Diary of a Racketaholic

danbrenner

Legend
that's been my experience with all of the european retailers. TWE seems to be the best, but the worst has PDT for initials. those guys have the same response to every email inquiry. i also check out via Paypal and pay in euros so there's that added layer of security just in case.
hey brotha. yeah i did pay via paypal so no worrying done on my part. tp will take the loss no matter what happens. :0
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
@JGads before I string my Doppio up, do you think 2 grams at 12 is a good starting point for this frame? If it came at 310 I'd just play it stock but I think this thing may be a bit too whippy and headlight at 8 pts and probably barely 320 SW. Just curious if lead at 12 works well with this racquet.

On the Pj, this PJ could have been cooler without the 05 race sticker on it. The actual Q+5 logo looks good and the color scheme is fine. I actually don't mind this PJ as much as I thought I might. Up close some of it looks like stickers, which is bizarre. That said, to the common person watching you play, it looks basically like a black frame with some highlights, so I'm good with it.

I love the feel of the grip shape. I thought it may be too Head-like but it feels pretty neutral to me.
 

danbrenner

Legend
@JGads before I string my Doppio up, do you think 2 grams at 12 is a good starting point for this frame? If it came at 310 I'd just play it stock but I think this thing may be a bit too whippy and headlight at 8 pts and probably barely 320 SW. Just curious if lead at 12 works well with this racquet.

On the Pj, this PJ could have been cooler without the 05 race sticker on it. The actual Q+5 logo looks good and the color scheme is fine. I actually don't mind this PJ as much as I thought I might. Up close some of it looks like stickers, which is bizarre. That said, to the common person watching you play, it looks basically like a black frame with some highlights, so I'm good with it.

I love the feel of the grip shape. I thought it may be too Head-like but it feels pretty neutral to me.
just my $.02 i actually bring pre cut 1g led strips in a small box in my bag. this way if i know im needing led, im not wasting a session worth of time. a session in the bag is worth two in the bush.. or something like that.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
@JGads before I string my Doppio up, do you think 2 grams at 12 is a good starting point for this frame? If it came at 310 I'd just play it stock but I think this thing may be a bit too whippy and headlight at 8 pts and probably barely 320 SW. Just curious if lead at 12 works well with this racquet.

On the Pj, this PJ could have been cooler without the 05 race sticker on it. The actual Q+5 logo looks good and the color scheme is fine. I actually don't mind this PJ as much as I thought I might. Up close some of it looks like stickers, which is bizarre. That said, to the common person watching you play, it looks basically like a black frame with some highlights, so I'm good with it.

I love the feel of the grip shape. I thought it may be too Head-like but it feels pretty neutral to me.

In my experience a bit of lead in the corners has worked better on this frame rather than lead at 12, but who knows what my spec is compared to yours. In my last hit I put two grams at 3/9 which was nice. I would ordinarily always recommend hitting a frame stock first but if you really think it's too whippy then you can start with a little. As Danbrenner said above it's not a bad idea to have lead strips ready to go and just pop them on there quickly on the go. Or you could do it the other way around and start with lead and peel it off later on to see the difference - as long as you're fine with wasting some lead. Sometimes I use TW tungsten tape that's good at sticking and resticking once you've peeled it off to adjust weight placement during a wall hit or something when I'm really trying to feel out where a frame (and my swing with it) likes the weight.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
just my $.02 i actually bring pre cut 1g led strips in a small box in my bag. this way if i know im needing led, im not wasting a session worth of time. a session in the bag is worth two in the bush.. or something like that.

Yeah im not that hardcore..haha. What I have done is removed the lead on the court before. Just based on my v7 yesterday and the PA's swinging pretty dang fast, I know I'd like to be in the upper 320s most likely. I doubt it will be too sluggish. Ill spend 2 hours hitting with that setup and then adjust if needed from there.

In my experience a bit of lead in the corners has worked better on this frame rather than lead at 12, but who knows what my spec is compared to yours. In my last hit I put two grams at 3/9 which was nice. I would ordinarily always recommend hitting a frame stock first but if you really think it's too whippy then you can start with a little. As Danbrenner said above it's not a bad idea to have lead strips ready to go and just pop them on there quickly on the go. Or you could do it the other way around and start with lead and peel it off later on to see the difference - as long as you're fine with wasting some lead. Sometimes I use TW tungsten tape that's good at sticking and resticking once you've peeled it off to adjust weight placement during a wall hit or something when I'm really trying to feel out where a frame (and my swing with it) likes the weight.

