Diary of a Racketaholic

[jonestim]

yeah, same here. the problem is the list of strings i love is growing! and certain strings work better in certain racquets! :lol:

i love:

Discho Iontec 1.25
Discho Iontec Hexa 1.20 used as a cross w/ TourBite 16 mains.
Discho Iontec Hexa Black 1.25

What makes you like the 1.25 hexa in a full bed more than the 1.20? I have some Black 1.20 that is probably going in my racquet next and didn't order the 1.25. I am looking to find something to get a reel of so I can have some consistency instead of switching it up as often as I am. Right now the top of my list is BHB7 16. I love the spin, like the softness and am not too concerned that it dies a bit quick. I liked the Iontec Black round 1.20 for the power and softness but it doesn't seem to quite have the spin of BHB7.

 

[Ross K]

yeah, same here. the problem is the list of strings i love is growing! and certain strings work better in certain racquets! :lol:

i love:

Discho Iontec 1.25
Discho Iontec Hexa 1.20 used as a cross w/ TourBite 16 mains.
Discho Iontec Hexa Black 1.25
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.30 for mains
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25
TierOne FireWire 1.25
TierOne Durafluxx 1.23
Solinco Tour Bite 16L for mains hybrid'd w/ Iontec Hexa 1.20
Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 16

just discovered this one so adding a reel of the following soon...

MSV Evo Hex 1.25

then Gads loves Tour Bite Soft so i keep a reel of this around, too.

that makes 9 reels of my own that i really like not counting the MSV Evo Hex. :mrgreen:

Yo dog

This never fails to amaze me and makes life hard for your everyday racketaholic ... Side-note: Having had so-so results with TB this year in the 99s it was pleasing to see how awesome this string is again in the right match up - in this instance, the Graphene MP... reg. TB + certain frame is still my no. 1 pairing I think.

 

[mad dog1]

What makes you like the 1.25 hexa in a full bed more than the 1.20? I have some Black 1.20 that is probably going in my racquet next and didn't order the 1.25. I am looking to find something to get a reel of so I can have some consistency instead of switching it up as often as I am. Right now the top of my list is BHB7 16. I love the spin, like the softness and am not too concerned that it dies a bit quick. I liked the Iontec Black round 1.20 for the power and softness but it doesn't seem to quite have the spin of BHB7.

1.25 hexa has a fuller, meatier feel which i like. plus it lasts longer than 1.20. 1.20 only lasts me about 12 hours depending on pattern before it loses it's elasticity and needs to be cut out and restrung. 1.25 plays well for up to 20 hours depending on the pattern before it loses elasticity and needs to be cut out.

BHB7 16 is good, but stops snapping back in 2-3 hours and spin levels drop way down after that and snap by 4 or 5 hours. i'd be restringing every other day w/ BHB7.

best spin for me is Tour Bite 16L mains w/ hexa 1.20 crosses. awesome bite on the ball + great feel and good comfort. i string up the hexa 2#s higher than the mains.

 

[mad dog1]

Yo dog

This never fails to amaze me and makes life hard for your everyday racketaholic ... Side-note: Having had so-so results with TB this year in the 99s it was pleasing to see how awesome this string is again in the right match up - in this instance, the Graphene MP... reg. TB + certain frame is still my no. 1 pairing I think.

ain't that the truth! and to make things even more confusing, sometimes there's no rhyme or reason why a string works so well in a racquet. in the soft, flexy BC20 (50RA), i love me some Iontec 1.25. amazing control. feels like i can put the ball where ever i want. i tried Iontec in a Prince O3 Tour which is also a soft and flexy racquet and it was terrible. vague and mushy feeling. i tried it in the Storm Team z(60RA) and it's awesome as well. so go figure...

 

[Power Player]

Yes that is one reason why iontec is inexpensive. It's not going to work in every stick. Its more of a prototype. I remember losing feel from it. But luxilon, tour bite, RPM blast, polybreak, etc - they work in everything if you like them.

I have yet to put a string in the tfight that doesnt work. But I minimized my purchases now. I have the reel of Forten sweet and I just use polybreak mains. Easy and done.

That is the one thing about trying different stuff I do not miss- so many variables, so many things to think about. It just does not suit my personality when I am playing. I want everything to feel the same out there, and using the same string setup really helps with that.

