Diary of a Racketaholic

[JGads]

There is something about a 2 that you just can’t get it to a 3. An 1/8 shouldn’t make a difference, but it does. The closest I have come is using the white 1/2 size shrink wrap, cut it down a bit, but it still adds 7-10 grams depending on length. If the racquet needs that weight, then it becomes tolerable.

What I can’t figure out is that grip shapes don’t really bother me. Bevel feel is way down on my list of ‘care abouts’. Varying the thickness of the grip itself doesn’t bother me much either. But I just can’t gel with an L2 no matter what I do. On my side, it doesn’t make sense but I’ve come to accept it.

It's crazy to me because I was hitting Grip 2s for awhile with the Doppio, but was always Grip 3 with the 7G. So I really thought, no worries, no problems, whatever. I bought the Grip 2s initially because there was only a single L3 Top Banana in stock when I made the buy but they happened to have two L2s identically matched, so I thought, what the hell. But ever since, no matter what I try - overgrip, or funky things beneath the grip, etc... I can't get it right, and the L2s bother me just a bit more often, but often enough to make me curse a few times times a session, and I can't do it anymore. I just net some idiot balls where my grip is a little off. And once it's in your head, it's in your head. So, enough. I'm selling the L2s and bringing in at least one more G3.

 

[esm]

It's crazy to me because I was hitting Grip 2s for awhile with the Doppio, but was always Grip 3 with the 7G. So I really thought, no worries, no problems, whatever. I bought the Grip 2s initially because there was only a single L3 Top Banana in stock when I made the buy but they happened to have two L2s identically matched, so I thought, what the hell. But ever since, no matter what I try - overgrip, or funky things beneath the grip, etc... I can't get it right, and the L2s bother me just a bit more often, but often enough to make me curse a few times times a session, and I can't do it anymore. I just net some idiot balls where my grip is a little off. And once it's in your head, it's in your head. So, enough. I'm selling the L2s and bringing in at least one more G3.

Just thinking out loud - how about changing the L2 with a L3 butt cap and losely wrap the base/over grips to get close to full L3? Maybe the issue is with the butt cap flare and it can be a quick fix?

 

[topspn]

Alright put in my order for a frap targeting 295 unstrung SW. Lets see if i am able to get that.

 

[Vicious49]

I'd suggest to stop overthinking frames this much. I get trying out racquets and forging out your favorites of course but just play tennis with both and it will sort itself out. It's also pretty healthy for your game to settle down for a while with your favorite frame and just play tennis. Don't invest THAT much mental energy into the gear.

Also again, I have said this a lot, but you need to put real skin in the game. Enter tournaments, play ranked matches..etc. That is the ultimate way to sort out which racquet you like. From doing all that I personally leaned Vc95 over everything. Once that was sorted and I tried out the Radical MP, it only took me like 4-6 hours to figure out that this was even better for my game, and that was done.

Just make a USTA profile and search for tournaments near you and enter those. It's the ultimate way to figure out what frame you prefer and it will make you way better at. tennis. Win/win.

Not overthinking it at all. Just posting my feedback as many have done before me. Both racquets have pros and cons. I have no doubt that it will sort itself out in the long run. I like both for various reasons. I'm actually Marie Kondo'ing through a bunch of my frames in order to simplify things for myself. It was starting to get overwhelming when deciding what to use. So now it's just the VC95 and Doppio battling with my trusty UT that I use as a crutch.

I did finally just sign up for a USTA membership. Their site is so lacking in detail though. There's a tournament upcoming on Oct 31st that I want to sign up for but there are no details there. What time do we start? How many matches can I expect? Best out of 3 set matches I'm assuming? Lots of basic questions for a newbie that aren't answered. I texted the event coordinator who responded with an 'ok' when I said I had some simple questions as a 1st timer and have gotten nothing since. This is why I get turned off and say 'screw it'.

I would argue that frames don't hit flatter and that your stroke determines the trajectory of your shot more than anything else. But that's just me. I've learned through development with my coaches that I can create the shape and trajectory that I want with less dependence on a particular frame or pattern.

This is absolutely true. But some do fit my natural stroke better whereas others it takes a bit more focus to make sure I do everything correct.

 

[esgee48]

@esm, wouldn't double wrapping the butt cap with the OG do the same? I seem to recall @JGads doing this.

