Kal-El's Racquet Review Section

canadave

Professional
i hear ya on the K factor frustrations with the 6.1's. the new ones are certainly stiffer and more demanding frames. The K Pro tour may be a good option for them if they are searching for a wilson frame in that case. it's more of a prostaff kind of feel to it, but a little less taxing. I found it easier to hit than the 6.1.

Kal-El, you mean "K Pro OPEN", right? Not k Pro Tour?
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
no i mean the k pro tour. the 96 sq. in head is similar sized, its a little lighter, and not as stiff as the 6.1. it's still pretty stiff feeling though, but another option to try out
 

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
OK, about that yonex 002 tour? I have been enjoying your reviews....would agree almost totally with them as well which makes it more fun to read others.
 

AndrewD

Legend
i hear ya on the K factor frustrations with the 6.1's. the new ones are certainly stiffer and more demanding frames. The K Pro tour may be a good option for them if they are searching for a wilson frame in that case. it's more of a prostaff kind of feel to it, but a little less taxing. I found it easier to hit than the 6.1.

Actually not sure if the kPro Tour is available here in Australia. Haven't seen it in any shops here in Queensland so it might be one we don't get.

As someone sponsored by Wilson, have you heard any rumours about a new 6.1 release for this year? There was talk of it while I was at the Aus Open and suggestion that it might emerge around US Open time.

Real pity that the 6.1 has made such a shift with the Kfactor version as, for me, it's almost the perfect racquet. Great for serving, great on the volley, more than enough power from the baseline, head is ideal shape (not too narrow, not too round, not too oval) and I don't find my grip choices hindered by the handle shape. My only complaint is that the sweetspot is located too low on the string bed for my tastes. Ideally I'd like it in the upper third of the frame, not the lower third. I know lead tape helps there but it'd be nice to not have to worry about extra heft.
 
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crazypro

New User
thnx for the liquidmetal radical:).. another request how about donnay pro one international?? Is this racquet flexible??
 

[d]ragon

Hall of Fame
d ragon, thanks for your input on the radical. i enjoyed the LM radical more than i did the MG radical I used to be on Head tour team. My deal was as long as I used their newest stuff, I got new frames in hand. I loved it while I was using the LM rad, LM Rad tour. Hated the flexpoint. Struggled for awhile to use the FXP Rad Tour (which isn't bad) but then just wasn't the biggest fan of the MG Radical. This was before the MG Prestiges were out, and 3/4 the reason I switched to Wilson. The other 1/4 being I was setting up a pro shop for the program I started, and Wilson HOOKED IT UP. Demo frames, string, grips, balls, everything; they were awesome.

The sweetspot felt a lot smaller on the MG. Control is probably better with the MG radical, but gone were those short angles I loved hitting with my LM's. I felt like power was less on the MG Radical, which is something I was not wanting to give up obviously. I served bigger with the LM Radical, but probably more consistant with the MG radical. Slice backhand I enjoyed hitting with MG radical, while topspin shots the LM Radical get's the nod. The Microgel Radical is not a bad frame, but I just preferred the feel of the LM. Others will disagree. iRadical fans are generally big fans of the MG Radical, and some Ti radical users will state that was the last great radical made.

Hope this brought some clarity. I felt like I may have rambled a bit but I just woke up haha

Thanks Kal. I'm looking for a possible upgrade from my LMs. I was supposed to try one out this weekend but alas, it's raining all weekend. Will try it out as soon as I can.
 

