Gravity Tour Auxetic Lovers

[Casper777]

Hi there!!

Let's discuss this great frame, our specs and the string setups we like on this one!

After several weeks of testing the different Gravities, looks like the Toour is really the one that fits my game the most.

I'm a high intermediate club player, 46 yo. Baseline attacker and volleyer. Moderate spin on my forehand, flat 2HBH

I really like the Tour, as the 305 gr and moderate SW (325) makes it suitable for my abilities and form without beeing too much (thinking SW 330 + frames)

Tried the MP which I like a lot especially on serves and forehand where I can cleraly feel the easy spin. However no matter what mod I make it's a bit unstable against big hitters and on volley.

The Tour is much much more stable and firm (I come from a Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 for reference). Perfect for my weak back hand, slices are a dream!
Negatives are mostly on serve where I can have some difficulty to get some effect compared to the MP...

My favorite strings on this one are mostly medium firm polys

- Hyper G Soft 120
- Grapplesnake Excellent Purple + 125
- Grapplesnake Tour Sniper 125
- Tecnifibre Ice Code 120

All strung at about 21-22kg

Feel like full multi is just too muted.

 

[Trip]

Unless Head decides differently mid-lifecycle, this will be a thread for only non- North American players, or only those in the USA/Canada who decide to import Tours through creative means...

 

[Casper777]

Unless Head decides differently mid-lifecycle, this will be a thread for only non- North American players, or only those in the USA/Canada who decide to import Tours through creative means...

Yes I know... that's why I talked in KG and not LB hahaha
kidding...

Yeah strange that this one is not available in the US as (when on spec) it's really an alternative for the Pro that is a bit too demanding...

 

[jdx2112]

Unless Head decides differently mid-lifecycle, this will be a thread for only non- North American players, or only those in the USA/Canada who decide to import Tours through creative means...

I’ve got a first gen Gravity Tour to sell. Also an under spec Gravity Pro. Texas-based. fYI.

 

[WYK]

I’ve got a first gen Gravity Tour to sell. Also an under spec Gravity Pro. Texas-based. fYI.

Man, I would love me an under spec'd Pro. Anyone in Europe wanna chime in?

I'm running first gen Gravity Tours at the moment.

 

[jdx2112]

Man, I would love me an under spec'd Pro. Anyone in Europe wanna chime in?

I'm running first gen Gravity Tours at the moment.

Under spec Pro comes in about 327g with a 1.15 string, overgrip too…so like a thin beamed Tour

 

[WYK]

Under spec Pro comes in about 327g with a 1.15 string, overgrip too…so like a thin beamed Tour

Too bad you're a world away.
Though I am originally from Austin myself.

 

[wagen]

Man, I would love me an under spec'd Pro. Anyone in Europe wanna chime in?

I'm running first gen Gravity Tours at the moment.

How do you mean 'chime in'? Any way to get a matched racket in Europe? I would only think to order e.g. 5 rackets from TWE, measure all with plastic on and keep the 2 or 3 with lowest SW...

 

[ulunxtns]

I have a Tour coming on my way, which should be delivered today. I will report back the specs.

 

[petkool]

Just had my first hit with the Gravity Tour, strung it up with my usual Yonex Poly Tour Rev in 50lbs.

Coming from a Dunlop Cx 200 Tour 18x20.

Have to say the racquet is more way more forgiving that what I was using. Still getting used to groundies and volleys, good potential so far but i think needs some mods to maximise the potential.
Am thinking of adding some lead to 12 or 3&9 and changing to leather grip.

Feel that it lacks a bit of plough on the groundies and could use a boost to the twist weight so it's slightly more stable.
Serves are definitely way better for me. Kick serves are having alot of spin (I'm NTRP 5.0)

Anyone else has tried other lead tape or modifications?

 

[ulunxtns]

Just had my first hit with the Gravity Tour, strung it up with my usual Yonex Poly Tour Rev in 50lbs.

Coming from a Dunlop Cx 200 Tour 18x20.

Have to say the racquet is more way more forgiving that what I was using. Still getting used to groundies and volleys, good potential so far but i think needs some mods to maximise the potential.
Am thinking of adding some lead to 12 or 3&9 and changing to leather grip.

