Diary of a Racketaholic

[JGads]

I do like it a lot, especially the blue. The silver could be more of a gray but that’s okay.

I could jive with this paint job

Wilson H19 (18x20)

Perfectly matched rackets available!! We've received a very special batch from the Wilson Pro Room. Brand new Wilson H19 pro stock rackets in the custom Glossy Blue paint available. Your chance to play with a racket that is only issued to high ranked ATP pro's - seize this opportunity!! Grip...

www.prostocktennis.com

a lovely frame indeed.

 

[taylor15]

a lovely frame indeed.

I plan to use this as inspiration (copy?) when I send a UT to CTR to have painted. One of my UTs is pretty scratched up where it's possible my daughter let it drag behind her while walking up about 25 concrete stairs. Instead of being upset she cleaned half the paint off one side I'm using that as an opportunity to do something fun.

 

[skeeter]

Yeah I do think I would likely end up in the VCP category of person more so than the VC 95. The soft control vs firm pop thing winning out for me - usually. It's a wonder then that love the Doppio so much because it's firm and poppy, but comfily firm at least (not unlike the new Rads); and I'm now thankful PK added the butter to the bananas to get me closer to what I like, plus retain the punch and ease of use. All that to say I'm sure I'd appreciate the VCP, because if they resemble soft control frames, or v7s, then these are things I personally get along with very well. Only experience with a VCP was a brief hit with the HD version, which I thought was great, just not enough ease of use there compared to the PKs to warrant a longer term demo.

Hold on while I try to convince my buddy to get a VCP demo. In the meantime I'd definitely snatch up a Rad MP for fun if I saw a deal on it, but I went so crazy on recent "for fun" purchases that I need to flip some of those before adding anything else. If I hit with the demo again I'll request permission to add a little tungsten into the cap and maybe some lead to see what that does, now that I have a feel for it stock.

But Top Banana still rules my roost.

Would definitely love to hear your thoughts on the VCP (310 version) given that several of us here have similar tastes in "soft control" frames but still with a little punch to them.

 

[Power Player]

When it comes to the VCP97 versus the Radical MP I would say if softness and arm comfort is a priority go VCP97. I had the 360+ prestige mid and really liked it, but what Head has done somehow is make the sweet spots feel like the classic frames even though the frame is still not as soft and comfortable. So I ultimately went with the V7 Blade and UT at the time because they just felt easier on my arm with full poly.

That said the Radical MP is not an uncomfortable frame at all so far and I like the feel more than the 360+ Prestige. I'd put the comfort level equal to the Vc95. Its one of those things that shows itself over time, but so far so good. The MP will require less effort and allow you to hit big shots without expending as much energy. It also feels faster through the air than the VCP97.

The VCP97 shines in that it is super soft but still lets me get the ball deep without the effort required with a classic frame. Its just a little more lumber to swing around and is not as easy on short balls.

If you told me when I joined this site back in the day that these 2 frames would exist and I would have both, I would have thought it was a total lie. Racquets have gotten REALLY good, especially over the past 2-3 years.

 

[skeeter]

When it comes to the VCP97 versus the Radical MP I would say if softness and arm comfort is a priority go VCP97. I had the 360+ prestige mid and really liked it, but what Head has done somehow is make the sweet spots feel like the classic frames even though the frame is still not as soft and comfortable. So I ultimately went with the V7 Blade and UT at the time because they just felt easier on my arm with full poly.

That said the Radical MP is not an uncomfortable frame at all so far and I like the feel more than the 360+ Prestige. I'd put the comfort level equal to the Vc95. Its one of those things that shows itself over time, but so far so good. The MP will require less effort and allow you to hit big shots without expending as much energy. It also feels faster through the air than the VCP97.

The VCP97 shines in that it is super soft but still lets me get the ball deep without the effort required with a classic frame. Its just a little more lumber to swing around and is not as easy on short balls.

If you told me when I joined this site back in the day that these 2 frames would exist and I would have both, I would have thought it was a total lie. Racquets have gotten REALLY good, especially over the past 2-3 years.

Great stuff. Question though: the TW listed specs on these two racquets has them both at 7 points HL, same static weight, and pretty close to the same SW. Individual racquet variances aside, what is it about the 95 that makes it more whippier for you? And wondering if tail weighting the 97 a smidge might bring it closer to the 95 in terms of bringing it around?

 

[topspn]

A buddy of mine just bought a used VC95 2018. I guess I’m obliged to try it at some point

 

[Power Player]

Great stuff. Question though: the TW listed specs on these two racquets has them both at 7 points HL, same static weight, and pretty close to the same SW. Individual racquet variances aside, what is it about the 95 that makes it more whippier for you? And wondering if tail weighting the 97 a smidge might bring it closer to the 95 in terms of bringing it around?

