The X-Men!

[pennc94]

Prof Ross and X-men


As promised. Pics of the rebel prestige that the touring pro had strung. This one didn't have the paintjob on it. Sorry for the quality of the pics, but I was in a rush to get them taken.

Very nice!

So these look like the TX220P-95 CT3 27" - how did you get these? I would love to try these! Have you compared to stock Rebel on an RDC?

Have you acces to the TX234A-95 CT4 27" layup too?

 

[Sup2Dresq]

Very nice!

So these look like the TX220P-95 CT3 27" - how did you get these? I would love to try these! Have you compared to stock Rebel on an RDC?

Have you acces to the TX234A-95 CT4 27" layup too?

I have not tried them.

I did play with the Rebel for a short time.

From talking with the touring pro, his paintjob racquet are set up to play like the prestiges. He played many years with the prestige before signing on with Prince, hence he decided on the "monfils" rebel, as he calls it,...These racquets were blacked out, so I'm not sure if they are just his extra sticks or his main sticks. He wasn't around to ask.

Should I see him again I'll see if I can weight it and get a balance. Can't keep it to bring back to a RDC machine.

Sorry.. no mission impossible here.

 

[TheOneHander]

Delete post.

 

[TheOneHander]

Delete post.

 

[thirdrail]

Which strings for the Rebel?

Hey everyone,

I'm currently using BB Alu Rough on my Rebel. Nice strings, no doubt. However, I'm not really happy with the few hours of play I get out of them. I plan on using gut in the spring, but for now I'm looking for strings that I can play with in this cold weather we're having over here.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[ryushen21]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently using BB Alu Rough on my Rebel. Nice strings, no doubt. However, I'm not really happy with the few hours of play I get out of them. I plan on using gut in the spring, but for now I'm looking for strings that I can play with in this cold weather we're having over here.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

I use full black code 17ga at 62/60 and love it. I also loved ALU Rough but hated that I only got 4-5 hours out of it.

 

[ryushen21]

Customizing question

Ok fellow X-Men...a call for some advice here.

I am looking to do some mods to my Rebels. I would like to add silicon to the handle because I loved the feel I got from that in my ASTs. I would be adding lead at 10 and 2 to reestablish the current balance because I am very happy with that.

1. Has anyone here added silicone? How did that affect the feel of the racquet and the way it played?

2. How much silicone did/would you add?

I don't want the frame to get too heavy so any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[TheOneHander]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently using BB Alu Rough on my Rebel. Nice strings, no doubt. However, I'm not really happy with the few hours of play I get out of them. I plan on using gut in the spring, but for now I'm looking for strings that I can play with in this cold weather we're having over here.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

If you like the BB Alu, Lux is releasing a new string called Adrenaline. It's basically a price point BB Alu (eight or nine) that holds tension longer. I don't know if it's textured though, but there's some good info in the Stringing subforum.

As for me, I'd reccommend playing with the frame at a low tension. Most people here seem to like their Rebels strung low, and I'd have to agree!

OneHander out

 

[TheOneHander]

Delete post.

 

[ryushen21]

If you like the BB Alu, Lux is releasing a new string called Adrenaline. It's basically a price point BB Alu (eight or nine) that holds tension longer. I don't know if it's textured though, but there's some good info in the Stringing subforum.

As for me, I'd reccommend playing with the frame at a low tension. Most people here seem to like their Rebels strung low, and I'd have to agree!

OneHander out

I playtested Adrenaline and hated it. It's not textured like ALU Rough. The tension maintenance is just as bad as ALU in terms of tension loss and it has none of the feel, touch or spin that you get from ALU. I know it's supposed to be cheaper but in this case, cheaper means terrible. There are better strings out there for the same price if not a few bucks more.

As per tension, I still have mine in the low 60s and don't see myself dropping it any time soon.

 

[TheOneHander]

I playtested Adrenaline and hated it. It's not textured like ALU Rough. The tension maintenance is just as bad as ALU in terms of tension loss and it has none of the feel, touch or spin that you get from ALU. I know it's supposed to be cheaper but in this case, cheaper means terrible. There are better strings out there for the same price if not a few bucks more.

As per tension, I still have mine in the low 60s and don't see myself dropping it any time soon.

