Diary of a Racketaholic

[808]

haha..808..good call. I can probably hammer them back in gently. I think I have done this before.

Ok thats what I needed. Im going to do this mod. It should rebalance the stick just enough so I can keep it at 345.

Are you still goating the prince? We need a stick check in here.

Yes, still with the Prince. The Tour G is nice, very nice – both versions actually – yet the Prince is just that bit easier to use for my style of play (strictly on red clay and mostly from the baseline, though I'm working on a more attacking game with my coach) to make a difference. Since I've lately been breaking my usual 17 gauge poly in under two hours with that frame I switched to the thicker Tour XC. Quite a nice combo.

I have an Ai98 here though that I'm looking forward to hitting with soonish.

 

[808]

this usually works with foam handles. doesn't always work with pallets.

Yeah, probably. But if I recall correctly I was using this method on some Head frames back then. Anyways, might be worth a try.

 

[mad dog1]

Yeah, probably. But if I recall correctly I was using this method on some Head frames back then. Anyways, might be worth a try.

if the staple entered straight and fully penetrated when initially installed at the factory, it'll be possible to reuse the staple again. but, yeah, worth a try for sure.

 

[Power Player]

Are any of you guys still using the Prince Pro Tour with grommets?

I'd like to have more info on that for the future as a reserve option. My plan is to demo the RF97 315 and see how I handle a stiffer (but allegedly comfortable) frame. If that frame gets my arm over time, I am going to try the tour G 310 and maybe the Prince simply because I will know that I need flex.

The one thing I notice about the Tour G is on serve I do a lot better with a 16x19 pattern than the 16x20. Its just less DFs and more consistent spin serves with Yoko.

If nothing beats the Tec at that point, then I'm buying another 16x19 and sending it to **** for modding.

I do have a feeling the RF97 could be amazing, but let's see.

 

[Lilguy1456]

Are any of you guys still using the Prince Pro Tour with grommets?

I'd like to have more info on that for the future as a reserve option. My plan is to demo the RF97 315 and see how I handle a stiffer (but allegedly comfortable) frame. If that frame gets my arm over time, I am going to try the tour G 310 and maybe the Prince simply because I will know that I need flex.

The one thing I notice about the Tour G is on serve I do a lot better with a 16x19 pattern than the 16x20. Its just less DFs and more consistent spin serves with Yoko.

If nothing beats the Tec at that point, then I'm buying another 16x19 and sending it to **** for modding.

I do have a feeling the RF97 could be amazing, but let's see.

I'm sure someone has said this already, and I'll probably get flamed for saying ANYTHING that could potentially be considered negative about the RF97...but I'm going to say it anyway.

Do well all wonder if people would be freaking out about this spec, if it were released on Pro Kennex or Donnay or Tecnifibre? In fact, the Pro One is pretty close to the middle RF racquet. No one really seems to care lol. I don't know, just seems like the RF97 frenzy is pretty transparent.

Let the hate begin!

 

[Power Player]

Tec released a very similar stick in the Tfight and I own one, and use it all the time.

If it was Donnay Pro One it would basically be vapor at this point. They just are not up to standards and change their line every five seconds. In other words, its not a pro staff. Also just finding a Pro one 16x19 now is very challenging.

The reason so many people are interested is it is the new Pro Staff and the first time they have really tweaked the frame like this before. So its going to be a big deal.

Did wilson retain a classic frame feel and open up the sweetspot and make the Pro Staff more suited for todays game? If so, you are not looking at an average racquet, since it is hard to do all of those things.

 

[Lilguy1456]

Tec released a very similar stick in the Tfight and I own one, and use it all the time.

If it was Donnay Pro One it would basically be vapor at this point. They just are not up to standards and change their line every five seconds. In other words, its not a pro staff. Also just finding a Pro one 16x19 now is very challenging.

The reason so many people are interested is it is the new Pro Staff and the first time they have really tweaked the frame like this before. So its going to be a big deal.

Did wilson retain a classic frame feel and open up the sweetspot and make the Pro Staff more suited for todays game? If so, you are not looking at an average racquet, since it is hard to do all of those things.

Fair enough!