The VC95 is awesome because the head size is a 95 but they designed it so it has the same surface area as a 98. It is also thinner through the air than the VCP97 which is thicker and a little clunkier with a higher twist weight.

Not sure if the VCP97 will ever achieve the whip of the 95, but the VCP is more of a ball crushing frame and the VC95 is more of a direct sniper.

The Rad MP really sits between the 2. Head did an awesome job by keeping the twist weight pretty low, but not super low. So it's not unstable at all and if you add a touch of lead to the sides like I did, it doesn't feel clunky. I would not add lead to the sides of the VCP97, it's better with just a little lead at 12 to get the SW where you want it.

 

[AA7]

Fair enough. No serves came my way, just ball bashing for those 15 minutes. Just wanted a quick taste test but won’t be moving forward with that at all, just something I thought I’d put down in the diary. With the exception of maybe one more hit with the Rad MP demo, I’ll soon be back to bananaland. But my partner has so many freaking sticks it’s like he always has some new surprise, since he knows I appreciate trying different things. He also just recently informed me for the first time he has a PT 2.0 that’s been sitting at home unstrung so he said he’d lace it up and bring it soon since the holic in me has always wanted to sample that for just a quick hit, as I’m sure it’s at that UT-level of joy sticking.

You know... I would love to have a hitting partner that is swimming in a racket demo for a change.. I am tired of being the odd man out. 90% of the people I hit with have no idea what they are hitting with (which is complete bliss to them). So... good for him and good for you sir!

 

[taylor15]

Random request, but I know how holic are with grommets..anyone stock up on UP grommets and then move on from the frame?

 

[Vicious49]

Random request, but I know how holic are with grommets..anyone stock up on UP grommets and then move on from the frame?

I think I grabbed 2 but still have the frame. Was it you that i had hooked up with 4 of my UT grommets?

 

[ryushen21]

I think I've completed my playtest time with the Boom, so I treated myself to a half session with the DR100. The hybrid setup of triangle twisted and ghost wire might be a sleeping giant.

 

[taylor15]

I think I grabbed 2 but still have the frame. Was it you that i had hooked up with 4 of my UT grommets?

Oh yeah, you did me a solid on that one. Actually why I asked bc never would have thought of anyone having extras until then

 

[taylor15]

I think I've completed my playtest time with the Boom, so I treated myself to a half session with the DR100. The hybrid setup of triangle twisted and ghost wire might be a sleeping giant.

Is it Boom or BOOM!!!!!!!

I’m struggling to get on board with the name of that one

 

[snoflewis]

The VC95 is awesome because the head size is a 95 but they designed it so it has the same surface area as a 98. It is also thinner through the air than the VCP97 which is thicker and a little clunkier with a higher twist weight.

Not sure if the VCP97 will ever achieve the whip of the 95, but the VCP is more of a ball crushing frame and the VC95 is more of a direct sniper.

The Rad MP really sits between the 2. Head did an awesome job by keeping the twist weight pretty low, but not super low. So it's not unstable at all and if you add a touch of lead to the sides like I did, it doesn't feel clunky. I would not add lead to the sides of the VCP97, it's better with just a little lead at 12 to get the SW where you want it.

Have you tried serving extensively with the rad mp?

 

[Vicious49]

Oh yeah, you did me a solid on that one. Actually why I asked bc never would have thought of anyone having extras until then

I couldnt remember who that was. I only bought 2 of these but ill keep you in mind if i get rid of the frame.

 

[ryushen21]

Is it Boom or BOOM!!!!!!!

I’m struggling to get on board with the name of that one

Same. And it doesn't really go boom.

On another note, I just picked up my matched VC95s. Unstrung specs are 312g, 284 SW, 306 BP.

 

[JGads]

You know... I would love to have a hitting partner that is swimming in a racket demo for a change.. I am tired of being the odd man out. 90% of the people I hit with have no idea what they are hitting with (which is complete bliss to them). So... good for him and good for you sir!

Yeah, I'm certainly not against it. I'll be curious if he ends up grabbing a Rad or trying some of those other options. He really wants comfort, but some punch. And also easy to use, as he has loads of epic feeling frames in his collection but they're a lot of pro stocks and not-so-forgiving sticks like the HD Yonex. Through him I've been able to try that stick, or recently that Liquidmetal Rad (I misspelled that Liquidmental at first and thought of Djokovic even more), the H22, plenty of Head pro stocks, hopefully soon the PT 2.0, and others. Plus he handed over those old PKs (Espresso Lite, Black Aces) he bought cheap but never really used. In terms of what he's looking for, it's hard for me to believe he'll find anything better out of the current offerings than the Rad MP, but you never know, something else could work for him. I'm biased here, but the most impressive ball coming my way from him was with the Top Banana, but he's a little hesitant to go XL, which I totally understand, especially as he has a one hander.

