jimdontcare
Professional
Yep. Word is the new generation should have a stiffer feel with Zylon and all so I’m hopeful I’ll like it. I like the ATS improvements in the 2022, worked well in the Beast too, but I miss the stiffer 2019 feel too much
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Power Player
Bionic Poster
A little bummed shelton and Tien already have to meet up in the 2nd round of IW. Thats 1 of 2 American favorites who will be gone too quickly.
Oh well, thats a must watch for me. Probably my 2 favorites with Fils on that list as well.
The legendary Python cant even save tsitipas. That guy has spiraled.
Oh well, thats a must watch for me. Probably my 2 favorites with Fils on that list as well.
The legendary Python cant even save tsitipas. That guy has spiraled.
CalciferKuma
Rookie
Tsitsipas just about lost his mojo. I heard he's tried blades in 18x19 and 16x20 and still doesn't like them.
Learner's rackets in the v4 and v5 paint are essentially drilled the same. It's going to be pretty much the same racket. Both have the click and go grommets too. Buying either you will have no problem adding weight. Can't wait to try out a custom layuped racket as platform racket next month.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Thats good to know that i can grab a v4 if ever needed. The v5s are incredible looking so i will default to that option when possible.
JFrijhoff
Rookie
Ah yes, I played the 2018 and next version yesterday. It’s pretty good indeed! Only lacked some stability/oomph when defending and reaching for a ball, couldn’t just punt it in compared to heavier rackets.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Have to give it to Shelton, dude played incredibly well for being sick . Tien going deep into week 2 is pretty great for US tennis though. He is tough to solve with that counterpunching style.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Learner is the truth. But, like, a relatable truth.
Happi
Hall of Fame
Does truth exist in America anymore ?
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Fair point.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Nothing can save Stef at this point I’m afraid. Dude sends an approach shot wide and goes to change string tension like that was the reason for going wide.
Also since I understand greek I know what his dad is saying and no wonder it’s hard to get into the right match mindset. Constant barrage of feedback most of which confusingly is technical about “going over the ball more” and whatnot. At that level you aren’t doing technical fixes mid match. But well he clearly cannot handle a fatherless box so he’ll have to sleep in the grave he dug himself. Shame
JGads
G.O.A.T.
The father thing seems to really have stunted him. But I feel like he just didn’t have that all-out animalistic desire to go next level, too, if you believe what Goran seemed to indicate after working with him briefly.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
I legit think that Alcaraz broke him. He thought it was a matter of time that he has his place in the sunlight after Novak ages out of contention but then he’s superceded by a young bloke blasting him off the court with ease and he just never mentally recovered from that
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Yeah. I remember those matches where he just flat out tried to peg Alcaraz not even trying to make a ball in. That is a man who broke mentally.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Also that Kyrgios Wimbledon match. He knew what was going to happen coming into it and he still couldn't manage the match, he really looked like a broken man in that one. One of the more entertaining matches I can remember (if you are into watching mental shenanigans).
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
I don’t think I have much interest in competing in tennis but Padel interests me a lot so I wonder how reasonable tournament costs are
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
I've played more Padel than Tennis this season. Last 2 months were very windy and rainy in Western Greece and I only played tennis once with a good friend with no racketsports background, so we used Stage 2 - Orange Balls that serviced us both more than well. More than enough time to time the ball and slow enough (still bouncy though) to take full swings on the ball.
I played Padel last Saturday 1.5+ hours. The game is very addictive. I've never played doubles-tennis and never liked watching it.
This is three months ago. Last Saturday, I played serious Padel and plan to record some clips next time I play. Anyone with some intermediate tennis background, once you figure out the right ways/stances to play the glass, the learning curve gets super low.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Btw, here's that Marat Safin guy hitting some groundstrokes with a Gravity:
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EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I now see how one can get caught between the control stick and power stick holic paradigm. The VC95 is so much fun to play with but playing a set of singles today in 85 degree temps showed me just how demanding that can be. It had me wishing my FT Tours were in the bag. No doubt I’ll play with the FXTs later this week and miss the fun/control combo of the VC95. Alas.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
You can maybe have it all with the python or some of the other pro labs frames coming out.
