Diary of a Racketaholic

EggSalad said:
The weirdest holic thing of 2026 for me is finding out that I really, really like Multi/Poly set ups. I could write a couple paragraphs about why but no one probably cares. It’s really a jack of all trades set up.

Neat.
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I did this when my elbow was injured and I remember not many folks in the thread were intrigued at the time. I think it was just me and FedK loading it into Dad Drives.

Really good feel, can have decent durability as well. The bummer for me was that I needed to use pretty thick multi, which I am not a huge fan of. I like the feel of skinnier strings. That said, Now that I have reels of G Tour, it's a great cross for a setup like this if I ever decide to revisit. If I switch to the Defython 98, I may throw some multi mains in there at some point to mess around.

I'm headed back to the sunshine state soon, so I'll be back to sea level hitting and also sea-like humidity, so gut doesn't last there too long.
 
Power Player said:
I did this when my elbow was injured and I remember not many folks in the thread were intrigued at the time. I think it was just me and FedK loading it into Dad Drives.

Really good feel, can have decent durability as well. The bummer for me was that I needed to use pretty thick multi, which I am not a huge fan of. I like the feel of skinnier strings. That said, Now that I have reels of G Tour, it's a great cross for a setup like this if I ever decide to revisit. If I switch to the Defython 98, I may throw some multi mains in there at some point to mess around.

I'm headed back to the sunshine state soon, so I'll be back to sea level hitting and also sea-like humidity, so gut doesn't last there too long.
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Having grown up playing 1.30 synthetic gut, both the thicker strings and softer impact feel like home to me.

I also like that multi is powerful but not gut level powerful. Seems to fit me well.
 
I had to get my daughter some new tennis shoes. With kids it's best to try them on in person and since I'm in Houston I drove out to the express. While I was there I hit with a few frames on their indoor court. When turning in the frames I asked if they had the Wilson Violater in yet. They said they did. I was shocked but happy to take it for a hit. Unfortunately there was no one else on the court this time so had to do what I could solo.
Quick impressions:
- holding it, it feels like holding a hollow Babs frame to me. The gloss is nice but the throat/beam shape is not really my style
- Serves were pretty darn good. I was getting good power and spin.
- Forehands - drop feeding them it felt fine. can't tell much with no one on the other side.
- backhands - it seemed really off. Once again, with no opponent it's not the best measurement but my timing was off badly
- Slices - Wow. Maybe some of the sickest skidding slices I've ever hit.

Just for the serves and slices alone I'd consider hitting with this frame. I'll probably demo it at some point but don't see it replacing my AStrike 305.
 
EggSalad said:
Having grown up playing 1.30 synthetic gut, both the thicker strings and softer impact feel like home to me.

I also like that multi is powerful but not gut level powerful. Seems to fit me well.
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Yeah I can probably make the adjustment there, not a huge deal. Triax is a really good multi for this setup. I think the G Tour crosses could retain some of the feel I like.

Not sure if I'll try this out anytime soon, but I do have packs of multi sitting in my string box at least.
 
Defyer 100 review on TW seems kinda luke warm. Hmmm, I feel like when a TW review is luke warm you really have to stop and think about that.

I haven't been holicing lately and it's a little weird. I'm sure that anyone of the regulars around here goes through phases where they holic more or less. I'm maining the Extreme Tour 2022 with a full bed of Pure Rush or Volkl Cyclone / Ghost Wire. I didn't really choose this racket, it's more like it chose me. Lord knows I've tried so many rackets and strings over the past few years. I didn't want to like this racket- I had visceral negative reaction to it's looks. I like gloss black or blue not this abomination of yellow and avocado. I had to monkey with the swing weight and balance, but once I got it dialed in I forgot about all of that. So why am I with it, I ask myself? It is just a great intersection of feel, power, whip and spin for me. I repeat, I do not want to like it. However, I play my best tennis with it and it has become sort of brainless to the point where I don't think about my set up. I pick it up and it feels good. I like the way it hits. I don't really want to spend time figuring out another set up at this point. I don't even want to try the new one with the sexy gloss paint job. What is going on with me?
 