Ok thanks. Yeah Its a little bit of fine tuning here, but this is not a big deal. I just think the chances of an 8 pt HL balance plus a low SW working for me are pretty low, so I'd like to get it a little closer to what I know I like without changing the frame much.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
I think I'll take it out for a try out with my slinger first. Just to see if i feel it needs some weight in the head. Handle seems ok size wise but grip a bit too cushioned for my taste
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Im at 308.7 unstrung now and 31.5 balance. Pretty close to stock spec for me. Ill string it and grip it and should be good to go.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Yeah im not that hardcore..haha. What I have done is removed the lead on the court before. Just based on my v7 yesterday and the PA's swinging pretty dang fast, I know I'd like to be in the upper 320s most likely. I doubt it will be too sluggish. Ill spend 2 hours hitting with that setup and then adjust if needed from there.

It's weird. I've liked the frame both in stock form as well as with weight. No setup has been markedly bad, or vastly improved over the other. It's like no matter what I do to the frame I hit it and think, "OK, good, let's play." I think about lead with this frame far less than with others, and maybe because this stiffer than most of my other frames so there is always some pop in there, and I can handle the rest, adjust as needed.

I think it's because I've been playing with the 7G for quite awhile that this 100sq inch 16x20 head from PK is just home to me now. I know exactly how it plays and can move between this frame and the 7G without issue. One is a little softer with more plow, the other one is the whippier firecracker, but the trajectory and spins and such off the frame is the same so it makes it easy.

Agree that the paintjob on this latest Q is weird. The sticker aspect and some parts being glossy.. it makes me appreciate the simple straight matte black/gold of my previous paintjob. This one it's like they're trying to trick you into thinking it's a full gloss finish.

Anyway, as long as it hits the same. And I still don't know! It's possible that Sunday I'll get to hit for the first time. Quarantine here got extended for another week, but apparently there are some courts outside the city limits, with a carpet surface, where it's allowed due to some kind of creativity. So we'll see. Hoping for Sunday night.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
It's weird. I've liked the frame both in stock form as well as with weight. No setup has been markedly bad, or vastly improved over the other. It's like no matter what I do to the frame I hit it and think, "OK, good, let's play." I think about lead with this frame far less than with others, and maybe because this stiffer than most of my other frames so there is always some pop in there, and I can handle the rest, adjust as needed.

I think it's because I've been playing with the 7G for quite awhile that this 100sq inch 16x20 head from PK is just home to me now. I know exactly how it plays and can move between this frame and the 7G without issue. One is a little softer with more plow, the other one is the whippier firecracker, but the trajectory and spins and such off the frame is the same so it makes it easy.

Agree that the paintjob on this latest Q is weird. The sticker aspect and some parts being glossy.. it makes me appreciate the simple straight matte black/gold of my previous paintjob. This one it's like they're trying to trick you into thinking it's a full gloss finish.

Anyway, as long as it hits the same. And I still don't know! It's possible that Sunday I'll get to hit for the first time. Quarantine here got extended for another week, but apparently there are some courts outside the city limits, with a carpet surface, where it's allowed due to some kind of creativity. So we'll see. Hoping for Sunday night.

well strung up with og its at a really nice 7pts hl balance. Weighs like 331.Fantastic specs.Swings like a dream as well.

i like that a little lead doesnt change it much too. Thats really cool. The 2 grams i put on got the balance in a really nice spot.

Forgot how easy it is to string up pks. Its so damn easy, they label the tie offs and also put them really close so there is no long travel for the last main or cross tie off, and they lay cleanly on the grommets. Just little stuff i notice from stringing a lot. Really helps keep the tension where you hoped for it. I went with 52/50.
Bouncing a ball off it with no dampener i am really liking how crisp yet plush it feels. This type of feel usually translates to control on the court. Getting pretty good vibes so far.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
well strung up with og its at a really nice 7pts hl balance. Weighs like 331.Fantastic specs.Swings like a dream as well.

i like that a little lead doesnt change it much too. Thats really cool. The 2 grams i put on got the balance in a really nice spot.

