The Cult of PT57

Arti

Professional
page_1.jpg
 

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
What kind of person would spend like ten thousand euros on a tennis racquet. No. I know about that website but I will never buy anything from there, the person that owns that is absolutely insane charging those kind of prices for tennis racquets (also it is not an auction site, it is entirely graymarket retail)
I contacted the guy who runs that website asking if he could measure the SW or TW (or both) on Murray's frame and he refused to do so. In case the eventual buyer of this racquet is reading this, please measure these specifications, and if you don't know how, please contact me and I'll tell you (it's quite simple). These above specs of Murray's sticks have alluded us for so long, so it'd be great to finally get a measurement on that. It sucks that this guy is getting in the way of that (for now).
 

Arti

Professional
I contacted the guy who runs that website asking if he could measure the SW or TW (or both) on Murray's frame and he refused to do so. In case the eventual buyer of this racquet is reading this, please measure these specifications, and if you don't know how, please contact me and I'll tell you (it's quite simple). These above specs of Murray's sticks have alluded us for so long, so it'd be great to finally get a measurement on that. It sucks that this guy is getting in the way of that (for now).
Honestly what I think he does is just copy the specs of flex for practically every frame since every single PT57A on the site has a flex rating of 58. I refuse to believe the coincidence that every PT57A from all of the players they came customized for have the exact same flex rating. As we have seen PT57's come in all shapes and sizes with different layups and flexes, racquets are also known to change and become more flexy overtime with use and stringing.
 

rafa_prestige89

Professional
I contacted the guy who runs that website asking if he could measure the SW or TW (or both) on Murray's frame and he refused to do so. In case the eventual buyer of this racquet is reading this, please measure these specifications, and if you don't know how, please contact me and I'll tell you (it's quite simple). These above specs of Murray's sticks have alluded us for so long, so it'd be great to finally get a measurement on that. It sucks that this guy is getting in the way of that (for now).
I wonder how much he’s asking for that frame, if for a retail old stock he asks €300...
 

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
Honestly what I think he does is just copy the specs of flex for practically every frame since every single PT57A on the site has a flex rating of 58. I refuse to believe the coincidence that every PT57A from all of the players they came customized for have the exact same flex rating. As we have seen PT57's come in all shapes and sizes with different layups and flexes, racquets are also known to change and become more flexy overtime with use and stringing.
How is that related to what I said?
 

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
You said he refused to measure flex and twist weight yet he still had a flex of 58 on the website which IMO is strange since literally every pt57a on the site is 58 flex.
Ummmmmmmm no I said he refused to measure SW or TW. Read again :)
 

Arti

Professional
Ummmmmmmm no I said he refused to measure SW or TW. Read again :)
Oh sorry! My bad. Still it seems strange that every racquet has the same flex. Also why would he not measure swingweight if he more than likely has access to an RdC where he measures flex.
 

SamBruin7

Rookie
My PT57E has more flex than PT630. Probably the latter is S.E.2. Feels much more stable than i.Prestige.
That's odd. My PT57E was a lot stiffer than my PT57A's. I thought it would play like a slightly stiffer PT57A but it feels like a totally different racquet. It actually felt very similar to my old racquet the Wilson 6.1. It has a stiff throat, higher launch angle, a lot more pop, but doesn't have that silky smooth flex and feel of the PT57A.
 

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
Oh sorry! My bad. Still it seems strange that every racquet has the same flex. Also why would he not measure swingweight if he more than likely has access to an RdC where he measures flex.
Yes that was the point of the post, he is uncompliant because of his capitalistic goals, where to get that info I'd have to buy the racquet and measure myself. HEAD didn't give him the info, and by extension didn't allow us to receive it either.
 

BDAZ

Hall of Fame
@vsbabolat I remember reading many pages back that you had initially turned your nose up at the DIA China made versions. How do you feel about them now, and compared to the MIA's? Also, there seems to be a lot of color variance, from a lighter blue to an almost purple color. Is this indicative of anything in particular? Different batches/years/MIA/DIA? The one that was stolen from me was a Made in Austria, and this, obviously, is Designed in Austria. Are all DIA's China-made, of are there any that were Made in Austria but finished in Czech Rep.? Thanks! Also, what currently available regular grommets fit? MG Radical?
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
@vsbabolat I remember reading many pages back that you had initially turned your nose up at the DIA China made versions. How do you feel about them now, and compared to the MIA's? Also, there seems to be a lot of color variance, from a lighter blue to an almost purple color. Is this indicative of anything in particular? Different batches/years/MIA/DIA? The one that was stolen from me was a Made in Austria, and this, obviously, is Designed in Austria. Are all DIA's China-made, of are there any that were Made in Austria but finished in Czech Rep.? Thanks! Also, what currently available regular grommets fit? MG Radical?
The China made PT280’s are far superior to what is being put out now. I hit with one that was a friend’s and it had the same wonderful feel to me.

