Diary of a Racketaholic

[spinovic]

So, I finally got to take my new sticks out for a brief hit. 45 minutes, maybe an hour. I can't say much definitively until I get more time with them. I will share my initial impressions though:

Prince Tour 100 (16x18) - nothing really surprised me. It played much like the descriptions I've read. Soft, flexy, crazy spin for a non-spin frame, the sweetspot is basically the entire stringbed. Need time to adjust to it because of the stiffness, or lack thereof. I didn't know what my groundstrokes were going to do. I understand these types of comments better now. My least favorite of the three upon initial hit. This seems like a frame I could adjust to and really enjoy, if I wanted or if necessary (TE). I need to re-string so I know what I'm working with, to be fair.

Wilson Six.One 95S - nice feeling frame. Stiff, but quite comfortable to me. Many have commented on the launch angle of these frames, and I found that to be true. I think flattening the ball out is doable to some degree, but you have to really focus on making that happen and I didn't have enough time to try it out extensively. Decent power, maneuverable, lots of spin. I enjoyed this one and may very well keep this one if I decide to keep a spin frame in my bag. It's spinny enough, so I have little desire to try a more open pattern - and this one has always had the best specs for me.

Tecnifibre TFight 315 Dynacore - based upon my feelings after the initial hit, simply put, this is the best stock frame I've ever hit with. I realize that can change with more time, but this one exceeded my already high expectations for it. It does not have that classic Ltd feel, but the feel of this frame nevertheless was a great surprise. It is stiff...there's no flex. It's so hard to describe feel, but I'd say it has a very crisp, muted, clean feel. It reminded me a little bit of the Extreme Pro 2.0, which I loved, in terms of feel, but a little better. I wonder if it's the new grommets? It definitely feels better than the 320s I previously used.

Easy spin, but can also flatten the ball out. Ample power on tap, very maneuverable. There's plenty of room for customization, but I'm not sure it's necessary. I'm definitely keeping this one. I may slap a leather grip on it. In any case, I can't wait to hit with it again. I loved it.

I tried to serve a few times with each stick, but my timing was off tonight and time was short anyway, so I ditched that idea and just went for groundstrokes. Hopefully in 2-3 weeks I can offer a little more insight with regards to serving, volleying, slice, etc. Dynacore is the shiznit. At least while I'm honeymooning.

 

[spinovic]

BTW, also have to chime in on Premier Attack. I picked up 3 sets for $7. It's a shame that deal is gone. Which one of the new Prince multis is supposed to have replaced it? It felt really good in the Dynacore. Impressive spin from a multi. I strung @ 57 lbs.

 

[JGads]

Well, well, well, Tecnifibre doin' work.

Serge, don't think I won't be taking you up on that 'court in Montreal' business. Have always wanted to see that grand city. And I already have an Expos hat. Delighted to see that the first hit was positive. You know, the Head grip shape: I was once the same -- hated it, netted a ton of balls, only wished for Wilson simplicity. Now the Head grip shape is the one that feels more defined within my hand, in a way, and it's the others, the more traditional round shapes, that I now 'lose' within the hand from time to time and make errors because of the grip. So it's a thing that grows on you, that Head shape. Anyway, hope the Ltd. keeps rocking and rolling. Give that extended one a shot. The added leverage on the backhand and on serve (although sounds like you're not serving yet) is rather nice. But the standard one will be whippier, of course, helping to get those aforementioned angles. And completely agree on the slice -- the Ltd is a slice machine. Effortless. My pro stocks and Graphene MP are similarly splendid on the slicing front.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Onward.

 

[spinovic]

Not to thread jack, but I miss the Expos. It was a travesty that their best team ever got screwed by the MLB strike.

Now, back to the good stuff...

 

[JGads]

Not to thread jack, but I miss the Expos. It was a travesty that their best team ever got screwed by the MLB strike.

Now, back to the good stuff...

Loved the Expos. I'm an Astros guy myself, but I always felt a kinship with that team for some weird reason. We both had the ugly-beautiful uniforms, the domed stadiums, the low payrolls battling the big boys.

Last I checked, there was some merit to the possibility of baseball returning to Montreal? If so, that would be incredible.

And if this doesn't make it happen, I don't know what will.