Forgot how easy it is to string up pks. Its so damn easy, they label the tie offs and also put them really close so there is no long travel for the last main or cross tie off, and they lay cleanly on the grommets. Just little stuff i notice from stringing a lot. Really helps keep the tension where you hoped for it. I went with 52/50.
Bouncing a ball off it with no dampener i am really liking how crisp yet plush it feels. This type of feel usually translates to control on the court. Getting pretty good vibes so far.

Godspeed.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Had a couple of glasses of wine which lead to deep thoughts. The twistweight discussion had me thinking - this is probably the biggest difference maker between one handers and two handers. This might be a piece of why why I’m loving the disco rip cafe. Those TW numbers PP posted up in the 16’s..... hmmmm. My fav shot is BH down the line even if it’s probs not my best shot, but when I’m rolling that DTL BH is the reason I love this game. Chubby making stuff. The rip is really stable and controlled for that compared to most in tweener town.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Had a couple of glasses of wine which lead to deep thoughts. The twistweight discussion had me thinking - this is probably the biggest difference maker between one handers and two handers. This might be a piece of why why I’m loving the disco rip cafe. Those TW numbers PP posted up in the 16’s..... hmmmm. My fav shot is BH down the line even if it’s probs not my best shot, but when I’m rolling that DTL BH is the reason I love this game. Chubby making stuff. The rip is really stable and controlled for that compared to most in tweener town.


Yep, the twistweight on the Ripstick is insanely high. I'm still not sure if higher Twistweight is my thing or not, but with tweeners, it is part of the package due to the thick beam. I can definitely see the advantages and disadvantages. I am starting to wonder if I get more control with lower TW, but the good news is I will soon find out. It's kind of like swingweight where it takes a while to figure out what is truly optimal for each player.

Gotta say this Gadspiracy+5qanonG swings like a dream the way it is balanced. Reminds me of my Phantom 93 in that regard - it just snaps through the air so nicely. Not sure if that will translate to the courts or not, but it would sure be nice. I think Gads may be on to something here for some of us. I should know by tomorrow.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Yep, the twistweight on the Ripstick is insanely high. I'm still not sure if higher Twistweight is my thing or not, but with tweeners, it is part of the package due to the thick beam. I can definitely see the advantages and disadvantages. I am starting to wonder if I get more control with lower TW, but the good news is I will soon find out. It's kind of like swingweight where it takes a while to figure out what is truly optimal for each player.

Gotta say this Gadspiracy+5qanonG swings like a dream the way it is balanced. Reminds me of my Phantom 93 in that regard - it just snaps through the air so nicely. Not sure if that will translate to the courts or not, but it would sure be nice. I think Gads may be on to something here for some of us. I should know by tomorrow.
The algebra/doppio/whatever is a great frame. Only problem is if it doesn’t work out, they aren’t easy to sell and the resale value is weak just like Dunlops. However unlike the new Dunlops, they play great. Lol
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
The algebra/doppio/whatever is a great frame. Only problem is if it doesn’t work out, they aren’t easy to sell and the resale value is weak just like Dunlops. However unlike the new Dunlops, they play great. Lol

Yep, I definitely thought about that resale part, but it's worth the risk in this case. Really unique offering that could very well fit the in between Blade/PA area I am looking for. And it should also be really good on my shoulder while playing stiff. That's what pushed me over the edge to try it.
 

Vicious49

Legend
With the DoppioQ+5G incoming tomorrow, I decided to play with the 'ol v7 blade tonight. Strung up months ago with TS and no dampener - what a feel, my god. The key is no dampener with this racquet, it doesn't really ping at all and the feel is just fantastic this way. Yeah, I can't sell mine.

Pros and cons:

- Control was of course, fantastic
- it's really tough going straight back to 18x20 after using open 16x19 patterns, but also adjusting back to 3-4 pts HL balance combined with the tight pattern is tricky too. The higher 336 SW - not much of a problem though.
- biggest issue I had was trajectory and spin. I got used to hitting a certain way and getting extra spin and height with the PA/Ripper so with the v7 I really had to exaggerate the racquet drop a bit to get the same type of net clearance and bite on the ball.
- I would have really nice patterns where I could drive the ball i/o a few times, see the short ball and attack it to the other side for a winner. But I also dumped a lot of shots in the net that I usually do not.
- hitting rally balls was nice and controlled and I loved that I could dial up big shots when I saw opportunities. My slice was nice and mean and the kick off the bounce from big topspin forehands is a timing disruptor.
- Comfort is unmatched. The only real soreness I get is a little forearm workout feeling, most likely due to the higher SW.
- I was gassed after points more than usual. I'm not in top shape right now, but this frame takes some energy to use if you are hitting out. It's really demanding for long rallies with big hitting.