Yes, there were made in Austria finished in Czech Republic DIA Pro Tour 280’s. They will have a hologram sticker butt-cap and Barcode Label Inside will be written on the side of the racquet where HEAD Designed in Austria is also written.
 

SamBruin7

Rookie
I have both MIA and DIA China versions and they are very similar. The MIA slightly has better feel and a bit lighter swingweight. But the China version still is better than any clone put out now. It's about even with the Ultra Tour and since decent condition ones go for about $120, I'd choose it over the UT.
And yes the MG Radical grommets will fit.
 

teekaywhy

Professional
My PT57 collection. Modest by comparison to others. I know many of you will scoff at the inclusion of the Ti. Classic, but it very clearly comes from the PT 57 mold. Reviled by many, but better than any Graphene version.
17bd0eaa831af7288f87f1871543cc72.jpg
bfff8b7824e16fbb9587349098c5f3ea.jpg
b7c53c072af20579a74d35cb11864244.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Candycanes FTW
 

Jouke

Professional
I am looking at buying my first PT57A. What are the minimum specs these rackets are playable at according to you? What should be the minimum static weight, minimum swingweight?
 
Last edited:

cdik

Rookie
Sorry, something wrong with pictures. Post one more time
e3e3915f8669f1f1c0081496f6d9e097.jpg



Отправлено с моего iPhone используя Tapatalk
 

Jouke

Professional
So if you guys were to get a new PT57A not set up by the head pro room yet, how would you guys set it up? Is this racket playable with lower swingweight and lower static weight, or does it really need those beefy specs?

My prefered spec would be around 340 grams strung with a 335 swingweight. Would that be too light in your opinion?
 

cdik

Rookie
My two Zebra's are 348 strung with 320 mm b/p and s/w about 325-330 without bumper (have no RDC here) and this's perfect for me. PT630 are 355 and 360 with about the same b/p and s/w. But i like Zabra's more. Three my Bumblebees are about 350 strung and 320 mm b/p but s/w is much higher and I don't like it so much.
One more consideration. My PT's are strung with VS/Hurricane (got it with big discount) and Zebra's are with Kirsch PLX 125 and s/g. But Zebras feel almost the same us PT's with gut! and it's a big surprise for me.
 

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
So if you guys were to get a new PT57A not set up by the head pro room yet, how would you guys set it up? Is this racket playable with lower swingweight and lower static weight, or does it really need those beefy specs?

My prefered spec would be around 340 grams strung with a 335 swingweight. Would that be too light in your opinion?

My go to SW is 350 to 360, so I'm definitely into the "beefy" spec. If I got a very brand new one I'd be too lazy to put silicone (even though I love the feel of every silicone filled racquet I've ever played) but I'll basically take it to that spec. That's probably why I wouldn't get one untouched by the pro room- probably would cost even more than those already do and if enjoy it less. I'd much prefer getting a barely used one for a much lower price with optimum playability.
 

Phantasm

Semi-Pro
I have to say. the pt57as in Graphene and XT Radical PJs are really growing on me. too bad they cost an arm and leg oto get ahold of since they're the most recent pjs.

Sticking w/ my pt630s/280s for now.
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
My go to SW is 350 to 360, so I'm definitely into the "beefy" spec. If I got a very brand new one I'd be too lazy to put silicone (even though I love the feel of every silicone filled racquet I've ever played) but I'll basically take it to that spec. That's probably why I wouldn't get one untouched by the pro room- probably would cost even more than those already do and if enjoy it less. I'd much prefer getting a barely used one for a much lower price with optimum playability.

I think that I'd want 360 matched so that I could add swingweight later on. I'd want Silicone and lead under the bumper - the way Prestiges are supposed to be.

Very happy with my tgt293.2s though. But I would like to try a PT57A some day. I understand, though, that it's hard to only get one.
 

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
I think that I'd want 360 matched so that I could add swingweight later on. I'd want Silicone and lead under the bumper - the way Prestiges are supposed to be.