 

[Vicious49]

The event coordinator just responded. He said they use short sets to 4 since it's a 1 day event. That's bad for me as someone who is a slow starter and am a grinder. I prefer longer matches in general. If this is my 1st event, would you suggest signing up for 3.5 or 4.0?

 

[ryushen21]

The event coordinator just responded. He said they use short sets to 4 since it's a 1 day event. That's bad for me as someone who is a slow starter and am a grinder. I prefer longer matches in general. If this is my 1st event, would you suggest signing up for 3.5 or 4.0?

Fast 4s actually work really well. It can be a really fun format.

I would suggest playing down for your first event and go from there.

 

[tim-ay]

Talking about fixing techniques, i don’t think there is any better content on the ‘tube than this guy from Racquet Flex is putting out. Love his use of the topspin pro and how to get the correct biomechanics on a topspin forehand. Really breaks it down in the 2nd half. I had a coach walk me through this a few years ago which always makes me hate hearing people say stupid **** like low to high.

 

[JGads]

This is sound advice. Hard for a 'holic to follow, but sound advice, nevertheless. Like a sailor on shore leave after 6 months at sea, I went on a bit of a spree past month or so. I woke up in an alley with the VCORE Tour 89 in my hand, have been playing with it ever since (for 2 whole weeks . Back where I started from about a year ago... Absolutely love this frame though - pancakes with a scalpel, in the words of Granville.

That was such a sneaky killer fun frame. Must say. Though eventually it did kill me.

Just thinking out loud - how about changing the L2 with a L3 butt cap and losely wrap the base/over grips to get close to full L3? Maybe the issue is with the butt cap flare and it can be a quick fix?

@esm, wouldn't double wrapping the butt cap with the OG do the same? I seem to recall @JGads doing this.

No removable buttcaps on PKs, if that's what you mean esm. I've tried a double OG. I've tried building up the handle with hockey tape underneath the grip. Nothing gets me there to the same level of comfort. So enough is enough. It must be done. And some lucky European out here can have two perfectly matched TBs.

 

[ryushen21]

I leaded up the Rad MP a bit. 2g at 10/2 and 3g in the butt cap. Swing feels good, will hit later this afternoon.

 

[esm]

@esm, wouldn't double wrapping the butt cap with the OG do the same? I seem to recall @JGads doing this.

Maybe. But from experience it just makes the edge of the butt cap softer…

 

[JGads]

Alright put in my order for a frap targeting 295 unstrung SW. Lets see if i am able to get that.

Ha. The hunt back on, for the Lite Whale. I like it. Meanwhile I've just gotten specs of Grip 3 options and am flummoxed at what to choose. There is even a top banana with a 289sw, straight Doppio spec, dressed up as a Chiquita.

 

[esm]

No removable buttcaps on PKs, if that's what you mean esm. I've tried a double OG. I've tried building up the handle with hockey tape underneath the grip. Nothing gets me there to the same level of comfort. So enough is enough. It must be done. And some lucky European out here can have two perfectly matched TBs.

Ah okay. Sorry didn’t know the butt cap challenges with the PKs.

How about add the butt cap only section with the black heat sleeve (the one size up one) to bring up the butt cap to L3 (with the harder edge/firmness)

 

[tim-ay]

Ah okay. Sorry didn’t know the butt cap challenges with the PKs.

How about add the butt cap only section with the black heat sleeve (the one size up one) to bring up the butt cap to L3 (with the harder edge/firmness)

I’ve tried that not only to build up an L2 - which I didn’t like - but to add flare, which is meh. Other ways to get flare that work better with less weight and hassle. Unless you want the weight, then it gets more interesting. Those full size heat sleeves are crazy heavy so you have to use sections sparingly.

 

[esm]

I’ve tried that not only to build up an L2 - which I didn’t like - but to add flare, which is meh. Other ways to get flare that work better with less weight and hassle. Unless you want the weight, then it gets more interesting. Those full size heat sleeves are crazy heavy so you have to use sections sparingly.

Mmm…. In that case, sell them. Not worth the hassle

 

[JGads]

Mmm…. In that case, sell them. Not worth the hassle

Have already decided. Must be done. I've had enough of my own head on this.

