JackB1
G.O.A.T.
The regular Warrior and the Pro are both 300 grams unstrung.
JackB1's 11oz Racquet Corner
- Thread starter JackB1
- Start date
The regular Warrior and the Pro are both 300 grams unstrung.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
OK, so here's what's happening lately.....
I have been using the Volkl Organix 4 and loving it! I wanted to go to a lighter, bigger and more powerful racquet and this one may be the ticket. It's light but doesn't "feel" light. It's big (105") but doesn't "feel" big. And the power is good, but I wouldn't call it uncontrollable at all. I have Psycho hybrid in it at 52/54 and it's perfect.
This racquet gives you a lot of extra help while still playing and feeling like a "kinda-player's" racquet. In the summer especially, I need the extra pop and size, since my footwork gets even sloppier when the temps get up over 90. The racquet also is very comfortable and has that nice "in between" stiffness of 65...not flexy and not stiff.
Long story short....I am selling my Warrior Pro's and sticking with this trend. I also have a couple Head Radical S's to test, but I haven't been able to put down the X4's yet. Don't know if I will even crack the seal on the Head's???
I have been using the Volkl Organix 4 and loving it! I wanted to go to a lighter, bigger and more powerful racquet and this one may be the ticket. It's light but doesn't "feel" light. It's big (105") but doesn't "feel" big. And the power is good, but I wouldn't call it uncontrollable at all. I have Psycho hybrid in it at 52/54 and it's perfect.
This racquet gives you a lot of extra help while still playing and feeling like a "kinda-player's" racquet. In the summer especially, I need the extra pop and size, since my footwork gets even sloppier when the temps get up over 90. The racquet also is very comfortable and has that nice "in between" stiffness of 65...not flexy and not stiff.
Long story short....I am selling my Warrior Pro's and sticking with this trend. I also have a couple Head Radical S's to test, but I haven't been able to put down the X4's yet. Don't know if I will even crack the seal on the Head's???
danbrenner
Legend
The X4 looks like a nice stick. Beefy and comfy. i hope it works out. Is it still keeping you interested. I am going to demo some Tecnifibres this week. I have high hopes for the new Tflash300. Seems right up my alley.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Yes I am still enjoying the X4. No downsides really, except for getting used to the extra 1/2", but that is really a non issue. It comes in very handy when chasing down balls on the run or reaching for that overhead. I really have no interest in going back to anything <100" or any of the "playerish" racquets I have used in the past.
I know but those Slaz paint jobs are butt ugly
Just purchased x 3 Slazenger V100 Tours for $25 each from TW for one of my sons who is transitioning to an adult racquet in the next 48 months. They are actually a really nice racquet, not at all harsh or tinny as the specs would suggest. The paintjob is actually really nice, very understated black and orange.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Problem with Slazenger's or even Dunlop's, is that if you aren't 100% sure you are keeping them, you will have to practically give them away when you decide to let them go. If you are a frequent buyer/seller like me, you are best off sticking with the name brands.
Agree with two things: 1) Unloading a Slaz racquet will be a give-it-away proposition, and 2) the Slaz V-series racquets were very underrated.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
The M 4.0 has the same feel that the M 3.0 and other current Dunlop's have. It's a "different" feel that is hard to explain. It's a crisp, slightly stiff feel. If you have hit with any of the recent Dunlop's you know what I mean. I would say the AI 100 is better for spin and pockets better than the Dunlop. The AI 100 has a much more muted feel, whereas the M 4.0 is much more crisp. They both have similar power and control, but I would say the M 4.0 is more controlling.
True that, but at $25 a piece, there isn't that much of a loss to make.
But the V100 Tours are a really comfy hit for the stiffness ratings they are supposed to have. Extremely underrated.
I used to be very spendthrift when it came to racquets, and I never stuck with any before the Volkl V1 Classic, which with my little mods is about 11.5. It does everything well enough to make me stop worrying about a racquet's supposed or real attributes, and just focus on playing.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Seems like you're pretty happy with just about any racket in the tweeter category these days Jack.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
True dat
I am all about "ease of use" these days
Watching my own videos made me realize how compact my swing is and how bad my footwork and form can be, so I am more realistic now about my racquet choices.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
True dat
I am all about "ease of use" these days
Watching my own videos made me realize how compact my swing is and how bad my footwork and form can be, so I am more realistic now about my racquet choices.
