Diary of a Racketaholic

Cerps

Professional
I left at the end of the second set to buy me some lunch, because I thought that this match is going to take ages... Came back to the speech..
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
It has been proven multiple times over by now, the next step is to submit Gads's theory to NIST, for peer review, neutral evaluations and independent analysis, in the hopes of turining it to law.

---------------

As typical, the player who was tougher, mentally, has survived two weeks in Melbourne. I was quietly rooting for his opponent, but he proved the lesser player today.

I hate waking up at 4:00am. Gotta figure out something productive to do with the rest of my Sunday.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Oh, and on a side-note, those series shots I did of my backhand did not require the need of fancy editing tools, etc. There's actually a pretty cool and simple way of doing them.

1.) I took the video on my phone, paused it at certain, key moments and snap-shotted each time I came across those 'key moments'.

2.) I then took each picture (in sequence) and inserted it on a blank Word document. Resizing, cropping and lining them up back-to-back, extending the margins of the Word document to fit all 7 frames.

3.) Then I sent the Word document to myself, opened the email up on my phone, zoomed in, snap-shotted it again. After that, I had the sequence pretty much whole, a little bit of cropping and zooming-in, and whallah; you have a great reference point of your swing on any shot you want.

What's nice about the series pics, as opposed to video or static pics, is you can dissect your technique further. Coolest part is, you can compare your stance, grip, take-back, steps, follow through, height and court positioning to series pics of pros!

It's an aid, that I believe, has helped me to become more conscious of what I'm doing right, what I'm doing wrong and what I can tweek or tinker with. It really paints a picture for you and make things easier to envision when you're out there, mental reps. Have several of those for each and every shot, serve, slice, forehand down-the line, cross-court,volley, overheads, etc.

I look at them when I have down time at work, commuting, lazy sunday, etc., or when I can't make it out to the courts. It helped me notice that my stance was a bit too closed and that I was finishing WAY too high, which in turn got me off-balanced for my recovery.

Eh, if you have some time to kill and some vids of you playing, it's worth doing.
 
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klementine

Hall of Fame
^ Ha! Yeah, kind of comparing the two, very similar. I still have no idea how he hits that open stance, stretched out wide 2hander. Must be lack of gluten and hyperbaric eggs?

Somebody mentioned the xi98 (black one) a few pages back and I started reminiscing. Think I'll take it out on Tuesday, bad need of a string job though. Might get some Cyclone and Torque overnight'd, ala Mr.Dog.
 

mikeler

Moderator
^ Ha! Yeah, kind of comparing the two, very similar. I still have no idea how he hits that open stance, stretched out wide 2hander. Must be lack of gluten and hyperbaric eggs?

Somebody mentioned the xi98 (black one) a few pages back and I started reminiscing. Think I'll take it out on Tuesday, bad need of a string job though. Might get some Cyclone and Torque overnight'd, ala Mr.Dog.

That open stance 2 hander is not too bad for me since I have Popeye forearms and can just muscle the ball back.
 

Fuji

Legend
That open stance 2 hander is not too bad for me since I have Popeye forearms and can just muscle the ball back.

I'm naturally ambidextrous (as close as you can get) so the left hand on the open stance backhand comes quite naturally to me. I use it when I'm too lazy to take that extra step and close my hips.

-Fuji
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
It honestly blew my mind that I was having arm trouble with it. It was the 15g black stuff that came with the frame. Xcite or something? Not 100% sure. It was at 60lbs too, which really isn't that unrealistic given my past experience with high tension and stiff frames.

I was hoping it would be a perfect transition stick over, but alas the arm pain was a major factor in something being off. I have zero clue what could have caused it though.

-Fuji

Don't believe Xcite comes in either 15g or black, does it?
 

Fuji

Legend
Don't believe Xcite comes in either 15g or black, does it?

Not sure. It was a thick black 15g poly that came with the frame when we ordered them in. Every ESP frame comes with a pack of string.

Just looking at TW it looks like the string I used was Prince XC 15g, not Xcite? Damn names are so similar haha.

-Fuji
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Oh, and on a side-note, those series shots I did of my backhand did not require the need of fancy editing tools, etc. There's actually a pretty cool and simple way of doing them.

1.) I took the video on my phone, paused it at certain, key moments and snap-shotted each time I came across those 'key moments'.