Was your Adrenaline in a hybrid or a full bed? Just curious to hear from some of the playtesters...

Wow! You're using BC at 60+? How does it feel? I tried it out once and loved the spin...and I find the Rebels to be condusive for spin too. How do you like it?

 

[TheOneHander]

Delete post.

 

[ryushen21]

Was your Adrenaline in a hybrid or a full bed? Just curious to hear from some of the playtesters...

Wow! You're using BC at 60+? How does it feel? I tried it out once and loved the spin...and I find the Rebels to be condusive for spin too. How do you like it?

It was full bed. It made my Rebel that normally feels plush and full feel hollow and tinny and cheap. Terrible string for me.

Yep, I've been using BC at 62/60 for over a year now. It does everything that I ask for in a string. Great spin, the touch and feel never go away regardless of what pace I'm hitting. I'm going to be testing out SP Tornado soon but I don't see it being a replacement since it is more expensive.

 

[Power Player]

I think we have opposite taste in strings because I know you hate cyberflash too, and I loved it and the Adrenaline.

Those strings could be great for some folks in the Rebel, so don't rule them out. It is really down to personal taste. To me the Adrenaline held tension for a long time and I had a ton of power and control.

 

[ryushen21]

I think we have opposite taste in strings because I know you hate cyberflash too, and I loved it and the Adrenaline.

Those strings could be great for some folks in the Rebel, so don't rule them out. It is really down to personal taste. To me the Adrenaline held tension for a long time and I had a ton of power and control.

True, I did not like Cyberflash. But there are a lot of people that use it and love it. It just was not a good string for me. And thinking about it, it probably does kind of remind me of Adrenaline.

Really? The tension for me was terrible. I used it to play one three set match and the next day it had dropped so much that I could barely play with it. A lot of the players were comparing it to ALU but i just could not agree with that. No bite, no touch, no feel. I would rather pay the extra and use ALU for 5 hours than try to use this string for two weeks.

Just my 2c though.

 

[Anton]

I'm getting a roll of Topspin Cyber Flash 17L - I have it on two of my frames at 60 and 55 - it gives me everything i'm looking for - touch, comfort, easy to pick up short balls, it's cheap and it's lasting too.

It's sorta like Big Banger string except with more feedback, less muted response.

 

[TheOneHander]

I'm getting a roll of Topspin Cyber Flash 17L - I have it on two of my frames at 60 and 55 - it gives me everything i'm looking for - touch, comfort, easy to pick up short balls, it's cheap and it's lasting too.

It's sorta like Big Banger string except with more feedback, less muted response.

Hey Anton,

Don't mean to derail the string discussion, but I noticed you used TournaTac white. Not many people seem to use it...is there any difference in feel between that and the blue TournaTac? I've heard of variations in feel because of color variations in OGs. Just kinda curious...

Thanks!

 

[m1stuhxsp4rk5]

question for the rebel users

do you prefer the racket with the hole grommets or the port grommets?
whats the difference in feel and playability?
the port grommets are the ones without the string holes right?

 

[Anton]

question for the rebel users

do you prefer the racket with the hole grommets or the port grommets?
whats the difference in feel and playability?
the port grommets are the ones without the string holes right?

holes for me - a bit more feedback and touch, ports feel more muted - plays the same as far as I could tell

 

[Anton]

Hey Anton,

Don't mean to derail the string discussion, but I noticed you used TournaTac white. Not many people seem to use it...is there any difference in feel between that and the blue TournaTac? I've heard of variations in feel because of color variations in OGs. Just kinda curious...

Thanks!

Never tried blue - but someone told me its the same thing. White ones are perfect for me for the cooler months -I just buy 30 packs of it and don't even bother trying others. Tournagrip Original for summer.

 

[JackB1]

question for the rebel users

do you prefer the racket with the hole grommets or the port grommets?
whats the difference in feel and playability?
the port grommets are the ones without the string holes right?

I had a hard time tracking down some port inserts anywhere and they dont even come with the racquet when you buy it new, which I thought was strange. I just went with the hole inserts, but would love to hear from anyone who has tried both.

