Diary of a Racketaholic

Power Player said:
Totally agree on the Pure strike. It's just not the feel for me, and is one of the worst I have tried due to that. I do like the PSVS, but that's of course a totally different animal.

The Dunlop is very dampened, but its just a different thing, they did a much better job of it. I am not saying it will unseat your PT57As or anything, but I am very picky about feel and I am fine with this. The reason is because it's a frame that rewards with it's playability as well. It is just really enjoyable to play tennis with, and is one of the most solid frames ever. Maybe one of the best feels ever on backhand slice due to its solidity and how it plows through the ball even at a mid 320s SW. The feel on topspin groundies and spin serves is awesome - it has pocketing, which makes a big difference for me. If it was a 0 dwell time racquet, I don't think the feel would be as good.

Obviously just my experience, and not everyone will agree. It's just gotten me off the frame carousel, and I'm really happy to put everything else aside and just use this. Which means the Palm Tree Crew I have not even hit with may just get moved. Not sure yet, but I just don't see it hanging with the Dunlop.

Thinking I may list my BAP too and spend more time with the Gravity Tour. I could seriously keep the BAP forever as a classic, but I don't want to do that anymore. I already have some old Head frames so I am good. Also have a mint 7G I'll list. Plus a new 305S, and my TF40s, which were really good, but can't hang with the Dunny.

It's a bit of work listing all these frames, so I have to get some time to do it. But it gives a good idea of what the Dunlop beat out for me. I could carry 2 of these SX300s and then have a few fun hits in the other side of the bag and be good to go. I just have a lot of frames sitting around unused, and it's a bit much at the moment, lol.



Exact same here. I was very impressed with it when I got it, but I needed more control, which is what the SX brings without much drop in power.
Click to expand...
The difficult part with Dunlop racquets is to get one that isn't completly underspec.
 
Great racquet the 12 PD. I do love the string pattern. I find the upper part of the hoop a bit "empty/tinny" at times, so I agree it needs lead. I put mine at 11 & 1 o clock
 
Someone needs to hit up @Kozzy on those 2019 SX300 Tours.... if you want a spin frame with great control, great feel, and great power. That thing is a beast and seriously nothing is like it in the market. The new version of the SX300 Tour is on buy list as soon as I get more time to hit another frame, but just from the specs I know it will be a slightly different animal.

The previous version wasn't even in the same light year to the 2019s. I think RA is like 62, which may or may not be true as I never feel that frame flex very much (I have 3). It's almost as stable as an Origin.... my head RA is like 69. And if you like 335 SW (the big caveat), it's a frame requiring zero mods. Up there with the most closed 16/19 I ever used also, pinpoint control, but still hits heavy. I did slap leather on the grips and frankly I almost never like leather on any modern frame, but it makes this frame sing even more.
 
I got a pair of ‘12 PD’s a month ago weighted up to 330g strung with Hyper G. I initially thought it would be a fun option to my V1 Blackouts but is it slowly becoming my go to match setup. Great all around sticks.
 
mmazzini1 said:
Great racquet the 12 PD. I do love the string pattern. I find the upper part of the hoop a bit "empty/tinny" at times, so I agree it needs lead. I put mine at 11 & 1 o clock
Click to expand...
Fuzzface said:
I got a pair of ‘12 PD’s a month ago weighted up to 330g strung with Hyper G. I initially thought it would be a fun option to my V1 Blackouts but is it slowly becoming my go to match setup. Great all around sticks.
Click to expand...
Looking forward to experimenting
 
BBender716 said:
I have a set of caviar lying around. What's the main difference!
Click to expand...
It may be an entirely mental thing for me, but caviar is still pretty slick, so you get some good snap plus the benefits of a profiled poly. I tried the OToro/Caviar setup once and just really liked it.

I've actually been meaning to put in an order for more OToro, plus some OToro Spin and OToro Snap. Since they designed the snap version to be a cross, it could be even better.
 
tim-ay said:
Someone needs to hit up @Kozzy on those 2019 SX300 Tours.... if you want a spin frame with great control, great feel, and great power. That thing is a beast and seriously nothing is like it in the market. The new version of the SX300 Tour is on buy list as soon as I get more time to hit another frame, but just from the specs I know it will be a slightly different animal.

