Diary of a TW Demo Racquetholic

[SVP]

My name is SVP, and I am a Tennis Warehouse Demo Racquetholic (TWDR). I became a TWDR to feed my racquetholic habit. I blame TW for feeding this habit of mine. It isn't my intention to be a TW shill here, but they make it really easy to hold, look at, feel, and hit with the latest (or a a more classic) racquet by a few clicks of your mouse. You don't feel the pain because you charge it online.

I'm being half-serious here. It's gotten to the point where I wait in eager anticipation of obtaining the UPS tracking number, checking for it every few hours. Then, when I finally get the tracking number, I track it through the UPS system, which provides an update of the location of the package up until the time it reaches your doorstep. When I see that long and narrow box containing the demo(s) on my doorstep, it's like Christmas! And when I cut the tape at the box lid, pull out the racquet, and play with it, such joy!

Does anyone else have a similar experience? Please, no allegations that I have a severe mental illness. I already know that.

 

[bad_call]

My name is SVP, and I am a Tennis Warehouse Demo Racquetholic (TWDR). I became a TWDR to feed my racquetholic habit. I blame TW for feeding this habit of mine. It isn't my intention to be a TW shill here, but they make it really easy to hold, look at, feel, and hit with the latest (or a a more classic) racquet by a few clicks of your mouse. You don't feel the pain because you charge it online.

I'm being half-serious here. It's gotten to the point where I wait in eager anticipation of obtaining the UPS tracking number, checking for it every few hours. Then, when I finally get the tracking number, I track it through the UPS system, which provides an update of the location of the package up until the time it reaches your doorstep. When I see that long and narrow box containing the demo(s) on my doorstep, it's like Christmas! And when I cut the tape at the box lid, pull out the racquet, and play with it, such joy!

Does anyone else have a similar experience? Please, no allegations that I have a severe mental illness. I already know that.

remember fellow geezer...u hit it, u review it. fellow members who aren't as fortunate appreciate.

 

[SVP]

remember fellow geezer...u hit it, u review it. fellow members who aren't as fortunate appreciate.

I've read that before, BC. I have posted occasionally on a few racquets. I've read many posts on different racquets, most of which I agree with. Most of the time I don't feel qualified to render an opinion.

 

[Dave M]

I've read that before, BC. I have posted occasionally on a few racquets. I've read many posts on different racquets, most of which I agree with. Most of the time I don't feel qualified to render an opinion.

No i'm sure there are a lot of people who want to hear about opinions of people of similar standards. It's no good if all the top league players on here keep telling us how wonderful a frame is if it's never reviewed by someone who manages to play maybe once a week on a club night mix in.(thats me at the moment BTW)
Let us hear about the frames and dont be shy!

 

[JGads]

So of all of your demos, what few racquets have been your favorites? Just curious.

I went from being addicted to demos to being addicted to buying either used frames or new frames on clearance, then swapping them out once I find another buyer or someone to trade with. This way I can actually use decent string setups that are more to my liking. I've basically gotten to the point where I have to admit that I just really enjoy testing out different sticks and noticing the subtle differences in what they can do. But I always have my one go-to stick that I play the most with and use in league matches and such. And then, after the important stuff is out of the way, I'll play a practice set or some games of 15 with the wild card stick that's in the bag. Ultimately probably not the best thing for my game, I'm sure, but it's just fun.

 

[sansaephanh]

Review all the rackets that we can't! Its always nice to have another established thread on play tests. I love reading about rackets I've never heard of or played with. I'm starting to skinny dip into the world of tennis gear and I'm loving it. I just dunked my toe in and want to jump in!

You should put all your tests on your OP as you go. Its really helpful to be organized =].

 

[OldButGame]

SVP I wait for my arrivals exactly in the same way!!- 'except mine are frequently purchases. (i figure i can always sell what really dont want).

 

[myusername]

Great title for a thread.

So, SVP can you give us your reviews of said racquets? That would be more helpful to me then group therapy.

Most interested in info and impressions about the new donnay X series. I likes a thin beam. but I may wait 2-3 years for the prices to drop. Unless I fall in love, because love conquers all. Likewise I'm looking for a racquet that conquers all.

Also, did anyone ever tell you you look a little like dick chenney

U2 bad_call

 

[Carolina Racquet]

SVP...

I understand the feeling of waiting for the rectangular box, cutting it open to see what COULD be the Holy Grail of Tennis Weaponry. You gaze at the cosmetics, "tonk" it a few times to feel the tension, then take a few air strokes imagining the shots you WANT to hit. Then you think about the how quickly you can possibly get on the court to experience nirvana.

Doesn't matter if it's a demo or a purchase. It's an addictive feeling!