2.) I then took each picture (in sequence) and inserted it on a blank Word document. Resizing, cropping and lining them up back-to-back, extending the margins of the Word document to fit all 7 frames.

3.) Then I sent the Word document to myself, opened the email up on my phone, zoomed in, snap-shotted it again. After that, I had the sequence pretty much whole, a little bit of cropping and zooming-in, and whallah; you have a great reference point of your swing on any shot you want.

What's nice about the series pics, as opposed to video or static pics, is you can dissect your technique further. Coolest part is, you can compare your stance, grip, take-back, steps, follow through, height and court positioning to series pics of pros!

It's an aid, that I believe, has helped me to become more conscious of what I'm doing right, what I'm doing wrong and what I can tweek or tinker with. It really paints a picture for you and make things easier to envision when you're out there, mental reps. Have several of those for each and every shot, serve, slice, forehand down-the line, cross-court,volley, overheads, etc.

I look at them when I have down time at work, commuting, lazy sunday, etc., or when I can't make it out to the courts. It helped me notice that my stance was a bit too closed and that I was finishing WAY too high, which in turn got me off-balanced for my recovery.

Eh, if you have some time to kill and some vids of you playing, it's worth doing.

Video is an unbelievable training tool. Also a sobering one.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I'm naturally ambidextrous (as close as you can get) so the left hand on the open stance backhand comes quite naturally to me. I use it when I'm too lazy to take that extra step and close my hips.

-Fuji

I'm pretty darn close to ambidextrous myself. I've hit a few left handed winners in matches where I get wrong footed, it really ticks the opponent off.

One thing I liked about the extended length PK 7G was the longer handle. I like to separate my 2 hands on the backhand ala Ferrer and with that longer handle both hands fit perfectly on the handle.

david-ferrer-06.jpg
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
^ No video. Just the series shots taken from the video. How do I post videos besides YouTube?

Mikeler, good point about the extended frames and the separation. I've always believed that the build of certain frames favors certain shots. Even down to balance, weight and hoop shape. The Yonniez are known for longer handles and the shape of their hoops will influence decision making and shots. Where I tend to hit rather flat on the backhand wing, the extra length handles and shape of Yonniez persuade me to brush up more on the ball and finish the follow through higher.

If I tried that with a PresMid, I would get little court penetration, which is why I tend to hit that frame flatter for more depth.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
I use photobucket and not sure if they have a video hosting tool, thanks for the info, might have to do a transfer.

-------------

Torque and Cyclone on its way.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Oh, the wifey saw the IGPresPros, and was not happy to find out that I had sold off the PS95S's.

She does have a point. She wants me to put them up for bid on the auction-site, but will fight this as long as I can.

If she can buy purses, shoes and clothes without remorse, why can't I buy frames? My father advised me when I got married, 'You can be right or happy.... But you can't be right AND happy'.

The eternal quandary of marriage.
 

sma1001

Hall of Fame
Oh, the wifey saw the IGPresPros, and was not happy to find out that I had sold off the PS95S's.

She does have a point. She wants me to put them up for bid on the auction-site, but will fight this as long as I can.

If she can buy purses, shoes and clothes without remorse, why can't I buy frames? My father advised me when I got married, 'You can be right or happy.... But you can't be right AND happy'.

The eternal quandary of marriage.

Tell her the different colours are to match your outfit. That's what i get when i query the handbag purchases. I can't use it or she will buy more racquets than me.
 

Fuji

Legend
I'm pretty darn close to ambidextrous myself. I've hit a few left handed winners in matches where I get wrong footed, it really ticks the opponent off.

One thing I liked about the extended length PK 7G was the longer handle. I like to separate my 2 hands on the backhand ala Ferrer and with that longer handle both hands fit perfectly on the handle.

david-ferrer-06.jpg

For sure! I've also done the lefty winner! (Once on a volley)

This is so true. I noticed it when I was using the PDRGT+, that extra bit of handle allowed me to get some extra muscle with the left hand. I keep my hands super close together on the 2HBH, but I find with an XL frame I can get WAY more whip and RHS with the 2HBH, just more leverage I think?

-Fuji
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
For sure! I've also done the lefty winner! (Once on a volley)

This is so true. I noticed it when I was using the PDRGT+, that extra bit of handle allowed me to get some extra muscle with the left hand. I keep my hands super close together on the 2HBH, but I find with an XL frame I can get WAY more whip and RHS with the 2HBH, just more leverage I think?

