Diary of a Racketaholic

JGads said:
The GRX is an overcooked steak. At a shop last week the sales person was telling me they aren’t selling, and from those who did they are getting complaints. I’m going to try the Court FFs again and if they don’t work, I’m going Diadora, more Ad Accel (surprisingly nice speed shoe), or will snag whatever last GR9s I can, even if they have the word “Boss” on them (these seem to be the ones left).
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I mean I love the GRX if you’re hard on your shoes or slide a lot they are so much tougher. Usually my uppers get worn far ahead in advance of my outsiles
 
SupahMan5000 said:
I mean I love the GRX if you’re hard on your shoes or slide a lot they are so much tougher. Usually my uppers get worn far ahead in advance of my outsiles
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Yeah I’m not a HC slider except for out of my shots on hard stops on occasion. Nothing that requires that upper lace protection. My main issue with that higher medial side, in addition to aesthetic and feel, is that that higher upper somehow made the lockdown worse, not better. No matter what I tried with the fancy lacing system.
 
To me the new Rad MP isn't a bad racquet. The problem with it is it's average/good at everything. It doesn't stand out in anyway. It also doesn't have any major weaknesses except maybe the feel. So it's not a bad choice if you're just picking up your first nice frame and aren't sure what to get. But as Beckett said, depending on what you're looking for, there is a racquet that would be a better choice.
 
JGads said:
You went GR9 to Speeds? Not too narrow?
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I wear the same size in Speed 2/3 and the GR9. For reference, on my cycling shoes I'm essentially a 10.25 wide, wear 10.5 with the Asics tennis shoes without much problem. GR9 gives me some bad pinky toe rub on my right foot though.

I like the solution speeds a lot and have had a few pairs. Plenty durable for me despite being a speed/all court shoe.
 
Soundbyte said:
Another 2 hours with Ezone 98. I might just stick with it. It's given me extra put away power and opening up my down the line forehand. Won 6-1 6-1 (then lost 1-6 in the 3rd set). Playing it stock, no mods just overgrips.

Might end up switching...
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What’s the status now? Any favorite string setups?
 
fundrazer said:
I wear the same size in Speed 2/3 and the GR9. For reference, on my cycling shoes I'm essentially a 10.25 wide, wear 10.5 with the Asics tennis shoes without much problem. GR9 gives me some bad pinky toe rub on my right foot though.

I like the solution speeds a lot and have had a few pairs. Plenty durable for me despite being a speed/all court shoe.
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Cycling shoes? That reminds me . . . I'm up to 5 bikes at the moment. I believe it was @taylor15 who also bikes some. A bike update from me:

- I started with a Priority single speed belt drive
- Then got an All City Space Horse - This is the bike I was riding when someone intentionally wrecked me. It also made me love steel even more as it barely got 1 scratch on it. The steel on this one is a bit heavier but it was still a agile bike (maybe due to the 650b wheels) that was fun to ride. I added a rack on the back of it and that's what I use to pick my daughter up from school. She hops on the rack sideways for the 1/4 mile ride back home inside our neighborhood. This made it lose some of it's nimbleness that made it fun to ride but it's a short term thing as there's only a few months left in this school year.
- Then I went in to look at an All City Cosmic Stallion. It was so light for a steel bike. It had an electronic shifting kit on it and was kind of expensive. I had no intention of buying it but after riding it, the electronic shifting was so nice that I couldn't resist. This is the one I'll be riding in the MS150.
- Got a Trek Roscoe 8 as I wanted a hard tail for mountain biking. Unfortunately I only used it a few times until my other biking accident. I stayed away from mountain biking as I didn't want to take a small tumble and reopen all those cuts. Haven't had a chance to use it lately.
- Found a used Cosmic Stallion frame at half price on the Bay. I had the local shop build that in to a single speed for me with a 40/17 gear ratio if I recall correctly. You don't really need gears in Houston.
 
