RDS 002 Tour- Like a bad addiction-I keep going back

[basil J]

I settled on the TI80 last summer and was real happy with it. I injured my shoulder, had surgery and am now working my way back into playing. I tried the KI5's at first, and they are super comfortable, but as my arm got stronger, I could not get past the muted feel, so on a whim I tried my 12.6 oz Ti80's and voila they played great. Then I got my hands on a 002 tour and behold, that even felt better. I know, I know, I have tried this frame a few times and never seemed to be able to play well with it consistantly. But the feel is unmatched, it is a serving beast and great at the net. If I could only play with it as consistently as I do with my TI 80 I'd be thrilled. Any one else try this frame, leave it and come back to it with any success. The Ti 80 is great, but lacks the serving pop that the 002T has, and the tour is also very comfortable, where as the TI 80 can play a little "tinny" and harsh at times. BTW, I string my TI80's full vs gut just as an FYI. Thanks in advance.

 

[Datacipher]

Oh yes, I have. My rankings of racquets that you are "inconsistent" on but, later come back to and have "success":

1.POG
2.Wilson Outer Limits
3.LOBster ceramic
4.rds 002
5.Cayman 8.32

I also recommend Starter socks at Walmart. They changed my game completely. Previously, I had found Thorlo's to feel perfect, wicked sweat, good cushion, stayed up, but still, I played inconsistently, up and down. But this happened no matter what I tried, especially with the backhand(serve was always solid). But recently, I switched to Starters and my backhand has never been better the last month! Thanks Starter!

 

[bad_call]

basil J - if i may ask what consistency issues are u having with the RDS 002 Tour? thanks.

 

[basil J]

Consistency issues off the ground. With the TI80, my strokes are dependable and quite frankly, I never, ever think about the racquet in hand while playing. With the 002T, I fell like I can hit the same ball the same way 5 different times and net 5 different results. When I play well with the frame, I play very well, when I am off, I pile up the errors very quickly and then the questioning of the frame begins. Again with the TI80, no issues. I know they are 2 different frames, when I have played well with the 002T, the feel of the frame is unmatched. I have had better success when I string it in the 62# range, but then I lose some of the feel, so it may be a matter of committing to it and finding the right string set up.

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

Keep in mind that you won't be as in form during your recovery as you were before your injury. As a result, you'll probably feel more inconsistent than you otherwise would regardless of the racquet you are playing with.

I love the 002 Tour and wouldn't want to play with anything else at the moment. I find it to be comfortable and adept at all facets of the game. Stick with it for a while. Let your muscles become accustomed to the weight, balance, and feel, and you should notice a corresponding increase in stability and consistency.

Best of luck.

 

[dadozen]

Oh yes, I have. My rankings of racquets that you are "inconsistent" on but, later come back to and have "success":

1.POG
2.Wilson Outer Limits
3.LOBster ceramic
4.rds 002
5.Cayman 8.32

I also recommend Starter socks at Walmart. They changed my game completely. Previously, I had found Thorlo's to feel perfect, wicked sweat, good cushion, stayed up, but still, I played inconsistently, up and down. But this happened no matter what I tried, especially with the backhand(serve was always solid). But recently, I switched to Starters and my backhand has never been better the last month! Thanks Starter!

Hey, sorry about asking, but do you think that socks changed your game?

 

[basil J]

Good advice. I have been back to hitting balls for about 2 weeks now and I am still out of sorts, and out of shape on top of everything else, so you make an excellent point. Thank you.

 

[bad_call]

Keep in mind that you won't be as in form during your recovery as you were before your injury. As a result, you'll probably feel more inconsistent than you otherwise would regardless of the racquet you are playing with.

I love the 002 Tour and wouldn't want to play with anything else at the moment. I find it to be comfortable and adept at all facets of the game. Stick with it for a while. Let your muscles become accustomed to the weight, balance, and feel, and you should notice a corresponding increase in stability and consistency.

Best of luck.

KVN - haven't seen u post in a while. u must be getting in good time on the courts.

basil J - thanks for the update. thinking i should stick to my Pros for a while before i get tempted.