 

[JackB1]

That is the one thing about trying different stuff I do not miss- so many variables, so many things to think about. It just does not suit my personality when I am playing. I want everything to feel the same out there, and using the same string setup really helps with that.

Agree. Switching strings out all the time will mess with your consistency just as much as switching racquets. Maybe even moreso.

 

[mad dog1]

Yes that is one reason why iontec is inexpensive. It's not going to work in every stick. Its more of a prototype. I remember losing feel from it. But luxilon, tour bite, RPM blast, polybreak, etc - they work in everything if you like them.

I have yet to put a string in the tfight that doesnt work. But I minimized my purchases now. I have the reel of Forten sweet and I just use polybreak mains. Easy and done.

That is the one thing about trying different stuff I do not miss- so many variables, so many things to think about. It just does not suit my personality when I am playing. I want everything to feel the same out there, and using the same string setup really helps with that.

i haven't found this to be true. i've tried TB in stiffer sticks that just made it downright uncomfortable. TB seems to work best for me in sticks btwn the 50-60RA range.

i still have a set of forten sweet sitting around so i might have to buy a set of polybreak to try this hybrid.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Since we're on the topic of strings....

I really would like to try luxilon just to know what it's like. It would be in a hybrid with a powerful cross string. And it will probably be going in a blade 98 16x19. Any recommendations?

 

[Power Player]

i haven't found this to be true. i've tried TB in stiffer sticks that just made it downright uncomfortable. TB seems to work best for me in sticks btwn the 50-60RA range.

i still have a set of forten sweet sitting around so i might have to buy a set of polybreak to try this hybrid.

Yeah I meant to add Tour bite soft. If you have TB and TB soft in reels (if you like TB) you are covered for poly mains. Add a cross, I prefer forten, and you are done.

If you want to be

 

[Power Player]

Since we're on the topic of strings....

I really would like to try luxilon just to know what it's like. It would be in a hybrid with a powerful cross string. And it will probably be going in a blade 98 16x19. Any recommendations?

Yes..dont mess with it yet. Its pointless to try stuff just to know what its like right now. You were making all these posts about wanting consistency..etc and now you want to waste cash on lux.

If you try strings just to know what they are like, you are going down the rabbit hole. There are so many strings out there.

Make friends with someone who uses lux and try their racquet for a few hits. Thats the smart way to do it. Or you can do it the wrong way and buy lux, not cut it out after 8 hours, think you are hitting with so much more spin than you are, try to budget it in, all to remember you are a rec player who doesnt need lux.

Lux means luxury. Do you have multiple sticks, free stringing and the ability and talent to get a fresh stick every 8 hours? Probably not. I know I don't. It is better to go with the syn gut for now and learn how to hit with spin properly.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Yes..dont mess with it yet. Its pointless to try stuff just to know what its like right now. You were making all these posts about wanting consistency..etc and now you want to waste cash on lux.

If you try strings just to know what they are like, you are going down the rabbit hole. There are so many strings out there.

Make friends with someone who uses lux and try their racquet for a few hits. Thats the smart way to do it. Or you can do it the wrong way and buy lux, not cut it out after 8 hours, think you are hitting with so much more spin than you are, try to budget it in, all to remember you are a rec player who doesnt need lux.

Lux means luxury. Do you have multiple sticks, free stringing and the ability and talent to get a fresh stick every 8 hours? Probably not. I know I don't. It is better to go with the syn gut for now and learn how to hit with spin properly.

This is probably for the best, and I do agree that I should stick with a synthetic or multi, but I can't help but be interested in lux lol. Lux=a luxury a can't afford! Is there any multi or syngut that doesn't move as much? My strings are always out of whack and it's annoying.

 

[mad dog1]

Yeah I meant to add Tour bite soft. If you have TB and TB soft in reels (if you like TB) you are covered for poly mains. Add a cross, I prefer forten, and you are done.

If you want to be

got it.

i've got a reel of each since Gads loves both strings. i just haven't gotten around to trying TBS yet. i tried it in a DC London but i couldn't rely on that impression becuz me and that racquet just didn't get along.

will get around to trying TBS eventually. iontec works so well in the storm team for me that i am hestitant to stray from it.

Yes..dont mess with it yet. Its pointless to try stuff just to know what its like right now. You were making all these posts about wanting consistency..etc and now you want to waste cash on lux.