Feel that it lacks a bit of plough on the groundies and could use a boost to the twist weight so it's slightly more stable.
Serves are definitely way better for me. Kick serves are having alot of spin (I'm NTRP 5.0)

Anyone else has tried other lead tape or modifications?

I just received mine yesterday. It came strung(looks like a synthetic gut), and the swing weight is 320. If I put polys in, it will probably be a little under 325, pretty good on that. Do you know your balance? It seems pretty head heavy, without overgrip, it's 1pts HL. I'm thinking of a leather grip or some weight to make it more HL.

 

[petkool]

I just received mine yesterday. It came strung(looks like a synthetic gut), and the swing weight is 320. If I put polys in, it will probably be a little under 325, pretty good on that. Do you know your balance? It seems pretty head heavy, without overgrip, it's 1pts HL. I'm thinking of a leather grip or some weight to make it more HL.

Just swapped out the stock grip to a babolat leather grip.

Static weight is now 334g
Balance is about 5pts HL now.

Had a hit today and must say, it hit much better today. Serves are great with this stick. Only downside is the volleys, they feel too muted. Maybe I still need to hit more with the frame to get used to it.

 

[WYK]

How do you mean 'chime in'? Any way to get a matched racket in Europe? I would only think to order e.g. 5 rackets from TWE, measure all with plastic on and keep the 2 or 3 with lowest SW...

I think if you call TWE direct they will match. I dunno if the yellow people do?
Chime in - as in does anyone in Europe have an under spec'd Pro?
I ask for under spec because I play with my Gravity Tours at 335g. Since an L4 is just a touch small for me, I usually wear two over grips.
This would put the typical Gravity Pro well over 340g, which may be asking a bit much for doubles...

In any case, I do have a Gravity Pro coming in soon here, so we'll see. Still, I mostly want to try it out for the feel and see if the control is any different. The Tours are really quite good.

 

[WYK]

Just had my first hit with the Gravity Tour, strung it up with my usual Yonex Poly Tour Rev in 50lbs.

Coming from a Dunlop Cx 200 Tour 18x20.

Have to say the racquet is more way more forgiving that what I was using. Still getting used to groundies and volleys, good potential so far but i think needs some mods to maximise the potential.
Am thinking of adding some lead to 12 or 3&9 and changing to leather grip.

Feel that it lacks a bit of plough on the groundies and could use a boost to the twist weight so it's slightly more stable.
Serves are definitely way better for me. Kick serves are having alot of spin (I'm NTRP 5.0)

Anyone else has tried other lead tape or modifications?

Unless Head decides differently mid-lifecycle, this will be a thread for only non- North American players, or only those in the USA/Canada who decide to import Tours through creative means...

I find it a little odd that HEAD does not sell the MP-L in the US and does not sell the Gravity Tour in the US, but they do market the Prestige 18X19.
Shrug.

 

[Casper777]

Got a bunch of Alu power sets to try with my tours.... just to see if something feels better than my 2 string of choice for this one (Ice Code 120 and Grapplesnake Excellent Purple +)

Got

- Alu Power 125 Ocean Blue
- Alu Power Soft
- Alu Power 120
- Alu Power Rough

Just strung one with the Ocean Blue (looks really great on the new Gravity). Didn't remember how it was a pain to string those especially in a 18x20 frame !!

Will compare tomorrow with my second tour strung with Ice Code...

Both at 21kg

I also bought some Lynx Touch to try the Lynx Tour / Touch hybrid that could be great on a tight pattern like that

 

[WYK]

I just put MSV focus Hex 127 on top of rpm rough 125 in my Tour at 20kgX18.5kg to very good effect.
It's gonna end up in my other tour when the time comes, and likely in my Pro when it arrives.

 

[Trip]

@WYK - Funny enough, I just did Focus Hex Red 1.27 mains / Head Hawk Black 1.30 crosses in my Prestige MP-L, and I think I may have finally found what I was looking for in the mains -- an equally gummy-but-firm substitute for Firewire that yields almost as much spin, has slightly better control, holds tension just about as well, is more reliable/predictable and friendly enough on the arm. I know that for some it's too plasticky, but especially when combined with a more crisp, round cross, it makes for an awesome string bed. I find it incredible that after 12+ years, it's still as comparatively good as it is. Excellent string, especially for $8.90 a set and $89 a reel.