The previous version wasn't even in the same light year to the 2019s. I think RA is like 62, which may or may not be true as I never feel that frame flex very much (I have 3). It's almost as stable as an Origin.... my head RA is like 69. And if you like 335 SW (the big caveat), it's a frame requiring zero mods. Up there with the most closed 16/19 I ever used also, pinpoint control, but still hits heavy. I did slap leather on the grips and frankly I almost never like leather on any modern frame, but it makes this frame sing even more.
Click to expand...
Yeah, if I were smart, I would de-list them and start maining them...
 
Ok, so I'm trying to help a fellow holic who is in a pinch about which racquets to try. He is insisting on nothing over 95 and with an 18x20 pattern and preferably box beam. I told him there wouldn't be a lot of modern options. I also tried suggesting the P97D and BP but he said he doesn't want any more 97s.

He already has a couple of 6.1s in his bag and I suggested the LMRadMP to him as well. What else should I steer him toward?
 
ryushen21 said:
Ok, so I'm trying to help a fellow holic who is in a pinch about which racquets to try. He is insisting on nothing over 95 and with an 18x20 pattern and preferably box beam. I told him there wouldn't be a lot of modern options. I also tried suggesting the P97D and BP but he said he doesn't want any more 97s.

He already has a couple of 6.1s in his bag and I suggested the LMRadMP to him as well. What else should I steer him toward?
Click to expand...

I’d say the Prestige Tour because although it’s a 16x19 it’s such a dense pattern that it plays like a 18x20. The bottom cross is super high so the crosses are tight af.

Then there’s the VCore 95 which is a 16x20 but the head shape makes it so 18 mains would be absurd. It’s also a really fun stick with great control and pretty whippy.
 
ryushen21 said:
Ok, so I'm trying to help a fellow holic who is in a pinch about which racquets to try. He is insisting on nothing over 95 and with an 18x20 pattern and preferably box beam. I told him there wouldn't be a lot of modern options. I also tried suggesting the P97D and BP but he said he doesn't want any more 97s.

He already has a couple of 6.1s in his bag and I suggested the LMRadMP to him as well. What else should I steer him toward?
Click to expand...
Many generations of Prestige MPs to try when they were still 95. LM Rad or other old radical MPs surely good too.

Dunlop Cx 200 tour would be good to try too. Probably the only current model fitting the criteria.
 
ryushen21 said:
Ok, so I'm trying to help a fellow holic who is in a pinch about which racquets to try. He is insisting on nothing over 95 and with an 18x20 pattern and preferably box beam. I told him there wouldn't be a lot of modern options. I also tried suggesting the P97D and BP but he said he doesn't want any more 97s.

He already has a couple of 6.1s in his bag and I suggested the LMRadMP to him as well. What else should I steer him toward?
Click to expand...
Modded CX200 Tour - end game for him for a modern frame with those criteria. Unless he wants to track down a PT57A or older gen prestige.
He could look at the PK Tour series, but I much preferred the Dunlop over it.
 
Got a hit with the Ultra 99 Pro today. It's a decent racket. I think it benefits most from having a high stock SW, which is where most other rackets are lacking these days. I'm someone who over time has figured out I pretty much need a 330+SW to fit my style.

Feel is mid for it, I was serving great with it. In the last 20 mins of hitting I switched to the PA98 (stock) and it felt quite anemic in comparison, as even my hitting partner immediately commented.

So I'll continue to give it more court time for now.
 
Soundbyte said:
Got a hit with the Ultra 99 Pro today. It's a decent racket. I think it benefits most from having a high stock SW, which is where most other rackets are lacking these days. I'm someone who over time has figured out I pretty much need a 330+SW to fit my style.

Feel is mid for it, I was serving great with it. In the last 20 mins of hitting I switched to the PA98 (stock) and it felt quite anemic in comparison, as even my hitting partner immediately commented.

So I'll continue to give it more court time for now.
Click to expand...
Quite surprised that this racquet ended up more powereful than the Ultra 100 which was supposed to be more entry-level...
How are your strings doing? The Ultra 99 is supposed to eat strings very fast.
 
Soundbyte said:
Got a hit with the Ultra 99 Pro today. It's a decent racket. I think it benefits most from having a high stock SW, which is where most other rackets are lacking these days. I'm someone who over time has figured out I pretty much need a 330+SW to fit my style.

Feel is mid for it, I was serving great with it. In the last 20 mins of hitting I switched to the PA98 (stock) and it felt quite anemic in comparison, as even my hitting partner immediately commented.