If you try strings just to know what they are like, you are going down the rabbit hole. There are so many strings out there.

Make friends with someone who uses lux and try their racquet for a few hits. Thats the smart way to do it. Or you can do it the wrong way and buy lux, not cut it out after 8 hours, think you are hitting with so much more spin than you are, try to budget it in, all to remember you are a rec player who doesnt need lux.

Lux means luxury. Do you have multiple sticks, free stringing and the ability and talent to get a fresh stick every 8 hours? Probably not. I know I don't. It is better to go with the syn gut for now and learn how to hit with spin properly.

very true. although sometimes trying a friend's stick doesn't work either if they use a very different tension. as we know strings will play very differently at 40 vs 50 vs 60#s.

 

[Power Player]

This is probably for the best, and I do agree that I should stick with a synthetic or multi, but I can't help but be interested in lux lol. Lux=a luxury a can't afford! Is there any multi or syngut that doesn't move as much? My strings are always out of whack and it's annoying.

Thats what happens. Read the classic holic posts, and they usually say "I cant help but be curious..". I'm curious about a lot of stuff, but controlling urges and impulses is a nice form of tennis maturation.

As for movement. It happens. Forten sweet does not move as much. RIP control does not move much either. You may dig that. But movement is a part of tennis unless you go full poly, and you dont need that. I will say that my Polybreak/sweet combo does not move much. Before poly all strings moved all the time. We all survived ok.

It's just another thing that bugs you if you allow it too. It doesnt bug me, because I choose to not be bothered by anything on the court that will get me out of my zone. It's already hot as hell, im probably cramping and sweating like a beast. Last thing I need to do is worry about strings moving.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Thats what happens. Read the classic holic posts, and they usually say "I cant help but be curious..". I'm curious about a lot of stuff, but controlling urges and impulses is a nice form of tennis maturation.

As for movement. It happens. Forten sweet does not move as much. RIP control does not move much either. You may dig that. But movement is a part of tennis unless you go full poly, and you dont need that. I will say that my Polybreak/sweet combo does not move much. Before poly all strings moved all the time. We all survived ok.

It's just another thing that bugs you if you allow it too. It doesnt bug me, because I choose to not be bothered by anything on the court that will get me out of my zone. It's already hot as hell, im probably cramping and sweating like a beast. Last thing I need to do is worry about strings moving.

Lol PP you always manage to keep me on track. And I'm grateful for that! I hear you on the cramping and sweating part. I've been amping up my game and it's because I've been playing about 10 or more hours a week. All matches. No "just hitting".

I really do enjoy a plain old synthetic...I have 4 sets of psgd in optic yellow for restringing. How do others compare? I think I should be ok trying different synguts

 

[JackB1]

Lol PP you always manage to keep me on track. And I'm grateful for that! I hear you on the cramping and sweating part. I've been amping up my game and it's because I've been playing about 10 or more hours a week. All matches. No "just hitting".

I really do enjoy a plain old synthetic...I have 4 sets of psgd in optic yellow for restringing. How do others compare? I think I should be ok trying different synguts

Mike.....
A full set of anything nylon will move a lot. But....a nylon mains with poly crosses will hardly move at all. Do what I do....hybrid a nylon mains (multi, gut or syngut) with a round. smooth copoly and you will have very minimal movement.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Mike.....
A full set of anything nylon will move a lot. But....a nylon mains with poly crosses will hardly move at all. Do what I do....hybrid a nylon mains (multi, gut or syngut) with a round. smooth copoly and you will have very minimal movement.

Ok it's finally time that I try this. What's your favorite? How's the string life?

 

[jonestim]

Of the synguts I have tried - PSGD 16, PSGO 16, Gosen 16, Forten 17, OGSM 17 + 16, Wilson SGX - PSGD was probably my least favorite. I had it strung in my 4-stripe POG Mid and it made it seem a bit harsh. It wasn't the "crispness" of it, as OGSM is crisp but good, but more of a harshness for me.

I think I like Forten 17 the best. It is a bit softer than the others. Like all synguts it starts moving a ton within a couple hours and within 8 I will get gaps close to an inch between strings during points which really affects consistency. At this point it will either break or I need to cut it. At $2.75 a pack it's tough to complain. No big discount by the reel.

