ProKennex Redondo MP vs. Head Pro Tour 630/280 PART II

[Pro_Tour_630]

I just wanted to start a new thread which is a continuation of this thread http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=103474
comparing the Redondo MP98 with the Pro Tour 280/630

Let me just start by saying the Redondo MP is no Pro Tour 280/630. Specs may seem close on paper but they play very different. I am not putting down the Redondo MP. It is a nice stick but not for me not right now. Let me go through what I found during my play test.

The composition of the Redondo MP is 100% graphite while the Pro Tour 280/630 has at least 6% Twaron and the rest is High Modulus Graphite. In terms of feel for me, I just like the plush feel of the Pro Tour 630/280. It is more comfortable for me. The flex on the Redondo do not seem to be 57-58 as indicated IMO. If that is the case the Pro Tours should be in the 54 range. It is stiffer than the Pro Tour 630/280. Hey that might be a good thing for some. There is a crisp response due the composition and open V throat design with the redondo MP along with a thinner beam all around than the Pro tour 280/630. If you think the dwell time is very nice on the Redondo MP you should try the Pro Tour 630. The ball seems to stay on the stick for an eternity.

The Redondo MP to me was not stable as the Pro Tour 630. Maybe because of the CAP on the Pro Tour 630, dunno. Maybe I need to put extra weight on the hoop. The head size on the Redondo MP seems to be larger than the Pro Tour 280/630 dunno maybe because it is 97 while the Redondo is 98. The head size is closer to the Volkl C10pro 98 IMO. Similar also to the C10pro, the bridge on the redondo MP is closer to the handle.

My Redondo MP came in at 340g with 31cm balance. It is too head light for me. 32cm would seem like it might be more stable. My 334g 32cm Pro Tour 630 is much more stable even though it swings at 324. Like I said before, the shoulders on the V throat design is more open with the Redondo MP. The V triangle on the Pro Tour 280 is narrower and longer.

The overall quality on the redondos are nice but I was not too impressed with the thin layer of rubber coating on the paint ala iprestige. Not only you can rub it off with your finger nail but you can scratch off the paint as well very easily. I was impressed with the grip shape. It was more in line with volk and Head.

In Consclusion, the Redondo MP plays more like a C10 Pro MP with an 18X20 than a Pro Tour 280/630. Usually "Head" guys hate the feel of Volkls and vis a virsa. This redondo MP supposedly available who knows might be a nice option for C10pro users that would like something in an 18X20. People that are used to the Pro Tour 280/630 might be in for a disappointment. If you are looking for something more similar to the Pro tour 280/630, other than MW200G, I am testing three Kneissl sticks that are much closer in terms of feel with exceptional quality. What I did not like, on certain shots there is a pinging noise with the redondo MP which turns into a crisp precise response similar to the C10pro. Could be Ok in the hands of 5.5 and above precision players. OTOH, the Pro Tour 280/630 has that heavy assuring and confident prestige 600 "thumpin" similar to what the democrats did to the republicans. Basically I knew what I was getting into before I tested the Redondo MP, but now I know for sure. Now my challenge is to tweak and customize the Redondo MP with lead, different grip string tension along with other hush hush modifications. Stay tuned, who knows I might like it better next time around.

 

[Kevin T]

Michael,

Sounds like your experience was quite similar to mine. I know what you mean about the Kneissls. The feel is eerily similar to the 280/630. You can bet Muster demanded that of Kneissl. I also agree with your comments about Kneissl quality. They always made top notch frames. Are the Tom's Machine you got from Europe the lighter weight "American" versions or the heftier version you could only get in Europe? I believe my "American" TM's were less than 11oz strung, which I then weighted up. Happy hitting. Let me know when you take the Kneissl plunge. I'm probably only a few weeks away from ordering a couple from Austria unless TW comes through. By the way, have you tried the Tecnifibre T fight 320 or 335? I know both you and I weren't fans of the older Bullit Elite D Ti (280/630 clone) or X-one but am hoping the newer Tecs are better.

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

Michael,

Sounds like your experience was quite similar to mine. I know what you mean about the Kneissls. The feel is eerily similar to the 280/630. You can bet Muster demanded that of Kneissl. I also agree with your comments about Kneissl quality. They always made top notch frames. Are the Tom's Machine you got from Europe the lighter weight "American" versions or the heftier version you could only get in Europe? I believe my "American" TM's were less than 11oz strung, which I then weighted up. Happy hitting. Let me know when you take the Kneissl plunge. I'm probably only a few weeks away from ordering a couple from Austria unless TW comes through. By the way, have you tried the Tecnifibre T fight 320 or 335? I know both you and I weren't fans of the older Bullit Elite D Ti (280/630 clone) or X-one but am hoping the newer Tecs are better.