 

[spinovic]

Loved the Expos. I'm an Astros guy myself, but I always felt a kinship with that team for some weird reason. We both had the ugly-beautiful uniforms, the domed stadiums, the low payrolls battling the big boys.

Last I checked, there was some merit to the possibility of baseball returning to Montreal? If so, that would be incredible.

And if this doesn't make it happen, I don't know what will.

Wow. I believe that's about as hot a picture as I've seen of her.

Your point about the Astros and Expos is interesting, because now that you mention it, I think I may have subconsciously grouped them together myself based on the similarly ugly uniforms and dome/playing field. The similarities are crazy.

I've always been a Red Sox fan because 1) my first Tee Ball team was the Red Sox and 2) the old huge dish satellite that my family had growing up had NESN and I used to watch them all the time as a child. I also like the Redlegs.

But, I really enjoyed that Expos team with Grissom, Alou and Walker in the outfield. Great team.

It would be nice to see them get their team back. It would be a travesty if they didn't keep the Expos name. I assume they would, but you never know.

 

[el sergento]

One of the biggest problems with the expos was the stadium. That monster costs a fortune to maintain and the retractable roof is ripped to shreds.

Funny story about the Olympic stadium, it was only paid off a couple of years ago. That's right, it took over 30 years to pay that thing off.

I caught a couple of games towards the end, for 7 bucks you could sit pretty much front section. Bus loads of Americans would show up for the games because tickets were so cheap.

 

[Chace]

The expos had some talented guys, Tim "the rock" Raines and Andre "the hawk" Dawson just to name a couple.

 

[klementine]

Orioles fan here.

The 'other' team moving from Montreal to DC hasn't hurt baseball in the area, just the opposite. Good move by MLB and the Lerners.

 

[SpinToWin]

Argh. Gads managed to remove my 'holic bug regarding the Tex 95 and now I am afflicted with it all over again thanks to drak...

 

[spinovic]

One of the biggest problems with the expos was the stadium. That monster costs a fortune to maintain and the retractable roof is ripped to shreds.

Funny story about the Olympic stadium, it was only paid off a couple of years ago. That's right, it took over 30 years to pay that thing off.

I caught a couple of games towards the end, for 7 bucks you could sit pretty much front section. Bus loads of Americans would show up for the games because tickets were so cheap.

Olympic Stadium. I could not think what it was called last night. It's funny how those big domes were a 'cool' thing at one time, and now nobody likes them.

I love the trend in baseball of teams building these modern, state-of-the-art stadiums that also have a classic, old-school look. Camden Yards was the beginning of that, I believe.

Question: Could Montreal play with an open stadium, or is a roof or dome a necessity for them due to weather?

 

[spinovic]

The expos had some talented guys, Tim "the rock" Raines and Andre "the hawk" Dawson just to name a couple.

Raines was another name I was trying to remember.

Don't forget Mike Wallach at third base.

Also, was Delino Deshields their 2B on that great team in the 90s?

I'm enjoying my trip down Expos Lane. It's bringing back memories of collecting baseball cards as a child.

Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd. I believe he pitched for them once upon a time. Gotta be one of the top 5 nicknames ever. Up there with "Catfish" Hunter.

The Nationals have assembled the greatest starting rotation since those great Braves teams from the 90s. They should run away with the NL East this year, but it remains to be seen if they can score enough to win the World Series. It seems that teams like that often come up short in the post-season because they can't generate offense and their middle relief sucks because it doesn't get enough work. You really only need two dominant starters once the playoffs begin.

You should check out the Dynacore 315 SpinToWin, unless it's the flexier feel you're after.

Of course, it's raining again here.:-?

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Argh. Gads managed to remove my 'holic bug regarding the Tex 95 and now I am afflicted with it all over again thanks to drak...

I was able to hit with this frame, it's pretty sweet. I did not drill, just jumped straight into doubles sets. Played really well, felt classic in the hand but modern on the ball. I would add a leather grip and be done.

 

[SpinToWin]

Great. My list of "frames I should demo" just keeps growing

 

[spinovic]

Great. My list of "frames I should demo" just keeps growing

The specs on the Textreme and Dynacore are similar. The stiffness is the only big difference seemingly. But, it's a very comfortable 67.

