The Cult of PT57

Dakota60 said:
Ohh... it has tested my patience on more than one occasion while digging out stubborn silicone stuck deep inside the chambers and deserves every bit of torture from these tools! But it's extremely satisfying once you finally manage to extract the last bit of junk inside there. Check out how much junk was inside a PC600 MIA! Surprisingly as difficult to extract as silicone despite it being foam filled!

F4BlVUKh.jpg

K5fj6gxh.jpg

f364kRoh.jpg

vvadQpQh.jpg
Click to expand...

what on earth? Your racket had kidney stones.
 
Dakota60 said:
With the right tools, it'll make the process less tedious than it is but patience and persistence is definitely still required. Some drill through the silicone to disintegrate it but you'd need a fairly long drill bit and exercise care when drilling out the silicone stuck to the chambers' corners or you might damage the hairpin. I prefer the manual method and use a thin utility knife to firstly slice up around the perimeter of the inner chamber to loosen up the silicone from sticking to the insides of the chambers - Makes pulling it out easier. If you're lucky, and there isn't much silicone injected, the whole thing 'can' simply slide out in single piece with a plier. Job done. Also, twist and pull instead of just yanking it out with a plier. Less chances of breakage.

Otherwise, take some time using the same method above with a long flathead screwdriver for the silicone that's stuck deeper inside. Sometimes I heat up the screwdriver with an open flame to loosen up and soften the silicone slightly. What has really helped is clay moulding tools. You can find these at any art supply stores (see pic below). Those with the hooks work well for this purpose and mine can be detached and I simply tape it to the end of the long screw driver to dig it out.

Some finesse and feel is required but don't blindly poke your way inside or you'll push the silicone deeper into the throat area. You'd want to 'carve' and dig/pull it out. Also, using a vacuum cleaner helps as well to suck out loose pieces and to clean out the chambers once you're done.

Also, there isn't a way to find out where the silicone ends. I usually use my phone on video mode with the flash lights on to check if there is any left inside after digging the silicone out. You can zoom in accordingly.

VO6RpOkh.jpg
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This was so so helpful, thank you very much! So nice of you to take the time to write such a detailed reply + attach pics. This will definitely help me out :)
 
I’m a huge fan of the modern Prestiges (360+ and Auxetic both); how do the PT57A and A2 stack up to, say, the Prestige MP/Pro (98 sq in frames) in terms of playability and in terms of which you would use in a tournament?
 
Has anyone seen a PT57A hairpin weigh as light as 220g? The first frame I’m removing silicone from has dropped from 250g to 220g so far (and I’m not even done getting the last bits of silicone out!). This is the lightest PT57A hairpin I’ve heard of, from my research so far. I’m happy with this, because I wanted to make a very polarized setup anyways - but still curious if it’s outside the norm for PT57As.
 
Okinawa Puroresu said:
I’m a huge fan of the modern Prestiges (360+ and Auxetic both); how do the PT57A and A2 stack up to, say, the Prestige MP/Pro (98 sq in frames) in terms of playability and in terms of which you would use in a tournament?
Click to expand...
I am also interested in this comparison, but I come from the other side. I have the PT2.0, and it is a wonderful racquet -- but at times a bit too demanding for me. I wonder whether the 360+ PMP offers a similar feel in a slightly more user-friendly racquet.
 
Siewi said:
I am also interested in this comparison, but I come from the other side. I have the PT2.0, and it is a wonderful racquet -- but at times a bit too demanding for me. I wonder whether the 360+ PMP offers a similar feel in a slightly more user-friendly racquet.
Click to expand...
I can’t quite vouch for the 360+PMP version, but having played with the PT630, PT2.0, 360+ Mid, and the Auxetic Pro, I’d say the Auxetic Pro is the most user friendly out of all of them (with the 360+ Mid being a close second), while also being an absolute weapon. I can swing out and get great depth through the court while keeping lots of control and defensive ability.
 
Astonish said:
Has anyone seen a PT57A hairpin weigh as light as 220g? The first frame I’m removing silicone from has dropped from 250g to 220g so far (and I’m not even done getting the last bits of silicone out!). This is the lightest PT57A hairpin I’ve heard of, from my research so far. I’m happy with this, because I wanted to make a very polarized setup anyways - but still curious if it’s outside the norm for PT57As.
Click to expand...