So I'll continue to give it more court time for now.
Click to expand...
I caved in last night and have one on the way. Looking forward to trying it out since I never experimented with the Steam back in the day. I like the idea of a stiffer/slightly thicker mold in the lightweight "player's" frame jungle
 
ryushen21 said:
Ok, so I'm trying to help a fellow holic who is in a pinch about which racquets to try. He is insisting on nothing over 95 and with an 18x20 pattern and preferably box beam. I told him there wouldn't be a lot of modern options. I also tried suggesting the P97D and BP but he said he doesn't want any more 97s.

He already has a couple of 6.1s in his bag and I suggested the LMRadMP to him as well. What else should I steer him toward?
Click to expand...
I’d point him to MG/YT/IG Prestige MP if he wants the box beam.
 
LordGulbis said:
Quite surprised that this racquet ended up more powereful than the Ultra 100 which was supposed to be more entry-level...
How are your strings doing? The Ultra 99 is supposed to eat strings very fast.
Click to expand...
I put Durafluxx in there. I'll probably throw Pure Rush or Zero in next, which will likely give spin benefits at the cost of durability
 
tim-ay said:
Someone needs to hit up @Kozzy on those 2019 SX300 Tours.... if you want a spin frame with great control, great feel, and great power. That thing is a beast and seriously nothing is like it in the market. The new version of the SX300 Tour is on buy list as soon as I get more time to hit another frame, but just from the specs I know it will be a slightly different animal.

The previous version wasn't even in the same light year to the 2019s. I think RA is like 62, which may or may not be true as I never feel that frame flex very much (I have 3). It's almost as stable as an Origin.... my head RA is like 69. And if you like 335 SW (the big caveat), it's a frame requiring zero mods. Up there with the most closed 16/19 I ever used also, pinpoint control, but still hits heavy. I did slap leather on the grips and frankly I almost never like leather on any modern frame, but it makes this frame sing even more.
Click to expand...
These are gone now.
 
KC! said:
Thank you, Kozzy! I tried buying these awhile back & all of them seemed to be in Japan. @tim-ay has had me itching to try for awhile.
Click to expand...
Could be a really good fit for you. How’s the arm? These are super comfortable so you should be good here. Watch the Troy review of the 2019. Every version since then Troy always references the 2019 and says “ none are as good as that one”.
 
ryushen21 said:
Ok, so I'm trying to help a fellow holic who is in a pinch about which racquets to try. He is insisting on nothing over 95 and with an 18x20 pattern and preferably box beam. I told him there wouldn't be a lot of modern options. I also tried suggesting the P97D and BP but he said he doesn't want any more 97s.

He already has a couple of 6.1s in his bag and I suggested the LMRadMP to him as well. What else should I steer him toward?
Click to expand...
Not many options these days it seems.
Was going or suggest PT2.0, but can’t see them still selling to these days…. Remember it is “supposed” to be 95, instead of 97 with the way ahead used to measure the head size. But anyway…. lol
How about Angell TC95 18m, if he wants to venture into the “micro brand” territory?
 
Soundbyte said:
Got a hit with the Ultra 99 Pro today. It's a decent racket. I think it benefits most from having a high stock SW, which is where most other rackets are lacking these days. I'm someone who over time has figured out I pretty much need a 330+SW to fit my style.

Feel is mid for it, I was serving great with it. In the last 20 mins of hitting I switched to the PA98 (stock) and it felt quite anemic in comparison, as even my hitting partner immediately commented.

So I'll continue to give it more court time for now.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this. Have been meaning to try the V5 U99P for awhile, so this looks promising.
I am kinda scared to try it and like it, as I have just settled back with a setup and maybe I should chop and change again. But I am still here…. lol
 
ryushen21 said:
Ok, so I'm trying to help a fellow holic who is in a pinch about which racquets to try. He is insisting on nothing over 95 and with an 18x20 pattern and preferably box beam. I told him there wouldn't be a lot of modern options. I also tried suggesting the P97D and BP but he said he doesn't want any more 97s.

He already has a couple of 6.1s in his bag and I suggested the LMRadMP to him as well. What else should I steer him toward?
Click to expand...
He can probably find some Pro Tour 280/630 on ****. Grommets for those are readily available online, and pallets can be swapped for grip size preference. I nabbed one in great condition for $100 the other week.
 
I got another sx300 tour. Gonna main this baby for a while. They can be found brand new on the bay at friendly prices. If you get a new one it’s easier to pop the grommets and put the lead at 12 and then never think about it again. I believe mine is 300 sw unstrung with 4 grams since I stacked the lead a little. My cyberflash mains setup I think keeps the sw at 325. You can use skinny strings in this and get some time out of them, plus the grip on the ball is obscene.

