Diary of a Racketaholic

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
Kinda like Bruce Bannister or the Hulk. Too much thinking = BB, too much aggression = H. Of course the radiation dose would probably kill us. :)
 

bad_call

Legend
regarding "balance between aggression and errors" -- Fed was "goating" vs Murray in the semifinal. Novak might only get the runner up trophy tomorrow.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I got to try the new Prince 95. Pretty awesome frame. Reminds me a lot of the Tec and the Prestige MP. The spin generation is excellent and you can really wail on the ball with it.

I wouldn't say the feel is incredible, but it is a very comfortable frame. It also seems to have a lot of pop on it, which was surprising. Only curiosity is why the frame is not a 98, as it would have made it a little easier to defend with.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I got to try the new Prince 95. Pretty awesome frame. Reminds me a lot of the Tec and the Prestige MP. The spin generation is excellent and you can really wail on the ball with it.

I wouldn't say the feel is incredible, but it is a very comfortable frame. It also seems to have a lot of pop on it, which was surprising. Only curiosity is why the frame is not a 98, as it would have made it a little easier to defend with.
Well, the Prestige is also actually a 95…. ;)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Not sure, there's just something about this 95 head size… I have never found the same qualities in a 98 racquet.

I love 95s but the sweet spot is a little smaller and it makes defending the corners a little tougher. Of course the feel is goat and so is the control, but I'm not playing tennis enough to maximize on it.

All that being said, im going to string the tec and prestige up with poly at 45 and see how it fairs.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
do tell.. also, what the weather at your area? for me now at peak summer some consideration on tension is advisable (not too low)..

Its very hot and very humid. On court was 100 degrees yesterday.

hard to go down in size once used to 98...maybe if I wasn't quite as old...lol.

Yeah your style of play you could go even bigger. Reminds me of a few guys I played in my league; good touch off the baseline and efficient at net. I really want to go back to a 100 but my favorite frames are all 95s. I do love the control though.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Have to say, spending hours going back and forth between the Tec and the GPMP I'm beginning to really miss the open string pattern. Thats probably the only complaint I can leverage against the GPMP. The open pattern is just more forgiving to me in terms of netcords and also balls staying in. Both of these frames are pretty advanced racquets, but incredibly satisfying to hit with.

In terms of easier to use frames, I always try the Extremes and walk away, but I really like the Head grip shape and the new release is looking like it could be worth a look. Of course so is the Prestige Pro, but thats going back to the more difficult to use category.

Demoing the Prince was pretty eye opening to me in terms of the benefits of an open pattern.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Have to say, spending hours going back and forth between the Tec and the GPMP I'm beginning to really miss the open string pattern. Thats probably the only complaint I can leverage against the GPMP. The open pattern is just more forgiving to me in terms of netcords and also balls staying in. Both of these frames are pretty advanced racquets, but incredibly satisfying to hit with.

In terms of easier to use frames, I always try the Extremes and walk away, but I really like the Head grip shape and the new release is looking like it could be worth a look. Of course so is the Prestige Pro, but thats going back to the more difficult to use category.

Demoing the Prince was pretty eye opening to me in terms of the benefits of an open pattern.

Sounds like the redhead better watch her back! :)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Sounds like the redhead better watch her back! :)

I guess. I don't know. I really like the frame. Im going to string it low with full poly next to see what that does.

I only play tennis 1-2 times a week now so this is why I think about grabbing an open pattern tweener again. I want to ramp up my power and spin for USTA fall.
 

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
I guess. I don't know. I really like the frame. Im going to string it low with full poly next to see what that does.

I only play tennis 1-2 times a week now so this is why I think about grabbing an open pattern tweener again. I want to ramp up my power and spin for USTA fall.

because i broke my GSP i had to use the opened pattern Dunlop 3hundred..
i immediately felt a huge loss of control. was terrible. no confidence whatsoever.
but probably also an old stringjob.

after getting the hang of the 18X20 on the GSP, i definitely don't think of trying 16X19.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
It's opposite for me. Well I still like 18x20 a lot, but when I am giving people trouble, its because I am hitting big with a lot of spin. I can do that with any frame of course, but I noticed the ball drops sharper with the Tec and also with the Prince. Gives more margin for error. May just need to revisit the setup I use in the prestige.