Azzurri

Legend
over 2,000 views!!! Awesome guys

Head Microgel Prestige Midplus

This one overall is pretty similar to the Prestige Pro in my opinion. Just a few differences in play that set this appart. I tried this racquet out for about 3 weeks while I was trying to decide between the MP and the Pro. I have tried it strung with full Poly, Prince Recoil, and Wilson Sensation. I had this one in a 4 and 3/8 grip

To begin I will give groundstrokes a 9/10 rating with this frame. I found this to be a very comfortable racquet from both sides. I feel the 18x20 string pattern on this frame made the frame feel a little stiffer, and firm when the ball met the strings. This gave me a little moer control than I was getting with the Pro. My forehand I was still comfortable generating both pace and topspin. Spin potential was not as extreme as the Pro, but it was still accessible. The frame still felt comfortable on shots that I hit a bit off-center. I did notice I had a little trouble keeping the ball deep in the court. Kind of like with the MG Radical Pro, I found myself thinking about it a little more on my groundstrokes. I had to put just a little more “umph” on my forehand / backhand to get the depth that was just naturally there with the Pro. My backhand did feel very solid with this racquet. My backhand is a little more flat naturally than my forehand, so I really felt I could win up and just let loose with this one. The 18x20 wasn’t trying to force any extra spin on me, and this really felt nice when I wanted to just rip a passing shot up the line on somebody. I could not get as extreme on my short angle passing shots as I could with the pro, but I could still hit them for sure. The headsize is the same as the pro, so it’s a good size for freeswinging and playing defense. The lighter weight really Is not that noticeable to me while playing or just holding it in my hand either.

With a more control-oriented feeling on this frame, I really enjoyed hitting my serve returns with this racquet. I do like the forgiving nature of this frame, and it comes in handy on off-center shots. Not as much natural depth on my return as I had with the Pro, but it was still comfortable. There is good access to power with this frame, so if you really want to just rip shots off the return you are able to, but this 98 sq. inch head is very easy to maneuver on defesnive, or chip shot returns… surprisingly good.

Volleys I will give an 8/10 to begin with. The firm, control response this racquet provided me made this a great racquet at the net. Did not feel more / less maneuverable than the Pro, but the 18x20 string pattern really gave volleys that solid, crisp feeling when one was struck nicely. I was able to drive the ball deep in the court, or put them away short angle or drop volley very easily. I was able to volley just the same as I was the Pro, but the string-pattern just gave it a little better feeling at the net I think, but the Mid is for sure the greatest volleying frame that Head makes. One thing I did notice was that I haven’t been hitting as many volleys during play as I do with my k6.1 95, as I am finishing a lot of short balls off for winners, or opening the court up so much I really only have to hit 1 volley. I love that about this line of Prestige racquets.

Serves I will give a 7.5 or 8/10. This is a great frame for serve. I found a generous amount of power on my serves, maybe even a little more than previous Prestige models, even though the frame has a more dampened control feel. I felt moe comfortable serving with this frame than I did with the Mid, but not as comfortable as I do with the Pro. I found it easier to flatten out my serve, and really bomb it for some aces. Good access to spin gave my slice good bite, but my kick serve was not jumping nearly as high, as I am achieving with the Pro version. As I have stated in the other portions of this review, the control in this racquet is unbelievable. I have more confidence serving with the Prestige line than I do with my k6.1 95 which after my customizations is a great serving frame. I prefer this 18x20 racquet more than my 18x20 k6.1 95 across the board for what that’s worth.

Overall I will rate this frame an 8.5/10. It is right there with the Pro version to be honest. I did not notice a whole lot of difference in the two frames. This one felt a little more solid at impact, and generated a little less spin. If you are a flat ball hitter, you will like this frame better. If you have hit the Pro, and want one that feels a little less lively, try this one out definitely. I did have a little more trouble with depth with this frame, but not a big issue at all. This racquet is up around top of its class in all areas. A great addition to the Prestige line, and I definitely feel this one is better than the FXP Prestige MP and the LM Prestige MP

Thanks for the review Kal. This is my main stick and I really like it. I am going to make some slight modifications. I am changing the grip to leather and going to experiment with lead. I bought a couple packs so i will try different set ups. I want it to be more of a volley racquet and for me it lacks that punch at net. I seem to flot too many volley returns, so I figure that it needs some weight somewhere. But it does play well overall and has good feel.
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the review Kal. This is my main stick and I really like it. I am going to make some slight modifications. I am changing the grip to leather and going to experiment with lead. I bought a couple packs so i will try different set ups. I want it to be more of a volley racquet and for me it lacks that punch at net. I seem to flot too many volley returns, so I figure that it needs some weight somewhere. But it does play well overall and has good feel.