Huge win from Tien. Dude is cold blooded. Just sticking it on the line with sharp angles. Beautiful stuff.
Yeah. Many times it ca be difficult to pick which one to use.
For fun, anything goes but under a rated match condition, it has to be something that ca be easily use and won’t be too taxing towards end of a match/session. I think.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Any latest news about the Mizunosss?
edit: "
Pre-sale and demos will begin on 3/15 and in-stock date is 4/1! Michelle, TW"
edit: "
Pre-sale and demos will begin on 3/15 and in-stock date is 4/1! Michelle, TW"
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Nollid
Professional
Control stick vs. Power Stick vs. Lighter set up vs. Heavier set up has been on my mind lately. Yeah, funny or not funny, I thought I was settled with the Origin until I came to the realization that at the end of the day that it was just too much for me. I could play well with it for some time, but after a couple of sets I was just late on every ball. So I switched back to the stick I was using before that, the ET Avocado, and have been loving it. It was like the Origin was a heavy training bat that make me appreciate the ET even more. The modded ET is a nice sweet spot for me- a good combo of power, control and spin. I also really like the feel and feedback I get. Honestly, I really think that if it had a more universally lovable paint job that it would be a huge success. I don't have a marketing background, but these weird colors scare people off and just hurt a racket's potential commercial success. I remember the first time I saw it, I was "heck no" looks like a woman's racket. Why can they just do gloss black? Even another solid gloss color would be amazing. Shout out to the new Yonex Vcore and Wilson Ultra paint jobs.
ClownCar96
Professional
What shoes are you guys rocking these days? I’ve had a heck of time finding a suitable replacement to my asics GR 9s that were a nice combo of stability without being too bulky. I went through several pairs of Court FF3 which are nice but a hate how it’s difficult to slide and now they are pretty much out of stock except size 14 and weird colors. I’ve tried Solution Speed FF3 which are too narrow in the toe box and gave me bunions! Finally, I’ve been wearing Lacoste AG-LT23. Great sliding but clunky and heavy, don’t feel fast.
Any recommendations would be appreciated! I’m a speedy baseline counterpuncher, looking for something stable but fast if such a shoe exists, with a somewhat of a wider toe box.
Any recommendations would be appreciated! I’m a speedy baseline counterpuncher, looking for something stable but fast if such a shoe exists, with a somewhat of a wider toe box.
Solution Speed FF4, stable and fast, it needs 2-3 sessions to break in.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Wide Toe box, I am currently using the Kswiss Hypercourt Express. The good - comfortable for wide feet. The Bad - not much, needs more cushion though. I bet the Supreme version would be perfect but of course they don't make a wide version in that model.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
On hc, I'm like you FF3 and FF2, but since I mainly play on clay, there is nothing close to GR9s in terms of depth of the thread. Kinda narrow though, but I cut the elastic band that's under the shoe laces and they also stretch after a couple of days.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
I've given up on heavier setup a couple of years ago, like you did just now. I'm using a control stick that also has power (compared to other control frames that is) and I've settled.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Still have some the GR9s I’ve grabbed and that remains best overall performer for me, but I’ve found the Speed FF4 surprisingly good. Toebox is rounder than the FF3s were and the midfoot seems wider to me too. Don't know if I got a freak pair or what but I’m really enjoying them alongside my GR9s that remain.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I got some gel res x coming in 2e. Will see how they compare to the kswiss. I dont mind a bulkier shoe since im missing that level of comfort with the kswiss. It will be about the fit for me. A ton of players are using these shoes on the tour so the cushion must be pretty awesome.
ClownCar96
Professional
Thanks I may give them a shot. I played a match in the speed ff3 and my big toe knuckle swelled up so big I could barely walk.
ClownCar96
Professional
Did think anyone was wearing the x!