Gosen white seems to be a tad more slick, crisper and lasts me a couple hours longer. It makes a better cross string for polys.

I hear that TW will ship two packs of string for less than the $5.95 shipping if you call them. You should be able to order a pack of both to try for about $10.

 

[Power Player]

Yeah a full job of forten is very inexpensive and plays so well for the price. You can get 8 hours out of it, just matters the string pattern, your hitting partners and how you hit.

Forten has an incredible gut like feel to it. It really could cost $7-10 a pack and no one would complain if it came out at that price. By far the best string on a sliding scale of price to performance. I also love the old school gold look.

 

[Dags]

If you try strings just to know what they are like, you are going down the rabbit hole.

I went down, and didn't surface for two years. I didn't string the same setup twice during that time... and I actually had quite a focused method to my play testing.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Guys, tried playing with the blade and balls were just sailing on my tonight. I don't know what it was. And I was playing against different opponents and I played both doubles and singles. After about half way through, I picked up the 6.1 16x18 demo hoping that it would help me out. I had to adjust to the weight, but once I did there was a big difference in control. I played consistently and could hit all the shots. Picked up the blade again, and could not play well to any avail. Then my friend told me something: he's like "dude, you liked the other racket yesterday and couldn't stand the 6.1. It's obvious that you need to just pick something and force yourself to learn to use it."

There was soo much truth in that statement, and it's been reiterated here as well. Looks like I'm gonna pick up a 6.1. It's a time tested racket and several pros play with it, and it's also the racket I've always looked to for the gold standard. And besides, I'm tired of losing to people I should be beating. The 6.1 is on sale, so I'm going with it. If I mention something else, stop me in my tracks or make me feel so hated that I'll never want to come back to these boards again. LOL.

 

[Power Player]

6.1 is a top tier racquet but rather advanced. The weight can get you over time. The team version may be the way to go. The 6.1 series really is great though.

 

[Fuji]

Guys, tried playing with the blade and balls were just sailing on my tonight. I don't know what it was. And I was playing against different opponents and I played both doubles and singles. After about half way through, I picked up the 6.1 16x18 demo hoping that it would help me out. I had to adjust to the weight, but once I did there was a big difference in control. I played consistently and could hit all the shots. Picked up the blade again, and could not play well to any avail. Then my friend told me something: he's like "dude, you liked the other racket yesterday and couldn't stand the 6.1. It's obvious that you need to just pick something and force yourself to learn to use it."

There was soo much truth in that statement, and it's been reiterated here as well. Looks like I'm gonna pick up a 6.1. It's a time tested racket and several pros play with it, and it's also the racket I've always looked to for the gold standard. And besides, I'm tired of losing to people I should be beating. The 6.1 is on sale, so I'm going with it. If I mention something else, stop me in my tracks or make me feel so hated that I'll never want to come back to these boards again. LOL.

The 6.1 wrecked my shoulder. The only real downside!

As PP said, check out the team. 3 of the players on my university team use the 6.1 Team and only one uses the 6.1 95. Just some food for thought. They are facing higher pace you most likely ever will. :razz: The guy using the 95 ranked lower than the ones using the team!

-Fuji

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Hmm ok guys. Yeah, the weight was a bit of an issue for me, and I said "oh screw it ill get stronger". Probably not the best idea. The team is probably the better way to go and I could customize a little if I had to. Either that, or I could just go aeropro drive gt. and the type of player I want to be is dominant baseline like Novak. I just can't come to net...not yet. Thoughts?

 

[jackcrawford]