Reminds me of "Ralphie" in A Christmas Story with his Red Ryder 200 Shot Range Air Rifle, which probably explains how as tennis players our toys of choice feature carbon fiber, tension recommendation and perhaps a cool perfect stencil.

I tend to look at it that folks like us are perpetual optimists and that being a tennis enthusiast brings that feeling of Christmas when the UPS guy shows up. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[bad_call]

So, SVP can you give us your reviews of said racquets? That would be more helpful to me then group therapy.

Most interested in info and impressions about the new donnay X series. I likes a thin beam. but I may wait 2-3 years for the prices to drop. Unless I fall in love, because love conquers all. Likewise I'm looking for a racquet that conquers all.

Also, did anyone ever tell you you look a little like dick chenney

U2 bad_call

we old phffttss look all alike...or so i've been told.

 

[SVP]

No i'm sure there are a lot of people who want to hear about opinions of people of similar standards. It's no good if all the top league players on here keep telling us how wonderful a frame is if it's never reviewed by someone who manages to play maybe once a week on a club night mix in.(thats me at the moment BTW)
Let us hear about the frames and dont be shy!

Thanks for the encouragement. I just think there's enough of a cross-section of reviewers already on these boards without adding my <2 cents worth of advice.

I can see it now. Let's say I review the Donnay Red-99 (my favorite of the small bunch I've hit with). The replies come pouring in: "what's your NTRP rating? show us a video of yourself? you suck! you're no better than a 3.0 so what gives you the right to tell us what's a good racquet?" It just becomes one big clusterf***. No thanks.

 

[SVP]

So of all of your demos, what few racquets have been your favorites? Just curious.

I went from being addicted to demos to being addicted to buying either used frames or new frames on clearance, then swapping them out once I find another buyer or someone to trade with. This way I can actually use decent string setups that are more to my liking. I've basically gotten to the point where I have to admit that I just really enjoy testing out different sticks and noticing the subtle differences in what they can do. But I always have my one go-to stick that I play the most with and use in league matches and such. And then, after the important stuff is out of the way, I'll play a practice set or some games of 15 with the wild card stick that's in the bag. Ultimately probably not the best thing for my game, I'm sure, but it's just fun.

Sounds like a lot of work, what you've been through. I personally like playing with different sticks and feeling the different "feels" just like you. I don't play full scale matches anymore but I rely on my Pure Drive Roddick (standard) when I rally against my most formidable hitting opponent.

 

[SVP]

SVP I wait for my arrivals exactly in the same way!!- 'except mine are frequently purchases. (i figure i can always sell what really dont want).

Great if you can afford the purchases. Some of us don't want to deal with the hassle of selling the racquets.

 

[chizzle]

This thread was made for me...

I have issues.

Let's see, since I've "decided" I need to upgrade my n6.1 95s 16/18s 2.5 years ago, I've gone this route...

Wilson K6.1 16/18 (stiffer than the Ns and I was "growing" out of this stick).
Prince Ozone Tour 16/18 (never felt right)
POG 93 (not bad).
KBlade Tour (loved it, but lacked that heft I like)
Wilson K6.1 18/20 (too stiff)
Bab PSL (loved it, but lacked that heft I like, at times)

Unofficially I have flirted with the Prince Rebel (I own one, gonna sell it), Head Prestiges, Head Rad MP/OS, Dunlop 200, etc.

Demo'd the rest.

Currently at BLX 6.1 Tour (going on 11 months now).

I feel when I'm fresh, the BLX is tremendous. But I'm knocking on the big 4-Oh and there are plenty of times when I'm not fresh. I actually have to plan to take the 36 hours before any match - "off". Anyway...

My issues run deep, I see the PSL(nonGT) on sale, and I'm verrrry tempted to pick it up (again). OK really ?

Like many, I think I just like the idea of trying new sticks.

I typically sell off what I don't want to keep, so it's like a rental. (I know, "spin it" to myself... )

I wish I could stick with one thing for 2 years. I am so over-analytical that I just think there is something out there that is my (I hate to say it), Holy Grail. Ugh.

That is all. Help me if you can....

Signed,
issues

 

[Carolina Racquet]

This thread was made for me...

I have issues.

Let's see, since I've "decided" I need to upgrade my n6.1 95s 16/18s 2.5 years ago, I've gone this route...

Wilson K6.1 16/18 (stiffer than the Ns and I was "growing" out of this stick).
Prince Ozone Tour 16/18 (never felt right)
POG 93 (not bad).
KBlade Tour (loved it, but lacked that heft I like)
Wilson K6.1 18/20 (too stiff)
Bab PSL (loved it, but lacked that heft I like, at times)

Unofficially I have flirted with the Prince Rebel (I own one, gonna sell it), Head Prestiges, Head Rad MP/OS, Dunlop 200, etc.

Demo'd the rest.

Currently at BLX 6.1 Tour (going on 11 months now).