 

[markwillplay]

Basil J, we have communicated many times here about this frame. I am EXACTLY like you in that I have left and come back many times. I could go on and on about it. In the end, I realized that at least for now, this frame is a pretty good balance of the things I liked about other frames. It was not too flexy and I could block back returns pretty effectively, not too stiff with lower tension strings, not too heavy (although probably at my limit now after realizing it), very stable, big sweetspot, not as tinny as the ti80 ( I had 3 of those too). I kept trying other sticks but there was always a shortfall (and always will be for any stick). I finally decided to sell ALL of my other sticks so I would have no where else to turn if I played bad....in other words, work through it. I may not stick with it forever, but there is no reason not to be able to play well with it consistantly. I do think it is string sensitive and I like a lower powered multi or even syn gut in it strung fairly low. I think for the most part though, you must stay with it for a while and jut swing through the ball....and trust your swing. I find that I do not play as well with it when I get tentative. I do serve and volley a lot so it is great for that. But, I am coming to realize that this stick has good control off of the ground. Balls don't fly unless you are late and it is actually quite forgiving. Honestly, I may play a little better with a stick with just a tad less swingweight, but I am going to spend the rest of the summer and hopfully fall playing with this one no matter what. I think I am at a level where that will pay off for my game. Lighter sticks are easier to play with right wasy but I always find myself wanting more stability at net and off the ground against pace. This stick is stable stock and I use leather most of the time. No more lead.

Now the K90 was a stick I tried and played great with and terrible with because of the small sweetspot and weight combined. The stick was over my head against people who are better. I really think that this one will make me better and eventually raise my game instead of frustrate me. You, like me, will never know unless you fully commit to it. If after 6 moinths, I am struggling, I will sell all four and get something lighter and that will be that....I don't think that will happen but if it does, there will be no coming back and no wondering.

 

[Datacipher]

Hey, sorry about asking, but do you think that socks changed your game?

LOL! No worries. No, of course they didn't. Not anymore than racquets or strings do. Just making fun of all the hacks here! This is just an extreme example of the silly thinking that goes on here.

Incidently, I used to play open tennis, held a national ranking, and in fact, can play with anything, because it's your skill that really counts. You can adjust to anything, it's all in your head, what's missing is the skill. Micro-vexing over strings/racquets/shoes won't cause any permanent change in that! Just wastes a lot of resources! ;-)

 

[basil J]

Wow, you really put me in my place. Sorry we are not all "open level"players here. I unlike you do find subtle differences in frames and strings. At the end of the day, I just am looking to enjoy my "limited" court time. I have 3 frames, two which are the same. Some posters here have dozens, so I guess in your eyes , we are all hacks.
Hey thanks for the heartfelt advice.

 

[Kot_Bigemot]

Wow, you really put me in my place. Sorry we are not all "open level"players here. I unlike you do find subtle differences in frames and strings. At the end of the day, I just am looking to enjoy my "limited" court time. I have 3 frames, two which are the same. Some posters here have dozens, so I guess in your eyes , we are all hacks.
Hey thanks for the heartfelt advice.

Guys, let's not fight. After all, we are tennis fans and all love the game.
As for my take on RDS002T - i simply love them. I do play with Volkl as well and i find that i can adjust to both of those racquets, no problems.
IMO, at the end, it comes down to cosmetics and your willingness to accept the frame or reject it
Because, i must admit, i think that your game is made of the following components:
80% - you, your skills, your mind.
10% - racquet
10% - string
But, sometimes all you are missing to be on top of your game is that 10% :twisted:. But again, it is just my opinion.
As for tension on my RDS002T - i tried many different combination and found that i prefer to string it at around 60 Lbs, + - 2 Lbs.

 

[bad_call]

LOL! No worries. No, of course they didn't. Not anymore than racquets or strings do. Just making fun of all the hacks here! This is just an extreme example of the silly thinking that goes on here.

Incidently, I used to play open tennis, held a national ranking, and in fact, can play with anything, because it's your skill that really counts. You can adjust to anything, it's all in your head, what's missing is the skill. Micro-vexing over strings/racquets/shoes won't cause any permanent change in that! Just wastes a lot of resources! ;-)

si senor. adios dinero. that said even the higher level players seek racquets that will optimize their game...throw strings in there too.

