Diary of a Racketaholic

[Power Player]

Well FSU looked great after the first half, so that was awesome. The Clemson game will be a classic I think.

Update on RSLyon - I like it a lot. Tension maintenance is top notch, spin is 8/10 and it has that Luxilon crack when you tag a FH. But they raised the price to 13.99. So now I don't like it very much. Looking like V-Torque could be the winner here.

Realized that the best comparison for the YY XI98 is the old Aerostorm Tour. It is a lot like that frame, except I believe it to be better.

 

[SpinToWin]

Well FSU looked great after the first half, so that was awesome. The Clemson game will be a classic I think.

Update on RSLyon - I like it a lot. Tension maintenance is top notch, spin is 8/10 and it has that Luxilon crack when you tag a FH. But they raised the price to 13.99. So now I don't like it very much. Looking like V-Torque could be the winner here.

Realized that the best comparison for the YY XI98 is the old Aerostorm Tour. It is a lot like that frame, except I believe it to be better.

How are Kirschbaum strings price wise in the US? I'd say that Black Shark should be a similar offering to V-Torque performance wise whereas Max Power will be a stiffer and crisper Lyon. If that sounds interesting to you, do check them out, they're currently some of my favourite offerings on the market

 

[gutfeeling]

How are Kirschbaum strings price wise in the US? I'd say that Black Shark should be a similar offering to V-Torque performance wise whereas Max Power will be a stiffer and crisper Lyon. If that sounds interesting to you, do check them out, they're currently some of my favourite offerings on the market

Loving max power 18 gauge which plays and feels thicker than 1.20. It's $14 per pack here in the US and TW was running a 50% off promo recently which was nice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Power Player]

How are Kirschbaum strings price wise in the US? I'd say that Black Shark should be a similar offering to V-Torque performance wise whereas Max Power will be a stiffer and crisper Lyon. If that sounds interesting to you, do check them out, they're currently some of my favourite offerings on the market

Yeah they are a little more than I like to spend. I am cheap with strings because I go through them fast enough, and it also really thins my selection when I stick to a price point.

RSLyon at $9.99 was the jam. Man, that would have been a must buy for a lot of people I think. Just a fantastic string at that price.

 

[SpinToWin]

Yeah they are a little more than I like to spend. I am cheap with strings because I go through them fast enough, and it also really thins my selection when I stick to a price point.

RSLyon at $9.99 was the jam. Man, that would have been a must buy for a lot of people I think. Just a fantastic string at that price.

It's a shame, cause they're really good value over here in Europe

 

[Minion]

Has anybody here had a good go at the Blade 98S? I ask because, I played with the Blade 98 18x20 a bit and loved it, and now the 98S is on special, very cheap. I've been curious about the 98S for a while, but unfortunately have no option to demo it. I'm not too keen on the Pro Staffs - that weird things inside the hoop at 3 & 9 really bothers me for some reason

 

[JGads]

College football talk on the 'holic message board? In that case, please permit this Houston alum to say, Go Coogs. Nice comeback on Monday, PP.

 

[SpinToWin]

Has anybody here had a good go at the Blade 98S? I ask because, I played with the Blade 98 18x20 a bit and loved it, and now the 98S is on special, very cheap. I've been curious about the 98S for a while, but unfortunately have no option to demo it. I'm not too keen on the Pro Staffs - that weird things inside the hoop at 3 & 9 really bothers me for some reason

You mean the PWS? I'd give them a try nonetheless, I think the Pro Staff 97S may be something you like. The 98S is quite unlike the other Blades, noticeably more mushy in feel and with a very launchy stringbed in my experience.

 

[Minion]

You mean the PWS? I'd give them a try nonetheless, I think the Pro Staff 97S may be something you like. The 98S is quite unlike the other Blades, noticeably more mushy in feel and with a very launchy stringbed in my experience.

Unlike the other Blades? That's not ideal. I have a couple of near new PS 95 (white & red, thin beam, 16x19) - it has those PWS thingy's - it's quite weird. But a nice stick though.

I'll try and get my hands on a 97S. I did hit with the PS95S - and it wasn't bad at all. It was stock, so it was a tad light, but it felt very comfortable.