I feel when I'm fresh, the BLX is tremendous. But I'm knocking on the big 4-Oh and there are plenty of times when I'm not fresh. I actually have to plan to take the 36 hours before any match - "off". Anyway...

My issues run deep, I see the PSL(nonGT) on sale, and I'm verrrry tempted to pick it up (again). OK really ?

Like many, I think I just like the idea of trying new sticks.

I typically sell off what I don't want to keep, so it's like a rental. (I know, "spin it" to myself... )

I wish I could stick with one thing for 2 years. I am so over-analytical that I just think there is something out there that is my (I hate to say it), Holy Grail. Ugh.

That is all. Help me if you can....

Signed,
issues

I think there's many who have this issue but conveniently forget the casualties along the way.

I demo'd 20+ sticks before choosing the YT Radical MP which then led to a "cheap" LM Radical MP fling on the side a few months later. Then I hit my son's Prince Hybrid Hornet O3 and I found true love... for now.

 

[SVP]

This thread was made for me...

I have issues.

Let's see, since I've "decided" I need to upgrade my n6.1 95s 16/18s 2.5 years ago, I've gone this route...

Wilson K6.1 16/18 (stiffer than the Ns and I was "growing" out of this stick).
Prince Ozone Tour 16/18 (never felt right)
POG 93 (not bad).
KBlade Tour (loved it, but lacked that heft I like)
Wilson K6.1 18/20 (too stiff)
Bab PSL (loved it, but lacked that heft I like, at times)

Unofficially I have flirted with the Prince Rebel (I own one, gonna sell it), Head Prestiges, Head Rad MP/OS, Dunlop 200, etc.

Demo'd the rest.

Currently at BLX 6.1 Tour (going on 11 months now).

I feel when I'm fresh, the BLX is tremendous. But I'm knocking on the big 4-Oh and there are plenty of times when I'm not fresh. I actually have to plan to take the 36 hours before any match - "off". Anyway...

My issues run deep, I see the PSL(nonGT) on sale, and I'm verrrry tempted to pick it up (again). OK really ?

Like many, I think I just like the idea of trying new sticks.

I typically sell off what I don't want to keep, so it's like a rental. (I know, "spin it" to myself... )

I wish I could stick with one thing for 2 years. I am so over-analytical that I just think there is something out there that is my (I hate to say it), Holy Grail. Ugh.

That is all. Help me if you can....

Signed,
issues

I can help this boy. Check my profile.

 

[SVP]

So, SVP can you give us your reviews of said racquets? That would be more helpful to me then group therapy.

Most interested in info and impressions about the new donnay X series. I likes a thin beam. but I may wait 2-3 years for the prices to drop. Unless I fall in love, because love conquers all. Likewise I'm looking for a racquet that conquers all.

Also, did anyone ever tell you you look a little like dick chenney

U2 bad_call

Group therapy is more beneficial to me at this point than a review of any racquet. There are plenty of threads on racquet reviews on this forum.

But now that you mention it, my favorite new Donnay stick is the 99-red. I've tried the 94 black (too hard for me to play with) and the 99-orange (not as easy for me to use as the 99-red). The thin beams on the Donnays are sexy. The question you must ask yourself is whether it's worth it to you to pay a premium for the Donnays. There are a lot of sticks out there that play just as well and for a lot less money.

 

[SVP]

So, SVP can you give us your reviews of said racquets? That would be more helpful to me then group therapy.

Most interested in info and impressions about the new donnay X series. I likes a thin beam. but I may wait 2-3 years for the prices to drop. Unless I fall in love, because love conquers all. Likewise I'm looking for a racquet that conquers all.

Also, did anyone ever tell you you look a little like dick chenney

U2 bad_call

Group therapy is more beneficial to me at this point than a review of any racquet. There are plenty of threads on racquet reviews on this forum.

But now that you mention it, my favorite new Donnay stick is the 99-red. I've tried the 94 black (too hard for me to play with) and the 99-orange (not as easy for me to use as the 99-red). The thin beams on the Donnays are sexy. The question you must ask yourself is whether it's worth it to you to pay a premium for the Donnays. There are a lot of sticks out there that play just as well and for a lot less money.

 

[SVP]

SVP...

I understand the feeling of waiting for the rectangular box, cutting it open to see what COULD be the Holy Grail of Tennis Weaponry. You gaze at the cosmetics, "tonk" it a few times to feel the tension, then take a few air strokes imagining the shots you WANT to hit. Then you think about the how quickly you can possibly get on the court to experience nirvana.

Doesn't matter if it's a demo or a purchase. It's an addictive feeling!

Reminds me of "Ralphie" in A Christmas Story with his Red Ryder 200 Shot Range Air Rifle, which probably explains how as tennis players our toys of choice feature carbon fiber, tension recommendation and perhaps a cool perfect stencil.