 

[bad_call]

Are any of you guys still using the Prince Pro Tour with grommets?

I'd like to have more info on that for the future as a reserve option. My plan is to demo the RF97 315 and see how I handle a stiffer (but allegedly comfortable) frame. If that frame gets my arm over time, I am going to try the tour G 310 and maybe the Prince simply because I will know that I need flex.

The one thing I notice about the Tour G is on serve I do a lot better with a 16x19 pattern than the 16x20. Its just less DFs and more consistent spin serves with Yoko.

If nothing beats the Tec at that point, then I'm buying another 16x19 and sending it to **** for modding.

I do have a feeling the RF97 could be amazing, but let's see.

didn't see any serves or service returns in drak's vid using the RF97 which is a bit odd considering that's a deal maker/breaker for matches. not sure why any play tester would leave that out so will wait til the TW staff gives it a demo. give me a shout if you need an opponent for testing. preferably when it's not so dang hot and humid.

 

[Power Player]

Yeah the weather sucks so bad right now. We can't do our usual time because we will die and even 8pm at night I am soaking wet after an hour.

It sucks because I have gotten better on serve and would like to play, but my god, it's no fun. I do it mainly for the exercise right now.

 

[crosscourt]

I'm sure someone has said this already, and I'll probably get flamed for saying ANYTHING that could potentially be considered negative about the RF97...but I'm going to say it anyway.

Do well all wonder if people would be freaking out about this spec, if it were released on Pro Kennex or Donnay or Tecnifibre? In fact, the Pro One is pretty close to the middle RF racquet. No one really seems to care lol. I don't know, just seems like the RF97 frenzy is pretty transparent.

Let the hate begin!

You are quite right. Lots of interest in the stick will just be wannabe mania. All sorts of people who a year ago could only use the 90" Pro Staff because only that gave them the control/feel/touch/serve/volley/spin/slice/pain free tennis/whatever will soon be using a thicker beamed and much larger racket and exaggerating wildly over it. Some will say that the RF97 is the only mid plus size stick they have ever felt able to play.

At the same time the developments that have taken place in more traditionally spec'd frames to counter the rise of the power/topspin game that comes so easily with the Pure Drive and Aero Pro Drive, and their imitators, have led to some great frames. The Wilson Blades are a good example. So are some of the Yonex vcores. Some of the Head Speeds have been superb rackets.

And the RF97 will very likely be an excellent racket too. Wilson will have put a lot into it and in the longer term it may be a replacement for the ageing 6.1 line. So there will of course be a frenzy but there may also be a great racket.

 

[JGads]

There are days, and there are better days. Yesterday, I hit tennis balls for the first time since surgery. Shoulder is weak, still a long ways from full strength, but for the first time in ages, hitting a tennis ball wasn't accompanied with pain.

 

[Power Player]

Awesome Gads..congrats. It must be nice to feel the crack of the ball again. The road back won't be too bad once you get your bearings and fitness again.

 

[JGads]

Awesome Gads..congrats. It must be nice to feel the crack of the ball again. The road back won't be too bad once you get your bearings and fitness again.

Amazing how much joy the crack of that ball can bring. The backhand is good, the forehand will take time and strength to get back.

I'm in Cali at the moment so thankfully was able to hit with MD for my first hit. My sticks are simply too heavy for me to wield for the moment but he had an Ai 100 handy that I was able to use.

Think I may buy or demo a Prince Pro Tour 100 this week for my next hit and to use until my strength returns. If there's another light, soft, easy pop option that anyone thinks I should also try, let me know. I haven't been around here much lately so I'm not sure if some other lighter sticks have been getting good reviews, but that Prince looks pretty nice for what I need. Lighter, soft and forgiving and at a low tension could give me some needed help on power.

 

[mad dog1]

Amazing how much joy the crack of that ball can bring. The backhand is good, the forehand will take time and strength to get back.

I'm in Cali at the moment so thankfully was able to hit with MD for my first hit. My sticks are simply too heavy for me to wield for the moment but he had an Ai 100 handy that I was able to use.

