POGOS users - HELP!!!

[Concrete Feet]

I'm a long time user of the POGOS and been hitting it since about 1981. There were little differences between each version after that but overall there wasn't enough to cause any problem. Well now it looks like there is. About six months back I bought my first new ones since 2002. Didn't look any different cosmetically and the overall weight was pretty much the same but that's where the good times stopped. The balance was a hell of a lot different and the swingweight a good chunk higher than they used to be and I just couldn't handle it. In my case that meant the measured specifications (done by an MRT) on the racquet were 12.2oz and 12.3oz weight, 335 and 333 swingweight, 2pts and 3pts Head Light.

Now I may not be 21 (Im 50, somewhere between 4.0 and 4.5 NTRP) but I'm still a strong guy who lifts a few times a week and is in good shape but I just can't use a racquet like. When I hit the ball there's a ton of power and I can still make the ball spin but moving it into position is a chore and my reaction time on volleys is now so slow its like Im swinging through water. If I tail weight it I get a more head light balance but the swingweight and overall weight go too high. I just cant use the POGOS the way it is.

So I really dont know what to do now. My question to POGOS users, especially the ones who've had the same trouble as me, is what other racquet out there might be similar to the POGOS (that mean I want an oversize racquet) or have people found a way around the change in specifications?

 

[svebriyos]

Seems like you have the specs in mind that you like. I can tell you that on the VantagTennis site you can configure the frame to your specs.
I know that the swingweight of the Vantage frames is much lower than those of most frames out there. Has to do with how they are constructed.

Hope that helps.

 

[Concrete Feet]

I don't see Vantage being a worthwhile solution. No place to demo the racquets and if I want to try them Ive got to buy one first. Thanks but no thanks.

What I want is a POG OS alternative or some feedback from other POGOS users letting me know how they've handled the big change in specs.

Has anyone given the TT Warrior OS a try to replace the POGOS?
I know it wont be exactly the same but it is Prince, it is the same head size and I do hear it's got big spin, reasonable enough power and is handy up at the net.

 

[mdjenders]

Good luck. I have been trying to find such a frame for months, and I am still wrecking my shoulder with a 339 swingweight POG OS to this day.

 

[AndrewD]

Don't try to replace the POGOS with a racquet of similar weight. Instead, seriously look at frames that have the flex and head size you prefer but which also provide you with enough room to tailor the balance, swingweight and static weight to suit your needs.

A few viable options (nothing will feel like the POGOS so you might as well give up that hope to begin with) are the;

Head Microgel Radical Team - ignored due to the head size and weight but an excellent racquet and part of the best, in my opinion, range Head has ever released.

Head Microgel Radical OS - tighter string pattern but low swingweight and low static weight so you have a lot of room to modify it.

Head Extreme Team - excellent flex (59), open string pattern, 107sq and lots of room for modification. Also has a bit rounder head shape so more like the POGOS than other Head frames.

 

[jayserinos99]

In this case, why ruin a good thing? It sounds like these new POG OS frames just seem out of your spec and getting new ones that seem to match your spec would be better for you. TW has a racquet matching service that you can use if you decide to pick up some POG OS from them. IIRC, there was a slight variance in balance in one of the versions of the POG OS but unfortunately I don't remember which one it is. One racquet that I think hit much like the POG OS but was slightly lighter and had a slightly lower swingweight was the Donnay Pro One Oversize; I bought a couple that were gripped with the TW leather grip and it played quite well. I've included the link below:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCDUNLOP-DP1OS.html

 

[iTennis]

As far as new sticks to replace POG OS with, have you considered Head Agassi LE OS? I'm experimenting with an original Trisys 260 OS over my old and trusty POG OS, and I do like it a lot. Weight and balance are very similar (12.2oz/ 7 pt HL). It feels really solid and denser string pattern gives you better control/ power balance, especially for volleys and mid-court shots. Still enough spin for me. Personally I'm wanting to try the Agassi LE now.

 

[Bud]

Prince NXG OS

Check out the Prince NXG OS and slap on a leather grip. The specs will then be virtually identical. I have an NXG Mid and Mid+ and both racquets are excellent underrated sticks. I've never tried the OS, though.

 

[-Kap-]

Like jayserinos and iTennis, the first racquets that came to mind for me were the Donnay Pro One OS and the Head Agassi Radical LE. I'm not speaking from personal experience, since I haven't played with a POG OS, but I've come across posts on here comparing these racquets to it.

It looks like they're both available to demo, so I'd recommend giving them a shot, along with some of the other recommendations here, and seeing what suits you. Good luck!

 

[orangettecoleman]

the avery os is similar to a classic POG OS...

 

[jayserinos99]

the avery os is similar to a classic POG OS...

If I'm not mistaken, Avery frames are based off of Prince molds...in particular the Precision Graphite that came out in the mid 1990s.

 

[Alafter]

I am a parrot, or beginning to sound like one.

I am gonna say it tho--NBlade OS. I used to use the new POGOS. Then I bought the Nblade OS for fun. Then I started using them back and forth. And then I got confused and told myself ENOUGH. So I stuck to the Nblade OS, and now I am stuck on it. I would call it pretty low powered actually--I'll take my POGOS and compare it and get back to you on it--but i do remember it being rather similar.

Anyways, The Nblade definitely doesnt swing heavy for sure.

