The HEAVY RACQUET LOVER'S CLUB

drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
harryz said:
There are good reasons why the vast majority of pros lead up their frames. It's not some sort of religion or illogical belief system. They go by what works and by what feels good to them, and so should we.
Click to expand...

DAMN STRAIGHT!!! Count me in. !!! One request>>> I want to be member # 69!!!!! :)

Currently using a stock Microgel Mid Prestige. No dampener, with leather grip.

Also, been play-testing the kps88, and have, **Majic Man** customizing it for me. I will provide final weight, swing weight, etc when we are done finalizing the balance.
 
mdqm

mdqm

Rookie
drakulie said:
DAMN STRAIGHT!!! Count me in. !!! One request>>> I want to be member # 69!!!!! :)

Currently using a stock Microgel Mid Prestige. No dampener, with leather grip.

Also, been play-testing the kps88, and have, **Majic Man** customizing it for me. I will provide final weight, swing weight, etc when we are done finalizing the balance.
Click to expand...

13.7 oz.balance point un 31.5 cm,sw......so far
 
Vincescourt

Vincescourt

New User
Drak do you think that you will be able to use that frame? I cant remember who wrote it, it may have been nbmj who said that small heavy frames should only be used by players who are advanced
 
RestockingTues

RestockingTues

Banned
Vincescourt said:
Drak do you think that you will be able to use that frame? I cant remember who wrote it, it may have been nbmj who said that small heavy frames should only be used by players who are advanced
Click to expand...
Harryz says "They go by what works and by what feels good to them, and so should we."

I'm a 3.0 playing with a Wilson Javelin ;) No problems here.
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
New Members

Hope that you're all enjoying this and maybe learning from each other. A few notes: 1) I'm only entering names from here on out. No time for details and I figure that we can read the thread for frame info.; 2) Unless or until folks chime in with good reasons for changing the requirements, 355g is the threshold for a heavy racquet. This is based upon what many pros use, from lists provided on this forum, and 3) Spot # 69 is reserved for Drakulie.

1. HarryZ
2. HydroYang PROVISIONAL pending use of LEAD TAPE
3. VGP
4. Tofi
5. Thepowerofchoice
6. RestockingTues
7. Markwillplay
8. Mick
9. Goosala
10. fuzz nation
11. ag200boy
12. T1000
13. In D Zone
14. JackKYKung
15. vndesu
16. mcLovin
17. madmanfool
18. lilxjohnyy
19. Run
20. Drakulie (until #69 is available)
21. mdqm
22. a-naik.1

Tell your friends. They may never go back to stock frames! Or better yet, don't tell them and keep on spanking them on the court.
 
matchmaker

matchmaker

Hall of Fame
Count me in, all my frames are over 12.5.

3 Wilson Reflex mid stock with overgrip and dampener: 2 X 13 oz, 1 X 12.5 oz (yeah, Wilson QC)

2 PC600 stock with overgrip and dampener: 12.5 and 12.75 oz

1 PK Redondo midplus leaded up at 9 and 3 with about 5gr, at 12 with 2 gr at 6 with 3 grams and about 10 gr on the handle, with overgrip and dampener: 12.75 oz.

1 Donnay Pro One International MP, leaded up with about 20 grams on the handle and 10 in the hoop at 3 and 9, with overgrip and dampener: 12.75 oz.
 
R

robby c

Semi-Pro
Head Satellite Tour 102(made in Austria)
(1)349g-12.3oz
(2)352g-12.4oz
(3)354g-12.5oz
(4)361g-12.7oz
All 4 are 10.4 pts HL(31cm) which is the factory balance. No lead, just overgrip and dampener.
Recently had handles rebuilt to Wilson shape by Warren Bosworth.
Robby C
 
Thepowerofchoice

Thepowerofchoice

Semi-Pro
matchmaker said:
Count me in, all my frames are over 12.5.