Richard Pioline said:
How would you compare it to gut? I have just broken my gut x 4g in my White Shame. But gut is just so expensive, even though I must say I really liked it! And especially my arm really likes it. I might try one with gut x 4G and one with Velocity x 4G tomorrow.
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I'm not a major gut expert, but it's definitely different. I'm also using the Velocity MLT Power (aka Velocity Power) which is a bit more lively than plain old Velocity MLT. I'd say it's worth a try for sure, but not a sublime as gut.
 
Richard Pioline said:
How would you compare it to gut? I have just broken my gut x 4g in my White Shame. But gut is just so expensive, even though I must say I really liked it! And especially my arm really likes it. I might try one with gut x 4G and one with Velocity x 4G tomorrow.
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Try gut x hawk touch rough, it's really nice. Gut prices aren't so bad in europe anyway imo, <45 euros per set of gut.
 
Nollid said:
Defyer 100 review on TW seems kinda luke warm. Hmmm, I feel like when a TW review is luke warm you really have to stop and think about that.

I haven't been holicing lately and it's a little weird. I'm sure that anyone of the regulars around here goes through phases where they holic more or less. I'm maining the Extreme Tour 2022 with a full bed of Pure Rush or Volkl Cyclone / Ghost Wire. I didn't really choose this racket, it's more like it chose me. Lord knows I've tried so many rackets and strings over the past few years. I didn't want to like this racket- I had visceral negative reaction to it's looks. I like gloss black or blue not this abomination of yellow and avocado. I had to monkey with the swing weight and balance, but once I got it dialed in I forgot about all of that. So why am I with it, I ask myself? It is just a great intersection of feel, power, whip and spin for me. I repeat, I do not want to like it. However, I play my best tennis with it and it has become sort of brainless to the point where I don't think about my set up. I pick it up and it feels good. I like the way it hits. I don't really want to spend time figuring out another set up at this point. I don't even want to try the new one with the sexy gloss paint job. What is going on with me?
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This is the kind of post I make right before all hell breaks loose and I wake up a few weeks later in pile of putty, lead, and new racquets I don't want to keep. But, I hope that's not the case here - stay strong!
 
Another full hour with the Learner's, went up to 23/22 kg with the Prince Tour XR and the Power is dialed in. This is a very very good racquet, still serving great with it. Versatility is the word of the day, I can see why Tien is using it. M100 didn't see the light from the bag.
The Love Boat soundtrack in background
 
flyhome said:
Another full hour with the Learner's, went up to 23/22 kg with the Prince Tour XR and the Power is dialed in. This is a very very good racquet, still serving great with it. Versatility is the word of the day, I can see why Tien is using it. M100 didn't see the light from the bag.
The Love Boat soundtrack in background
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Great to hear. It’s such a fantastic racquet. If these were easily available I may never have bought a Defyer. But both are great frames so it worked out.
 
Power Player said:
Great to hear. It’s such a fantastic racquet. If these were easily available I may never have bought a Defyer. But both are great frames so it worked out.
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Sorry I think I have missed it, which defyer did you buy?
My Learner's are V4 PJ, I have been told RA67, the unstrung specs very close to yours, don't know if the layup is similar, you never know with Wilson.
 
flyhome said:
Sorry I think I have missed it, which defyer did you buy?
My Learner's are V4 PJ, I have been told RA67, the unstrung specs very close to yours, don't know if the layup is similar, you never know with Wilson.
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No sure the rã on my learner but 67 sounds accurate. It has a lot of punch.

The Defyer I am currently using is the 98. I plan to get the 100 as well.
 
Power Player said:
No sure the rã on my learner but 67 sounds accurate. It has a lot of punch.

The Defyer I am currently using is the 98. I plan to get the 100 as well.
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From what I have bene told, the Defyer 98 Is low powered compared to the 100 and I think compared to Learner's, do you find they similarities? Even string spacing Is tighter, isn't It?
 
Nollid said:
Defyer 100 review on TW seems kinda luke warm. Hmmm, I feel like when a TW review is luke warm you really have to stop and think about that.

