Power Player
Bionic Poster
I think I may try Focus Hex soft 1.20 in the BP. Drop the SW a hair and get more grab on the ball. The BP is like a tweener to me, the way it is balanced and swings so I am bringing it back into the mix with Dunlop and PD.
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
I think I may try Focus Hex soft 1.20 in the BP. Drop the SW a hair and get more grab on the ball. The BP is like a tweener to me, the way it is balanced and swings so I am bringing it back into the mix with Dunlop and PD.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
I'll never fall for gloss. I'm all about matte and substanceMaybe @Pneumated1 reads this as well and gives it a try?
It's not only the tension (47/44) but the strings as well...For me the Big Spin/Tour Hex hybrid worked best so far (but only tried Durafluux and Confidential + full bed Tour Hex. Have more to try such as Black Knight, S7T, gut/poly, etc).
Besides, my shoulder aches just typing about the Blade Pro."I like the way you talk, ummmhmmm."
I’m gonna come out and say it - I didn’t like the blade pro. It was a bit loggish, felt even more slugging than a pure drive tour to me. I couldn’t serve with it, and mine was 335SW.I'll never fall for gloss. I'm all about matte and substance
"I like the way you talk, ummmhmmm."
I had to try it because I like other pro labs offerings, and have a few 332/334 sw sticks but that one just felt not for me. Instead of add leather and tail weight I’d rather just play something else.
Tengo, UP, IG prestige. That’s my bag
Any chance you're able to compare the FX500 with the Angell 100? They sound pretty similar.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
@emhtennis did the Pure Mugatu take the qb1 away from your Angells?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Nah, I never used the Angell 100. Haven't hit an Angell in years.
Played some fun tennis this afternoon - in the sun and the wind! So great. I never should have sold those Almagro Volkl to this guy... He's going to beat me 10 out of 10 times (and he does), because he's just way better than me, but he was kicking his serves up so high with - I was reaching over my head (I'm 6'1") just to get a racquet on them. He's got a great kick serve, but usually it's shoulder height, not above my head. It's a great-playing racquet, that's for sure - especially in the hands of a great player like him. Anyway, he rolled me as per usual, but we had some good points, and I won a few games and made him sweat here and there.
I played the first 2 sets with the Super G 10 Mid 320 - that is such an awesome racquet. I just love it. Head size feels small and whippy, but I don't struggle to hit the right spot most of the time, even against a big ball. Easy to play easy relaxed tennis with it, because you don't have to give it too much gas to make the ball really go, but at the same time, I could control it well. I also just love the Volkl L2 grip - that thing was made for me and my game.
Last set I went to the PSVS, which was awesome too. More spin and flex and pocketing, but a fairly easy transition. I think it feels a bit less powerful, but it it's not really. I think the Volkl does better with a driving/flat game, while it's easier to put shape on the ball with the PSVS - which definitely has a higher launch angle.
Anyone ever sand a molded handle down to a new shape? I might try that with one of my many PSVS's
I played the first 2 sets with the Super G 10 Mid 320 - that is such an awesome racquet. I just love it. Head size feels small and whippy, but I don't struggle to hit the right spot most of the time, even against a big ball. Easy to play easy relaxed tennis with it, because you don't have to give it too much gas to make the ball really go, but at the same time, I could control it well. I also just love the Volkl L2 grip - that thing was made for me and my game.
Last set I went to the PSVS, which was awesome too. More spin and flex and pocketing, but a fairly easy transition. I think it feels a bit less powerful, but it it's not really. I think the Volkl does better with a driving/flat game, while it's easier to put shape on the ball with the PSVS - which definitely has a higher launch angle.
Anyone ever sand a molded handle down to a new shape? I might try that with one of my many PSVS's
Vicious49
Legend
Dont worry, Im right there with you. I think its pretty well documented in this thread that I kept trying to make it work even though i would complain that it felt sluggish and not easy for me to swing quickly. I recently got rid of my last BP since I finally accepted that it was never going to work for me.
ChrisG
Professional
I’m in the process of switching to the BP.