It's nice to know what works for you. I just had a 4 hour hit yesterday with a few mids and threw the apd+ into the demo just because. Honestly, I like every single one of these rackets so much that I'd be really happy to switch to any of them. Not that I should be using a mid...but I just like the response so much.
BlueB
Legend
I experimented with a mid recently, a most random frame - PK Graphite Summit, 90sqin head... Strung Rip/Sonic 60/40. Love the "feel" of it...
I hit some monster forhands with it, as well as crack forhand serve returns. Backand can be equaly deadly, when lined up, but... I shank way too many. First serves were great too, sketchy 2nds. Couldn't voley rat's *** with it...
Coming back to 100sqin felt a bit less precise but soo much easier.
I hit some monster forhands with it, as well as crack forhand serve returns. Backand can be equaly deadly, when lined up, but... I shank way too many. First serves were great too, sketchy 2nds. Couldn't voley rat's *** with it...
Coming back to 100sqin felt a bit less precise but soo much easier.
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MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I can appreciate both types of frames. I don't shank much anymore with any frames, but the sweet spot is definitely smaller with a mid and requires you to hit through the shot every time. I'm actually enjoying it a lot. It's helping me lose a few lbs
Still love the tweener category, especially this apd+ that I'm demoing.
On a side note, i really like the babooat PHT that's in the apd. Really good fit for this frame.
BC1
Professional
Very similar in ease-of-use. AI 100 I feels more dampened and muted. APD 2013 feels slightly stiffer, but I feel better connected with the APD. For me control is also better with the APD. Both are great rackets it all comes down to personal preference and the feeling you're looking for. I played with the XI 100 for the past year and a half, and I believe I like that better than the new AI version. However I just switched to the APD 2013 and I'm loving it right now. As with all of these rackets, the right string set-up is everything and can totally change the way the racquet feels and plays.
(JackB1, I've been enjoying this thread. Keep it up)
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JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Update......
still loving the Organix 4 and it's been over 2 month's now. I can't argue with the results...had 2 of my best singles seasons yet and haven't been tempted by other racquets lately.
I played against a guy that served very hard the other day....so fast that it was impossible to tell in or out when they were close to the service line. Must have been around 100-110 mph. Anyway, the Organix 4 was fine blocking or chippong back serves and wasn't unstable at all. I think it weighs around 310 grams strung. All this nonsense about lighter racquets getting "pushed around" all the time is mostly mental IMO.
One racquet I did check out this past week and liked a lot was the new Graphene Extreme. The Lite and the MP were very nice racquets. Both light and quick, but both felt quite solid.
still loving the Organix 4 and it's been over 2 month's now. I can't argue with the results...had 2 of my best singles seasons yet and haven't been tempted by other racquets lately.
I played against a guy that served very hard the other day....so fast that it was impossible to tell in or out when they were close to the service line. Must have been around 100-110 mph. Anyway, the Organix 4 was fine blocking or chippong back serves and wasn't unstable at all. I think it weighs around 310 grams strung. All this nonsense about lighter racquets getting "pushed around" all the time is mostly mental IMO.
One racquet I did check out this past week and liked a lot was the new Graphene Extreme. The Lite and the MP were very nice racquets. Both light and quick, but both felt quite solid.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
The X4 is indeed very similar to the Blade 104. Both still retain a "playerish" feel and aren't high powered racquets. The X4 has a bit more power than the Blade 104, but not too much. I loved the Blade 104 and had really nothing bad to say about it. Highly recommend both.
"Being pushed around"....
I find that rather strange, also.
Even hitting with real 5.5's, I don't get "pushed around" until I start hitting defensively, and they are standing atop the baseline crushing balls because I gave them weak nothing balls to hit.
On ROS, some flat serves do bother me, like it does you. 110 is a fast serve, and 110 with some spin makes it tougher. Key here is to get a solid base, never retreat, and never lean back.
I find that rather strange, also.
Even hitting with real 5.5's, I don't get "pushed around" until I start hitting defensively, and they are standing atop the baseline crushing balls because I gave them weak nothing balls to hit.
On ROS, some flat serves do bother me, like it does you. 110 is a fast serve, and 110 with some spin makes it tougher. Key here is to get a solid base, never retreat, and never lean back.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
here is your new bestest 11 oz rackets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nobj5QJtLP0&index=2&list=UU1uGsaTByoJCj7tJz23eVOw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nobj5QJtLP0&index=2&list=UU1uGsaTByoJCj7tJz23eVOw
RollTrackTake
Professional
Thought I would add something to the corner with my initial impressions of the Tecnifibre T Flash 300 Tour Prepared. Got this racquet in a trade mainly because I haven't read much about it and I didn't get many offers. I assume TW's lukewarm review and tecnifibre's low profile are the main factors.