Update: Down to 215g with all of the silicone removed. Definitely the lightest hairpin I’ve seen! :unsure:
 
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Just got this PT280 DIA. Has the holographic butt cap and the Head Barcode Label Inside written on the side of the racquet.

Couldn't find much info searching for TK57A version of the PT280 after revealing the code on the hairpin.

Can anyone confirm if this is finished in Czech or Chinese made model?

Where does the the TK57A fit within the PT family of stiffness? One of the better PT's?
 
zeralus said:


Just got this PT280 DIA. Has the holographic butt cap and the Head Barcode Label Inside written on the side of the racquet.

Couldn't find much info searching for TK57A version of the PT280 after revealing the code on the hairpin.

Can anyone confirm if this is finished in Czech or Chinese made model?

Where does the the TK57A fit within the PT family of stiffness? One of the better PT's?
Click to expand...
Those with the Head Barcode Label Inside written on the side were finished in Czech Republic, and basically manufactured in Austria, they're original layup and generally softer PTs, I got couple of those
 
If anyone in this thread happens to have a contact at the Head pro room, or can help source 2 or more matched PT57A hairpins with no silicone applied to the handle yet, please do let me know!
 
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zeralus said:


Just got this PT280 DIA. Has the holographic butt cap and the Head Barcode Label Inside written on the side of the racquet.

Couldn't find much info searching for TK57A version of the PT280 after revealing the code on the hairpin.

Can anyone confirm if this is finished in Czech or Chinese made model?

Where does the the TK57A fit within the PT family of stiffness? One of the better PT's?
Click to expand...
Made in Austria and finished in the Czech Republic
 
Good racquets to smash when you lose an important point, the way the material breaks its so satisfying
 
zeralus said:


Just got this PT280 DIA. Has the holographic butt cap and the Head Barcode Label Inside written on the side of the racquet.

Couldn't find much info searching for TK57A version of the PT280 after revealing the code on the hairpin.

Can anyone confirm if this is finished in Czech or Chinese made model?

Where does the the TK57A fit within the PT family of stiffness? One of the better PT's?
Click to expand...
As answered already, if you have the PT280 DIA with the barcode on the side of the throat, then you have and Austrian made finished in CZ stick.

The TK57A is the mold, not the layup and has nothing to do with the stiffness.

The stick you have has the PT57A2 layup which is standard for the retail frames.
 
dr325i said:
It does not work that way…
Click to expand...

I didn’t mean to imply that the contact would be forwarded along, but rather that I might be able to purchase a couple hairpins from someone with good access. From what I understand, empty hairpins leave the pro room a little less frequently. I’ve managed to source many new hairpins with silicone, but wanted to ask around in case someone had a couple with empty handles they might be willing to sell :)
 
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Got my first PT57A, older pj, seems to be unmodified (no silicon in handle, no lead). Any recommendations on gut/poly tension? I've been using ncode 6.1 95 with gut main 56lb + poly cross 53lb.

Also, any tips on how best to go about putting silicone in the handle would be appreciated. Racquet weighs 320g unstrung 7pts HL and I would like to add around 10g to handle to get it to ~350g strung
 
dinosaysrawr said:
Got my first PT57A, older pj, seems to be unmodified (no silicon in handle, no lead). Any recommendations on gut/poly tension? I've been using ncode 6.1 95 with gut main 56lb + poly cross 53lb.

Also, any tips on how best to go about putting silicone in the handle would be appreciated. Racquet weighs 320g unstrung 7pts HL and I would like to add around 10g to handle to get it to ~350g strung
Click to expand...
nice
What paint job?

tension...going from a open pattern to the 18x20, I'd prob drop tension 3-5 lbs compared to your usual tension.

When I've done silicone in both ports, 1 cm in each port usually was 5g of weight. I would tie up a couple cotton balls to a thin string. Push down the cotton balls to the desired depth. String is there to pull back up if you go to far or in some cases has helped me remove the silicone. The cotton dams the port as to control the silicone. 10g I would to 2 cm deep.

good luck
 
djNEiGht said:
What paint job?
Click to expand...
Microgel radical

djNEiGht said:
When I've done silicone in both ports, 1 cm in each port usually was 5g of weight. I would tie up a couple cotton balls to a thin string. Push down the cotton balls to the desired depth. String is there to pull back up if you go to far or in some cases has helped me remove the silicone. The cotton dams the port as to control the silicone. 10g I would to 2 cm deep.
Click to expand...
Which silicone product have you used for your customization?
 
dinosaysrawr said:
Got my first PT57A, older pj, seems to be unmodified (no silicon in handle, no lead). Any recommendations on gut/poly tension? I've been using ncode 6.1 95 with gut main 56lb + poly cross 53lb.