yea it is a great all court frame. i play mine with a 4 and 3/8 grip, used to play 4 and 1/2 and build up. I also changed my grip to leather, and now have 2 overgrips on top of it. It is just slightly bigger feeling than the 4 and 1/2 is stock. I placed a little lead at 10:00 and 2:00 and it felt a lot better.

control at the net improved, and a little more plow through the ball on my serve.
 

Azzurri

Legend
yea it is a great all court frame. i play mine with a 4 and 3/8 grip, used to play 4 and 1/2 and build up. I also changed my grip to leather, and now have 2 overgrips on top of it. It is just slightly bigger feeling than the 4 and 1/2 is stock. I placed a little lead at 10:00 and 2:00 and it felt a lot better.

control at the net improved, and a little more plow through the ball on my serve.

that is what I was hoping for, a bit more control at the net. by any chance to you get flyers once in a while? I don't know why, but sometimes I just can't keep the ball down. oh, the kick I ncan get with this serve is nice and getting the ball to spin into the servers body is also pretty sweet. but the control and depth I need for volleys is just not there.
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
i actually had the opposite happening for me at the net. I noticed I wasn't getting the depth I was looking for. Obviously, the floater will come into play at some point no matter what, but I was seeing a lot of my volleys, especially on the backhand side drop too shallow in the court. After I added the weight I really noticed a nice increase in my control at the net. There is a little more plow through effect which not only kept the ball down for me, but also allowed for a little more stick on the ball as well. very nice feeling
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Wilson K Pro Tour Review

I had one of these for demo in my pro shop all summer. I took it out many times while I was trying to figure which Wilson frame I wanted to switch to. I found it performed best at around 57-60 pounds and loved it with a luxilon ALU flouro / wilson stamina hybrid. Had a grip size of 4 and 1/2.

Groundstrokes I will rate an 8/10. My forehands felt amazing with this frame. The weight and balance of this frame are perfect for just taking some big cuts at the ball. The spin potential, as with the k pro open, is very very nice. My topspin forehand was absolutely nasty while using this frame. If felt great when struck nicely, but I did notice a little more shock to the arm when off center shots were hit. Control was very good with my forehand, and I was getting great power and depth on the ball. My backhand was a little more shaky. The frame is a little more flexible than the k90 or the blade tour, but still has a pretty classic feel to it. I did notice my 2 hand backhand was flying on me a little bit. Off center shots on my backhand were not going anywhere, and I think this is due to me having a more eastern grip on my backhand. Spin potential was nice, and I really noticed that my topspin lob from both sides was pretty impressive. This is a shot I don't use all that much, but found myself hitting winners with continuously with this racquet. Power level, control, and feel are all pretty nice with this racquet. I am surprised I havent seen more people playing this frame.
Serve returns were also nice with the k pro tour. It has a pretty cris feel to it when swinging away at returns. I was gettng tons of topspin on my forehand, and noticed a lot more depth on my return than normal. My backhand, which is usually a flatter shot, I noticed me changing up and trying to go for more topspin as well. This is not my strong point, and I struggled to get comfortable hitting flat with this racquet. All in all though, pretty smooth feeling, except for that racquet rattle, or "shock" on mis-hit returns.

Volleys were also nice with this frame. 7.5/10. The racquet's weight makes it extremely maeuverable at the net. Good pop off the racquet made for excellent stick and depth on volleys I wanted to put away. Touch volleys were also not bad, and I could angle pretty nicely as well. Very comfortable frame, and I did not notice the arm shock on off center hits that I felt sometimes from the baseline.