 

[Minion]

Anybody know if there is a Wilson rep on these boards? I have a bone to pick.

 

[Power Player]

College football talk on the 'holic message board? In that case, please permit this Houston alum to say, Go Coogs. Nice comeback on Monday, PP.

Thanks. And Houston is legit. Those guys could easily be in the playoffs.

 

[JGads]

Thanks. And Houston is legit. Those guys could easily be in the playoffs.

Insanely exciting times. Btw, have to say, I went to the Peach Bowl last year against FSU and so many Nole fans were really, really classy afterwards in congratulating. Have had very different experiences (Texas fans are the worst) in my years of going to all kinds of games, so I've got a soft spot for FSU. Rooting for them. Onward.

 

[Power Player]

Insanely exciting times. Btw, have to say, I went to the Peach Bowl last year against FSU and so many Nole fans were really, really classy afterwards in congratulating. Have had very different experiences (Texas fans are the worst) in my years of going to all kinds of games, so I've got a soft spot for FSU. Rooting for them. Onward.

Awesome. Yeah we liked Houston a lot, and the FSU players had a lot of respect for their offense if you happened to read their comments before the game. They are extremely tough to defend without everyone buying in. For some reason a lot of FSU guys are thinking NFL draft before the season ends, and they let down in bowl games. I hope Jimbo can fix that this year because it's been a problem the past two years.

It's also nice to see a school from the TX/OK area rise up besides OU or UT. Houston has a ton of talent to mine in their region and it looks like they just needed the right coach who could bring them in and scheme them up.

In tennis news, going back to Vtorque again after the RSLyon breaks. If it doesn't quite jive I may give that crazy green Solinco string a shot. What I like about Vtorque is it is soft and has insane amounts of spin. That lets me hit a hair flatter. That being said using the RSLyon which has less spin has been an absolute pleasure, and I was about to commit and buy a reel before I saw the price increase.

Gads, I think you would freaking love RSLyon and it is a shame the price went up. The tension maintenance, pocketing, and way it matches up with a heavy SW grip, plus the sonic boom sound of the string is all absolutely top notch. For $9.99 it was the best string on the market.

 

[JGads]

Cool. Will keep RSLyon on the radar and try it out one of these days.

 

[Power Player]

I put rslyon back in my frame and all is right with the world. This is a lot like silverstring and alu power having a baby. Its just one of those strings that gives crazy control but also has real nice spin. The ball just stays in the lines so much easier. Additionally, it is quite loud which adds to the experience.

This is my new favorite poly.

 

[skeeter]

I put rslyon back in my frame and all is right with the world. This is a lot like silverstring and alu power having a baby. Its just one of those strings that gives crazy control but also has real nice spin. The ball just stays in the lines so much easier. Additionally, it is quite loud which adds to the experience.

This is my new favorite poly.

Thanks to your heads up, PP, was able to obtain a new Xi98 at a ridiculous price; and I've been, somewhat surprisingly, quite pleased with it. I say surprising as I usually ignore racquets with RA's over 65. But you noted in one of your posts that it doesn't play that stiff and I believe you even stated that it's somewhat "plush". So I took the chance (how can one pass up that kind of deal anyways?!) and am finding it to play as you noted and then some.

So, I'm assuming the racquet in which you're using the RSLyon is your Xi. You might have stated this elsewhere, but at what tension are you stringing it? And are you finding it easy on the arm? Have you tried hybridizing it with anything else? Syn gut?

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

my name is timbo and, oh, never mind...

gonna buy me some sticks

 

[SpinToWin]

my name is timbo and, oh, never mind...

gonna buy me some sticks

yooooo haven't seen you around these parts in a while! Hope all is well

 

[Power Player]

Thanks to your heads up, PP, was able to obtain a new Xi98 at a ridiculous price; and I've been, somewhat surprisingly, quite pleased with it. I say surprising as I usually ignore racquets with RA's over 65. But you noted in one of your posts that it doesn't play that stiff and I believe you even stated that it's somewhat "plush". So I took the chance (how can one pass up that kind of deal anyways?!) and am finding it to play as you noted and then some.