-Fuji

That's why I like slightly smaller racquets, especially the Pro Staffs. The handle is really long and the throat fairly short, so you can wrap up the overgrip beyond the base grip and onto the handle, basically giving you the grip length (and leverage on the 2HBH) of an XL frame but with the maneuverability of a standard frame.
 

mikeler

Moderator
For sure! I've also done the lefty winner! (Once on a volley)

This is so true. I noticed it when I was using the PDRGT+, that extra bit of handle allowed me to get some extra muscle with the left hand. I keep my hands super close together on the 2HBH, but I find with an XL frame I can get WAY more whip and RHS with the 2HBH, just more leverage I think?

-Fuji

More leverage sounds right to me.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Oh, how Mr. Mikeler has brought fond memories of that 7G to mind. That long handle was so perfect. My longest pro stock, Zeus, has the same thing going for it, and I love how a lot of Yonex frames keep the handle long. Makes such a difference for me in getting more leverage and angle on the backhand wing.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
^ Yeah, it's so good.

I started wrapping a tourna XL - uncut, like some pros do. I trim the bottom end just a bit, to get a uniform wrap around it, then just go full up top, sloppy like Muzza.

I found I get a uniform feel all the way up top, like on Yonnies, for Head/Wilson frames.
 

spinovic

Hall of Fame
New TFights are up on the Tecnifibre homepage. They look pretty much the same (which I happen to really like). Subtle differences, but the same general scheme.

255, 280, 295, 300, 305, 315, 325

No Ltd.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Bummer there isn't a new Limited, would be fun to see how they'd tweak such a sweet frame.

All other Tecs are just too stiff for my taste.
 

aimr75

Hall of Fame
Bummer there isn't a new Limited, would be fun to see how they'd tweak such a sweet frame.

All other Tecs are just too stiff for my taste.

There was a Tecnifibre Official account on here similar to the Babolat Official. He mentioned they are not going to discontinue the Ltd. It will be the same frame and the same cosmetic
 

Fuji

Legend
^ Yeah, it's so good.

I started wrapping a tourna XL - uncut, like some pros do. I trim the bottom end just a bit, to get a uniform wrap around it, then just go full up top, sloppy like Muzza.

I found I get a uniform feel all the way up top, like on Yonnies, for Head/Wilson frames.

I haven't trimmed an overgrip for a couple years now. Just wrap it all the way up. I want to say Maliese (sp?) used to do that?

-Fuji
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
There was a Tecnifibre Official account on here similar to the Babolat Official. He mentioned they are not going to discontinue the Ltd. It will be the same frame and the same cosmetic

Ah ok, good to see that. It's a special frame.

Regarding grip talk, yep, I'm also one of those who over grips all the way up as high as I can to get the most usable space. Better, but still not as lovely and roomy as a 7G grip, though. What a sweet beast frame. Kind of bummed I didn't keep just one of them around, but wasn't hitting with it much anymore.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I haven't trimmed an overgrip for a couple years now. Just wrap it all the way up. I want to say Maliese (sp?) used to do that?

-Fuji

Ah you mean Malisse. Yeah, I used to wonder why he did his grip that way, but I've really come to appreciate it :)
 

mikeler

Moderator
Ah ok, good to see that. It's a special frame.

Regarding grip talk, yep, I'm also one of those who over grips all the way up as high as I can to get the most usable space. Better, but still not as lovely and roomy as a 7G grip, though. What a sweet beast frame. Kind of bummed I didn't keep just one of them around, but wasn't hitting with it much anymore.

The 7G was my all time favorite frame but my elbow could not handle the extra length.
 

Fuji

Legend
Ah you mean Malisse. Yeah, I used to wonder why he did his grip that way, but I've really come to appreciate it :)

There we go! Finally got it haha.

It's really useful if you've got bigger hands as well. I use a 4 1/2 grip, but I used to use 4 5/8. My hands go over the top of the basegrip almost all the time for my 2HBH, so I like having the extra comfort.

-Fuji
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
No, I've almost pulled the trigger on a demo several times but abstained.

For ages TW never even offered a demo of the frame, prime reason why I never tried it, but looks like they thankfully rectified that. If I ever went back to that route, though, I'd just go 7G again because I never had elbow issues with it. That thing is in my top 5 all time. Reminiscing.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Went 6-4, 6-1 this AM but played a little sloppy. Also, have to go with a softer setup. The Tour Bite Soft was too springy in this stick, while ALU Power has been just fantastic performance wise but the shoulder feels a little sore. Maybe I'll hybrid or try a softer poly like Cyclone or something.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Gads! Stay away from ALU, full-bed in an 18x20 pattern. I still can't handle it, and it's been 2+ years since surgery.

