topspn
Legend
hmmm..felt closer to a 70s buick to me
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Even more numb than that IMO but more importantly, i found it hard to modulate the ball trajectory.hmmm..felt closer to a 70s buick to me
Vicious49
Legend
hmmm..felt closer to a 70s buick to me
I never drove one of those. My earliest car was an 83/84 And they didnt drive all that soft.
topspn
Legend
think comfortable but handles like a dishwasher
ryushen21
Legend
The UT is a spectacular frame but demanding. Despite its tight pattern, it does everything every well minus the free pop that you find with other frames.
Trust me (and the other here) when we say that the new CX is not a solution. It will save you time and money.
Another thing I've learned from recent experiences and the sage advice of posters here is that you should try the frame right out of the box on its terms first. I used to be of the mindset that I needed to throw leather and lead on everything that I got. It works on some frames but ruins others. Playing the EZ and now the v7 18x20 stock has shown me that sometimes you just have to leave it alone. I couldn't imagine now trying to make the v7 more headlight.
Definitely check out the VCores and EZones, even though their RAs are upper 60s, there is some strange magic going on where they feel and play softer than that. If you are going to try out the 97HD, do a gut/poly, multi/poly hybrid at now more than 50. It's a very low powered frame.
I might know someone who has those codes @BallBasher247
I think I've finally found my sweet spot tension wise. There's something about 47/45 that I groove with. I'm still going to try out the TB but S7T has set a pretty high bar.
Tell me more about this tour hex. Sounds like one I need to try.Tour hex solves all problems comfort, longevity and playability
Sure, you can say it has some feel. Like one of those things where you are blindfolded and have to stick your hand into something and guess what it is. That would be my best comparison. You can discern some control but it comes from proper setup and execution rather than feedback from the string bed/frame. Even with the new strings and lead, I'm still finding it to be a terribly vague frame.
As far as a car analogy, it's more like my first car: a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. I had reasonable certainty that it would get me from point A to point B but I had no idea how or when I was going to arrive and it might die on me 2-8 times on the way.
If you love hitting low and flat, this is the frame for you. Anything else, and it's like the frame is asking you "don't you just wanna hit low and flat?"
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Since we're on car analogies I'd like to say that the Pro Kennex 7G is a bit like my first car, too, a 1995 Ford Escort station wagon. The girls can’t run away from this one fast enough so your virginity stays intact, but it’s sneaky dependable and with its extra length and fold-down seats it carries loads of storage space, a ton of bonus leverage on serves and the two-hander, and a sweet spot that’s practically impossible to miss. Never mind the boring paint or those loose particles you hear in the engine from time to time, the thing will run, will just keep on trucking, always getting you to your destination or even from Texas to California, at least until finally getting crashed into by guy who ran a red light, or a Blade Pro.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Wagons ftw!!! Audi RS6 avant...
ryushen21
Legend
I want an E63 Wagon.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I’d be good with either.
Vicious49
Legend
I'm using the CX200 Tour against 3.5 guys in doubles so that may be another reason why I don't have the control issues with it or the dislike that many of you are having. I'm not exactly redirecting fast/heavy balls with it. I think it would be ok for that level play if you're looking for something comfortable. Not sure how Coach Chris is playing with it at whatever ITF level tour he's doing.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
https://www.atptour.com/en/players/christopher-chien/c0d0/overview
the last ITF match Coach Chris played was back in Dec 2018. He reached a career high ITF ranking of 3418 back in Feb 2019.
https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/christopher-chien/800509607/usa/mt/s/overview/
topspn
Legend
Oh, i never tried Tour, only regular CX200, the 98
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
It’s not very good...
Vicious49
Legend
The reviews I've read said they are mainly for beginners. If it was a repainted TF40 305 I would have thought about grabbing one.
Not sure why Harry keeps mentioning it on his channel all the time then.
I used that link to look up the guy the local tennis club is named after. I never realized he was ranked in the top 100 back in the early 80s.
Vicious49
Legend
Yeah, you're not missing out. The main draw of the racquet for me is the paint job. If the Gravity Pro had this paint job it would probably be my primary and I'd have 3 of them.
BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
Yeah, that's exactly what put me off about the v7 Blade 16x19. To use your analogy then, the 2019 CX200 Tour feels like driving a budget Toyota: harsh and unrefined. The control and precision from the racket is great and since I'm so used to it it feels "natural", but it's still harsh. 100% agree on the UT/UP though.
I've been convinced; I won't mess with a 2021 CX. Not a fan of a feel that's muted enough to mess with the accuracy of a 95"² racket. All they had to do was make the rackets 60 RA or less strung and fill em with foam Are the 2021 VCores like this too?
Yeah, some frames are total platforms and need the weight to hold up to pace, and others are playable stock and should be tried stock first. I'd probably never add weight/leather/anything to something like an EZ100, but as for the Blade...I'd have to counterbalance or use a leather grip if I were using one; my 1HBH does not agree with the stock balance of a Blade lol. Then again that's just not the racket for my playstyle, but if I had a 2HBH I could see myself using an 18x20 Blade, it'd just have to be the 2015 version.