 

[sma1001]

Nooooo - now must try the Textreme 95 and the Tech 315... But how can both be the holy grail at the same time?

 

[spinovic]

It will depenx on which stiffness you prefer?:lol:

 

[Power Player]

Orioles fan here.

The 'other' team moving from Montreal to DC hasn't hurt baseball in the area, just the opposite. Good move by MLB and the Lerners.

O's here too. I too miss the Expos. That Delino Deshields rookie card never really went up in value for me though.

 

[TobyTopspin]

O's here too. I too miss the Expos. That Delino Deshields rookie card never really went up in value for me though.

Don't get me started on my 5 Steve Avery Rookie cards that I just knew would be worth something when I bought them in '91.....

 

[spinovic]

Don't get me started on my 5 Steve Avery Rookie cards that I just knew would be worth something when I bought them in '91.....

Yeah, I was gonna comment on how that sounded like almost every rookie card I got...

But, let me tell you what's worse. When one of your rookie cards actually does go up, only to bottom out later. I had Ken Griffey, Jr. Upper Deck and Jose Canseco Donruss. Both were worth over $100 at one point. Both are nearly worthless now, or at least they were the last time I looked. I sold most of my good cards anyway.

Eric Davis is my all-time favorite player. I have a great collection of his cards. Not worth much, but I treasure that particular collection. He was a great player, just couldn't stay healthy. If he could have, he, and not Canseco, would have been the first 40/40 man in baseball history. He had 37 HRs and 50 SB one season and he missed ~30 games that year. Also an excellent defensive player in the outfield.

Do you guys have any favorites, particularly less obvious ones?

 

[TobyTopspin]

Yeah, I was gonna comment on how that sounded like almost every rookie card I got...

But, let me tell you what's worse. When one of your rookie cards actually does go up, only to bottom out later. I had Ken Griffey, Jr. Upper Deck and Jose Canseco Donruss. Both were worth over $100 at one point. Both are nearly worthless now, or at least they were the last time I looked. I sold most of my good cards anyway.

Eric Davis is my all-time favorite player. I have a great collection of his cards. Not worth much, but I treasure that particular collection. He was a great player, just couldn't stay healthy. If he could have, he, and not Canseco, would have been the first 40/40 man in baseball history. He had 37 HRs and 50 SB one season and he missed ~30 games that year. Also an excellent defensive player in the outfield.

Do you guys have any favorites, particularly less obvious ones?

I was always a fan of Mark DeRosa for some reason. Even when he left the Braves, I always kept up with him.

I was a big Chipper fan too. My son had a hitting lesson with Chipper once. He seemed like a really down to earth guy.

One on my inlaws was once the highest paid player in baseball. The guy is an absolute *** hat. Pitched for the Dodgers and Marlins in his prime hint hint.

 

[nickynu]

Nooooo - now must try the Textreme 95 and the Tech 315... But how can both be the holy grail at the same time?

Tecnifibre Dynacore 315 was certainly the holy grail for me. Bizarrely I loved it first time out, hated it the second and now will love it forever more. So glad I didn't give up on it. Its amazing, and the serve its huge if you just loosen up and let your arm pronate which it can with the lower swingweight allied to the 315g. Try a couple of inside-out serves and you will almost certainly find what it can do.

 

[spinovic]

I was always a fan of Mark DeRosa for some reason. Even when he left the Braves, I always kept up with him.

I was a big Chipper fan too. My son had a hitting lesson with Chipper once. He seemed like a really down to earth guy.

One on my inlaws was once the highest paid player in baseball. The guy is an absolute *** hat. Pitched for the Dodgers and Marlins in his prime hint hint.

I always liked Chipper. Also was a big fan of Andruw Jones. He made CF look so casually easy.

 

[mikeler]

I always liked Chipper. Also was a big fan of Andruw Jones. He made CF look so casually easy.

Chipper Jones hit the longest home run I had ever seen in a Little League game. It sucks that I was the one who threw the pitch to him!

The next year, he did the same thing to my best friend so his Dad who was the head coach told my friend to just walk him the rest of the game. Only being 12, I convinced my friend that if he threw it low and inside to Chipper, it would be impossible to hit a home run. My friend followed my instructions to a tee, unfortunately Chipper hit the ball like Tiger Woods off a tee and whacked it well over the fence yet again. His Dad yelled at him and I hid...

