n8dawg6
Legend
the red graphene prestige S is underpowered but still one of my favorite frames to hit with
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
ryushen21
Legend
Yes, it is more open and more evenly dispersed where the EZ is denser in the center and opens more as you move out.
MishitWinner
New User
I got a Doppio demo from TW. Was exactly 27.25" long, and swingweight was definitely 335+, probably over 340. Served and volleyed like a monster, but couldn't play well with it. Way less maneuverable than the 7G demo I had at the same time. It was strung with multi too.
Ordered a Banana Lite, and with leather grip +3g on handle, it's essentially Doppio specs, since swingweight is under 330 for sure.
tim-ay
Legend
Sounds like you had a Q+5x pro instead of a doppio
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Center is somewhere in between, if memory serves. The widening really is more prevalent outside of the center mains. The Q Tours are PK’s Prestiges, in three different weight setups. Great sticks, for what they do and who they are. One day I do want to try the 325 with the 18/20 for fun, just because I know that thing must bully the ball and feel amazing. Problem is what happens in the second hour.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
It’s so good.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Was thinking the same thing. Are you sure there wasn’t an X on the frame after the 5? I could easily see these frames getting mixed up somehow in the warehouse cubbies. No chance a Doppio should be heftier through the air then the 7G.
On the flip side a 27.25 Doppio is something I feel like I would never give back.
tim-ay
Legend
Yeah… sluggish and doppio is like oil and water. Like monkey and potato. Like Jack and a corn stalk. Like peaches and butter. Like pasta and tequila. Like SUV and fun to drive. Like roaches and roses. And wasabi and cereal. And djoker and tranquility. Alright…. I wore that out.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Porky doper sightings are a real thing. I have personally witnessed.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
The last one got me. Olympics. Pinnacle of sport and sportsmanship and camaraderie. And one sport’s best player smashing one racquet into the net and heaving another into the seats. It’s why I can never get around to liking the guy. But that’s a debate for another section.
Re: Sluggish Dopes. They exist. MD’s had one. Couple other people have reported such. I have three and they’re all super whippy.
tim-ay
Legend
I hope I didn’t make bad karma as I am counting on my third being whippy. If not, it will go back. I’m hoping for another around 307/308 g static
Nollid
Professional
My sponsor went to Mexico for the week and I started holicing again. I’ve been playing with the Ripstick but started to get disenchanted with the hollow feel. So I pulled out the UP16 and enjoyed the butter but too may shots were flying on me. Then I tried the Extreme Tour Nite version and really liked it. Great all around racquet but stiffer than my ideal spec. I foresee elbow issues for myself with that one. Finally pulled out the 2019 Q+5 weighted up to Doppio specs and really jived with it. What the hell am I doing? The Doppio, 2019 Q+5 and the Banana Lite are all one and done racquets. My sponsor is back. He promptly put me in a sleeper hold until I tapped out. A course of action we agreed upon ahead of time if he caught me switching racquets again.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Sounds like the reason so many of us are into the PKs. You get big power and some really nice feel.Great combo for those of us who went on the tweener vs feel frame merry go round for so long.
danbrenner
Legend
so honorable mention goes to the blade 100. excellent frame. the only knock i would give it and this may be a plus for most of you, is the 62 ra. i like stiffer frames for easier power. but man i think i need one of these for my stable. excellent grip shape, sweet 22.5mm beam, outstanding rhs.. slightly smaller string spacing than a reg tweener. so you get all the linear control you want. but again the rhs is off the charts .. so that alone gives you the ability to clip and rip and create excellent margins over the net. the feel. woooow. tremendous. nothing as comfy as this one. so comfy that as far as string i would say for sure a nice stiff poly is in order. hyper g 120 sounds like the ticket for this one. i cant get enough of this frame.