Racquet: T Flash 300 TP strung with Volkl V Torque at 60lbs
Main racquet: Steam 99 S strung w/V Torque or Tour Bite @ 56 - 58 lbs
The T Flash 300 came in at 10.7 unstrung. 11.4 strung with damp.
Cosmetics look really good with the black with yellow accents. The finish is top notch.
Played 8 hours over this weekend. 6 singles 2hrs dubs.
let me say first that I strung this racquet way too tight. I string my open pattern frames in the upper 50's and this ended up at 60 (tension set to 58) according to racquet tune. Will string it around 50lbs next week.
Groundstrokes: 8/10. Nice feel hitting from the baseline. Plentiful spin was there with a pretty open 16/19. Sweetspot felt ample. Power level was tamped down by the high tension but still was able to get good power when I took a full cut. When hitting a rally ball at 75% or so it felt like it lacked a solid feeling (hollow) and good zip on the ball. I'm hoping a lower tension will mitigate this somewhat. I faced a few guys who hit the ball hard at times but no consistent hard hitters. I didn't feel any more instability than any other 11oz racquet. IIRC the Donnay Formula 100 and the APDGT were the most stable I tried so I'd say the t flash 300 was a notch below them.
Serves: 7/10. nothing special here. Felt good coming through the air, not too light or too heavy. I was able to hit the lines really well which got me a few aces but pace was lacking a bit and didn't make most of my opponents cough up short returns. Again, will not pass final judgement until it's restrung.
Volleys: 7/10. really maneuverable with its sub 320 swing weight. Was able to put away overheads as normal. Could punch or knife volleys fine. Touch volleys were below par but for me it always takes a few weeks to get those right with a new racquet. For me it's all about quickness at the net and the T Flash was better than my Steam 99S in that regard.
Returning Serve: 8/10. liked the T flash on returns. Faced a couple guys with good flat serves and it stood up to those 90% of the time unless I missed high in the hoop. Did not sense the instability mentioned in the TW review.
I was initially worried about the 72 stiffness rating. But I found it comfortable so far. I'm guessing the silicone incorporated into the handle works to a degree. I'm aware it could take a few weeks for the effects to really hit my elbow so I'll be on the lookout.
I really like the maneuverability and twhat I'm hoping will be a power level somewhere between a Pure Drive and a Becker London.
My biggest dislike is how dead it feels high in the hoop. Thinking of adding a little bit of lead to open up the sweetspot. Not sure if I should place the lead at 10 & 2, noon or 11 & 1.
Racquet: T Flash 300 TP strung with Volkl V Torque at 60lbs
Main racquet: Steam 99 S strung w/V Torque or Tour Bite @ 56 - 58 lbs
The T Flash 300 came in at 10.7 unstrung. 11.4 strung with damp.
Cosmetics look really good with the black with yellow accents. The finish is top notch.
Played 8 hours over this weekend. 6 singles 2hrs dubs.
let me say first that I strung this racquet way too tight. I string my open pattern frames in the upper 50's and this ended up at 60 (tension set to 58) according to racquet tune. Will string it around 50lbs next week.
Groundstrokes: 8/10. Nice feel hitting from the baseline. Plentiful spin was there with a pretty open 16/19. Sweetspot felt ample. Power level was tamped down by the high tension but still was able to get good power when I took a full cut. When hitting a rally ball at 75% or so it felt like it lacked a solid feeling (hollow) and good zip on the ball. I'm hoping a lower tension will mitigate this somewhat. I faced a few guys who hit the ball hard at times but no consistent hard hitters. I didn't feel any more instability than any other 11oz racquet. IIRC the Donnay Formula 100 and the APDGT were the most stable I tried so I'd say the t flash 300 was a notch below them.
Serves: 7/10. nothing special here. Felt good coming through the air, not too light or too heavy. I was able to hit the lines really well which got me a few aces but pace was lacking a bit and didn't make most of my opponents cough up short returns. Again, will not pass final judgement until it's restrung.
Volleys: 7/10. really maneuverable with its sub 320 swing weight. Was able to put away overheads as normal. Could punch or knife volleys fine. Touch volleys were below par but for me it always takes a few weeks to get those right with a new racquet. For me it's all about quickness at the net and the T Flash was better than my Steam 99S in that regard.
