*** The Gamma Quadrant *** (fan club)

[canadave]

Seems like every racquet company has a fan club on these boards except Gamma. Well, let's change that right now

I came to the Gamma Tour 330X after many years hitting with Wilson's famed PSC 6.1 (and before that, the Pro Kennex Copper Ace and Silver Ace). For me, the 330X gave me almost as solid a hit (there are very few racquets that are *as* solid as the PSC), but with the lighter weight I was looking for. The 330X is head-light, well-balanced, maneuverable, and as far as I'm concerned its only drawback is I'd prefer red instead of blue paint (oh, and I guess they could up the stiffness a tad more, as I'm a fan of stiff racquets). I'm selling my PSC's shortly and ordering another 330X.

Gamma has a winner on their hands with the 330X. And as I and others who've used it have said on these boards: if the 330X was made by a major name such as Wilson, Head, or Prince, it'd be a runaway hit with the TTW audience.

I'm hoping this thread will be continued by people looking to share their Gamma racquet experiences; not just with the 330X, but with all Gamma racquets. Let's hoist our glasses in recognition of an underrated and under-appreciated racquet company!

 

[soyizgood]

I've had the iPex 5.0 MP, 7.0 MP, and the G325. The G325 is a solid stick, but was a bit too underpowered for me (and too head light). I sold that to a friend and he LOVES it.

 

[canadave]

I've heard great things about the G325 too, although I've never hit with it.

The more I think about the 330X, the more I think it's a classic example of a racquet that isn't top of its class in any one area, but is very good in ALL areas. It's not the most powerful racquet out there, but it has good pop when needed. There are more maneuverable racquets at net that you can buy, but the 330X is still quite maneuverable and is able to get the job done for you there without any hassle. It's not the best serving racquet I've ever hit with, but then again my serves with it are good enough to make my opponents fear it. It's not a heavy racquet, relatively speaking, but it comfortably holds its own against heavy pace.

The same holds true for all other aspects of the racquet in terms of comfort, stiffness, etc. Nothing particularly spectacular in any one area...but good enough in so many categories that it stands out above the rest as a solid, solid racquet that "just works"--a racquet that will get the job done. A player's "player's racquet." A very workmanlike racquet with just a touch of flair...nothing flashy.

I'm wondering if the G325 was the same way?....

 

[ced]

You know I'm a fan......

Dave, you know I'm a fan ..... every Gamma I've ever owned has been top-notch, from the hard to beat G325, the T7 and the ever so excellent Tour 330X.

 

[canadave]

Dave, you know I'm a fan ..... every Gamma I've ever owned has been top-notch, from the hard to beat G325, the T7 and the ever so excellent Tour 330X.

Absolutely...as far as I'm concerned, you should be a charter member of this fan club! I'm merely a latecomer....

Out of curiosity, do you agree with my assessment of the 330X as a racquet that isn't spectacular in any one particular area, but is so competent in all facets of the game that it thus is a terrific racquet to play with? Or do you feel the 330X excels in certain areas over other racquets?

 

[sstchur]

I'm a big fan of Gamma Racquets, all the way back to the Tradition line.

I took a long break from tennis so am unfamiliar with stuff between the Traditions and the more modern racquets, but in my experience, they've always had a few gems in each line of releases.

I'm a big supporter of the T-7, even though I am in the process of making the switch to the Tour 330X. The T-7 is /almost/ (but not quite) a perfect racquet for me. I do love the flex and I can hit some groundies with it (consistently) that I've never been quite so successful at with any other racquet.

Still, I wish the head size were a bit smaller and the weight a bit heavier.

Never got to try the G325, but I wish I had -- I've heard great things. Seen a few for sale here and there, but I'd have to find one really cheap in order to give it a test drive, and I haven't been able to do that yet.

Anyway, cheers to Gamma. Very underrated racquets. It's a shame people don't give them a chance. Their quality control seems to be quite good to me as well.

 

[Lefty5]

Is this one of those sarcastic threads?

 

[ced]

Absolutely...
Out of curiosity, do you agree with my assessment of the 330X as a racquet that isn't spectacular in any one particular area, but is so competent in all facets of the game that it thus is a terrific racquet to play with? Or do you feel the 330X excels in certain areas over other racquets?

I'd say that is a pretty good assessment. You might also add that the racquet string combination can be sensitive.

 

[canadave]

Is this one of those sarcastic threads?

Nope Please, if you have nothing positive to contribute, just move on to the next thread...thanks!

