Pacific X Force Pro No 1 "252" Review

McLovin

Legend
I was able to acquire one of these from a friend of a friend who has a contact who knows a guy who knows a guy... Anyway, it arrived Friday, and the first thing I did was put it on the scale. For all the grief we've given them here in getting us these things, I'm sure glad they didn't cut any corners:

IMG_0130.JPG


Aesthetically, it is a beautiful frame. They've done a nice job IMO going from 'BX1' PJ (meh) to 'BX2' (much better) to the latest iteration (yes, I realize the BX2s still exist, but I consider this an extension of that line). Its a sharp looking PJ that isn't too loud and won't look 'dated' in 3-5 years. Now, it just needs to play as good as it looks...

Before I Begin:

In full disclosure, I'm a Fischer/Pacific 'fan boy'. I've used most iterations of the Pro No 1 / X Force Pro, as well as other Fischer frames throughout the years (M-Comp 95, Pro Tour FT, etc.), so take this review with a grain of salt...

Also, while I normally use 4 1/2" grip, I ordered a 4 3/8" for two reasons: (1) If I didn't like the frame, 4 3/8" is easier to sell than 4 1/2", and (2) I planned on adding weight to the handle anyway, so using two overwraps (or maybe later a shrink sleeve) seemed the easiest way to do it w/o actually changing the frame.
First hit:
My very first hit with this new frame was vs my ball machine. I was hitting with a friend on Saturday, but couldn't wait until then, so I strung it up & went to the courts. To make a fair comparison, I used my normal setup : Pacific Tough Gut 17g mains @ 54 lbs, Pacific Poly Power Pro 1.25mm @ 52lbs (I've been using YPTP crosses of late, but didn't think the neon yellow would look good in the frame). Other than two overwraps, I hand't made any changes to the frame at this point.

From the first forehand I could feel the flex. I know this was quoted as having a flex of 62, and it very well may register that way on an RDC machine, but I can tell you first hand it does not feel like 62. The BX2 X Force Pro is 62, and that feels about right. This feel more like 58. I could also tell that this had much less power than the X Force Pro. It felt a little wobbly at times, but other than that, I could tell this was a frame I could learn to enjoy. Definitely was able to generate more spin than with the X Force Pro, even though they are the exact same string pattern. I'm guessing it has to do w/ the flex in the throat and 'dwell time', but that's above my technical knowledge.

First match:
After the ball machine session, I realized this was going to need a bit of lead up top. I'm trying to adjust to a lighter racquet, so I didn't want to go overboard. My target weight is between 310 -315, and I've already added 5g from the 2nd overwrap. So, I added approx 2g of lead at 12 o'clock and hit the courts.

My opponent is a recent 4.5 move up who runs everything down. And when I say 'everything', I mean 'everything'. I'm a recent 5.0 move up, and on indoor and hard courts normally win 2 & 2, but on clay we're more even. I usually win, but its much much closer...6 & 5 or sometimes 3 sets. Today we are playing on clay, in the middle of the afternoon. Oh, and did I mention he's ~ 17 years younger than me? But I digress...

Anyway, the frame played beautifully. Serves have lost a bit of pop, but they seem to be jumping a bit more. Due to the low power, I'm rarely missing a ball, however, I am having problems putting things away. But, on clay, that is usual vs him. What I do notice is that I'm more confident hitting 8-10 shots per rally. Not many volleys were hit, but those that were felt controlled. The extra weight up top really seems to be helping with the stability, especially when I'm pulled wide to the backhand and have to resort to the slice, although I'm left wondering if a little more at 3 & 9 might not give me a tad more plow. Drop shots are sublime.

At this point I'm thinking this is the frame for me, with a little more modification...
Second match:
On Sunday I played some doubles. I was really looking forward to this because not many volleys were hit on Saturday, and I really wanted to see how it played at the net. I also added a few more grams of lead at 3 & 9 in an attempt to get more plow on my forehands.

After a shaky start (it had been a good month since last playing doubles), the frame settled in and was very solid around the net. I'm not an aggressive volleyer, reacting & redirecting more than attacking the net. However, I hit a few high forehand & backhand volleys that felt real solid. I think the lead @ 3 & 9 helped stabilize without taking away from the feel. Oh, and the feel...classic Fischer IMO.