This is a draft of a ballot-paper I moved around a couple years ago. If my wish would ever become true and my region was to get annexed to the U S and A, you know what that means, don't you? I'd be eligible to have the chance to get selected for future Tennis Warehouse playtests. (no politica my #ss)

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Vicious49 said:
Cycling shoes? That reminds me . . . I'm up to 5 bikes at the moment. I believe it was @taylor15 who also bikes some. A bike update from me:

- I started with a Priority single speed belt drive
- Then got an All City Space Horse - This is the bike I was riding when someone intentionally wrecked me. It also made me love steel even more as it barely got 1 scratch on it. The steel on this one is a bit heavier but it was still a agile bike (maybe due to the 650b wheels) that was fun to ride. I added a rack on the back of it and that's what I use to pick my daughter up from school. She hops on the rack sideways for the 1/4 mile ride back home inside our neighborhood. This made it lose some of it's nimbleness that made it fun to ride but it's a short term thing as there's only a few months left in this school year.
- Then I went in to look at an All City Cosmic Stallion. It was so light for a steel bike. It had an electronic shifting kit on it and was kind of expensive. I had no intention of buying it but after riding it, the electronic shifting was so nice that I couldn't resist. This is the one I'll be riding in the MS150.
- Got a Trek Roscoe 8 as I wanted a hard tail for mountain biking. Unfortunately I only used it a few times until my other biking accident. I stayed away from mountain biking as I didn't want to take a small tumble and reopen all those cuts. Haven't had a chance to use it lately.
- Found a used Cosmic Stallion frame at half price on the Bay. I had the local shop build that in to a single speed for me with a 40/17 gear ratio if I recall correctly. You don't really need gears in Houston.
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I'm up to 5 bikes. Always n+1. It's hard to find time for biking when it's a tradeoff between biking or hitting.
 
I’m at 2 and good. Giant road bike. Thing feels like a corvette. Love the stiffness of it. And a Salsa gravel bike which is what i ride the most. Hard to go wrong with those. I never really needed more than 2 bikes though.
 
gutfeeling said:
Love the content you have been churning out here and on YT lately. If we were to make the argument that the gravity tour 98 is the closest Head has come recently to the 2000-2010 radicals, where would you put it in that lineup from a feel and playability perspective? Yes, I am more smitten by it as I spend more time with it, which surprised me as I was judging the open 16x19 and meaty spec before even hitting with it.
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Thanks mate, Appreciate it. I haven’t seen much subscriber growth, but I think that’s mainly down to the fact that I’m not marketing it or doing this full-time.

The gravity tour 98 definitely has some elements of these old radicals. Probably moreso than the radical pro. Although the radical beam design is still pretty oval. I’m terms of how it slots in relative to this radicals of old, I think it comes down to the sensation on contact. A nice dispersion of impact force equally across the string bed. Namely the plush yet not overly comfortable response. The GT 98 reminds me more of 2009 youtek 1.0 version of the radical series. That one actually had a different mold that was only used in youtek 1.0 and I think it came in at 100 in. Funny enough, a very similar hitting experience to the GT 98 although the GT 98 has more access to power and spin. I think that youtek radical Pro is probably the closest comp to the GT 98 in terms of playability and feel just based on the mold and the way it’s designed. If We’re talking the sensation of the layup, I would probably say it’s closest to Microgel

tim-ay said:
It’s a jack of all trades, master of none. The last few revs have been similar. I could play with any of the last 3 or 4 versions and be happy (or any older ones if enough available) especially at 27.25. It doesn’t give me the juice (that internal love thing) that frames like the Origin, BP, or six one give me. But that’s because I’m weird. I don’t mind the sweet spot size at all on the Rads- string choice and tension helps- , but I get why they get the reviews they do.
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I personally think that sentiment of Jack of all trades and master of none applies mainly to the MP mold. It’s caught in the middle between being a true tweener and actually being a player stick. I think they got the beam with a little too chunky on that one, but I understand it from the perspective that you need to sell rackets to people who want more power and playability in 2025. Also, I totally understand what you mean about juice or lack thereof in the radical series. At least with this layup there’s some addictive feeling in really crushing a flat ball. I even felt uninspired prior to the graphene run where there was just sort of a lack of inspiration and hitting with the frame. Somewhat similar to what I have felt with modern blades. a very balanced hitting experience, but not one that has me craving a specific sensation