I sent my V1 Pro back unhit and got an IG Extreme Pro 2.0 instead. I liked the Graphene MP, but felt it lacked a little stability and punch. I did not like the Pure Drive Roddick, and a brief Demo hit with the Pro a while back had me skeptical of it but I decided to order with one of my strings/tension of choice. I am very glad I did. The round head shape really does seem to work in this version, out of center hits are not harsh. The frame has so much power, I agree with Smilin' Bob on this, it just mashes the ball. Serving is a breeze, and touch shots are good also. It is as stable a frame as I've used (Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 MP comes to mind.) It weighs 333 grams (11.7 ounces) with OG and dampener. I haven't had any trouble adapting to the extra half ounce from my modded V1 Classic. This is a little lighter than TW's average specs would indicate but the SW of 325 and balance of 5 points HL they list seem about right. It does not feel at all like 69 stiffness, more like 62 to me. As always, YMMV and I'm sure I'll be tempted off it but for now I'm not having the doubts as to stability and pop that plagued the Speed MP honeymoon.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Screw it. Getting the 6.1 and not going back. Gonna start working out, getting faster, making my arms stronger so I can get into position faster for this beast of a stick. Really like the trajectory and potential of this racket. It makes me want to become a better player and not just make do with what I have. Not changing my mind.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I sent my V1 Pro back unhit and got an IG Extreme Pro 2.0 instead. I liked the Graphene MP, but felt it lacked a little stability and punch. I did not like the Pure Drive Roddick, and a brief Demo hit with the Pro a while back had me skeptical of it but I decided to order with one of my strings/tension of choice. I am very glad I did. The round head shape really does seem to work in this version, out of center hits are not harsh. The frame has so much power, I agree with Smilin' Bob on this, it just mashes the ball. Serving is a breeze, and touch shots are good also. It is as stable a frame as I've used (Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 MP comes to mind.) It weighs 333 grams (11.7 ounces) with OG and dampener. I haven't had any trouble adapting to the extra half ounce from my modded V1 Classic. This is a little lighter than TW's average specs would indicate but the SW of 325 and balance of 5 points HL they list seem about right. It does not feel at all like 69 stiffness, more like 62 to me. As always, YMMV and I'm sure I'll be tempted off it but for now I'm not having the doubts as to stability and pop that plagued the Speed MP honeymoon.

Why didn't you at least try the v1P? Mannnn that looks like a cool racket lol. What kind of response from a racket were you looking for?

 

[Power Player]

Screw it. Getting the 6.1 and not going back. Gonna start working out, getting faster, making my arms stronger so I can get into position faster for this beast of a stick. Really like the trajectory and potential of this racket. It makes me want to become a better player and not just make do with what I have. Not changing my mind.

Your arms being stronger have nothing to do with it. Honestly i think you need to get with a pro and get some good footwork lessons and not worry so much about racquets. The best lifts for tennis are legs and core exercises like squats and deadlifts.

The 6.1 is an amazing stick, but if you are arming the ball it will destroy you real fast. It has no forgiveness and really is meant for a developed player.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Your arms being stronger have nothing to do with it. Honestly i think you need to get with a pro and get some good footwork lessons and not worry so much about racquets. The best lifts for tennis are legs and core exercises like squats and deadlifts.

The 6.1 is an amazing stick, but if you are arming the ball it will destroy you real fast. It has no forgiveness and really is meant for a developed player.

You're right about the legs and core. But do you really think I'm gonna hurt myself?..

 

[Torres]

The 6.1 wrecked my shoulder. The only real downside!

Never had any discomfort with the 6.1 and I've owned 7 of the 2011 and 2013 models, and also 2 teams! My only gripe is that the specs can be wildly different to such an extent that they can feel like two different racquets. I bought 7 and sold 5 just to get two that played in the way that I wanted.

 

[Ross K]

Mike

Along with many other diary long-time regulars I adore this frame, it's a racketaholic work of art (well, N95 is IMO), but you need to have some seriously good game on you, and it probably helps a bit if your built al la Taylor 'The Incredible Hulk' Dent ...

 

[Fuji]

Never had any discomfort with the 6.1 and I've owned 7 of the 2011 and 2013 models, and also 2 teams! My only gripe is that the specs can be wildly different to such an extent that they can feel like two different racquets. I bought 7 and sold 5 just to get two that played in the way that I wanted.

I used the Classics for the better part of 2-3 years. A lot stiffer than the current offerings. Plus mine are a little heavier than I would like. (13.2oz stock.) It just a combination of a rather heavy racket that is fairly stiff taking a toll on my shoulder. :razz:

-Fuji

 

[flume]

You're right about the legs and core. But do you really think I'm gonna hurt myself?..

I play with the 6.1 95 16X18 and haven't ever played with anything better (yet hehe).
It is on the heavy side but that can be very rewarding in being able to deal with your opponents pace.
I use no customization and have even given up overgrips to keep the weight down.
I also play mainly for fitness and although I care about how I play, getting tired is actually a goal.
Just call it a day when you're tired and I doubt you'll hurt yourself.