I had a few practice matches against younger opponents, and while I must admit the frame requires more energy than others to use, it’s quite something unique. Serves bombs, is rock solid on returns, and pushes you to hit as hard as you can this funny yellow ball.
The only downside for now is the fact that it’s a bit too powerful so I had to string it higher than expected (24kg). I’m not sure if I leave it stock or put a leather and tail weight it (have 2 frames with each configuration), as I played well with both.
As a counterpuncher who likes to hit hard from the baseline, this frame has really shined for me.
I had a few practice matches against younger opponents, and while I must admit the frame requires more energy than others to use, it’s quite something unique. Serves bombs, is rock solid on returns, and pushes you to hit as hard as you can this funny yellow ball.
The only downside for now is the fact that it’s a bit too powerful so I had to string it higher than expected (24kg). I’m not sure if I leave it stock or put a leather and tail weight it (have 2 frames with each configuration), as I played well with both.
As a counterpuncher who likes to hit hard from the baseline, this frame has really shined for me.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Gotta love the BP. You can always count on it to start fights. As it happens I've decided that in this MSF Season, where only sexy sticks are played and wins and losses are not to be worried about (ha!), the matches I have scheduled tonight and tomorrow shall be started by others from the of-late norm. Clementine pro stock Rad and the BP in shimmering green. Maybe even the new obsession, the PT OS (New Blue), could see some action, who knows. The main Head bats, Prestige and Fedora, are fully known entities at this point, back-of-my-hand comfort and trust. They are dual QB1, easy. Naturally that means I should stay with them, or finally pick one between them, but listen I can't be selfish. These beauties all need love (at least until 2-5 down in the first set) and I'm a man of science.
tim-ay
Legend
It’s a blast from the past. Used it in my six ones when it came out - what - 10 years ago now? Soft hex? Maybe longer… wow. Time is flying.
Not much tennis for a few days as I’m heading to Miami later today. Tennis all day long for a few days. And somehow not a contradiction.
am1899
Legend
Nice, enjoy! I’ll be headed down from NY this weekend. Will be at the tournament next Monday. If you or anyone else happens to be there that day, HMU!
No not yet, just jumping right in the middle of the fray. The Angells in particular are string sensitive - as everyone knows. Some rackets, like the Ezone 100, seem to play very similar with at least the same genre of string. You'll notice a difference if you go from sharp/shaped to round, but maybe because of all the Yonex dampening tech and the tighter string spacing it just cuts off some of the other variables you may feel.
The Angells, because they're wider and more direct I feel and see the differences clearly between strings. It also doesn't help much that I am both racket AND string holic'ing at the same time. Double-variable testing is fun but not necessarily smart. So far the string/frame combos I've enjoyed the most have been with the 97 and not the 95. The 97 felt and played fantastic with Diadem Pro X 1.25 and with Hyper-G 1.20. That being said, I've had more than one friend tell me that the 95 creates tougher/heavier balls - and it has won me two ladder matches so I am leaning towards forcing myself to find a magic string. I want to circle back around to the thinner Hyper-G to try and free up some weight/SW in the hoop because it still feels sluggish sometimes.
But around to your original question, I think the Dunlop will be the new release-valve. I love the Angell 100, and the thick 1.28 Durafluxx is playing well with it, but in an actual pressure situation I still don't know if I could keep from hitting long. I probably still owe it to the 100 to put something like Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.25 in it because if anything could tame the beast it could be that. But the Dunlop 98 with the right tempered string should make for easier tennis with high spin that is almost impossible to hit long unless you truly off for the day.
tim-ay
Legend
Im probably leaving Sunday but I’ve been known to ‘stay one more day’. My wife is the problem as she has to work Monday. Well, I do too, but that doesn’t count.
Monday is always one of the best days for quality matches! Enjoy!
am1899
Legend
Almost exactly my impression. I play best with my foot on the gas, and this racquet seems to force me to play that way.
I could see how it wouldn’t be for everyone. But for me I was surprised how easy it is to swing. Serves absolute rockets and nasty kickers. I’m in love. Meanwhile the Tengo and Ezones are shaking in their boots.