then theres the blade pro. ive been using it for over a week now. the feel is great. the rhs is slow as f. so to get good spin you cant use your wrist as a flick with this one, you need to get the whole stick moving with your whole arrm. no short cuts to spin here. i will put a softer string set up in this one. thats what this thing needs. a sooft string set up with power. power is on the low side with this frame. no free power here. you need to get that 12 oz 5.5 hl animal moving in a full swing to get the power you need. but when you do its rewarding becuase of the accuracy that heft provides. not a stick for most. but because its such a cool frame im doing everything in my power to learn how to play with it.
thats all for now.
then theres the blade pro. ive been using it for over a week now. the feel is great. the rhs is slow as f. so to get good spin you cant use your wrist as a flick with this one, you need to get the whole stick moving with your whole arrm. no short cuts to spin here. i will put a softer string set up in this one. thats what this thing needs. a sooft string set up with power. power is on the low side with this frame. no free power here. you need to get that 12 oz 5.5 hl animal moving in a full swing to get the power you need. but when you do its rewarding becuase of the accuracy that heft provides. not a stick for most. but because its such a cool frame im doing everything in my power to learn how to play with it.
thats all for now.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
thx for your thoughts here Dan
I’m seeing mixed reviews on this one.
My next drink will be with the EuroStaff.
after that, perhaps the blade 100.
Right now, maneuverability and comfort are much appreciated.
cheers
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
It’s not necessarily the static weight that makes it porky and sluggish though.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Professional
I picked up a Babolat RDC this week for €500. That's a great deal right?
Tried it out yesterday and it's in good condition. Only two things that are not working correctly. The weight measurement is a bit off, but I don't really care about that since I use a precise kitchen scale all the time anyways.
The other thing is that the swingweight measurements are reading too low. My VCP HD that I know has a 326 SW, reads 316 SW on the RDC. My three matched 325 SW VC95's are being measured at 315 by the RDC. It needs to be calibrated. Of course matching rackets without having a target spec could still be done perfectly, but I can't tune rackets to a target spec or measure the correct SW of a racket.
I read the threads on TT about (calibrating) RDC's and it's not looking very good. Calibration is done with three rods with each having a specific swingweight. I had contact with the guy I bought the machine from and he is very willing to help. He never had trouble using the machine, I think because he was mainly matching rackets that he sold in his shop. He is going to email his Babolat contact tomorrow and ask about the possibilities. Maybe it's possible to get three rackets to those specific swingweights and calibrate the RDC that way. Babolat of course doesn't manufacture the RDC anymore but also doesn't support it anymore, so I doubt buying or borrowing those rods is possible.
If there's no solution, I'll have to reconsider what to do with the machine.
Tried it out yesterday and it's in good condition. Only two things that are not working correctly. The weight measurement is a bit off, but I don't really care about that since I use a precise kitchen scale all the time anyways.
The other thing is that the swingweight measurements are reading too low. My VCP HD that I know has a 326 SW, reads 316 SW on the RDC. My three matched 325 SW VC95's are being measured at 315 by the RDC. It needs to be calibrated. Of course matching rackets without having a target spec could still be done perfectly, but I can't tune rackets to a target spec or measure the correct SW of a racket.
I read the threads on TT about (calibrating) RDC's and it's not looking very good. Calibration is done with three rods with each having a specific swingweight. I had contact with the guy I bought the machine from and he is very willing to help. He never had trouble using the machine, I think because he was mainly matching rackets that he sold in his shop. He is going to email his Babolat contact tomorrow and ask about the possibilities. Maybe it's possible to get three rackets to those specific swingweights and calibrate the RDC that way. Babolat of course doesn't manufacture the RDC anymore but also doesn't support it anymore, so I doubt buying or borrowing those rods is possible.
If there's no solution, I'll have to reconsider what to do with the machine.
tim-ay
Legend
For sure. But it’s a good sign. I want a doppio doppio …. Not a banana lite doppio. I’m sacrificing a few sweat bands to the tennis gods today to regain some karma.