 

[Spinnersrock]

Hear hear Canadave! I'm a big fan of Gamma. I currently have the T-7 and am like another poster on here - its so close to a perfect racquet if it just had a tad more weight to it. I love it for groundies and second serves, but I wish it had more substance at times - particularly on 1st serves. Otherwise, it is a fine racquet and will no doubt be perfect for those who enjoy a lighter stick.

I am probably going to follow suit shortly and move to the T330X.

Also - thanks for your comparisons to the PSC as I am considering the n6.1 95 as well - too many racquets and too little money! :-?

 

[canadave]

Has anyone ever hit with the T-5? I'm curious about how it feels....74 RDC!

 

[canadave]

and you're welcome, Spinnersrock...if you have any specific questions about the 330X vs the PSC that I can answer, to help in any decisions you need to make, feel free to ask

 

[PBODY99]

I really enjoyed the PowerStick from Gamma. 28.5 with a 120 head size. It was not stiff and reminded me of my 1980 Pro Kennex and Yamaha frames.
The T20 xl was another fine product.

 

[canadave]

Has anyone thought about experimenting with lead on their 330X? I'm thinking I might give it a go just for the heck of it, to see how it feels.

 

[1hbhBUX]

Haven't tried the 330X, but I've been playing with the G325 for the past year. I keep thinking about switching to something else, but probably never will. It's too comfortable!

 

[canadave]

You know, I keep hearing about how good the G325 is, and I'm so tempted to try to find one to hit with somehow. The only thing about the G325 that gives me pause is the very low swingweight...I believe I saw somewhere that it's 305? That sounds awfully low. Do you G325'ers feel like you really have to muscle the ball to get it moving? I think I'm more comfortable with racquets whose swingweight is somewhere in the 320's (maybe ideally 325? lol)

 

[1hbhBUX]

I'll testify on the swingweight issue! It was tough at first, but I also had mine string at 62lbs. Get it into the 58-60 range and it makes a big difference. Plus you can add lead tape.

I like the lower SW, the thin beam (closer to 18 than the listed 20) and the flex. It's hard to find anywhere else with a 95 headsize. Maybe Avery or PS Ltd.

 

[canadave]

Hey, have any of you Gamma folks used a Gamma tennis bag and might be able to comment on how good it is? I'm thinking of buying one (to match my racquets, of course!)

 

[TripleB]

I am the newest member here at the Gamma Quadrant...just ordered 2 Gamma T-7 racquets...strung specs: 318g and 6.5 points headlight.

Demoed this racquet twice and was overly impressed both times. Singles, Doubles, Baseline, Net, No Man's Land---it doesn't matter, fantastic racquet from all over the court.

Here are my thoughts as I was demoing the racquet: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=279374

Glad to be a member!!!

TripleB

 

[canadave]

welcome aboard, TripleB! There seem to be a few T-7 fans here as well.

 

[sstchur]

Hey, have any of you Gamma folks used a Gamma tennis bag and might be able to comment on how good it is? I'm thinking of buying one (to match my racquets, of course!)

I have the Gamma Pro Team 6 racquet bag (this one: http://gammasports.com/gamma.cfm?product=1834)

I have to say I am a little disappointed. It's pretty nice, but not great. I never put more than 3 racquets in it, and the seams are ripping in two places (http://www.stchur.com/personal/tmp/gammabag/)

I put in it: my shoes, changes of clothes, towel, and (usually) just two racquets. Maybe I am over filling it, I dunno, but it sure didn't seem like it.

Maybe I should have gone w/ the 9 racquet bag.

Anyway, it's not a bad bag. It looks nice and feels pretty nice, but again, I was disappointed that it has ripped so soon.

I'm now consider getting this one: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageBGFISCHER-FTB12.html (or maybe the 6-racquet one)

 

[canadave]

Thanks for posting pics. Wow....those are some pretty bad rips (particularly in the 2nd photo)! How long have you had that bag??

 

[sstchur]

Thanks for posting pics. Wow....those are some pretty bad rips (particularly in the 2nd photo)! How long have you had that bag??

Less than a year. Can't remember exactly, but maybe 8 months or so.

The first one is actually a lot worse now (had just started when I took the photo). It's been a few days since I took that photo, and it's horrible now.

 

[Jsa2u]

Jus starting using the g310 last month and love it. At first it was super under powered but a little lead and a leather grip fized this nicely.

 

[canadave]

Less than a year. Can't remember exactly, but maybe 8 months or so.