Vicious49 said:
To me the new Rad MP isn't a bad racquet. The problem with it is it's average/good at everything. It doesn't stand out in anyway. It also doesn't have any major weaknesses except maybe the feel. So it's not a bad choice if you're just picking up your first nice frame and aren't sure what to get. But as Beckett said, depending on what you're looking for, there is a racquet that would be a better choice.
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new MP is very different than the pro. Layup feels different and obviously the mold is too. That’s why I only really chose to dive deep on the Pro because to me that’s the one worth talking about
 
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JGads said:
You went GR9 to Speeds? Not too narrow?
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I went from GR9 2E to the regular Speed FF3. Not had any issues with width. The Speed FF3 are so much lighter than the GRX, 122 grams lighter! 11.8 oz vs 16.1oz.
 
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Addxyz said:
I'm up to 5 bikes. Always n+1. It's hard to find time for biking when it's a tradeoff between biking or hitting.
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Tell me about it. I really want a Ritchey frame. I'm thinking a Ritchey Outback but I hate all the current colors. They just released 2 new ones and they are boring as well. Whenever they release a brighter color I plan on grabbing one and moving all the components from my Cosmic Stallion with the SRAM AXS Rival kit over to it. Then I can sell one of my Cosmic Stallion frames. The CS is really nice but I've heard so many good things about Ritchey steel that I need to try it for myself.

Bisquick said:
U could always bike to the courts.
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I do just that when we play at the courts in my neighborhood. Unfortunately Houston is not designed to be pedestrian or bike friendly so I have to take my car when playing anywhere else.

gino said:
new MP is very different than the pro. Layup feels different and obviously the mold is too. That’s why I only really chose to dive deep on the Pro because to me that’s the one worth talking about
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Yeah, it seems I chose poorly. Probably should have gone with the Rad Pro but was a bit scared that it might be a bit much to me. I had the Rad Pro a few gen ago and liked the feel and weight of it but ultimately it was a bit much for me.
 
geniusuguru said:
What’s the status now? Any favorite string setups?
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I've used Sync/Restring and just restrung it up with full bed of Tour Hex yesterday. I need to work in my usual Pure Rush / Ghostwire setup still. So way too early to comment on specific string setups.

Althought yesterday I had the weirdest thing happen with my Ezone. The base grip slipped up on the molded pallet/handle, taking my overgrip with it. It was only about 0.5", but I've never encountered that in my 20+ years of tennis.
Occasionally an overgrip will slip on a leather grip, but never the base grip+OG on the handle. I re-wrapped the grip, but there was minimal adhesive on the original grip compared to other brands. Just an observation.
 
Power Player said:
I’m at 2 and good. Giant road bike. Thing feels like a corvette. Love the stiffness of it. And a Salsa gravel bike which is what i ride the most. Hard to go wrong with those. I never really needed more than 2 bikes though.
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I was at 4, just got rid of my 24” Bmx cruiser which hurt cause that was a fun pump track bike.
Besides that have;
- Masi single speed for light commuting around the neighborhood.
- hard tail mountain bike.
- Giant TCR - early iteration of this bike. Mine is the TCR2. It’s wall art for me - hanging over the couch in the living room instead of some paint by numbers landscape ;)
 
gino said:
Thanks mate, Appreciate it. I haven’t seen much subscriber growth, but I think that’s mainly down to the fact that I’m not marketing it or doing this full-time.