So, I'm assuming the racquet in which you're using the RSLyon is your Xi. You might have stated this elsewhere, but at what tension are you stringing it? And are you finding it easy on the arm? Have you tried hybridizing it with anything else? Syn gut?

That's great. This stuff is so subjective that it's cool to see that you had the same findings. I can't say enough great things about the frame. It's so good that my Angell is currently just hanging out with my Tfight, but I'll never get rid of them because I always end up going back to soft frames now and then. All the frames I really love, I just keep them now because I find that I always come back to them for a hit. That's how I got back on with the Xi98. The big difference though for me was weighting it up to 355 and loading up the SW. It turns the racquet into a weapon of mass destruction because the power increase is so controllable.

I string the RsLyon at 50#s. It operates great at lower tensions because it has so much control. I think it is a perfect match for the frame if you want a control poly that has great spin and tension maintenance. It also is not harsh on the arm, even in a stiff frame.

 

[Power Player]

Is the SV95 going to bring this thread back to life again? Very, very holicy frame.

 

[SpinToWin]

Is the SV95 going to bring this thread back to life again? Very, very holicy frame.

Have you hit it?

 

[Power Player]

Have you hit it?

No, it's not out yet here, but it appears it will fit a major amount of Holic criteria, plus has been reviewed positively by MurrayFan, who is a key contributor here.

So far:

95sqi - the size of the classic holic legendary frames - PT630,Prestige, 6.1 95, Tfight 315, Pro Staff 95 to name a few

16x20 pattern - established by veteran holics as the GOAT pattern. 20 crosses gives back feel and control while 6 throat mains allows for heavy spin and good trajectory

ultimate holic ball shape - the driving, heavy topspin ball has always been a huge hit in these parts as linear power hitting is probably the most satisfying way to play rec tennis with a players raquet. Ball massaging is always a nice trait in a frame, but not what gets people in "must demo" mode.

RA - apparently has a low vibration frequency with a flex that is in the sweet spot of GOATfeel - not too soft and noodly, so you can still get a crisp response without discomfort.

Weight - appears solid enough to be played stock, but not so light that it will require miles of lead to turn into a beast.

Paintjob - Black and red is a time honored legit PJ color. Going with a little more neon in the red plus an 80's throwback font on the sides makes this thing look like the japanese Hot Rod that we expect. I will say the the 95D was one of the best P/Js I have ever had. That thing looked fantastic. Like the 95D, I expect the SV PJ to really shine when held in the hand.

In all seriousness, I don't really even need this frame as I have the Angell and 3 xi98s, but the potential to have that ball driving, bludgeoning accuracy of the xi98, plus the precise headsize of the TC95 is enough to get me wanting one. Also the fact that I suspect my reel of Cyclone will match up well with it and I won't have to go string shopping like I have done with my Xi is also appealing.

 

[JGads]

As I lay dying, er, well, maybe not so much dying as sighing, as I recover from back spasms that seized me last Sunday in the midst of a 6-0, 1-0 Jordan Flu Game-like zone, the screen of my laptop has happened upon the sultry review details of two frames of Racaholic Interest, the aforementioned Yonex SV 95, which ticks so many boxes (Oh, 16/20 pattern, how I love thee) and the Babolat Pure Strike, which a man named Gino hints is the white whale, a Babolat that stings the ball but feels the ball, too. These are dangerous times, men.

 

[Power Player]

Yes, those are the two that need extensive evaluation.

To complicate matters, a 16x20 PS is coming out next year.

I honestly think the 95SV or 98SV is the way to go for me. The trajectory is always a little too low on those 8 main throat patterns like the ai98 for example. The SV95, I suspect, should also offer better, more direct ball feel as the Bab still has those woofer grommets.

 

[el sergento]

Gads, I succumbed to the Pure Strike, albeit the original. Added a leather grip and 5gs at 3&9 and it's pretty amazing. It's helped me unlock my inner Stanimal and I'm undefeated so far. Kinda like a 6.1 for dummies, probably best OHBH stick for me ever.

Specs now are def holic range: 345gs, 6-7 pts hl, 325-330 ish SW.

Launch angle has come down significantly with the lead at 3&9, and flat hitting is an option again. Also, shoulder likes it.