3 Wilson Reflex mid stock with overgrip and dampener: 2 X 13 oz, 1 X 12.5 oz (yeah, Wilson QC)

2 PC600 stock with overgrip and dampener: 12.5 and 12.75 oz

1 PK Redondo midplus leaded up at 9 and 3 with about 5gr, at 12 with 2 gr at 6 with 3 grams and about 10 gr on the handle, with overgrip and dampener: 12.75 oz.

1 Donnay Pro One International MP, leaded up with about 20 grams on the handle and 10 in the hoop at 3 and 9, with overgrip and dampener: 12.75 oz.
Click to expand...

Cool looking racquet. I just picked one up this weekend and will play with it tomorrow. I took off original leather grip (grip was too big) and put on 2 overgrips plus rubber band for dampener : 12.1 oz. It is ighter than my current racquet (12.8 oz 5 points HL) to but feels good holding it. Do you know the spec on this racquet? How does it play? Thanks
 
C

coonio

New User
I'd like to join if that's cool. Use k95's weighted to 13.2 strung.

I'm not that big an equipment dork, so have question: I added all the tape inside the throat as close to the grip as possible in 3 inch strips. Does this retain the original balance or make it slightly more headlight? Never did before/after test to check.

Also should say have never weighed mine to see if original (11.7oz) weight was accurate or not. Heard Wilson's quality control in this area sorta blows.
 
McLovin

McLovin

Legend
coonio said:
I'm not that big an equipment dork, so have question: I added all the tape inside the throat as close to the grip as possible in 3 inch strips. Does this retain the original balance or make it slightly more headlight?
Click to expand...

I put my few strips in the same location on my Fischer. It made it slightly more HL, but not noticeably as it was really close to the original balance point.

BTW, you can make a balance board for under $10 in materials @ Home Depot:

BalanceBoard1.jpg


BalanceBoard2.jpg
 
matchmaker

matchmaker

Hall of Fame
Thepowerofchoice said:
Cool looking racquet. I just picked one up this weekend and will play with it tomorrow. I took off original leather grip (grip was too big) and put on 2 overgrips plus rubber band for dampener : 12.1 oz. It is ighter than my current racquet (12.8 oz 5 points HL) to but feels good holding it. Do you know the spec on this racquet? How does it play? Thanks
Click to expand...

Lucky you, these racquets are very hard to find nowadays. This is actually the one (or rather three) racquets I will never sell. IMO the best racquet I have ever played with. If you took off the grip and replaced it by overgrips I would consider adding a little lead on the handle to make it more manoeverable. I don't have an RDC machine, so I don't know about the SW or flex, but based on experience I would say the SW is high and well flex is medium (plays soft but I think the frame must actually be rather stiff if you measure it). It serves bombs, volleys like a dream, is rock-solid. String it at 60 with a soft multi and you will be rocking. Mind you, if you have never played with an 85 s.i., it will take some dialing in. Also, because of the weight the racquet might feel little springy at first, but you immediately feel it grips the ball very well, so once you adjust your swing.... you will be crushing the ball.
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
Members

. HarryZ
2. HydroYang PROVISIONAL pending use of LEAD TAPE
3. VGP
4. Tofi
5. Thepowerofchoice
6. RestockingTues
7. Markwillplay
8. Mick
9. Goosala
10. fuzz nation
11. ag200boy
12. T1000
13. In D Zone
14. JackKYKung
15. vndesu
16. mcLovin
17. madmanfool
18. lilxjohnyy
19. Run
20. Drakulie (until #69 is available)
21. mdqm
22. a-naik.1
23. Matchmaker
24. Robby C
25. Bud
26. Coonio

Matchmaker-- thanks for providing tips on constructing a balancing board. Great idea!

Yesterday I leaded up my K90 and RDS 001. The RDS 001 mid with leather grip and lead on the handle and at 12 o'clock now beats the MGPM for me. I love all three sticks, but the customized RDS is flat out incredible for me. I'm glad I hung on to some. Can't wait for the RD1S.
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
Whoops, I meant to thank McLovin

for the Balance Board idea. Sorry 'bout that.