Returning Serve: 8/10. liked the T flash on returns. Faced a couple guys with good flat serves and it stood up to those 90% of the time unless I missed high in the hoop. Did not sense the instability mentioned in the TW review.
I was initially worried about the 72 stiffness rating. But I found it comfortable so far. I'm guessing the silicone incorporated into the handle works to a degree. I'm aware it could take a few weeks for the effects to really hit my elbow so I'll be on the lookout.
I really like the maneuverability and twhat I'm hoping will be a power level somewhere between a Pure Drive and a Becker London.
My biggest dislike is how dead it feels high in the hoop. Thinking of adding a little bit of lead to open up the sweetspot. Not sure if I should place the lead at 10 & 2, noon or 11 & 1.
RollTrackTake
Professional
How much/what size weights are safe to use without damaging the frame?
I'm betting the T Flash 300 is a fine frame but with a glut of racquets that have 100 sq in heads at 11oz this one doesn't standout. That being said, I would choose this over the Pure Drive, Organix 8 300 series, Dunlop 400 series, Prince Warriors & Wilson Juice. The APD & Donnay Formula 100 are two I'd seriously consider along with this.
You can add more than 2 oz of weight to the head without damaging anything except your arm. More in the handle.
But you have the find the SW you can handle, and that can be any stop along the way.
Adding weight, I'd add 3" of 1/4" on each side at 10-2, then go up 1.5" at a time until your racket becomes too heavy to swing.
You can add 1.5" at 12, but the racket feels too head heavy all at once, and the balance and ease of swing is thrown off.
But you have the find the SW you can handle, and that can be any stop along the way.
Adding weight, I'd add 3" of 1/4" on each side at 10-2, then go up 1.5" at a time until your racket becomes too heavy to swing.
You can add 1.5" at 12, but the racket feels too head heavy all at once, and the balance and ease of swing is thrown off.
You should understand, 99S is a spin racket, not like conventional rackets with more and denser string patterns.
As such, tension on 99S needs to be higher.
Tension on racket's such as Dunlop300's and HeadYouMids can be as low as 40, and still play great.
Recommended tensions are a guideline for those of you who don't know what to string your racket's at.
Lots of Open level players use high 30's to low 40's their mid+ rackets.
As such, tension on 99S needs to be higher.
Tension on racket's such as Dunlop300's and HeadYouMids can be as low as 40, and still play great.
Recommended tensions are a guideline for those of you who don't know what to string your racket's at.
Lots of Open level players use high 30's to low 40's their mid+ rackets.
g4driver
Legend
I understand uber open pattern need to be strung tighter. I just disagree with your take on dropping tension vs increasing weight. You have your method. I have mine. And you don't need to instructor me in stringing basics LeeD. I understand strings and stringing. I tend to string about 3-4 of my own frames each month.
Even my 16x19 patterns are strung at higher tension. Low Tension doesn't work for me. I own Blade 98 frames (16x19), several Wilson Pro Opens (16x19) and I used poly/mult hybrids in these frames. I owned three Dunlop 300 and got rid of them for my Pro Opens thankfully four plus years ago. Dunlop - really unsure how or why they remain in business. Their tennis balls are horrible. The have very few frames that appeal to rec players. The 400 line was definitely a huge hole they seemed to fill nicely between the 300 and 500 line. But still, it's Dunlop. And Dunlop is a pretty lamp tennis company compared to the others IMO. A local dealer sells : Babolat, Wilson, Head, Volk, Prince, Yonex, Tecnifibre, Pacific, Solinco, and Asics. He dropped Dunlop - Why? Because they don't sell. Why? Because most of their frames stink. Why? Because Dunlop makes them and they really don't get it. See a pattern?
And by the way, there are lots of Open Level players stringing their 16x19 frames in the 50s. I add weight and it works from me. Dropping tension never worked for my game in a 16x19 Pattern, but adding weight certainly does.
My 342 gram Steam 99S frames work for me in both singles and doubles at 4.0 and I hope to finish my USTA season with a overall 0.75 winning percentage are higher.
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Dunlop balls are the heaviest and the knap usually lasts the longest, so your likes and dislikes are based on that. I like them, HATE those flyer Wilson's, although my first flat serves using Wilson bounce at least 30" high at the backwall in 60 degree air temps.
Dunlop rackets are the most consistent, if you need more than one racket of the same model.