Think I may buy or demo a Prince Pro Tour 100 this week for my next hit and to use until my strength returns. If there's another light, soft, easy pop option that anyone thinks I should also try, let me know. I haven't been around here much lately so I'm not sure if some other lighter sticks have been getting good reviews, but that Prince looks pretty nice for what I need. Lighter, soft and forgiving and at a low tension could give me some needed help on power.

HE'S BACK!!!

Great to seeing you! Even better seeing you on the court!

Ai100...what a sheer coincidence i even had this frame and in stock form. just picked it up in a trade a week ago...Thanks to RollTrackTake. Haven't even tried it out myself yet. :lol:

And as i mentioned, feel free to take it with you to NY if you want a lighter option for now. i can put in a softer string at lower tension if you'd like. hit with it for as long as you want and whenever you're back to using the pro stock sticks, either ship it back or bring it with you when you're visiting So Cal next time.

 

[JGads]

HE'S BACK!!!

Great to seeing you! Even better seeing you on the court!

Ai100...what a sheer coincidence i even had this frame and in stock form. just picked it up in a trade a week ago...Thanks to RollTrackTake. Haven't even tried it out myself yet. :lol:

And as i mentioned, feel free to take it with you to NY if you want a lighter option for now. i can put in a softer string at lower tension if you'd like. hit with it for as long as you want and whenever you're back to using the pro stock sticks, either ship it back or bring it with you when you're visiting So Cal next time.

Thanks for the offer, man. We'll see. I think I'm going to try to wrangle a demo of that Prince for our next hit, just to make sure it's something I like for now, and compare it. It seems like a very similar option to the Ai100, which I definitely like, but the Prince has a much softer RA. High 50s instead of high 60s. Sounds perfect for what I need, but who knows how I'll actually like it, so will try to procure a demo. Maybe a Wednesday night hit?

 

[Hankenstein]

Ai100 is a very solid frame! It feels a bit like a more dampened version of a Head Extreme. This frame really surprised me in a positive way.

 

[bad_call]

JGads - take it slow and steady. you'll be rocking again before you know it.

 

[JackB1]

Amazing how much joy the crack of that ball can bring. The backhand is good, the forehand will take time and strength to get back.

I'm in Cali at the moment so thankfully was able to hit with MD for my first hit. My sticks are simply too heavy for me to wield for the moment but he had an Ai 100 handy that I was able to use.

Welcome back Gads! Take it slow and enjoy yourself.

 

[Power Player]

We needs a GadsReview and the Prince Tour 100 is a perfect candidate. It seems like a few folks tried it and then went away from it to something else or just never really posted about it again.

This is one of the few remaining racquets I'm curious about besides the RF97.

I can see myself buying more Yokos, and sending them off to be customized later this fall.

Starting to think I lean back to it because the pattern is more open. That has been really really helping me on serve. Also - the feel. It's so good, my god. The Yonex actually comes quite close though.

That being said I broke strings mid-set and went back to the Tour G and still won last weekend. It was not too bad of a switch but the more you use a couple sticks over time, the more subtle difference you pick up.

 

[mikeler]

Thanks for the offer, man. We'll see. I think I'm going to try to wrangle a demo of that Prince for our next hit, just to make sure it's something I like for now, and compare it. It seems like a very similar option to the Ai100, which I definitely like, but the Prince has a much softer RA. High 50s instead of high 60s. Sounds perfect for what I need, but who knows how I'll actually like it, so will try to procure a demo. Maybe a Wednesday night hit?

Try my current one. I'm using full poly without issue.

 

[JGads]

Try my current one. I'm using full poly without issue.

I never jive with O-Ports. Just never do. Similar frame without the holes and still the low flex sounds good to me. Thinking of trying the Prince Tour Pro 100 and the Tour Pro 98.

 

[klementine]

Yes!!!!!!

Was waiting for that poast!!!!

Welcome back Gadsby.

 

[Power Player]

I never jive with O-Ports. Just never do. Similar frame without the holes and still the low flex sounds good to me. Thinking of trying the Prince Tour Pro 100 and the Tour Pro 98.