For those who are using RDS mids-- how are you leading them up?
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
harryz said:
The RDS 001 mid with leather grip and lead on the handle and at 12 o'clock now beats the MGPM for me. I love all three sticks, but the customized RDS is flat out incredible for me. I'm glad I hung on to some. Can't wait for the RD1S.
Click to expand...

Uo-ohs!!! You are going to go crazy trying to decide, which frame to play with. Or, are you going to be "greedy" and play with all of them??? :)
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
Helpful post on swingweight from TW Professor

From Drak's thread on the KPS 88:

---------------------------

Question: Can adding weight anywhere to an existing racquet decrease its swingweight?

Answer: If you add weight to a racquet, it is heavier and requires more force to pick it up. It is also more difficult to rotate (swing in a circular arc) about an axis. More stuff is more stuff, and that requires more force to change its motion. However, for circular motion, how much more force is required depends on the location of the added weight in relation to the axis of rotation. The closer the added weight is to the axis, the less additional force will be necessary to rotate the racquet (and vice versa).

There is one exception--when you add weight directly to the axis. On an RDC machine the axis is at 10 cm from the butt end. Weight added anywhere else will increase swingweight. However, in real life, even applying lead to the axis will increase swingweight because you can't locate all the lead in one tiny spot.

Most RDC machines read a plus or minus 1 unit difference on swingweight readings with repeated tests of the same racquet (and even more if the last test is not properly cleared or the tester somehow varies his release technique). That is normal. RDC machines also become less accurate with use and require periodic recalibration. Of course, neither of these explains Pro_Tour_630's drop from 349 to "low 340s," unless the first reading of 349 was incorrect (and he only took one reading) but now with the heavier racquet he repeatedly gets low 340s. The only way to test what is going on is to take several readings before adding the tape and then several after. If the same answer keeps coming up. then there is something wrong with the RDC.

One way to check is to do TWU's manual swingweight method on both cases:

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...ingweight.html

There is another issue. As noted, the RDC measures swingweight at an axis 10 cm from the butt. In real life, the racquet does not swing around that axis. The actual axis of rotation changes throughout a swing (due to hips, shoulder, elbow, and wrist motions), but it averages out to be somewhere midway up the forearm. That being the case, no matter where you place weight on the racquet, even the on the axis, the swingweight around the "real" swing axis will increase and it will take more force to swing in either a straight line or a circle than without the added weight.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
harryz said:
From Drak's thread on the KPS 88:

---------------------------

Question: Can adding weight anywhere to an existing racquet decrease its swingweight?

Answer: If you add weight to a racquet, it is heavier and requires more force to pick it up. It is also more difficult to rotate (swing in a circular arc) about an axis. More stuff is more stuff, and that requires more force to change its motion. However, for circular motion, how much more force is required depends on the location of the added weight in relation to the axis of rotation. The closer the added weight is to the axis, the less additional force will be necessary to rotate the racquet (and vice versa).

There is one exception--when you add weight directly to the axis. On an RDC machine the axis is at 10 cm from the butt end. Weight added anywhere else will increase swingweight. However, in real life, even applying lead to the axis will increase swingweight because you can't locate all the lead in one tiny spot.

Most RDC machines read a plus or minus 1 unit difference on swingweight readings with repeated tests of the same racquet (and even more if the last test is not properly cleared or the tester somehow varies his release technique). That is normal. RDC machines also become less accurate with use and require periodic recalibration. Of course, neither of these explains Pro_Tour_630's drop from 349 to "low 340s," unless the first reading of 349 was incorrect (and he only took one reading) but now with the heavier racquet he repeatedly gets low 340s. The only way to test what is going on is to take several readings before adding the tape and then several after. If the same answer keeps coming up. then there is something wrong with the RDC.

One way to check is to do TWU's manual swingweight method on both cases:

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...ingweight.html

There is another issue. As noted, the RDC measures swingweight at an axis 10 cm from the butt. In real life, the racquet does not swing around that axis. The actual axis of rotation changes throughout a swing (due to hips, shoulder, elbow, and wrist motions), but it averages out to be somewhere midway up the forearm. That being the case, no matter where you place weight on the racquet, even the on the axis, the swingweight around the "real" swing axis will increase and it will take more force to swing in either a straight line or a circle than without the added weight.
Click to expand...