Im pretty sure I can just go low tension with full poly in the tec and prestige and be ok. But I may grab an old extreme pro since they are cheap. My style has changed up just a bit and I may be able to capitalize on the extra power and spin. If not I have my Prestige frames. Ive pretty much been Gadsing anyway. 1 prestige 1 tec and a the yonex 98.

The crossfit has been a huge help because I can keep my foot on the gas for a lot longer. Footwork is better so I make less mistakes. As a result I am able to play a bigger game and not make as many mistakes. Main reason I am checking things out (full poly instead of gut poly and also a tweener) before the fall kicks in and matches start.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I guess. I don't know. I really like the frame. Im going to string it low with full poly next to see what that does.

I only play tennis 1-2 times a week now so this is why I think about grabbing an open pattern tweener again. I want to ramp up my power and spin for USTA fall.

Sounds like a mission for the GS Speed MP!
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah, its really good. Very stiff though and one of the few frames that gave me actual elbow pain rather quickly. It just vibrates a little odd, but you should be fine. Highly recommended if you like lower trajectory, less arcing spin. Essentially if you like Warwinkas game you will love it.
 

sargeinaz

Hall of Fame
Yeah, its really good. Very stiff though and one of the few frames that gave me actual elbow pain rather quickly. It just vibrates a little odd, but you should be fine. Highly recommended if you like lower trajectory, less arcing spin. Essentially if you like Warwinkas game you will love it.
Ya I got a chance to demo it years ago, I remember it drives the ball really flat which is how I play actually. Hmmm we'll see if I can track one down. I string all my sticks with a soft multi or full gut (I'm not a string breaker) so that should help. I assume you had a poly or a hybrid in it?
 

Mac33

Professional
Today played a set with the Yonex 89 V Core 330g with Cyclone at 48.

I tried the same racquet a year back and dismissed it outright after five minutes!

Thought then it lacked power with a terrible sweet spot.

Today it was much better but still far from convinced.

The hoop at the top is very wide,wider even than other Yonex frames. This results in off centre strikes at the top still providing decent power.

However at the bottom of the hoop its very narrow. Very easy to mishit the ball,especially on return of serve.

I did find it very easy to whip a low ball on my forehand up and over.

I really struggle with this shot but with this frame it was magic.

Power on centre strikes was excellent but on framed or half framed shots the power level drops alarmingly!

I seem to get heaps of spin on this frame,more than just about any other frame short of the PK Q Tour.

For this reason im going to give it a second test tomorrow.

At this stage I put the Yonex RDiS 93 and the 325g PK 98 Q Tour as the best two frames I've so far tested.

The RDiS trajectory is extremely flat while the PK is the opposite being very loopy.

The 89 V Core is somewhere n between.

Must have tested at least 50 Tour spec frames.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Today played a set with the Yonex 89 V Core 330g with Cyclone at 48.

I tried the same racquet a year back and dismissed it outright after five minutes!

Thought then it lacked power with a terrible sweet spot.

Today it was much better but still far from convinced.

The hoop at the top is very wide,wider even than other Yonex frames. This results in off centre strikes at the top still providing decent power.

However at the bottom of the hoop its very narrow. Very easy to mishit the ball,especially on return of serve.

I did find it very easy to whip a low ball on my forehand up and over.

I really struggle with this shot but with this frame it was magic.

Power on centre strikes was excellent but on framed or half framed shots the power level drops alarmingly!

I seem to get heaps of spin on this frame,more than just about any other frame short of the PK Q Tour.

For this reason im going to give it a second test tomorrow.

At this stage I put the Yonex RDiS 93 and the 325g PK 98 Q Tour as the best two frames I've so far tested.

The RDiS trajectory is extremely flat while the PK is the opposite being very loopy.

