I'll confuse you even further
For a longer frame to feel about the same as a shorter one, it would need to be a bit stiffer (in layup terms) as the longer lever would flex more then a shorter one. Thus, Isner's longer frame actually might be softer over all then retail.
Now, very shortly after acquiring the pro, I actually shortened it to regular 27", as I couldn't get along with SW and balance of the extra length. Funny enough, if I remember correctly, I liked the feel better after the surgery, as well as better then the retail ones. I attributed the later to the PU handle...
As for the PU handles, I'm pretty sure that the retail reissues had those, not the rubber.
Clones... Well, the Whites resamble the APD way more then PD. In reality, they are not clones of anything - the port technology is so unique that it stands in a league of it's own. It's safe for the tendons, try it, you might like it.
They are still my best serving frames and very easy to play with. The only reason I abandoned them for "light player's frames" was my search for lower ball trajectory.
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