Here is what I'd like to get out of the blade v7 if I could change it:

- I want a stiffer frame, for an even more direct ball. The Blade takes a good amount of energy even for rally balls. It's noticeable coming from a tweener. I don't need tweener power, but I just want to be able to shape my rally balls a little more with a bit of brush and then drive the attacking shots with accuracy. I'd like to save a little bit of energy out there if possible too.
- Larger headsize and a little more open pattern would be great. The Blade's 98 head size is fine but a 100 and less tighter spacing could really help with the above issues.
- More whip to attack short balls. It takes a lot of practice to dial in the short ball attack shot with any frame, but the Blade requires some serious focus. I can get it back, as I was doing this well when it was my full time frame, but it really takes some serious focus.
- A little more spin and whip on serve. I was enjoying how this frame served, its pretty great. That said, the timing has to be pretty dead on to get enough brush to consistently hit heavy spin serves into the court without going long.


I'm really thinking the DoppioQanon5G may solve this. What I am unsure about is the lower swingweight and higher HL balance. Is it too much whip? Good news is the static weight is higher so that will surely help. Plus I can always add a little lead at 12 if I am too early on my shots. What would be cool is if that frame also does not need a dampener. That's 2-3 free grams for slight lead mods, which I think placed at 12 would solve any potential SW issues. I will of course, start stock.

Those are my random musings from a nice 2 hour session in great weather.

You are a wise man PP. I tried the v7 today during warmups without any dampener. It wasnt bad but there was still just a tad bit of pinging that annoyed me. instead of using my usual dampener that touches 6 strings I tried a Sampras O dampener. This did enhance the feel a bit. I will be sticking with this Setup in the v7 from now on.

I typically buy frames in pairs and once I realize it’s a keeper, I generally procure a few more copies in case the racquet gets discontinued.

i did the same with the UT and the v7 Blade. I have a pair of each I play with and a pair of each sitting unstrung in my closet.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
You are a wise man PP. I tried the v7 today during warmups without any dampener. It wasnt bad but there was still just a tad bit of pinging that annoyed me. instead of using my usual dampener that touches 6 strings I tried a Sampras O dampener. This did enhance the feel a bit. I will be sticking with this Setup in the v7 from now on.



i did the same with the UT and the v7 Blade. I have a pair of each I play with and a pair of each sitting unstrung in my closet.

O dampener works great. I love it. I am not sure if it is the Tour Sniper but suddenly I can go no dampener in more frames with that string. Ripstick, Blade V7 and looking like the Q5+ as well.

It does take a while to get used to no dampener, and on some frames like the PA19, it seems like a must have.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Yep, I definitely thought about that resale part, but it's worth the risk in this case. Really unique offering that could very well fit the in between Blade/PA area I am looking for. And it should also be really good on my shoulder while playing stiff. That's what pushed me over the edge to try it.
I’ve tried the gads stick. It’s really good.
 

Vicious49

Legend
Only problem with the O dampener is I can't use it in more open string patterns as it goes flying off frequently. It will work great in most 18/20 frames though. I'll have to pick up a few more.

I did hit a few balls after my match with some of my other frames. The Ezone Tour 98 just felt stiff after playing with the v7 Blade so that one will be on it's way to the sales forums shortly. I also realized the RF97 seems to be too much for me to handle now so that will sit in my closet at home along with the Rafalat. My bag is getting quickly cleaned out.
 

RF_PRO_STAFF

Hall of Fame
I have the same config as @topspn on my K7 red. Control is not the best attribute of this frame as the 16x19 is fairly open (as all 16x19 coming from Angell). Feel is excellent.
I picked it up last week after almost 6 months without using it, and it's a great frame to play, but you won't win matches with it. Regardless of the config, it falls short in all the competitive aspects : precision and power.
However, I must say I'll never sell mine, it's my go to frame for my chill tennis / play with the kids.
Thank you for your thoughts! Sounds perfect for what I bought it for, just to have some fun with and have a 'relief racquet' when my shoulder is feeling sore. We'll see how this one works out. I hoped to have had it delivered today but the guy said he arrived too late at the post office yesterday. He is posting it this morning so it should arrive at my house tomorrow.