I haven't been holicing lately and it's a little weird. I'm sure that anyone of the regulars around here goes through phases where they holic more or less. I'm maining the Extreme Tour 2022 with a full bed of Pure Rush or Volkl Cyclone / Ghost Wire. I didn't really choose this racket, it's more like it chose me. Lord knows I've tried so many rackets and strings over the past few years. I didn't want to like this racket- I had visceral negative reaction to it's looks. I like gloss black or blue not this abomination of yellow and avocado. I had to monkey with the swing weight and balance, but once I got it dialed in I forgot about all of that. So why am I with it, I ask myself? It is just a great intersection of feel, power, whip and spin for me. I repeat, I do not want to like it. However, I play my best tennis with it and it has become sort of brainless to the point where I don't think about my set up. I pick it up and it feels good. I like the way it hits. I don't really want to spend time figuring out another set up at this point. I don't even want to try the new one with the sexy gloss paint job. What is going on with me?
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I have a similar relationship with the 2024 Extreme Pro. It's just such a good racquet with such a horrible paint job. I haven't had the desire to even try other racquets for over a year. Picked up a used 2026 though to try out.. couldn't resist. Will report back.
 
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Some thoughts on the D98 after 4 sessions (3 stock, 1 with 6 grams at 3 and 9):

- It lacks some free power for a power 98, noticeably less power than a PA98 2023.
- The string bed is pretty open, it is predictable but has less control built in than other alternatives with denser strinbeds.
- Feel is crisp and connected, arguably one of the best in its category, I still prefer the feel of thinner beamed frames though.
- Think I prefer it stock.
- Wilson grip/butt cap shape is goated, makes me want to try almost all their offerings and prevents me from holicing in the realms of Tecnifibre.
 
D98 might be the cure I have been looking for. I've tried to stay away from reviews etc. to make up my own mind. I previously used v5/v6 cv blades for years, then really haven't stuck with anything over the last few years.

My copy was pretty much right on spec. I strung it up with lynx tour 50x48. I went down to a G2, the longer handle is also a plus. I seem to go back to Wilson rackets and this is the stick I have been searching for over the last few years. Most Wilson's just feel right in my hands, but recently I'll be the first to admit their offerings have been lacking.

Although it's somewhat contradictory, the D98 swings like a ps97 on serve (while not tiring you out after back to back matches), it has the quickness through the air and spin modulation on ground strokes like a blade, and has the feel / stability in the upper hoop like an ultra pro 99. I find it somewhere between an ezone and vcore in yonex terms. and imo closer to a PD98 than a PA98 '26.

Completely stock the D98 swings really fast through the air. I never got along withe the pa98 '23 for the clunk factor and general feel of the racket. D98 rewards fast swings and timing the ball. It doesn't have the inherent plough of a pro staff / PA 98 '23/iso305, but I don't think it is underpowered...it's also like 10+ sw pts lower than those.

I hit some heavy backhands, and was able to control the height of my forehand while really attacking second serves by flattening balls out. I think the power is ample for the 4.5/5.0 level. (note: my forehand is more western/wristy, so I actually struggle with finding consistent power with a thicker beamed PD etc. especially on serve when compared to smaller headshape/more aerodynamic rackets)

Control isn't as precise a blade or pro staff, but I never found myself really wanting more control. Or at least I wasn't expecting it...it's not a 18x20 blade after all. The feel is good. Even with a dampener I still got some slight feedback and vibrations from lynx tour which is a nice change. It's not on par with a Nordicdots model 98...again it's somewhere between a blade and pro staff when it comes to feel.

Serving was excellent. Natural pick up and play. Fast through the air, stable in the hoop.

I've mainly been using the UP99 over the past few months. I've sprinkled some other rackets in here and there, but the UP99 has kept it's spot in the bag. But I get some fliers with it and I find the forehand swings really linear...you can't really adjust mid swing. UP99 gets a bit tiring on longer hot days to keep up 1st serve pace (my model is nearing 340 sw). It doesn't help that the strings bag out very quickly. For now I am going to continue using the D98 for the next little while. I will need to put it through some pressure situations to make a fair assessment, but I've played some of my best tennis with it, while maybe a honeymoon, it does feel a bit different than other honeymoons I've had.
 
flyhome said:
From what I have bene told, the Defyer 98 Is low powered compared to the 100 and I think compared to Learner's, do you find they similarities? Even string spacing Is tighter, isn't It?
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Yes it is lower powered and the string spacing is tighter. Similarity is both have good feel, which is in the same ballpark. Learner may need to be strung a little tighter so I can compare better. It definitely has the bigger power right now.

I love both. Currently using the Defyer more just because I need to restring the learner and tame it a little bit. I enjoy the power of the learner, especially on serve. But I also have found the Defyer 98 to have this fascinating balance of control and punch. Combined with the scalpel like feel through the air, it’s quite unique.
 