 

[spinovic]

Chipper Jones hit the longest home run I had ever seen in a Little League game. It sucks that I was the one who threw the pitch to him!

The next year, he did the same thing to my best friend so his Dad who was the head coach told my friend to just walk him the rest of the game. Only being 12, I convinced my friend that if he threw it low and inside to Chipper, it would be impossible to hit a home run. My friend followed my instructions to a tee, unfortunately Chipper hit the ball like Tiger Woods off a tee and whacked it well over the fence yet again. His Dad yelled at him and I hid...

That's a great story mikeler, thanks for sharing.

I'm trying out your old stick. Actually the updated version. Its not as flexy as I was expecting. I compare everything to the IG Radical Pro, so I still haven't hit with a racquet that flexes like it did. But, the Tour 100 is pretty unique in its feel. My favorite thing based on initial impressions was the sweetspot - feels like it covers the whole stringbed. Very spin-friendly. I have to say - part of me is very curious to try the ESP version, and another part of me thinks is an ESP version of this stick even necessary, that it would just be overkill.

 

[JGads]

I was always a fan of Mark DeRosa for some reason. Even when he left the Braves, I always kept up with him.

I was a big Chipper fan too. My son had a hitting lesson with Chipper once. He seemed like a really down to earth guy.

One on my inlaws was once the highest paid player in baseball. The guy is an absolute *** hat. Pitched for the Dodgers and Marlins in his prime hint hint.

I'm assuming his name rhymes with, em, Posh Steckett?

Coming from Houston, I heard stories of his --baggery all the way back when he was a senior in high school.

Chipper Jones hit the longest home run I had ever seen in a Little League game. It sucks that I was the one who threw the pitch to him!

The next year, he did the same thing to my best friend so his Dad who was the head coach told my friend to just walk him the rest of the game. Only being 12, I convinced my friend that if he threw it low and inside to Chipper, it would be impossible to hit a home run. My friend followed my instructions to a tee, unfortunately Chipper hit the ball like Tiger Woods off a tee and whacked it well over the fence yet again. His Dad yelled at him and I hid...

What an epic story. That dude murdered my Astros over and over again, but in the end, you just have to tip your hat to the man. Tremendous player, just made to play ball.

 

[JGads]

Olympic Stadium. I could not think what it was called last night. It's funny how those big domes were a 'cool' thing at one time, and now nobody likes them.

I love the trend in baseball of teams building these modern, state-of-the-art stadiums that also have a classic, old-school look. Camden Yards was the beginning of that, I believe.

Question: Could Montreal play with an open stadium, or is a roof or dome a necessity for them due to weather?

I think the thinking would be a retractable roof stadium in the downtown area. Too cold at the start and finish of the seasons, but man you could have some spectacular summer days.

The Jays just played another pair of games in Olympic Stadium.. Here's some great footage of Russell Martin, a Montreal native, getting an incredible standing O, along with another video of his father playing the national anthem on his sax. Really amazing stuff.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2...eal-gets-standing-ovation-in-olympic-stadium/

 

[spinovic]

Ironically enough, Posh Steckett was one of my favorite pitchers. I liked him even before his stint with the BoSox, but once he came there and established himself as a big game pitcher...he was a clutch pitcher at his best. I always assumed he had trouble staying motivated because he could be up-and-down during the season, but once October rolled around, he would lock in and shut teams down.

You guys are killing me.

"I gave up a HR to Chipper Jones in Little League."
"My brother-in-law is the highest paid player in baseball."

What's next?

My brush with greatness? I saw Michael J Fox riding a roller coaster with his son at Disney World. I met a guy from a tap dancing group that was on America's Got Talent.

I do have some pretty good pictures of Julia Goerges and Rafa Nadal practicing at the Western & Southern Open. Not together, by the way.

 

[spinovic]

Just re-strung my Tour 100 with Mamba O-Power (1.33 mm). Not knowing what was in it and at what tension was killing me. 52/48 lbs.