Also, any tips on how best to go about putting silicone in the handle would be appreciated. Racquet weighs 320g unstrung 7pts HL and I would like to add around 10g to handle to get it to ~350g strung
Click to expand...
Are you sure it is unmodified?? 320g unstrung for unmodified PT57A standard length is pretty much the same as the old PT630 retail.

Check under the grommets and maybe under the grip.

When customizing, if there is 10g room as you described, I’d start from the hoop to make sure the SW is not excessive or under my desired spec, then counter with the silicone in the handle to achieve the static weight and balance.
Once you figure how much and where, (almost) all PT57A will be customized similarly with some adjustments for variation.

As for silicone, I use regular Home Depot GE clear silicone. The small tube is nice as it can reach inside the handle. I usually put a cotton ball (part of it) inside the handle and push it in 3 inches or so to act as a stopper while filling the handle (be careful not to push it too far as it can slip into the throat area and you won’t be able to recover it and it will mess it up). Make sure you know the weight of the silicone too (experiment).

The silicone will dry in a few days but you can use it pretty much the next day (while still wet inside) as it is pretty thick and it won’t “move”…
 
i use Alubutyl Insulation Mats for weights in the handle. easy to cut, weight, roll together with sticky side outside and put it in the handle. press it to the sidewalls. glue is very strong.
done. had no problems so far. no need to wait till dry. cheap , good vibration dampening and easy to remove again because of the alloy film inside.
 
dinosaysrawr said:
Microgel radical


Which silicone product have you used for your customization?
Click to expand...
dr325i said:
As for silicone, I use regular Home Depot GE clear silicone. The small tube is nice as it can reach inside the handle. I usually put a cotton ball (part of it) inside the handle and push it in 3 inches or so to act as a stopper while filling the handle (be careful not to push it too far as it can slip into the throat area and you won’t be able to recover it and it will mess it up). Make sure you know the weight of the silicone too (experiment).
Click to expand...

I use the same as @dr325i

To help control the cotton ball depth I tie a string to it
 
I have a very specific question for anyone who has an extra TK231 (Microgel Radical MP) grommet, on hand to weigh (mine are currently attached to a strung racquet).

I know that the set weighs roughly 18g, but does anyone happen to know the exact weight of just the bumper guard piece? Could anyone weigh the bumper piece, and the side grommet strip pieces, separately from one another? (The bottom grommet weight isn’t needed.)

No problem if not, but I thought I’d ask in case someone knows off-hand, or is willing to help me out :)

Thanks very much in advance!
 
Astonish said:
I have a very specific question for anyone who has an extra TK231 (Microgel Radical MP) grommet, on hand to weigh (mine are currently attached to a strung racquet).

I know that the set weighs roughly 18g, but does anyone happen to know the exact weight of just the bumper guard piece? Could anyone weigh the bumper piece, and the side grommet strip pieces, separately from one another? (The bottom grommet weight isn’t needed.)

No problem if not, but I thought I’d ask in case someone knows off-hand, or is willing to help me out :)

Thanks very much in advance!
Click to expand...
Bumper: 11.3g
Side strips: 5.4g (both)
 
dr325i said:
Bumper: 11.3g
Side strips: 5.4g (both)
Click to expand...
This was exactly what I needed and was extremely helpful. Thanks so much for taking your time to help me out - I really appreciate it :)

While I have you… do you mind if I pick your brain with one more quick question? My FXP Radical PJ PT57As have what appears to be some extra weight at the tail end of the hairpin chambers (a rectangular bump on each side of the middle piece that creates the separation for the two chambers). I’m assuming this is just some thin weight stacked there for extra tailweighting, but I’m curious - is this common for the majority of PT57As? I know different retail hairpins have extra handle weight in various locations, and I also read a post from you that Murray’s hairpins have an extra metal rod baked in there somewhere. This definitely isn’t a cylindrical rod or anything like that, but I am curious if this is normal for PT57A hairpins. If I purchased more in the future, do most of them tend to have this, or is it something less common? These hairpins came in at 215g for what it’s worth, so definitely lighter than a lot of hairpins I’ve seen.

