Diary of a Racketaholic

ryushen21

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

I'm more curious to see what the numbers say and to see how they compare against my VC95. Based on the experience that I'm having right now, the Rad seems to be punching way above its weight which is another impressive feature.

I'm also trying to figure out why I didn't pick up on this when I demoed it a while back at the country club event I was invited to. Maybe it's that I hit so many frames that day and the Rad just got lost in the shuffle or I was too focused on hitting the different YY frames.

Either way, my reel of Tour Status 17 arrives today and when that comes in, I will string up the Rad and one of the 95s with it and I'll let these two slug it out head to head. It's going to be an epic battle.

And you probably shouldn't wait to get yourself one, or three, of these frames.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Ahhh. The Vortex. Sure it may be the Zubaz of frames but there’s something good going on here. First impressions are pretty high, maybe because I had less than zero expectations. Sweet spot is huge. Spin isn’t as crazy as you would think. I was telling MD, it’s like a more consistent feeling linear Clash. Super plush but doesn’t stiffen when you swing hard. I’ll continue this journey on Wednesday to see if it was all a figment of my imagination.
 

Vicious49

Legend
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.

I may have missed it but how did you meet or connect with Miss Former Pro? If she was just feeling you out that means she hadn't seen you play before . . .
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
I may have missed it but how did you meet or connect with Miss Former Pro? If she was just feeling you out that means she hadn't seen you play before . . .

Just answered her advert that I came across. She's giving lessons while studying to be a physio. Just got burned out from the pro/futures grind.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Gotta say this Cream cross string is really good. If you want some comfort it really delivers. Accentuates the plush feel of the Radical MP very well. I will try the 1.23 just to see how that goes, but it's an awesome feeling cross with the Lynx tour. Of course, so is Element. The Cream is just a softer feel and Element is crisper. So I can pretty much go either way depending on what I want. If you like full poly setups but want to give your arm a break, Cream is highly recommended.
 

ryushen21

Legend
The first signs of weakness appeared in the Rad MP today as I was finally able to do more side-by-side hitting with it and the VC95.

The VC95 has more oomph and easy depth. That's not to say that the depth that I get with the Rad is bad but it's slightly better with the VC95. Although the Rad is definitely spinnier for whatever that's worth.

Volleys definitely feel crisper with the VC95 as well and the response is a little bit better defined.

And lastly, the serve is better with the VC95.

To a degree, this is a case of splitting hairs and trying to find weaknesses. Overall, the Rad is an absolutely amazing racquet and an easy recommendation to anyone. I actually had one of my top girls play with it today as she needs to move on from her MG Rad OS and she loved it.
 

Vicious49

Legend
Played doubles last night. I had forgotten what it feels like to play in normal weather where youre not drenched in sweat because of the humidity. Played 2 hours and I didnt feel tired at all.

Played with both the VC95 and Doppio again last night. Im preferring the VC95 overall but the Doppio has 2 things going for it which is keeping it in contention:

1. Serve. I get more pop on my serves with the Doppio. Something about it feels more natural
2. Grip shape. I prefer the PK grip shape over the more rounded Yonex one. The more i use the VC95 i can tell its giving me a callous on the 1st knuckle (inside) on my middle finger.

If not for those 2 things I think the VC95 would be the clear winner
 
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JGads

G.O.A.T.
The first signs of weakness appeared in the Rad MP today as I was finally able to do more side-by-side hitting with it and the VC95.

The VC95 has more oomph and easy depth. That's not to say that the depth that I get with the Rad is bad but it's slightly better with the VC95. Although the Rad is definitely spinnier for whatever that's worth.

Volleys definitely feel crisper with the VC95 as well and the response is a little bit better defined.

And lastly, the serve is better with the VC95.

To a degree, this is a case of splitting hairs and trying to find weaknesses. Overall, the Rad is an absolutely amazing racquet and an easy recommendation to anyone. I actually had one of my top girls play with it today as she needs to move on from her MG Rad OS and she loved it.