I am "holicing" right now. I have bought > 12 rackets in the last 2 months. Most them are Volkl V-Cells, but I have also bought 3 ProKennex Ki 5s. Trying to find the right combination for my damaged shoulder, They have all been strung with Natural Gut or (Sim Gut) for the mains and then a combination of soft strings for the crosses.
 
Of the other frames I tried at the Express yesterday I really liked the Radical Pro. At $139 or whatever for the previous gen model . . . it may be worth picking up. Someone please talk me out of it . . .

Also, I let a 10 UTR kid hit with the AStrike 305 last night for a bit. He said it felt a lot like his Pure Strike 97 but with a bit more power. I've never hit with the PS97 but saw afterwards that it does have a pretty thin beam.
 
dmtree said:
I have a similar relationship which the 2024 Extreme Pro. It's just such a good racquet with such a horrible paint job. I haven't had the desire to even try other racquets for over a year. Picked up a used 2026 though to try out.. couldn't resist. Will report back.
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Awesome, would like to hear your impressions.
 
Vicious49 said:
Of the other frames I tried at the Express yesterday I really liked the Radical Pro. At $139 or whatever for the previous gen model . . . it may be worth picking up. Someone please talk me out of it . . .
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It doesn’t have staying power. You’ll enjoy the control it offers for a few hits, and especially the more connected feel than the more muted Head frames like Boom and Extreme. But after a week you’ll be searching for something that gives you more power for free and less effort to maneuver and hit fun shots with a variety of styles. You’ll realize you wasted money on a cool demo but a bad long term option.
 
Power Player said:
Yes it is lower powered and the string spacing is tighter. Similarity is both have good feel, which is in the same ballpark. Learner may need to be strung a little tighter so I can compare better. It definitely has the bigger power right now.

I love both. Currently using the Defyer more just because I need to restring the learner and tame it a little bit. I enjoy the power of the learner, especially on serve. But I also have found the Defyer 98 to have this fascinating balance of control and punch. Combined with the scalpel like feel through the air, it’s quite unique.
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Seems like in some ways the D98 could be similar to the EZ98, in terms of spec and playability. I suspect feel will be very different, but I’m thinking both are players’ frames that require you to generate your own, and possible that for most of us the D100/EZ100 are more viable. Thoughts?
 
gutfeeling said:
Seems like in some ways the D98 could be similar to the EZ98, in terms of spec and playability. I suspect feel will be very different, but I’m thinking both are players’ frames that require you to generate your own, and possible that for most of us the D100/EZ100 are more viable. Thoughts?
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I need to play the D100 before I can say for sure, but I much prefer the D98 to an Ezone98. It's got a trajectory that is more forgiving without being too high and it's more comfortable with far better feel, plus the handle and gripshape is better to me.

You do need to generate your own juice, but it's not so low powered that you are cooked after an hour. I played 2 hours of points and then did 30 minutes of rapid feed where I had to rip the ball into corners over and over. I was surprised at how long I was able to keep my foot on the gas with this frame and really hammer the ball. I am going hard right now with my fitness but its going to take 3-4 weeks of this type of work before I get to where I want to be, I suspect. But I have done this type of drilling with control frames and also Babolat tweeners and the Defyer sits in the middle. With the Babolat it's easy to get lazy and arm the ball when you are gassed but it also can be tougher to control when this happens. With the Defyer you can get crafty and slice and punch the ball into different spots on the court. But you can also peel off full swings when fatigued and still have control. Kind of tough to explain.
 
Well. It's possible the Redline became the Defired today. I didn't expect this. But maybe I should have. I had the R100 strung up with fresh Alu Rough and the stick felt absolutely incredible. Just like the frame did with Tour Bite fresh off the stringer. But the data is the data and today the data told me this, when a very sold, tall, great-moving 22-year-old showed up to play me for a practice session/practice match, strangely with his girlfriend to watch us, which surprised me a bit, but ok, all good, let's science:

Red100: 6-7
Fedora: 6-1
Fedora: 4-0 mini third set.

Did a super TB to finish the night off and I grabbed the RL for another go. 12-10 with that.

The R100 gives me serves. And is so damn fun to play with.
The Fedora gives me everything else. More solidity all around but especially off center, backhand leverage on my best shot, and craft.