Played a couple of hours with a GT98. Strung with Lynx 125 mid 40s. Strings must be replaced asap , probably an old string job. Hawk Power at low tension is already on the way.
Anyway- wow, it has such a great feel. Launch angle is slightly higher than what I am used to, but overall it is a fantastic stick. Well done to Head here. A truly modern player racquet.
Anyway- wow, it has such a great feel. Launch angle is slightly higher than what I am used to, but overall it is a fantastic stick. Well done to Head here. A truly modern player racquet.
I guess we have similarly shaped feet.I prefer the court FF3 over the GR as they are a bit higher and use weird insoles.
Solution speed were too narrow for me too.
I'd give KSwiss a try, the hypercourts have a similar fit.
The Supreme was less stable to me than the Express. Very comfy for standing around or casual hitting but not made for aggressive movement.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Wow thats wild. Good to know.
jimdontcare
Professional
This surprises me so much I have to make sure you didn’t confuse them
Re. shoes, if anyone plays on carpet or astroturf in the UK, I have found the clay version of Yonex shoes far superior compared to any all-court soles, or even omni, especially when the court is damp (mine are Sonicage, but other models have the same tread pattern).
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Did you have the opposite impression from playing them?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah lots of players on challenger tour and atp. Is it cheaper tour pricing? Not sure, but to me the shoes are more important than a racquet and i doubt a pro will use sponsored shoes just to save a few bucks. Regular Asics typically dont fit me that well so im not expecting much here, but maybe the 2e will actually be wide. The ff and gel res (if they fit well)are two of the best in the game, imo.
Where exactly did the Bab win out over the Vcore for you in the end? I am still trying to make up my mind between the 23 PA98 and the 23 VC98. Plus I haven't entirely dismissed the TF 305s either.
naturalexponent
Legend
I succumbed to temptation and ordered a '26 VC95, as I've been a fan of all iterations going back to 2018, but what I'm really waiting for is that Vcore 98 Tour... Wish Yonex USA would get their act together.
Got a pair of Japanese market 2026 Prince Tour 95s coming in today - excited to see what they are like! Only downside is I'm out for a bit with a strained groin muscle, so will only be able to do some light hitting for the next couple weeks.
I'm also tempted by this one. Sounds like the feel might be improved. The PJ makes me hope for a VCORE Tour 89 type experience, but I'll probably be disappointed.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Did you ever write a review between all 3?
Nice let us know how it is.
You have been onandoff playing the ATS95 recently right?
Im waiting for the nonjapanese one.
I've got a pair of the 2015 TT95s. I'll post pictures of the new ones later and let you know how they stack up.
I wrote comparison comments on either this thread, the Vcore thread, or the PA98 thread. Just check my comment history to find them. Happy to answer any questions you have or to expand on anything.
I think the PA98 is the best, but similar to the Ezone in overall playability. Vcore 98 is great, but less time on the string bed and feels more powerful than the other two.
I think this is the closest the 3 lines have ever been to each other. I think most players can pick any one of these and start playing well with whatever stick they get.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I hit my FX Tours today for 45 mins before the rain came in. Conclusion: my old self needs that little bit of help. I also strung them up at 52lbs which is higher than I had been stringing them and I liked that a lot. No comfort issue which was my main concern.
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Broly4
Rookie
Hi guys,
For the last two years I've been maining the White Out 18x20 XTD, I know that level of commitment is heresy around here, so in order to be able to post, I've been demoing some alternatives the holic way (buying a matched pair of each):
Since most of the tourneys/leagues where I live are played on Euro red clay, I'm looking for a bit more forgiveness and better energy expenditure.
Babolat PA98 2023: Echoing most of what has been said about it, it is arguably the most stable frame in its weight class, highest power level when hitting heavy top spin shots I´ve experienced, almost never loses the collision with the ball, particularly noticeable when returning first serves or volleying. Feel is Ok for this category, maybe a bit muted but not disconnected , flex profile stiff, healthy elbow required. All in all, truly iconic, possibly an era defining racket, alas not for me, love it when training but in matches I need more string density to flatten the ball with confidence, user fault for sure. Best setup I found : Stock specs, strung with Rpm Blast (for a short period of time) runner-up Hyper G.