 

[markwillplay]

Hey Basil, I guess for some reason I like mine strung at around 53/50. I know that seems low but on a constant pull machine, it probably equals 58/55 of drop weight. Anyway, this tension really makes me feel the stick flex or pocket or whatever you call it and believe it or not, I don't have the trampoline sensation at all. Also, I have noticed that regular syngut in the crosses (I know sounds crazy but) really helps with control. I am using multifeel and isospeed now in different frames and like them both as they are good for the arm and that is a concern to me. One thing I do notice about this frame for my game is that it helps me to hit deeper easier than lighter frames and even more spinnier frames. I have tried this experiment many times and although I can play "safer" with the lighter frames, the ability to hit with spin and still hit deep with this stick easeir I think will help. I am a strong 4.0 player and yes, I can compete and beat 4.5 players when I am really playing well becasue of my serve. I think I can move up to 4.5 if I can get more consistant. Just want4ed to give you a level..I will report back in a few months on this stick (like anyone cares) and tell you if I finally "got it" or not.

 

[basil J]

Great Mark, Thanks. I play at the 4.0 level
and want to develop a better attacking game. At 48, I need to learn how to shorten points. I have always been able to rely on my fitness and ground strokes to keep me in the toughest of matches, but I have lacked a solid weapon. As I age, grinding out 3 setters against guys 1/2 my age is just not doing it for me. Serving with the 002T gives me some extra pop, which I hope will lead to the confidence I crave to come in more often and set up shorter points. If I can find the right balance of control and power, then this frame would be suit my needs just fine. I leave for Florida today for 10 days and I am only bringing the tour with me so I will have a better sense after the vacation. I should get at least 7 days of play in. I will report when I get back. adios amigo!

 

[markwillplay]

right on. I am 39 myself but have always played a serve and volley game and now I find myself needing to work on it more because of the returns coming back at me. I think that down the road, I may need to switch to a stick that is slightly lighter but has the same properties. I do find this stick very good at net though and I don't think I could go much smaller anymore. I need the forgiveness. I was very tempted by the new rdis but thought that it may be a little on the stiff side and figured while I was iin good shape, I would go ahead and really commit to this one. Good luck.

 

[007]

I have a red/ble Ti80 in 1/2 and a 002T in 1/2 I'm looking to sell if anyone's interested. Both are in 8/10 or better condition.

 

[Casco]

Thanks for your insights into the 002 Tour. I used to play with the n6.1-95 (18x20). I wanted a little more juice and larger sweetspot, so I moved to the Extreme Pro with about 15 grams of lead (head and handle). I hurt my arm - golfer's elbow - had to string very tight to mute the power even though I hit with very heavy topspin - and I prefer co-polys. So now I'll be demoing the 002 Tour. I chose it because of the heft, what I've gathered regarding Yonex quality control (I'm sick of having racquets vary so much), and others' reviews. It also seems to me that an isometric shape will even out the string bed's response.

For what it's worth BasilJ, I think the theory described earlier regarding just returning to the game influencing consistency makes sense.

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

KVN - haven't seen u post in a while. u must be getting in good time on the courts.

It's good to talk to you as well. I had been out of the game for a few months with knee pain. After a preliminary diagnosis of a meniscus tear in my left knee, I decided it would be wise to lay off for a while and rehabilitate with weight training. The training has really paid off, and I'm happy to report that I'm now back on the courts and better than ever!

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

I leave for Florida today for 10 days and I am only bringing the tour with me so I will have a better sense after the vacation.

Let me know if you're coming to Miami so we can get together for a hit.

 

[basil J]

I am in Sanibel Island for the week, otherwise I woild have loved to have gotten together.

 

[basil J]

