Spalding GC-20

[headfan91]

I was playing at my local tennis courts, when I saw someone playing with this racquet. The kid let me try it out, and it felt so good! I am used to playing with oversized racquets, so it took a while to adjust but I loved it.
I was wondering if anyone who had one could give me the specs and maybe some similar racquets so that I could demo them. Like I said I'm not used to mid-mid+ racquets so I'm not sure whether or not it was just because I had never used one. I think it's either has a 85 or 90in head, but I'm not sure.
thanks

 

[headfan91]

has anyone played with this racquet?

 

[coachrick]

If it's the racket I used for my certification in 1981, I would say it is along the lines of the original Black Max...rather flexy in the top of the face but good feel for an early graphite model. No idea of specs, however.

 

[headfan91]

do you know the headsize at least? and wieght(guess)?

 

[galain]

I think it was either all or mostly fibreglass - hence the feel. About 85 sq inches I think. Never got to hit with one but I remember one hanging on the wall of my local sprting goods store when I was 16/17. Even then, Spalding was a name in decline and there was a stunning looking Kneissl White Star Pro Masters hanging next to it - so the GC 20 didn't get as much attention as I probably should have given it at the time.

 

[headfan91]

The only problem I found was when I was hitting my two handed backhand, the grip was too short. I'm really surprised that even though I'm a 2.5 to 3.0 I could play with it reasonably well. Is that strange?

 

[Redflea]

Likely the short-term "new racquet" focus effect...pretty common when you pick up something new. You can sometimes hit really well for a while, but get a totally different result if/when you hit with it regularly and/or in a competitive situation.

 

[snoflewis]

The only problem I found was when I was hitting my two handed backhand, the grip was too short. I'm really surprised that even though I'm a 2.5 to 3.0 I could play with it reasonably well. Is that strange?

it could've been a good day for you or it could've been the honeymoon phase.... you really can't get a good feel for a racket unless you use it at least twice...

 

[headfan91]

are there any racquets that have a 95 to 98 headsize, that have reasonably large headsizes, that are under or around 12 oz? preferably classics, that are worth a demo?

 

[Kirko]

this racket was a "foam" filled graphite frame. I never played it, but a couple of pros used it Steve Denton and Dick Stockton. like Galain said spalding was becoming a stale company when it came to rackets. the guys who endorsed these frames in the very early 80's were Eddie Dibbs and Dick Stockton. it doesn't get grimmer than that.

 

[Deuce]

The GC-20 was an early 80's frame - many great frames back then - Kennex Black, Silver, and Copper Aces, Head Graphite Edge, Dunlop Black Max and Max 200G, Wilson ProStaff (6.0)...

And, of course, the Snauwaert Ergonom...

 

[anirut]

OK, so I got my hands on a CG20 and a CG30.

Can anyone help with more info as for their release year(s) or any info that would be useful for my museum project?

Thanks.

 

[Kirko]

OK, so I got my hands on a CG20 and a CG30.

Can anyone help with more info as for their release year(s) or any info that would be useful for my museum project?

Thanks.

1982 I remember Dick Stocton moved to it from the Accomplice wood racket. Steve Denton used it as well then moved to the silver ace.

 

[anirut]

Kirko, thanks a lot!

 

[buffalobill3]

Does anyone have the stringing for a GC20, have a new one that's been laying around and I can't find the stringing pattern anywhere.
Bill

 

[anirut]

Does anyone have the stringing for a GC20, have a new one that's been laying around and I can't find the stringing pattern anywhere.
Bill

Just grabbed my CG20 to give it a look: 18 x 20 pattern

Shared holes: 7h 8h 10h and 7t 8t 10t

Mains skip: 9h and 9t

Hope this helps.

 

[buffalobill3]

anirut

Thanks for your help, I'll string it up and see how it plays. I strung my Davis graphite and it had a very solid feel to it and I served very well with it.

 

[plum]

Has anyone found a heavier 80's graphite racquet? I was visiting my mom and we needed a to borrow a couple of racquets for me to teach my Nephew a little tennis. Low and behold my neighbooor showed up from the garage with some moldy racquets, namely some wilson profile-- both 110 and 95-100's with mildewed leather grips. Then there was a Spalding gc-20. I weighed them all on my Mom's postal scale and low and behold the spalding with synthetic grip weighed in at 13.7 oz. Unfortunately the head size is a little small for me but the racquet's balance felt great. However, the strings had to be around 70lbs and it felt like a board to hit balls with. My forearm/elbow tendon is still sore. I think I am going to look for one and string it at 45 with some soft strings. The cool thing about this racquet to be aside from weight and balance which i thought was perfect, is the extra long handle-- perfect for an extended grip for THBH!

 

[eman resu]

Ressurecting this one... So, any specs? Weight, SW, balance, flex? I found one for sale and curiosity knocked... Is it really close to 14oz??