The VCores and EZones have high on-paper RAs but their vibration frequencies are generally middling, somewhere in the 140Hz range. So they're not gonna shred your arm like a ~160Hz 72RA PD. VCP97HD I'd probably want to go with a thin shaped poly at around 45lbs or maybe natural gut/poly; I like taking large cuts at the ball and want the low power to reward me for full swings, and I would want a little easier lift over the net with a thin shaped poly main. If I was totally dialed in with its launch angle I would try gut mains.
Really appreciate the assistance from you and @snoflewis ; I've got 2 UP 16x19s on the way, 25% discount in tow. Radical Pro is still on the way too but I know what's most likely gonna happen with that one once I get those UPs customized and strung.
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mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
16m v7 blade is very vague feeling and seriously lacks stability. Not a good formula.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
There is no open pattern blade style frame that delivers for me besides the pure strike 16x19. But that one is deceptively stiff. This is why i believe the Synergy could be special.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Harry spews lots of rubbish. “BP has a 72RA” “PT280 is stiffer than the PT2.0” “I matched the specs of Rafa’s Wimbledon racquet in an APD” except he was off by 8pts of SW which is a lot. If you’re off by that much in SW, you can’t consider that matched.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
PS 16/19 Gen 3 is pretty good...but I like the PA19 a lot more!
ryushen21
Legend
You're really starting to make me think that I should revisit the PA19.PS 16/19 Gen 3 is pretty good...but I like the PA19 a lot more!
Vicious49
Legend
He was right about the Blade shortage though. I've had one on backorder for about 2 months now. Even Wilsons site is currently out of stock on some sizes. Doing a custom Blade is seeming like more of a reality as there are less options now.
haqq777
Legend
What's up gentlemen!
Been a while how is everyone doing? I've been recovering from knee surgery (tore my meniscus back in 2019 and it was bothering me again) and haven't touched a tennis racquet in over a couple of months now I think. Didn't want my membership to lapse so have been paying dues for our indoor facility. Thinking about visiting it soon. Will probably need to buy a good walker and maybe a Big Bubba to remain competitive but whatever.
What's the string and stick flavor of the month? I see a new playtest for Dunlop but not much posted in that thread. Just curious. And yeah, whats the verdict on the new SV Yonnies? That playtest thread seems to be long gone by now.
Cheers
Been a while how is everyone doing? I've been recovering from knee surgery (tore my meniscus back in 2019 and it was bothering me again) and haven't touched a tennis racquet in over a couple of months now I think. Didn't want my membership to lapse so have been paying dues for our indoor facility. Thinking about visiting it soon. Will probably need to buy a good walker and maybe a Big Bubba to remain competitive but whatever.
What's the string and stick flavor of the month? I see a new playtest for Dunlop but not much posted in that thread. Just curious. And yeah, whats the verdict on the new SV Yonnies? That playtest thread seems to be long gone by now.
Cheers
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Good to see you!
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Damn. Condolences and well wishes for your recovery. Obviously I’ve been there.
Frame wise, the Dunlops are gorgeous duds, the Yonnies are a mixed bag - many prefer the last 95 to this one [though Karue Sell is all over this one], and the new 98 to the old 98, and outside of that I’m not sure.
Around here Mad Dog is still goating with his banana and Power Player is pulling off of the Blade Pros in favor of a Tweener-Battle between the quirky new Prince Synergy and the Banana. The rest of us are warming our popcorn and eagerly anticipating this fight, and if PP ends up gushing over the banana too then we will probably all end up as monkeys.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Knowing Haqq’s regular usage of the APD13 plus the fact that he will not be at full capacity for a bit, the Banana could very well be a viable option.
ryushen21
Legend
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I think it would depend on what feel you prefer. The PA isn’t as muted as the EZ.
topspn
Legend
Really nice string, i've tried it on my BPs and blade v6 reissue @50lbs. Pockets nicely without being too much and falls in the medium firm poly range. Plays very predictably so you gain confidence in your targeting. It combines spin, control and a bit of a crisp feel very well. So far also showing it is pretty durable and holds tension very well for a poly.
topspn
Legend
I did demo both V3s and i like the Tour more. I was a big fan of the p17 but always made my arm sore, the new ones are better on comfort. Tour played better and was more comfortable, definitely an option for me.
topspn
Legend
Oh, that sucks, feel better! Yeah, appears CX line seductive looks is not matched with alluring playability. New VCORE gets good feedback especially the 95 but i haven't personally tried it. Besides my BPs, i grabbed the blade V6 reissue no CV and with a leather grip and 2g in the head plays pretty good. With recent buzz on this thread, i might demo the bab banana although i was curious to try the Heysil tweener which has a more controlled center.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Where have you been? You’re late.
Nollid
Professional
Second that, but the Audi is a damn fine looking estate.I’d be good with either.