The first one is actually a lot worse now (had just started when I took the photo). It's been a few days since I took that photo, and it's horrible now.

omg...

I can't even fathom how a rip that bad (and a developing twin) could happen in 8 months. That's some serious shoddy quality....unless perhaps you maybe snagged it on some chain link or something without noticing at some point?

Well...anyway, glad the racquets aren't as crummy as the bags! :mrgreen:

 

[canadave]

Well, every time out with the 330X, I'm getting more and more used to it, and my game is improving leaps and bounds. Tonight was the best I've ever hit--ever--and I was the best player on the court for the first time. I'm excited, so let me share with you all the two big reasons why the 330X is working better for me than my PSC's did:

1. It's a full ounce lighter, but still a solid racquet.

With my PSC's and my big fast lunging groundstrokes, I was sailing many balls long. I'd string them with polys as high as I could go without turning the racquet into a stiff board, and I just still kept sailing them long. Plenty of topspin, mind you, and I'd get a few in the court for great winners, but too many were sailing long.

With the 330X, I'm hitting the same way, but the balls that were sailing long are landing in the court. The ball is still being hit hard (maybe with a smidgen less "oomph" as the PSC's 12.6 ounces, which almost no racquet can match)...hard enough that I hit about a zillion outright winners FROM THE BASELINE tonight, playing DOUBLES, against two guys who cover the court pretty well. So there's no lack of power. It's just that the ounce less weight keeps the ball in the court. For me, anyway.

2. The 330X's handle is long enough to comfortably let two hands grip it on the backhand.

With the PSC, my top hand of my 2hbh was partly on the throat--I have pretty big hands. With the 330X, I'm able to comfortably have both hands fully on the handle, and it's a wonderful feeling. My backhand has improved tremendously just from this fact alone.

So, all in all, I am absolutely digging this racquet (if you couldn't tell!).

My one question: have any fellow 330X'ers found that the racquet is a bit stiff/boardy when hitting the ball on the part of the racquet face down by the throat? When I hit it dead centre, it feels wonderful. Hitting high toward the hoop, feels very nice still. Hitting low toward the throat....a bit stiff. Anyone experience that? Any solutions, if you have?

 

[Conquistador]

Gamma is the best overgrip company bar none. Its amazing what they do, their product to me is incredible and irreplaceable. Gamma is also underrated in the string department.

 

[canadave]

Hmmm....I've never used a Gamma overgrip....always used Tournagrip. Which Gamma overgrip do you prefer using?

 

[ced]

ummmm...

... ... ... ...
My one question: have any fellow 330X'ers found that the racquet is a bit stiff/boardy when hitting the ball on the part of the racquet face down by the throat? When I hit it dead centre, it feels wonderful. Hitting high toward the hoop, feels very nice still. Hitting low toward the throat....a bit stiff. Anyone experience that? Any solutions, if you have?

I haven't noticed that Dave, but whether its because I seldom hit there or (more probably) because I tend to string at lower tensions than you, I don't know.

Just restrung one of mine with a full bed of Gamma TNT2 Tour in the low 50's, anxious to see how that plays, should be softer than my current set-up.

 

[canadave]

Thanks....I'm betting it's because of the lower tension you string with (and probably also because you hit the ball more accurately than I do!)

I'd be curious to know how the TNT2 plays for you, if you wouldn't mind reporting back in this thread?

 

[ced]

....... ........ ........ .......

I'd be curious to know how the TNT2 plays for you, if you wouldn't mind reporting back in this thread?

Will do, but it will be later next week, before I do .. some health issues delaying play at the moment.

 

[tennisegg]

Would any of the 330x users mind posting a picture or 2 of their stick? Just curious as to how it looks when not taken in bright lighting and a white background .

 

[canadave]

Would any of the 330x users mind posting a picture or 2 of their stick? Just curious as to how it looks when not taken in bright lighting and a white background .

LOL....sure thing, let me do that--I know what you mean, it's hard to find any other picture other than the TW one. Give me a few minutes, just have to finish cleaning up around the kitchen first, then have to go find the camera

 

[iscottius]

Don't short change the 320x either. For an 11 oz racquet it is pretty nice. solid feel and on the stiff side and headlight. Liked it better than the kblade 98.

 

[canadave]

OK, here's some 330X pics:

 

[canadave]

 

[canadave]

In these last two, I'm showing the comparison between the 330X and the PSC 6.1. Note specifically the handle area and the throat. As you can see, the handle is noticeably longer on the 330X, and the space between the top of the handle and the bottom of the throat is longer on the PSC. The 330X is excellent for 2hbh for this reason.