Surprising to me about the serve edge for the VC95. When I demoed, that was just kind of so-so. When I hit the Rad MP demo, it was almost like serving with a sharpened Pure Drive, the kind of wallop I was getting on the ball. But hey, you've gotta roll with the VCore if it works. And you are the resident YY Gent.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Played doubles last night. I had forgotten what it feels like to play in normal weather where youre not drenched in sweat because of the humidity. Played 2 hours and I didnt feel tired at all.

Played with both the VC95 and Doppio again last night. Im preferring the VC95 overall but the Doppio has 2 things going for it which is keeping it in contention:

1. Serve. I get more pop on my serves with the Doppio. Something about it feels more natural
2. Grip shape. I prefer the PK grip shape over the more rounded Yonex one. The more i use the VC95 i can tell its giving me a callous on the 1st knuckle (inside) on my middle finger.

If not for those 2 things I think the VC95 would be the clear winner
Grip shape is huge for me which is why I most likely won’t be trying any more Yonex frames. But who am I kidding I’ll probably demo one soon.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Surprising to me about the serve edge for the VC95. When I demoed, that was just kind of so-so. When I hit the Rad MP demo, it was almost like serving with a sharpened Pure Drive, the kind of wallop I was getting on the ball. But hey, you've gotta roll with the VCore if it works. And you are the resident YY Gent.
I would likely attribute it to the customization I had done on the VCores. My frames are less headlight than the stock setup which I particularly like for the serve.

I'm still working on the setup on the Rad MP though. I think the current setup might have gone a little heavier than I intended. So I'm going to trim the tape in hoop and adjust what's in the tail to make it a touch lighter while still keeping the overall balance to see if that helps.
 
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ryushen21

Legend
Grip shape is huge for me which is why I most likely won’t be trying any more Yonex frames. But who am I kidding I’ll probably demo one soon.
I agree - if only I could decide which grip shape I really like best...
Grip shape is the one thing that Dunlop has perfected. If I could have a Dunlop grip shape put on my Yonexes, I would be a very happy camper.
 

esm

Legend
I would likely attribute it to the customization I had done on the VCores. My frames are less headlight than the stock setup which I particularly like for the serve.

I'm still working on the setup on the Rad MP though. I think the current setup might have gone a little heavier than I intended. So I'm going to trim the tape in hoop and adjust what's in the tail to make it a touch lighter while still keeping the overall balance to see if that helps.
if you don't mind the SW on the Rad MP and want to make it lighter and a little more HH, then there is about 4g worth of weight inside that bump on the actual trap door.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'd call the Vc95 and Rad Mp about even on serves. I think I get a little more free pace with the MP, but it's a tough call without data.

Defending and hitting deep without going long - the Rad MP is fantastic for this.

The frames play really similar to me, the difference to me is I much prefer the Head feel and grip shape. I also think the Radical has more free power without losing much of the direct precision of the V95. The Radical has a more plush sweetspot and a little more free pop to it.
 

Vicious49

Legend
I'd call the Vc95 and Rad Mp about even on serves. I think I get a little more free pace with the MP, but it's a tough call without data.

Defending and hitting deep without going long - the Rad MP is fantastic for this.

The frames play really similar to me, the difference to me is I much prefer the Head feel and grip shape. I also think the Radical has more free power without losing much of the direct precision of the V95. The Radical has a more plush sweetspot and a little more free pop to it.

Damn, I hate you. :mad:
Why did you have to go and say that? Grrrrr . . .

I think it took me a bit of time to really appreciate the VC95 but the more I play with it the more I'm gelling with it. If the Rad MP solves the grip shape issue and adds feel, well . . . . this is like offering drugs to a crack addict.
 

ryushen21

Legend
I'd call the Vc95 and Rad Mp about even on serves. I think I get a little more free pace with the MP, but it's a tough call without data.