I tend to look at it that folks like us are perpetual optimists and that being a tennis enthusiast brings that feeling of Christmas when the UPS guy shows up. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I'm glad you can relate to that feeling.

Funny you should bring up the "Ralphie" rifle reference. For me, back in the late 60s my Dad bought me a toy rifle that you cocked and fired like a real weapon. You poured a little lighter fluid into it, cocked it, pressed the trigger and kaboom! Smoke would emanate from my toy rifle just like the real thing. I was a budding militia boy.

 

[user92626]

I probably have the "rich guy's" version* of this.
I demo thru the For Sale section. Currently I still have 5 different rackets in my possession; 4 had been "released".


*More specifically poor guy's rich guy version. I know someone who mostly only get new rackets and in pair and sell them after a short time.

 

[ReverseGrip]

My name is SVP, and I am a Tennis Warehouse Demo Racquetholic (TWDR). I became a TWDR to feed my racquetholic habit. I blame TW for feeding this habit of mine. It isn't my intention to be a TW shill here, but they make it really easy to hold, look at, feel, and hit with the latest (or a a more classic) racquet by a few clicks of your mouse. You don't feel the pain because you charge it online.

I'm being half-serious here. It's gotten to the point where I wait in eager anticipation of obtaining the UPS tracking number, checking for it every few hours. Then, when I finally get the tracking number, I track it through the UPS system, which provides an update of the location of the package up until the time it reaches your doorstep. When I see that long and narrow box containing the demo(s) on my doorstep, it's like Christmas! And when I cut the tape at the box lid, pull out the racquet, and play with it, such joy!

Does anyone else have a similar experience? Please, no allegations that I have a severe mental illness. I already know that.

youve got a perfect life

 

[shaysrebelII]

My name is SVP, and I am a Tennis Warehouse Demo Racquetholic (TWDR). I became a TWDR to feed my racquetholic habit. I blame TW for feeding this habit of mine. It isn't my intention to be a TW shill here, but they make it really easy to hold, look at, feel, and hit with the latest (or a a more classic) racquet by a few clicks of your mouse. You don't feel the pain because you charge it online.

I'm being half-serious here. It's gotten to the point where I wait in eager anticipation of obtaining the UPS tracking number, checking for it every few hours. Then, when I finally get the tracking number, I track it through the UPS system, which provides an update of the location of the package up until the time it reaches your doorstep. When I see that long and narrow box containing the demo(s) on my doorstep, it's like Christmas! And when I cut the tape at the box lid, pull out the racquet, and play with it, such joy!

Does anyone else have a similar experience? Please, no allegations that I have a severe mental illness. I already know that.

I'm the exact same way! I seriously read this post to my family (except for your user name) and they thought I typed it! :lol:

 

[shaysrebelII]

This thread was made for me...

I have issues.

Let's see, since I've "decided" I need to upgrade my n6.1 95s 16/18s 2.5 years ago, I've gone this route...

Wilson K6.1 16/18 (stiffer than the Ns and I was "growing" out of this stick).
Prince Ozone Tour 16/18 (never felt right)
POG 93 (not bad).
KBlade Tour (loved it, but lacked that heft I like)
Wilson K6.1 18/20 (too stiff)
Bab PSL (loved it, but lacked that heft I like, at times)

Unofficially I have flirted with the Prince Rebel (I own one, gonna sell it), Head Prestiges, Head Rad MP/OS, Dunlop 200, etc.

Demo'd the rest.

Currently at BLX 6.1 Tour (going on 11 months now).

I feel when I'm fresh, the BLX is tremendous. But I'm knocking on the big 4-Oh and there are plenty of times when I'm not fresh. I actually have to plan to take the 36 hours before any match - "off". Anyway...

My issues run deep, I see the PSL(nonGT) on sale, and I'm verrrry tempted to pick it up (again). OK really ?

Like many, I think I just like the idea of trying new sticks.

I typically sell off what I don't want to keep, so it's like a rental. (I know, "spin it" to myself... )

I wish I could stick with one thing for 2 years. I am so over-analytical that I just think there is something out there that is my (I hate to say it), Holy Grail. Ugh.

That is all. Help me if you can....

Signed,
issues

Haha. Our histories are quite similar. Long story short, I used the n95's quite extensively also, but now I'm with the KBT. Since most of what I do is casual baseline rallying, I don't mind the "lack of heft" that you did (it probably helps me, in fact.) In between the n95 and the KBT however, I did use the K90. Different from the BLX90 I'm sure, but man, those were the days. I needed perfect timing, but my shots had such precision combined with weight-of-shot...man, those were the days! Of course, we racquetaholics tend to have selective memories, but nonetheless, that was a fun frame to hit with.