For human beings, swingweight will always increase with added weight... as we are not Babolate RDC machines. They measure a specific characteristic based on certain criteria. Tailweighting a racquet will decrease the swingweight reading on a Babolat RDC machine because it's located south of the 'grab' location.
 
R

Run.

New User
Ha i just realized that i put 13.5 GRAMS! So that would mean my K90 weighs about .4 Ounces! It's been a long weekend...........
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
Run, no sweat

Got you covered. A-Naik, I just added 6 grams of lead at 12 o'clock and then 3g. My buddy who uses the frame tried mine and loved it, and wants me to lead his up with about 4.5g at that spot. Since the static weight is high (354G) already, not much is needed to make it more stable; the change is in SW. When I hit with mine, the sweetspot felt bigger and the board quality pretty much went away with the addition of a little lead.
 
Thepowerofchoice

Thepowerofchoice

Semi-Pro
harryz said:
From Drak's thread on the KPS 88:

---------------------------

Question: Can adding weight anywhere to an existing racquet decrease its swingweight?

Answer: If you add weight to a racquet, it is heavier and requires more force to pick it up. It is also more difficult to rotate (swing in a circular arc) about an axis. More stuff is more stuff, and that requires more force to change its motion. However, for circular motion, how much more force is required depends on the location of the added weight in relation to the axis of rotation. The closer the added weight is to the axis, the less additional force will be necessary to rotate the racquet (and vice versa).

There is one exception--when you add weight directly to the axis. On an RDC machine the axis is at 10 cm from the butt end. Weight added anywhere else will increase swingweight. However, in real life, even applying lead to the axis will increase swingweight because you can't locate all the lead in one tiny spot.

Most RDC machines read a plus or minus 1 unit difference on swingweight readings with repeated tests of the same racquet (and even more if the last test is not properly cleared or the tester somehow varies his release technique). That is normal. RDC machines also become less accurate with use and require periodic recalibration. Of course, neither of these explains Pro_Tour_630's drop from 349 to "low 340s," unless the first reading of 349 was incorrect (and he only took one reading) but now with the heavier racquet he repeatedly gets low 340s. The only way to test what is going on is to take several readings before adding the tape and then several after. If the same answer keeps coming up. then there is something wrong with the RDC.

One way to check is to do TWU's manual swingweight method on both cases:

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...ingweight.html

There is another issue. As noted, the RDC measures swingweight at an axis 10 cm from the butt. In real life, the racquet does not swing around that axis. The actual axis of rotation changes throughout a swing (due to hips, shoulder, elbow, and wrist motions), but it averages out to be somewhere midway up the forearm. That being the case, no matter where you place weight on the racquet, even the on the axis, the swingweight around the "real" swing axis will increase and it will take more force to swing in either a straight line or a circle than without the added weight.
Click to expand...

What about if you reduce weight on the grip (take off leather grip and use only overgrip)...That would make your racquet less head light. Would this increase the swing weight??? Thanks
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
Thepowerofchoice said:
What about if you reduce weight on the grip (take off leather grip and use only overgrip)...That would make your racquet less head light. Would this increase the swing weight??? Thanks
Click to expand...

The 'real' swingweight... or the RDC determined swingweight?

It will reduce the 'real' swingweight but not by much since the small amount of weight you're removing is close to the tail of the racquet. It will make it a point or so less HL.

On the RDC machine the SW reading may be slightly higher since the leather grip weight that was less than 10cm from the end of the butt cap is slightly heavier than the same amount of synthetic replacement grip. Remember, on the RDC machine, any weight added below the 'grab' point will actually reduce swingweight from the machine's calculation.

It would be an interesting experiment.
 
J

jayserinos99

Hall of Fame
I guess you can count me in. I ended up with a heavier than stock G-Starr a while ago and finally fiddled with it (LM Prestige MP CAPs, Head calfskin grip, 12g of lead at handle).