Erm, hmmm, haaaaa, I am beginning to realize that you want something to replace your trusty old POGOS, so now I am beginning to be confused where I was getting at.

ANYWAYS, since I wrote all this already, I still encourage you to try Nblade OS. It's leaned towards being a headlight player's OS stick--probably the most playerly OS stick in the 295 unstrung range.

Do give it a try. I think you will find it an ok stick.

 

[LovelyTennisNut]

I'm a long time user of the POGOS and been hitting it since about 1981. There were little differences between each version after that but overall there wasn't enough to cause any problem. Well now it looks like there is. About six months back I bought my first new ones since 2002. Didn't look any different cosmetically and the overall weight was pretty much the same but that's where the good times stopped. The balance was a hell of a lot different and the swingweight a good chunk higher than they used to be and I just couldn't handle it. In my case that meant the measured specifications (done by an MRT) on the racquet were 12.2oz and 12.3oz weight, 335 and 333 swingweight, 2pts and 3pts Head Light.

Now I may not be 21 (Im 50, somewhere between 4.0 and 4.5 NTRP) but I'm still a strong guy who lifts a few times a week and is in good shape but I just can't use a racquet like. When I hit the ball there's a ton of power and I can still make the ball spin but moving it into position is a chore and my reaction time on volleys is now so slow its like Im swinging through water. If I tail weight it I get a more head light balance but the swingweight and overall weight go too high. I just cant use the POGOS the way it is.

So I really dont know what to do now. My question to POGOS users, especially the ones who've had the same trouble as me, is what other racquet out there might be similar to the POGOS (that mean I want an oversize racquet) or have people found a way around the change in specifications?

whats a pogos? i thought it was a jumping thing?

 

[jayserinos99]

pog os = prince original graphite oversize

pogo stick is probably what you were thinking about.

 

[Alafter]

Ok just got back from the court after the training session.

Hit with the POGOS first, followed by the Nblade OS.

POGOS is strung at 57 lbs, poly mains syn cross. 4 months old string job.

Nblade OS is string 55lbs, poly main syn cross. 1 wk old string job.

I only dedicated the first 10 mins to the POGOS (the other 50 was training with my usual stick).

The result is that I felt that both gave a nice comfortable feel hitting the ball. Soft impacts. But it is still a little different kinds of comfort b/w them--not surprising considering not only the mass are different, but the material density in the POGOS with it's thinner beam.

I could control the ball with both of them similarly. I am not a spin player--I concentrate on directions and depth mostly.

I am not an authority on swingweight, but at least the first 10 mins felt no diff from swinging the Blade. I was on the dot for the shots.

I was almost at the point of wondering why the $%#^ did I switch to the Nblade? And then I decided that I dont really want the answer: it'd just mess up on what I have been trying my god hardest for the past 9 months: concentrate on the game, not the equipment.

Well and thats's that. I hope you give the Nblade a try.

 

[markwillplay]

I had same problem. I have gone through mucho sticks trying to get the same feel as my older POGOS. I havent found it yet. I own 2 speedport tour mp's and 2 fischer magnetic tour 100 (heavier version). The thing I loved about the POG was that I could just swing out and always keep the ball in. Just a great spin stick. Got too heavy for me and not very manueverable (I serve and volley a lot). I like the speedport tour. I really like it. It is not quite as heavy and really swings much lighter. Has a bit of a muted feel but I still like it. the Fischer is even more headlight and swings even lighter. It does not have as much plow through though. Right now I am playing more with the fischer but I can still keep the ball in better swinging out with lots of topspin with the POG. Just has that heft going through the ball. The Speedport is second and the Fischer is last (I am tending to sail the balls a bit more with this one). However, I can play with the Fischer all day and not get tired of swinging. It is also very manueverable at net. I think you will like the Fischer or the speedport if you like the POG. They are different but I am a convert. Also, the 100 of the fischer is colse enough to 110 that you won't know the difference really. Funny thing, after my hit with the POG today, it still rules the roost for topspin forhands.

 

[Bengt]

I was almost at the point of wondering why the $%#^ did I switch to the Nblade? And then I decided that I dont really want the answer: it'd just mess up on what I have been trying my god hardest for the past 9 months: concentrate on the game, not the equipment.

You should probably destroy your POG OS then. At least put it in the attic.
I'm back on it because I didn't get rid of mine when I had the chance. It's like a drug.

You hit a forehand. It feels super solid yet doesn't seem like a burner speed-wise. Next thing you know your opponent, who appears to have properly prepared himself for the return shot, is either late or overpowered as his racquet twists in his hand. It hits a very heavy ball.

 

[Princegod]

I don't think your going to find a replacement for POG OS. Not sure why Prince keeps tinkering with the specs slightly with each new cosmetic either.

The four pinstripe POG is a very good stick if you can find someone willing to sell theirs. Mine measures about 8pts head light with Gosen 15L strings, vibrasorb and stock leather grip (no overgrip). Shouldn't be too hard to find, relative to the single stripe of old (1980's). The single stripe POG hits a little sweeter, but finding a few rackets in good condition with same grip size might take longer.

If you want to go with a new model, probably the Donnay Pro One OS and the Head Agassi Radical LE would be a starting point since Agassi used both of these rackets to replace his POG OS a long time ago. I've personally never played with them though.