By the way, is there any difference between the newest K7 Red and the previous one (that I bought) besides the paint job? No, right?
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
Only problem with the O dampener is I can't use it in more open string patterns as it goes flying off frequently. It will work great in most 18/20 frames though. I'll have to pick up a few more.

I did hit a few balls after my match with some of my other frames. The Ezone Tour 98 just felt stiff after playing with the v7 Blade so that one will be on it's way to the sales forums shortly. I also realized the RF97 seems to be too much for me to handle now so that will sit in my closet at home along with the Rafalat. My bag is getting quickly cleaned out.
It’s really simple if you wanna take out a little ping but retain as much feel as possible out of the string bed. I use a # 33 rubber band and have been for many years. It’s a perfect little unobtrusive dampener
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
Thank you for your thoughts! Sounds perfect for what I bought it for, just to have some fun with and have a 'relief racquet' when my shoulder is feeling sore. We'll see how this one works out. I hoped to have had it delivered today but the guy said he arrived too late at the post office yesterday. He is posting it this morning so it should arrive at my house tomorrow.

By the way, is there any difference between the newest K7 Red and the previous one (that I bought) besides the paint job? No, right?
No, just PJ
 

RF_PRO_STAFF

Hall of Fame
Only problem with the O dampener is I can't use it in more open string patterns as it goes flying off frequently. It will work great in most 18/20 frames though. I'll have to pick up a few more.

I did hit a few balls after my match with some of my other frames. The Ezone Tour 98 just felt stiff after playing with the v7 Blade so that one will be on it's way to the sales forums shortly. I also realized the RF97 seems to be too much for me to handle now so that will sit in my closet at home along with the Rafalat. My bag is getting quickly cleaned out.
Yeah that Pete Sampras dampener is perfect for 18x20's. Where a lot of other dampeners push the two main strings to the side a lot, this one doesn't. That pushing of the strings that a dampener touches probably isn't a problem at all but I don't like how it looks.

That spring cleaning you are doing will at least make your head more clear :). At least, I hope. On the other hand, it could make more space in your head for other new frames to try out. Is it a positive for you?
 

Vicious49

Legend
Is it possible that you have still room for another frame ?

Ive been clearing out stuff lately. BP is gone. TF40 is currently listed. Ezone 98 Tour and probably the PT2.0 aren’t far behind.

It’s really simple if you wanna take out a little ping but retain as much feel as possible out of the string bed. I use a # 33 rubber band and have been for many years. It’s a perfect little unobtrusive dampener

I have a friend whose always used rubber bands. I don’t like the look so don’t think I’m there yet To give that a try.

Yeah that Pete Sampras dampener is perfect for 18x20's. Where a lot of other dampeners push the two main strings to the side a lot, this one doesn't. That pushing of the strings that a dampener touches probably isn't a problem at all but I don't like how it looks.

That spring cleaning you are doing will at least make your head more clear :). At least, I hope. On the other hand, it could make more space in your head for other new frames to try out. Is it a positive for you?

In all honesty I’d probably pick another frame up if it interested me whether I had cleared out space or not. I’ve always wanted to try the current gen Prestige MP so if I can find one at a good price I’ll give it a try. The Ripstick and PK support is deafening so will have to demo those at some point.in the end it’s going to be tough for anything to supplant the v7 Blade as my primary but I still enjoy seeing what else is out there.
 

danbrenner

Legend
So hear me out on my latest racquet lunacy...

I'm wondering if there's anyway that I could order an undrilled EZ100, have it drilled out as an 18x20 and then 3D print the grommets for it.
Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and ask something like this... and totally redeem yourself!..
 

