Power Player
Bionic Poster
Really interesting, and makes perfect sense. Did you try the S as well or just the Pro?
New Graphene Radicals/Prestiges for 2014
- Thread starter Roddickulous
- Start date
Really interesting, and makes perfect sense. Did you try the S as well or just the Pro?
Just the Pro. The S wouldn't be my type of racquet. Far too light and the wrong sort of balance for my liking.
As for the Pro. Imagine your 315. Push the weight away from the centre towards the upper hoop and handle. Imagine it slightly hollower and tinnier feeling. Throw in a healthy dollop of swing weight and power potential and you probably have something resembling the Pro.
One big caveat though and that is the specs/weights of the GPP seem to vary considerably. If had played with the 320SW one initially, I would have returned it to the shop and I would never have mentioned the Pro again. The 332SW/330g/330mm was a beast but tricky to manoeuvre quickly. The 326/326/326 version I ended up with, swings beautifully and hits a lovely ball provided you stay loose, and hit cleanly with long swings. Very nice balance of characteristics.
Last edited:
Power Player
Bionic Poster
That sounds awesome. I cant believe the specs are that far over the place. Have they become wilson? I know nothing will feel like the tec, but i would like that same solidity and magic on serve. The ai 98 is close.
If i was to be really picky, i love how loud the tec is. Like a gunshot. I have no idea why. I hit the same and string my sticks all the same.
The 332/330 one sounds perfect.
If i was to be really picky, i love how loud the tec is. Like a gunshot. I have no idea why. I hit the same and string my sticks all the same.
The 332/330 one sounds perfect.
mrc
Rookie
All, I currently use the I.Prestige MP and have heard from some folks that these new ones feel like I.Prestige MP's. Is that True? Reason being, I have used the I.Prestige because it has a very "thick" feel which provides plow and control for me. Thoughts? Does the new MP feel like it?
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
The i.Prestige Mid and MP feel different to me. He is talking the G Prestige MP compared to the i.Prestige MP.
Yes, I'm aware. The construction and materials will be the same though between the "i" Prestiges, in the same way that the construction and materials will be same between the Graphene Prestiges.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
But the MP, Rev Pro, and Pro all feel and play different because of different headsize, string pattern and beam width.......
You've either missed the point, or you're deliberately scratching for an argument.
The iPrestiges feel nothing like their Graphene equivalents.
Anything else you'd like to argue about? Paint composition perhaps? Type of plastic used to make the grommets?
Last edited:
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Have you hit with the i.Prestige MP back to back to the Graphene Prestige MP? Because comparing the i.Prestige Mid to the Graphene Prestige MP is not a fair comparison.
Last edited:
bruintennis
Semi-Pro
Just curious how you guys like the way the black cap grommets look on the Graphene Prestige MP. I was watching Haas play Federer (BNP Paribas Open) just now and he's got the black cap grommets.
sundaypunch
Hall of Fame
Haas doesn't play a Prestige, he has a pro stock painted to look like one. With the Graphene being a different mold, will the black cap grommets fit it?
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Black grommet from the YT Prestige MP will fit the Graphene Prestige MP.
The feel of the iPrestiges is nothing like the Graphene equivalents. It's as simple as that.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
You did not answer my simple question. Have you hit with the i.Prestige MP and the Graphene Prestige MP?
Last edited:
I'm disinclined to even waste the keyboard energy it would take to answer your question because the outright answer is even simpler. The feel between the two - based on the different construction - is nothing alike.
Nothing alike.
Non comprende??
Unless of course you consider two racquets made of graphite to be 'alike'...
Last edited:
Last edited:
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
It was a simple yes or no question. Since you declined to answer such a simple question, I'll take that as a no you havent hit with both MP frames. Thanks for being forthright and upfront. But dont worry I will this weekend and give you my answer.
Take it however you want. They're still nothing alike in terms of feel.
I didn't ask for it.
Do feel free to post it on the interwebz though for anyone else who might chance upon it.
