Diary of a Racketaholic

[FedGR]

Thank you for the response @Power Player . Is the VC 98 worth checking out as well?

Also, have you tried the G360 Speed MP and if yes, what did you think of it? It is very similar to the Blade in the sense that it does everything very well. The feel is not ideal but performance is very good.

 

[mad dog1]

Yes for sure. Only thing is the Blade's balance is more head heavy. I personally hate that and it bugged my arm, but I used the black and gold blades for agood amount of time until I had to tap out.

I did not pay the DR 98, but I used the ai98. Loved it as an all around frame, but the feel was not nearly as good as the Vcore Pros. The Vcore Pros have some of my favorite feel. I was missing the feel of the Orange Tour G a lot and this cured that itch, plus is a much faster frame to swing.

This is spot on. Agree with you on everything except I didn’t spend much time with the Orange Tour G

 

[mad dog1]

Racketaholics,

I am a long time admirer of the Blade 98. I have a bunch of the 2015 18x20 and consider it one of the best frames as, for me, it does everything. Would you say the Vcore Pro 97 310 is what comes the closest to the Blade 98 among the Yonex lineup? I played a ton with the DR98 and even though it is a great racket, it is too muted for my taste.

I found the blades to be awesome except they were too head heavy. I tried tail weighting them and it helped but not enough. Also caused my wrist and elbow to ache after a few days as well. But boy can they hit a big, heavy ball. The VCP hits just as big a ball with a lot better maneuverability.

 

[FedGR]

I found the blades to be awesome except they were too head heavy. I tried tail weighting them and it helped but not enough. Also caused my wrist and elbow to ache after a few days as well. But boy can they hit a big, heavy ball. The VCP hits just as big a ball with a lot better maneuverability.

What do you think caused you the pain? The balance being off?

 

[mad dog1]

What do you think caused you the pain? The balance being off?

Maybe the stiffness of the frame. The blades were still >65RA.

 

[Power Player]

Thank you for the response @Power Player . Is the VC 98 worth checking out as well?

Also, have you tried the G360 Speed MP and if yes, what did you think of it? It is very similar to the Blade in the sense that it does everything very well. The feel is not ideal but performance is very good.

I think the Vcore 98 is a great frame but it's more like a Pure Drive. I like it more than a Pure Drive actually. My galaxy black is F/S if you want one at a little less than full price. It has a lot of power and you can wail the ball with it. The 310 just gives me more confidence to play with. I test frames by warming up and then playing points, so I need something I feel confident hitting my 70% ball with over and over,

I don't have much time to spend demoing frames and like to get to work on my game, so after 2 hits with the 310 I knew it was for me and was all set. to me the 310 is a top notch all arounder frame. The 98 is a little more focused on power from the baseline.

 

[JackStraw225]

I demo'd the VCP 97 310 a few months ago and was intrigued. I was only able to hit with it for an hour and a half, so I'm planning to re-demo in the next couple of months. I currently play with a Phantom Pro 100P.

I remember the VCP 97 having some serious pop on serve and feeling stable despite swinging a bit easier than the PP100P. I definitely liked it.

 

[Power Player]

Windy day and I misjudged an overhead. Bad news as it definitely feels like I messed up my shoulder up a little bit. I definitely cant serve and hitting low to high on forehands started to really hurt. I was still able to hit my forehand, but not at full RPM. Had to go a little flatter to survive the evening.

That lead to some tentative hitting and framing some shots. So needless to say, my arm is a bit tender and I think it may be time for a break this week, some rubber band exercises and then probably a soft string in the 310 while I recover.

I have Babolat Origin, Yonex Tour Pro 850 and Babolat Nvy sitting in my bin along with a reel of Forten Sweet. No option is super appealing but I feel like I need to do something since even my elbow is a little sore from framing shots. Leaning toward Origin mains and Forten sweet crosses at around 54#s.

 

[Crashbaby]

Sending positive healing vibes your way Power Player!
I also have some Vcore 98’s that I’m trying to love, but the Pro 310 is still my go to stick. It has way more feel and you get out of it what you put in, less surprises. I feel I can hitter harder with it and still keep the ball in. I never tried it stock though, your posts have got me thinking that maybe I should!