Wilson Ultra Tour 98: The version sold in Japan and Europe, 27.25 length, 18x19 pattern, 308 gr unstrung, Kei Nishikori's signature frame. I've only logged 12 hours of play, so this feedback is still preliminary. Probably the most similar frame to the WOUT performance wise, it has a little bit higher launch angle and it is slightly more maneuverable despite being close to 340 in SW, pretty spin friendly for a 18x19 (6 mains through the throat). The power control ratio leans towards control, but there's plenty of power to be had in the sweet spot. Allegedly has countervail under the beautiful glow paint, so it has an interesting feel, crisp, defined sweet spot, moderately muted, but connected, like a bit more muted Blade Pro would feel. Need to try more string setups, but so far, Hyper-Mach has been my favourite.
Honorable mention to the Yonex Vcore 98 2023 (inexplicably underrated).
Next potential candidates: the Wilson Python when it launches, the Nordicots 98 pro, and maybe the Precept 100D, but if nothing dethrones the Solinco, I'll be as happy as a holic can feel being this loyal.
For the last two years I've been maining the White Out 18x20 XTD, I know that level of commitment is heresy around here, so in order to be able to post, I've been demoing some alternatives the holic way (buying a matched pair of each):
Since most of the tourneys/leagues where I live are played on Euro red clay, I'm looking for a bit more forgiveness and better energy expenditure.
Babolat PA98 2023: Echoing most of what has been said about it, it is arguably the most stable frame in its weight class, highest power level when hitting heavy top spin shots I´ve experienced, almost never loses the collision with the ball, particularly noticeable when returning first serves or volleying. Feel is Ok for this category, maybe a bit muted but not disconnected , flex profile stiff, healthy elbow required. All in all, truly iconic, possibly an era defining racket, alas not for me, love it when training but in matches I need more string density to flatten the ball with confidence, user fault for sure. Best setup I found : Stock specs, strung with Rpm Blast (for a short period of time) runner-up Hyper G.
Wilson Ultra Tour 98: The version sold in Japan and Europe, 27.25 length, 18x19 pattern, 308 gr unstrung, Kei Nishikori's signature frame. I've only logged 12 hours of play, so this feedback is still preliminary. Probably the most similar frame to the WOUT performance wise, it has a little bit higher launch angle and it is slightly more maneuverable despite being close to 340 in SW, pretty spin friendly for a 18x19 (6 mains through the throat). The power control ratio leans towards control, but there's plenty of power to be had in the sweet spot. Allegedly has countervail under the beautiful glow paint, so it has an interesting feel, crisp, defined sweet spot, moderately muted, but connected, like a bit more muted Blade Pro would feel. Need to try more string setups, but so far, Hyper-Mach has been my favourite.
Honorable mention to the Yonex Vcore 98 2023 (inexplicably underrated).
Next potential candidates: the Wilson Python when it launches, the Nordicots 98 pro, and maybe the Precept 100D, but if nothing dethrones the Solinco, I'll be as happy as a holic can feel being this loyal.
TwinCinema
Hall of Fame
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I’ve been in a bit of a shoe crisis. I was a Gel Res guy until the X’s. Played in the Lacoste AG. loved it but once I moved on to the second pair, I got intense foot pain. Moved to the Barricade 13. Went through a pair, and the second set I got - foot pain again.
I just tried the v14 Barricade and that was a quick nope. They aren’t bad but they are less comfortable than the 13s while being a lesser quality tennis shoe.
I went to my local shop yesterday, and tried on a ton of different shoes. Surprisingly, Babolat was my favorite by far. I picked up a pair of SFX4 for now and plan to get a pair of the Jet Mach 4 which sounds like what you are after (speed u& stable). I also had to size down a full size in the babs. I was between 1/2 - full size in sizing down.
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