 

[JGads]

How many bananas does one man need? This is the question now upon me. The plan? I had 3 total, will be selling 2 (grip 2s), and planned to add 1 Grip 3 to get back to a round and nice and modest and all-you-really-need 2. Requested the matching, and here we are at the big decision:

The Top Banana already in hand (and which of course I love):

304.9g, 297sw, 31.8, 64 RA (a touch of putty at cap end is my only mod)

The Top Bananas on offer:

303g, 289sw, 31.8, 65 RA
305.9g, 292sw, 31.5b, 67 RA
306.4g, 296, 31.5b, 67 RA

The inner monologue of a holic:
Just get #3, closest in spec to what you have and like. Don't overthink. But hey, look at the really light one. It's a Doppio spec in a Top Banana's body. Easily moddable up to the other spec if needed. And that RA, too, which is closer to what you have already. Hey. Maybe that's the one. Maybe I should get 1 and 3 then? There's that added discount, if I get two. Reason enough I guess. But wait. What if end up falling madly in love with 1 as is, that Doppio wrapped in Banana clothing, and find myself veering away from the upper 320s ones. Will I always regret not snatching up that other lightweight, the No 2? Hmm. Hmm. Maybe I should get all three.

 

[Power Player]

How many bananas does one man need? This is the question now upon me. The plan? I had 3 total, will be selling 2 (grip 2s), and planned to add 1 Grip 3 to get back to a round and nice and modest and all-you-really-need 2. Requested the matching, and here we are at the big decision:

The Top Banana already in hand (and which of course I love):

304.9g, 297sw, 31.8, 64 RA (a touch of putty at cap end is my only mod)

The Top Bananas on offer:

303g, 289sw, 31.8, 65 RA
305.9g, 292sw, 31.5b, 67 RA
306.4g, 296, 31.5b, 67 RA

The inner monologue of a holic:
Just get #3, closest in spec to what you have and like. Don't overthink. But hey, look at the really light one. It's a Doppio spec in a Top Banana's body. Easily moddable up to the other spec if needed. And that RA, too, which is closer to what you have already. Hey. Maybe that's the one. Maybe I should get 1 and 3 then? There's that added discount, if I get two. Reason enough I guess. But wait. What if end up falling madly in love with 1 as is, that Doppio wrapped in Banana clothing, and find myself veering away from the upper 320s ones. Will I always regret not snatching up that other lightweight, the No 2? Hmm. Hmm. Maybe I should get all three.

Happy "compromise" - buy the first 2 on the list.

 

[tim-ay]

How many bananas does one man need? This is the question now upon me. The plan? I had 3 total, will be selling 2 (grip 2s), and planned to add 1 Grip 3 to get back to a round and nice and modest and all-you-really-need 2. Requested the matching, and here we are at the big decision:

The Top Banana already in hand (and which of course I love):

304.9g, 297sw, 31.8, 64 RA (a touch of putty at cap end is my only mod)

The Top Bananas on offer:

303g, 289sw, 31.8, 65 RA
305.9g, 292sw, 31.5b, 67 RA
306.4g, 296, 31.5b, 67 RA

The inner monologue of a holic:
Just get #3, closest in spec to what you have and like. Don't overthink. But hey, look at the really light one. It's a Doppio spec in a Top Banana's body. Easily moddable up to the other spec if needed. And that RA, too, which is closer to what you have already. Hey. Maybe that's the one. Maybe I should get 1 and 3 then? There's that added discount, if I get two. Reason enough I guess. But wait. What if end up falling madly in love with 1 as is, that Doppio wrapped in Banana clothing, and find myself veering away from the upper 320s ones. Will I always regret not snatching up that other lightweight, the No 2? Hmm. Hmm. Maybe I should get all three.

A serious dilemma! I'm guessing they will play closer than they spec out. But I would probably grab #3 also, even though my 2nd came in pretty close to your number 1 and it plays awesome

edit: us Briffidi folk scoff at SW dilemmas these days so don't listen to my input

 

[mad dog1]

Happy "compromise" - buy the first 2 on the list.

What? No compromises!

 

[Power Player]

I did finally just sign up for a USTA membership. Their site is so lacking in detail though. There's a tournament upcoming on Oct 31st that I want to sign up for but there are no details there. What time do we start? How many matches can I expect? Best out of 3 set matches I'm assuming? Lots of basic questions for a newbie that aren't answered. I texted the event coordinator who responded with an 'ok' when I said I had some simple questions as a 1st timer and have gotten nothing since. This is why I get turned off and say 'screw it'.