G-Starr Tour: 13.4 oz, 6 pt HL (strung)
 
K

Keifers

Legend
harryz,
I have some racquets over 355 grams, including Dunlop Revelation Tour Pro, MW200G, Prince CTS Approach, CTS DB26, CTS Lightning, Graphite Pro, Spectrum Comp, Wilson PS Midsize SV, 6.0 95, Tour 90, and a Yonex RD-7.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
kalic

kalic

Professional
My main racquet is Yonex RD7 @ 365g. I think this is pretty heavy for a skinny 33 years old recreation player like me :)
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
30 members and going strong

The Heavy Racquet Lover's Club

1. HarryZ
2. HydroYang PROVISIONAL pending use of LEAD TAPE
3. VGP
4. Tofi
5. Thepowerofchoice
6. RestockingTues
7. Markwillplay
8. Mick
9. Goosala
10. fuzz nation
11. ag200boy
12. T1000
13. In D Zone
14. JackKYKung
15. vndesu
16. mcLovin
17. madmanfool
18. lilxjohnyy
19. Run
20. Drakulie (until #69 is available)
21. mdqm
22. a-naik.1
23. Matchmaker
24. Robby C
25. Bud
26. Coonio
27. jayserinos99
28. timokabo
29. Kiefers
30. Kalic
31. paintthecorner ? COME ON AND GET WITH IT
 
Thepowerofchoice

Thepowerofchoice

Semi-Pro
matchmaker said:
Lucky you, these racquets are very hard to find nowadays. This is actually the one (or rather three) racquets I will never sell. IMO the best racquet I have ever played with. If you took off the grip and replaced it by overgrips I would consider adding a little lead on the handle to make it more manoeverable. I don't have an RDC machine, so I don't know about the SW or flex, but based on experience I would say the SW is high and well flex is medium (plays soft but I think the frame must actually be rather stiff if you measure it). It serves bombs, volleys like a dream, is rock-solid. String it at 60 with a soft multi and you will be rocking. Mind you, if you have never played with an 85 s.i., it will take some dialing in. Also, because of the weight the racquet might feel little springy at first, but you immediately feel it grips the ball very well, so once you adjust your swing.... you will be crushing the ball.
Click to expand...


Wow...took it out for a test drive yesterday and have to agreed w you. Fantastic feel. Head size is not a problem because I do play regularly with my Head Edge which I believe even smaller than 85 s.i. It still has original string on it so I'll have to restrung it with some 17g soft Muti and swing with it again. 60 lbs sounds little high for me because I prefer low tension for most of my racquets. Would I lose too much control with this racquet if I put 55 lbs on it? Thanks
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^You tell him, Keifers. We want this club to be "PROPER". :)

Just to add, one of my PS85's (Chicago Version) was 13.3 ounces. This is the one I used to make my serve video.
 
Last edited:
K

Keifers

Legend
drakulie said:
^^You tell him, Keifers. We want this club to be "PROPER". :)

Just to add, one of my PS85's (Chicago Version) was 13.3 ounces. This is the one I used to make my serve video.
Click to expand...
PROPER AND HEAVY, drak!... :)

I've been reading your posts re the K88 -- can't wait to hit with one!!
 
a_2c+

a_2c+

Rookie
i don't know if im eligible for this club :p:

1.) Wilson K95 16 x 18 (~12.4 oz, 340 swingweight, stung with gosen somethin... i think. :p)

2.) Wilson K90 ~12.9 oz, 336 swingweght. strung with prince premier softflex 16...
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
Update

The Heavy Racquet Lover's Club

1. HarryZ
2. HydroYang PROVISIONAL pending use of LEAD TAPE
3. VGP
4. Tofi
5. Thepowerofchoice
6. RestockingTues
7. Markwillplay
8. Mick
9. Goosala
10. fuzz nation
11. ag200boy
12. T1000
13. In D Zone
14. JackKYKung
15. vndesu
16. mcLovin
17. madmanfool
18. lilxjohnyy
19. Run
20. Drakulie (until #69 is available)
21. mdqm
22. a-naik.1
23. Matchmaker
24. Robby C
25. Bud
26. Coonio
27. jayserinos99
28. timokabo
29. Keifers
30. Kalic
31. paintthecorner ? COME ON AND GET WITH IT
32. am22fcw
33. a_2c+

Keifers-- apologies for the misspelling...
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
New member list

You're out there; I know it. Why not join?