Well I am back from vacation. I got to play a total of nine times in 10 days on clay and hard court. Average on court temps were over 105 degrees, so it was tough for the first few days. As a reminder, I had shoulder surgery in April and a double hernia surgery in may so I wanted to take this week to work myself back into shape. I have only played a handful of times and have not served a ball since Late February. I just started running and doing light weights 10 days ago, so I did not expect much. I played doubles on Mon, Tues and Thursday morning and did 1 1/2 hr sessions with a pro on the same days plus Saturday. I played singles on hard court twice during the week as well, just banging the ball around. I have to say, at first I was struggling with my timing and consistently bringing the ball down into the court. The frame had come with gamma pro at 62#, which I have never used before and I had to get used to the high power. Spin was okay but not great. By my second session with my pro, I found that if I really swung through the ball with relaxed strokes and let the heft of the frame dictate the pace and depth, I did well. I am trying to take this layoff as an opportunitty to remake my game as less of and baseliner a develop a consistant attacking game.
The 002T really shines at the net. Because I play primarily from the baseline, I never really got to experience how well you can slice, chip & charge and volley with this frame. My groundstrokes were a little flatter than with my usual Ti 80,so I was making some errors, but I figured that this was practice and just go with the flow. By the end of the week, I was dialed into the frame and enjoying it very much. I hit more approach shots and volleys this week than I have in the last 2 years and enjoyed every minute of it. I can see why this is a S&V favorite. I love serving with this frame.
Between the clay and excessive heat, the strings were shot by the end of the week, so I am restringing tonight with 17G Vs gut on the mains and Klip excellerator in the crosses at 63#.
Since I will not be playing competitively for at least another month I will continue with this frame and see if I continue to enjoy it. It did not bother my healing shoulder at all so that was another positive. My fitness is coming back very quickly, so I think with another 30 days of diligent practice with a pro and some good hitting partners, I will be back in full swing by August and hopefully , still with the 002T.

 

[markwillplay]

good Lord!!!!!! Talk about a come back. Man I was hurtiing just reading that. However, I am relieved that you can come back after hernia that quickly. I have a strained ab (lower) that is not a hernia, but sometimes I wish it was so I could recover...I think it will nag me forever. Anyway, sounds like a great opportunity to really grove your strokes to the stick. I have noticed that I do have to intentionally swing through the ball with this stick to get proper spin. I can do it but if I get lazy with follow though, it will hurt me. This is a reason that I think sticking with this one will help my game. You are right on.. Trust your swing, follow though, and let it go. Get tentative and short and this one will make you pay for it. Still, the 98 is a great sweetspot and that does help. I think this one has taken me longer to get used to than other sticks I have tried (prestige pro was right away) but I think the pay off is better. Easier to hit deeper on every shot. Learn to control this one and you have a lot of variety in your hands I think.

 

[basil J]

I agree, when I was working on agressive return of serves last week, I was crushing some shots that I normally would never hit. I play again Thursday here in Boston, so I look forward to fresh strings and the hard courts.

 

[FedererForehand]

I have the same exact issue with the Head LM Radical MP... it keeps calling me again and again and I don't have the fortitude to stay away... price doesn't help either.

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

Well I am back from vacation. I got to play a total of nine times in 10 days on clay and hard court. Average on court temps were over 105 degrees, so it was tough for the first few days.

I'll be staying at the Sundial Resort in Sanibel Island the first week of August. It's a shame we couldn't meet on those courts.

I'm glad your trip went well and your tennis flourished.

 

[basil J]

I played at the Sundial quite a bit. It is now tied to another club called the Dunes.
There is a pro that I work out with when I am down there. He works between the 2 clubs, primarily at the Dunes during the week and Sundial on Sundays.
His name is Phil DeRitis. He is hands down the best pro I have ever worked with. I don't know what level you play at, but if you find yourself with an open hour and want to hit with a pro I would call him. Everytime I go to sanibel (twice a year) he brings my game up a notch and leaves me with things to work on between visits. He is a very nice guy and has great knowledge of the game.
Sundial is a great resort with a pool right on the beach and a bunch of clay & hard courts at your disposal. You should have a great time.!

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

I played at the Sundial quite a bit. It is now tied to another club called the Dunes.
There is a pro that I work out with when I am down there. He works between the 2 clubs, primarily at the Dunes during the week and Sundial on Sundays.
His name is Phil DeRitis. He is hands down the best pro I have ever worked with. I don't know what level you play at, but if you find yourself with an open hour and want to hit with a pro I would call him. Everytime I go to sanibel (twice a year) he brings my game up a notch and leaves me with things to work on between visits. He is a very nice guy and has great knowledge of the game.
Sundial is a great resort with a pool right on the beach and a bunch of clay & hard courts at your disposal. You should have a great time.!

Thanks for the heads up. I'll try to get in touch with him while I'm there.