 

[Power Player]

Sending positive healing vibes your way Power Player!
I also have some Vcore 98’s that I’m trying to love, but the Pro 310 is still my go to stick. It has way more feel and you get out of it what you put in, less surprises. I feel I can hitter harder with it and still keep the ball in. I never tried it stock though, your posts have got me thinking that maybe I should!

Thanks! Yeh, I love it stock and especially now that my shoulder needs some rest, it will be a lot easier to use when I come back. What are your specs and string? I play at low tension poly so that helps with the frame at stock weight. But it doesn’t have to be super low, I will probably string it up next at 48/46, because it’s dropped to under 35#s and thats pretty low.

For now I decided ill put a full bed of origin in there at 56#s, since I have that laying around and have never tried it. My arm needs the softness for a little bit when I return.

 

[mad dog1]

My right shoulder is jacked up too now. Looks like the injury bug is making its rounds.

Hope you heal up soon @Power Player

 

[Crashbaby]

Thanks! Yeh, I love it stock and especially now that my shoulder needs some rest, it will be a lot easier to use when I come back. What are your specs and string? I play at low tension poly so that helps with the frame at stock weight. But it doesn’t have to be super low, I will probably string it up next at 48/46, because it’s dropped to under 35#s and thats pretty low.

For now I decided ill put a full bed of origin in there at 56#s, since I have that laying around and have never tried it. My arm needs the softness for a little bit when I return.

I have two rackets, 348 to 350 grams all in, with yonex leather grips, wilson over grips and 4 grams of lead running the whole length of the fresh bumpers i fitted, plus strings/yonex dampener. Damp conditions stick is strung with full poly tour strike 1.25 black at 48/46, Dry weather stick strung with gut/poly (champions choice) at 53/50. I'm going to try Herberts' latest string set up shortly. He has changed from Strike 1.2mm/Gut to Gut/strike. Noticed a few WTA players also moving away from gut crosses, now going with the Gut in the mains. Wondering if this in response to clay season play?
I love gut/poly in this stick. I could live with all poly, but much prefer to have some gut in this racquet. Takes touch shots to insane levels in this frame. I also don't trust myself using full poly full time, but thats a personal thing. This is a comfortable racquet. For reference, I also have a 95D with the same all poly set up and that racquet is harsh and stiff to me in comparison to this stick

p.s. Note to Yonex: please stop using flared grommets. I hate having to buy new grommets just so I can put lead under the bumpers. The replacement grommets are not flared and work perfectly..... my tech 315 ltd's don't have flared grommets even the never strung spare frame hasn't had the grommet lift or anything. So I challenge anyone to give me a good reason for flaring grommets??????? flaring rant over

 

[mad dog1]

I have two rackets, 348 to 350 grams all in, with yonex leather grips, wilson over grips and 4 grams of lead running the whole length of the fresh bumpers i fitted, plus strings/yonex dampener. Damp conditions stick is strung with full poly tour strike 1.25 black at 48/46, Dry weather stick strung with gut/poly (champions choice) at 53/50. I'm going to try Herberts' latest string set up shortly. He has changed from Strike 1.2mm/Gut to Gut/strike. Noticed a few WTA players also moving away from gut crosses, now going with the Gut in the mains. Wondering if this in response to clay season play?
I love gut/poly in this stick. I could live with all poly, but much prefer to have some gut in this racquet. Takes touch shots to insane levels in this frame. I also don't trust myself using full poly full time, but thats a personal thing. This is a comfortable racquet. For reference, I also have a 95D with the same all poly set up and that racquet is harsh and stiff to me in comparison to this stick

p.s. Note to Yonex: please stop using flared grommets. I hate having to buy new grommets just so I can put lead under the bumpers. The replacement grommets are not flared and work perfectly..... my tech 315 ltd's don't have flared grommets even the never strung spare frame hasn't had the grommet lift or anything. So I challenge anyone to give me a good reason for flaring grommets??????? flaring rant over

Babolat flares the grommets too.