Last edited:
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
i am starting to find it with the G Prestige MP. After customizing it, I feel it plays best in the low 50's with a stiffer poly (im playing with solinco silver rough currently)
initially i was not crazy about the frame, but am liking it more and more each time i hit with it
initially i was not crazy about the frame, but am liking it more and more each time i hit with it
TennisCanada1
Professional
Is the graphene prestige pro in fact a 98 or a 95? I keep reading conflicting posts.
thedunster
New User
The Graphene Prestige Pro is 98 sq.
I have mine strung with Babolat Xcel Natural 16g @53lbs.
It's got sufficient power, good control, and is easy on the arm and shoulder.
Previously, I was using Babolat RPM Blast Black 16g @ 57lbs.
It was great for ripping the ball hard with spin but not something my 45 year old body could maintain for several hours on court - especially my shoulder and wrist.
Of note: The Graphene Prestige Pro is not a so called Players Racquet and anyone buying one thinking it is will be greatly disappointed.
It simply doesn't have the magic of my 2014 Wilson Pro Staff 90 or Single stripe Max 200g.
I have mine strung with Babolat Xcel Natural 16g @53lbs.
It's got sufficient power, good control, and is easy on the arm and shoulder.
Previously, I was using Babolat RPM Blast Black 16g @ 57lbs.
It was great for ripping the ball hard with spin but not something my 45 year old body could maintain for several hours on court - especially my shoulder and wrist.
Of note: The Graphene Prestige Pro is not a so called Players Racquet and anyone buying one thinking it is will be greatly disappointed.
It simply doesn't have the magic of my 2014 Wilson Pro Staff 90 or Single stripe Max 200g.
Last edited:
TennisCanada1
Professional
I felt the IG Prestige Pro had a tiny sweet spot and it felt like a 95. Does the graphene feel the same? I hit with it once in January, so I don't remember.
TennisCanada1
Professional
Also can anyone chime in and confirm it plays as a 98 and not a true 95? I think I read somewhere that spintowin said it's a 95 so I am very confused.
Graphene is same size as previous prestiges. So if they are 95's, graphene is too.
DustinW
Professional
Hit with the GRad MP for the first time last night and really enjoyed it. I was tempted to add weight to it before hitting it stock, but I'm glad I didn't. Normally I play with the Graphene Prestige Pro, so the Radical MP was a pretty big change in weight (almost 20 grams)... but I really had no issues and actually played really well.
I suspect I may eventually add some weight but I am going to leave it stock for now. Strangely enough, I enjoyed the lack of plow because I could increase my swing speed without fear of balls flying deep. Volleys were the only time I wish there was more mass, but I was playing singles and really didn't hit that many. Serving was fantastic.
The GRad MP is really solid feeling for its weight. I found it to be comfortable with full poly, and it had just a bit of flex to it... which was nice.
I suspect I may eventually add some weight but I am going to leave it stock for now. Strangely enough, I enjoyed the lack of plow because I could increase my swing speed without fear of balls flying deep. Volleys were the only time I wish there was more mass, but I was playing singles and really didn't hit that many. Serving was fantastic.
The GRad MP is really solid feeling for its weight. I found it to be comfortable with full poly, and it had just a bit of flex to it... which was nice.
DustinW
Professional
I added some weight to the Grad MP and strangely enough, I think I like it better without. I was switching back and forth between the weighted Grad MP and Graphene Prestige Pro and found myself liking the Radical better overall.
Does anybody else like the Radical MP stock?
If you add weight, do you prefer it at 3/9 or at 12? I put 8g at 3/9.
Does anybody else like the Radical MP stock?
If you add weight, do you prefer it at 3/9 or at 12? I put 8g at 3/9.
DustinW
Professional
Not sure if anybody is listening so I will just keep talking to myself. 
I pulled the lead off and played a singles match last night. I definitely like the overall feel better without the lead. Without the lead, the only drawbacks are that volleys can feel a bit dead and it is harder to block defensive shots back deep... but hopefully I can make adjustments.
The solid feel of the Graphene Radical MP reminds me of the 6.1 95s and the Pure Strikes.