Yes I am with you, and yes those are the 2 I would try as well. The yellow one would have been a must demo for me, but I am off the 18x20 train due to more wins and serve success with the 16x19 patterns.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

I hit with the prince tour 100. It has good feel but it just was not that effective in play. I was hitting puff balls. Gads I would get a v1 pro. Or one of the yellow princes, they are more solid.

 

[Power Player]

I hit with the prince tour 100. It has good feel but it just was not that effective in play. I was hitting puff balls. Gads I would get a v1 pro. Or one of the yellow princes, they are more solid.

You talking about the grommeted Prince? Because that is what I was thinking may happen.

The Prince EXO tour was legend, but definitely a bit puffy when it came to finishing points.

I like the balance of placing the ball and hitting put aways as well. The Tec gives me that even with the 59 flex.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

You talking about the grommeted Prince? Because that is what I was thinking may happen.

The Prince EXO tour was legend, but definitely a bit puffy when it came to finishing points.

I like the balance of placing the ball and hitting put aways as well. The Tec gives me that even with the 59 flex.

I am talking about the non ported tour pro. The tec is just a better racquet, imo. However, the new ported 18x20 tour is a beast frame, but I know Gads doesnt like ports.

 

[Power Player]

Yeah the Tec is so good.

Now how about this Volkl Super G 10? That could be a beast stick. I never did get into Volkl, but thats a plug and play racquet with barely any mods required.

I love their banana PJ on the lighter version. Reminds me of an old Connors stick.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Yeah the Tec is so good.

Now how about this Volkl Super G 10? That could be a beast stick. I never did get into Volkl, but thats a plug and play racquet with barely any mods required.

I love their banana PJ on the lighter version. Reminds me of an old Connors stick.

PP, I thought you were a volkl hater? boutique brand for old guys, but they make good sticks.

The old organix 10 was an insanely stable frame, perhaps the greatest frame ever for stick volleys, reactions and digs. The swing weight was a little too low, but it looks like they fixed that. Paint job and quality is fabulous, the pre filled handle pin thing gives great vibe dampening. Grip shape is head-esque, could be a problem, but the gummy bears (tm) buttcap is very comfy.

 

[Power Player]

PP, I thought you were a volkl hater? boutique brand for old guys, but they make good sticks.

The old organix 10 was an insanely stable frame, perhaps the greatest frame ever for stick volleys, reactions and digs. The swing weight was a little too low, but it looks like they fixed that. Paint job and quality is fabulous, the pre filled handle pin thing gives great vibe dampening. Grip shape is head-esque, could be a problem, but the gummy bears (tm) buttcap is very comfy.

Yeah total Volkl hater so I'm just spitballing, holic style.

I do like their new PJs a lot.

 

[JackB1]

Yeah the Tec is so good.

Now how about this Volkl Super G 10? That could be a beast stick. I never did get into Volkl, but thats a plug and play racquet with barely any mods required.

I love their banana PJ on the lighter version. Reminds me of an old Connors stick.

not another "banana"!!!

 

[Power Player]

The Connors Estusa was more of a Hi lighter Glo stick.

 

[JGads]

Yes!!!!!!

Was waiting for that poast!!!!

Welcome back Gadsby.

Thank you, good sir. Your own comeback was always in my thoughts as I went through (and continue to go through) rehab.

I am talking about the non ported tour pro. The tec is just a better racquet, imo. However, the new ported 18x20 tour is a beast frame, but I know Gads doesnt like ports.

The O-Port Tour is that much better, huh?

Well, I'd have tossed it into the demo box but already put in the order this morning and it's on its way. Just got a pro tour 100 and the yellow 98 tour - both with the normal grommets.

In reality I'm hitting puff balls regardless at the moment and I'm not even looking at this as a competition, need-to-do-this-and-that in match play kind of frame. Just need something light, soft and safe to swing until I get enough strength back in the shoulder to go back to my old sticks. Very limited options of 11 oz, high 50s/low 60s options out there right now, other than the Princes.

 

[Power Player]

So I have a small reel of Lux ALU power laying around.

Put it in the Tec at 56#s crossed with Forten sweet.