 

[THESEXPISTOL]

You're right about the legs and core. But do you really think I'm gonna hurt myself?..

If you muscle the ball i can bet you will...
There's something you don't seem to understand, in tennis the only thing the arm does is hold the racquet. The weight of your shots come from the core. If you muscle with a such a unforgiving racquet you'll be in trouble.

Just call it a day when you're tired and I doubt you'll hurt yourself.

Seriously? Stop giving such bad information. We're not talking about muscles.
Injuries caused by racquets are mainly in the tendons, and these usually manifest themselves a few hours after the activity that led to the injury.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Mike

Along with many other diary long-time regulars I adore this frame, it's a racketaholic work of art (well, N95 is IMO), but you need to have some seriously good game on you, and it probably helps a bit if your built al la Taylor 'The Incredible Hulk' Dent ...

Lol thanks for weighing in, Ross. I'm in decent shape, but not like THAT lol.

If you muscle the ball i can bet you will...
There's something you don't seem to understand, in tennis the only thing the arm does is hold the racquet. The weight of your shots come from the core. If you muscle with a such a unforgiving racquet you'll be in trouble.



Seriously? Stop giving such bad information. We're not talking about muscles.
Injuries caused by racquets are mainly in the tendons, and these usually manifest themselves a few hours after the activity that led to the injury.

I definitely DO understand that power comes from the core. Not sure why you think I don't know or understand this...pretty sure a high 3.5 if not 4.0 player has to know this in order to be at this level. I TEND to arm the ball when it's out of my comfort zone. I use my core on most rally balls and winners. A twiggy looking dude with no arms but has a solid core probably still couldn't deal with this racket. I'd be impressed if you found someone. You still need strong forearms and shoulders. But I agree that you need even stronger legs and core.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

And just to show how strong my legs are, I can dead lift 450lbs and squat 400lbs. Not sure how strong my core is because I have a bit of a gut on me lol. It's not big, just covers!

 

[spinovic]

I had to catch up here - last time I read yesterday, Mike was on board the Blade train. I start reading today and the first thing I see is that he's buying a 6.1.

I seem to recall that being your dream stick Mike.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I had to catch up here - last time I read yesterday, Mike was on board the Blade train. I start reading today and the first thing I see is that he's buying a 6.1.

I seem to recall that being your dream stick Mike.

Yeah I tend to do that the blade was awesome first time out, but after that initial hit I just could not get back into a groove with it. I picked up the 6.1 and played well with it. But then I realized that I probably won't even play well with the 6.1 the next time out, and it's really just me that's the problem.

Long story short, I'm going to buy my "dream stick" that is my gold standard and stick with it. I'm going to improve my fitness and footwork in order to maximize my use of this racket INSTEAD of relying on an easier racket with high power.

Does this make sense to any of you?

Spinny, I do tend to get very carried away.

 

[PED]

As PP said, check out the team. 3 of the players on my university team use the 6.1 Team and only one uses the 6.1 95. Just some food for thought. They are facing higher pace you most likely ever will. :razz: The guy using the 95 ranked lower than the ones using the team!

-Fuji

I agree with you, Team is the goat wand.

From what mike says he likes about the six one though, I doubt he would like the team. Really have to keep up the stick speed to be effective with it.

Team is def my fav ATM, only downside is string life but totally worth it.

 

[JackB1]

I had to catch up here - last time I read yesterday, Mike was on board the Blade train. I start reading today and the first thing I see is that he's buying a 6.1.

I seem to recall that being your dream stick Mike.

You can't afford to look away for a minute if you want to keep up with Mike

 

[Power Player]

Mike if your squats and deads are at that number, you should be fine with the 6.1. Your comments about having to have strong arms to use the stick are not true though. Its not about arm strength really.

The 6.1 is awesome. Get it and focus on technique.

 

[mad dog1]

Guys, tried playing with the blade and balls were just sailing on my tonight. I don't know what it was. And I was playing against different opponents and I played both doubles and singles. After about half way through, I picked up the 6.1 16x18 demo hoping that it would help me out. I had to adjust to the weight, but once I did there was a big difference in control. I played consistently and could hit all the shots. Picked up the blade again, and could not play well to any avail. Then my friend told me something: he's like "dude, you liked the other racket yesterday and couldn't stand the 6.1. It's obvious that you need to just pick something and force yourself to learn to use it."