 

[WYK]

Is the red a bit more elastic than the black? I think it does feel a bit plasticky at first, but after a couple of hours mine has gone a touch more stiff like a typical poly.

 

[Trip]

Not sure, haven't played the black yet but I plan on trying it, and I'll report further, either in the MP-L thread or the main Focus Hex thread if I can dig it up, or both threads.

 

[WYK]

OK, so I got a Gravity Pro here in front of me alongside a Tour. These are first gen, so I am only comparing the moulds.
The Tour is obviously a small bit thicker. It has a different bridge design, less bowed inwards than the Pro, if only a little bit, and more contouring on the Pro(smoother/curvy at the joints).
String pattern appears to be identical between the two. That's something I was very curious about.
The beam itself also appears to be a different profile. The Tour hoop is more of a D-Beam similar to a Blade, with a less rounded profile, with a Blade-like slim Y-Throat.
The Pro cross section is slightly more oval, reminiscent of a TF 40 in the hoop. It's not a huge difference, but you can easily see it with them next to each other.
Now these are all subtle clues, and not drastic. But the feel definitely is different. The Pro actually does feel more Blade-like(I am a previous Blade user, and still own many).
I need some time with the Pro to see how I get on.

 

[dr325i]

I’ve been hitting with the Gravity Tour (Auxetic) for a week now and really like the frame. Amazing layup (plush with a great feedback), great size sweet spot.
Mine are 27.1” (though, such a soft frame that the guy in the mains “squashed” it to 27” when strung). 336g strung with overgrip, 332SW, 31.8cm strung balance, gut/Hawk rough setup.
Love the 18x20 string pattern and control and spin offering

 

[Vaust]

I’ve been hitting with the Gravity Tour (Auxetic) for a week now and really like the frame. Amazing layup (plush with a great feedback), great size sweet spot.
Mine are 27.1” (though, such a soft frame that the guy in the mains “squashed” it to 27” when strung). 336g strung with overgrip, 332SW, 31.8cm strung balance, gut/Hawk rough setup.
Love the 18x20 string pattern and control and spin offering

What mods did you do to the tour?. I tested the pro, liked the feeling but wasnt strong enough for serves, i feel my serves are lacking pace. I think my better choice will be the tour as well. Thanks.

 

[dr325i]

What mods did you do to the tour?. I tested the pro, liked the feeling but wasnt strong enough for serves, i feel my serves are lacking pace. I think my better choice will be the tour as well. Thanks.

Mine are a little different - pro stock, so, they came slightly extended (to match my other frames), and super light -- 260g unstrung (with overgrip).
I added quite a bit of lead in the hoop, to get it to 295SW unstrung (probably 20g in the hoop) and a lot of silicone/lead in the handle tip (35g) to get me to 318g unstrung and 31cm balance.

It was a very easy transition from my 95 sq in frame, and it feel great. I'll keep using it for a while and decide if this is it.

Benefits/equals over my 95 sq in, 18x19, 21.5mm beam frame:
- larger sweet spot
- The TGT341.1 layup is awesome, so plush but not dead, great feedback. Very much the same feedback as my PT346.2, but feels softer
- The power is about the same
- I was surprised that the launch angle was pretty much identical -- no adjustment at all going back and forth
- It feels like my serves are slightly faster, and that was the feedback of my (4-5 times per week) hitting partner, former D1 player
- my slices are way better with the Gravity, they totally sucked with the PT346.2

It is a Honeymoon phase, so, I will be patient before getting too excited.

On a side note:
This is the only PT346.2 18x19 in existence so...my backup frames used to be the PT113B2 18x19 and definitely not the same (the 113 has higher SW (without any weight in the hoop), the layup is different, similar feel but definitely softer than the PT346.2.
The two TGT341.1 are identical.