Heavy, flexy racquet with a heavenly sweet spot and lux =

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Esteemed peers,
what is your take on this Dunlop idapt business?
I kind of want to try the 98 inch pure drive thing they have created...I like they are bringing them in at 67, that's a good flex for that type of frame.
Perhaps this 98 is picking up where Bab left off with the aerostorm...kind of a powerful players racquet, but not a spin blob 100 inch tween

 

[Power Player]

I don't know. Seems like Dunlop lost their way to me. I like the concept of making a flexy tweener, and I like customization options, but if they held strong and continued to make those nice classic feeling frames, they would currently have a wide open market since Head has made everything stiff now.

The racquet companies who make classic,really good feeling frames that are a little more modern with a larger sweet spot will find a good amount of interest. I like that Wilson made the change to the Pro Staff but did not change the feel. Thats the way to do it.

Imagine a prestige with a larger sweet spot that is a true 98 and has really good feel in a 16x19 pattern.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

I wonder if the RA changes when you change the sleeve thing...

 

[JGads]

"It had been a long time since I'd seen the delivery man." ...

The beginning of a bad romance novel. Or the resumption of a hobby. Racquets.

Second hit back last night. The Princes were pretty ok, but just that: ok. Would have liked more weight towards the handle for my still-weak shoulder; balance was a bit too even. Feel was very good.

Since I'm still hitting puffy forehands, the added stiffness of MD's Ai100 seems to give me needed boost vs the more controlled Prince.

So I was thinking today: stiffness for power, but still cushioned enough for comfort. And that led my mind and Internet eye to FedK's earlier suggestion of a Volkl V1 Pro. Or a V1 Classic. Apparently they're just that? Stiffer for power, but cushioned by those lengthy grommets? A look at reviews and user comments has me intrigued.

Fed, others: V1 Pro vs V1 Classic? Or ideas of another stick that fits this lighter and stiffer but still-cushioned/comfy frame?

Hmm.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Gads, the v1 pro is exactly that: stiff yet cush. Tremendous feel when you want to flatten the ball.

Try the classic if arm protection is your #1 concern. Make sure to customize it to your preferred weight, the stock form is for old people.

Both of these are less tweeners and more like a players frame with comfort elements built in.

I want to get a pro, I have the classic, once pulled up to my weight preference is an addictive hit. Waaaay more touch than a bab 100 incher, despite the super muted feel. And flat shots just have that jet boost quality.

 

[Power Player]

Gads go Volkl and PK..

 

[JGads]

Gads, the v1 pro is exactly that: stiff yet cush. Tremendous feel when you want to flatten the ball.

Try the classic if arm protection is your #1 concern. Make sure to customize it to your preferred weight, the stock form is for old people.

Both of these are less tweeners and more like a players frame with comfort elements built in.

I want to get a pro, I have the classic, once pulled up to my weight preference is an addictive hit. Waaaay more touch than a bab 100 incher, despite the super muted feel. And flat shots just have that jet boost quality.

Roger that. Will try it.

Gads go Volkl and PK..

Yep, was thinking that that's the other brand of stiffer but safe/comfy frames.

Thank you, gents.

 

[aimr75]

Gads, the prince tour pro 100 does need lead. Had plenty of power I found with lead

 

[JGads]

Gads, the prince tour pro 100 does need lead. Had plenty of power I found with lead

Yeah, but with lead and a heavier grip (which I'd want to make more HL), it would be at or above the same weight as my other frames, like the Tec 315 or my Heads, which I'd prefer to use anyway. Trying to keep the weight down for the moment.

 

[Phil Hartman]

I can see why this thread has so many replies. I've played tennis for a long time (casually) but only recently discovered tennis warehouse, and I'm completely addicted to reading about rackets, watching the review videos, comparing specs, etc. I've bought 4 new rackets in the last 2 weeks after owning a total of 3 rackets my entire life before that. Can't wait to try out some new stuff.

 

[Power Player]

Its going to be tough to beat the Heads or the Tec. I am trying.

The Tour G 310 may be worth a serious look. Its the only thing close in terms of feel.

Phil, welcome back from the grave.