My tour bite reel showed up. Has anyone used TB as a cross with a rounder poly like cyberflash? Just an idea. Maybe cyberflash will be the cross, not sure. I’m going to string one with full tour bite and the other will have cyberflash mains. I’ll see what I like more.
 
Power Player said:
I got another sx300 tour. Gonna main this baby for a while. They can be found brand new on the bay at friendly prices. If you get a new one it’s easier to pop the grommets and put the lead at 12 and then never think about it again. I believe mine is 300 sw unstrung with 4 grams since I stacked the lead a little. My cyberflash mains setup I think keeps the sw at 325. You can use skinny strings in this and get some time out of them, plus the grip on the ball is obscene.

My tour bite reel showed up. Has anyone used TB as a cross with a rounder poly like cyberflash? Just an idea. Maybe cyberflash will be the cross, not sure. I’m going to string one with full tour bite and the other will have cyberflash mains. I’ll see what I like more.
Click to expand...
main it for a month until the new Pk's arrive ;)
 
DJ- said:
haha it's a great frame, just needs some weight. I am also waiting on PK's to arrive and try the new Q+5 and XL 5x... just praying for some decent cosmetics this time, they did an amazing job on the black ace line, nailed it!
Click to expand...
I was just re-watching the Tenncomm review of it, and I realized I commented 5 months ago that the paint in his opening shot looks like rough. So I'm going to continue to presume the paint on the newest Dunlop rackets are subpar, sadly
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ-
DJ- said:
main it for a month until the new Pk's arrive ;)
Click to expand...
I was thinking that too but the Dunlop solves the only 2 things I did not like about the Qs - low launch trajectory and hollow feel. I seem to play a lot better with a little more easy shape. Of course I am hoping the new Q's deliver.

Paint honestly seems high quality on the Dunlop. The quality of the frame is as good or better than almost anything I have owned. Gravity Tour, Blade Pro and PSVS are probably the best, due to the gloss. So if it chips easy I will update, but it looks fantastic so far.
 
Got selected for the Ripstick playtest. Super curious about Prince frames but have never pulled the trigger on one. Will be interested in seeing how it compares to my Shift Labs 99 (which ironically was my last Playtest racquet I still have!).

Also my 4.5 rates hitting partner just got a sick ball machine. As a high 3.5, I think I'm going to be the first hitting partner to be replaced by AI.
 
tim-ay said:
Could be a really good fit for you. How’s the arm? These are super comfortable so you should be good here. Watch the Troy review of the 2019. Every version since then Troy always references the 2019 and says “ none are as good as that one”.
Click to expand...
I’m super excited to finally be able to try it. I’ve always liked spin racquets. So this one should be right up my alley. It sounds like it’s a good serving racquet too, wich is always important. My arm has healed for the most part. I’ll give you my feedback once I get to try it.
 
Soundbyte said:
I put Durafluxx in there. I'll probably throw Pure Rush or Zero in next, which will likely give spin benefits at the cost of durability
Click to expand...
I have gut / poly in my UP99 and it feels great. Not as sweet feeling as the TF305s. Pattern actually looks decently normal in the middle so it's not a spin machine. Very fun racquet to use. My friend who is a PA98 user loved it.
 
Anyone here know of a source that will do custom pallets for tecnifibre? Or reshape a handle?
Seems like the multiple customizers don’t want to touch TF pallets.
 
BBender716 said:
Got selected for the Ripstick playtest. Super curious about Prince frames but have never pulled the trigger on one. Will be interested in seeing how it compares to my Shift Labs 99 (which ironically was my last Playtest racquet I still have!).

Also my 4.5 rates hitting partner just got a sick ball machine. As a high 3.5, I think I'm going to be the first hitting partner to be replaced by AI.
Click to expand...
This is how it's going to happen. First AI takes out tennis partners, then it goes for entry level programmers. All of a sudden Arnold is 'coming back' trying to save us from the Liquid Metal terminator......
 
Power Player said:
I got another sx300 tour. Gonna main this baby for a while. They can be found brand new on the bay at friendly prices. If you get a new one it’s easier to pop the grommets and put the lead at 12 and then never think about it again. I believe mine is 300 sw unstrung with 4 grams since I stacked the lead a little. My cyberflash mains setup I think keeps the sw at 325. You can use skinny strings in this and get some time out of them, plus the grip on the ball is obscene.