I hadn't put much thought into stringing the O-Ports. I got on here and started reading all kinds of stuff about banana tools and needing some kind of special clamp, so I was thinking - well, I guess I shouldn't have been so hasty to cut those strings out. Turns out, you, in fact, do not need any of those items. It strings up like any other racquet, perhaps easier.

Unstrung specs - 11 oz (312 g); 10 pts HL
Strung w/Tourna OG - 11.8 oz (336 g); 8 pts HL

I hope it plays as good as it looks. The O-Power is an orange color that is very close to the Tour 100 graphics. It looks pretty cool. I couldn't decide what to use, so I thought to myself - I don't have any other racquets that orange would look cool in, so I might as well go for that and see how it plays and feels.

 

[808]

here we go blue jays here we go clap clap

Greetings fellow 'holics!

While at my parents for the Easter weekend I dug out the old, positively ancient by 'holic standards, frame I played as a junior. I think I got this racket when I was around 12 years old, so in about 1988 or 89. It was recommended to me by my then coach (who, of course, was under contract with the company and most probably received commissions) and I played it for a few years, always strung with good old syn gut at ~27 kg, if I remember correctly.



It's a rex professional Turbo 95. As its name implies, a 95 square inch frame with a 16 x 18 string pattern. The company, rex professional, has to my knowledge long since then been defunct and there's not much information on it to be found online (besides this, from an ad: "A german tennis racket manufacturer in the late 80s which had sole distribution in Germany for Bancroft rackets"). Anyway, there are no specs printed anywhere on the frame (note the clean paint job) and back then I didn't know or care. Now I do, so I weighed it: 354g strung – not too shabby for a 12 year old. Balance is around 32.7 cm and the frame doesn't seem to lack some swingweight either. The beam tapers from 22 mm at 12 over 24 mm at 3/9 to a healthy 26 mm at the throat. Now you have to remember that back then the hot sh*t around here were frames like the Kübler Resonanz which was really super wide, so 26mm didn't seem like much, even for a 95. Curious detail: just 4 mains in the throat.



I'll probably start a proper thread on this with better pictures in the Classic Racket section once I got the frame measured on the RDC, replaced the completely shot original grip, got it strung up (with proper syn gut, of course) and hit with it. Anyone else ever played a rex professional? Short of my sister, who used to use a slightly different model, I don't know of anyone. Also curious if this mold was used by other brands.

In the meantime here's a pic of two of my current Prestige MP's. Specs are identical, except for one minor (or major, I guess) detail. Hint: it's not the stencil. Both hit really, really well – I can't decide which one I like better at the moment.

 

[SpinToWin]

^^^^^Good stuff, but take care to get the strings to pop into the CAP grommets, unlike what you see on the front racquet.

I guess the major difference is that the one further away is a pro stock (with a more open string pattern)? Good find, hope you enjoy it Where'd you nab it from though?

 

[808]

Yeah, I know. Good eye. The current strings (Head Gravity) are getting a bit long in the tooth anyway and I need to cut them out. Probably going to get it restrung with gut/poly – tried this in a retail GPMP recently, beast setup (VS Touch/Hawk).

Actually both frames are pro stock Graphene Prestige MP's. One 18x20, one 16x19. Got them from the guys that take care of David Ferrer's frames (nudge, nudge. wink, wink).

 

[SpinToWin]

Yeah, I know. Good eye. The current strings (Head Gravity) are getting a bit long in the tooth anyway and I need to cut them out. Probably going to get it restrung with gut/poly – tried this in a retail GPMP recently, beast setup (VS Touch/Hawk).

Actually both frames are pro stock Graphene Prestige MP's. One 18x20, one 16x19. Got them from the guys that take care of David Ferrer's frames (nudge, nudge. wink, wink).

Oh you lucky…

 

[JGads]

808, that is awesome. Cool looking old frames, there. That oldie probably hits a heavy, heavy ball. And what are the details on those pro stocks? Weight/sw? Do they play similarly to the regular Graphs are are they noticeably softer? Tip of the hat to you, sir.

Speaking of pro stocks, I suppose I should update that on my end, all holicing now is simply relegated to my bag, which is back chock full of my heavenly Radical pro stocks that I reunited with while back in Cali, along with my two retail sticks, the Graphene MP and PK 7G. All of my frames are between 11.4 and 12 oz, and I can go between them fairly seamlessly. Trying out some different string beds in a few frames, gut-poly, poly-gut and poly-synthetic gut, seeing what tickles my fancy the most over a period of time.