The gravity tour 98 definitely has some elements of these old radicals. Probably moreso than the radical pro. Although the radical beam design is still pretty oval. I’m terms of how it slots in relative to this radicals of old, I think it comes down to the sensation on contact. A nice dispersion of impact force equally across the string bed. Namely the plush yet not overly comfortable response. The GT 98 reminds me more of 2009 youtek 1.0 version of the radical series. That one actually had a different mold that was only used in youtek 1.0 and I think it came in at 100 in. Funny enough, a very similar hitting experience to the GT 98 although the GT 98 has more access to power and spin. I think that youtek radical Pro is probably the closest comp to the GT 98 in terms of playability and feel just based on the mold and the way it’s designed. If We’re talking the sensation of the layup, I would probably say it’s closest to Microgel



I personally think that sentiment of Jack of all trades and master of none applies mainly to the MP mold. It’s caught in the middle between being a true tweener and actually being a player stick. I think they got the beam with a little too chunky on that one, but I understand it from the perspective that you need to sell rackets to people who want more power and playability in 2025. Also, I totally understand what you mean about juice or lack thereof in the radical series. At least with this layup there’s some addictive feeling in really crushing a flat ball. I even felt uninspired prior to the graphene run where there was just sort of a lack of inspiration and hitting with the frame. Somewhat similar to what I have felt with modern blades. a very balanced hitting experience, but not one that has me craving a specific sensation




new MP is very different than the pro. Layup feels different and obviously the mold is too. That’s why I only really chose to dive deep on the Pro because to me that’s the one worth talking about
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You sir are a true racquet sommelier. Sadly I never hit the original youteks. The youtek ig radical pro (true 95 sq in marketed as a 98 I think) had a special place in my heart though. I even decapped mine and added lead at 3&9, just like our boy Berdych.
 
gutfeeling said:
You sir are a true racquet sommelier. Sadly I never hit the original youteks. The youtek ig radical pro (true 95 sq in marketed as a 98 I think) had a special place in my heart though. I even decapped mine and added lead at 3&9, just like our boy Berdych.
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IG Rad pro is/was the mold used by Karlovic and McEnroe IIRC. Always intrigued me but I have never tried it.
 
SupahMan5000 said:
I think ASICS made the mistake of making the GRX more geared for 4.5s and up. They work really well for aggressive movers but all that extra stability and the roomier fit is such a departure from the last few gens that people seem to hate them. I like them a lot when I play in with the 8s but they feel so clunky when I’m walking or half playing with the varsity kids

Also keep in mind if you’re like berretini and wear ankle braces the extra room in GRX is probably very very welcome. I used to wear ankle braces on snug shoes like gr9 and it was very uncomfortable
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I've stockpilled on GR9s, mainly b/c they have the deepest thread (the GRs) on clay. Too afraid to try X yet, do they have more room in the toe box?
 
Addxyz said:
I'm up to 5 bikes. Always n+1. It's hard to find time for biking when it's a tradeoff between biking or hitting.
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Nothing cures bike holicism like blacking out and spending stupid amounts of money on components and regretting your life decisions when you come to your senses. Finally landed on a Felt Breed with a SRAM setup, 42 up front and 10-42 in the back. The solid, machined steel XD/XDR cassettes are a masterpiece. Vittoria Terreno Speed 40s ride so nice on my Zipps too.
 
gutfeeling said:
Nothing cures bike holicism like blacking out and spending stupid amounts of money on components and regretting your life decisions when you come to your senses. Finally landed on a Felt Breed with a SRAM setup, 42 up front and 10-42 in the back. The solid, machined steel XD/XDR cassettes are a masterpiece. Vittoria Terreno Speed 40s ride so nice on my Zipps too.
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Wow am I glad my gluttony on spending only exists in the realm of racquets and strings - I’d be in big marital and fiscal trouble if I got into biking gear
 
gutfeeling said:
Nothing cures bike holicism like blacking out and spending stupid amounts of money on components and regretting your life decisions when you come to your senses. Finally landed on a Felt Breed with a SRAM setup, 42 up front and 10-42 in the back. The solid, machined steel XD/XDR cassettes are a masterpiece. Vittoria Terreno Speed 40s ride so nice on my Zipps too.
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Ha! I haven't gotten in to upgrading components yet and don't foresee myself doing so. Most of those are marginal costs with a ton of marketing behind them.

In all honesty the 3 All City bikes are all I really need. The single speed Cosmic Stallion for most of my city rides, the 2x11 Cosmic Stallion for doing gravel rides or road rides, and the Space Horse as a tank for when I want to just mess around but may want a few gears.