 

[Power Player]

My right shoulder is jacked up too now. Looks like the injury bug is making its rounds.

Hope you heal up soon @Power Player

Damn, you too. How bad is yours? I can lift my arm up over my head, which is good. I feel some twinges when I twist my hand from palm down. Currently I am thinking I will rest it and when it feels ok, do some light band work. I’ll probably string up with Origin too, just because poly and a recovering shoulder are not a cool combo.

 

[Power Player]

I have two rackets, 348 to 350 grams all in, with yonex leather grips, wilson over grips and 4 grams of lead running the whole length of the fresh bumpers i fitted, plus strings/yonex dampener. Damp conditions stick is strung with full poly tour strike 1.25 black at 48/46, Dry weather stick strung with gut/poly (champions choice) at 53/50. I'm going to try Herberts' latest string set up shortly. He has changed from Strike 1.2mm/Gut to Gut/strike. Noticed a few WTA players also moving away from gut crosses, now going with the Gut in the mains. Wondering if this in response to clay season play?
I love gut/poly in this stick. I could live with all poly, but much prefer to have some gut in this racquet. Takes touch shots to insane levels in this frame. I also don't trust myself using full poly full time, but thats a personal thing. This is a comfortable racquet. For reference, I also have a 95D with the same all poly set up and that racquet is harsh and stiff to me in comparison to this stick

p.s. Note to Yonex: please stop using flared grommets. I hate having to buy new grommets just so I can put lead under the bumpers. The replacement grommets are not flared and work perfectly..... my tech 315 ltd's don't have flared grommets even the never strung spare frame hasn't had the grommet lift or anything. So I challenge anyone to give me a good reason for flaring grommets??????? flaring rant over

Nice, I bet it plays awesome. I personally couldn’t get the tip speed I wanted with mine at 342, so thats what got me to drop down to stock. But the interesting thing is that the frame did not lose too much when I did it.

The P93 is the best frame I have played for a 350 gram weight. I can still generate good speed with it, but the 310 is of course even faster.

 

[n8dawg6]

Windy day and I misjudged an overhead. Bad news as it definitely feels like I messed up my shoulder up a little bit. I definitely cant serve and hitting low to high on forehands started to really hurt. I was still able to hit my forehand, but not at full RPM. Had to go a little flatter to survive the evening.

That lead to some tentative hitting and framing some shots. So needless to say, my arm is a bit tender and I think it may be time for a break this week, some rubber band exercises and then probably a soft string in the 310 while I recover.

I have Babolat Origin, Yonex Tour Pro 850 and Babolat Nvy sitting in my bin along with a reel of Forten Sweet. No option is super appealing but I feel like I need to do something since even my elbow is a little sore from framing shots. Leaning toward Origin mains and Forten sweet crosses at around 54#s.

sorry dude. i almost tore my arm outta socket slapping an overhead volley thursday night. the poly was just a bit much on a mishit.

rec player injuries ...

 

[Power Player]

sorry dude. i almost tore my arm outta socket slapping an overhead volley thursday night. the poly was just a bit much on a mishit.

rec player injuries ...

My god, 3 of us all in the same time frame. WTH is happening? Lol. Are you ok?

 

[tribesmen]

I only had problems twice with my shoulder. Firstly, when I moved to a light racket, in my case 300 gr unstrung, and secondly, going to shopping and carry heavy bags with groceries (problems started after 6 months doing this) . I have about 20 minutes from home to store and it looks like a constant tension to shoulder muscle when carry the bags it was not good for my shoulder. Weight alone is not a problem, but a constant muscle load. Now I am using rucksack Pus*y me

My advice - average healthy man can use 315-320 gr unstrung racket w/o problem and don't be a macho and carry to heavy bags when going to the supermarket.

 

[Power Player]

I only had problems twice with my shoulder. Firstly, when I moved to a light racket, in my case 300 gr unstrung, and secondly, going to shopping and carry heavy bags with groceries (problems started after 6 months doing this) . I have about 20 minutes from home to store and it looks like a constant tension to shoulder muscle when carry the bags it was not good for my shoulder. Weight alone is not a problem, but a constant muscle load. Now I am using rucksack Pus*y me

My advice - average healthy man can use 315-320 gr unstrung racket w/o problem and don't be a macho and carry to heavy bags when going to the supermarket.