 

[mrravioli]

I can see why this thread has so many replies. I've played tennis for a long time (casually) but only recently discovered tennis warehouse, and I'm completely addicted to reading about rackets, watching the review videos, comparing specs, etc. I've bought 4 new rackets in the last 2 weeks after owning a total of 3 rackets my entire life before that. Can't wait to try out some new stuff.

yep. that's really addicting

 

[sargeinaz]

I was bored and was comparing the specs on the TW university of the Volkl Organix 10 (which I hated) to the new Super G 10 and the Super G 10 seems like a decent improvement. Seems like it has a larger sweetspot, higher twistweight, more power at every part of the racket. I wonder if that will translate well in real life hitting (still can't believe they didn't put RAP grommets on it)

Also, the RF97 has a lot of power according to the TW university, but that's to be expected when you have the racket version of Thor's hammer.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

I was bored and was comparing the specs on the TW university of the Volkl Organix 10 (which I hated) to the new Super G 10 and the Super G 10 seems like a decent improvement. Seems like it has a larger sweetspot, higher twistweight, more power at every part of the racket. I wonder if that will translate well in real life hitting (still can't believe they didn't put RAP grommets on it)

Also, the RF97 has a lot of power according to the TW university, but that's to be expected when you have the racket version of Thor's hammer.

I want to buy the RF97, the new Volkl 10 and the Dunlop Force 98. I also want a V1 Pro and a POG 100 and a Pure Control Plus 95. Probably need to try the Force 100S as well. Need starbucks, some energy bars and some warm paypal.

 

[el sergento]

Boys, I'm back on the wagon.

About a year ago I put down my trusty EXO's and picked up, in succession, the following sticks. Each was used for quite long periods of time, over 6 months each:

First I tried the Tec 315 18X20........... I fell in love, fantastic feel and control, spectacular net game, precise ground game. Overall, it was a great rally stick, but I had terrible results in matches, I mean, brutal, loosing to peeps I would bagel last year. Main culprit, can't get any juice out of my first serves and no penetration on my groundies on the clay.

I then moved to to the YY Tour G 310............ again, great rally stick, no real weaknesses, more juice than the Tec, but still, I struggled to win matches. I did better than with the Tec, but again, couldn't find rhythm on serve in the long run, which was surprising, since the serve is what I initially found so compelling.

Anyway, in part also due to an inflamed elbow and a really sore shoulder, I went back to my trusty Prince EXO3 Tour 100's 16X18 (old version)

I immediately started winning matches again. In fact, the first time I played a set with it, I won despite the sting's being ancient and probably in the low 30#'s. I don't know why, but I get the most pop on my serves out of the EXO. I also get the best consistency on my second serves because of the wicked spin.

So that's it, I'm back on my EXO's full time.

Interesting thing. Ever since I bought the 'hole grommets" or whatever they're called, not only is stringing so much easier, but string movement is essentially gone.

Another interesting thing, elbow pain is 100% gone and my shoulder, although tender, can handle way more sets with the EXO than any other stick.

Current spec: Shock shield replacement grip, no lead in the hoop, stung up with 16g Wilson NXT at 55#'s. Superb feel, power, spin............. s#$t durability, oh well, can't have it all

 

[el sergento]

Yeah, but with lead and a heavier grip (which I'd want to make more HL), it would be at or above the same weight as my other frames, like the Tec 315 or my Heads, which I'd prefer to use anyway. Trying to keep the weight down for the moment.

Gads, hope recovery is going well.

As a fellow shoulder injury sufferer, I can tell you first hand that there is no better stick for any tender joint than the original EXO3 Tours, you just can't fake 52 RA bruv.

Also, try it stock, with a Wilson shockshield replacement grip. That's my current setup. It makes it as headlight as a leather grip but, most importantly, adds even more shop absorption and cushioning.

Also, with such an open pattern (16X18 version), you can go full multi and not sacrifice any spin.

Good luck

 

[el sergento]

Gads, the prince tour pro 100 does need lead. Had plenty of power I found with lead

I gradually started removing all the lead I had on mine, thinking I'd end up with some, but not much, but eventually wound up with none, which for me, is a small miracle.

I find the EXO to be a super string sensitive beast, meaning that it's quite easy to modulate power and control based on string type and tension alone, without the need for much lead, if any. At least, IME.