Maxply McEnroe (the original wood/graphite version)

[max_brat]

Hey guys,

I just acquired a Dunlop Maxply McEnroe wood/graphite racquet. Let me tell you: I have no idea why McEnroe couldn't play with it, because it handles just as well as the Max 200G, at least in my opinion. I have a couple questions about the racquet though:

1) Can I put it in a racquet press? I know it's wood, but would it crack the graphite shoulders on the racquet?
2) Do I need those "powerblocks," those bits of rubber under some of the string mounts on the outside of the frame? They keep falling off, so I don't know what to do with them. And if I need them, how do I get them to stay on?


Any answers would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[vsbabolat]

The Original Maxply McEnroe has NO Graphite in it. It was all wood and reinforced with Fiber Glass.


McEnroe could handle it. He developed shoulder problems and switched to the Max200G to alleviate it.

1. There are no graphite shoulders.
2. Is it a metal press?

 

[max_brat]

Thanks for clearing the graphite bit up for me, would have assumed it was with the "vulcanized fibre" bit. Anyhow, my press is wooden.

 

[vsbabolat]

Thanks for clearing the graphite bit up for me, would have assumed it was with the "vulcanized fibre" bit. Anyhow, my press is wooden.

No worries. Vulcanized fibre is in every wood racquet. Its used to strengthen the wood laminations.

What are power blocks?

 

[MAX PLY]

I think he means power pads (which are typically bits of leather, not rubber).

As for Mac's switch to the 200g, while his shoulder did bother him and the Max 200g helped with that, my recollection is that he switched because he needed to keep up with everyone else's power and expanded headsize. I think that he had tried a number of graphites but until he hit with a racquet of Patrick's (i.e., the 200g) he had not found a graphite that had the same solid feel of a wood racquet. Caution: this is only my recollection and I could be mistaken.

 

[joe sch]

I think he means power pads (which are typically bits of leather, not rubber).

As for Mac's switch to the 200g, while his shoulder did bother him and the Max 200g helped with that, my recollection is that he switched because he needed to keep up with everyone else's power and expanded headsize. I think that he had tried a number of graphites but until he hit with a racquet of Patrick's (i.e., the 200g) he had not found a graphite that had the same solid feel of a wood racquet. Caution: this is only my recollection and I could be mistaken.

True, most often called "power pads" and used to prevent string breakage at those critical bends. Not necessary and attempting to re-insert would only risk breaking the strings thus defeating the original purpose. Some players felt they also provide some extra feel since the leather versions would provide more dampening than the wood frame. The small plastic versions often slipped out since many were just glued onto the wood frames.

Regarding head presses, I don't advise using them since they do not prevent or correct warping and can actually cause damage at the contact points or warp if uneven pressure. They do look cool especially some of the more custom designs using better woods. Below are a few examples that are better designs than the cheap wood trapezoid versions.

http://www.woodtennis.com/presses/vintage_woods4a.jpg