I think that’s a pretty solid deal. If you know how to adjust the calibration there’s a thread in the stringing section that talks about home made machines and calibration rods. Check it out and hopefully it helps
esgee48
G.O.A.T.
IIRC, the calibrations rods are aluminum, of 3 different lengths. You could ask if anyone could measure the mass, diameter and lengths of their rods if they have a RDC. Then you could check the SW of each 'new' rod using the TWU app. I believe that TW has an RDC. Why don't you ask them? @TW Staff?
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MishitWinner
New User
I checked and double checked. Painted as Q+5 Pro, length 27". Everything appeared totally stock.
I demoed 3 racquets: Q+Tour 315, "Doppio", 7G. Hit Doppio first, then Tour, then 7G. I just couldn't find my range with Tour, it felt short and I kept framing at 12. So I stood Doppio, 7G and Tour next to each other, and thought the Tour was 26.5".
When I got home, I realized Tour was standard length, and Doppio was exactly 27.25". Like they made one dead in-between and had to decide which paint job to put on it. I aced my coach with it, him saying, "Well that was large." Probably around 90 mph flat out wide. But I could not get it around in match play. Made me realize I would love the extended version, but it wouldn't be practical.
Vicious49
Legend
Its the middle of summer and my game is suffering as @Power Player had predicted long ago. I LOVE playing with the UT/Prestige type racquets under normal conditions. But in 95 degrees with 80-90% humidity against a heavy hitter where the ball is coming back at me faster I dont have the energy to get my prep done early enough on evey shot. I need that extra forgiveness. It also helps having a frame that you can block shots back deep with.
I had a few ‘tweeners’ in my bag but none of them are for me really. The 360 Speed Pro was eh. The Rafalat gave me a lot of what I wanted but i cant quite do my short putaways with it like I can with my usual 18/20 control frames. I really wish the Doppio had worked out for me. I am considering trying the current vCore 95 as I think the 16/20 string pattern will be easier for me to vibe with than 16/19. I had tried the previous gen Vcore 95 but not the new one. I honestly do believe that the time of year and conditions you demo a frame at makes a difference in how you feel about it.
I had a few ‘tweeners’ in my bag but none of them are for me really. The 360 Speed Pro was eh. The Rafalat gave me a lot of what I wanted but i cant quite do my short putaways with it like I can with my usual 18/20 control frames. I really wish the Doppio had worked out for me. I am considering trying the current vCore 95 as I think the 16/20 string pattern will be easier for me to vibe with than 16/19. I had tried the previous gen Vcore 95 but not the new one. I honestly do believe that the time of year and conditions you demo a frame at makes a difference in how you feel about it.
ryushen21
Legend
VCore 100. I doubt the 95 will give you the relief you need.
Edit: I think the VCore will give you that added power while still retaining a feel that you will find enjoyable. It has a cleaner response/feedback than the Eurostaff and provides more consistent depth.
I know there's some sort of aversion to 100 that we all face but there's really nothing to lose when hitting with them.
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SinneGOAT
Hall of Fame
I’m in the same boat. Been using player’s frames for a few years now. It’s come to a head in that they are so heavy and in long matches the weight and swingweight becomes difficult to handle. I’m trying out some lighter, easier to use racquets like the vcore 100+ or the ezone 100. It’s actually been nice to swing something lighter, I feel I’m not working as hard against heavy hitters to keep depth and the ease of use is so nice.
Vicious49
Legend
I may try to head out to TE later today and hit with all 3 vcore sizes. I may be able to do the 98 but the 100 is doubtful. I havent yet met a 100” frame that I wanted to stick with. Part of that may have to do with my OHBH. It generally seems to work better with smaller head sizes.