You get turned off by that? You need to experience some tournaments so you understand how much work it is to run those things. So when someone emails with your questions, its not really high priority for them. They have 40 plus people asking for special time slots and considerations that they have to work with, plus if it's a tourney with an Open divion and cash prize, they need to field questions from pros about lodging..etc.

The best way to do tournaments is to sign up via the USTA site, pay the entry fee and then about 5 days before the start, you will get an email with the draw. Some tournaments will have a website that you can look at to get an idea of. If it's a 1 or 2 day tourney, expect real short matches and a compressed schedule.

 

[StanAO14]

How many bananas does one man need? This is the question now upon me. The plan? I had 3 total, will be selling 2 (grip 2s), and planned to add 1 Grip 3 to get back to a round and nice and modest and all-you-really-need 2. Requested the matching, and here we are at the big decision:

The Top Banana already in hand (and which of course I love):

304.9g, 297sw, 31.8, 64 RA (a touch of putty at cap end is my only mod)

The Top Bananas on offer:

303g, 289sw, 31.8, 65 RA
305.9g, 292sw, 31.5b, 67 RA
306.4g, 296, 31.5b, 67 RA

The inner monologue of a holic:
Just get #3, closest in spec to what you have and like. Don't overthink. But hey, look at the really light one. It's a Doppio spec in a Top Banana's body. Easily moddable up to the other spec if needed. And that RA, too, which is closer to what you have already. Hey. Maybe that's the one. Maybe I should get 1 and 3 then? There's that added discount, if I get two. Reason enough I guess. But wait. What if end up falling madly in love with 1 as is, that Doppio wrapped in Banana clothing, and find myself veering away from the upper 320s ones. Will I always regret not snatching up that other lightweight, the No 2? Hmm. Hmm. Maybe I should get all three.

Wow didn’t realize Lorenzo could be so tough. A real dilemma indeed. I would take a nap and let Lorenzo decide in your dreams!

 

[Vicious49]

You get turned off by that? You need to experience some tournaments so you understand how much work it is to run those things. So when someone emails with your questions, its not really high priority for them. They have 40 plus people asking for special time slots and considerations that they have to work with, plus if it's a tourney with an Open divion and cash prize, they need to field questions from pros about lodging..etc.

The best way to do tournaments is to sign up via the USTA site, pay the entry fee and then about 5 days before the start, you will get an email with the draw. Some tournaments will have a website that you can look at to get an idea of. If it's a 1 or 2 day tourney, expect real short matches and a compressed schedule.

Yes, because I've looked in to it before and couldn't get answers. At least this time the tournament coordinator responded. I still never heard back from that league I inquired about several times last year.

I used to run paintball tournaments so know how much work it is. I've had to deal with the scheduling software being broken and having to manually come up with the schedules that morning. I'm aware of how much effort it takes to run a tournament. I'm also aware there can be a lot of questions for a first timer so there should be more information available for these sorts of events than simply a date and an entry fee amount.

 

[JGads]

Maybe I get all three. String up the lightweight. See how it goes. Maybe it'll be just that, a lightweight, too unstable. Something. And I'll know No. 3 is the one. Then I can still send back the middle one, sell the 1. Conversely, if I love the lightweight, maybe send back no. 3. Wait. Didn't we go through this same conversation back when these first came out, and you ended up stringing up all three within a week? Hmm. OK. I gotta sell some more frames. Not just the Grip 2s, but more. Negotiate with my stupid self. Do some thinking here. Yeah, let's think. I could go for a muffin.

 

[Kozzy]

That was such a sneaky killer fun frame. Must say. Though eventually it did kill me.

Interesting - what was it about it that killed you? I did a little showdown of some 90 inch frames (Youtek IG, Microgel, Elite Pro, Graphite Pro, Vcore Tour 89), and while I think I hand the blissful feel trophy to the Elite Pro and the Graphite Pro, the VCT89 was not far behind and it also had the added benefit of a bit more pop. It's like a rice crispy treat. Anyway, the thing with all of those is that you can't really play with them under 350g, so that commits you to the heavier frame. I'm feeling more comfortable with that right now - and I think it's partly because my ceiling for racquet head speed just ain't that high...