Now…where’s my ALU?
tim-ay
Legend
I’ve been saying this since August. For me, the BP is almost whippy. I don’t know why, must be the TW and it just fits me. I get why everyone doesn’t like it though. @emhtennis said something that probably explains it…. What was it? Something like “I like to play tennis like cocaine bear”Almost exactly my impression. I play best with my foot on the gas, and this racquet seems to force me to play that way.
I could see how it wouldn’t be for everyone. But for me I was surprised how easy it is to swing. Serves absolute rockets and nasty kickers. I’m in love. Meanwhile the Tengo and Ezones are shaking in their boots.
Now…where’s my ALU?
In all fairness, I never listed mine because my wife loves it. She has a different style than I do, and she said for her it’s easy power. She just lets the weight in the head come through and can crush the ball with it. I like it from the baseline, but my approach shots and net game suffer.
tim-ay
Legend
I get it. It’s funny, my approach shots and net are better with it than most frames. I’m struggling with approaches with the PA+ in match play where the BP just works. I can’t remember though if it bothered me at first as I did a ton of approach practice with the Slinger last summer and fall.
I’m going to ramp up practice when I’m back from Miami as I missed a lot of tennis Jan/Feb due to some darn virus. Feb was better but Im losing some matches I shouldn’t. Doesn’t help that Im hitting 3 frames - BPs, shift playtest, and PA+. Shift 315 is great but Im ready to do the review and it’s now going to be out of the mix.
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
That’s also how I feel every time I take out the ez100 from the bag. And yes good call on Tourna at high tension and cold weather. Wrist breaker !!
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
Man, put the salt away. The Almagro wound is still open. I really do wish I'd known they were for sale, but I was the idiot who traded them back to you. And yeah, the Volkl 16x19 in the right frame plays as flat and driving as most 18x20s. But I'm finding that I love a 22mm beam (like in the SG Mid 320) with the right layup. The Tengos hit a meaner ball than most in their category, and I'm thinking the beam width is what separates them. Maybe it's why I like the Gravity Tour so much--another 22mm straight beam.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
I look at this, and Joe Walsh starts singing in my head. Maybe it's the floors ... in the Rockies.The Dunny is here. I can't lie, it is a thing of beauty.
They weren't for sale, really - and I do still regret taking them out of the bag. But he's a good friend/hitting partner and was really struggling to find a racquet... I do keep trying to get him to bite on other frames, but no luck so far. My secret hope is that the honeymoon period will end and he'll want to give them back. So far, they are still on loan, so I'm holding out hope.
Personally, I think I prefer the SG Mid 320, though, which is saying a lot. The extreme egg headshape and the smaller headsize really works well. And, I don't mind the 22mm beam either - it's thicker than I usually prefer, but not too thick.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
But isn't the PSVS also 22mm? There's something to it. I actually prefer 21mm, but 20mm seems a little skimpy these dsys.
PSVS is not a fixed beam and is 21mm in the throat (21/22/21).
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
I'm eager to bet that once you try it (and maybe get used to it), you'd change your mind...I'll never fall for gloss. I'm all about matte and substance
"I like the way you talk, ummmhmmm."
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
16x19? Poly?
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
She must be at least 4.0, correct?
Vicious49
Legend
It was the same for me. On short shots where I'm running towards the net and quickly want to flick the ball down the line or cross court, I couldn't get the racquet head around fast enough so I would hit in to the net too often.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
Ah, even better
RF_PRO_STAFF
Professional
Absorb the gloss......
Also notice my phone camera making the 291.2 look way smaller and the 345.2 way bigger on pic 2. Unfortunately I only got sent one 291.2 despite ordering two. But, I got in contact really quick and the second one will arrive shortly.
The 345.2 came in at 321g - 31.0 cm - 302.5 SW. I had to switch the TK82 pallets to TK82S and I took off some lead at 12 and removed some silicone from the butt cap. Now this one is almost matched to the one I got last summer. Balance point at 31.85 cm, SW at 292 and the static weights at 314.4g and 315.8g. Good enough for now.