Also get this. I opened the butt cap of my second one to add some weight while I looked for a leather grip and low and behold: they are completely foam filled!

 

[el sergento]

The SV95, I suspect, should also offer better, more direct ball feel as the Bab still has those woofer grommets.

Fwiw, the bab with leather and a medium stiff poly feels pretty fantastic. No prestige, but still very responsive and just shy of crisp.

 

[JOSHL]

Gads, I succumbed to the Pure Strike, albeit the original. Added a leather grip and 5gs at 3&9 and it's pretty amazing. It's helped me unlock my inner Stanimal and I'm undefeated so far. Kinda like a 6.1 for dummies, probably best OHBH stick for me ever.

Specs now are def holic range: 345gs, 6-7 pts hl, 325-330 ish SW.

Launch angle has come down significantly with the lead at 3&9, and flat hitting is an option again. Also, shoulder likes it.

Also get this. I opened the butt cap of my second one to add some weight while I looked for a leather grip and low and behold: they are completely foam filled!

16x19 or 18x20?

 

[JGads]

Yes, those are the two that need extensive evaluation.

To complicate matters, a 16x20 PS is coming out next year.

I honestly think the 95SV or 98SV is the way to go for me. The trajectory is always a little too low on those 8 main throat patterns like the ai98 for example. The SV95, I suspect, should also offer better, more direct ball feel as the Bab still has those woofer grommets.

16/20 Pure Strike? Interesting. Is it going to be the same frame just with the different pattern, or basically a Pure Storm renamed the Strike? I suppose I could go find this info out.

Gads, I succumbed to the Pure Strike, albeit the original. Added a leather grip and 5gs at 3&9 and it's pretty amazing. It's helped me unlock my inner Stanimal and I'm undefeated so far. Kinda like a 6.1 for dummies, probably best OHBH stick for me ever.

Specs now are def holic range: 345gs, 6-7 pts hl, 325-330 ish SW.

Launch angle has come down significantly with the lead at 3&9, and flat hitting is an option again. Also, shoulder likes it.

Also get this. I opened the butt cap of my second one to add some weight while I looked for a leather grip and low and behold: they are completely foam filled!

Interesting development, Serge. I never tried the original Pure Strike. Loved that paintjob, but too many people questioned the feel, which is everything to me. But weighting up sticks can sure change things even in the feel department. Seems the new Pure Strike is being likened to a 6.1 type of frame with feel as well.

 

[SpinToWin]

16/20 Pure Strike? Interesting. Is it going to be the same frame just with the different pattern, or basically a Pure Storm renamed the Strike? I suppose I could go find this info out.



Interesting development, Serge. I never tried the original Pure Strike. Loved that paintjob, but too many people questioned the feel, which is everything to me. But weighting up sticks can sure change things even in the feel department. Seems the new Pure Strike is being likened to a 6.1 type of frame with feel as well.

I think PP is referring to the Pure Control update, the Pure Strike VS. It's the same mould as the Pure Controls.

Gotta say, lots of intriguing frames on the market currently...

 

[el sergento]

16x19 or 18x20?

16 X 19

 

[Power Player]

I think PP is referring to the Pure Control update, the Pure Strike VS. It's the same mould as the Pure Controls.

Gotta say, lots of intriguing frames on the market currently...

Yeah that's right.

Definitely some intriguing frames. Personally, I think between my Angell and Yonex I may be good. I really benefit from yonexes head shape and open 16x20 pattern. It just gets me more leverage on my 2hander and more control and and spin. The 95's play like 98's, so the Sv95 could really be an epic frame.

 

[SpinToWin]

Yeah that's right.

Definitely some intriguing frames. Personally, I think between my Angell and Yonex I may be good. I really benefit from yonexes head shape and open 16x20 pattern. It just gets me more leverage on my 2hander and more control and and spin. The 95's play like 98's, so the Sv95 could really be an epic frame.

I'll definitely be demoing the Yonexs

You demo the 97S in change?

As much as I enjoyed the Angells though, I can't see myself playing a match with them somehow...

 

[Power Player]

I'll definitely be demoing the Yonexs

You demo the 97S in change?

As much as I enjoyed the Angells though, I can't see myself playing a match with them somehow...