Very happy with my tgt293.2s though. But I would like to try a PT57A some day. I understand, though, that it's hard to only get one.
Yes it's very addictive. Common symptoms include bankruptcy and feeling the ball too well to concentrate on actually playing. It really is difficult to stop, I've got two coming my way at this moment. Maybe I'll get a 293.2 as well one day, seems like it's been really popular the last half decade.

Can't agree more on the silicone and lead under the bumper. Also probably lead at 3 and 9 for even more stability.
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
So if you guys were to get a new PT57A not set up by the head pro room yet, how would you guys set it up? Is this racket playable with lower swingweight and lower static weight, or does it really need those beefy specs?

My prefered spec would be around 340 grams strung with a 335 swingweight. Would that be too light in your opinion?

My plan would be to send a message to Stein to look out for a matched set for me with about 360 swingweight in XL and then just be patient. Maybe even leave a retainer with him. I think that it's better to let them come to me than to search them out. They always seem to show up when I'm not looking.
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
Yes it's very addictive. Common symptoms include bankruptcy and feeling the ball too well to concentrate on actually playing. It really is difficult to stop, I've got two coming my way at this moment. Maybe I'll get a 293.2 as well one day, seems like it's been really popular the last half decade.

Can't agree more on the silicone and lead under the bumper. Also probably lead at 3 and 9 for even more stability.

The tgt293.2s don't need lead at 3/9 - twistweight is already decent. That's a huge difference between the YTs and the IGs. I guess I'd have to see on the PT57as though - no experience whatsoever with customizing them. But I'd guess that getting a 360 SW setup would already be fairly optimized and I could add just a little lead tape to get them comfortable for me.

I think that I spent about $3,500 on racquets one year and then stopped and asked myself what I was doing. It's nice to settle down with something for a long time. I still have the other pro stocks gathering dust. Another common thing with pro stock buyers.
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
What do you guys think about that “prostock tennis” online store? Are their prices fair for the PT57?

Fair is what a willing buyer and a willing seller agree upon.

They have the advantage of being US-based which is a bit more convenient than buying from Europe and dealing with currency issues.

If you're buying PT57s and talking price, then you might not be able to afford the lifestyle.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Fair is what a willing buyer and a willing seller agree upon.

They have the advantage of being US-based which is a bit more convenient than buying from Europe and dealing with currency issues.

If you're buying PT57s and talking price, then you might not be able to afford the lifestyle.

I find your reasoning on talking price reg PT57As and ability to afford lifestyle very intriguing... I have a different perspective or way of looking at it...

The question is not can you or can't you afford it (although that obviously plays a part if you pay the prices asked)... it's should you even if you can? OR in the case of some ridiculously priced ones... Are you actually silly enough to...?

It's also a question of what one considers important... Some people like watches and buy very expensive ones... while others think that they just tell time, and therefore use their mobile (because it is connected to a satellite and therefore is incredibly accurate) which they find sufficient.

"Lifestyle" is sometimes a choice... Some people are peacocks and others are not... Warren Buffet drives an old car and lives in a fairly modest house, considering he's worth $80 Billion... He could afford any lifestyle he wants... he just doesn't choose a flashy one... He also mostly buys things when they are on "Sale"... the larger the better... Just a thought
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I find your reasoning on talking price reg PT57As and ability to afford lifestyle very intriguing... I have a different perspective or way of looking at it...

The question is not can you or can't you afford it (although that obviously plays a part if you pay the prices asked)... it's should you even if you can? OR in the case of some ridiculously priced ones... Are you actually silly enough to...?

It's also a question of what one considers important... Some people like watches and buy very expensive ones... while others think that they just tell time, and therefore use their mobile (because it is connected to a satellite and therefore is incredibly accurate) which they find sufficient.

"Lifestyle" is sometimes a choice... Some people are peacocks and others are not... Warren Buffet drives an old car and lives in a fairly modest house, considering he's worth $80 Billion... He could afford any lifestyle he wants... he just doesn't choose a flashy one... He also mostly buys things when they are on "Sale"... the larger the better... Just a thought

I dabbled with it and tennis racquets are a cheap way to dabble with some quasi-luxury goods. There are people that buy these things on the cheap and even make some money out of trading. More power to those folks as they help create a market.

I've been frugal for most of my life but a recent and current incident has told me that you don't live forever and saving up a fortune is good for your heirs but that it's okay to enjoy life a little too [I get a lot of enjoyment from work].