 

[basil J]

Played indoors today for the first time in 6 months. My 002T was freshly restrung with Vs gut mains and Klip mulit on the crosses. Took a few minutes to adjust to the quicker pace of the court, after that, proceeded to play a pretty good practice set against a good buddy of mine. Serving was solid with lots of good action on the ball. My shoulder has full range of motion, but is still a little weak, and by letting the heft of the frame do the work, I was still generating good pace without much effort. Off the ground I was hitting some balls long, but for the most part, tried to incorporate my all court game and had a lot of fun with it. I gave my opponent a different look, because he is used to me hanging on the baseline, so by mixing spins, slicing and chipping & charging, I managed to play very aggressively without expending a ton of energy. The 002T is just so solid at the net, I am begginning to really look for any weak 2nd serves or short balls and follow everything in. This frame is made for this type of tennis. I am finding it good, but not great from the baseline, but really exceptional everywhere else. I am going to continue to stick with it and see if I can get my ground game up to par with the rest of my shots with this stick.

 

[nikosrf]

Geia sou basil...
i would recomend you to try the RDiS 100 MP or Mid. I found them to play somewhere between 002T and 001MP They have the best of both.

 

[markwillplay]

interesting Basil...I played indoors today as well and I can tell you that I am finally learning this stick. Yes, I hit some balls long too but hit many more "deep" but in. this stick helps me hit balls deeper in the court easier and I feel like I am dialing it in a bit. I am still able to get crazy spin for a really short angle but it does take a lot of effort. I have ajusted to a looser grip on serve and my serve is the best it has been since I came back to tennis three or so years ago......bar none! I still hit late from time to time (can be lazy and the stick does not like it)but today I played a very strong 4.5 player and split sets before we had to stop. I think I am just on top ot the curve now and that the more I play with this thing, the more I will learn to use it to my advantage.

Now for the kicker, I am definately a serve and volleyer and I was losing some confidence playing against the better players. Now, I am getting it back. This is a "great" volleying stick for my ability. That is no exageration. I have volleyed with damn near all of them (ha ha) and this is my favorite volleying stick because of the combo of: "stiff enough but not too stiff"...... forgiveness (yes head size for us mortals)....manueverablilty...and mosti importantly STABILITY. I know there will be days when I am off and I will give it a second look, but I can tell that it is making my footwork better (as apposed to a light stick) and I am beginning to trust my game more with it.

Sorry to hijack your post but I have not felt this good about my game since I left the presige pro last year. this stick is more of a weapon and is more powerful when I need it.

I was interested in the rdis for a while but never hit with it. Once I heard that it felt stiffer than the 002 tour and was not as stable, I did not give it a second look. If it was a bit softer and had a higher twist weight, I would have. I am liking the tours OK without lead at 3 and 9and that is a first in a stick that is not 13 oz.

 

[basil J]

NIKOLAKI, nice to see you are still posting. You played the 002T, how does the RDIS 100mp compare in terms of comfort, power, spin and feel. I am really liking the heft the 002t has, Since my shoulder injury , I have really loosened up my swing and the heft of the 002T really drives the ball through the court. Does the RDIS have that hollow cheap low powered feel the rds100 mp has? I truly thought that frame was a dog.
Mark glad to hear you are dialing into the tour as well. It really is a sick stick at the net. I have cut off more down the line passing shots with some great angle volleys in the last 2 weeks, than I have in the last 2 years. I don't even want to hang on the baseline too much now, because th racquet really shines from the mid court forward.
I am playing with a pro tomorrow here in the boston area I have decided to really try to hone my game while I am still "healing" and getting back in shape. I lost 15lbs since the hernia surgeries and I think I am gliding around the court that much better even though I am nowhere near 100%. I am tempted to pick up my TI80's for comparison, but I will hold off for at least another 3-4 hitting sessions so I can truly dial into the 002T for a while.

 

[Nastase]

Funny. I have been in and out of the 002T twice...now that my Pure Controls are finally just worn out I am considering the 002T again. Its just so sweet...I think i should have just stuck with it honestly. If I was honest, there are other racquets that are considered sexier, and certainly there are brands that are far more popular (think Babolat) but man I just play better with the Yonex. I guess they have had a bit of a chick stick reputation and only have about 3% share here in the states...but I have demoed some racquets recently and frankly only one I can think of comes close. Almost decision time down to 2-3 frames.