KT, the quality of Kneissl is even better than the Pro Tours and Head Prestiges made in austria. There are no pallets on the Toms machines, it is graphite all the way to the butt cap. The quality of the paint is second to none. I have the European versions which are heavier but will check again for weight in grams. I have three grips sizes (3/8 1/2 and 5/8). I cant wait to get the Red Star from Austria in 1/4 or 3/8 and see how they play compared to the old TM's. TW you got one month to work out the deal. I have been waiting for the deal to go through since June. As for Tfights the throat area is similar to PT280/630. I liked the Tfight 325 only it was .25 longer, I might cut it to 27 the Tfight 325 (27) will play similar to the PT280/630 more so than the Redondo MP at least. I have not tried the new line of Tfights. Heard they were stiffer than the old line, not sure, again this might be a good thing but not for others like me. head size is a bit smaller as well

 

[reflexace]

the kneissl racquets sound interesting, and its exciting to hear other pt630 users speak highly of another racquet. even more to hear that the quality of production is 'even better' than the head austrian models (which did tend to have wide tolerances).
looking at the webpage, all of the racquets seem to be extended length? do they have standard length versions? would be interested if they did...
any idea how the tom's machine / red star would be in terms of swingweight? which would be an easier transition from a pt630?
and don't forgot to post photos and review once you guys get the kneissls!
cheers

 

[jayserinos99]

Michael, I am very interested your findings with the Kneissl; how do they compare to the PT630?

As for the Redondo, I also feel that it needs lead at the 3/9 to feel a bit more solid.

 

[Kevin T]

I have similar questions, reflexace. The Tom's Machine has the nice leather grip, is heavier and has the 95" head but is also a bit stiffer than the Red Star. The Red Star has a little more flex, 98" headsize and looks fantastic! Melzer went from the Tom's Reach Machine to the Reach Top Machine to the Sportastic Supreme to the Red Star, so I'm hoping the Red Star would be most similar to the old Tom's Machine? When I finally make the order, I'll probably bite the bullet and order one of each, decide which one I like better and order a few more of that one. By then, along with a nice racquet bag, a hat and some shirts, I'll only be in for a $$grand or so

 

[jayserinos99]

that's hardcore kevin, when you do bite the bullet please report your findings back to the board. thanks!

 

[Kevin T]

Will day, Jay, will do. I'm trying to wait out Michael, so he can put the damage on his credit card!

 

[D. Nelson]

.....HHHEEEYY!! I just want to give ALL you guys 'Props' --- this is the way these threads are SUPPOSED to read....not all the gibberish/unrelated/gossipy/snipey/etc... I'd definitely like to put one of the 'new' Red Stars up against a 280/630 ....I'd still say that the Head would be more solid=more 'plow-through' --- but the Red Star might be more 'versatile' ...???!!?!

 

[reflexace]

because of the extended lengh, i would tend to think the red star would fit comfortably in terms of transition, as if those are all unstrung weights given on the site, the toms machine might be quite hefty to swing.
also, the 'white star' seems to be an in between from the toms machine and the 'red star'; on the kneissl shop it seems like the toms machine doesn't have the leather grip. i think we're going to need more detail than those online specs.

therefore... Kevin T, i recommend you take the first step towards getting some new gear and then you can tell us all about it! i'm sure you deserve to get yourself an 'end of year gift' of some kind =p
the bag looks nice as well, so include that in your review!

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

Toms Machine #1 Gray/silver 3/8 with battle wounds

27 inches in length 98 head with gamma hitec grip strung with 17g synthetic, rubber band, weighed in at 329grams with 31cm balance, reason for this low weight and more head light is because I removed the bumper it was all scuffed up, I would assume the bumper weighs around 4 grams at the least. It has an integrated air cushion system at the throat which could be why it feels so plush like the PT630.

Toms Machine #2 Gray/Silver 5/8 like new condition

same length and head size as above, it has a kneissl synthtic grip which weighs less than the gamma hi tec, strung with 15g synthetic with a new bumper weighed in at 339g 32 cm balance. The 10 gram difference can be attributed to the 3/8 not having a bumper, difference in grip size, difference in replacement grip material and difference in string gauge. It also has an integrated air cushion system at the throat which could be why it feels so plush like the PT630.

Toms Machine reach #3 White/Gray 1/2 new condition

this one is 28 inches with 98 head size with 17g Poly and regular kneissl grip weighed in at 334grams with 33cm balance, this stick was a joy to serve with and to me it flexed the most and had the softest feel even more than the PT630. It also has an integrated air cushion system at the throat.