For me, watches provide health and fitness data which I consider important. They also provide notifications and the weather when I don't have my phone with me. United Healthcare is offering a program with up to $1,000 back to the user per year for meeting daily fitness goals and they're using Apple Watches as the tracking device. Yeah, I'd use a free AW for tracking though I'd do my running on my Garmin 630.

I'm well aware of Warren Buffet, and that he mainly lives in the home that he got from his mother when she passed away. He does own a bunch of other homes too which doesn't make the press. I'm a shareholder of Berkshire A and B shares and would like to attend the annual meeting in Nebraska one of these days. It isn't going to be this year but maybe next year. I haven't hit a tennis ball in over four months and acquiring more racquets is pretty low on my priority list but I hope to be back on the courts by July or August and then it will take some time to get my conditioning back.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I dabbled with it and tennis racquets are a cheap way to dabble with some quasi-luxury goods. There are people that buy these things on the cheap and even make some money out of trading. More power to those folks as they help create a market.

I've been frugal for most of my life but a recent and current incident has told me that you don't live forever and saving up a fortune is good for your heirs but that it's okay to enjoy life a little too [I get a lot of enjoyment from work].

For me, watches provide health and fitness data which I consider important. They also provide notifications and the weather when I don't have my phone with me. United Healthcare is offering a program with up to $1,000 back to the user per year for meeting daily fitness goals and they're using Apple Watches as the tracking device. Yeah, I'd use a free AW for tracking though I'd do my running on my Garmin 630.

I'm well aware of Warren Buffet, and that he mainly lives in the home that he got from his mother when she passed away. He does own a bunch of other homes too which doesn't make the press. I'm a shareholder of Berkshire A and B shares and would like to attend the annual meeting in Nebraska one of these days. It isn't going to be this year but maybe next year. I haven't hit a tennis ball in over four months and acquiring more racquets is pretty low on my priority list but I hope to be back on the courts by July or August and then it will take some time to get my conditioning back.

A shareholder of Berkshire A and B shares... you go @movdqa

I understand what you're saying... all I was trying to say is that assuming that because someone doesn't lead a certain lifestyle, they can't, might lead to wrong conclusions... maybe they can but choose not to...

I hope you recover soon and get back to your previous best... Health and wellbeing is the most important thing of all. I have also had times in my life where it has been demonstrated just how fragile we, and our lives, are. Last year was a throwaway for me when it comes to tennis and other areas of my life due to several incidents, as you call them. Spent the whole year trying to recover and "stay above water", so to speak. Life needs to be a balance of work and enjoyable play.

All the best, and I hope you make it to Nebraska soon... may even see you there (if I decide to buy B shares in Berkshire).
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I looked around and I guess that you were talking about those 4 XL PT57as for $600 Euros a piece. They look very nice and I really like the length and they look ready for adding lead (pretty light setup as advertised).
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
Crazy prices...

Asset bubbles do that. Berkshire is sitting on $100+ billion in cash. Warren said that he doesn't want to come back to shareholders to report that he has $150 billion in cash. He's just not finding values out there. We're in the late stages of a huge bull market and most of the market is stuff that you're paying a lot for hoping someone will pay even more for.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Asset bubbles do that. Berkshire is sitting on $100+ billion in cash. Warren said that he doesn't want to come back to shareholders to report that he has $150 billion in cash. He's just not finding values out there. We're in the late stages of a huge bull market and most of the market is stuff that you're paying a lot for hoping someone will pay even more for.

I know Berkshire is so big these days that to make a significant positive impact takes massive deals... that's why they're buying giant businesses and then taking them private so that he doesn't need to contend with market sentiments and their impact on shareholder value. He/ They can formulate a long-term plan of action and execute it in their own time... the businesses don't need to worry whether the market is happy with how things are going, they just need to make sure that Warren and Co. are satisfied. It's going to get harder and harder...
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I know Berkshire is so big these days that to make a significant positive impact takes massive deals... that's why they're buying giant businesses and then taking them private so that he doesn't need to contend with market sentiments and their impact on shareholder value. He/ They can formulate a long-term plan of action and execute it in their own time... the businesses don't need to worry whether the market is happy with how things are going, they just need to make sure that Warren and Co. are satisfied. It's going to get harder and harder...

Yeah. It's a cool corporate structure. Very small and they buy businesses that spin off cash and they just rake it in. I'm in Berkshire as a safe place near a general bubble top - not looking for Alpha, more like preservation of capital.
 
Top