I played matches with the Angell and man it was good. It was just a slightly different style. Serves were very aggressive, and the way I won points with the Angell was generating heavy spin on one shot and then varying it up. It was like being a baseline pitcher, throw a fastball than a changeup. It doesn't work against really good players though. I played an all american college chic and she raved about the spin I was giving her but it didn't affect her game.

With the Yonex 98, I play a more natural game of directional control. Heavy, direct ball to one corner, follow to net if opponent lunges, volley put away. Or heavy deep balls followed by drop shots. I really enjoy this style of play but it's predicated on my backhand being reliable both CC and DTL. The Yonex frames make this a lot easier. It's why I keep coming back to them. They are just really darn good frames.

 

[SpinToWin]

I played matches with the Angell and man it was good. It was just a slightly different style. Serves were very aggressive, and the way I won points with the Angell was generating heavy spin on one shot and then varying it up. It was like being a baseline pitcher, throw a fastball than a changeup. It doesn't work against really good players though. I played an all american college chic and she raved about the spin I was giving her but it didn't affect her game.

With the Yonex 98, I play a more natural game of directional control. Heavy, direct ball to one corner, follow to net if opponent lunges, volley put away. Or heavy deep balls followed by drop shots. I really enjoy this style of play but it's predicated on my backhand being reliable both CC and DTL. The Yonex frames make this a lot easier. It's why I keep coming back to them. They are just really darn good frames.

As always you're doing a stellar job at making me want to buy frames haha

 

[Power Player]

Well at least the 98 Vcore is on sale..lol. Super cheap for the level of frame. Only weakness is its a bit string sensitive.I like RSLyon in it, but I really like frames I can put Cyclone 17 in since I have a reel of that.

 

[mikeler]

Well at least the 98 Vcore is on sale..lol. Super cheap for the level of frame. Only weakness is its a bit string sensitive.I like RSLyon in it, but I really like frames I can put Cyclone 17 in since I have a reel of that.

And you got a really good deal on that reel *cough* *cough*

 

[Power Player]

And you got a really good deal on that reel *cough* *cough*

Yes, I appreciate that for sure! Volkl really makes some nice polys, the reel was a major $$ saving for me.

 

[Power Player]

Had some really nice sets today with the xi98. This thing really lets me hit a whale of ball. It truly has a lot of power with the SW in the 350s, but it has such direct ball feel that I can hit really precise approaches and drop shots. I was able to slide in some flat serves for clean aces and my spin serves were forcing a lot of unforced errors. The thing I like about the heavy frame is it makes me remember to use my body on the serve more. Move the weight forward into the ball, not just the arm. Light frames make it easy to cheat and just arm it.

If the SV95 weighted up around the same is a little easier to control and has a little less power, I think it may be perfect. If not, oh well. The Xi98 with RSlyon in it and lead is seriously a pleasure to use.

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

Well, anyone who has followed my racquet history will know there is a lot of Volkl mixed in with all the Dunlops, and I've jumped aboard again!

Super G 315 no less (what? the price had nothing to do with it! ahem. and anyway, I had a nice red Volkl bag left over form the PB-9 days!)

Loving it so far. Playing it stock with cyclone 17@52 for now, stable, powerful, nice feel.

Let you know how it goes


(he's ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ck!)

 

[dante.hua]

Hmmm, what a nice discussion on how many racket have you played with!! I bet everyone in this topic had played n owned not less than 8-10 rackets )

Me? Let me count some in my past 2 years playing tennis:
- Wilson: Prostaff 100LS, 100L, 97Ls; Steam: 99LS, 96; Blade: 104, 98s (2013 version), 98 16x19 18x20 2015 version (my currently racket of choice)
- Head: IG Radical S, IG Speed S, Graphene Speed S, MP, Graphene Extremes Lite, Graphene Radical S, MP. Graphene Xt Speed S, Xt Radical MP
- Babolat: Pure Strike 98 16x19
- Yonex: Vcore tour G 310, Ezone Ai 98 lite, 100lite

Intend to test more beside my blade 98 18x20 )

 

[Power Player]

Since my last post I got a reel of RSLyon coming and an 18x20 TC97. It will go up against my Xi 98, which I preferred to the SV95. Im basically looking for a softer, classic feel and flex that plays as well as the xi. Tough task, the xi98 is truly one of the best frames I have played with, but if I can play the same game with the TC97, that's racquet nirvana.