To add: I will probably get one retail Gravity Tour next time I visit Europe and will try to match the spec. I'd say 6g in the hoop (332SW), then about 10g at the buttcap to try to pull the balance as close as possible to 31cm

 

[Vaust]

Mine are a little different - pro stock, so, they came slightly extended (to match my other frames), and super light -- 260g unstrung (with overgrip).
I added quite a bit of lead in the hoop, to get it to 295SW unstrung (probably 20g in the hoop) and a lot of silicone/lead in the handle tip (35g) to get me to 318g unstrung and 31cm balance.

It was a very easy transition from my 95 sq in frame, and it feel great. I'll keep using it for a while and decide if this is it.

Benefits/equals over my 95 sq in, 18x19, 21.5mm beam frame:
- larger sweet spot
- The TGT341.1 layup is awesome, so plush but not dead, great feedback. Very much the same feedback as my PT346.2, but feels softer
- The power is about the same
- I was surprised that the launch angle was pretty much identical -- no adjustment at all going back and forth
- It feels like my serves are slightly faster, and that was the feedback of my (4-5 times per week) hitting partner, former D1 player
- my slices are way better with the Gravity, they totally sucked with the PT346.2

It is a Honeymoon phase, so, I will be patient before getting too excited.

On a side note:
This is the only PT346.2 18x19 in existence so...my backup frames used to be the PT113B2 18x19 and definitely not the same (the 113 has higher SW (without any weight in the hoop), the layup is different, similar feel but definitely softer than the PT346.2.
The two TGT341.1 are identical.

To add: I will probably get one retail Gravity Tour next time I visit Europe and will try to match the spec. I'd say 6g in the hoop (332SW), then about 10g at the buttcap to try to pull the balance as close as possible to 31cm

Why tour instead of pro, since you are playing with about pro specs on the tour?.For me was the serve and I can't handle it.

 

[cmendez79]

Mine are a little different - pro stock, so, they came slightly extended (to match my other frames), and super light -- 260g unstrung (with overgrip).
I added quite a bit of lead in the hoop, to get it to 295SW unstrung (probably 20g in the hoop) and a lot of silicone/lead in the handle tip (35g) to get me to 318g unstrung and 31cm balance.

It was a very easy transition from my 95 sq in frame, and it feel great. I'll keep using it for a while and decide if this is it.

Benefits/equals over my 95 sq in, 18x19, 21.5mm beam frame:
- larger sweet spot
- The TGT341.1 layup is awesome, so plush but not dead, great feedback. Very much the same feedback as my PT346.2, but feels softer
- The power is about the same
- I was surprised that the launch angle was pretty much identical -- no adjustment at all going back and forth
- It feels like my serves are slightly faster, and that was the feedback of my (4-5 times per week) hitting partner, former D1 player
- my slices are way better with the Gravity, they totally sucked with the PT346.2

It is a Honeymoon phase, so, I will be patient before getting too excited.

On a side note:
This is the only PT346.2 18x19 in existence so...my backup frames used to be the PT113B2 18x19 and definitely not the same (the 113 has higher SW (without any weight in the hoop), the layup is different, similar feel but definitely softer than the PT346.2.
The two TGT341.1 are identical.

To add: I will probably get one retail Gravity Tour next time I visit Europe and will try to match the spec. I'd say 6g in the hoop (332SW), then about 10g at the buttcap to try to pull the balance as close as possible to 31cm

Hi Dr.


I currently use the TGT341.1 18x20 as my main sticks in the 2019 pj.

The “new” Auxetic model has a different pro stock code, because it has a different layup? Or still the tgt341.1?

I really like the new paint job, waiting to see when the pro stock tour will surface to buy some.

Regards

 

[dr325i]

Hi Dr.


I currently use the TGT341.1 18x20 as my main sticks in the 2019 pj.

The “new” Auxetic model has a different pro stock code, because it has a different layup? Or still the tgt341.1?

I really like the new paint job, waiting to see when the pro stock tour will surface to buy some.

Regards

Same pro stock code, updated PJ. Mine are in Auxetic PJ. Beautiful

 

[dr325i]

Why tour instead of pro, since you are playing with about pro specs on the tour?.For me was the serve and I can't handle it.