Only asking for future reference when purchasing more hairpins - thanks in advance for any knowledge on this, and again for the TK231 info!

Edit: Photo for reference
ibb.co

27-D793-C2-9295-45-D4-A452-692-C9-F244-A85 hosted at ImgBB

Image 27-D793-C2-9295-45-D4-A452-692-C9-F244-A85 hosted in ImgBB
ibb.co ibb.co
You can see on the bottom racquet that I actually filed into the weight a bit when cutting the hairpins down to 27”. The top racquet had the weight a tiny bit deeper down the handle (enough to not be visible here, but still close enough for the bump to protrude where the silicone injector tip was placed).
 
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Astonish said:
This was exactly what I needed and was extremely helpful. Thanks so much for taking your time to help me out - I really appreciate it :)

While I have you… do you mind if I pick your brain with one more quick question? My FXP Radical PJ PT57As have what appears to be some extra weight at the tail end of the hairpin chambers (a rectangular bump on each side of the middle piece that creates the separation for the two chambers). I’m assuming this is just some thin weight stacked there for extra tailweighting, but I’m curious - is this common for the majority of PT57As? I know different retail hairpins have extra handle weight in various locations, and I also read a post from you that Murray’s hairpins have an extra metal rod baked in there somewhere. This definitely isn’t a cylindrical rod or anything like that, but I am curious if this is normal for PT57A hairpins. If I purchased more in the future, do most of them tend to have this, or is it something less common? These hairpins came in at 215g for what it’s worth, so definitely lighter than a lot of hairpins I’ve seen.

Only asking for future reference when purchasing more hairpins - thanks in advance for any knowledge on this, and again for the TK231 info!

Edit: Photo for reference
ibb.co

27-D793-C2-9295-45-D4-A452-692-C9-F244-A85 hosted at ImgBB

Image 27-D793-C2-9295-45-D4-A452-692-C9-F244-A85 hosted in ImgBB
ibb.co ibb.co
You can see on the bottom racquet that I actually filed into the weight a bit when cutting the hairpins down to 27”. The top racquet had the weight a tiny bit deeper down the handle (enough to not be visible here, but still close enough for the bump to protrude where the silicone injector tip was placed).
Click to expand...
The manufacturing process of Head rackets is very much manual, every step pretty much. That means that there are many variations between the rackets and even those PTs manufactured in Austria have to be compensated with some weight to offset the differences (even though most of them get loaded with silicone). In some cases, the specific batch (made for a pro) gets specific setup if they need them more headlight (or vice versa). This is inserted between the handle chambers as the last step before baking. I have some PT57A rackets with it and some without it.

All retail rackets have these (commercial) weights for closet matching and this allows more flexibility (for setup) with the pro stock equivalent.
 
Man, how often did I own, in different paintjobs, and in the original PT630 this 57a. At the end, when realizing I am not THAT good to play consistently with it nor to comit to it due to circumstances, I sold them and always miss them. Really, maybe with the pc600, the most special feeling frame ever... hmm
never tried the 16x19 though
 
dr325i said:
The manufacturing process of Head rackets is very much manual, every step pretty much. That means that there are many variations between the rackets and even those PTs manufactured in Austria have to be compensated with some weight to offset the differences (even though most of them get loaded with silicone). In some cases, the specific batch (made for a pro) gets specific setup if they need them more headlight (or vice versa). This is inserted between the handle chambers as the last step before baking. I have some PT57A rackets with it and some without it.

All retail rackets have these (commercial) weights for closet matching and this allows more flexibility (for setup) with the pro stock equivalent.
Click to expand...

Understood :) Thank you again for everything!
 
Aestheticsaboveallelse said:
So whats so good about the PT57 why does it have a cult? It does look nice
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It looks like any other racket…
The beauty is in:
- mix of power and control
- the feel
- the feedback
- the small but big sweet spot
- the access to spin
- the longevity (since 1994)
- the layup that made it to many different molds but still performs the best in the original, almost 30-year-old mold!

I am sure I missed a few more impressive things about it!
 
taylor15 said:
Great collection! I love the one of every color thing you’ve got going on. Incidentally, the three modern ones are my three favorite prestige PJs
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Same the latest prestige paintjob is my favorite of the bunch and 360+ looks better with the black CAPs to me too. Also love the glossy paint better then the current retail prestiges. Also touch and 360+ are in the 16x19 string pattern.
 