I wish I could leave that Priority single speed at my parents house in VA so I could ride around DC when I visit. Unfortunately my mom was like 'no, we don't have space for you to keep a bike here'. Mainly because my parents are hoarders and have too much of their needless crap in the basement.

The Trek Roscoe 8 is a really nice hardtail but I haven't gone mountain biking as often as I thought I would. And now the buddy who got me in to mountain biking is moving to Vancouver this summer so he can be closer to a place that has better trails.
 
gutfeeling said:
You sir are a true racquet sommelier. Sadly I never hit the original youteks. The youtek ig radical pro (true 95 sq in marketed as a 98 I think) had a special place in my heart though. I even decapped mine and added lead at 3&9, just like our boy Berdych.
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haha I try my best mate, Im not dr325i, but I am admittedly one of his sheep

dude ig rad pro was great. i used that for a while too. I didnt mention in my initial write up, because even though its a 95 marketed as 98, it was more of a departure from the 18x20 95 thing that the 2000-2010 radicals had going for them. Back to ig rad pro, I felt the layup was super buttery. I actually left the caps on because I thought they looked cool translucent. that one in many ways (16x19 pattern, beam width - ironically the new pro is thinner at 21.5mm VS 22mm in the ig rad pro, mid 60s RA, nature of the flex) is very similar to the 2025 radical pro. if you love that stick, i think youd really like the new rad pro. Both have that access to spin that isnt typical for a radical, whilst still playing like a radical (flexy, soft-ish, and decent pop).

Seth said:
IG Rad pro is/was the mold used by Karlovic and McEnroe IIRC. Always intrigued me but I have never tried it.
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such a fun stick dude. maybe a good idea for the next traveling radical
 
Vicious49 said:
Ha! I haven't gotten in to upgrading components yet and don't foresee myself doing so. Most of those are marginal costs with a ton of marketing behind them.

In all honesty the 3 All City bikes are all I really need. The single speed Cosmic Stallion for most of my city rides, the 2x11 Cosmic Stallion for doing gravel rides or road rides, and the Space Horse as a tank for when I want to just mess around but may want a few gears.

I wish I could leave that Priority single speed at my parents house in VA so I could ride around DC when I visit. Unfortunately my mom was like 'no, we don't have space for you to keep a bike here'. Mainly because my parents are hoarders and have too much of their needless crap in the basement.

The Trek Roscoe 8 is a really nice hardtail but I haven't gone mountain biking as often as I thought I would. And now the buddy who got me in to mountain biking is moving to Vancouver this summer so he can be closer to a place that has better trails.
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I’ve got a ridiculously setup all city for going to the post office

Paul and White Industries for all the small bits


UEZfS6c.jpg
 
gino said:
haha I try my best mate, Im not dr325i, but I am admittedly one of his sheep

dude ig rad pro was great. i used that for a while too. I didnt mention in my initial write up, because even though its a 95 marketed as 98, it was more of a departure from the 18x20 95 thing that the 2000-2010 radicals had going for them. Back to ig rad pro, I felt the layup was super buttery. I actually left the caps on because I thought they looked cool translucent. that one in many ways (16x19 pattern, beam width - ironically the new pro is thinner at 21.5mm VS 22mm in the ig rad pro, mid 60s RA, nature of the flex) is very similar to the 2025 radical pro. if you love that stick, i think youd really like the new rad pro. Both have that access to spin that isnt typical for a radical, whilst still playing like a radical (flexy, soft-ish, and decent pop).



such a fun stick dude. maybe a good idea for the next traveling radical
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This is not helping my self control with a nearly mint Youtek IG Rad Pro available nearby. Liked the MP because it felt super fast through the air, but I need more spin than what it offered
 