The 89 V Core is somewhere n between.

Must have tested at least 50 Tour spec frames.

Interesting thoughts. I think the YY 89 is only 325grams. It is probably my favorite frame ever. I will have to track down the PK Q tour. Does it have woofer grommets?
 

Mac33

Professional
Not sure what woofer grommets are.

The Pk feels like a mashmallow. Softer than the Prince Exo 3.

It does take a while to get dialled in to the feel and softness.

The frame bends so much it sort of provides a catapult effect which sort of increases its power.

Also it has a weird rattle or shake in the frame,though that is by design.

Its the best frame ive used for whipping a low,short ball on my forehand up and over the net.

Spin is off the charts with Cyclone at 48.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Well I have a month to figure it out, but I got an IG Extreme Pro 2.0 coming that Ill jam out with for a bit. It will probably replace my Yonex, or at least thats the plan. I could also hate it, but I demoed the frame before and really liked it, I was just in hardcore Yoko mode at the time.

Goal here is to aggressive baseline for USTA Fall. I think it will either be one of my Prestigey frames with low tension full poly or the Extreme. Either way, I'm going to go back to full poly for a bit. Haven't done it in years.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Well I have a month to figure it out, but I got an IG Extreme Pro 2.0 coming that Ill jam out with for a bit. It will probably replace my Yonex, or at least thats the plan. I could also hate it, but I demoed the frame before and really liked it, I was just in hardcore Yoko mode at the time.

Goal here is to aggressive baseline for USTA Fall. I think it will either be one of my Prestigey frames with low tension full poly or the Extreme. Either way, I'm going to go back to full poly for a bit. Haven't done it in years.

Specs look good...I just don't like that lollipop round head shape. I don't know any other frames like that.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Specs look good...I just don't like that lollipop round head shape. I don't know any other frames like that.

The APD is fairly similar. I'd have to get exact measurements to know for sure. I also suspect the PJ makes a difference. For example, Gasquet uses something else, but his PJ still makes his frame look like a lollipop on camera.

What always grabbed me about the Extreme (and why I keep trying them) is the feel is rather plush and the potential for huge power and spin is obviously there. But it also has a little more control than other tweeners in it's category and I like that as well. It will take some court time to see if I benefit from that or if the precision of the Yoko and GPMP is better for how I am playing now. I figure I have about 6 weeks to get it sorted.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
The APD is fairly similar. I'd have to get exact measurements to know for sure. I also suspect the PJ makes a difference. For example, Gasquet uses something else, but his PJ still makes his frame look like a lollipop on camera.

What always grabbed me about the Extreme (and why I keep trying them) is the feel is rather plush and the potential for huge power and spin is obviously there. But it also has a little more control than other tweeners in it's category and I like that as well. It will take some court time to see if I benefit from that or if the precision of the Yoko and GPMP is better for how I am playing now. I figure I have about 6 weeks to get it sorted.

I used the Extreme 2.0 MP for a while and really liked it. It does feel more plush than the specs would indicate. I think the Extreme is Head's alternative to the APD. Huge spin and power for sure.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
specs are very similar between the APD and Extreme MPA. Key difference is the stiffness of 66 for the Head.
You can also see the hoop shape is a touch rounder for the Extreme.

6pt8px.jpg
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Not sure what woofer grommets are.

The woofer is the babolat style grommet. It lets the string move a little more and give the frame a softer kind of sound with a touch of trampoline.

I remember someone saying a long time ago that PK and Babolat both use these grommets. It kind of looks like it from the product page but I will let the experts weigh in.
 

gino

Legend
Anybody mainly wielding a Babolat Pure Control on this thread? If so, what headsize? Any of you guys using a one-hander with it?

Appreciate the feedback, if you can give any
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
specs are very similar between the APD and Extreme MPA. Key difference is the stiffness of 66 for the Head.
You can also see the hoop shape is a touch rounder for the Extreme.

6pt8px.jpg

Yeah it is pretty round. Used to bug me, but doesnt as much since Ive used yonexes, and saw the benefit of width. I think the Prestige is the best head shape personally.