I pulled the lead off and played a singles match last night. I definitely like the overall feel better without the lead. Without the lead, the only drawbacks are that volleys can feel a bit dead and it is harder to block defensive shots back deep... but hopefully I can make adjustments.
The solid feel of the Graphene Radical MP reminds me of the 6.1 95s and the Pure Strikes.
Not sure if anybody is listening so I will just keep talking to myself.
I pulled the lead off and played a singles match last night. I definitely like the overall feel better without the lead. Without the lead, the only drawbacks are that volleys can feel a bit dead and it is harder to block defensive shots back deep... but hopefully I can make adjustments.
The solid feel of the Graphene Radical MP reminds me of the 6.1 95s and the Pure Strikes.
How is it strung?
On volley and block-back I noticed the same thing with the Graphene Prestige S: dead feeling with the wrong set up.
it really needs extra mass and a softer string bed for pop on those shots. I need to update my signature since I actually dropped reference tension a few pounds. IIRC it's now around 55/51 instead of 58/54 and we didn't pre-stretch the gut this time. Feels much nicer and still provides excellent control.
A softer string bed might help but lead in the right location might help too. Just enough to provide stability on volley and block bakcs but not too much that the frame becomes sluggish. A sluggish frame can feel too powerful as RHS suffers and spin drops resulting in balls flying long.
Remember that "swing" weight is functionally "volley" weight in that it measures how the frame reacts to impacts around an axis centered on a point 10cm from the butt. It has nothing to do with how heavy the frame feels while swung but it is an excellent measure of how the frame feels on impact when NOT being swung as on volleys and block backs.
And since lead modifies the string bed trampoline effects small changes in its location can have significant effects can have noticeable effects on how the ball launches. Even shifting the lead just a grommit or two can change launch angle. It may need just a small amount of lead to improve stability and provide just a little more pop.
Last edited:
DustinW
Professional
Agree with everything you said. I might try a little weight again, but less of it this time. The weird thing is that I have played with 12 oz frames for years, but stock weight is at 11.3 oz strung with overgrip and it feels good.
I have been doing full poly at 53. I did Max Power 17, and then Signum Pro Hextreme, and now I have Gamma Moto 17.
Any idea on release dates?
DustinW
Professional
Been playing with different weight setups on the Graphene Radical MP, and finally found something I like.
Stock strung with 1.25 poly: 314g, -4.5 balance
Added 8g at 3/9, overgrip, dampener: 330g, -4
This was a beast. I have played with 340g frames with -4 balance before, but this was different. It severely lacked maneuverability, and the power was out of control.
Added leather grip, 4g at 12, overgrip, dampener: 333g, -7
Easier to get around than the previous setup. This setup hit such a heavy ball, especially on serves. But there was still too much power which really dropped the control. I was serving bombs, but groundstrokes lacked control, and it wasn't very quick at the net.
Leather, 5g at 3/9, overgrip, dampender: 334g, -7.5
This seems to be the best setup so far. It solves the problems that I had with the stock setup, which were lack of depth on my backhand and wanting more punch at the net. I don't know what the swingweight is, but I am surprised I like this with such a headlight balance... I usually prefer something in the -4 to -5 range. The bump in weight gives it a more solid feel without becoming too powerful or losing control.
Stock strung with 1.25 poly: 314g, -4.5 balance
Added 8g at 3/9, overgrip, dampener: 330g, -4
This was a beast. I have played with 340g frames with -4 balance before, but this was different. It severely lacked maneuverability, and the power was out of control.
Added leather grip, 4g at 12, overgrip, dampener: 333g, -7
Easier to get around than the previous setup. This setup hit such a heavy ball, especially on serves. But there was still too much power which really dropped the control. I was serving bombs, but groundstrokes lacked control, and it wasn't very quick at the net.
Leather, 5g at 3/9, overgrip, dampender: 334g, -7.5
This seems to be the best setup so far. It solves the problems that I had with the stock setup, which were lack of depth on my backhand and wanting more punch at the net. I don't know what the swingweight is, but I am surprised I like this with such a headlight balance... I usually prefer something in the -4 to -5 range. The bump in weight gives it a more solid feel without becoming too powerful or losing control.