There was soo much truth in that statement, and it's been reiterated here as well. Looks like I'm gonna pick up a 6.1. It's a time tested racket and several pros play with it, and it's also the racket I've always looked to for the gold standard. And besides, I'm tired of losing to people I should be beating. The 6.1 is on sale, so I'm going with it. If I mention something else, stop me in my tracks or make me feel so hated that I'll never want to come back to these boards again. LOL.

honestly not trying to sound harsh but until you get to the point where you know and understand why you're hitting long or into the net, no racquet is going to help you. PP gave the best advice to take some lessons. once you get to the point where you know what you are doing wrong causing all the errors, you'll have the ability to adjust it on the fly.

 

[mad dog1]

Mike if your squats and deads are at that number, you should be fine with the 6.1. Your comments about having to have strong arms to use the stick are not true though. Its not about arm strength really.

yep, right on again.

Mike, your comment about needing strong arms to use the stick indicate you are likely arming the ball even if you don't think you are. there are LOTS of 3.5s and 4.0s with good speed and crappy technique arming the ball.

 

[mad dog1]

You can't afford to look away for a minute if you want to keep up with Mike

rewind to 3 months ago and you could swap out that name w/ the one and only JackB1.

 

[Rivers Scott]

Reading this thread I get the feeling that Mike may be giving the rest of you lot the runaround. Mike, are you real?

 

[Ross K]

Reading this thread I get the feeling that Mike may be giving the rest of you lot the runaround. Mike, are you real?

Who is MikeHitsHard93?...

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

You can't afford to look away for a minute if you want to keep up with Mike

Lol it's the sad truth, but not for much longer!

Mike if your squats and deads are at that number, you should be fine with the 6.1. Your comments about having to have strong arms to use the stick are not true though. Its not about arm strength really.

The 6.1 is awesome. Get it and focus on technique.

Yeah I'm not trying to boast, but it's just that I may come across as a puss because my confidence level is slightly low. I'm 5'11", 190 and I can lift those numbers which is average for that weight.

I'll work on not arming the ball and keeping my head down at contact, and I think I should be good to go. Again, not trying to boast (although your numbers are likely higher).

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

honestly not trying to sound harsh but until you get to the point where you know and understand why you're hitting long or into the net, no racquet is going to help you. PP gave the best advice to take some lessons. once you get to the point where you know what you are doing wrong causing all the errors, you'll have the ability to adjust it on the fly.

I agree with you MD. I've been working on lessening my arm usage. And I agree that no racket can help me. Thus I need to stick with something and go.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Reading this thread I get the feeling that Mike may be giving the rest of you lot the runaround. Mike, are you real?

LOL I don't even know how to respond to this...

 

[alpinenut]

I sent my V1 Pro back unhit and got an IG Extreme Pro 2.0 instead. I liked the Graphene MP, but felt it lacked a little stability and punch. I did not like the Pure Drive Roddick, and a brief Demo hit with the Pro a while back had me skeptical of it but I decided to order with one of my strings/tension of choice. I am very glad I did. The round head shape really does seem to work in this version, out of center hits are not harsh. The frame has so much power, I agree with Smilin' Bob on this, it just mashes the ball. Serving is a breeze, and touch shots are good also. It is as stable a frame as I've used (Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 MP comes to mind.) It weighs 333 grams (11.7 ounces) with OG and dampener. I haven't had any trouble adapting to the extra half ounce from my modded V1 Classic. This is a little lighter than TW's average specs would indicate but the SW of 325 and balance of 5 points HL they list seem about right. It does not feel at all like 69 stiffness, more like 62 to me. As always, YMMV and I'm sure I'll be tempted off it but for now I'm not having the doubts as to stability and pop that plagued the Speed MP honeymoon.

Put some lead tape at 3 and 9 o'clock on the Speed MP. Start with 1, or 3 inch piece on each of the frame. I have 2 3 inch pieces at 3 and 9 on each side and one on each side at 12. The 3 and 9 pieces really improved the stability. Especially on my bh. If you can do the math (or get someone else to help) you can probably achieve the weight and balance of the Speed Pro with the string pattern of the MP.

 

[Lilguy1456]

Mike...email me at LombardiCJ@gmail

6.1 95 16x18 info to be shared!