I hope she didn't break up with him. It wasn't him. It was the Fedora.
 
JGads said:
Well. It's possible the Redline became the Defired today. I didn't expect this. But maybe I should have. I had the R100 strung up with fresh Alu Rough and the stick felt absolutely incredible. Just like the frame did with Tour Bite fresh off the stringer. But the data is the data and today the data told me this, when a very sold, tall, great-moving 22-year-old showed up to play me for a practice session/practice match, strangely with his girlfriend to watch us, which surprised me a bit, but ok, all good, let's science:

Red100: 6-7
Fedora: 6-1
Fedora: 4-0 mini third set.

Did a super TB to finish the night off and I grabbed the RL for another go. 12-10 with that.

The R100 gives me serves. And is so damn fun to play with.
The Fedora gives me everything else. More solidity all around but especially off center, backhand leverage on my best shot, and craft.

I hope she didn't break up with him. It wasn't him. It was the Fedora.
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More strings = more better tennis.
 
I'd keep going. I'm finding that figuring out this racquet thing takes months of back and forth. Unless you aren't into the frame, and then of course cut it loose.

But you have been using that Fedora forever. Nothing will unseat it in the short term, imo.
 
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JGads said:
Well. It's possible the Redline became the Defired today. I didn't expect this. But maybe I should have. I had the R100 strung up with fresh Alu Rough and the stick felt absolutely incredible. Just like the frame did with Tour Bite fresh off the stringer. But the data is the data and today the data told me this, when a very sold, tall, great-moving 22-year-old showed up to play me for a practice session/practice match, strangely with his girlfriend to watch us, which surprised me a bit, but ok, all good, let's science:

Red100: 6-7
Fedora: 6-1
Fedora: 4-0 mini third set.

Did a super TB to finish the night off and I grabbed the RL for another go. 12-10 with that.

The R100 gives me serves. And is so damn fun to play with.
The Fedora gives me everything else. More solidity all around but especially off center, backhand leverage on my best shot, and craft.

I hope she didn't break up with him. It wasn't him. It was the Fedora.
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JGads said:
I struggle with the P100 against defensive players but do really well against harder hitters. It's strange. What Federer inspired (I assume) racket does Fedora imply?
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I have a pair of the v4 Elevates to string. The pj on these is so nice. It's a gloss green but it's like a sparkly finish that really looks good in the sun. I'll see if I can snap a pic as it's hard to describe. Hopefully I'll get to hit with one of them in the next dew days even though they aren't in my grip size.

ujV33BKl.jpg
 
@haigos

It’s an astute observation about hard hitters because I also feel like the R100 has been great against hard hitters for the most part, however it asks that you also keep your swing fast too. “Redline” was the absolute perfect name for the frame because it totally loves a fast, aggressive swing, and the control keeps the ball in play. Slower swinging redirect type shots don’t do quite as well for me as my other frames. And you asked about the Fedora - no, not a Federer reference but just a nickname I’ve given to a niche 30 year old Head I’m still hitting, the Pro Lite Tour XL.
 
JGads said:
@haigos

It’s an astute observation about hard hitters because I also feel like the R100 has been great against hard hitters for the most part, however it asks that you also keep your swing fast too. “Redline” was the absolute perfect name for the frame because it totally loves a fast, aggressive swing, and the control keeps the ball in play. Slower swinging redirect type shots don’t do quite as well for me as my other frames. And you asked about the Fedora - no, not a Federer reference but just a nickname I’ve given to a niche 30 year old Head I’m still hitting, the Pro Lite Tour XL.
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As a counterpuncher these are integral to my game. This observation of yours is regarding just the R100 or also the R98?
 
Vicious49 said:
As a counterpuncher these are integral to my game. This observation of yours is regarding just the R100 or also the R98?
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For me, both. The 98 does feel more inherently stable than the 100 but both frames feel to me as if they are made to swing fast, be on the front foot, slap. Also because they are so inherently fast through the air, that if anything I would find myself too ahead of the ball sometimes on the forehand side and felt I needed to kind of Fonseca: wait, slap. GO for it. And then the the ball would be great. Powerful with that control backing to keep the heaviness in. More neutral or less confident swings with both frames yielded lighter balls than my others which could be punished/cleared more easily. This is why for me these frames are actually crazy fun to play with because they ask of you (or me) to be aggressive and front footing. But this becomes a problem for someone like me who is often redirecting and carving. I’d love to be player A but in truth I’ve always been more Player B.