The Heavy Racquet Lover's Club

1. HarryZ
2. HydroYang PROVISIONAL pending use of LEAD TAPE
3. VGP
4. Tofi
5. Thepowerofchoice
6. RestockingTues
7. Markwillplay
8. Mick
9. Goosala
10. fuzz nation
11. ag200boy
12. T1000
13. In D Zone
14. JackKYKung
15. vndesu
16. mcLovin
17. madmanfool
18. lilxjohnyy
19. Run
20. Drakulie (until #69 is available)
21. mdqm
22. a-naik.1
23. Matchmaker
24. Robby C
25. Bud
26. Coonio
27. jayserinos99
28. timokabo
29. Keifers
30. Kalic
31. paintthecorner ? COME ON AND GET WITH IT
32. am22fcw
33. a_2c+
33. syfo-dias
 
dunno

dunno

Rookie
I don't know the swingweight of my Prostaff 6.0 95, but it's weight is a bit over 13 ounces, and it's balance is 11 pts headlight. Rackets at around 13 ounces is the sweetspot for me.
 
matchmaker

matchmaker

Hall of Fame
Thepowerofchoice said:
Wow...took it out for a test drive yesterday and have to agreed w you. Fantastic feel. Head size is not a problem because I do play regularly with my Head Edge which I believe even smaller than 85 s.i. It still has original string on it so I'll have to restrung it with some 17g soft Muti and swing with it again. 60 lbs sounds little high for me because I prefer low tension for most of my racquets. Would I lose too much control with this racquet if I put 55 lbs on it? Thanks
Click to expand...

Well I had it strung first at 58 lbs, then went on to 60. I am normally not a fan of extremely high tensions but on this racquet 60 with a soft multi does not feel harsh at all. And I know something about that, I get TE all the time, except with this racquet. I have it strung with Wilson Sensation 16g. For 16 X 19 string patterns I prefer 16g.

If ever you are in a shop with an RDC machine, I would greatly appreciate you have the flex and the SW measured. I like this stick so much that if one day mine go dead, I want to buy something as similar as can be.

For now, I think the K90 is the closest I played to the Reflex.
 
Court Valkyrie

Court Valkyrie

Banned
I bet all you girls look really funny trying to swing those heavy @$$ racquets. Your playing arms look like popeye's and your non-playing arms looks like Olive Oyl's!!!!!!! With all the fun insults out of the way, I play with the Aero Storm (old heavier one) with tape on the handle to make it I think strung now 9pts HL, but not over 355grams. I have tried really leading it up, and notice that it plows through the ball enough without lead on the head. A friend of mine has an ?RDX 500 mid? that weighs 13.5 oz and it hits like crap. No power. I have more power with my frame than the Yonex. By the way someone posted a thread with what the pros use and the heaviest was only 12.6 or 12.5.
 
harryz

harryz

Professional
You're in

Count Valkyrie and HelloJeffo, I'll add you to the club. By the way, I recall a post noting swingweights of many pro players' sticks. Average seemed to be about 375g or so... And I agree, Yonex racquets ARE great. Best QC out there, and they make excellent frames for all types of players.

Harry Z
 
R

RanchDressing

Hall of Fame
im in...
ksix1tour 354g+overgrip... +sweat.... +strings = 355g?
lol anyway.
stupid babolats....
I mean....
and i have a babolat aero pro weighing in at near 11-12 oz cant remember now... but its got quite a bit of lead tape on it..
hardly sees any balls now that i have my ksix1
 
Last edited:
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