True, but I hurt my shoulder on a poorly executed overheard in the wind using a 310 frame. So this is more of a sh—t happens situation unfortunately.

Currently I am not using my right arm for much at all just let it rest. Definitely wont be carrying groceries with it for a while either. Interesting point though, as I have done that many times recently.

 

[mad dog1]

Damn, you too. How bad is yours? I can lift my arm up over my head, which is good. I feel some twinges when I twist my hand from palm down. Currently I am thinking I will rest it and when it feels ok, do some light band work. I’ll probably string up with Origin too, just because poly and a recovering shoulder are not a cool combo.

I’ve been playing with a bad shoulder for years now but I started serving a lot more when the shoulder was feeling ok and the stress on the shoulder from all the serving over time just took its toll. It hurts to lift my arm over my head and I can hear and feel quite a bit of crepitation when I move arm.

 

[tribesmen]

True, but I hurt my shoulder on a poorly executed overheard in the wind using a 310 frame. So this is more of a sh—t happens situation unfortunately.

Currently I am not using my right arm for much at all just let it rest. Definitely wont be carrying groceries with it for a while either. Interesting point though, as I have done that many times recently.

I wish yout you a quick recovery.

I am not against light rackets per se, but I have found that for the same effect, I put much more energy and forces with a light racket, which as a consequence was not good for my arm/shoulder. I was hitting too strong with light racquet, but maybe I am jut too old school and my motions are not adopted to modern hitting technique.

 

[Power Player]

I wish yout you a quick recovery.

I am not against light rackets per se, but I have found that for the same effect, I put much more energy and forces with a light racket, which as a consequence was not good for my arm/shoulder. I was hitting too strong with light racquet, but maybe I am jut too old school and my motions are not adopted to modern hitting technique.

Yeah its a tough call there. The 310 plays heavier than a real light frame so its not like a tweener that you just fling around all over the place. But i know what you are saying. The higher the racquet speed the better but its easier to get hurt as well. Thats why i keep my favorites in different weight classes to be safe.

 

[Power Player]

I’ve been playing with a bad shoulder for years now but I started serving a lot more when the shoulder was feeling ok and the stress on the shoulder from all the serving over time just took its toll. It hurts to lift my arm over my head and I can hear and feel quite a bit of crepitation when I move arm.

Similar boat. Ill be doing throwers 10s as soon as i feel ready.

 

[n8dawg6]

My god, 3 of us all in the same time frame. WTH is happening? Lol. Are you ok?

30 and 40 something rec players droppin like flies

my shoulder will live ... just reminds me that taut poly in a modern frame can be unforgiving on mishits. i love the combo though, my swing is just so whippy. only thing to do is leave it alone for awhile until my geriatric ass recovers

 

[1990's Graphite]

My god, 3 of us all in the same time frame. WTH is happening? Lol. Are you ok?

Fedace been playing with voodoo dolls with your faces on them

 

[mikeler]

Similar boat. Ill be doing throwers 10s as soon as i feel ready.

Those exercises work for me.

 

[Power Player]

Quick shot of my “goat feel frames” collection.

 

[mad dog1]

@Power Player outlast finally went to mush after about 10 hours so I cut it out and now stringing up my vcp97 with max power rough 1.25 at 47/45.

 

[Power Player]

@Power Player outlast finally went to mush after about 10 hours so I cut it out and now stringing up my vcp97 with max power rough 1.25 at 47/45.

Nice. You are braver than me. I am stringing up a full bed of Origin at 56s just to give myself a little break for a week. That said, let me know what you think - the MP feels so good in the frame, at least to me. And the spin is excellent.

 

[mad dog1]

Nice. You are braver than me. I am stringing up a full bed of Origin at 56s just to give myself a little break for a week. That said, let me know what you think - the MP feels so good in the frame, at least to me. And the spin is excellent.