Also notice my phone camera making the 291.2 look way smaller and the 345.2 way bigger on pic 2. Unfortunately I only got sent one 291.2 despite ordering two. But, I got in contact really quick and the second one will arrive shortly.
The 345.2 came in at 321g - 31.0 cm - 302.5 SW. I had to switch the TK82 pallets to TK82S and I took off some lead at 12 and removed some silicone from the butt cap. Now this one is almost matched to the one I got last summer. Balance point at 31.85 cm, SW at 292 and the static weights at 314.4g and 315.8g. Good enough for now.
naturalexponent
Hall of Fame
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Restrung the Dunny with full element at 52#s. I want to see how the tension maintenance with this frame is compared to the 21 PD that I used to have when it came out. I pulled up racquettune and saw I had strung the PD at 53#s and after 4 hours of hitting it had dropped to 44. Thats a serious drop and I think it is more about the open pattern of the frame than the string.
The dunlop is interesting since the crosses are almost as tight as the Ezone98 when you get to the center of the bed. So its open, closed then open again. I suspect that closed center may help with string tension, but we shall see. The feel of Element in a stiffer frame is so good. We know this from the Doppio, but the Pure Drive takes it to another level of pleasure, and the grab on the ball is crazy good. I am hoping to get a little more crispy feel out of the Dunlop, because if so, this frame could really feel amazing. Element has played well in the PD and if somehow I can get 6-8 hours out of it in the Dunlop I should be good. If not, my next move is a Duraflux/Element combo. But seriously, there is a feel to full Element that can not be beat. It's a crisp, pocketing comfort, just a special string in a stiffer frame.
On the Blade Pro note - it's back in the bag. To me it fits more into the class of tweener than control frame. Its easier to go between the BP and a Pure Drive than it is to the more laser precision of the Ezone. It's just such a stable frame and feels like a 100 due to that. So for a bit I will be carrying the BP (stringing it up with MSV focus hex soft 1.20 in a bit) and mixing it in with the Fx500 and Pd. I suspect I may be able to get the SW of the BP down to 330 or maybe 329 with the thinner 1.20 gauge but if not I know Durafluxx works great in it.
Yeah that pressure tennis is why many people prefer control frames over tweeners. I have leaned there myself, but then I look back on my match history over the years and have had many of my best seasons and wins with tweeners. So it is tough to gauge there. I wonder how you would like the Fx500 compared to the SX tour? I am guessing the SX Tour has a more open pattern than the FX, but maybe not. The high spin of these frames is a big bonus, it is like the Artengo in that respect, where in theory - once you get your string setup and tension right, you should be golden on control even with big power.
Regardless, the key is relaxed hitting 60-70%. It's whatever help you get there and stay there even when a short ball is begging to be crushed that is best. I tend to swing harder with softer control frames because they feel so good and have low power. I think mastering a tweener and controlling it can really take the concept of relaxed baselining to the next level. In a way, a power frame is more of a advanced frame when it comes to spin technique off the ground.
I am not sure I could deal with anything more open then the FX, it is right at my limit. The tightness of the sweetspot really saves it from going to that Banana Pure Aero territory.
The dunlop is interesting since the crosses are almost as tight as the Ezone98 when you get to the center of the bed. So its open, closed then open again. I suspect that closed center may help with string tension, but we shall see. The feel of Element in a stiffer frame is so good. We know this from the Doppio, but the Pure Drive takes it to another level of pleasure, and the grab on the ball is crazy good. I am hoping to get a little more crispy feel out of the Dunlop, because if so, this frame could really feel amazing. Element has played well in the PD and if somehow I can get 6-8 hours out of it in the Dunlop I should be good. If not, my next move is a Duraflux/Element combo. But seriously, there is a feel to full Element that can not be beat. It's a crisp, pocketing comfort, just a special string in a stiffer frame.