That last point of yours is what im looking for. I need easier depth and power against heavier hitters. Normally its not an issue but in the middle of Houston summer when Im drenched and feeling sluggish due to my clothes and shoes being soaked, I want that extra little bit from my racquet.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
for sure. You are using some pretty demanding frames. The vcore95 is not going to do you many favors either. Maybe the new vcorepro97 could be something. Id consider the vcore100 though or even a PK banana. The banana light is most likely an easier to use Blade. The feel is legit in these bananas. They did a great job on these. You want more free power without losing control and thats what these excel at.
ive been in mexico all week drinking booze and unwinding at the beach. Just insane humidity. Temps were in the upper 80s but humidity was as well. Its a tough combo to deal with, even when walking a few steps to the pool or ocean.
ryushen21
Legend
I had to shift my mindset a bit to get into using the 100. You can't treat it the same way that you do a smaller, denser frame. But once you get past that and meet the racquet on its terms, you realize just how much it can offer you and your game.
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
I'd suggest to give the ezone 100 a try as well. I only briefly tried the vcore 100. I usually play the ezone 98 but also have a 100 (2018) in the bag. It won't replace the feel of a 95 or 98 but the ezone 100 launch angle feels closer to my 98. I also had a Clash where it was more of a higher launch and spinny game maybe like the Vcore(Again, I only hit breifly with the vcore). I think it's logic to give the ezone 100 a try if you try the 100 vcore to see what you prefer. Two great (and easy to play with) sticks. Ideally you go into demoing with thinking a 100 wont replace some of the good stuff that you liked on your other stick, its a sliding scale of benefits. I got to try the vcore95, it so fun to swing with its low twistweight and great feel. It also brings some good spin.... but everything is good until you start to get out of position and pushed, like in a hard match. See what fits best for you.
Vicious49
Legend
Forgot to mention that one of the teenagers (probably a 5.0) who i see practicing at the courts sometimes picked up an H22. Looks just like a Blade Pro but different layup. I used it for a few rallies and it plays totally different. The softer layup takes a lot of the free power out of it and makes it even more demanding to play with. Makes me wonder why people want to play with pro stocks so badly.
Hankenstein
Hall of Fame
How would you compare it to Eurostaff? I really liked the modded blade 100L but it had an RA of around 70 so a big difference
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Much more to racquets than free power. Especially for great players who bring enough of it themselves with technique.
danbrenner
Legend
I ended up getting rid of the eurostaff. I really love this blade 100. It has some of the characteristics of the blade 104 but standard length amd slightly stiffer. This is a great stick. I can’t see not owning this one. The feel is tremendous. Rhs is off the charts.
ryushen21
Legend
The VC100 scores higher for me than the Eurostaff. Better pop, feel, and drive. Crazy to say now, but I'm glad I didn't go down the Eurostaff rabbit hole.
danbrenner
Legend
The ES is a great frame for sure. Totally different animal than the vc1. The vc1 is a true tweener. Amd the ES is almost a players frame. But I totally hear you. The vc1 is basically a YY pure drive but with more flex. Amazing frame.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Also wasn't a big fan of the Eurostaff feel. Kind of numb/removed from the ball I thought.
Meanwhile, I had no idea Yonex makes a 100 Plus as well as a 98 plus. Props to YY for making so many XL versions of their sticks for the XL enthusiasts out there.
tim-ay
Legend
Yeah…. That Ezone 98+ is a great frame, i like the flex better than the 100+. But, I like the Top B and 7G better, the 16x20 probably is what does it, or the way faster feel they have.
I decided to hit the Top Banana and 7G today. I give up. Doppio, 7G, Top Banana - all so awesome. I think I’ll just ship back the newly arriving Wednesday Doppio (or not) and get another Top Banana (or not). All three are in my top 3 favorite frames of all time and I have no idea which order. It’s absolutely maddening trying to figure out which I prefer or what i play better with.