I am super vain. All my string jobs must be color coordinated to match the paint jobs of the frames so my main concern initially was the silver would not match the vcp pj since I didn’t notice any silver at a glance. Imagine my relief when I saw the silver Yonex lettering at the throat and silver yy at the top of the grip!

 

[JOSHL]

Quick shot of my “goat feel frames” collection.

Which M-fil 200 is that? I had the extended one and wish I still did.

 

[Power Player]

Which M-fil 200 is that? I had the extended one and wish I still did.

Standard length, 4 3/8ths grip. I may list that and the Vcore 89 up for sale to thin the heard a little.

 

[Power Player]

I am super vain. All my string jobs must be color coordinated to match the paint jobs of the frames so my main concern initially was the silver would not match the vcp pj since I didn’t notice any silver at a glance. Imagine my relief when I saw the silver Yonex lettering at the throat and silver yy at the top of the grip!

Never even thought of it like that, unless of course its super garish. But yeah, silver works with anything, at least to me.

I’m just trying to give my shoulder a break and you are out there styling. I like it.

 

[mad dog1]

Never even thought of it like that, unless of course its super garish. But yeah, silver works with anything, at least to me.

I’m just trying to give my shoulder a break and you are out there styling. I like it.

I was kidding. I do like to color match my string jobs as long as the string plays well in the stick but it’s definitely not my main concern. Lol. I can still hit ground strokes. Will take a long break from serving to let the shoulder heal.

 

[Power Player]

I was kidding. I do like to color match my string jobs as long as the string plays well in the stick but it’s definitely not my main concern. Lol. I can still hit ground strokes. Will take a long break from serving to let the shoulder heal.

People are like that on here, it was too easy to believe. Lol.

I am hoping I can hit my normal low to high groundies by Thursday. That would be awesome . Then return to serves in a few weeks.

 

[Power Player]

I cut some RS Lyon off my reel and was about to string when the Max Power showed up at my door. Took that as a sign to do a @mad dog1 hybrid setup. Figured it was a good time since the grommets need to settle in the first string job anyway. I put the max power in the mains and RS in the crosses. It actually feels pretty great when I bounce the ball on it. I will find out later on, for now I will start with the Origin to ease back in.

For string length - 8.5 racquet length pulls of the strings for mains and crosses is perfect. Almost to the T. Barely any string wasted, at least on the 97.

 

[mad dog1]

@Power Player Love it, man!

 

[DJ-]

Max power mains and origin crosses is a lovely hybrid

 

[mad dog1]

Nice. You are braver than me. I am stringing up a full bed of Origin at 56s just to give myself a little break for a week. That said, let me know what you think - the MP feels so good in the frame, at least to me. And the spin is excellent.

Will be trying the max power rough/Max power 1.25 hybrid tonight!

 

[skeeter]

Submitted this in the VCP thread as well, but appreciate the input from the folks here as well in case you don't look at the VCP thread much.

This racquet sounds right in my wheelhouse on specs except that it's a bit smaller head size (though not much, really, right?) from my current TC 100. Thoughts on this? Does the VCP 97 play "bigger" than its spec? I know there's a VCP 100 and the common thinking is that 100's provide a little more margin for error if you're not a young buck anymore, I'm liking the sounds of the lower RA on the 97 and I can bring my own power (even though I'm approaching the big 6-0, I'm in pretty good shape). And while heavy topspin is not my go-to shot (generally hit a "flattish topspin" as I call it), will use some good top often. Strong 4.0 player, all-courter, like to play both singles and doubles.

 

[n8dawg6]

Submitted this in the VCP thread as well, but appreciate the input from the folks here as well in case you don't look at the VCP thread much.

This racquet sounds right in my wheelhouse on specs except that it's a bit smaller head size (though not much, really, right?) from my current TC 100. Thoughts on this? Does the VCP 97 play "bigger" than its spec? I know there's a VCP 100 and the common thinking is that 100's provide a little more margin for error if you're not a young buck anymore, I'm liking the sounds of the lower RA on the 97 and I can bring my own power (even though I'm approaching the big 6-0, I'm in pretty good shape). And while heavy topspin is not my go-to shot (generally hit a "flattish topspin" as I call it), will use some good top often. Strong 4.0 player, all-courter, like to play both singles and doubles.