I will take photos of all three, I might cut the reach to 27.25 first then 27 and resize the grip to 3/8 it will be tough but I have done it before. It will then balance at 32cm and the cut off peice might lower weight by 4grams. What do you think KT?

KT give me your address if you want me to send you #1 to test, promise to send it back when you get your red stars it would be nice for both of us to see the difference between the two and have a more objective review

 

[Kevin T]

Michael,

I really appreciate the offer but I will be traveling a lot the next 6 weeks and really won't have the time/opportunity to try it. Having owned the frame in the past, I do know what you mean about the plush and solid feel. I hope you enjoy hitting with them. As for the Red Star, if TW doesn't have them by Dec. 1, I think I will make the move. I agree with reflexace that the Tom's Machine may be a little hefty and the Red Star is flexier and easier to modify. I promise to post my review when I do the deed, with comparisons to the PT 280. By the way Michael, if I recall correctly, the Tom's Machines have a bumper that can be snapped off/on, kind of like a modified CAP? If not, then it must have been the Top Reach Machine.

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

Ok, it will still be here in case you want to try it in the future. Both toms and one reach in my hands have bumpers that are nonremovable. The red star is 1/2inch longer so there is going to be adjustment (it will be more powerfull) unless you cut it down to 27 then it might be a little stiffer and might flex like the regular original Toms, dunno for sure. I did not like the Tfight 225 because of the length and that was only .25 inch longer. I think a new Tom 3/8 strung would be 335g with 32cm balance anything below that and you will start to compromize on stability. My 334g 32cm Pro Tour 630 is very stable even though SW is at 324. We have to see where the weight distribution on the new red star are located and find out the SW on a 3/8 strung with normal synthetic at mid tension

 

[kenshireen]

How would you reduce handle size

Just curious.. but how would you reduce the grip to 3/8

Ken

 

[Janne]

Either with sandpaper or buying grip pallets. I´ve bought some Flexpoint prestige pallets and they said they should work on the Pro Tour but if they are too long I could just cut it.

 

[kenshireen]

I prefer the Redondo..
I have a 280 made in Austria for trade in anyone interested

kschw9883@comcast.net

 

[Pro_Tour_630]

I prefer the Redondo..
I have a 280 made in Austria for trade in anyone interested

kschw9883@comcast.net

did anyone ask you a question? or you are giving your opinion just to you know....., just kidding still waiting to hear from you I will measure the grip tonight

 

[Dexter]

Seek for Pro Tour 280

Hello Everyone

Im new at this and Redding previous messages I realized you know a lot about this Amazing raquet.
Here in Argentina, I recetly got one of the blue Pro Tour 280 and must admit it is great. I would like to buy two more of them, wich I can`t find in Argentina.
Would anybody know where to buy them in the Sates?

Thanks

 

[matchmaker]

In Consclusion, the Redondo MP plays more like a C10 Pro MP with an 18X20 than a Pro Tour 280/630. Usually "Head" guys hate the feel of Volkls and vis a virsa. This redondo MP supposedly available who knows might be a nice option for C10pro users that would like something in an 18X20. People that are used to the Pro Tour 280/630 might be in for a disappointment. If you are looking for something more similar to the Pro tour 280/630, other than MW200G, I am testing three Kneissl sticks that are much closer in terms of feel with exceptional quality. What I did not like, on certain shots there is a pinging noise with the redondo MP which turns into a crisp precise response similar to the C10pro. Could be Ok in the hands of 5.5 and above precision players. OTOH, the Pro Tour 280/630 has that heavy assuring and confident prestige 600 "thumpin" similar to what the democrats did to the republicans. Basically I knew what I was getting into before I tested the Redondo MP, but now I know for sure. Now my challenge is to tweak and customize the Redondo MP with lead, different grip string tension along with other hush hush modifications. Stay tuned, who knows I might like it better next time around.

I personally don't agree at all that the Redondo plays like a C10 pro with a few strings more. These are two radically different racquets IMO.

Some lead on the Redondo MP helps but it will never be a frame with incredible plow through.

 

[OnyxZ28]

Hello Everyone

Im new at this and Redding previous messages I realized you know a lot about this Amazing raquet.
Here in Argentina, I recetly got one of the blue Pro Tour 280 and must admit it is great. I would like to buy two more of them, wich I can`t find in Argentina.
Would anybody know where to buy them in the Sates?

Thanks

No place to buy new unfortunately, of course check the TW classifieds or the big auction site.

 

[Centryx]

Sorry to bring back this old thread but did the Redondos feel more like the old radical tours since you felt the stiffness was higher?