Nollid

Professional
Ok, so I had a chance to take out the PK Ki Q+ Tour (98 sq in, 315g, 16x19, 63 RA, I can't keep the nomenclature of the PK's straight for the life of me. Have to look it up every time to make sure I'm talking about the right stick.) It's definitely a sweet feeling stick. Decent spin, ok power, but it didn't wow me on any front. It's not enough to make me want to commit to switching or using it regularly. @Pneumated1 I like the UP 16 better. Maybe the Doppio with 100 sq in, 16x20, and 67 RA is more of the pleener this group is on the hunt for. Waiting anxiously to hear back about that racquet. Further musings from yesterday. First time trying out TourSniper. Wow! I really like this string. I had a fresh bed of it strung at 52lbs in the Ripstick and really loved the feel and spin. The Ripstick is doing all the elusive things for me that many here are searching for.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Ok, so I had a chance to take out the PK Ki Q+ Tour (98 sq in, 315g, 16x19, 63 RA, I can't keep the nomenclature of the PK's straight for the life of me. Have to look it up every time to make sure I'm talking about the right stick.) It's definitely a sweet feeling stick. Decent spin, ok power, but it didn't wow me on any front. It's not enough to make me want to commit to switching or using it regularly. @Pneumated1 I like the UP 16 better. Maybe the Doppio with 100 sq in, 16x20, and 67 RA is more of the pleener this group is on the hunt for. Waiting anxiously to hear back about that racquet. Further musings from yesterday. First time trying out TourSniper. Wow! I really like this string. I had a fresh bed of it strung at 52lbs in the Ripstick and really loved the feel and spin. The Ripstick is doing all the elusive things for me that many here are searching for.

Yeah the softer PK frames are really great racquets, but probably not going to make anyone switch off a UT or UP, imo. I can see that.

My opinion is PK really, really excels at making the stiffer, but really comfortable frames with great feel to them. You get the power that you may be missing with a v7 Blade or UP, the 16x20 pattern and very unique specs that nobody else really makes. Hence the Qanon Gadspiracy mini craze, but also the legendary 7G and 5G that are still being sold as new years and years later.

I also think the 7 or so year old Black Aces would probably wow you a lot more as well in the feel department.
 

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
Ok, so I had a chance to take out the PK Ki Q+ Tour (98 sq in, 315g, 16x19, 63 RA, I can't keep the nomenclature of the PK's straight for the life of me. Have to look it up every time to make sure I'm talking about the right stick.) It's definitely a sweet feeling stick. Decent spin, ok power, but it didn't wow me on any front. It's not enough to make me want to commit to switching or using it regularly. @Pneumated1 I like the UP 16 better. Maybe the Doppio with 100 sq in, 16x20, and 67 RA is more of the pleener this group is on the hunt for. Waiting anxiously to hear back about that racquet. Further musings from yesterday. First time trying out TourSniper. Wow! I really like this string. I had a fresh bed of it strung at 52lbs in the Ripstick and really loved the feel and spin. The Ripstick is doing all the elusive things for me that many here are searching for.

I appreciate you sharing. And it just so happens that I had my best outing yet with my UP 16x19s the other night. I've changed my mods a bit, and man is this frame responding for me; the more weight the better, plus it's warmer now. I'll probably wait for feedback on the BA Pro at this point. I'm very content with my UP 16x19s and Gravity Tour. Hit the GT the other night with a new string job of Lynx Tour/GW at 48#, and I may have found my new poly main. Settling in nicely with my UPs and GT. Will likely buy more of both. Am I still welcome around here with such commitment?
 

tim-ay

Legend
I appreciate you sharing. And it just so happens that I had my best outing yet with my UP 16x19s the other night. I've changed my mods a bit, and man is this frame responding for me; the more weight the better, plus it's warmer now. I'll probably wait for feedback on the BA Pro at this point. I'm very content with my UP 16x19s and Gravity Tour. Hit the GT the other night with a new string job of Lynx Tour/GW at 48#, and I may have found my new poly main. Settling in nicely with my UPs and GT. Will likely buy more of both. Am I still welcome around here with such commitment?
What did you do to the UP? I hit mine a few days ago and couldn’t stop thinking “man, what a great frame”. Strings were dead though, so went back the rip and they actually play similarly for me. I may string it this weekend and hit it a bit as I’m between some matches/leagues.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'm listening. Tell me more.

I’ve raved about this frame too much in the past, but it’s one of my all time favorites. Hit with mine in stock form for a bit before I went Blading yesterday. I believe it’s a 67 RA, but IMO is more comfortable even than the Ez100. Has really good power- the same I am expecting from the PKQ+5proGads. Basically not as huge as a tweener, but bigger than a v7Blade. 16x20 pattern so you get insanely nasty slice but you can also play a topspin game with it and drive the ball flatter when needed. Came out with the same Vcore releases as the StanWand original 95D.

Main reason I suspect it did not catch on as much is because for some bizarre reason Yonex made it with ridiculously low SW (mine are 309-311). So in stock form, it just doesn‘t put much hurt on the ball. I have my old coach’s pro stock version which is the exact same frame but the SW feels slightly bigger- maybe 315-320. He played it at low 40s tension with lux, so that worked for him. He did mod the handle by using 2 OGs instead of a base grip since the gripsize is a bit bigger than it‘s size indicates.