 

[tim-ay]

Maybe I get all three. String up the lightweight. See how it goes. Maybe it'll be just that, a lightweight, too unstable. Something. And I'll know No. 3 is the one. Then I can still send back the middle one, sell the 1. Conversely, if I love the lightweight, maybe send back no. 3. Wait. Didn't we go through this same conversation back when these first came out, and you ended up stringing up all three within a week? Hmm. OK. I gotta sell some more frames. Not just the Grip 2s, but more. Negotiate with my stupid self. Do some thinking here. Yeah, let's think. I could go for a muffin.

Take some Pills! PK is right, they help. Especially if you mix with some 'vino.

 

[Power Player]

Yes, because I've looked in to it before and couldn't get answers. At least this time the tournament coordinator responded. I still never heard back from that league I inquired about several times last year.

I used to run paintball tournaments so know how much work it is. I've had to deal with the scheduling software being broken and having to manually come up with the schedules that morning. I'm aware of how much effort it takes to run a tournament. I'm also aware there can be a lot of questions for a first timer so there should be more information available for these sorts of events than simply a date and an entry fee amount.

Ok man, just do whatever works for you.

 

[JGads]

Take some Pills! PK is right, they help. Especially if you mix with some 'vino.

The one you say you have that’s nearly identical to No 1 - noticeable difference in how it plays vs your others? Which I assume are beefier?

 

[JGads]

Interesting - what was it about it that killed you? I did a little showdown of some 90 inch frames (Youtek IG, Microgel, Elite Pro, Graphite Pro, Vcore Tour 89), and while I think I hand the blissful feel trophy to the Elite Pro and the Graphite Pro, the VCT89 was not far behind and it also had the added benefit of a bit more pop. It's like a rice crispy treat. Anyway, the thing with all of those is that you can't really play with them under 350g, so that commits you to the heavier frame. I'm feeling more comfortable with that right now - and I think it's partly because my ceiling for racquet head speed just ain't that high...

Was just too demanding to be realistic, even if it did play bigger because of the shape. But seriously, it was a sweet racquet, so if you can handle it, go for it. I still dream of some of the aces I hit with that thing. I felt like I had a legit weapon in the hand there, and the directness and placement on groundies was superb. Very fun frame.

 

[tim-ay]

The one you say you have that’s nearly identical to No 1 - noticeable difference in how it plays vs your others? Which I assume are beefier?

They play nearly identical. I added a little head guard tape so they are all really close in SW …. To clarify though, they played very close before the tape. I mean, you couldn’t tell. The magic beans seem to compensate more for small differences than any other frame I’ve ever hit

 

[Kozzy]

Was just too demanding to be realistic, even if it did play bigger because of the shape. But seriously, it was a sweet racquet, so if you can handle it, go for it. I still dream of some of the aces I hit with that thing. I felt like I had a legit weapon in the hand there, and the directness and placement on groundies was superb. Very fun frame.

Well, I'm sure I'm nowhere near the player you are, so it's probably not realistic for me either, but the truth is that I only play for fun. Reality does not have to factor into it And yeah, serving with it is unreal. Great sound to it too - like a gun going off.

 

[JOSHL]

No stone unturned amirite???

https://imgur.com/a/qYWLVzQ

 

[topspn]

Ha. The hunt back on, for the Lite Whale. I like it. Meanwhile I've just gotten specs of Grip 3 options and am flummoxed at what to choose. There is even a top banana with a 289sw, straight Doppio spec, dressed up as a Chiquita.

Yeah too good of a racquet so i had to try that low SW experiment. Otherwise Lorenzo would not forgive me.

 

[tim-ay]

Yeah too good of a racquet so i had to try that low SW experiment. Otherwise Lorenzo would not forgive me.

I’ve regretted selling mine a few times. I’ll probably end up with another at some point especially if you find your theory works out. I keep thinking about my next trip to Taiwan and Taichung City… if / when it happens, I am definitely finding the abandoned windowless building where PK marketing must be HQ’d.

 

[topspn]

I’ve regretted selling mine a few times. I’ll probably end up with another at some point especially if you find your theory works out. I keep thinking about my next trip to Taiwan and Taichung City… if / when it happens, I am definitely finding the abandoned windowless building where PK marketing must be HQ’d.