Serves were the weak point of this frame. I LOVE to hit some flat bombs at people, and I felt I lost some noticeable power on my flat serve with this frame. The frame felt a little too stiff on the serve for my liking. Control was very good though, and my slice and kick serves were pretty impressive with this one. My slice had some really nice bite on it, and I was getting some pretty wicked angles out wide on the duece side. My kick serve was my favorite with this frame. usually my weakest serve, I found it to be powerful, accurate, and have excellent jump with this k pro tour. I was pretty comfortable hitting my spinners, but really missed the ability to just smoke a flat one down the T at any point.

Overall I think this is an under- rated frame from Wilson. Fans of the n6.1, that have not been a fan of the k6.1 or blade line really should try this out. It has a classic feel to it, still is control oriented, and is a bit ligher than the other tour frames in the [k] line. It is worth a demo at least for sure
 

Azzurri

Legend
i actually had the opposite happening for me at the net. I noticed I wasn't getting the depth I was looking for. Obviously, the floater will come into play at some point no matter what, but I was seeing a lot of my volleys, especially on the backhand side drop too shallow in the court. After I added the weight I really noticed a nice increase in my control at the net. There is a little more plow through effect which not only kept the ball down for me, but also allowed for a little more stick on the ball as well. very nice feeling

Sorry, I was talking about flyers from the baseline. Yes, you have the exact situation. I am also not getting depth from my volleys. so the lead made the volleys penetrate a bit more. that is what I a hoping to get.
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Sorry, I was talking about flyers from the baseline. Yes, you have the exact situation. I am also not getting depth from my volleys. so the lead made the volleys penetrate a bit more. that is what I a hoping to get.

yea let me know how it works for you, or post a review of your own and I'll link it on my main page
 

falc

New User
Newer alternatives to LM rad

Kal, I was one lover of the LM Radical, and agreed with your review entirely. I would really love to have settled on it (and I am playing my best tennis with it), if not for the paintjob which i thought was a bit "dated". :oops: Looks matter don't they. lol

I would really like your opinion on which other sticks out there play very similar to the LM Rad?
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Kal, I was one lover of the LM Radical, and agreed with your review entirely. I would really love to have settled on it (and I am playing my best tennis with it), if not for the paintjob which i thought was a bit "dated". :oops: Looks matter don't they. lol

I would really like your opinion on which other sticks out there play very similar to the LM Rad?

F the paintjob. If you play your best tennis with it, there should be no other option in your head right now.

If you must, try an aerogel 300, k pro open, or a newer radical. Even maybe a new prestige Mp might be a good idea.

however, if you are playing your best tennis with the LM rad, why even consider a change?
 

falc

New User
Yeah I admit it's largely just a vanity thing or perhaps an itch on the as*. But i do see some benefits to my game from changing racquets from time to time.

Somehow i have this philosophy that different racquets can bring to light some weaknesses in one's game, and the revelation may actually help one to improve.

I was playing with a very flex racquet earlier for a long while and it really helped me improved my volley. Then i tried the LM Rad one day and slowly comes to appreciate the extra power it gives me on the groundstrokes and approach shots, which in turn gives me more opportunities to come to the net. One thing leads to the other. I probably won't improve that much that fast if I had stick to my earlier pre-LM Rad racquet.
 

bluegrasser

Hall of Fame
Kal - the problem with getting older is, you lose raquet head speed and strength + I don't want to do a Agassi training regime to bring me there. I liked the SW of the MG OS radical, but it was just too soft. & lacked pop,no plow through. The PD doesn't quite have the SW & I tend to have some control issues with it. If i could find a racquet like the MG Radical OS with more stiffness, say 66/67 range, that might be the ticket.
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Kal - the problem with getting older is, you lose raquet head speed and strength + I don't want to do a Agassi training regime to bring me there. I liked the SW of the MG OS radical, but it was just too soft. & lacked pop,no plow through. The PD doesn't quite have the SW & I tend to have some control issues with it. If i could find a racquet like the MG Radical OS with more stiffness, say 66/67 range, that might be the ticket.