On the Blade Pro note - it's back in the bag. To me it fits more into the class of tweener than control frame. Its easier to go between the BP and a Pure Drive than it is to the more laser precision of the Ezone. It's just such a stable frame and feels like a 100 due to that. So for a bit I will be carrying the BP (stringing it up with MSV focus hex soft 1.20 in a bit) and mixing it in with the Fx500 and Pd. I suspect I may be able to get the SW of the BP down to 330 or maybe 329 with the thinner 1.20 gauge but if not I know Durafluxx works great in it.
Yeah that pressure tennis is why many people prefer control frames over tweeners. I have leaned there myself, but then I look back on my match history over the years and have had many of my best seasons and wins with tweeners. So it is tough to gauge there. I wonder how you would like the Fx500 compared to the SX tour? I am guessing the SX Tour has a more open pattern than the FX, but maybe not. The high spin of these frames is a big bonus, it is like the Artengo in that respect, where in theory - once you get your string setup and tension right, you should be golden on control even with big power.
Regardless, the key is relaxed hitting 60-70%. It's whatever help you get there and stay there even when a short ball is begging to be crushed that is best. I tend to swing harder with softer control frames because they feel so good and have low power. I think mastering a tweener and controlling it can really take the concept of relaxed baselining to the next level. In a way, a power frame is more of a advanced frame when it comes to spin technique off the ground.
I am not sure I could deal with anything more open then the FX, it is right at my limit. The tightness of the sweetspot really saves it from going to that Banana Pure Aero territory.
Well, according to TTW she can’t be over a 3.5.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
flyhome
Rookie
Back on court after 30 days of hard work, too many stuff to do in the country side, damn...
90 min of training with my team and being a bit tired I decided to bring my EX with me; the EX is my ex wife's Babolat XS 102" 16x20, to which I made a cosmetic surgery (yes, I'm still talking about the racquet) adding 20gr of silicone and a leather grip to the handle.
After reading @Power Player experience with Pure Drive and FX500, I played very relaxed and it was lots of fun, the strung specs of the racquet are now 321gr, 32.7 cm balance, 328 sw, and a stunning 16.2 Twist Weight (The original XS is 265 gr unstrung), strung with Tecnifibre Black Code 1.24 @22/21 kg. This 16x20 is pretty tight and fun to play with.
I did an addittional 30 minute with my coach, playing with his old Pure Storm XL 295, still a 16x20 string pattern, that's a fantastic racquet.
Anyone could please suggest a light racquet to try with a 16x20? The first 2 in my mind are Gravity MP and Elevate v3 Lite, how open are those 2 16x20? I would like to dosome experiment, maybe extending the racquet.
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You said long ago that you didn’t think I would like it as much as the UP. You nailed that observation. My wife’s main frames are a mixture of V7 and V8 blades anyway, so it’s very similar to what she plays
tim-ay
Legend
I think you would like the shift 315. It’s right in the middle between the UP and BP. And is (maybe) the best balance of power, spin, and control in a frame I’ve played with.
The one problem is I don’t serve as well with it. And in this the UP of any pattern shines. But the caveat is that I’m so used to serving with the BP now that I need something more like that to keep rhythm. I don’t know…. can’t quite figure this out as the shift feels plenty powerful on groundstrokes.
But given you’re in deep on some pretty magic frames, no reason to seek out a shift unless you get a random chance to hit it.
djNEiGht
Legend
what was it that you didn't like about the TF40? v1/v2/305/315/16/18? I have the v1 305 and it's been a fun one. Did some lead/leather/silicone. When I got it initially I was also hitting with the v7 blade. The TF40 was the winner for me between the twoMeh
djNEiGht
Legend
okay...LMK if you do decide on the Diadem route.
TF40 is a great stick. Too low powered for most I'd assume but the response is very predictable and the feel great.
Vicious49
Legend
I can do that with the SMP300 and was doing that with the PA23. I still prefer the lower powered frames. Maybe for the reasons you said. It gives me the illusion of better control because I still can't control through spin.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Control via spin is the way for me. It's what I was trained on starting as a kid so it's really the best way for me to hit. Of course I can hit relaxed with a control frame too I just am enjoying the extra punch I get with the tweeners.
