might as well add the context to my love for the new paintjobs

Has @HypnoticLasagna seen this???

 

[HypnoticLasagna]

Has @HypnoticLasagna seen this???

Indeed. Wondering if @SupahMan5000 broke into my house now...

 

[hdjs94]

Spamming photos today but champagne lynx tour is such a nice color

Looks amazing

 

[Soundbyte]

Random string question. I’ve been using mainly Toroline strings like Super Toro, Toro Toro & O Toro. I have some Restring Sync I’ve been meaning to try. Any thoughts on it & how comfortable is it?

Never used Toroline. Sync is fine as a cross. It's soft and notches easily if you use as a full bed. No comfort issues.

I still prefer Ghostwire to it, but Sync, Ghostwire, and other soft polys work well only for crosses IMO

 

[gsinko1]

Random string question. I’ve been using mainly Toroline strings like Super Toro, Toro Toro & O Toro. I have some Restring Sync I’ve been meaning to try. Any thoughts on it & how comfortable is it?

I've experimented with the 18g (1.20) Sync quite a bit. My go to is Tour Bite 1.20, but I would happily switch to Sync if I had to. Even though it's round, I didn't feel like I lost any spin potential. I can't speak much for comfort because TB 1.20 has never given me issues either, but I thoroughly enjoy the feel of both. Very crisp and defined feel that I'm looking for. I've yet to try a Toroline string that I enjoyed as much as Sync, but I bet it would be closest to super toro. I did a TB main/Sync cross hybrid once and want to try that again but I'm out of sync for the time being. If I can catch a reel on a decent sale, I'll definitely grab one to experiment with more hybrid set ups as well

Edit: My favorite set up was lux nat gut 1.25 x Sync 1.20 in my TGT293.1. Echoing soundbyte, I think Sync works super well as a cross with basically anything because it's so slick and holds tension very well

 

[gsinko1]

Speaking of strings, put Lynx Tour 1.25 courtesy of @SupahMan5000's care package in my GPro. First time I've tried lynx tour and I'm a fan. Really nice feel and snapback considering I'm coming from almost exclusively 1.20 strings as long as I can remember. Did notice a little loss of pop but once I got used to the power level, I felt like I couldn't hit a ball long if I tried. Definitely interested in trying the 1.20 lynx tour now. Wish the 1.20 came in the champagne color too because it does look phenomenal

 

[heavyD]

Is there a review embargo for the new Radicals? Seems like a pretty low key rollout.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Is there a review embargo for the new Radicals? Seems like a pretty low key rollout.

It isn’t out yet im pretty sure. They send demos to vendors a month early typically so in the next 2-3 weeks it’ll start to be more talked about

 

[KC!]

Is there a review embargo for the new Radicals? Seems like a pretty low key rollout.

I think they can put out review around Indian Wells in March. A lot of you tubers have did like 1 minute teaser just showing the racquet in a quick video.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Speaking of strings, put Lynx Tour 1.25 courtesy of @SupahMan5000's care package in my GPro. First time I've tried lynx tour and I'm a fan. Really nice feel and snapback considering I'm coming from almost exclusively 1.20 strings as long as I can remember. Did notice a little loss of pop but once I got used to the power level, I felt like I couldn't hit a ball long if I tried. Definitely interested in trying the 1.20 lynx tour now. Wish the 1.20 came in the champagne color too because it does look phenomenal

If I remember correctly the measurements for Lynx tour is off. 1.25 is measured wider for shaped poly so it’s really like a 1.20

 

[gsinko1]

If I remember correctly the measurements for Lynx tour is off. 1.25 is measured wider for shaped poly so it’s really like a 1.20

I wonder if TB is measured the same way where 1.20 is closer to a 1.15, because the lynx added 2 grams and ~5 SW points based on my Briffidi

 

[Fighting phoenix]

If I remember correctly the measurements for Lynx tour is off. 1.25 is measured wider for shaped poly so it’s really like a 1.20

Actually opposite - 1.25 is more like a 1.30 w/r to LT (you'll see it's heavier / increases sw by ~2pts) - might be why I don't like it in a denser string bed like Ezone 98, but great in more open string patterns.

 

[EggSalad]

Right I saw that - so I'm guessing the regular Yonex grips are like 1.6mm, Pro and Tour are like 1.75 and 1.80, and comfort is 2.1mm. Thanks guys!!

I think the yonex are 1.5 or thinner. The Hydrosorb Pro is the one I like. It’s the stock grip for head racquets. In addition to adding a little more girth, I just really Like how those grips feel in the hand.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Actually opposite - 1.25 is more like a 1.30 w/r to LT (you'll see it's heavier / increases sw by ~2pts) - might be why I don't like it in a denser string bed like Ezone 98, but great in more open string patterns.

Ok yeah I read something about the Lynx tour being measured differently , I guess I remembered the other way haha

 

[hdjs94]

I wonder if TB is measured the same way where 1.20 is closer to a 1.15, because the lynx added 2 grams and ~5 SW points based on my Briffidi

What are your thoughts on TB vs lynx tour? In terms of feel, which is less muted/ more connected, power, etc.

 

[gsinko1]

What are your thoughts on TB vs lynx tour? In terms of feel, which is less muted/ more connected, power, etc.

Well the 1.20 TB is definitely more powerful, but that’s to be expected vs the 1.25 lynx tour. I think the feel is pretty similar: crisp and direct feel, no mushy-ness or wondering where the ball is on the string bed with either. I feel very connected to the ball with both strings which is mostly what I want out of a string. TB probably has more spin potential but that could be down to the gauge difference as well

 

[Power Player]

Spamming photos today but champagne lynx tour is such a nice color

Goat string right there. It is my go to.

 

[JGads]

I wonder if TB is measured the same way where 1.20 is closer to a 1.15, because the lynx added 2 grams and ~5 SW points based on my Briffidi

Lynx Tour is the chunkiest string I’ve found in terms of SW numbers. For example in a Radical I got to try that was strung with LT 1.25 the SW was 339. With Tour Bite 1.20 it then measured 332.8. Have had similar cliff dives when going from LT to other strings in other frames.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Lynx Tour is the chunkiest string I’ve found in terms of SW numbers. For example in a Radical I got to try that was strung with LT 1.25 the SW was 339. With Tour Bite 1.20 it then measured 332.8. Have had similar cliff dives when going from LT to other strings in other frames.

Yeah for sure - the other one that comes to mind is surprisingly Toroline Wasabi - also fairly heavy compared to other strings at the same gauge.

 

[BPlain]

Decided to be proactive around my GE flare up and submitted demo order for new Black Ace Pro & Ki5. Also put a gut/multi hybrid in one of my PSVSs and broke out an old 2023 modified Gravity MP with gut/multi hybrid to play test tonight. Because being healthy trumps not playing at all with my ideal frame (he says as a reminder to himself...)

 

[gsinko1]

Yeah for sure - the other one that comes to mind is surprisingly Toroline Wasabi - also fairly heavy compared to other strings at the same gauge.

I noticed a big jump in SW when I tried K-Pro as well. Loved the feel but it was such a difference in SW it effected my serve and forehand significantly

 

[Bisquick]

Has any holic come across the FB posts for Stein recently- he’s unloading some serious gear. Not sure if I can share the link

 

[SupahMan5000]

In a sudden turn of events I think I’ll be channeling my Italian hunk side and give Signum Pro Firestorm a good go

Maybe even cross it with Element