try the prestige midplus. i used a long line of the radicals myself. however, the prestige will give you a little more stiff feeling. It doesn't feel totally different from the radical, and the 98 sq. in. headsize is not terribly smaller than the OS. Good pop from the baseline, and better plowthrough.

the radical pro may also be an option for you. i don't know what the stiffness rating on it is, but i found it to play a little stiffer than the normal radical. the open string pattern will give you more access to spin, and it is a 100 sq. in head.

if you go the wilson route, the k pro open, it like a cross between the radical and the pure drive in my opinion. 100 sq. in. headsize, nice weight, good pop from the baseline, and a little more controllable than the PD. After I added a little weight to this one, the plowthrough was nice, and serving was amazing with this one.

although what it sounds like may be your best choice is a POG OS. This may be the perfect frame for you from what it sounds like. This is one sweet racquet. Great plowthrough effect, useful weight and pop, and a healthy, crisp feeling at impact. You may try the new graphite OS, but I found the POG to out-perform the new one in every aspect of the game.

Hope this is of some use to you
 

josef

Rookie
Really great reviews Kal! Just wondering, any reviews on any Yonex frames in the near future? I've got my eyes on the RDS 001 Mid and hope to demo it soon..
 

NovakWannabe

Semi-Pro
Hey Kal El, thanks for the reviews; they are really helpful. I guess I had a similar experience as you did with the LM Radical. You said that it felt a tad heavier than the other Radicals, but I felt that it was sluggish. It was a good frame, but I preferred the Microgel one. If you're still looking for a Wilson frame, you may still wanna look at the Wilson HPS 6.5 MP. Everyone who plays this racket says it's very similar to the Radical, and since you're sponsored by wilson you could get it pj'ed.
 

dieumyr

Rookie
Hi Kal, I'd like to thank you for yours advises, I tried the PDR but this does not seem to be a good frame for me. Although I'm a big hitter, especially on forehand, I like control-oriented frames with thin beam. But thank you for your advises
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Hi Kal, I'd like to thank you for yours advises, I tried the PDR but this does not seem to be a good frame for me. Although I'm a big hitter, especially on forehand, I like control-oriented frames with thin beam. But thank you for your advises

well obvously if you like control oriented frames with a thin beam, a thick beamed, more powerful frame probably does not match your specs haha
 

jessey

Rookie
Kal, I just got my new APDC and thought I give some feedbacks:

My first impression of the APDC after I hit a little bit against the wall since it was raining was, "WOW! The POWER AND THE SPIN, THE POWER AND THE SPIN!!!"

My second impression of the APDC when I started hitting with it the next day was that suddenly the power seemed to have vanished, and my ball seemed to be really slow. Then I picked up my old Wilson and realized it wasn't that the power has vanished, it's that the feel is more muted, so even though my ball was actually more powerful and spin-y, I just didn't feel it as much. The feel of the Babs is definitely very unique. I know some people don't like it, but it's fine with me.

Anyway, it was giving me a lot of confidence out there yesterday :)
After I've played with it more, I'll write a more complete feedback (that is if you don't mind.)
 
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mrmo1115

Hall of Fame
Anyone want to compare the FXP Prestige MP and the MG Prestige MP? I 've decided to go back to the FXP after a year.

Any thoughts? Which is better w/ the MP stock, the FXP or MG?

imo, i believe i get a better response w/ the fxp.
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
IMO flexpoint was the worst line from Head of all times. Did not like any of the frames in this line; I feel Juan Carlos Fererro will agree with me as well haha
 

Yoh

New User
IMO flexpoint was the worst line from Head of all times. Did not like any of the frames in this line; I feel Juan Carlos Fererro will agree with me as well haha

im currently using the fxp rad mp... 2 years now, and im wondering why you didnt like it?
i think the groudstrokes are great... easy to hit, great control, great feel.
volleys arent the best but i think thats due to my technique... im mostly a baseliner
 

Automatix

Legend
IMO flexpoint was the worst line from Head of all times. Did not like any of the frames in this line...