I also noticed a bit more pop on the serves. I don't know if that is because of the extra weight or if I just started feeling more confident with the frame.

But for me the big test was return of serve. That is my true strength in doubles, and its something I cannot compromise on. My serve is never going to be a huge weapon, and my volleys are 'sufficient', but returns are what I bring to the table in doubles. The good news was both my opponents were younger college kids who like to hit a big serve, so I was going to get a good feel for this aspect.

My first return was an inside-out forehand (I return from the ad side) that landed 1ft inside both lines. From there it just got better, pulling high forehands inside-in, stepping in on the backhand and driving it cross court. All the returns were there, missing maybe 3 or 4 outright. Granted I didn't win every point, but by missing so few returns I'm constantly putting pressure on my opponent's serve. Match point was an angled cross-court backhand return that clipped the outside of the line (we were on clay).
Third match
Played doubles again last night. Essentially a rematch from Sunday, except an afternoon thunderstorm moved us off the clay & indoors. I was looking forward to hitting with this indoors anyway, so it kinda worked in my favor.

This was a good opportunity to see if it would get pushed around as one of our opponents hits a fairly big serve. Once again, the frame did not disappoint. Return of serve seemed effortless, routinely meeting their pace & driving it back. There were a few that I caught late, but in all honesty, that was more due to them hitting a good serve than anything else. Volleys felt solid with great feel, and the frame was easy to maneuver around the net.

Serving is still a question mark, though. I still haven't gotten a good idea of power on the serve, mainly due to me dealing w/ back & neck pain the last week, so I'm not ready to blame it on the frame yet. I had no issues with placement, though, hitting all my spots (albeit 10-15MPH slower...) throughout the match.

I still need to play a long singles match to see if the plow is there on the forehand, and whether the current setup will allow me to 'swing away' for a full 3 sets. It may play great as I have it weighted, but it does me no good if my shoulder dies after a set.
Preliminary Conclusion:
Overall, Pacific has really done a great job with this frame. Granted some who liked the stiffer version from the 90s might be a bit disappointed, but then again, no one used full polyester back then. I think pairing this with a good 17g poly might surprise a lot of people. However, I need to put it on the scale again unstrung as I think I might have put a little too much lead up top. My whole reason for changing is to move to a lighter frame so my shoulder doesn't tire out, and buying a 305g racquet, then adding 15g seems counter-productive.

I will continue to tinker until I make the decision whether to go 'all-in' and buy a couple more, but right now its my top seed.

I also need to play singles on hard courts or indoors against some big hitters to see if it gets pushed around. I noticed that with my X Force (no Pro version) that I leaded up. Felt great at first, then went inside and got pushed around a bit. I and had to bring it up to ~ 315g.​
 
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topspn

Legend
Interesting review and thanks for your thoughts! I still wish pacific would create a 330 gram frame on HL side. I genuinely dislike adding so much weight to a frame and maybe just a tiny bit to tweak. I cannot play with a light racquet, it literally feels awkward. My sweet spot is a frame in 12.1-12.4 oz range that is 10 or 9 pts HL strung. I tried with some weight to get to that with the BX2 X force pro and it plays better.
 

McLovin

Legend
I completely understand where you are coming from. When I used the M-Comp 95, that came in at 330g, and I loved it.

However, getting older (I'm 47 now), my shoulder can no longer last 3 sets against heavy hitters. Hell, on clay, where I'm routinely hitting high forehands, it can't even last a full 2 sets. So I've had to start scaling back on the weight and adjusting. That is the most appealing thing to me about this frame: I can add weight now, and as the years go on, scale back a bit here & there. I've even considered adjusting the weight based on surface, where I can pull some of the lead off for clay, then add it back for hard/indoor.
 

tennis1111

Semi-Pro
Great review.
I played for a few years with Tecnifibre tflash 315 VO2 max which is a same mold as X force pro No1. I put 6g of lead in the troath and 2g at 12 o'clock. It played incredible. You can try this setup.

I'am very glad it plays softer. How is the grip shape on this new baby?
 
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McLovin

Legend
Comparing this to my BX2 grip, I'd say the shape in general is the same, although the butt cap feels a bit more flared on the new one. I'm not certain if that is due to it being a brand new grip, me using two overwraps, or that it is simply the way the grip is. Either way, I like it.