SackFeral said:
This is not helping my self control with a nearly mint Youtek IG Rad Pro available nearby. Liked the MP because it felt super fast through the air, but I need more spin than what it offered
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It's definitely more spin friendly than the MP counter part, I really liked that stick but ultimately wanted a bit more feel so I went to the Speed IG 300 which had a thinner beam and a bit more spin. I believe both rad mp and pro for youtek IG are the same mold as the youtek mp, great mold (TGK260). They basically just did away with the 100 (which was probably a true 98) and gave that pattern to the TGK260 mold
 
gino said:
Thanks for the support and noticing the attempt to prop up some of these older radicals. My appreciation for radicals runs deep. Probably only outmatched by love for the pro staff and prestige. I’m still intending to review the i.rad mp, lm rad mp, Microgel rad mp, and the youtek rad mp. My favorite retail radicals are both the Microgel and youtek. I’d probably give the nod to the youtek because I liked the layup so much

Happy to lend my thoughts relative to those pre-2010 95 in radicals. It’s not totally an apple to apples comparison with the 2025 pro, but there are for sure some common threads. I’ll stick to ti.rad and later as I think those earlier ones resemble pro tours / prestiges more than anything

ti.rad mp - always found it to be the harshest layup of the 2000-2010 rads. May have something to do with the way the cosmetics melded into the frame due to the twin tube construction. The mold is the first oval radical beam design. In direct comp with the 2025 pro - this one is lighter, more brittle feeling, and generally much lowered powered.

i.rad mp - improved layup from the ti.rad in my opinion. This one was more plush than the ti.rad - I actually find that this layup is the most plush other than youtek for pre-2010 radicals. To me, the i.rad is the quintessential radical, it flexes in alll the right places and isn’t harsh at all. If anything, it just feels like they evolved the layup to be more premium and comfortable. Similar to the comp with the ti.rad - this one is obviously lowered powered and less stable than its infant 2025 radical pro counterpart.

LM rad mp - more of a return to that crisper/stiffer layup of the ti.rad. I felt the tour was more plush just bc of added weight, but in general these were a little more brittle feeling then the I.radicals that proceeded it. Enjoyed the way these flexed, almost a more pronounced point of flexion in the lower yoke than any of the oval radicals that preceded it. More of the same here in comparison with the 2025 pro (less power, spin, stability), although I think the 2025 pro has that low yoke flex thing I love about the LM rad

FXP Rad MP - this one went back to that plush vibe of the i.radical mp in my opinion. Although oddly enough it felt very rigid in the throat section, despite feeling flexy in the middle to upper hoop. I think the soft middle hoop response is actually something in common with the 25 rad pro

Microgel Rad MP - a touch softer than its predecessor with some really sweet dispersion of impact force felt in the layup. I always loved the way this stick felt redirecting a heavy incoming ball from my opponent. Of all the 95” rad MPs 2000-2010, this is by far the most stable. Feels like based on weight distribution it’s got a lot of weight in the mid hoop, which really seems to help with torsional stability

Youtek Rad mp - finally to our main course, my favorite radical personally. This one is super plush, has that snappy lower yoke flex thing, and so quick through the air. Something about the string spacing on this guy made it easy to generate spin and I always felt like Youtek sticks (prestige and speeds namely) pocketed groundies so well. in direct comparison with the 25 pro - similar plush muted feel, similar throat flex, and similar degree of spin

Had to include this pic of me wielding a youtek rad from my junior days lol

CvAcT36.jpeg


To distill it down to some TLDR thoughts: the radical line was a natural evolution of the prestige - none typified that natural evolution better than the 2000-2010 radical MPs. They all pushed towards making a players stick slightly more powerful, spin friendly, and forgiving. All without compromising that classic head feel. Head lost their way on the radical line from 2012-2018 in my opinion, injecting too much power and stiffness into the line. Confusion resulted for many who coveted the radicals of old, as it felt like head had abandoned the basic philosophy of providing a flexy, plush, controlled, and more forgiving players stick. Graphene 360 was the first time I felt a return to radical design philosophy. I do agree graphene 360/360+ were still on the brittle side, aux 1.0 was a step in the right direction, and now with the 2025 pro I think they’ve really found a way to reign in the stiffness to still feel like a classic radical in a modern mold. It’s not as buttery as a prestige or gravity, but it’s in that ballpark. Way more plush and comfy than a speed, boom, or extreme imho. i think this one will be a hit for those who put a premium on comfort control and stability. Not a ton of power or spin, but radicals were never supposed to provide that. If Novak ever did change his stick, this feels like such a logical candidate