Been playing practice matches here and there and playing really well; my game feels like it's almost all the way back to where it was pre-surgery. Crossing my final hurdle now by getting my serve much more consistent, which has been aided greatly by a lower and more controlled ball toss.

 

[808]

Thanks, guys. I had the pro stocks customized to roughly the same specs as my old Blades: standard length, weight 320g, balance 32cm, swingweight 310 (all unstrung) with Head calf skin grips on regular Head pallets. So nothing out of the ordinary. One could probably get to these specs with a regular retail frame, too (leather grip might be a problem, though).

I prefer the balance and higher swingweight of my personal frames to that of the retail Prestige MP, but that's just because I'm used to those specs. Other than that they play really similar. The pro stocks are not noticeably softer, if at all (in fact, according to the guys I got them from, the RA is the same for the retail and the pro stock), but they feel even more solid. Most probably from the silicone in the handle. Honestly, the regular frame would fit me just as well, if I'd spend more time with it. I probably wouldn't even customize it. Got a good deal on the pro stocks (new and customized to my liking for basically the same price as retail), so I went with them.

I would guess that these are the same basic frames / hairpins you would get when ordering through the Head Custom Made program (mine have the retail decals, though).

Re the old rex professional: it's been so long since I've last hit with it, I barely remember anything about it. Must have been 15 to 20 years ago. I'll get it strung up again soon, though, and report back.

Glad to hear all is well with the shoulder, Gads! Hope the Court Tech One is serving you well.

 

[TobyTopspin]

I'm assuming his name rhymes with, em, Posh Steckett?

Coming from Houston, I heard stories of his --baggery all the way back when he was a senior in high school.



What an epic story. That dude murdered my Astros over and over again, but in the end, you just have to tip your hat to the man. Tremendous player, just made to play ball.

Not Beckett, but it does rhyme with Slevin Brown....

 

[nickynu]

Hey ENOUGH WITH BASEBALL DERAILMENT

 

[JGads]

Thanks, guys. I had the pro stocks customized to roughly the same specs as my old Blades: standard length, weight 320g, balance 32cm, swingweight 310 (all unstrung) with Head calf skin grips on regular Head pallets. So nothing out of the ordinary. One could probably get to these specs with a regular retail frame, too (leather grip might be a problem, though).

I prefer the balance and higher swingweight of my personal frames to that of the retail Prestige MP, but that's just because I'm used to those specs. Other than that they play really similar. The pro stocks are not noticeably softer, if at all (in fact, according to the guys I got them from, the RA is the same for the retail and the pro stock), but they feel even more solid. Most probably from the silicone in the handle. Honestly, the regular frame would fit me just as well, if I'd spend more time with it. I probably wouldn't even customize it. Got a good deal on the pro stocks (new and customized to my liking for basically the same price as retail), so I went with them.

I would guess that these are the same basic frames / hairpins you would get when ordering through the Head Custom Made program (mine have the retail decals, though).

Re the old rex professional: it's been so long since I've last hit with it, I barely remember anything about it. Must have been 15 to 20 years ago. I'll get it strung up again soon, though, and report back.

Glad to hear all is well with the shoulder, Gads! Hope the Court Tech One is serving you well.

The Court Tech is crushing. Just perfect. Really sweet that you got such a great deal on some pro stocks customized to your specs. Well done.

Not Beckett, but it does rhyme with Slevin Brown....

AAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhh.

 

[TobyTopspin]

Hey ENOUGH WITH BASEBALL DERAILMENT

I understand, but if you think about it there are similarities between choosing your tennis Racquet and a hitter choosing his bat. Old school thought was that you should use the heaviest bat/racquet you can still produce good speed. The new thought is to swing one where you can consistently generate good racquet head speed/ bat speed.

 

[Fuji]

I understand, but if you think about it there are similarities between choosing your tennis Racquet and a hitter choosing his bat. Old school thought was that you should use the heaviest bat/racquet you can still produce good speed. The new thought is to swing one where you can consistently generate good racquet head speed/ bat speed.

