teachingprotx
Legend
I finally have settled on the Head Club Pro.. Thank god for this frame..
Have you managed to end your racquetholism? Please share your advices
- Thread starter DonDiego
- Start date
teachingprotx
Legend
Smalahove completely nailed the perfect literature above. I couldn't agree 1,000000000000000 % more..that's exactly it.. If it compliments your greatness and slightly diminishes your weakness buy 20 of them..
And if you get bored then sand em and flat primer them.. That's what I've done.. I've never received more attention and compliments from my rackets before
And if you get bored then sand em and flat primer them.. That's what I've done.. I've never received more attention and compliments from my rackets before
DonDiego
Hall of Fame
I think it's time to make a distinction here, between ''collectors'' and ''switchers''. I switch, which means I get rid of the frame that doesn't work for me anymore (or rather, that I lost with last night) and go for a different one. I sell or I trade, but almost always at a loss. I never possess more than 3-4 frames. I guess us ''switchers'' are a worst breed of racquetholics, because at least the ''collectors'' have many frames to show for at the end of the day.
TinTin 1
Professional
I tried that, now obsessed with both...
Vanhalen
Professional
Never heard of this frame.
coolschreiber
Hall of Fame
haha perfect categorization!
Reinholds
New User
Holly grail is customization. What you need is good base frame. I'd say for most players it's 16X19 @95-100sq.in frame at around 300g. I found that Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 is great frame to start with. Don't feed the companies by buying new frames, find one that is good start and customize **** out of it! Your game and your stick, the one on shelf is just a product 
Bigfoot Fault
New User
Not to step into the crazy thread just to call everyone crazy, but there are a lot of posts in this thread that are basically "I liked a racket, then one time I lost with it, so now I need a new racket."
I personally think strings and tension are much more valuable to obsess over than the racket, but I've got my own different kind of crazy to deal with. Plus, obviously, the old adage about "it's a poor worker than blames his tools." I remember watching a guy beat 3.5s with a racket he bought at wal mart for $12 (and he had better strokes than they did) and realizing "maybe I'm over thinking this."
I personally think strings and tension are much more valuable to obsess over than the racket, but I've got my own different kind of crazy to deal with. Plus, obviously, the old adage about "it's a poor worker than blames his tools." I remember watching a guy beat 3.5s with a racket he bought at wal mart for $12 (and he had better strokes than they did) and realizing "maybe I'm over thinking this."
teachingprotx
Legend
The head club pro is an ooooooooold vintage 80's frame super noodles.. Most people hate it.. Which is weird because I used to too...I'm with tin tin.. Now that I've found "the Grail" now I'm just obsessed about the g$& da$& strings.. But I love the quest.. I love it.. My gal.. That's another story..
n8dawg6
Legend
heresy!
Chingoo1255
Rookie
One thing thats for sure is the racket prices today. I had to sit down and catch my breath when I saw the new prices for the Burn. I might not be able to stop buying rackets on my own but with the new pricing strategy I'm gonna be able to finally control myself
J
joohan
Guest
Second that. On one hand, there certainly are more expensive hobbies than tennis but on the other...it really makes me not want to buy new frames for retail prices.
jonestim
Hall of Fame
A friend of mine has a daughter that is into Irish dancing. Once kids get good enough the competition dresses are $700+. One of the other kids had a $1600 dress that she got to wear twice before she outgrew it. Ouch.
J
joohan
Guest
Yes. Well its similar with kids playing competitive tennis, I believe. Clothes, shoes, racquets, stringing, training sessions, tournaments, traveling. Nothing like I am used to...one football, one cleats for one season and driving to and from the training sessions...regarding that, 200 bucks for one frame is a bit too much for me psychologically.
lwto
Hall of Fame
Once you realize that it isn't about new, or how nice it looks or how much TW thinks it's good or how pretty it is.
Once you realize that it's all about what makes you happy, no matter what it is and only then can you stop worrying about how another racquet will make you the greatest.