I like the feel of Tour better and has more power. I tried the Pro in the past and was very nice but I prefer the Tour

 

[cmendez79]

Same pro stock code, updated PJ. Mine are in Auxetic PJ. Beautiful

Great, yes I love the new paint job.

Will wait to see when the surface to buy some , even thu this model in pro stock is quite hard to get since is not that popular.

Or if you decide to get rid of them hit me an email, you already have it,

Regards

 

[Vaust]

I like the feel of Tour better and has more power. I tried the Pro in the past and was very nice but I prefer the Tour

Great, i think i will get the tour as well, was debating between mp/tour. A bit too much mods on mp if needed.

 

[Casper777]

Some days I love my MPs some other my Tour...

The Auxetic MP have a higher SW than the Tour...

My MPs are about 325 vs Tour at 320

 

[WYK]

Some days I love my MPs some other my Tour...

The Auxetic MP have a higher SW than the Tour...

My MPs are about 325 vs Tour at 320

I spent some time with the pro and the tour(v1) yesterday. Here's what were readily apparent:
The power level is definitely higher on the Tour. I have both the Pro and Tour weighted nearly the same, so it's not weight alone that is in effect here.
The Tour, even though the stringbed looks the same, has more spin. Same strings, same tension. It's odd to me that this is so. Maybe it's due to the Tour being a touch more head light is all I can guess.
Usually a heavier version of the same stringbed gets me more spin. So I found this odd. So there's something else to it.
The grommets definitely are slightly different on the Pro, but there's nothing starke between the two. They both have 14 parallel ports each side, and the strings line up when placed atop one another.
The feel is very different. It's hard to describe. I would maybe say the Tour feels more 'modern' and the Pro feels more 'old school'. Both at 340g are solid. But the Pro feels more classical in how it flexes. Oddly, though the design is less Blade-like than the Tour, the Pro reminds me of my old nBlade much more so(but the nBlade has more control).
My guess is the hoop on the Tour is slightly more firm. This might also explain the spin.
The pro slices better, but only when you want to keep it low and slow. If you want to chip it hard or hit a deep, fast, penetrating slice, the Tour does it better. This could be due solely to the power or less flex, or just my technique.
Feel is close between the two for drop shots, but the Pro definitely comes out on top.
The biggest difference is on backhands. I normally use a one hander, but I grew up playing two hands before HS, where a coach switched me, so I can play both when I want to.
On the one hander, the Tour is markedly better. At 340g, it is still slightly more head light than the Pro, and has a stiffer hoop, both make spin and power easier. Still, I could hit flat when I needed to.
On the two hander, the rock solid feel of the Pro, with it's penchant for flatter hitting, seems to produce a better ball there, and a better feel too.
But this could just be me having difficulty placing spin with the Pro using my one hander. A stronger player might not feel this way.
The SW is definitely noticeably higher on the Pro even at the same weight. There is just more in the hoop.
I would imagine they would be closer if I used a thinner gauge in the pro.
Anyone suggest a powerful, thin, poly?

 

[dr325i]

I spent some time with the pro and the tour(v1) yesterday. Here's what were readily apparent:
The power level is definitely higher on the Tour. I have both the Pro and Tour weighted nearly the same, so it's not weight alone that is in effect here.
The Tour, even though the stringbed looks the same, has more spin. Same strings, same tension. It's odd to me that this is so. Maybe it's due to the Tour being a touch more head light is all I can guess.
Usually a heavier version of the same stringbed gets me more spin. So I found this odd. So there's something else to it.
The grommets definitely are slightly different on the Pro, but there's nothing starke between the two. They both have 14 parallel ports each side, and the strings line up when placed atop one another.
The feel is very different. It's hard to describe. I would maybe say the Tour feels more 'modern' and the Pro feels more 'old school'. Both at 340g are solid. But the Pro feels more classical in how it flexes. Oddly, though the design is less Blade-like than the Tour, the Pro reminds me of my old nBlade much more so(but the nBlade has more control).
My guess is the hoop on the Tour is slightly more firm. This might also explain the spin.
The pro slices better, but only when you want to keep it low and slow. If you want to chip it hard or hit a deep, fast, penetrating slice, the Tour does it better. This could be due solely to the power or less flex, or just my technique.
Feel is close between the two for drop shots, but the Pro definitely comes out on top.
The biggest difference is on backhands. I normally use a one hander, but I grew up playing two hands before HS, where a coach switched me, so I can play both when I want to.
On the one hander, the Tour is markedly better. At 340g, it is still slightly more head light than the Pro, and has a stiffer hoop, both make spin and power easier. Still, I could hit flat when I needed to.
On the two hander, the rock solid feel of the Pro, with it's penchant for flatter hitting, seems to produce a better ball there, and a better feel too.
But this could just be me having difficulty placing spin with the Pro using my one hander. A stronger player might not feel this way.
The SW is definitely noticeably higher on the Pro even at the same weight. There is just more in the hoop.
I would imagine they would be closer if I used a thinner gauge in the pro.
Anyone suggest a powerful, thin, poly?