My tour bite reel showed up. Has anyone used TB as a cross with a rounder poly like cyberflash? Just an idea. Maybe cyberflash will be the cross, not sure. I’m going to string one with full tour bite and the other will have cyberflash mains. I’ll see what I like more.
Click to expand...
I've messed around with tour bite 1.20 x restring sync 1.20 in my old PD tours and liked it a lot. The sync was slick enough to keep the TB from notching as fast as it does in a full bed. Maybe a tad more pop off the strings as well. Not sure how it would act with a softer round in the hybrid though
 
Over the last few years I've been trying tons of rackets to take the place of my Yonex RDS 002 Tours, and after all that time and money I've settled back on the Yonex. I think years of familiarity with it make it hard to find something that I prefer more.

Here's a list of what I've tried (all of these were used with a leather grip and various lead tape tinkering):
  • Donnay Pro One 97 Octa (16x19)
  • Prince Phantom Pro 100
  • Prince Phantom 93P (18x20)
  • Prince Phantom 97P
  • Head Speed MP (the 360+ version)
  • Head Gravity Pro (also the 360+ version)
  • Head Youtek Radical OS
  • Yonex Vcore Pro 97HD
  • Yonex Vcore SV 95
  • Technifibre TFight 315 Ltd (16x19)
  • Babolat Pure Strike VS
Out of the above, I'd say the Phantom 97P came the closest to becoming my permanent racket. The only shortcoming was it felt a bit unstable returning serves/handling pace at times. The SV 95 was also really nice, it's just hard to find for a reasonable price.
 
Last edited:
NorthKitchen said:
Over the last few years I've been trying tons of rackets to take the place of my Yonex RDS 002 Tours, and after all that time and money I've settled back on the Yonex. I think years of familiarity with it make it hard to find something that I prefer more.

Here's a list of what I've tried (all of these were used with a leather grip):
  • Donnay Pro One 97 Octa (16x19)
  • Prince Phantom Pro 100
  • Prince Phantom 93P (18x20)
  • Prince Phantom 97P
  • Head Speed MP (the 360+ version)
  • Head Gravity Pro (also the 360+ version)
  • Head Youtek Radical OS
  • Yonex Vcore Pro 97HD
  • Yonex Vcore SV 95
  • Technifibre TFight 315 Ltd (16x19)
  • Babolat Pure Strike VS
Out of the above, I'd say the Phantom 97P came the closest to becoming my permanent racket. The only shortcoming was it felt a bit unstable returning serves/handling pace at times. The SV 95 was also really nice, it's just hard to find for a reasonable price.
Click to expand...
Sv98?
 
Vendor on the bay offered to weigh my dunlop frame before he sent it out. He had 6 brand new. The spec tightness was impressive. Out of 6 frames the variance was 3 grams with 306 being the heaviest. I was able to match to the one I own. I’ll update on SW once I get it.
 
Soundbyte said:
Is Tec still doing pallets? I didn't think that was the case anymore. But I haven't checked recently either...
Click to expand...
They dont but might fit a pallet if you take the foam handle off. I'd search around this forum for more info. I don't know if this works for all tecnifibre frames.
 
ryushen21 said:
Ok, so I'm trying to help a fellow holic who is in a pinch about which racquets to try. He is insisting on nothing over 95 and with an 18x20 pattern and preferably box beam. I told him there wouldn't be a lot of modern options. I also tried suggesting the P97D and BP but he said he doesn't want any more 97s.

He already has a couple of 6.1s in his bag and I suggested the LMRadMP to him as well. What else should I steer him toward?
Click to expand...
can you give him my contact info? i could use more friends like him

i agree with @Seth - send him to pre-2010 prestiges and radicals. otherwise, tough sledding for that spec. ideally, just go get some ol blues/PT 2.0s
 
Raf.spin said:
Now I’m stuck switching between the PA and Head Speed Pro mid match.
No cure for this disease


IMG-4495.jpg
IMG-4498.jpg
Click to expand...
nice collection mate. the only cure is more cowbell (frames)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

henrytennisadelaide
Diary of a Racketaholic... picture thread
Replies
20
Views
5K
Deleted member 775108
D
J
Diary of a Diabetic Racketaholic....
Replies
22
Views
3K
WYK
WYK
I
APD vs APDC vs APD GT
Replies
7
Views
3K
baseline_monster
baseline_monster
Mateo
APD GT 2012/2013 Diff
Replies
1
Views
2K
tennistomcat
tennistomcat
Z
Racquet choice dilemma
Replies
9
Views
2K
AJK1
A
Back
Top