After Wilson finished production on the Npro 98, I started using the Blade, then went all over the place and finally I realized that I really liked what the Npro 98 gave. So I bought one on that place and it was great as if a whole new world of tennis just opened up for me. Sure the Ncode technology was old but that doesn't matter cause I liked it. I liked it so much I bought everyone I could find and then updated them, they were old so I added my touch to them and made them my own.
Now, not only do I like how they play, but I've made them my own and think they are the best looking racquets out there...well I'm biased.
Once you realize that it's all about what makes you happy, no matter what it is and only then can you stop worrying about how another racquet will make you the greatest.
After Wilson finished production on the Npro 98, I started using the Blade, then went all over the place and finally I realized that I really liked what the Npro 98 gave. So I bought one on that place and it was great as if a whole new world of tennis just opened up for me. Sure the Ncode technology was old but that doesn't matter cause I liked it. I liked it so much I bought everyone I could find and then updated them, they were old so I added my touch to them and made them my own.
Now, not only do I like how they play, but I've made them my own and think they are the best looking racquets out there...well I'm biased.
Christian Olsson
Professional
Holly grail is customization. What you need is good base frame. I'd say for most players it's 16X19 @95-100sq.in frame at around 300g. I found that Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 is great frame to start with. Don't feed the companies by buying new frames, find one that is good start and customize **** out of it! Your game and your stick, the one on shelf is just a product
Couldn't have said it better!!
My choice is the Volkl super g 10 295 gram version. Coolest paint job IMO. Very nice frame with big sweetspot, fits me just so nice like the last piece of a puzzle. 3+3 grams lead at 10/2 gives 333 sw and it feels just so sweet on impact!
Once you start customising you can't go back!!
A
Attila_the_gorilla
Guest
Was just gonna post something similar. Decide on string pattern and flex, and buy rackets that are light enough to customize. That's all there is to it.Holly grail is customization. What you need is good base frame. I'd say for most players it's 16X19 @95-100sq.in frame at around 300g. I found that Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 is great frame to start with. Don't feed the companies by buying new frames, find one that is good start and customize **** out of it! Your game and your stick, the one on shelf is just a product
Reinholds
New User
What is your experience with Volkl? What is the feel of the frame? Unfortunately Babolat is canceling the Pure Strike for next year and knowing my temperament I would finish my rackets pretty fast, so I'm looking for some brand that doesn't kill their products just after single season
Christian Olsson
Professional
What is your experience with Volkl? What is the feel of the frame? Unfortunately Babolat is canceling the Pure Strike for next year and knowing my temperament I would finish my rackets pretty fast, so I'm looking for some brand that doesn't kill their products just after single season
I´ve only had it for a month but so far... The feel is quite unique, although it´s 30 years ago since i had my wonderful Völkl Top Diagonal there´s still that plushness but with some crispness still. Hard to explain, it´s like taking out the harshness but not the feel of the racquet. I love the Volkl feel!! This one has already rivaled and kicked my Radical big time in volley feel and precision. And i´m not even totally settled in on it yet. Try it with lead at 9/3 or 10/2. The 325 version is plushness in a frame in spades... But I think it´s better to buy a light frame and customise it to preferred specs.
The other Volkls in the range like the SG10 mid... well i´m not too fond of the 70 RA although it´s like they say a very precise racquet and maybe after a couple stringing sessions it may give a bit, definitely a frame you don´t want to go high with polys, stay in the 40´s tension wise with a soft poy, At 65 RA the SG10 295 is very stable but still with some flex for feel. IMO the most balanced racquet for me at least. They update their lines every three years but often subtle changes. I think it could be a good pure strike alternative. There´s some inherent power in the frame, not too low powered at all.
Bigfoot Fault
New User
I've been using this stick and really like it. But then I had to know what the 18x20 felt like.
...There I went shopping again...