Defending and hitting deep without going long - the Rad MP is fantastic for this.

The frames play really similar to me, the difference to me is I much prefer the Head feel and grip shape. I also think the Radical has more free power without losing much of the direct precision of the V95. The Radical has a more plush sweetspot and a little more free pop to it.
Do you get some of the Old School Head vibes from this Radical? I've definitely had some moments where I did.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
@tim-ay the 7G and the BK continues to be a match made in heaven, thank you. The black string also makes the whole frame rather sick looking, as the kids say. Straight up G Resurrection here. Firmly back in bag/rotation.

The Doppio Top Bananas arrive Friday. An XL PK 16/20 with a 320 swingweight will either feel unstable or illegal. Fingers crossed for the latter.

Pills.
 

tim-ay

Hall of Fame
@tim-ay the 7G and the BK continues to be a match made in heaven, thank you. The black string also makes the whole frame rather sick looking, as the kids say. Straight up G Resurrection here. Firmly back in bag/rotation.

The Doppio Top Bananas arrive Friday. An XL PK 16/20 with a 320 swingweight will either feel unstable or illegal. Fingers crossed for the latter.

Pills.
Yeah, it’s sweet huh? The G is really fantastic with that 123 BK. I still think the TB is a little better, but I change my mind every few hours and you’ll probably figure it out before me again.

And I just can’t wait to hear about that super light D-TB. You may start off another frenzy of TB searching and SW measuring around the globe. Part of me hopes you hate it, haha, but I’m thinking it may be la crème de la crème.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Do you get some of the Old School Head vibes from this Radical? I've definitely had some moments where I did.

All the time. The sweet spot has the classic radical feel to it, that's what I love about it. It has modern punch and an awesome feel. That's why I switched to it, personally.
 

ryushen21

Legend
All the time. The sweet spot has the classic radical feel to it, that's what I love about it. It has modern punch and an awesome feel. That's why I switched to it, personally.
See this is what raises the questions for me. I really like the Rad. Like a lot. But I was also looking at a pair of LM Rad MPs because for some reason that frame has been on my mind lately.

I've even given thought to selling the n6.1 and grabbing another Rad. And that's something I thought would never cross my mind.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
See this is what raises the questions for me. I really like the Rad. Like a lot. But I was also looking at a pair of LM Rad MPs because for some reason that frame has been on my mind lately.

I've even given thought to selling the n6.1 and grabbing another Rad. And that's something I thought would never cross my mind.

I have the classic Agassi Bumblebee radical and that is the best feeling frame ever for me. That said, I rarely use it. I'm not sure I'd track down old frames unless I saw them for dirt cheap.

I am glad I own that frame and the PT630. But Im not really a racquet collector so I typically keep stuff im competing with and sell the rest.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Yeah, it’s sweet huh? The G is really fantastic with that 123 BK. I still think the TB is a little better, but I change my mind every few hours and you’ll probably figure it out before me again.

And I just can’t wait to hear about that super light D-TB. You may start off another frenzy of TB searching and SW measuring around the globe. Part of me hopes you hate it, haha, but I’m thinking it may be la crème de la crème.

I still think the TB is better, don't get me wrong. But to not hit the G sometimes now with this BK setup is smooth criminal.

F8159067-B244-4-DE4-96-F0-FF79-F31-A798-E.jpg
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
See this is what raises the questions for me. I really like the Rad. Like a lot. But I was also looking at a pair of LM Rad MPs because for some reason that frame has been on my mind lately.

I've even given thought to selling the n6.1 and grabbing another Rad. And that's something I thought would never cross my mind.
Old rad mp can’t compare to the 360+ rad mp. They are just so different. The old rad mp is more of a players frame. The creamsicle/orange crush is more modern and makes tennis easier.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
Yeah, it’s sweet huh? The G is really fantastic with that 123 BK. I still think the TB is a little better, but I change my mind every few hours and you’ll probably figure it out before me again.