Also, just got off the court with the rebel 95. What a uniquely awesome stick. Aerodynamic as anything but actually pretty plush for its beam thickness. Might have to track down a few more… for sure a modern classic !
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thank you for the extended insights on what made each Radical MP unique and interesting. I have a soft spot for Microgel MP and Ti. MP. I just got lucky at a Goodwill here in Hawai‘i and made Ti. MP my "new" racquet. no doubt Youtek and Youtek IG have a specific and notable place in Radical MP lore as they are still popular on tour.

the initial disappointment and annoyance I felt in how racquet and string technologies have evolved during my hiatus has softened into skepticism and now curiosity, due in no small part to this thread and your channel and generosity on these forums. provided I finish this dissertation and it doesn't finish me in the process, I'm excited to be able to test new racquets at length
 
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oldmanyellingatcloud said:
thank you for the extended insights on what made each Radical MP unique and interesting. I have a soft spot for Microgel MP and Ti. MP. I just got lucky at a Goodwill here in Hawai‘i and made Ti. MP my "new" racquet. no doubt Youtek and Youtek IG have a specific and notable place in Radical MP lore as they are still popular on tour.

the initial disappointment and annoyance I felt in how racquet and string technologies have evolved during my hiatus has softened into skepticism and now curiosity, due in no small part to this thread and your channel and generosity on these forums. provided I finish this dissertation and it doesn't finish me in the process, I'm excited to be able to test new racquets at length
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happy to share some insights man and appreciate that you/others perceive some value in my opinion. Sidebar, I think ti.Rad is my favorite cosmetic. It's really timeless and elegant, just enough orange to call it a radical from afar. Great goodwill snag!

I align with you skepticism and curiosity on the notion that racquet tech has "evolved" - the nBlade 98 from 19-20 years ago is essentially the same thing as a blade v9 18x20, albeit with different string spacing and layup. there's a prevailing sentiment out there that more power = better. I'd push back on that and use some poignant examples (I love to call out the AO 1997 final between Moya and Sampras as a use case) to demonstrate that more controlled racquets can still work against power bot frames like Aeros, Drives, Ezones, etc - it just depends on what brings out the best tennis in you personally

best of luck with your dissertation and hope you find some solace in engaging us here/going out for a hit when you can. cheers and happy hitting
 
Power Player said:
I’m at 2 and good. Giant road bike. Thing feels like a corvette. Love the stiffness of it. And a Salsa gravel bike which is what i ride the most. Hard to go wrong with those. I never really needed more than 2 bikes though.
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If you were mountain biking, you’d need a few more. I’ll never get rid of my XC bikes but you gotta have a trail bike too.

N+1 here more than frames.

Bikes are the perfect blend of art, engineering, and the pain train.
 
gino said:
It's definitely more spin friendly than the MP counter part, I really liked that stick but ultimately wanted a bit more feel so I went to the Speed IG 300 which had a thinner beam and a bit more spin. I believe both rad mp and pro for youtek IG are the same mold as the youtek mp, great mold (TGK260). They basically just did away with the 100 (which was probably a true 98) and gave that pattern to the TGK260 mold
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Well I got it. Came with leather and new restring strings in my grip size, how could I say no.

Tried the 16x19 youtek speed (that was turned into the gravity) not long ago and the feel was terrible!
 
Znak said:
Had a casual hit with a buddy tonight, the EP and my usual Blade were out of the bag. This might have been a slow burn but tonight the honeymoon phase really kicked in with the EP. I don't think I've hit that well in months. I realized on the backhand I needed to slow it down a bit just because it whips through so much faster. I've been holding off measuring any specs on this racquet but it could use something around 3/9 or 10/2, but even in stock this racquet works great. Needless to say this is getting the true test on Thursday for a ladder match. Passing that test I'm copping two of these puppies.
Click to expand...
F*ck looks like I'm going to have to buy this thing aren't I? I just played some of my cleanest tennis including 4 aces (which I never do) and won the match. I could swing out without the usual hesitation I tend to have with my Blade in tight moments, giving me the confidence I'm looking for in my game right now; combined with the needed manoeuvrability, this was an unexpected find — very surprised and impressed.