 

[taiketsu]

I played with a RDS002T for two weeks and I share your sentiments on this stick, basil - it's a monster for serves, but my ground strokes didn't feel consistent. I believe the source of the problem was that the string bed didn't produce enough ball bite. I had trouble controlling depth because I couldn't get enough spin. Despite it's relatively large headsize, the sweetspot felt surprisingly small. On the other hand the balance felt right, and there was ample stability.

I transitioned to the n95 16x18 and it's everything I expected the RDS002T to be. I only wish that the n95 were about .3oz lighter and Wilson had Yonex's quality control.

 

[nikosrf]

NIKOLAKI, nice to see you are still posting. You played the 002T, how does the RDIS 100mp compare in terms of comfort, power, spin and feel. I am really liking the heft the 002t has, Since my shoulder injury , I have really loosened up my swing and the heft of the 002T really drives the ball through the court. Does the RDIS have that hollow cheap low powered feel the rds100 mp has? I truly thought that frame was a dog.

Vassili,
RDiS 100 Mp has left the bad habbits of RDS. Now it has more mass on the head (eventhogh is the same points HeadLight). Has more power and is less stiff. That one you feel it better when you hit the sweet spot. The frame is 21mm all. It plays like a havier stick. The spin is great. Very good slice and voleys. I think is somewhere between the 002T and the old 100MP.
My self, when i ve been using 002T, i couldn't swing it fast enough. I had issues with manoeverability. I could hit well only when i was fit, clear minded, loose handed and in ready position.
Back then off course i was a level down so that could be an issue but i think that 100MP has the qualities of both; 001Mp and 002T.

Also liked the 100Mid. Is 93'', plays like 95''+ feels softer than it's stiffness indicates and if you need a littlebit more heft, you should try it too.

I think both deserve a test. Have in mind that like any Yonex, they are very string sensitive.

I tried Mid with its iniitial setup (i guess Yonex strings), and playing with Luxillon Original @ 18Kg with MP or with hybrid @ 22-23Kg (i had this setup with RDS 001MP too)

 

[markwillplay]

taik..I would wonder what tension you play at... I have mine at 55/52 and am getting plenty of spin and the sweetspot seems huge. I would imagine that 60 lbs for me on this stick would feel horrible. I am using multifeel at 55/52 on a drop weight machine and get planty of spin and bite and pocketing. No way I could play this stick at much above that.

nicko...can you compare flex and feel of the rdis mp to the 002 tour...stability?
also, could you compare the rdis mid to the midplus? Specs say the mid plus is actually less stiff. Just curious..

I agree that I need to be fit and loose to play with the tour but I think that is why I like it right now because it makes me work harder on footwork and technique. One day, I will probably want to drop back a bit in weight and I would look hard at the other yonex's I think because of quality control.

 

[basil J]

I played again today and am still struggling with finding a consistent groove off the ground. I go to The Ti 80 and right away I am dialed in. Comparing specs, the only major difference between these frames is the stiffness, beam width and the soft gromett system. Since I can't do anything about stiffness or beam width I am going to remove the soft grometts and replace them with standard yonex plastic grometts. I am curious if on this frame, the soft grometts are creating an uneven string bed. I don't know what else to try. The guys on this board who love this frame all seem to string in the 50's. I tried that and did not like it. In the low 60's, for me anyways, everything feels right. I love this stick everywhere except from the back of the court, so I will try this experiemnt and see what the outcome is.

 

[basil J]

My stringer popped in a set of TI 80 bumper guard & grometts tonight no problemo. perfect fit.

 

[basil J]

Played a good 4.5 today outdoors with the new TI 80 grometts in the 002T. I also ran out of string and all I had left was 16' PSGD, not my string of choice but anyways, I strung it at 60# hoping for improvement.
Unfortunately I did not get it. The frame played a little firmer on the string bed, but the sweetspot felt the size of a dime and I could just not hit 3 or 4 good balls in a row. I served fine and was solid at the net, but struggled with 5 times as many errors as I usually make. I am hoping it was the sudden change to a 16' gauge string, but I am starting to doubt it. I am getting convinced that the stick's combination of heft, stiffness and smaller sweetspot is too much for my abilities. This is the only frame I have ever picked up that I loved the way it felt in hand & swung great until I actually hit the ball. I can't use poly, in fear of damaging my shoulder, so I have tried gut and some good multi's with mixed results. if I was a pure S&V player, this would be my stick, but alas, I am not. I am going to go back to my Ti80's this week and get my confidence going again and give the 002T one more spin in a week or so. I have now committed 6 hitting sessions with this frame and I feel like my playing level is starting to really drop. I don't want to mess up my head, so I think this ride may be coming to an end.