When you go, stop by and let them know where they can deliver gads campaign fees. They are like an ex POTUS who was notorious for stiffing his suppliers and contractors.

 

[JGads]

They play nearly identical. I added a little head guard tape so they are all really close in SW …. To clarify though, they played very close before the tape. I mean, you couldn’t tell. The magic beans seem to compensate more for small differences than any other frame I’ve ever hit

Sexy.

Well, I'm sure I'm nowhere near the player you are, so it's probably not realistic for me either, but the truth is that I only play for fun. Reality does not have to factor into it And yeah, serving with it is unreal. Great sound to it too - like a gun going off.

Oh yeah the gun! I do remember that, too. Awesome. I actually noticed one of these sticks on the FS boards here locally recently. Cheap. Thought about it, sighed, moved on. Could still be there. That was a niche stick. Had to really be looking for it. Happy to see someone's still rocking it.

I’ve regretted selling mine a few times. I’ll probably end up with another at some point especially if you find your theory works out. I keep thinking about my next trip to Taiwan and Taichung City… if / when it happens, I am definitely finding the abandoned windowless building where PK marketing must be HQ’d.

When you go, stop by and let them know where they can deliver gads campaign fees. They are like an ex POTUS who was notorious for stiffing his suppliers and contractors.

Haha, classic.

 

[JGads]

In other news, had that first session with Miss Former Pro today. Asked me when I got there if I was looking for more technical stuff, or more hitting, and I told her some of both but honestly would love more hitting, since to do so against someone of that caliber would be great. She said she was much more into technical work these days and not so much hitting, and could pass me along to someone to hit with, but let's see how today goes. So we get into it, hit from the baseline. After about 15 minutes she said, "OK, I can hit with you. But I'll need to book you at the end of my days rather than the beginning because I'd rather finish with hitting than starting off my day like that and getting tired." So it seems she was just feeling me out, and I passed the hitting test. This may have been the second greatest moment of my tennis career. Which has three great moments, and the rest is sh-.

But: she wants to see what will happen if we switch my forehand grip away from being too western as it is, so in the end we're going to be doing a lot of technical work anyway, as we did today. But she's good. This could be fun.

Edit: four great moments, actually. Forgot about that one day I won a playoff match at some high school courts where a marching band was rehearsing for that night's football game on the courts beside us. Horns and drums and everything. That was something.

 

[Power Player]

Edit: four great moments, actually. Forgot about that one day I won a playoff match at some high school courts where a marching band was rehearsing for that night's football game on the courts beside us. Horns and drums and everything. That was something.

LOL! Picturing this in my head and its glorious.

 

[JGads]

LOL! Picturing this in my head and its glorious.

You have no idea. He was the higher seed so he got to choose the court. I still wonder if he knew exactly what he was doing, as I was all, “are we seriously doing this?” And he was more “ah let’s just play through it.” I fell behind early, then rage took over and I managed to get the dub. On the changeovers, I watched girls twirling and dropping batons.

 

[ryushen21]

So... the Rad MP... It got better.

Is there such a thing as orange kryptonite?

 

[mad dog1]

So... the Rad MP... It got better.

Is there such a thing as orange kryptonite?

If it wasn’t really good, I wouldn’t have said it was.

 

[ryushen21]

If it wasn’t really good, I wouldn’t have said it was.

I am confused. This Radical is what I wanted the Prestiges to be (yes, with an 18x20 pattern). But this Radical is better than the Prestige. Yes, you read that right.

It's so utterly balanced in every aspect. When I want whip, it's got whip. When I want to drive, it asks "how hard?" When I'm on the run, it says "I got you bro." And it's got this dreamy, pockety control element on top of everything else. And when you really lay into one, it smacks the crap out of the ball with one of the most satisfying thwacks and sublimely plush feel. So, so, so good.

 

[Kozzy]

I am confused. This Radical is what I wanted the Prestiges to be (yes, with an 18x20 pattern). But this Radical is better than the Prestige. Yes, you read that right.

It's so utterly balanced in every aspect. When I want whip, it's got whip. When I want to drive, it asks "how hard?" When I'm on the run, it says "I got you bro." And it's got this dreamy, pockety control element on top of everything else. And when you really lay into one, it smacks the crap out of the ball with one of the most satisfying thwacks and sublimely plush feel. So, so, so good.