I decided to spec it out pre-match to see what was up, because prior I was finding I couldn't serve well with it and turns out was underspec. I did a very crude job with some leftover lead tape, 4 grams at 12 and 3 in the trap door.

BeforeAfter
W: 322.95gW: 330g
B: 31.7cmB: 31.7cm
SW: 312SW: 325

It didn't have the same manoeuvrability as I found without the tape, but the serve felt much better, more in my wheelhouse. So maybe it's just a balance of moving that tape down, not sure. Either way, this thing has left a mark on me, wallet will be shedding a tear, looks like it'll be an extreme pro summer!
 
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SupahMan5000 said:
I’ve got a ridiculously setup all city for going to the post office

Paul and White Industries for all the small bits


UEZfS6c.jpg
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Nice! Which All City is that? I like a little rise and sweep in my bars so I'm a little more relaxed when I'm riding. Aren't you in NYC though? Do they let you take the bike in to the PO? That's too nice a bike to leave outside and risk getting stolen.
 
Played some doubles tonight. Started with the LM Rad MP and ended with the current Rad MP. They are 2 totally different frames with nothing in common besides having an orange PJ.

The new Rad MP has some redeeming qualities. Slices are very nice. And I was able to hit some really nice angles with my FH. It's not great at anything but is a fun and easy frame to play with. I've added a leather grip and 1g each at 10 and 2 on mine. SW is currently around 323.
 
SackFeral said:
Well I got it. Came with leather and new restring strings in my grip size, how could I say no.

Tried the 16x19 youtek speed (that was turned into the gravity) not long ago and the feel was terrible!
Click to expand...

Hahaha preloaded leather grip on a discount retro stick is my love language

Report back on how you like it. I think you’ll get along great with it
 
Richard Pioline said:
The VCore 98 (Tour) is an amazingly addictive racquet for me, too. I just always wanna hit it. Super nice pocketing feel for me. Exactly the right portion of crisp and softness for me.
For me it is not really a power racquet by any means, much more in the control category. When I am not overly pushed, I have the feeling I cannot miss with it. Kick serves work well, but flat serves are also surprisingly nice.

When just hitting, the EZ Tour is nice and I feel confident with it, but in point and match play it is too "clicky" for my taste. I need a moment longer for the ball to stay on my strings that I feel like I get with the Shaman.

I don't feel like I get the same penetration that I get with the FC, but the maneauverability makes up for it.

One more thing: It is by far my favourite racquet for net play ever. I just love it at the net!

Cannot put this thing down! I always wanna go out and hit this thing.
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What the heck is a shaman?

Oh, I guess Vcore T
 
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It's nice to see all the 'Holics getting court time as the weather has finally given us a "break", altho now we get into high gear with spring and pollen is super high. Yesterday you could see the puff of dust when hitting the ball, these are outdoor hard courts.

I am super happy with the balance and weight change in the Q+5, now the racquet flips the way I like and was able to find my slice and 2HBH with confidence, definitely packs a heavier punch than the Ki5 315.

I had delayed doing this for long time and the frame just sat ad on the wall, unwanted, but got inspired because for some time my dad had been trying lighter frames of all sorts but could not get something that would swing and feel like his 5G, so I took his Q+5 290, added a leather grip and lead in the buttcap, now it has a balance much closer to the 5G but 10g lighter and same performance from the stringbed.

we normally have a hard time against these 2 guys, often loose, and yesterday was like the frame came alive for him and was the most consistent at the net I have seen him in a while. I played the 1st set with the Q+5, trying the new rPET Spin2 strings and for the 2nd I switched to the Ki5 315 with HGR. We took it to them 6-2, 6-4.

4f6ee69de5e9.jpg

2e31ba880766.jpg
 
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