My Gf uses it more now, she always asks to use it, so it’s in stock form which is a bit low for me. I used to lead it up at 12. I would suggest 5-6 grams at 12 or in the corners and it will play great. At one point I leaded the crap out of it and used it as my main for months. It hit such a heavy ball that the first time I hit the court with it, one guy I hit with all the time stopped playing for a second and was like “dude you are destroying the ball today, what is going??”. So that motivated me to continue with the frame at an insane 360ish SW. Over time I simply needed more racquet head speed to really keep my serve pace up for 2-3 hours, but the point is that you can make this frame into a monster if you are bored.

I mention it just because of your Ezone wishlist. It would be a fun racquet to tinker with since it comes close to what you are asking for. Imagine a Blade forged with an Ezone100 and that may give you a good idea of it.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I’ve raved about this frame too much in the past, but it’s one of my all time favorites. Hit with mine in stock form for a bit before I went Blading yesterday. I believe it’s a 67 RA, but IMO is more comfortable even than the Ez100. Has really good power- the same I am expecting from the PKQ+5proGads. Basically not as huge as a tweener, but bigger than a v7Blade. 16x20 pattern so you get insanely nasty slice but you can also play a topspin game with it and drive the ball flatter when needed. Came out with the same Vcore releases as the StanWand original 95D.

Main reason I suspect it did not catch on as much is because for some bizarre reason Yonex made it with ridiculously low SW (mine are 309-311). So in stock form, it just doesn‘t put much hurt on the ball. I have my old coach’s pro stock version which is the exact same frame but the SW feels slightly bigger- maybe 315-320. He played it at low 40s tension with lux, so that worked for him. He did mod the handle by using 2 OGs instead of a base grip since the gripsize is a bit bigger than it‘s size indicates.

My Gf uses it more now, she always asks to use it, so it’s in stock form which is a bit low for me. I used to lead it up at 12. I would suggest 5-6 grams at 12 or in the corners and it will play great. At one point I leaded the crap out of it and used it as my main for months. It hit such a heavy ball that the first time I hit the court with it, one guy I hit with all the time stopped playing for a second and was like “dude you are destroying the ball today, what is going??”. So that motivated me to continue with the frame at an insane 360ish SW. Over time I simply needed more racquet head speed to really keep my serve pace up for 2-3 hours, but the point is that you can make this frame into a monster if you are bored.

I mention it just because of your Ezone wishlist. It would be a fun racquet to tinker with since it comes close to what you are asking for. Imagine a Blade forged with an Ezone100 and that may give you a good idea of it.
My opinion as to the reason why it didn’t so well is because it was spec’d like a platform frame which means you have to know to set up the lead. Generally platform frames don’t do so well. The Storm Team GT was never that popular. Reading many of the reviews on the UT, not many wanted to experiment with lead to find their ideal setup. Not much love for the Gravity MP which is another excellent platform stick.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
My opinion as to the reason why it didn’t so well is because it was spec’d like a platform frame which means you have to know to set up the lead. Generally platform frames don’t do so well. The Storm Team GT was never that popular. Reading many of the reviews on the UT, not many wanted to experiment with lead to find their ideal setup. Not much love for the Gravity MP which is another excellent platform stick.

Yep exactly what i mean. You pick up a 310 SW frame and it just feels so anemic. My first vcore impressions were bad, but i had hit with my coaches before so i knew the potential. If not for that i would have sold mine
 

Nollid

Professional
I appreciate you sharing. And it just so happens that I had my best outing yet with my UP 16x19s the other night. I've changed my mods a bit, and man is this frame responding for me; the more weight the better, plus it's warmer now. I'll probably wait for feedback on the BA Pro at this point. I'm very content with my UP 16x19s and Gravity Tour. Hit the GT the other night with a new string job of Lynx Tour/GW at 48#, and I may have found my new poly main. Settling in nicely with my UPs and GT. Will likely buy more of both. Am I still welcome around here with such commitment?
Yup, I’m holding on to the UP plan to revisit it soon now that I have a bunch of other frames under my belt. Did you also try any of the Speed Pro line before settling on the Gravity Tour? I picked up a Speed pro recently and really like it. Finally, did you see the 25% off promo from Tier one? Good chance to get some more GW.
 
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