I thought about adding some lead to the throat, but I need to get a measure on where I am now given all that I've added.
 
Comparing this to my BX2 grip, I'd say the shape in general is the same, although the butt cap feels a bit more flared on the new one. I'm not certain if that is due to it being a brand new grip, me using two overwraps, or that it is simply the way the grip is. Either way, I like it.

I thought about adding some lead to the throat, but I need to get a measure on where I am now given all that I've added.
Thanks so much for this great initial review.

I was wondering, is it possible for you to post a few more pictures of the frame in different angles?

Thanks so much :)
 

McLovin

Legend
Sure, I'll get a few more tonight. I figured since Automatix had already put some up in the other thread I'd just be littering this up w/ redundant shots. But I now realize this thread could use a bit more sprucing up...
 
Sure, I'll get a few more tonight. I figured since Automatix had already put some up in the other thread I'd just be littering this up w/ redundant shots. But I now realize this thread could use a bit more sprucing up...
Haha - that would be great!

I saw the pictures Automatix posted, but as you said, a few more pictures from various angles can't hurt :)

Thanks!!
 
Nice, not certain it fits the bill of what Im looking for, waiting on the xtp97. Im both a big serverand returner. I find Im just not rushing the net as much as I was a year ago and frankly am wanting more free points on my serve than I get with the X feel pro 95 (which is great at hitting placement and good second serves but not for big 1sts). Im looking at the XTP97 and the Angell TC95 16x19. I turn 45 soon and I just want more free points off my big strokes. This Pro No. 1 looks great for someone who doesnt necesarilly expect to serve bombs andis a classic all-court counterpuncher. Nice option since so many are presenting ultra still frames and nothing like this.
 

etrevino09

New User
Comparing this to my BX2 grip, I'd say the shape in general is the same, although the butt cap feels a bit more flared on the new one. I'm not certain if that is due to it being a brand new grip, me using two overwraps, or that it is simply the way the grip is. Either way, I like it.

I thought about adding some lead to the throat, but I need to get a measure on where I am now given all that I've added.
Pallets????? ;)
 
As luck would have it...A fellow TT'r (downs_chris) is in the process of acquiring a Tour Pro 97. It should be here by the end of the week, and I hope to get a hit with it soon after. I will report my feelings on it after the hit.
Yes, and perhaps TW will have them available by the end of the week too? I think it is crucial for Pacific to have these frames available in the US at the start of the USO. Bhaggy is gonna knock off a top seed... I feel it.
 

McLovin

Legend
Pallets????? ;)
It is my understanding that they are pallets, but not the previous 2-piece design. I haven't pulled my stock grip off yet but will likely look into it later this week. Its still brand new...let me enjoy it before I dissect it!
 

anirut

Legend
Nice ... my wife can prepare to scream at me for buying another stick soon ...

But I would like it to be a few grams heavier. May be 330 grams strung would've been better.
 

Blockhead

New User
That's too light in stock form. Who do they make these frames for? People who want to play with the specs and lead tape?
 

McLovin

Legend
That's too light in stock form. Who do they make these frames for? People who want to play with the specs and lead tape?
Perspective is funny. A year ago I would have agreed w/ you. However, since I've come to the realization that my shoulder can no longer take heavier frames, I'm starting to appreciate that I can add lead now, and if it gets worse, subtract lead.

And while I'm adding lead to this thing, I have friends who think 305g is too heavy. You just can't please everyone.
 

Alex78

Hall of Fame
I like it :) - Is the name "Fischer" actually still to be found anywhere on the frame? Or has their agreement to feature it ended?
Aaand still an important question: Does it have the pallet system on the handle?
 

McLovin

Legend
I like it :) - Is the name "Fischer" actually still to be found anywhere on the frame? Or has their agreement to feature it ended?
Aaand still an important question: Does it have the pallet system on the handle?
Lets see...No, I don't know, and I will not know until later in the week when I replace w/ a leather just too see how it feels. I can tell you this: It most certainly is NOT the old pallet system as there is no separation line on the butt cap.
 

Alex78

Hall of Fame
Thanks, McLovin! - I was afraid my hunch would eventually be confirmed... - Although there's still a possibility they went with the "old" pallet system (the one similar to what Head uses, for instance).
 