Nollid
Professional
Sorting the PK's seems like an impossible job. Coming off of re-trying and really liking a the Doppio Lite I figured I should play with the Banana Lite today. I have had reservations about it because I got it in a 4 3/8 grip instead of my usual 4 1/2. Playing the 4 3/8 grip always felt too small and like it was throwing something off. So I decided to throw a second overgrip on it and see if I could still feel the bevels enough. I could and it was glorious. Banana Lite and Element is pure creamy butter. I like the Banana Lite a little better than the Doppio Lite because it is less pingy and more solid feeling. I'm getting a second Banana Lite and am going to try to (likely unsuccessfully) stick with it this coming indoor season.
ryushen21
Legend
True. But the ES would have been in a comparable range to both the EZ and VC. The VC feel really is the most impressive because it delivers the exactly what I was looking for. Modern mild muting with clean and responsive feedback.
I've never been an extended player. But it does seem that there aren't a whole lot of option. YY does offer the most that I've seen in the modern market.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Very pleased to have some company in the misery of deciding which PK is best. @tim-ay , now you see what I mean about the 7G vs Top Banana vs Doppio hell. And just imagine if there was some sicko out there who picked up a Doppio Plus when they were being cleared out for 67 bucks and there was one available with a 299 unstrung sw.
Vicious49
Legend
I understand why the pros use them and someone like Karue or coach Gu would. But most on here aren't at that level yet there was so much whining about how the BP wasn't a true H22, etc. After hitting with 1 I see the reason that companies don't release these to the general public.
topspn
Legend
Vicious49
Legend
TE was a bust. The demo court was full of boxes. So many boxes stacked higher than me all over teh court. With the names Babolat, Head, Wilson, etc.on the boxes. They looked like they were all full of racquets. Supposedly they are doing inventory or something so the court is temporarily unavailable. I know its a huge warehouse but the number of racquets was mind blowing.
ryushen21
Legend
That's a shame.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
I'd have looked for the dusty, unsexy box probably mislabeled "ProKleenex" and made a run for it.
topspn
Legend
Ha!
ryushen21
Legend
Big morning tennis session today and big decisions made.
I was coming off a long weekend having not played at all but one of my regular partners (strong 4.5) was free and I didn't want to miss the chance.
I started off hitting with the machine to get through my usual warmup and find my groove. Admittedly, I was also trying to find some path to salvation for the EZ but from the first hit, the love was gone. The feel was too muted and almost hollow in a way. The EZ still drives the ball like a hammer but lacks the potency that the VC offers in all other aspects. After 10 minutes, I put the EZ away and it was all VC from there.
My partner jabbed at me about having another new racquet but was less surprised when he saw it was another YY. I won't give you guys the play-by-play but the score was 3-6, 4-6. He has some gears that are still really hard for me to deal with. But his feedback was what told me all that I really needed to know. He said I was hitting more consistently and more aggressively, that my slice stayed lower and was harder to return, and my defensive shots came back deep enough that he couldn't immediately go for the put-away shot. He also said my serves were better and the action on the kicker was better.
It was all I really needed to put the stamp on the decision to switch over to the VC.
I was coming off a long weekend having not played at all but one of my regular partners (strong 4.5) was free and I didn't want to miss the chance.
I started off hitting with the machine to get through my usual warmup and find my groove. Admittedly, I was also trying to find some path to salvation for the EZ but from the first hit, the love was gone. The feel was too muted and almost hollow in a way. The EZ still drives the ball like a hammer but lacks the potency that the VC offers in all other aspects. After 10 minutes, I put the EZ away and it was all VC from there.
My partner jabbed at me about having another new racquet but was less surprised when he saw it was another YY. I won't give you guys the play-by-play but the score was 3-6, 4-6. He has some gears that are still really hard for me to deal with. But his feedback was what told me all that I really needed to know. He said I was hitting more consistently and more aggressively, that my slice stayed lower and was harder to return, and my defensive shots came back deep enough that he couldn't immediately go for the put-away shot. He also said my serves were better and the action on the kicker was better.
It was all I really needed to put the stamp on the decision to switch over to the VC.