@Power Player is groovin on that frame.

im slowly but surely gettin into the ezone 98, although i usually choose frames based on how much i like the paint.

 

[Power Player]

Will be trying the max power rough/Max power 1.25 hybrid tonight!

Nice! I will be back on the courts tomorrow evening. This time with 2 310s

 

[Power Player]

Submitted this in the VCP thread as well, but appreciate the input from the folks here as well in case you don't look at the VCP thread much.

This racquet sounds right in my wheelhouse on specs except that it's a bit smaller head size (though not much, really, right?) from my current TC 100. Thoughts on this? Does the VCP 97 play "bigger" than its spec? I know there's a VCP 100 and the common thinking is that 100's provide a little more margin for error if you're not a young buck anymore, I'm liking the sounds of the lower RA on the 97 and I can bring my own power (even though I'm approaching the big 6-0, I'm in pretty good shape). And while heavy topspin is not my go-to shot (generally hit a "flattish topspin" as I call it), will use some good top often. Strong 4.0 player, all-courter, like to play both singles and doubles.

Honestly, you can do this style with any frame, but the 97 for me is a good size. I play with a 93 as well and it’s not an issue, but I also have some 100 size Babolats in the closet.

The 97 will boil down to fitness for you more than forgiveness. It’s not super low powered, but it’s not a cannon. I would place it at the high end of low power. So if you want to swing with a little higher tip speed, and push the opponent back and keep the ball deep, its great. For flatter shots, it is great as well. It sounds like the way you hit will fit the frame very nicely. It is an ideal all-court frame. The best all-court frame I own is the Phantom 93 because it is so good at serve and volley as well, but the 310 is right up there and it’s a 20 gram lighter weight.

If you are a strong 4.0 level player you should not have any problems with this racquet. I am not sure how you string your frames, but if you use full poly in the 40’s that’s a real nice fit here.

I think all YY frames play a little bigger than their specs. And by that I mean this frame plays like a 98 and in stock form hits the ball like its has a heavier SW than it does. At net it volleys like a 345 gram frame instead of 330. So that is why I really enjoy it so far. I get tons of control, the feel is fantastic, plus I can hit big shots and don’t feel overpowered.

 

[skeeter]

As always, on the money PP; thanks for the input and just what I needed to hear. I used to play with the Xi98 and quite enjoyed that racquet; not quite sure why I sold it. More or less jumped on the Angell bandwagon and have been playing with the TC100 for a while now. Like the stick but continuing frustration with it's relatively high launch trajectory (and my not having a heavy topspin style doesn't help) has me looking for something with a bit more control yet still adequate power and feel. VCP 97 demo on the way.

 

[Keoni068]

VCP 97 demo on the way.

I’m looking forward to hearing how your demo goes, as I’m interested in the 97(310).

Which racquet has more inherent power the VCP 100 or 97?

 

[mad dog1]

@Power Player

VCP 97 (310) with Max Power Rough 17 / Max Power 17 @ 47/45# w/ my modified version of the JC method.

Initial impressions on Sunday morning after I strung it last Saturday night were not great. Pretty stiff & boardy. No pocketing so the balls were just launching off the stringbed. This was the same thing I experienced when I was part of the TW Playtest for Max Power years ago. I knew it wasn't the racquet so it had to be the strings. I now have enough experience to know the tension was just too high so I put the racquet back in my bag and didn't hit with it again until last night. While the tension is still a little higher than I prefer, the balls were not launching anymore. The control and feel was there. I'm going to drop the tension to 45/43 on the next string job. TBH, I think you got the tension pretty much just right at 45#. I'm sure when I get the tension dialed in, it's going to be a very good string. I think Max Power would be a fantastic cross string paired with a softer poly main like Prince Tour XP.