head Hawk Power?
The two layups are different. The pro has more mass in the hoop and they flex different. I do not recall the details of the Tour V1, however, I am impressed by the Auxetic version - the softness, flex, feel. The Auxetic Pro I tested back in September was way over the spec and was too much to handle. The Tour is awesome. I have not touched my PT346.2 since the first hit with the Gravity Tour

 

[WYK]

head Hawk Power?
The two layups are different. The pro has more mass in the hoop and they flex different. I do not recall the details of the Tour V1, however, I am impressed by the Auxetic version - the softness, flex, feel. The Auxetic Pro I tested back in September was way over the spec and was too much to handle. The Tour is awesome. I have not touched my PT346.2 since the first hit with the Gravity Tour

I am using MSV Focus Hex 127 on top of RPM rough 125 and Lynx Tour 120 on top or RPM Rough. Was considering MSV 123, but it appears to be the same as Lynx Tour 120 according to a few people I know have used them both. In any case, I like the low power of MSV and RPM in the slightly more powerful Tour. It allows me to swing out for spin.

I definitely wouldn't call the V1 Tour stiff. it is a nice smooth ride. I think it just may have more firmness in the hoop vs the Pro is all.

 

[dr325i]

I am using MSV Focus Hex 127 on top of RPM rough 125 and Lynx Tour 120 on top or RPM Rough. Was considering MSV 123, but it appears to be the same as Lynx Tour 120 according to a few people I know have used them both. In any case, I like the low power of MSV and RPM in the slightly more powerful Tour. It allows me to swing out for spin.

I definitely wouldn't call the V1 Tour stiff. it is a nice smooth ride. I think it just may have more firmness in the hoop vs the Pro is all.

The Auxetic Tour is a pure plushness. Extremely comfortable frame. To me, it feels more plush than the Auxetic Gravity Pro I tested

 

[Deleted member 775108]

@dr325i and anyone else who has experience with the IG Youtek Speed MP 315 18x20...

I ended up finding this frame for a price I couldn't refuse. Do you remember hitting it in the past? The shape, beam and string pattern seems to have carried over to the Gravity Pro. Do you have any comments on it?

Thanks!

 

[dr325i]

@dr325i and anyone else who has experience with the IG Youtek Speed MP 315 18x20...

I ended up finding this frame for a price I couldn't refuse. Do you remember hitting it in the past? The shape, beam and string pattern seems to have carried over to the Gravity Pro. Do you have any comments on it?

Thanks!

Awesome racket.
Very similar mold to the Gravity Pro. 20mm beam. Different string channel ending.
The IG Speed MP 315 had non-parallel drill pattern, while the Gravity pro has a parallel drill pattern.
Also, the layups are different between the two.

 

[NickJ]

Have got a 1st Gen Gravity Pro and as much as I liked it, I just still was on the hunt for something else, something . . . better. Dabbled with the 360+ Speed Pro but always went back to my trusty DR98 for matches. But ordered the new Auxetic Gravity Tour, strung with PolyTourPro at 48lbs and played a club tournament final with it last night. Holy Cow, it's awesome. May have just found my new 'go-to' racquet.