I think that FXP Fire wasn't that bad... but IMHO all other FXP were crap.

im currently using the fxp rad mp... 2 years now, and im wondering why you didnt like it?
i think the groudstrokes are great... easy to hit, great control, great feel.
volleys arent the best but i think thats due to my technique... im mostly a baseliner

Actually most people agree that the FXP line was the worst of the bunch... the stability and feel department was really lacking. Play with racquets which suit your game but the fact is most people rated FXP as the worst Head line.
 

Automatix

Legend
Even the FP Rad Tour?

What do ppl think?

You know there's no actual poll but at least what I've read and now. My friends who are coaches, players, recreational players etc. I mean all spit on the FXP line... I don't know a single person who likes the line.
 

Ross K

Legend
Hey A ^,

No... well... I've long heard - and taken heed of - the negative feedback re the FXPTs. However, I had been curious for a little while about the Rad Tour version, but it sounds like it's probably as poor as the rest of them... oh well, never mind.

TBH, what would interest me would a frame that plays similar to a PT 630 but was just a bit more powerful, and provided big topspin (maybe a...

Auto?... Kal?... anyone?
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
the pro tour 630 is sweet. i dont know of any current frames that play like it. i know i may get slammed or praised for this but there is no comparison between older frames like that and newer ones. They were just made from better quality graphite
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
the fxp radical tour was the best of the FXP line. it was a little stiffer, and the string pattern allowed for very nice spin potential. However, the feel was lacking, and it was still too flexible for my game. I also had an impossible time keeping strings in the frame. I've used open string patterns before, but I broke strings in this one far more often which pissed me off. I got rid of these frames pretty quickly
 

zidane339

Hall of Fame
the fxp radical tour was the best of the FXP line. it was a little stiffer, and the string pattern allowed for very nice spin potential. However, the feel was lacking, and it was still too flexible for my game. I also had an impossible time keeping strings in the frame. I've used open string patterns before, but I broke strings in this one far more often which pissed me off. I got rid of these frames pretty quickly

Haha you're just like a buddy I string for that uses the FXP Rad Tour..he breaks Lux Alu in about week and a half..kills my fingers..you prob break in a couple hours though haha
 

bluegrasser

Hall of Fame
try the prestige midplus. i used a long line of the radicals myself. however, the prestige will give you a little more stiff feeling. It doesn't feel totally different from the radical, and the 98 sq. in. headsize is not terribly smaller than the OS. Good pop from the baseline, and better plowthrough.

the radical pro may also be an option for you. i don't know what the stiffness rating on it is, but i found it to play a little stiffer than the normal radical. the open string pattern will give you more access to spin, and it is a 100 sq. in head.

if you go the wilson route, the k pro open, it like a cross between the radical and the pure drive in my opinion. 100 sq. in. headsize, nice weight, good pop from the baseline, and a little more controllable than the PD. After I added a little weight to this one, the plowthrough was nice, and serving was amazing with this one.

although what it sounds like may be your best choice is a POG OS. This may be the perfect frame for you from what it sounds like. This is one sweet racquet. Great plowthrough effect, useful weight and pop, and a healthy, crisp feeling at impact. You may try the new graphite OS, but I found the POG to out-perform the new one in every aspect of the game.

Hope this is of some use to you

I was hitting with the MP( prestige) version. I thought about trying the MP Prince Hornet..which I heard it has a little more control than the Pure Drive. The POG might me a tad heavy with too high of a swingweight. I'll try the new POG first..thanks for the tips.
 

canadave

Professional
the pro tour 630 is sweet. i dont know of any current frames that play like it. i know i may get slammed or praised for this but there is no comparison between older frames like that and newer ones. They were just made from better quality graphite

You know, K-E, you're the second person I've read in the past week who said this....I'm just curious, does anyone have any hard evidence that that's the case? Don't get me wrong, I can easily believe it's true...I'm just wondering where the notion came from. Did someone who works in a factory tip us off, or something? :) What does "higher quality" graphite mean, anyway? Isn't all graphite the same, just a particular allotrope of carbon?
 