And I just can’t wait to hear about that super light D-TB. You may start off another frenzy of TB searching and SW measuring around the globe. Part of me hopes you hate it, haha, but I’m thinking it may be la crème de la crème.

Speaking of Doppios, another one arrived today that I picked it up used from TW. Only 301g static weight so might need to add a bit of weight but we’ll see if I even notice the difference before I go there.

Wish I found this one before I ordered one from the bay of e-land. That one is on track to arrive by mule in late 2024.
 

topspn

Legend
Speaking of Doppios, another one arrived today that I picked it up used from TW. Only 301g static weight so might need to add a bit of weight but we’ll see if I even notice the difference before I go there.

Wish I found this one before I ordered one from the bay of e-land. That one is on track to arrive by mule in late 2024.
Wow that's really under spec
 

tim-ay

Hall of Fame
hehehe they found for me a frap 11.13oz, 10 HL, 295 SW :laughing: Just plastic on the handle
Say what? The TE boys did that? Or did you go Euro? Euro’s are definitely more handy with the slim cuts and svelte clothing.

Edit: ah, ah, ah, you are saying Frap, not Frap lite…. Wow. This is really interesting. Arrrg, this is like JGads D-TB. I want this Frap to be great for you, but I’m not sure I want to know about it. :-D
 
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mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Hahaha. Darth Maul. Gotta remember this one.
Came up with it when I took my Graphene Touch Prestige Pro and replaced the black CAPs with the red ones for the Graphene PP and strung it with a red and black poly hybrid. Looked menacing and sinister. And so Darth Maul was born.
 

topspn

Legend
Say what? The TE boys did that? Or did you go Euro? Euro’s are definitely more handy with the slim cuts and svelte clothing.

Edit: ah, ah, ah, you are saying Frap, not Frap lite…. Wow. This is really interesting. Arrrg, this is like JGads D-TB. I want this Frap to be great for you, but I’m not sure I want to know about it. :-D
Si si frap no lite! Lorenzo tired..long day. Prego una Limoncello. Mhh 295SW good enough for today, I go have my drink now
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
hehehe they found for me a frap 11.13oz, 10 HL, 295 SW :laughing: Just plastic on the handle
Say what? The TE boys did that? Or did you go Euro? Euro’s are definitely more handy with the slim cuts and svelte clothing.

Edit: ah, ah, ah, you are saying Frap, not Frap lite…. Wow. This is really interesting. Arrrg, this is like JGads D-TB. I want this Frap to be great for you, but I’m not sure I want to know about it. :-D

Lorenzo’s oven is on fire. I guess he’s been bored.
 

tim-ay

Hall of Fame
I took the Slinger Bag to the court tonight for a nice session. It doesn’t have the variety of other ball machines (i.e. my Silent Partner Quest), but it’s so nice to take just one thing to the court that has everything in it - balls, machine, rackets, remote, towels, hats, sweat bands, spare shirt…. Really easy to get there and just get to hitting.

Except, I was having a very nice workout doing oscillation from the baseline and just ramping it up. A guy who had a match tomorrow stopped me and asked if I would like to hit with him. I’m trying to recover from a small muscle pull this past weekend, so warned him I would only hang at the baseline so no rushing in. He was cool with that. Some great hitting and now another hitting partner.

He left and fired the machine back up, trying to finish some drills. Interrupted again with some guys playing doubles. They want to hit with me and have me join their group so I did for about 20 min, but agreeing to play more with them when I’m healthy.

Fired the Slinger back up. Want just a bit more. Interrupted again, some guy wanting to ask a million questions about the Slinger and wanting to hit with me.

Ok - that’s it. I need some time alone with my Slinger …. I’m going to have to find an isolated court somewhere. Cranking balls with the TB and 7G and ball machine just attracts too much attention. This is a great, portable tool with all of the limitations of a ball machine, but still…. Let’s you work things and recover when you have a small injury. If you can keep players away.
 
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