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dr325i said:
It looks like any other racket…
The beauty is in:
- mix of power and control
- the feel
- the feedback
- the small but big sweet spot
- the access to spin
- the longevity (since 1994)
- the layup that made it to many different molds but still performs the best in the original, almost 30-year-old mold!

I am sure I missed a few more impressive things about it!
Click to expand...

Gotta love that classic feel! Which is getting harder and harder to find these days. Took like a 10 year break from tennis so coming back to all of these new models they just didn’t feel quite the same as older frames.
 
Theory said:
Same the latest prestige paintjob is my favorite of the bunch and 360+ looks better with the black CAPs to me too. Also love the glossy paint as well be the retail prestiges.
Click to expand...
I have two 360+ sticks with black grommets, and agree! Not PT57A but still, agree with that sentiment. The 360+ PJ is actually my favorite of all time.
 
I'd like to share my experience with PT57a. As I'm long term PT630/Radical Zebra user, I've decided to use an opportunity to join pro-stock PT57a users club. I've bought 1 pt57a with 18\20 string pattern this winter and 16/19 with Prestige 360+ pj this may. Both were a little bit under my specs with about 340 g weight and 315 mm bp.

having some hours of trainings and matches with these frames I'd like to note they provide a lot of power and control and are good all-around rackets. Buts i couldn't get same feel and confidence I've got with my PT630 and Zebras.

So, I've sold them after few weeks of testing.

I've got IG Prestige MP (NOS) upgraded with leather grips and strung with VS/RPM - and its a dream. It feels like my beloved PT630s with modern cosmetic.

So, I’ll summarize taking into account this and previous experience with pro-stock rackets - I like the stock frames more (especially in feel department).
 
My PT57 Zebra is a beast (370g, 32.5cm balance with OG). It is lesss manoeuvrable than my RF97 (364g, 32.5) or PSC (360g, 31.5), but it does have a lovely feel and the sweet-spot seems bigger. Long and smooth strokes are the best option at this kind of SW. I should probably try a lighter PT57, but my Graphite Radial (348g, 32) feels good enough for now.

Head-Zebra-and-Radial.jpg
 
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Okinawa Puroresu said:
I’m a huge fan of the modern Prestiges (360+ and Auxetic both); how do the PT57A and A2 stack up to, say, the Prestige MP/Pro (98 sq in frames) in terms of playability and in terms of which you would use in a tournament?
Click to expand...
prestige pro 98 18x20 vs PT57A: the later has more plough through, ball pocketing, heavier, higher SW, plusher feel, smaller headsize.
 
GSorach said:
prestige pro 98 18x20 vs PT57A: the later has more plough through, ball pocketing, heavier, higher SW, plusher feel, smaller headsize.
Click to expand...
The PT57A (TK57A mold with the PT57A2 layup) is a customizable pro stock frame. All dozen of them I customized to my spec are lighter and about the equal SW as the 98 Prestiges…
The 360+ Prestige MP/Auxetic Prestige Pro (“98 Prestiges”) have less power, lower launch angle and bigger sweet spot than equally set up PT57A. The PT57A has a very focused sweet spot, super control and accuracy and great access to spin and power. Very plush feel and feedback
The 98 prestiges have a great plush layup but are more muted.
 
GSorach said:
prestige pro 98 18x20 vs PT57A: the later has more plough through, ball pocketing, heavier, higher SW, plusher feel, smaller headsize.
Click to expand...
dr325i said:
The PT57A (TK57A mold with the PT57A2 layup) is a customizable pro stock frame. All dozen of them I customized to my spec are lighter and about the equal SW as the 98 Prestiges…
The 360+ Prestige MP/Auxetic Prestige Pro (“98 Prestiges”) have less power, lower launch angle and bigger sweet spot than equally set up PT57A. The PT57A has a very focused sweet spot, super control and accuracy and great access to spin and power. Very plush feel and feedback
The 98 prestiges have a great plush layup but are more muted.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys! Since making this post I’ve acquired both the PT630 and a PT57A2, and I agree with your statements. My PT57A2 does feel like it has a higher swingweight than my Prestige Pro, but it does give me greater reward for contacting at the sweet spot and lots of access to spin. I think between all of these racquets though, I may still prefer my TGT 345.2 for its even greater whippiness and access to spin while maintaining control.
 
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