My Dad used to play ball back in the day, and he still has some of his old gear kicking around. I don't know much (IE Anything) about bat choice, but on man did he use to use some tree trunks. They are ridiculous heavy but he could absolutely crack the ball with them.

-Fuji

 

[spinovic]

Not Beckett, but it does rhyme with Slevin Brown....

Ahh...another gamer in big moments.

I imagine the same principles apply - more mass means you can hit the ball further, if you can still generate the bat speed.

 

[spinovic]

Got to take my new sticks out for a bit more time today.

I've been checking out the specs on the Dynacore 300, and based on that and how much I love this new 315, I'm highly curious to demo that frame at some point as well. 15 grams lighter, slightly thinner beam, slightly higher SW - I think it could be a sleeper. It would have a lot of room to add weight if necessary - a leather grip with a few grams of lead in the hoop would give you a little more SW while still maintaining a decent HL balance, and you would still only be in the mid 11 oz range. That is intriguing to me. And, it could be pretty darn good in stock form, like it's bigger brother. I wish TW would have reviewed that one. JackB1 is going to try it out soon I believe. I'm very curious to see what his thoughts are on it.

 

[skeeter]

Groundies:

Amazing. Forehands were hard, heavy and quite deep. Backhand slice is a thing of beauty, both offensive and defensive. My drive backhand took a while, but that was mainly due to rust, not the racquet. The slice was so good in fact that I didn't hit a topspin backhand for the first 30 minutes or so.

Is this the 315 listed in TW with a SW of 301 or something like that? If so, are you adding any weigh to beef that up a bit? Sounds like you're getting some good pace and hitting some heavy balls; if doing so with such a low SW, impressive racquet.

 

[spinovic]

Is this the 315 listed in TW with a SW of 301 or something like that? If so, are you adding any weigh to beef that up a bit? Sounds like you're getting some good pace and hitting some heavy balls; if doing so with such a low SW, impressive racquet.

That is the one he's talking about.

TFight 315 Ltd 16 Main

 

[Power Player]

I have only been able to play once every week or so lately. Essentially what I learned from that is 4.5 = play 3-4 times a week. That is what everyone in my league does, but I simply don't have the time for that right now. It makes winning rather difficult at the moment, but Ive really started to dial in my game. When I go down a level and play 4.0 it's a lot easier.

Loving the GPMP with gut mains.

 

[el sergento]

Is this the 315 listed in TW with a SW of 301 or something like that? If so, are you adding any weigh to beef that up a bit? Sounds like you're getting some good pace and hitting some heavy balls; if doing so with such a low SW, impressive racquet.

5 grams at 12. A lot of guys that play it have that setup. I never even tried it stock.

 

[el sergento]

You guys are killing me.

"I gave up a HR to Chipper Jones in Little League."
"My brother-in-law is the highest paid player in baseball."

What's next?

My brush with greatness? I saw Michael J Fox riding a roller coaster with his son at Disney World. I met a guy from a tap dancing group that was on America's Got Talent.

I do have some pretty good pictures of Julia Goerges and Rafa Nadal practicing at the Western & Southern Open. Not together, by the way.

Mines pretty funny. As a young lad, Phil Collins asked me to hit with him while waiting for his hitting partner.

 

[spinovic]

Mines pretty funny. As a young lad, Phil Collins asked me to hit with him while waiting for his hitting partner.

I worked with Phil Collins once. He just wasn't the famous singer Phil Collins.

 

[jonestim]

I ate breakfast next to to Stephen King. When he got up to leave he put a piece of toast in one jacket pocket and a piece of bacon in the other. In the parking lot he reached in and pulled one out and ate it.

Three years later I had drinks with Kurt Vonnegut, who was going to meet Stephen King the next morning. I told Kurt the story and he was going to try to find a rubber egg before they met.

 

[JGads]

I ate breakfast next to to Stephen King. When he got up to leave he put a piece of toast in one jacket pocket and a piece of bacon in the other. In the parking lot he reached in and pulled one out and ate it.

Three years later I had drinks with Kurt Vonnegut, who was going to meet Stephen King the next morning. I told Kurt the story and he was going to try to find a rubber egg before they met.

Mind blown.