I have to reiterate that while I don’t think the Redlines will take any cake for me, they are frames that I have really enjoyed hitting with and I will keep the 100 in the collection unless a friend falls in love with it.
 
Nevermind. Today the Redline defied being defired and remains something of a defineher, because I’m still trying to. It’s still pretty damn great.

I don’t know anything anymore. Except that all balls made by Head should be euthanized and burned.

Tuesday.
 
Finally hit with the D98 some yesterday. Hit stock with what seemed to be 1.25 alu power. Man what a fun stick to play with. As long as you swing fast and commit to swinging fast this stick is fun. Was expecting a smaller sweet spot but it's actually decently sized. Point play indicates that it does need a little weight as it lacks just a tad bit of put away power but it definitely gives you a consistent and predictable ball. Have one to spec up now and will update with findings
 
JGads said:
Nevermind. Today the Redline defied being defired and remains something of a defineher, because I’m still trying to. It’s still pretty damn great.

I don’t know anything anymore. Except that all balls made by Head should be euthanized and burned.

Tuesday.
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Are you using full TB string bed?

If this thing is on the level of the 98 I’m going to have a bag of treats every time
I hit the court. Choosing between the learner and d98 is one of the most enjoyable tennis dilemmas I have experienced.

I’ll be living out of a suitcase for a while so I may also throw the pure aero 98s in my bag because I know Florida humidity and it I’ll have to rotate racquets more often than up here in the mountains. I always carried at least 3 frames in the summer there.
 
Power Player said:
Are you using full TB string bed?

If this thing is on the level of the 98 I’m going to have a bag of treats every time
I hit the court. Choosing between the learner and d98 is one of the most enjoyable tennis dilemmas I have experienced.

I’ll be living out of a suitcase for a while so I may also throw the pure aero 98s in my bag because I know Florida humidity and it I’ll have to rotate racquets more often than up here in the mountains. I always carried at least 3 frames in the summer there.
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Oh you're moving back to Florida? How come? PM if you don't want to air it.

On the 100, it now has Alu Rough in it which is just awesome because it's still fresh. I had full TB 1.25 before.
 
Blade-Pro18m.avif


Just upgraded my v9 BP (16m) to a v10 BP (18m). I dare you to find a better looking paintjob. Even this photo doesn't do it justice -- there are minor details in the styling along the edges of the hoop that are gorgeous, and I even love that tiny red accent. I'll only bring this out when I feel strong enough to get something out of it, but it's so damn good. Currently strung with Alu Power 1.15, the thinnest gauge I've used of that string but in an 18x20 it actually helps. My next step is swapping the grommets out for lighter v7/v8 grommets to lower the SW.

You might say this is my GRIP: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/whats-your-grip.802316/
 
Elevate looks nice in the sunlight. Didn't quite have the heft behind it I'd want. This one had a strung SW of 316 so I'd need to add weight to it. Either way, turned it over to the coach so the kids can hit with it as I knew it wasn't for me after a few games of hitting with it.

ic2usM3h.jpg
 
Been a while since I posted here, hope y’all are well. I’ve fully recovered from a hip flexor injury earlier this year and am back to full intensity hitting. Still going strong with the previous gen VCore 98, though ngl the glossy newer one and the Defyer both are tickling my fancy… But kinda don’t wanna even try in case I like them since I loaded up on multiple frames + grommets already. It’s a struggle lol

Anywho I had a training session yesterday with my D1 friend who’s back from the US till August. As expected he slapped me around the court but I could tell that my two hander has gotten more solid over the past year, it held up rather well. In return I’m not as happy with my forehand these days though, but I’ll figure it out. Funnily he switched to the Aero 98 23 in the US (had to black it out for sponsorship reasons though lol) and now got himself a few of the 26 to switch to. His opinion on it diverges massively from what I read/hear on it, found that interesting. He said he doesn’t feel a huge difference to the 23 and that, if anything, he finds the newer one firmer and that he prefers it. Different strokes ey? All I know is that he hits a gnarly ball. Happy hitting yall!
 
Look what I picked up last night. Not sure exactly what it was at the time but knew it was an 18/20 thin beamed old school Radical MP. Traded my 2023 Radical MP for it. Not sure if it was a good trade or not but you don't often find old frames like this in nice condition.