Nollid
Professional
I'm done with watching his incorrect stream of consciousness BS. People that are putting facts out there have a responsibility to make an effort to make sure they are correct.
Nollid
Professional
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to the tennis court! String wise HyperG Soft has been getting a lot of love on the board. I have some on order to test out. @TierOneSportsOfficial caught my attention lately and I ordered some 17g Firewire Boost to test out. This is a poly hybrid of Firewire / Ghostwire. I have one set in a VCP 97HD and love it so far. I will be putting into my UP's and BP's next.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
More time with the PD 21 this afternoon. I was really able to paint the lines today. I never truly appreciated how very relaxed you can swing these Babs and still generate heavy power and top. Same on serve. Main focus was getting my serve rhythm going and not trying to serve bombs. Well the frame still serves bombs anyway, so that doesnt matter. As long as you have a relaxed motion and are making clean contact, it’s going to do damage.
Im not sure ill even sell this frame even though I am pretty sure it’s a bit stiffer than I prefer. Its incredibly good and the Tour Sniper feels fantastic in it. This is the best version of the PD I believe I have used.
Yeah people really seem to like the Tour. I don’t think its the best fit for my game or else I may have tried it over the 16x19 version. The newest Strikes are very impressive frames, but they are some of the most muted feeling ones I have used as well.
Im not sure ill even sell this frame even though I am pretty sure it’s a bit stiffer than I prefer. Its incredibly good and the Tour Sniper feels fantastic in it. This is the best version of the PD I believe I have used.
Yeah people really seem to like the Tour. I don’t think its the best fit for my game or else I may have tried it over the 16x19 version. The newest Strikes are very impressive frames, but they are some of the most muted feeling ones I have used as well.
topspn
Legend
I meant the most current strike tour, it's 16x19
What's your tension on PD with TS?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I believe the PA19 may just be the ticket for you then!
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I stopped watching his videos. My YouTube algorithm must be learning as well because his videos don’t appear much in my feed anymore.
McGradey
Hall of Fame
Yeah, annoys me too.
Honestly baffled that this guy's channel has grown faster to date than My Tennis HQ, Tennisnerd etc
I'd expect My tennis HQ to become one of the biggest channels over the next year or so, though.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I meant the most current strike tour, it's 16x19
ah, yes that is right. I think its close to 350 strung with og and dampener, so I didnt give it a look. I like the sub 340 frames nowadays.
I string at 54#s. Sounds like a lot but the tension drops to 47 after a couple hours and the TS is a pretty comfortable string.
megamind
Legend
I think it’s grown fast because they post videos everyday, giving the YouTube algos more content to work with I guess
Though obviously quantity does not equal quality
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I believe the PA19 may just be the ticket for you then!
Yeah I think it will be great. Have you ever tried the new PD? I think it would be a fun one to slide in now and the with the PA since they are so similar. Its not so stiff that I feel any arm pain currently, I'm just being precautious. I will to compare them side by side, but the Pd feels pretty solid. The sweetspot feels legit when you crack one.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I have not tried the new PD.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Vicious49
Legend
I brought my old RF97 with me during tonights coaching lesson. I hit a basket of balls with it - both FH and BH - and my coach was like 'why are you not playing with this racquet'. He said I was getting better depth and spin with the RF97 than any of the other frames I've used. I started thinking 'maybe it really is back to square one' and then I played a match with one of my regular hitting partners after the session . . .
The RF97 is a great racquet for me to just hit with but in a match I don't have the control with it that I do with the racquets I've been using recently. I would need to go for bigger targets and couldn't necessarily get close to the lines. I gave up after 3-4 games and went back to the v7 Blade. I think the v7/UT combo is what I've settled on after all the racquets I've gone through in the last 6 months or so.
The RF97 is a great racquet for me to just hit with but in a match I don't have the control with it that I do with the racquets I've been using recently. I would need to go for bigger targets and couldn't necessarily get close to the lines. I gave up after 3-4 games and went back to the v7 Blade. I think the v7/UT combo is what I've settled on after all the racquets I've gone through in the last 6 months or so.
topspn
Legend
Since we have been talking lately about PA and PD, these guys review of the new PD. I would have never thought i'd hear more control racquet to describe a PD They made interesting observations on power, more defined sweet spot and type of player it may suit. Surprising for sure but also i think in context of current PA and prior PDs.
They made interesting observations on power, more defined sweet spot and type of player it may suit. Surprising for sure but also i think in context of current PA and prior PDs.
McGradey
Hall of Fame
Yeah saw that @topspn
That review took me by surprise a bit.
Alex really didn’t seem keen on it at all, and he used to use a PD. Made me think they got one with a weird spec or something because he kept talking about how the power was low compared to old ones, which I haven’t seen mentioned anywhere else
That review took me by surprise a bit.
Alex really didn’t seem keen on it at all, and he used to use a PD. Made me think they got one with a weird spec or something because he kept talking about how the power was low compared to old ones, which I haven’t seen mentioned anywhere else