Sounds pretty awesome. If I hadn't gone so crazy and also ended up going in a completely different direction, I'd have a matched pair en route. Probably will do so down the line, as it sounds amazing.

 

[tim-ay]

In other news, had that first session with Miss Former Pro today. Asked me when I got there if I was looking for more technical stuff, or more hitting, and I told her some of both but honestly would love more hitting, since to do so against someone of that caliber would be great. She said she was much more into technical work these days and not so much hitting, and could pass me along to someone to hit with, but let's see how today goes. So we get into it, hit from the baseline. After about 15 minutes she said, "OK, I can hit with you. But I'll need to book you at the end of my days rather than the beginning because I'd rather finish with hitting than starting off my day like that and getting tired." So it seems she was just feeling me out, and I passed the hitting test. This may have been the second greatest moment of my tennis career. Which has three great moments, and the rest is sh-.

But: she wants to see what will happen if we switch my forehand grip away from being too western as it is, so in the end we're going to be doing a lot of technical work anyway, as we did today. But she's good. This could be fun.

Edit: four great moments, actually. Forgot about that one day I won a playoff match at some high school courts where a marching band was rehearsing for that night's football game on the courts beside us. Horns and drums and everything. That was something.

Hitting with her sounds epic. It’s so close to one of my reoccurring fantasies, except the ex-pro is Justine Henin and we exchange backhand cross courts with semi western grips for an hour.

Keep us in the loop on this saga and try not to fall in love….

 

[JGads]

How many bananas does one man need? This is the question now upon me. The plan? I had 3 total, will be selling 2 (grip 2s), and planned to add 1 Grip 3 to get back to a round and nice and modest and all-you-really-need 2. Requested the matching, and here we are at the big decision:

The Top Banana already in hand (and which of course I love):

304.9g, 297sw, 31.8, 64 RA (a touch of putty at cap end is my only mod)

The Top Bananas on offer:

303g, 289sw, 31.8, 65 RA
305.9g, 292sw, 31.5b, 67 RA
306.4g, 296, 31.5b, 67 RA

The inner monologue of a holic:
Just get #3, closest in spec to what you have and like. Don't overthink. But hey, look at the really light one. It's a Doppio spec in a Top Banana's body. Easily moddable up to the other spec if needed. And that RA, too, which is closer to what you have already. Hey. Maybe that's the one. Maybe I should get 1 and 3 then? There's that added discount, if I get two. Reason enough I guess. But wait. What if end up falling madly in love with 1 as is, that Doppio wrapped in Banana clothing, and find myself veering away from the upper 320s ones. Will I always regret not snatching up that other lightweight, the No 2? Hmm. Hmm. Maybe I should get all three.

In the end, I chose 1 and 2. Hopefully a touch of lead here or there will get them to play the same as my other, but an alternative possibility is that they play fine as is and I’ve got even whipper XLs than I do already, a true Doppio Top Banana.

 

[WYK]

I’ve tried that not only to build up an L2 - which I didn’t like - but to add flare, which is meh. Other ways to get flare that work better with less weight and hassle. Unless you want the weight, then it gets more interesting. Those full size heat sleeves are crazy heavy so you have to use sections sparingly.

I found that adding a thick over grip to the pallet/handle and then covering it with a tightly wound thick leather grip added width and kept it feeling firm.
Adds like 14g, tho.

 

[ryushen21]

Sounds pretty awesome. If I hadn't gone so crazy and also ended up going in a completely different direction, I'd have a matched pair en route. Probably will do so down the line, as it sounds amazing.

I need to weigh it up and measure the balance. I won't believe the specs either way though. This is a most impressive frame.

 

[Vicious49]

I need to weigh it up and measure the balance. I won't believe the specs either way though. This is a most impressive frame.

This doesn't sound like the talk of someone who will be selling this frame as planned.

 

[JGads]

Hitting with her sounds epic. It’s so close to one of my reoccurring fantasies, except the ex-pro is Justine Henin and we exchange backhand cross courts with semi western grips for an hour.

Keep us in the loop on this saga and try not to fall in love….

Love you say? But what is love, really?

Ah. Thankfully we have an answer.

 

[Vicious49]

I must really love the game then.