 

[m1stuhxsp4rk5]

I had a hard time tracking down some port inserts anywhere and they dont even come with the racquet when you buy it new, which I thought was strange. I just went with the hole inserts, but would love to hear from anyone who has tried both.

i believe tw sell the port grommets. i should be getting my rebels this week and ill test one with the ports and one with the holes and ill leave a review

 

[chaddles]

I bought a set of port grommets when I got my Rebs a while ago - yet to try them out as the hole grommets play great. Am planning on putting them in a racquet this weekend so will report the diffs.

 

[kimguroo]

I had a hard time tracking down some port inserts anywhere and they dont even come with the racquet when you buy it new, which I thought was strange. I just went with the hole inserts, but would love to hear from anyone who has tried both.

I have extra port inserts and grommet.
Let me know if you need.

 

[TheOneHander]

I bought a set of port grommets when I got my Rebs a while ago - yet to try them out as the hole grommets play great. Am planning on putting them in a racquet this weekend so will report the diffs.

Thanks! I myself have been wondering about the difference. Anton has said that he plays with the ports himself...I think there's a post on the last page where he talks about the feel of them.

Don't want to de-rail this again, but how do you like the M2 Pro?

Thanks,

OneHander

 

[TheOneHander]

Thanks! I myself have been wondering about the difference. Anton has said that he plays with the ports himself...I think there's a post on the last page where he talks about the feel of them.

Don't want to de-rail this again, but how do you like the M2 Pro?

Thanks,

OneHander

Sorry to double-post again, but is the blue string in your avatar the M2 Pro? It looks different than the other strings.

Thanks!

OneHander

 

[TheOneHander]

holes for me - a bit more feedback and touch, ports feel more muted - plays the same as far as I could tell

This is the post by Anton. I can't comment though, so this so far is the next best thing.

Thanks,

OneHander

 

[JackB1]

This is the post by Anton. I can't comment though, so this so far is the next best thing.

Thanks,

OneHander

He is the only one I know that even tried them. Looking forward to what you guys report.

 

[kimguroo]

Originally Posted by Anton View Post
holes for me - a bit more feedback and touch, ports feel more muted - plays the same as far as I could tell

I started playing tennis with Prince o3 rackets and never used hole inserts so I prefer muted feeling. Recently, I bought Yonex rackets and when I tried, I like feedback and touch feeling. I might try hole inserts next time.
I agree with Anton's description of hole and port inserts.

 

[Ljubicic for number1]

He is the only one I know that even tried them. Looking forward to what you guys report.

I have posted my views earlier in this thread, this is a cut and paste of how I found them different.

Quote:
Difference is big, The ports should suit baseline players well as the power and spin is just sick. But this power and spin come at the expense of touch and feel at net and my volleys and general net touch suffered dramatically. Maybe some more tension would help here as I string very low at 50lbs with BAM. But I think I would more inclined to use the ports in my singles matches and string holes for doubles at this stage.

Since i wrote that I have been playing exclusively with the ports and I am not having control issues at net.
__________________
http://www.jelena-dokic.com/

 

[JackB1]

I have posted my views earlier in this thread, this is a cut and paste of how I found them different.

Quote:
Difference is big, The ports should suit baseline players well as the power and spin is just sick. But this power and spin come at the expense of touch and feel at net and my volleys and general net touch suffered dramatically. Maybe some more tension would help here as I string very low at 50lbs with BAM. But I think I would more inclined to use the ports in my singles matches and string holes for doubles at this stage.

Since i wrote that I have been playing exclusively with the ports and I am not having control issues at net.
__________________
http://www.jelena-dokic.com/

Thanks Lub....I am amazed that you found the difference "big". It's just 6 mains that are effected and its just the way the bottom of those strings are attached to the frame. But since I play both doubles and singles, I wonder if I should have one Rebel with the ports for singles and one the other with the string holes for doubles?

 

[Anton]

Thanks! I myself have been wondering about the difference. Anton has said that he plays with the ports himself...I think there's a post on the last page where he talks about the feel of them.

Don't want to de-rail this again, but how do you like the M2 Pro?

Thanks,

OneHander

Actually one of my frames has ports and I was mainly using it untill I got 2 fresh new rebels - on those I'm going to stick with holes.

 

[JackB1]

Actually one of my frames has ports and I was mainly using it untill I got 2 fresh new rebels - on those I'm going to stick with holes.