After I got home best I could tell this is a Youtek Radical MP from around 2009. This is newer than my LiquidMetal radicals which were from around 2003-2005. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong and comment if you recall your playing experience with it.

ONX6LnXh.jpg
 
Vicious49 said:
Look what I picked up last night. Not sure exactly what it was at the time but knew it was an 18/20 thin beamed old school Radical MP. Traded my 2023 Radical MP for it. Not sure if it was a good trade or not but you don't often find old frames like this in nice condition.

After I got home best I could tell this is a Youtek Radical MP from around 2009. This is newer than my LiquidMetal radicals which were from around 2003-2005. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong and comment if you recall your playing experience with it.

ONX6LnXh.jpg
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Yt Rad MP for sure. Nice frame, used to play it way back in the day. Gonna feel very anaemic by today’s standards but string it low with a softer string and you’ll have a good time
 
SpinToWin said:
Yt Rad MP for sure. Nice frame, used to play it way back in the day. Gonna feel very anaemic by today’s standards but string it low with a softer string and you’ll have a good time
Click to expand...
Multi at 50# is what I usually do in these type of frames. I probably won't be using it that much so don't want to use poly which will go dead just sitting there. Plus the multi should help provide a bit more pop.
 
Vicious49 said:
Look what I picked up last night. Not sure exactly what it was at the time but knew it was an 18/20 thin beamed old school Radical MP. Traded my 2023 Radical MP for it. Not sure if it was a good trade or not but you don't often find old frames like this in nice condition.

After I got home best I could tell this is a Youtek Radical MP from around 2009. This is newer than my LiquidMetal radicals which were from around 2003-2005. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong and comment if you recall your playing experience with it.

ONX6LnXh.jpg
Click to expand...

Beautiful racket. Man they don’t make Radicals like they used to.
 
Vicious49 said:
I have a pair of the v4 Elevates to string. The pj on these is so nice. It's a gloss green but it's like a sparkly finish that really looks good in the sun. I'll see if I can snap a pic as it's hard to describe. Hopefully I'll get to hit with one of them in the next dew days even though they aren't in my grip size.

ujV33BKl.jpg
Click to expand...
The Elevate is another one of those racquets that I should love, but I can't stand. I've never been able to gel with it.

TwinCinema said:
Blade-Pro18m.avif


Just upgraded my v9 BP (16m) to a v10 BP (18m). I dare you to find a better looking paintjob. Even this photo doesn't do it justice -- there are minor details in the styling along the edges of the hoop that are gorgeous, and I even love that tiny red accent. I'll only bring this out when I feel strong enough to get something out of it, but it's so damn good. Currently strung with Alu Power 1.15, the thinnest gauge I've used of that string but in an 18x20 it actually helps. My next step is swapping the grommets out for lighter v7/v8 grommets to lower the SW.

You might say this is my GRIP: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/whats-your-grip.802316/
Click to expand...
Sounds like a downgrade all around. Lol.

V9 PJ > V10 PJ
16x19 > 18x20

Vicious49 said:
Look what I picked up last night. Not sure exactly what it was at the time but knew it was an 18/20 thin beamed old school Radical MP. Traded my 2023 Radical MP for it. Not sure if it was a good trade or not but you don't often find old frames like this in nice condition.

After I got home best I could tell this is a Youtek Radical MP from around 2009. This is newer than my LiquidMetal radicals which were from around 2003-2005. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong and comment if you recall your playing experience with it.

ONX6LnXh.jpg
Click to expand...
That is an epically good frame. If you are jumping into the YT era frames, you owe it to yourself to hit the Prestige mid.
 
ryushen21 said:
That is an epically good frame. If you are jumping into the YT era frames, you owe it to yourself to hit the Prestige mid.
Click to expand...
I just got lucky with this one. I had a 2023 Rad MP I was about to list but one of the local women here wanted to try it. She decided to pass on it but while sitting there I noticed this Youtek Rad MP and asked whose it was. Turned out it was hers but she never uses it. I offered her the trade and she accepted.

What I'd like to try is some older Rad Pros. I have the LM Rad MP and now this YT Rad MP but I hardly ever see any Rad pros of these older gens. I'm not sure why besides maybe they didn't sell as many of the Rad Pros.
 
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