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Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
You know, K-E, you're the second person I've read in the past week who said this....I'm just curious, does anyone have any hard evidence that that's the case? Don't get me wrong, I can easily believe it's true...I'm just wondering where the notion came from. Did someone who works in a factory tip us off, or something? :) What does "higher quality" graphite mean, anyway? Isn't all graphite the same, just a particular allotrope of carbon?

ha i have not the evidence. some posters on here do though. i have reaad in multiple sources before that the graphite used on the older frames is somewhat different than what is used today. maybe more of it was used as opposed to the newer frames but i am not completely sure. what i do know is that the older frames simply have better feel than the current models
 

canadave

Professional
Hmm, interesting. Well, I'd love to know how exactly that all works, since I have the same experience (feel is different), but I'm just not at all sure how graphite can differ. Maybe someone else more knowledgeable on this can chime in.
 

jessey

Rookie
I've read from one poster that says the graphite used today is actually of better quality because it is mainly being made for the aviation industry, meaning it's lighter and stiffer, but translate into worse raquets for tennis because it's less "lively" and is worse in feel. So better graphite, but worse for tennis racquets.
 

jessey

Rookie
Hmm, interesting. Well, I'd love to know how exactly that all works, since I have the same experience (feel is different), but I'm just not at all sure how graphite can differ. Maybe someone else more knowledgeable on this can chime in.

First of all, I don't work in the racquet industry so I can be totally wrong, but when they say graphite in tennis racquets, they don't mean graphite as in the mineral graphite, they mean carbon fiber or graphite fiber, which is "a material consisting of extremely thin fibers about 0.005–0.010 mm in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber. The crystal alignment makes the fiber very strong for its size. Several thousand carbon fibers are twisted together to form a yarn, which may be used by itself or woven into a fabric. Carbon fiber has many different weave patterns and can be combined with a plastic resin and wound or molded to form composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (also referenced as carbon fiber) to provide a high strength-to-weight ratio material." (From wiki)

So as you can see, the quality of the "graphite", or the carbon fiber depends on the technology involved in its making--the way it is twisted and weaved together,the pattern of the fiber, the ratio of carbon in the fiber... and such.
 
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cknobman

Legend
Hey kal I was wondering if you ever hit with a Prince Speedport tour and if so what are your opinions on it?

Thanks
 

ryangoring

Professional
Hey Kal, what about a review on the Ncode Tour 90? If you have ever played with them. I have seen your review on the K90, but I wanted to see your comparison on them both.
Thanks in advance.
 

AndrewD

Legend
I've read from one poster that says the graphite used today is actually of better quality because it is mainly being made for the aviation industry, meaning it's lighter and stiffer, but translate into worse raquets for tennis because it's less "lively" and is worse in feel. So better graphite, but worse for tennis racquets.

There was an article, a couple of years ago, in one of the golf magazines where a manufacturer of clubs stated that there was a shortage of first-grade graphite (in whatever form they talk about it) due to the current (the conflict continues as of today) military demand. As a result, they were being forced to use second-grade product and look for alternatives.

How true that is, I don't know but the shortage mentioned does seem to coincide with the rapid introduction of Aerogel, DNX, kFactor, Mfil, LiquidMetal racquets. Those are all products which, I believe, are intended to strengthen the frame (possibly because the graphite they use needs to be reinforced). Perhaps that isn't such a coincidence.

Oh, and it would also explain why Wilson finally removed the PS 6.0 (85 and 95) from any form of production. Instead of having to use the more expensive (possibly harder to source) graphite and Kevlar they were able to produce a 'replacement' that could be made solely from their new Karophite Black.
 
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