Alex78

Hall of Fame
... So they still acknowledge Fischer officially, but no longer on their products. No big deal, I think.
 

etrevino09

New User
Lets see...No, I don't know, and I will not know until later in the week when I replace w/ a leather just too see how it feels. I can tell you this: It most certainly is NOT the old pallet system as there is no separation line on the butt cap.
There is no reason to go back to the old 3 piece pallet system. For me there is no pallets at all, Any bets?
 
Now that you mention it...looking at the 2016 catalog someone posted ( http://www.pacific.cz/data/pacific-katalog-2016.pdf ), the new X Force and X Force Pro no longer say 'Fischer Technology' in the bridge either. It is mentioned in the catalog, but nowhere on the frame that I can see.
I noticed that... basically the Vacuum Tech and Zero Tolerance (tm) etc. are acknowledged as coming from Fischer. This had to happen. I do like the "German Engineering" being more prominent.
 

skimbop

New User
There is no reason to go back to the old 3 piece pallet system. For me there is no pallets at all, Any bets?

From the TW description (you can find the page using Racquet Finder):

"With the X Force Pro No. 1 Pacific continues this racquet's proud history while also adding a new grip system called PSG (Precise Grip System), featuring precisely tuned pallets that are exchangeable for other sizes."
 

Cobra Tennis

Professional
Looks great! I find it interesting that the X Force Pro No 1 (phew that is a long name) weighs LESS than the X Fast Pro!

I will def take a swing with the pro 1 as I like a frame around 300g.
 

McLovin

Legend
Maybe I missed it, but what's your final strung/leaded static weight and swing weight on this?
No, you didn't miss it. Here's the final w/ lead, two overwraps, and my Sampras dampener:
IMG_0147.JPG

Balance is 7pts HL. Swingweight will be tough as I don't have ready access to an RDC machine, and my attempts in the past at the manual process (detailed here) have been a huge FAIL.
 
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ae1222

Semi-Pro
Very excited to hear it plays like a flex of 58. I have the VT Pro 98 and it is a hair too stiff. I have been playing with PT57As for several years and love them, but I am excited for this one since I used the Pro 98s in college. I extend my frames to 27.5 and lead them to 355g strung, so this may be a perfect stick for me!

My guy mailed me two yesterday (coming from the UK), so hopefully I can add my thoughts next week.
 

racket king

Banned
Sorry if this has been answered already (only did a brief scan of these threads) but what's the relevance of the 'Two Five Two' branding?
 

djNEiGht

Legend
great read. From your previous posts about Pacific sticks...they have been on my radar. I like the specs of this.

granted i'm toying with the idea of trying out one of those new open pattern (ESP/S) type racquets but things like this always have a special place in my heart. Just need to make some room for a new racquet...smh
 

ae1222

Semi-Pro
Extended mine and got it leaded up to 355g strung, hopefully will hit later today. Their handle system is interesting, I snapped a few pics when I tore it apart and will try to post later today as well.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
I got mine as well but did not have time to hit with it yet...I'll take it with me to my business trip and try to hit there...btw anyone from Asheville I'll be there while next week
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
I have 3 quick first impressions:
1) basically it is exactly the same as light version of bx2 with commercial weight added in. I expected that since I knew they will simply take same racquet they are already producing and cash in on legacy but imho it's worth it as you would probably spend the difference in price between lt and 252 on lead tape

2) I was always strangely attracted to this mold design and it looks and feels like aeropro/pure drive and volkl power bridge mid had a baby

3) love the paint job much better than orange one on the light version
 

McLovin

Legend
Pretty sure FischerFan has a couple, so he can give you a good 1st hand comparison. Hopefully he'll see this & respond.
 

FischerFan

New User
Any direct comparison to VT98Pro/Pro 1(Red/Silver) ?
Needless to say, the feel is definitely there. I don't have the 252 leaded up to match the specs of my old black/red, but I have no doubt the platform is there to do that. my black/red is the 330g heavier version that was released and hits a very, very heavy ball, but I'm not really cut out to swing that frame anymore for extended periods, so I won't be taking the 252 back to those specs. I can tell you that the new grip system is really, really something as far as feel and the cosmetics, well... Top notch. If I end up leading one up to match I will let you know, but I really think you'd be missing out not trying it if you are a fan of that mold....
 
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