 

[taylor15]

Same. And it doesn't really go boom.

On another note, I just picked up my matched VC95s. Unstrung specs are 312g, 284 SW, 306 BP.

These are going to be excellent. Where did you get them matched?

 

[taylor15]

I couldnt remember who that was. I only bought 2 of these but ill keep you in mind if i get rid of the frame.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[ryushen21]

These are going to be excellent. Where did you get them matched?

I know. When I saw the numbers, I got the tingles.

The guy who used to string my racquets is a master racquet technician and captain for the Wilson Stringing Team. I'm just lucky that he happened to set up shop very close to me. When I know I need it done right, he's the guy I call.

 

[tim-ay]

Officially making the UP switch. Won another USTA singles 2-6, 6-0, 6-1 yesterday. Played terrible in the first set and then just started swinging freely. Couldn’t miss the corners and my dtl backhand was in fire.

How do you guys work on service return? It was at one point an okay part of my game but moving up it is now almost a weakness against someone like my opponent yesterday. First set I wasn’t hitting them back in. Second/third set I adjusted and was just blocking first serves bc of the power/spin combo. I really need to practice getting these back deeper but not sure how

way behind on the thread today. but just back up. once you get your timing press in more

i played a guy 6’5 on the weekend and he was clocking first serves. top banana made serve returns really easy but i was pretty far back daring him to hit wide consistently. he could not do it and i really went after his seconds. but no problem with the first either even tho’ it was coming in quickly. backing up in that first set just gets you dialed.

 

[taylor15]

way behind on the thread today. but just back up. once you get your timing press in more

i played a guy 6’5 on the weekend and he was clocking first serves. top banana made serve returns really easy but i was pretty far back daring him to hit wide consistently. he could not do it and i really went after his seconds. but no problem with the first either even tho’ it was coming in quickly. backing up in that first set just gets you dialed.

Thanks for the tip! I’ll try this tomorrow, hitting with another big server

 

[tim-ay]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll try this tomorrow, hitting with another big server

the guy snuck in an underhand, haha, but i was still doing a good split and made him pay , even though i was back. watch for these tricksters, lol.

 

[taylor15]

the guy snuck in an underhand, haha, but i was still doing a good split and made him pay , even though i was back. watch for these tricksters, lol.

Ha, I enjoy playing the guys with a sense of humor. Last guy that did this to me won the point on my bad return

 

[Power Player]

Have you tried serving extensively with the rad mp?

yeah served 3 straight days now. Its been fine. Unfortunately i tweaked my shoulder on an OH tonight. Not the racquets fault, but after that i had pain when i served, so i will need to take some days off.

frame felt amazing today. The grommets are broken in and it really had a sweet feel to it.

 

[Nate7-5]

I'm happy to report the VCore95 responds very well to gut/poly. In this case, uncoated Klip 1.25 at 55lbs X PolyTour Fire 1.20 at 52 lbs. Im also going to try PolyTour Rev as a cross with gut. This upped my swingweight a little bit to 316 and I was absolutely crushing flat serves. Im admittedly a Yonex fanboy, but Ive never acquired a frame that gets out of the way and feels like it makes the game easier for me than the VCore95 - for me, it betters the Duel G 310.

 

[ryushen21]

@Power Player I finally got those sets of Element. What tension did you go for with it? I'm actually thinking about going for a BK/Element hybrid at the moment.

 

[Power Player]

@Power Player I finally got those sets of Element. What tension did you go for with it? I'm actually thinking about going for a BK/Element hybrid at the moment.

i like it at 48-50.

 

[ryushen21]

i like it at 48-50.

I have to admit that I was watching some tennisnerd videos and I've become intrigued by the ALU Power/Element hybrid. I know BK isn't anywhere near the same as ALU Power but I think it could make an interesting hybrid setup as well.

 

[esm]

'holics...

the sergetti stringing method - anyone tried it yet?
am tempted to purchase one sheet for the Pure Strike to see what the fuss is all about... lol

 

[Power Player]

I have to admit that I was watching some tennisnerd videos and I've become intrigued by the ALU Power/Element hybrid. I know BK isn't anywhere near the same as ALU Power but I think it could make an interesting hybrid setup as well.

