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:
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:
First match:
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: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.
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.
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: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...
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 matchAfter 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).
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: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.
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.
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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