 

[tennisegg]

Very nice, thanks for the pictures

 

[SteveI]

Gamma is the best overgrip company bar none. Its amazing what they do, their product to me is incredible and irreplaceable. Gamma is also underrated in the string department.

Hi,

I would think that Gamma String are overrated IMHO. They make some decent strings... but are overpriced in most cases. For every decent Gamma string you can, in most cases find a "like" string for less cash. Gamma strings are not a fav.. on TT. in general..

Steve

 

[jonaron]

Never hit with a Gamma before, but tried a T-7 today. WOWSERS! Beautiful. I fell in love with an AG200 this weeekend, and the T-7 felt even better. I am gonna try the 330x, as that is more my spec, but if not, I will get a T-7 and weight it up a bit.

 

[canadave]

jonaron, sounds fantastic (and par for the Gamma course!) Let us know what you eventually wind up going with

 

[markwillplay]

what is the grip shape on these sticks like?

 

[canadave]

what is the grip shape on these sticks like?

I'd say pretty similar to Dunlop (rectangular). I come from using a more squarish Wilson grip, and the difference is noticeable (although not enough to bother me).

 

[jonaron]

I use volkl, and I found the t-7 to be much more square than that, a bit less square than wilson, though i only hit with it for a short while. Two of the pros that i work with use Gammas, one a 330x and the other i think a T-7.

 

[canadave]

I use volkl, and I found the t-7 to be much more square than that, a bit less square than wilson, though i only hit with it for a short while. Two of the pros that i work with use Gammas, one a 330x and the other i think a T-7.

Ask them to come on here and visit the Gamma Quadrant!

 

[jonaron]

I dont think they do the forum thing!

 

[meowmix]

I petition for membership with my gamma ipex 7.0 MP.

I must say though, that although I used to love the stick, I find it too underpowered and too flexible where the racket shouldn't be.

 

[canadave]

Hmmmmm.....

I dunno, meowmix....possession may be nine-tenths of the law, but mere possession of a Gamma racquet doesn't necessarily let you into the fan club if you're not happy with it!

Maybe we'll let you in as an "used" member who has used a Gamma racquet (but isn't necessarily still a fan)... hehehe!

On a more serious note, you should try the 330X or the T-7 if you get a chance...I can only speak for the former, but I find it far from underpowered, particularly if a lively string is in it.

 

[sstchur]

Never hit with a Gamma before, but tried a T-7 today. WOWSERS! Beautiful. I fell in love with an AG200 this weeekend, and the T-7 felt even better. I am gonna try the 330x, as that is more my spec, but if not, I will get a T-7 and weight it up a bit.

Jonaron: If you end up going with the T-7, let me know. I have a couple for sale, as I recently switched to the 330X. Mine are weighted up with some lead in the handle, but it can be easily removed if desired: sstchur(at)live(dot)com if interested.

 

[jatnut]

Got me a T-7

Im a recreational player playing between 4 to 6 hrs a week. Over the past say two years I have gone through about 10 frames and was just settling on the AG 100 as its a serving machine and when you supply the juice it hits a mean ball. I had just bought another AG100 when I read TrippleB post and since he seemed to be a POG fan like myself I took the plunge and bought one from Samster (Great seller by the way). My Thoughts

Serve
The T-7 Is a point and shoot machine for semi-flat serves but you must be careful to let the racquet work and not over power it. Spin serves are not my strong point but serves that were crushed by my opponents with other racquets with this stick they give me a bit more respect.

Slice
A real beauty. The ball leaves the racquet with a nice pace and keeps low.

Backhand
Mine is two handed and I was able to put good pace on the ball and had no problems with angles or DTL. That said however somehow the racquet seemed very well geared towards the angled shots.

Return of serve
Where as at time the AG100 felt pushed around this felt nice and solid. The strange thing is although this stick is heavier and I new I was a tad late at times even those late balls came off with good pace, kept in (hugged the line) and gave my opponents problems.

This stick is great. I thought I loved my AG100 even with it few faults but this stick IMO is way better as it can baseline bash, net poach and short ball kills. With the AG100 (I had mine stock BTW except for leather) baseline bashing just wasnt happening as the guys with heavy spin and pace generally pushed me around after a few good exchanges. With this stick however even my defensive shots end up been offensive.

Well done Gamma!