Reinholds
New User
Thank you Christian,
That is exact feel I'm looking for. I was super fund to play with those 74RA frames like Pure Drive / AeroDrive, but once I got my own power I want something that reacts crispy but allows me to feel the ball and the direction it will go. Pure Strike does it really well, it's 65RA, pretty dense 16x19 and 98sq. Your suggested Volkl Super G 10 295g looks spot on. I'm right now using Alu Power Spin at 46/48 in the Pure Strike. What tensions would you run full poly bed in G10? I love that it's just 1HL frame, so with little lead on head, I just need to add some meat on the handle and it should get to my favourite 4HL. What is this grip dampening system Volkl talking about? How does it work?
Thanks man, you're really helping me out!
Christian Olsson
Professional
Thank you Christian,
That is exact feel I'm looking for. I was super fund to play with those 74RA frames like Pure Drive / AeroDrive, but once I got my own power I want something that reacts crispy but allows me to feel the ball and the direction it will go. Pure Strike does it really well, it's 65RA, pretty dense 16x19 and 98sq. Your suggested Volkl Super G 10 295g looks spot on. I'm right now using Alu Power Spin at 46/48 in the Pure Strike. What tensions would you run full poly bed in G10? I love that it's just 1HL frame, so with little lead on head, I just need to add some meat on the handle and it should get to my favourite 4HL. What is this grip dampening system Volkl talking about? How does it work?
Thanks man, you're really helping me out!
thanks! Grip dampening is a pin in the handle that acts as a counter vibration dampener. Works wonders! I have my racquets strung with a copoly at 45 lbs. got cyclone 18 right now and that is a tad powerful. Might go back to 17 gauge. Good luck testing! I only got the 10-2 3+3 gram now. No weight in the handle. Gonna try 10 gram there though today.
asifallasleep
Hall of Fame
I so want to quit so bad, lol. Gone thru most modern frames and am now doing the same with older frames. I must be stopped!!!
Reinholds
New User
Thanks man, I'll give it a go, I just need to find a local Volkl dealer!
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Started using PCG 100 last summer.
I have sold my other rackets
Same! Well, not all of them, but most of them The PCG 100 really is the sweet spot of doing everything well and having no glaring holes that make me itchy to try other frames.
Now, I might be singing a different tune in a few months but so far the PCG has solved my addiction. I even sold my PS 90!
junior74
Bionic Poster
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Cool to hear it´s working out for you, man!
Welcome to the club
Haven't looked in a while, is there a club thread where we all reside?
junior74
Bionic Poster
There is, but there´s very limited activity. I think PCG-users make a small and happy community
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/the-pog-100-club-std-and-lb.507960/
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
There is, but there´s very limited activity. I think PCG-users make a small and happy community
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/the-pog-100-club-std-and-lb.507960/
Awesome!
n8dawg6
Legend
it really is a great frame. i've just fallen victim to lighter frames and polarization.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Don't fall to the dark side
chizzle
Rookie
Holly grail is customization. What you need is good base frame. I'd say for most players it's 16X19 @95-100sq.in frame at around 300g. I found that Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 is great frame to start with. Don't feed the companies by buying new frames, find one that is good start and customize **** out of it! Your game and your stick, the one on shelf is just a product
Add me to this line of thought as well. I may have found mine (grail and platform frame), and I'd be surprised if there weren't plenty of others who have found this to a great platform stick:
Graphene Prestige S: 10.8oz unstrung, Flex of 62 (check), 16/19 pattern, constant 22mm beam:
Leather Grip, plus lead under the cap comes out to be (strung):
12.1 oz/343 static weight (strung),
SW of 350
Lux BBO strung at 52
When you get to changing sticks so often, customizing them becomes a forgotten tool and compounds the problem bc it can devalue the racquet (it's important to resell them at their stock specs)... So every month or two, you grab a demo and try it (or buy a new/used one)... and go out and play with it. Play well enough with it. Or if you lose with it, its "still a sweet stick" so you stick with it for the wrong reason. The first step is to admit you're trying to be something you're not....... The second step, trade your racquet habit for other economical ones: using diff color strings/overgrips and every once in a while some new tennis clothes/shoes...