RS Lyon is my favorite poly I have used. If you like ultra control, ball pocketing and long poly string life, it's fantastic.

 

[SpinToWin]

Since my last post I got a reel of RSLyon coming and an 18x20 TC97. It will go up against my Xi 98, which I preferred to the SV95. Im basically looking for a softer, classic feel and flex that plays as well as the xi. Tough task, the xi98 is truly one of the best frames I have played with, but if I can play the same game with the TC97, that's racquet nirvana.

RS Lyon is my favorite poly I have used. If you like ultra control, ball pocketing and long poly string life, it's fantastic.

You may prefer a crisper string in the TC 97, just so you know.

 

[Power Player]

You may prefer a crisper string in the TC 97, just so you know.

We shall find out. I think RS Lyon should be fine as I dont use a dampener and it doesn't feel as muted to me. It has a crisp pop to it in the yonex.

 

[Mac33]

Broke a string today after a framed stroke on my Yonex RDiS 100 93 Mid.

Was 2-3 down in the first set but had the set under control after bossing the vast majority of the points.

However,as my other Yonex frame the string is also broken I had to use my friends Babolat Pure Strike Tour for the remainder of the set.

I did not win another game - but much worse - was being bossed big time during the points!

The difference in power I'm able to generate between the two frames is amazing.

That 5-15 percent extra power can completely change the complexion of the points.

On Sunday had a hit with the RF 97 for the first time in a while.

For a heavy frame it did not feel as heavy or as solid in my hand as the Yonex RDiS mid.

In the 5 minute practice hit I had with it - it has sort of a dead feeling to it - a bit like the Redondo MP. Worse - hitting in to a 15-20 mph wind I was getting much less power out of it than my Yonex RDiS Mid.

Then,still hitting in to the wind i tried my Yonex Mid - at contact,it felt like there was so much more weight behind the ball - and the difference in my ball velocity was clear to see.

The Yonex RDiS 100 93 Mid is strung at 45 with MSV Focus 1.18 mm gauge.

It really is a beast of a frame.

 

[Power Player]

Yonex RDIS Mid is a legend frame. No surprise to me. I never really dug the RF97. Hit with multiple times and it never did much for me.

 

[Mac33]

I don't keep my Yonex RDiS Mid in my tennis bag - since winning a consolation singles event with it anyway - it sits on top of my lounge suite when not in use!

Not just the super solid feel or the sheer power / flat trajectory it offers - its the precision feel as well.

Definitely the best frame ever made - by some considerable margin.

Just hope the black coloured slightly thinner gauge 1.1 mm MSV Focus that I'm restringing it with doesn't change the way it plays. The contrast of the white string with the red frame just adds to its appeal.

 

[Power Player]

The Angell TC97 18x20 is my new Yoko.

This is like a honeymoon fueled by copious amounts of viagra.

 

[JGads]

The Pure Strike is my new interest. Not nearly at honeymoon-with-viagra level, but more the cute new girl at work with an interesting edge, who could be trouble and probably a bad idea, but still.

 

[mad dog1]

Had a chance to hit with jgads' new strike. Loved how solid it felt. Will be great to see how it plays with a fresh bed of strings. The 16g tour bite was too loose and dead feeling but even so the strike showed a lot of potential.

 

[Power Player]

The Pure Strike is my new interest. Not nearly at honeymoon-with-viagra level, but more the cute new girl at work with an interesting edge, who could be trouble and probably a bad idea, but still.

I feel like it would be very similar to my Yonex Xi98s. Which is a very good thing, but probably not enough to grab my interest now that I have the TC97s. The Strike and SV95 were my two demos, and then the Angell came out of nowhere and that was that.

You may want to give the SV98 a run. It may beat out the Babo. The Strike was a much needed frame for Babolat though. They are getting a lot of interest from it and the in-betweener is not something they have usually sold that well.

Hit with an older Pure Strike last week for a few minutes. Geez..it was rough.