Marat Safin personal racquet from Australian Open-2004. Specs, Secrets and Comparison

Kalugin

Kalugin

Rookie
Hello, my Friends!

Today is a huge day - i will show you personal racquet of a guy that produced huge game. And this racquet was used by him on a huge occasion - at a Grand Slam tournament where he reached final.
So welcome Marat Safin's personal racquet from Australian Open-2004! It was unique event for Marat as he defeated all top US players - Todd Martin, James Blake, Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi in succession. An amazing feat from Safin!


I will share with you secrets of his customization, that you might didn't know about. I also will compare Safin's personal stick with retail version of this model (Liquidmetal Prestige Mid) and with Pro Stock variant of this model. So, we start.

As I wrote many times before (cause I had multiple personal Marat's racquets) Safin used to experiment a lot with customization. He started his career with much lighter racquets than they were further in his career and especially during veterans matches. I had 3 sticks from his veterans play and their weights are from 371 to 376 grams strung. But 2010 one had 380 Swingweight indicator, racquets from 2014 and 2016 had both over 390 Swingweight indicator!

The racquet from Australian Open-2004 is "just" 342 grams unstrung without overgrip. The Swingweight indicator is around 370 strung.



Also it's important to know that even during ATP play Marat experimented a lot with lead tape. On next 2 photos you can clearly see different length of lead tapes on his racquets. First photo was made at Australian Open-2004 (and you can notice the same length of lead tape as it is on my racquet). The second photo was made at Roland-Garros-2005 and lead tape is much longer. He also used lead at 11 - 1 positions as well at some tournaments.



Safin began to use PT10 mold in Liquidmetal Prestige Mid paintjob right at the start of 2004 season. So my racquet is one of very firsts from Safin in this paintjob.

Now few words about comparison with retail Liquidmetal Prestige Mid and Liquidmetal Prestige Mid Pro Stock.


On next photos you can see differences. For example PT10 has a collar and drawn Liquidmetal ridges for sure. Also retail version has logically retail butt cap. The Pro Stock code for Liquidmetal Prestige Mid is PT181.



Hope this information was useful for you!
Best regards for all of you!
 
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I have PT10 with and without collars. It all depends how you want the pallets and if you want a collar. You could even put a collar on the 181 if you desired and had the matching pallets. I also have a Pro Stock LM Prestige Mid.
 
vsbabolat said:
I have PT10 with and without collars. It all depends how you want the pallets and if you want a collar. You could even put a collar on the 181 if you desired and had the matching pallets. I also have a Pro Stock LM Prestige Mid.
Click to expand...
You can want and ask whatever, but in classic variant PT10 goes with collar, and PT181 without it.
 
Kalugin said:
You can want and ask whatever, but in classic variant PT10 goes with collar, and PT181 without it.
Click to expand...
It can go how ever you want it. I’m not asking. I’m telling you from experience. You can have pallets with a collar or without. How you build out the hairpin will take both ways. I’ve even seen collar on TGK237.1. I even put a collar on a retail Flexpoint Prestige Mid.
Safin also had the collar on the TGK237.2 and 237.3 because that’s what he had wanted. If he wanted he could have had it without. It’s an option.
https://imgur.com/a/EjaXSAN
https://imgur.com/a/Qf3pwkM
https://imgur.com/a/60q7afe
https://imgur.com/a/fEdCVEw
https://imgur.com/a/6Nz499B
https://imgur.com/a/3Aur8IV
https://imgur.com/a/gXUjIdt
 
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vsbabolat said:
It can go how ever you want it. I’m not asking. I’m telling you from experience. You can have pallets with a collar or without. How you build out the hairpin will take both ways. I’ve even seen collar on TGK237.1. I even put a collar on a retail Flexpoint Prestige Mid.
Safin also had the collar on the TGK237.2 and 237.3 because that’s what he had wanted. If he wanted he could have had it without. It’s an option.
https://imgur.com/a/EjaXSAN
https://imgur.com/a/Qf3pwkM
https://imgur.com/a/60q7afe
https://imgur.com/a/fEdCVEw
https://imgur.com/a/6Nz499B
https://imgur.com/a/3Aur8IV
https://imgur.com/a/gXUjIdt
Click to expand...
That's what I'm telling you - you can ask whatever you want. Its an option. But from my point of view PT10 goes with collar. It's historical fact - first PT10 Prestiges came with collar. You can not debate with this one. As well as retail 181 mold came without collar.
 