I'm sure the XT Prestige S would do the trick as well. But the Graphenes are on $ale.
Maybe I can change my signature finally
Anton
Legend
But why do you US people have to buy so many frames when you have such a great demo program at TW?
For me:
1. I need more time with each racket. I may need to try different string setup, weight adjustments etc. At least a month to come to a conclusion...
2. You can always re-sell racket and probably not lose much more than $20 demo costs (if you bought used)
The_Racketeer
Professional
Well I thought I had my racketholism under control. Found a brilliant racquet that I play better with than anything else (TC95). And yet...
I keep feeling the pull of its brother the TC97. And the Prince Textreme 100P is so appealing too. Haven't hit with either yet but I plan on getting a demo of the 100P soon.
Anyone have any input?
I keep feeling the pull of its brother the TC97. And the Prince Textreme 100P is so appealing too. Haven't hit with either yet but I plan on getting a demo of the 100P soon.
Anyone have any input?
graycrait
Legend
I wish I had started hitting with the PCG 107 earlier, seeing it has been discontinued and no more grommets. Just gave three Blades away to a young guy, should have traded them for PCGs but the "kid" wants to get better and the Walmart rackets with 4&1/4 grips weren't working for him in my opinion. With as many POG/PCG107s out there I suspect I'll be able to snag a couple off **** every 5 yrs or so.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Pick solid well made racquets with no obvious flaws then groove with them. Angell TC95 for me, details: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/angell-tc95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/
Stretchy Man
Professional
I'll be cured once I've tried every arm-friendly racquet out there. I hope.
FluidTennis
Rookie
It's probably been said before but here's a good way:
Stay off this forum so you stop hearing about other players gushing about how amazing their racket is and how it's making them play their best tennis ever.
And you also stop hearing about people complaining about the racquet you own and how it's not working for them.
Stay off this forum so you stop hearing about other players gushing about how amazing their racket is and how it's making them play their best tennis ever.
And you also stop hearing about people complaining about the racquet you own and how it's not working for them.
Chuonfood
Semi-Pro
It takes will and realization. You have to get in your mind that it's really not about how good the racket is, but about how good you can get with a racket alone. So pick a racquet and stick with it. That's the secret.
Once you get there, you will sell all of the rackets you've collected and not visit the Racquets section in this forum.
Once you get there, you will sell all of the rackets you've collected and not visit the Racquets section in this forum.
DonDiego
Hall of Fame
It's been a few weeks since I posted, and I'm proud to say that I'm making some progress (well, sort of...): I decided I would finally join the better breed of racquetholics, namely the ''collectors''. I was really tired of going back and forth to the tennis shop to trade racquets (or even worse, going through the pain of buying / shipping used racquets online). And since the racquets I like are rather old models (used), and the store would trade/sell them to me for cheap, I've decided to get all the racquets I've once liked very much. And if I want to switch, I'll go in my basement instead of spending money on gas or shipping fees.
So now I've got: 2x Microgel Prestige MP, 2x Yonex RdiS 100 Mid, 2x Wilson Blade 98 (2010), 2x Wilson Pro Open, 2x Yonex Vcore 98D. A pair of each, all matched within a 2 grams difference. I can switch from heavy to light racquets, thin beam to thick beam, mid size to 100 inch, low swingweight to high swingweight, etc. I'm covering a good part of the racquet spectrum. This should keep me in check for a while...
The key here is NOT to sell all the others if I suddenly think I found my ''holy grail''. Just let them eat dust until/if I change my mind.
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JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
Lol, that is what I have been doing. The tennis shop is in the basement, and I can demo as long as I want!! It's way easier to just keep all of your frames. I will only sell something off, if I am positive I will never use it again (Prince speedport red or O3 red, or anything with Prince and Red in the same title) Plus bringing them all up to spec, makes it so much easier to switch frames. I now just pick the one that looks the best to me that day.
kailash
Hall of Fame
Can understand it as a fellow RAA member
Demoing will help. Don't know about TC97, but 100P should be available easily for demoing (+ other pulls)!