The string setup that i'm finding to be quite good tho is Prince Tour XP 16g / Luxilon 4G 17g. I've been experimenting with Lux 4G as a cross and just like RS Lyon, it's actually an excellent cross because it retains tension very well. The 16g mains last alot longer than the Cyclone 17.

 

[Power Player]

@Power Player

VCP 97 (310) with Max Power Rough 17 / Max Power 17 @ 47/45# w/ my modified version of the JC method.

Initial impressions on Sunday morning after I strung it last Saturday night were not great. Pretty stiff & boardy. No pocketing so the balls were just launching off the stringbed. This was the same thing I experienced when I was part of the TW Playtest for Max Power years ago. I knew it wasn't the racquet so it had to be the strings. I now have enough experience to know the tension was just too high so I put the racquet back in my bag and didn't hit with it again until last night. While the tension is still a little higher than I prefer, the balls were not launching anymore. The control and feel was there. I'm going to drop the tension to 45/43 on the next string job. TBH, I think you got the tension pretty much just right at 45#. I'm sure when I get the tension dialed in, it's going to be a very good string. I think Max Power would be a fantastic cross string paired with a softer poly main like Prince Tour XP.

The string setup that i'm finding to be quite good tho is Prince Tour XP 16g / Luxilon 4G 17g. I've been experimenting with Lux 4G as a cross and just like RS Lyon, it's actually an excellent cross because it retains tension very well. The 16g mains last alot longer than the Cyclone 17.

Yes, my max power bed came off the stringer at 45#s so I was playing at low tensions. I dont think I'd like MP higher than that, but the pocketing is awesome at lower tensions, plus the spin and control is crazy.

I am not sure if I have ever tried Prince Tour XP, but I tried Beast and I was not that impressed. The spin and control was not really what I like. With Max Power or RS Lyon I can get sharp drops on the ball and that is super important to how I like to shape it. I tend to hit really deep pretty often and need that extra control and kick off the bounce.

I'll try RS mains and MP crosses next to see if there is any difference there. But I am usually playing at around 40#s after the tension drop, and I really like what I can do with the ball at that tension in a control frame like the 310 or P93.I even played the Pure Aero around there, which is crazy, but it worked.

 

[mad dog1]

Yes, my max power bed came off the stringer at 45#s so I was playing at low tensions. I dont think I'd like MP higher than that, but the pocketing is awesome at lower tensions, plus the spin and control is crazy.

I am not sure if I have ever tried Prince Tour XP, but I tried Beast and I was not that impressed. The spin and control was not really what I like. With Max Power or RS Lyon I can get sharp drops on the ball and that is super important to how I like to shape it. I tend to hit really deep pretty often and need that extra control and kick off the bounce.

I'll try RS mains and MP crosses next to see if there is any difference there. But I am usually playing at around 40#s after the tension drop, and I really like what I can do with the ball at that tension in a control frame like the 310 or P93.I even played the Pure Aero around there, which is crazy, but it worked.

I think Prince Tour XP is the same string as Beast. It’s ok in a full bed. It’s really good as a main with a firm control poly like rs Lyon as a cross. Excellent comfort, feel, touch, spin and control.

 

[Power Player]

I think Prince Tour XP is the same string as Beast. It’s ok in a full bed. It’s really good as a main with a firm control poly like rs Lyon as a cross. Excellent comfort, feel, touch, spin and control.

Nice. I think I am good with RS and Max power but I need to log some time with this little hybrid I made. I know I love both in a full bed, but one of each could be best of both worlds.

 

[Power Player]

I tried Origin for a bit. It’s a nice string actually but seems meant for flatter hitting than how I like to play. Still sounds awesome and feels pretty great. It started shredding a little after 15 minutes of hitting but I think I’ll keep trying it.

The MP/RS hybrid was excellent. Crazy levels of spin and really nice feel. It did not lose any tension so I’m right at 41#s which is a dream in this frame. Got a few compliments on how heavy my spin was and one of the guys there came over and was like - can I look at your racquet? And he swung it a bit and was like - yeah, this is awesome. Lol. The trajectory of the shots off the frame is so vicious at times. Have to love Yonex paired with the right strings.