Its good but I think Lynx Tour is the best poly I have tried recently. Feels awesome in the Vc95/VCP97 and Rad MP. I cross it with element. Also will try Cream as well.

 

[Power Player]

'holics...

the sergetti stringing method - anyone tried it yet?
am tempted to purchase one sheet for the Pure Strike to see what the fuss is all about... lol

@mad dog1 does a version of this I believe.

 

[ryushen21]

Its good but I think Lynx Tour is the best poly I have tried recently. Feels awesome in the Vc95/VCP97 and Rad MP. I cross it with element. Also will try Cream as well.

I've got that coming in too. TW had a rare slip up on the packaging and my strings weren't in the box. And then LT went on sale and now they are back ordered.

 

[tim-ay]

'holics...

the sergetti stringing method - anyone tried it yet?
am tempted to purchase one sheet for the Pure Strike to see what the fuss is all about... lol

i messed around a little bit with proportional stringing. i know sergetti is very specific. but for me, it was a waste of time. i just string and try to hit that stupid yellow greenish ball.

 

[mad dog1]

@mad dog1 does a version of this I believe.

Never tried sergetti before.

 

[esm]

@mad dog1 does a version of this I believe.

Ah yes. I think it was the proportional stringing. Can’t remember if there are differences between the too.

 

[esm]

i messed around a little bit with proportional stringing. i know sergetti is very specific. but for me, it was a waste of time. i just string and try to hit that stupid yellow greenish ball.

Cool. I think I will give it a miss… think I maybe too lazy to change the tensions 27 times (on a 16x19) anyway… lol.

 

[topspn]

someone correct me with sergetti as I’m not a stringer. Is general idea middle strings more tight and loosen tension more outside strings? Or is there more to it?

 

[mad dog1]

someone correct me with sergetti as I’m not a stringer. Is general idea middle strings more tight and loosen tension more outside strings? Or is there more to it?

Think it was more complicated than that. Apparently it was frame and pattern specific. I recall reading that the tension differentials were different from sergetti from 1 frame to another frame even when they were both 16/19. And the tension changes weren’t proportional to the change in headsize.

 

[taylor15]

Think it was more complicated than that. Apparently it was frame and pattern specific. I recall reading that the tension differentials were different from sergetti from 1 frame to another frame even when they were both 16/19. And the tension changes weren’t proportional to the change in headsize.

I'm not sure how I feel about this

 

[Margomael]

@Power Player do you prefer radical mp over vcore 95?

 

[Power Player]

@Power Player do you prefer radical mp over vcore 95?

So far - yes I do!

 

[topspn]

So far - yes I do!

Wow some speedy transitions lately. TB>VC95>rad in quick fire holism. Well done

 

[topspn]

My frap+ clocking in 330SW strung with BK. A bit higher than others on here but lets see how it plays in the morning

 

[Power Player]

Wow some speedy transitions lately. TB>VC95>rad in quick fire holism. Well done

Yep! Well I used the Top Banana for an entire USTA season at least..lol. The Top Banana will survive the cut, as I know I will want to try XL now and then and the TB is the best option I have ever used.

 

[JGads]

My frap+ clocking in 330SW strung with BK. A bit higher than others on here but lets see how it plays in the morning

OK so +31 swingweight points for you with full BK 1.23? Is that right?

If so that puts my three at 326 (2) and 328 (1) if I stay with that same setup. Though I put overgrips on my Grip 2s.

Hope you enjoy. Frame gets more brilliant the more I play with it.

 

[JGads]

Also, not sure where others have landed on this but for me the 48 lbs experiment on the Doppio has indeed proved way too lively for my taste. 52ish +- 1 or even 2 really seems to be my sweet spot with these PKs.

 

[tim-ay]

Also, not sure where others have landed on this but for me the 48 lbs experiment on the Doppio has indeed proved way too lively for my taste. 52ish +- 1 or even 2 really seems to be my sweet spot with these PKs.

same. 52 is the sweet spot for all the PKs with BK. it is just the right amount of control and comfort. other experiments on hold for now….. string options that is.

 

[Power Player]

I keep ordering Lynx Tour while the sale lasts. Probably have a reel by now in separate packs. lol.

 

[JGads]

same. 52 is the sweet spot for all the PKs with BK. it is just the right amount of control and comfort. other experiments on hold for now….. string options that is.

I actually have 1.28 in two of mine now just to burn through some sets I got and it’s fine but I’ll soon be moving back to 1.23 as I preferred that. Just perfecto in the banana. I forget if you tried the GW hybrid in the banana? Or just full BK? Sorry if I asked you this before but TT amnesia strikes sometimes.