Kalugin said:
That's what I'm telling you - you can ask whatever you want. It’s an option. But from my point of view PT10 goes with collar. Its historical fact - first PT10 Prestiges came with collar. You can not debate with this one. As well as retail 181 mold came without collar.
Click to expand...
I’m not debating with you. It’s a fact you can choose to have what ever pallets you want on them. That’s what I’m trying to explain to you. You can choose what ever pallets you want. Theres no dogma saying PT10 has to have a collar like you’re saying. If you have a 2 hander and want more room in the handle you can have longer pallets without a collar. You’re having an argument with yourself.
 
vsbabolat said:
I’m not debating with you. It’s a fact you can choose to have what ever pallets you want on them. That’s what I’m trying to explain to you. You can choose what ever pallets you want. Theres no dogma saying PT10 has to have a collar like you’re saying. If you have a 2 hander and want more room in the handle you can have longer pallets without a collar. You’re having an argument with yourself.
Click to expand...
With myself I have only dzen) And some knowledge of tennis history. PT10 Prestiges started with collars and FOR ME that is a classic. I'm not trying to convince you or somebody else in my feeling of tennis history and molds. That's MY feeling!
 
Kalugin said:
With myself I have only dzen) And some knowledge of tennis history. PT10 Prestiges started with collars and FOR ME that is a classic. I'm not trying to convince you or somebody else in my feeling of tennis history and molds. That's MY feeling!
Click to expand...
You are arguing with yourself. All I’m saying is it’s up to player. You don’t have to have the collar on the PT10 if you don’t want to. You can have any feelings you want. You completely missed my point.
 
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Seth said:
Just imagine a Pro Tour 2.0 with a collar.
Click to expand...
That's it! I don't understand why Mr. vsbabolat can't understand this. Pro Tour 630 with a collar - that's not a classic thing, PT10 without a collar - is not a classic thing. That's MY point of you. And people can have any desires they want
 
Seth said:
Let’s all just come together and appreciate the Prestige. Collared or collarless.
Click to expand...
I guess I wasn’t allowed not to have a collar on any of my PT10 and to have put a collar on FlexPoint Prestige Mid. My bad. I guess they aren’t classic things anymore. So sorry.
 
vsbabolat said:
I guess I wasn’t allowed not to have a collar on any of my PT10 and to have put a collar on FlexPoint Prestige Mid. My bad. I guess they aren’t classic things anymore. So sorry.
Click to expand...
Don't be so humble) I'm sure - in your great collection you also have classic PT tens - with collar)
 
I think something is getting lost in translation...when Kalugin is referring to "classic" he is talking about what was "customary" when the racquets came out. Unc is talking about customization and how personalization was one of the calling cards of the early Prestiges. both can be, and in fact are, true
 
vsbabolat said:
It can go how ever you want it. I’m not asking. I’m telling you from experience. You can have pallets with a collar or without. How you build out the hairpin will take both ways. I’ve even seen collar on TGK237.1. I even put a collar on a retail Flexpoint Prestige Mid.
Safin also had the collar on the TGK237.2 and 237.3 because that’s what he had wanted. If he wanted he could have had it without. It’s an option.
https://imgur.com/a/EjaXSAN
https://imgur.com/a/Qf3pwkM
https://imgur.com/a/60q7afe
https://imgur.com/a/fEdCVEw
https://imgur.com/a/6Nz499B
https://imgur.com/a/3Aur8IV
https://imgur.com/a/gXUjIdt
Click to expand...
I am comparing apples to oranges, but very curious how so many PT10 players have shown to be flexible transitioning to newer iterations of their favorite frame as opposed to say PT57A players
 
oldmanyellingatcloud said:
I think something is getting lost in translation...when Kalugin is referring to "classic" he is talking about what was "customary" when the racquets came out. Unc is talking about customization and how personalization was one of the calling cards of the early Prestiges. both can be, and in fact are, true
Click to expand...
That's it! True! I've said that in the very beginning: you can want everything you like (collar/no collar, leather grip/synthetic one etc) there is always space for customization, but classic PT10 frame came out with collar.
oldmanyellingatcloud said:
I am comparing apples to oranges, but very curious how so many PT10 players have shown to be flexible transitioning to newer iterations of their favorite frame as opposed to say PT57A players
Click to expand...
Maybe PT57A was a more true and classic (my favorite word in this thread) frame than PT10))
 
Kalugin said:
Hey, guys! NEW UPDATED photo info on a frame from my collection - personal racquet of Marat Safin from AO 2004.

Today i saw this:


And i decided to remove Finest Calfsin leather grip off the racquet to check what is there on a handle. And guess WHAT I've found there?)


I'm sure this exclusive info will be much appreciated by true Marat fans)

Enjoy!
Click to expand...
@Fed Kennedy is this a Cauthen grip?
 
Hawks9451 said:
Thank you for putting me onto this lore. Standing by for @Fed Kennedy to shine a light.
Click to expand...
Bro, we are in different leagues with you. You and guys like you just theorists. And miles of debates in TT. I'm a collector, the guy who knows personally a lot of players and people from Pro tennis world. I don't have a need to dig deep into speculations, cause a have tonns of perosnal racquets from ATP and WTA stars. So I don't speculate, i give just facts. All further - is not bother me at all.
 