I'm fine if I hybrid it at low-tensions, and that's actually my go-to cross. Try BigAce (18g) at low tensions if you must go Lux-full bed.

Otherwise, you're asking for trouble. Hasn't been that long since your surgery. If you can re-string after every hour or so of hitting, cool. But ALU power gets dangerous after that hour mark.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Gads! Stay away from ALU, full-bed in an 18x20 pattern. I still can't handle it, and it's been 2+ years since surgery.

I'm fine if I hybrid it at low-tensions, and that's actually my go-to cross. Try BigAce (18g) at low tensions if you must go Lux-full bed.

Otherwise, you're asking for trouble. Hasn't been that long since your surgery. If you can re-string after every hour or so of hitting, cool. But ALU power gets dangerous after that hour mark.

Roger that. This was the third hit, and I know I have to go in for a restring. Performed great, love the response, but yeah I can't be messing around with shoulder soreness.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Yup, the problem is, ALU holds it's tension really well for a poly, which makes it a great string, but it also makes it dangerous for people who've had wrist/shoulder surgery.

It's resiliency dies but tension still holds strong. Bad combo.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
What do you guys think about Cyclone Tour 18 at 45 lbs in a Prestige?

I went with that based on availability, remembering Cyclone as a softer poly, but now reading back over the thread and hadn't seen the VTorque over Cyclone Tour for softness comments. Cyclone Tour 18 at 45 should still be a decently softer than ALU 16 at 47 right?
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
What do you guys think about Cyclone Tour 18 at 45 lbs in a Prestige?

I went with that based on availability, remembering Cyclone as a softer poly, but now reading back over the thread and hadn't seen the VTorque over Cyclone Tour for softness comments. Cyclone Tour 18 at 45 should still be a decently softer than ALU 16 at 47 right?

Way softer, no worries.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Anyone prefer the thin syn. grips with these 'modern' frames, say.., post 2011 or so?

My got-to grip has always been leather, but as of late, I prefer a thin syn. grip with every frame I can get my hands on. Particularly Bab's syn. or Heads hydrosorb pro.

It always to move more mass to the tips as well. I don't know if this is just personal racquet balance preference changes or anything to do with mystical materials or lack there of as of late, ie- graphite.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
With apologies to Mr. Edberg, I just prefer synthetic grips in general. Well, I never removed the leather from the PS85, because I dare not change a thing there.

When I wanted leather-ish added weight in a grip, I used to love the Wilson Pro Hybrid grip as an option, but I think they discontinued.
 

klementine

Hall of Fame
Yeah, there are certain frames, like the POGs and 85, that need leather. Others, extreme series, any Yonnies out there, babs, etc., that feel easier to use and even 'softer' with a syn.grip.

-----------------
I have not strung up the PresPros, will have to give up that fight. Did have a good Tuesday night hit though. Brought the POGs, a freshly strung xi98 (ezone-black one) and the PresMid (waiting in the wings, like a good relief pitcher).

The POGs are such good frames. They feel so adaptable to anything I want to do. I did pop the string-job on one, which is a rarity, on an overhead. So nice on return and ground-strokes. Kick serves amazing, first serves, there's better out there.

I was playing singles with a very good player. Not explosive, but a deliberate and thoughtful player, picking his moments. He was hitting his spots in the service box and just kept hitting them, over and over again. Quite the opposite of me, I usually approach serving as 'I've got two tries to get it in' and just try to over-power, which gets me in trouble more than I'd like.

He flung an ace out wide on me, then I huddled the outside a bit to cover on his next serve and he hit one up the T. That wasn't the big deal, it was that he could disguise his serve. His toss, his motion, footwork, all the same for each shot.

I decided to play with him. After he hung one down the T on me, at 30-0, I faked leaning towards the T, watched his toss and moved as soon as his eyes were off the court, immediately stepped right to cover the outside and nailed a return cross-court with the open stringed POG.

He was definitely flustered, as he double-faulted bringing it to 30-30. Eventually he won his service game after multiple deuce points, but it was a great cat-mouse game that wore him out physically making the rest of the set a breeze.

I love this game.
 
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