 

[Vaust]

Have got a 1st Gen Gravity Pro and as much as I liked it, I just still was on the hunt for something else, something . . . better. Dabbled with the 360+ Speed Pro but always went back to my trusty DR98 for matches. But ordered the new Auxetic Gravity Tour, strung with PolyTourPro at 48lbs and played a club tournament final with it last night. Holy Cow, it's awesome. May have just found my new 'go-to' racquet.

Care to elaborate?.

 

[NickJ]

Care to elaborate?.

I'm a self confessed Nerd, I have about 70+ racquets, ironic really as I play less now than when i did when in my 20s & 30s. I'm now 50 and have 4yr daughter who I prefer to spend time with. Anyway, for years used the ProStaff 6.0 95 and nothing, NOTHING felt as good. But with advancing age and an arm injury from lifting a suitcase awkwardly when on holiday I needed something else. The ProStaff was too stiff and it was killing me. Tested various but eventually wound up with the Yonex DR98 and it still is lovely. But the constant thought in my mind, can I find something that felt as good as the ProStaff? Thought I'd found it on the 1st Gen Gravity Pro, but it felt unstable on volleys. I'd been so used to 95s and then 97/98s that the wider 100 felt like it wobbled when it wasn't being hit dead centre, even with the claimed 'massive sweet-spot'. Tried adding lead at 3 & 9, but it was in my head, I wasn't happy.
Then Head released the Auxetic 'tech' which received good reviews so I thought wait it out until the Gravity version. Then, which model? I'd bought in a sale the 360+ Speed Pro and was happy with that as I liked the thicker beam, giving me a bit more power. Eventually plumped for the Grav Tour as heavier than the MP so wouldn't get pushed around, thicker beam than the Pro and still with 18/20 pattern. Sticking with my usual strings PolyTourPro but lowered the tension from my usual 50lbs to 48lbs and hitting with it first time the other night, it felt lovely. Was getting excellent ball pocketing, very similar to my old ProStaff days, power from the thicker beam & lower tension, but retaining control with the 18/20 string pattern.
In all, I think my search is over . . . . for now.

 

[WYK]

I was just talking to Wagan, and it occurred to me discussing the Pro vs the Tour the nature of the two.
The Tour is basically a Blade on steroids. It does the spinny modern thing rather well, and is light enough to be easily modded.
The Pro is basically a Prestige on steroids. It has the feels, prefers a flatter style to the Tour, asks more of it's user.
And in this day and age of more power and spin, it makes sense that 18X20 patterns would evolve this way.

 

[Blade_X]

I was just talking to Wagan, and it occurred to me discussing the Pro vs the Tour the nature of the two.
The Tour is basically a Blade on steroids. It does the spinny modern thing rather well, and is light enough to be easily modded.
The Pro is basically a Prestige on steroids. It has the feels, prefers a flatter style to the Tour, asks more of it's user.
And in this day and age of more power and spin, it makes sense that 18X20 patterns would evolve this way.

Yes and no. Gravity tour plays like a more forgiving blade. But i wouldn’t say it offers more power than a 18x20 blade

 

[WYK]

Yes and no. Gravity tour plays like a more forgiving blade. But i wouldn’t say it offers more power than a 18x20 blade

I don't have a v8, but I do have a v1 v4 v5 v6 and v7 Blade. I would not only say the Tour has more spin and power on tap than those 18X20's, but noticeably more.
The trade-off is the 18X20 blade definitely has more control than the Gravity Tour.
Now, the Gravity Pro might be closer to the 18X20 Blade in power and feel, but I still give the control to the Blade here.
Having said all that, I also would say the Gravity Pro feels more like a Blade than the Tour. Talking just the feel here.

BTW, used Tours are going very cheaply now on TWE.

 

[NickJ]

I tried a kFactor Blade years & years ago. Didn't like it. Might have been the strings in it but wasn't for me. Never touched one since!