But you're free to buy what the current market buys.
Dunlop rackets are the most consistent, if you need more than one racket of the same model.
But you're free to buy what the current market buys.
g4driver
Legend
Penn ATP regular duty last me and my friends 3 to 4 times longer than Dunlop Grand Prix on Har Tru and I will put money on Yonex being much more consistent than Dunlop on QC .
Being buying Penn ATPs by the case for years and have have converted plenty of teammates to Penn ATP -
I will take photos of a Dunlop ball after 2 sets and a Penn ATP ball after 6 sets- the Penn ATP won't be coming apart like the Dunlop.
If your a fan of Dunlop frames and balls, rock on brother.
Got any video of that 30' high bounce off a Wilson Ball ?Calling BS on your claim and will state you will never produce that video, because it is pure hot air.
Being buying Penn ATPs by the case for years and have have converted plenty of teammates to Penn ATP -
I will take photos of a Dunlop ball after 2 sets and a Penn ATP ball after 6 sets- the Penn ATP won't be coming apart like the Dunlop.
If your a fan of Dunlop frames and balls, rock on brother.
Got any video of that 30' high bounce off a Wilson Ball ?Calling BS on your claim and will state you will never produce that video, because it is pure hot air.
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MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Played a bit last night with a friends stock graphene instinct mp. It was strung with head fxp tour but was severely losing tension.
All in all, I like how quick it was to redirect balls and hit lots of different types of shots and junk balls lol. I could also rock the ball from the baseline, however I'd put a poly in it. Makes me rethink what frame type ive been going for.
All in all, I like how quick it was to redirect balls and hit lots of different types of shots and junk balls lol. I could also rock the ball from the baseline, however I'd put a poly in it. Makes me rethink what frame type ive been going for.
This is a great frame, but a bit of a string shredder. Really comfortable compared to others in the class. And it looks cool, too, which is an added bonus.
Lilguy1456
Semi-Pro
I really love the Dunlop M5.0. It's so light but REALLY responsive. Also doesn't have a crazy amount of power, so you can really tee off and not fear the long ball. Stiffer, but way more comfortable than anything else in the 70RA class. Definitely my favorite lighter racquet.
(Great TW rating too, if you care about those sort of things)
(Great TW rating too, if you care about those sort of things)
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I didn't know if it was the strings or not, but yeah the comfort was probably the best thing about the frame. Agreed on the cosmetics too. I think I'd still add some weight to it though.
G4.... that old vid of me serving in April after playing 3 times that year? Those were old Dunlops, and bounce height was well over 24", on WIDE serves. If I'd served up the middle, shortenning the distance by 5' or more, they'd bounce higher.
Ever read anything posted by RobFL, Shroud, or President? Oh, you have selective reading, sorry.
Ever read anything posted by RobFL, Shroud, or President? Oh, you have selective reading, sorry.
I"m on a roll here....
When GoldenGatePark got resurfaced, I got to play on court 2 3 days after. Half my serves either hit the railing on the stands, or bounced just over them, 5' above the ground.
After a month, nobody could hit the railing, and my serves went about a foot below the 5' railing. The paint surface got worn, that's the way painted cement courts work.
When GoldenGatePark got resurfaced, I got to play on court 2 3 days after. Half my serves either hit the railing on the stands, or bounced just over them, 5' above the ground.
After a month, nobody could hit the railing, and my serves went about a foot below the 5' railing. The paint surface got worn, that's the way painted cement courts work.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
The G Instinct IS a really nice 11 oz tweener. Only thing is that the pattern is VERY wide open...almost like one of the "Spin" racquets, so it should suit someone who likes to hit loopy spin from the baseline.
Lilguy1456
Semi-Pro
I can sum up 80% of LeeD's 30k+ posts:
"My Dunlops are (insert something good here)."
"You should string at lower tensions."
"Now that I'm 65, (insert something not relevant to anyone else here)"
Lilguy1456
Semi-Pro
M5.0 plays a lot like the Instinct, but is MUCH more dense in the middle.
g4driver
Legend
I don't have selective reading Lee D- I misread your post as 30' - lol My mistake. That was why I called BS.
My mistake - and man enough to admit it.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
The Dunlop Areogel 4D 500 was my first racquet ever, around 5 years ago.
Never tried the M 5.0, but it's probably a good one. I just stay away from Dunlop's lately because you have to practically give them away if you need to resell them.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Reminds me...I still have about 4 frames that I need to sell that I don't use.