 

[Kot_Bigemot]

Played a good 4.5 today outdoors with the new TI 80 grometts in the 002T. I also ran out of string and all I had left was 16' PSGD, not my string of choice but anyways, I strung it at 60# hoping for improvement.
Unfortunately I did not get it. The frame played a little firmer on the string bed, but the sweetspot felt the size of a dime and I could just not hit 3 or 4 good balls in a row. I served fine and was solid at the net, but struggled with 5 times as many errors as I usually make. I am hoping it was the sudden change to a 16' gauge string, but I am starting to doubt it. I am getting convinced that the stick's combination of heft, stiffness and smaller sweetspot is too much for my abilities. This is the only frame I have ever picked up that I loved the way it felt in hand & swung great until I actually hit the ball. I can't use poly, in fear of damaging my shoulder, so I have tried gut and some good multi's with mixed results. if I was a pure S&V player, this would be my stick, but alas, I am not. I am going to go back to my Ti80's this week and get my confidence going again and give the 002T one more spin in a week or so. I have now committed 6 hitting sessions with this frame and I feel like my playing level is starting to really drop. I don't want to mess up my head, so I think this ride may be coming to an end.

If you ask me - i would say put the soft grommets back in to the frame. They are there for a reason. PSGD has nothing to do with it IMO.

 

[basil J]

Mike, I wanted to see what the effect would be. It did not really have a significant one, so I probably will put them back in next string job.

 

[Kot_Bigemot]

Mike, I wanted to see what the effect would be. It did not really have a significant one, so I probably will put them back in next string job.

Any string you have in mind?
You can always email me and get some new string you know

 

[markwillplay]

wow, I just can't figure out why the sweetspot is small for you. My sweet spot feels huge. Maybe because I use multifeel at 55/52, not sure. I am not having any trouble with groundies so maybe our strokes are just really different. I had trouble with it shooting long in the beginning but I have dialed it in now. Only think I can say for sure is that it does reward a full swing and will not tolerate trying to guide the ball (or being hesitant with top spin). I find that I can slice fine but if I am coming over the top...I have got to really commit to it. I had a couple of TI 80's myself and I can't remember them being that much easier to play with but it has been a while. Oh well, give it a go and if it does not work, at least you know.

 

[basil J]

I may try going down to 55-58## range with a different string. Even my buddy I hit with yesterday was questioning why I was struggling from the back of the court with routine shots yesterday with the "orange racquet"

 

[basil J]

Mark who makes multi feel?

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

I string mine at 55 and find it to be plenty tight. Don't give up on the frame.

 

[basil J]

I hit yesterday with it and just pounded ground strokes for an hour and found that once I found the my groove I realized that 62# with a 16'PSGD was too tight. I was hitting everything around my opponents service line. I will try some lower powered string at 58#. any suggestions?

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

The racquet is heavy enough and has a high enough swing weight to absorb most arm damaging vibrations, so I've strung mine up with a relatively soft co-poly (Signum Poly Pro Plasma Pure) and have had excellent results. Not only is the sweetspot comfortable and responsive, but I haven't had any twinges in my arm or shoulder.

In my experience, poly strings are most dangerous in light sticks that transmit a great deal of shock to the arm regardless of the string used.

Definitely string lower at around the 55lb range just to see if you can feel a positive difference from such a dramatic change in tension.

 

[Kot_Bigemot]

Mark who makes multi feel?

Multifeel is made by Technifibre.

 

[basil J]

I strung my tour with 17' ashaway kevlar at 56# on the mains and prince originalSG on the crosses at 58#. I also put string savers in the middle strings to inhibit movement. Played like a different frame. Plenty comfortable, but with much more spin and better control. I still didn't play up to snuff but I think I still need more time to recover from my surgeries before I give up on the frame. Even with kevlar, the frame was still great up at net.