Kalugin said:
Bro, we are in different leagues with you. You and guys like you just theorists. And miles of debates in TT. I'm a collector, the guy who knows personally a lot of players and people from Pro tennis world. I don't have a need to dig deep into speculations, cause a have tonns of perosnal racquets from ATP and WTA stars. So I don't speculate, i give just facts. All further - is not bother me at all.
Click to expand...
I hear you, big man. Bowing as I exit, knocking dust off my cap, etc.
 
Kalugin said:
Sometimes i think that your main live is to make debates on TT. Sad.
Happy Easter!
Click to expand...
Lol, I asked a question as why there is difference of the two rackets. Not to debate with you. Again you’re arguing with yourself. I only noticed a difference and since you know Marat I asked if you could shed light on the why there is a molded handle on one frame while the other has pallets at the same time period. If you don’t wish to shed light on it that’s you’re right but don’t accuse me of starting an argument. That’s what you do.
 
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vsbabolat said:
Lol, I asked a question as why there is difference of the two rackets. Not to debate with you. Again you’re arguing with yourself. I only noticed an offense and since you know Marat I asked if you could shed light on the why there is a molded handle on one frame while and pallets on another. If you don’t wish to shed light on it that’s you’re right but don’t accuse me of starting an argument. That’s what you do.
Click to expand...
Man, I respect you for your knowledge and sincere love for racquets industry, but that is your territory to debate and for finding black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat there. In this thread there is no black cat, the same is for all my other threads. You have no need to find this cat, cause I just share with people, who are interested in racquets industry some personal racquets from my collection. About this particulary racket I can say you next: during his ATP play Marat while in Moscow used to train in Luzhniki Sports Palace. The place that was a home ground for some Davis Cup matches of Russian team. Marat gave this racquet as a present in 2004 for mister Aleshin - then a president of Luzhniki.
That's the first thing. The second - through the years i was the owner of several Marat racquets from his ATP play. Each time the specifications were really different - not only handle, but lead tape placement, weight and swingweight. I'm not even talking about post ATP era of Marat racquets. I also have few. They are 388-395 in swingweight while during ATP play this measurment was 355-365! He used to play with completely different weapons.
 
Kalugin said:
Man, I respect you for your knowledge and sincere love for racquets industry, but that is your territory to debate and for finding black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat there. In this thread there is no black cat, the same is for all my other threads. You have no need to find this cat, cause I just share with people, who are interested in racquets industry some personal racquets from my collection. About this particulary racket I can say you next: during his ATP play Marat while in Moscow used to train in Luzhniki Sports Palace. The place that was a home ground for some Davis Cup matches of Russian team. Marat gave this racquet as a present in 2004 for mister Aleshin - then a president of Luzhniki.
That's the first thing. The second - through the years i was the owner of several Marat racquets from his ATP play. Each time the specifications were really different - not only handle, but lead tape placement, weight and swingweight. I'm not even talking about post ATP era of Marat racquets. I also have few. They are 388-395 in swingweight while during ATP play this measurment was 355-365! He used to play with completely different weapons.
Click to expand...
In short you don’t know why one has a pallet and one has a molded handle. Thank you for your insight.
 
Kalugin said:
That's your business to discuss. And i pointed - his racquets were every time not like other, that were and are in my collection.
Click to expand...
I know his specs are all over the place. At this point in time his rackets are customized by P1. So it’s interesting that he would have some rackets would have molded handles and some would have pallets. Thank you so much for not being able to discuss this point in a normal manner.
 
vsbabolat said:
I know his specs are all over the place. At this point in time his rackets are customized by P1. So it’s interesting that he would have some rackets would have molded handles and some would have pallets. Thank you so much for not being able to discuss this point in a normal manner.
Click to expand...
You are a smart man as you made a reputation here and all that you are posting here is a normal manner. Nothing to add.
 
Man...that's a pure mad house out here!
In terms of entertainment - that's pretty funny, but just time to time. If you are boiling here every day that's dangerous for your mental health.
 
Kalugin said:
That's it - you feel yourself in charge of this forum. Nobody can take from you years of debating here. But pride is a deadly sin, man.
Click to expand...
Excuse me. I’m not in charge of anything. But, I’m also not going to take abuse from anyone. I’m also not debating with you. You’re debating with yourself. I asked you a simple question and you got offend for some reason. Didn’t you notice that one racket had a molded handle and one racket had pallets. Didn’t you find that interesting? I guess you didn’t.
 
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vsbabolat said:
Excuse me. I’m not charge of anything. But, I’m also not going to take abuse from anyone. I asked you a simple question and you got offend for some reason. Didn’t you notice that one racket had one racket had molded handle and one racket had pallets. Didn’t you find that interesting? I guess you didn’t.
Click to expand...
Didn't you find my answer - the history of the racket, in other words - clear facts. I only have clear facts. Thats my tagline. I don't pretend for something i don't know. I have Safin personal racquet, I have history of this racquet. That's it.
 
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