 

[Vaust]

I'm a self confessed Nerd, I have about 70+ racquets, ironic really as I play less now than when i did when in my 20s & 30s. I'm now 50 and have 4yr daughter who I prefer to spend time with. Anyway, for years used the ProStaff 6.0 95 and nothing, NOTHING felt as good. But with advancing age and an arm injury from lifting a suitcase awkwardly when on holiday I needed something else. The ProStaff was too stiff and it was killing me. Tested various but eventually wound up with the Yonex DR98 and it still is lovely. But the constant thought in my mind, can I find something that felt as good as the ProStaff? Thought I'd found it on the 1st Gen Gravity Pro, but it felt unstable on volleys. I'd been so used to 95s and then 97/98s that the wider 100 felt like it wobbled when it wasn't being hit dead centre, even with the claimed 'massive sweet-spot'. Tried adding lead at 3 & 9, but it was in my head, I wasn't happy.
Then Head released the Auxetic 'tech' which received good reviews so I thought wait it out until the Gravity version. Then, which model? I'd bought in a sale the 360+ Speed Pro and was happy with that as I liked the thicker beam, giving me a bit more power. Eventually plumped for the Grav Tour as heavier than the MP so wouldn't get pushed around, thicker beam than the Pro and still with 18/20 pattern. Sticking with my usual strings PolyTourPro but lowered the tension from my usual 50lbs to 48lbs and hitting with it first time the other night, it felt lovely. Was getting excellent ball pocketing, very similar to my old ProStaff days, power from the thicker beam & lower tension, but retaining control with the 18/20 string pattern.
In all, I think my search is over . . . . for now.

Thanks for explaining in such a lengthy post. You got tons of rackets. Did you play tour stock/mods ?.

 

[rafafan20]

Copying from the main Gravity thread:

Anyone hit the Auxetic Gravity Tour that can compare to the previous version? I will be in Europe in July and wondering if I should buy/upgrade sight unseen or just stick with the old version. I am too attached to the racket to ever switch, so seems like I should pick up at least 1 unless people either think the racket stinks or is amazing (and should do a full replace). There aren't many reviews online.

 

[NickJ]

Thanks for explaining in such a lengthy post. You got tons of rackets. Did you play tour stock/mods ?.

No probs! I have just the one pro stock, a Head Prestige Microgel MP (see pics). All my others are just stock/retail frames that occasionally I'll play around with & customise but I prefer to try & leave the frame as it is and fiddle with strings & tensions to achieve what i want. I nearly always add a leather grip with overgrip to get them slightly more headlight.

 

[Vaust]

No probs! I have just the one pro stock, a Head Prestige Microgel MP (see pics). All my others are just stock/retail frames that occasionally I'll play around with & customise but I prefer to try & leave the frame as it is and fiddle with strings & tensions to achieve what i want. I nearly always add a leather grip with overgrip to get them slightly more headlight.

Sweet frame. Would you go for underspec gpro or just gtour?. Am still debating, tried the gpro with 335sw. Used to own a gtour 360+. I have to say i liked the gpro aux feeling alot.

 

[Casper777]

Sweet frame. Would you go for underspec gpro or just gtour?. Am still debating, tried the gpro with 335sw. Used to own a gtour 360+. I have to say i liked the gpro aux feeling alot.

I have both. On specs Tour and slightly underspecs Pro... I still prefer the Tour, as it's whippier and easier to get spin and power...

I have the feeling that going too light with the Pro is even worse... the thin beam, low flex and tight pattern NEED a higher swingweigh, to get any decent power...

Or else you have to be a monster to use it...

 

[Casper777]

What are the strings you prefer with this one?

Round or shaped?

Will definitely try some Game Changer on this one... first it's a heavy string and it will add some SW points (definitely thicker than 120). And it will make it a bit easier to get som spin out of this one...

For reference, the mains are spaced the same way than my TF40 16x19 in the contact zone (think the 8-10 center mains). The crosses are a bit tighter though...

I would have liked a 18x19 pattern for the Tour. It would have been a nice trannsition between the 16x20 of the MP and the 18x20 of the Pro!

 

[t_pac]

I’ve been hitting with the Gravity Tour (Auxetic) for a week now and really like the frame. Amazing layup (plush with a great feedback), great size sweet spot.
Mine are 27.1” (though, such a soft frame that the guy in the mains “squashed” it to 27” when strung). 336g strung with overgrip, 332SW, 31.8cm strung balance, gut/Hawk rough setup.
Love the 18x20 string pattern and control and spin offering

@dr325i

Love gut/poly in the Gravity Tour - out of interest what tension are you using?