The Extreme Pro is cool because it is a "leaded up" APD without woofers and no cortex. If it works for my game ill probably buy another of the old version and just practice (but I'm keeping the prestige and yoko in the bag).

Its insane how I still use Yoko all the time even though it's a demanding racquet. Just such a sweet stick for any Holic's bag.
 

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
Anybody mainly wielding a Babolat Pure Control on this thread? If so, what headsize? Any of you guys using a one-hander with it?

Appreciate the feedback, if you can give any

Tried a friends way too low powered. The Pure Control Tour though is a nice stick, nice control and spin with more pop than the regular Pure Control.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
The low powered frames have been my choice for a while because the feel and control is sublime. But even going to the new Prestige, the advantage of the extra pop is obvious.There is a lot to be said for overpowering another player because it results in a lot of short balls and easy put aways. The trick is keeping the ball in the lines. If you can do that and keep the ball deep and heavy with a Pure Control, it would be a great stick to wield.

Very small sweet spot. Very low margin for error.
 

gino

Legend
Tried a friends way too low powered. The Pure Control Tour though is a nice stick, nice control and spin with more pop than the regular Pure Control.

Do you happen to know what string he had in there? The low powered nature doesnt scare me away, I am just curious about it's plowthru and ability to generate spin
 

gino

Legend
The low powered frames have been my choice for a while because the feel and control is sublime. But even going to the new Prestige, the advantage of the extra pop is obvious.There is a lot to be said for overpowering another player because it results in a lot of short balls and easy put aways. The trick is keeping the ball in the lines. If you can do that and keep the ball deep and heavy with a Pure Control, it would be a great stick to wield.

Very small sweet spot. Very low margin for error.

So what I gather here is that you think it's an unforgiving stick, but provides just enough pop ? I am using the Pro Staff 97, and I am just looking for something more similar to a Six.One 95 16x18 (my racket of choice for about 10 years), which a larger headsize and more forgiving feel. The RA and flexibility is important to me too @Power Player
 

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
Do you happen to know what string he had in there? The low powered nature doesnt scare me away, I am just curious about it's plowthru and ability to generate spin

I think it was syn gut. Not much plow thru imo, spin was good. To me Tour version is a much better choice.
 

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
So what I gather here is that you think it's an unforgiving stick, but provides just enough pop ? I am using the Pro Staff 97, and I am just looking for something more similar to a Six.One 95 16x18 (my racket of choice for about 10 years), which a larger headsize and more forgiving feel. The RA and flexibility is important to me too @Power Player

I have not tried it but I think the Volkl SG 10 325 sounds like a good choice to try. 12 ounces, 98 inch head, 16 x19, thin beam (which I like) and Volkl is supposed to be comfortable.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Can;t comment on that PK, but I did try the Q5 and was very underwhelmed. Feel was not that great and the ball did not come off the strings with much energy.
 

bad_call

Legend
PP brought 2 winning racquets (not home run hitters) to the park today. the graphene prestige mp hit so nice and easier than the blx blade. if only I was in the market for a replacement racquet....hmmmmm. :rolleyes:
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Indeed. Nice to see someone else appreciate the Graphene Prestige. I think BC used it a little more than his Blades..lol.

I wrote a way too long review of the Extreme Pro here:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/inde...w-and-nobody-cares-about.538897/#post-9495411

In short, this older IG version is really freaking great. But it's not going in the Feel or flexy classic Hall of Frames by any means. For me, a guy who needs all the help he can get for the next USTA season, it may be exactly what the Holic Dr. ordered.
 

Capulin Zurdo

Hall of Fame
Racquets, racquets, racquets... can't get enough!

I couldn't pass up on a great deal on a new IG PMP and got it. I tried it some time ago and remember really liking it. Modded it up and took it out today for some good hitting sessions. Loved the awesome control. I also like the hand shape; it's more or so rectangular (I liken it to Volkl) and nestles comfortably in my eastern forehand grip.
 
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