Vicious49
Legend
Thats the problem - I was never trained as a kid. I played as a kid but that was before the internet with YT vids instructing you on technique so I'd just use athleticism to get the ball back however I could. So I'm constantly fighting against bad muscle memory when I get tired or get in to clutch situations. My inclination is to hit flatter. I have to keep reminding myself to get more net clearance and hit with more spin.
Richard Pioline
Hall of Fame
You don't neccessarily need more spin. You can hit flatter all day if you want to. A lot of older players, very high-ranked here, play quite flat with great success.
In my opinion a lot of people waste too much energy on spin. Yeah, spin is great, especially on clay, but there needs to be penetration forward. Watching these 4.0 and 4.5 matches online, I see that a lot of them are just spin looping the balls back without any penetration, just waiting for mistakes. This might work at that level, I don't know, but it doesn't look fun at all. Haha.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah of course but what's your height? It helps to be taller when you hit flatter. You get a higher contact point and more net clearance. Shorter guys can hit flat, but the reality is that takes a lot of skill as well since the margins are low.
Agree that there needs to be forward penetration though. There is a balance for me. I just want safe margins into the court and over the net. Not trying to loop people to death, but sometimes that is all you need to do to some players. The better ones can attack that looper and suddenly a fun match is happening.
As for energy, the frame can save a lot of energy which is why babolats changed the game a bit for spin hitting.
Richard Pioline
Hall of Fame
I am 1.83m. Not that tall really. I am not hitting only flat balls at all. But as I take everything early, I am not putting extra spin on the ball. It is just too hard. Also, even on the pro level there are these guys wasting too much energy on spin. Nole and Meddy laugh at these top spin players, except for Carlos, but he is just from another planet.
And yes, I read it a few times from some of you, that your style with the BP was to spin loopy balls and opponents couldn't handle that. If that works at your level, and most of all, you enjoy that kind of style, please, roll with it! There is no wrong or right in this, just what you like or what you prefer.
I am dreaming of a PT57A (18 mains or 16 mains) as the 293.1 seems to have too much power for my backhand. Would love to have a lower powered racket for that.
With the 351.1 the backhand somehow clicks, I don't know. It is my favorite OHBH racket since the 93P. It is crazy as the specs wouldn't make it seem perfect for that shot, but it works. The only thing is, I have to focus on swinging a bit slower than usually as you can see in these videos.
One day they will release that magic 17 mains racquet that unifies us all.
Vicious49
Legend
Damn you! Made me do math. You're 6 feet tall. I'm 5'7" so 5 inches shorter. But yeah, just hitting loopy balls all day isn't fun for me which is why I crave control. My game is more about hitting in to deep corners and cross court angles forcing the opponent to run. They may win but I want to make sure their body feels it later that night and the next morning. But if I'm having an off day and not hitting my spots it doesn't leave much margin for error. Which is why I keep looking for something that allows me to hit those spinny loopy balls similar to the PA23 but without the hollow feel. I'm hoping I've found that in the SMP300.
And yes, there are lots of people at this level that like lower balls better and struggle with the loopier ones. It's quite amusing sometimes, especially when it goes deep to the BH side. It's almost always going to be a defensive shot that you can easily put away.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
If I can sit back and hit safe heavy balls and win, I will do it because why not? I want to see a guy punish those shots. The good thing about UTR is that its a dynamic ranking system so you get your shot tolerance and fitness going while you climb the ladder quickly to better players.
I think it's a bit unfair to assume everyone is hitting loopy shots with no forward penetration, which is what you said. I sure am not into hitting like that. So I'm not sure who you are talking about.
Once you get to 6+ UTR these players typically can hit out and the matches get going.
I don't enjoy just grinding with loopy balls either but the thing you fail to mention is without shot tolerance, you are nothing. First step is hitting the ball 10+ ball rallies a lot. Once that gets going, you can ratchet up the pace and hit more darts. But putting the cart before the horse is how a lot of players lose. I say this because I have not played UTR/USTA singles matches in over a year so I have to gear down a little before I get back into the fun, attacking hitting style that I like to play. Nothing worse than being the guy who hits himself off the court with UE's.