Anton......you claimed the only difference was a more muted feel? Prince claims that the ports give you a larger sweetspot and more power. You didn't find this at all?

 

[ryushen21]

So, does anyone have input on putting silicone in the handle on the Rebel? I posted last page but didn't get anything.

 

[Anton]

Anton......you claimed the only difference was a more muted feel? Prince claims that the ports give you a larger sweetspot and more power. You didn't find this at all?

All complete horsesht imo.

It really doesn't make any sence - take a look at those holes - they are plastic and have no hard surrounding on one side - you really think they do anything other then vibrate a bit? I just don't see how thats possible.

"larger sweetspot" is sorta wishy-washy concept anyway because sweetspot is a single spot on the stringbed, so it is all about the feel and the feel will be more muted so you may get an impression of stringbed being softer in wider area

 

[klementine]

So... Have been away from the club for awhile.

Took my holiday break... tried some demos... the babolat PS+PST GT along with the PDR GT.. sprinkled in some Youtek Prestiges Pro + MP.

Dabbled with the Yonex RDiS Mid and Mid+.

A fair second helping of the YouTek RadMid+ and Rad Pro and even an experiment with the Kblade Team (highly customized).

I decided to calm down and just go back to the racquet that makes me feel comfortable on serve and with my 2HBH.

2 Rebel 95's with 5grams at 12o'clock, an overgrip with PolyFibre TCS @ 51lbs. and I'm a happy camper working on my game.

keep it up X-men.

 

[JackB1]

So... Have been away from the club for awhile.

Took my holiday break... tried some demos... the babolat PS+PST GT along with the PDR GT.. sprinkled in some Youtek Prestiges Pro + MP.

Dabbled with the Yonex RDiS Mid and Mid+.

A fair second helping of the YouTek RadMid+ and Rad Pro and even an experiment with the Kblade Team (highly customized).

I decided to calm down and just go back to the racquet that makes me feel comfortable on serve and with my 2HBH.

2 Rebel 95's with 5grams at 12o'clock, an overgrip with PolyFibre TCS @ 51lbs. and I'm a happy camper working on my game.

keep it up X-men.

Klem, why did you add 5g's at 12? Was it too whippy or HL for your liking?
I usually prefer about 4-6 pts HL, but I am reluctant to add ANYTHING to this monster Did the extra 6g's make a big difference?

 

[JackB1]

Also, somebody Add me to the club!!

Rebel EXO 95

 

[Ross K]

So... Have been away from the club for awhile.

Took my holiday break... tried some demos... the babolat PS+PST GT along with the PDR GT.. sprinkled in some Youtek Prestiges Pro + MP.

Dabbled with the Yonex RDiS Mid and Mid+.

A fair second helping of the YouTek RadMid+ and Rad Pro and even an experiment with the Kblade Team (highly customized).

I decided to calm down and just go back to the racquet that makes me feel comfortable on serve and with my 2HBH.

2 Rebel 95's with 5grams at 12o'clock, an overgrip with PolyFibre TCS @ 51lbs. and I'm a happy camper working on my game.

keep it up X-men.

Hi klementine,

Your recent experimentation with other frames - and your return ultimately to the Reb - very much echoes my own past 4 months or so... I'm at the stage now where having tested a good no. of frames, and having gone off on a particular tangent (lowish power, soft/flexy, heavy ball, big serve), I'm really just considering 2, maybe 3 racquets - and the Reb is in the driving seat I think (and not least because of the 2hbh and serve, as you mentioned, and let's not forget the stability and booming fh too!) If the weather stays good, I should be able to make a final decision in a week, 10 days max.

R.

BTW, Since the early days of the X-Men, I, too, have added weight @ 12 and gone to 50 lbs (presently experimenting with Proline 2.)

 

[JackB1]

I think Prince's new Hybrid packs, which combine Premiere LT multi with
Poly EXP are excellent with the Rebel.
I use it with the poly in the cross for softer feel, but I imagine it would be excellent with poly in the mains too. Poly EXP is a nice soft feeling poly that gets virtually no recognition around here.

 

[m1stuhxsp4rk5]

just strung up my 2 rebels one with the holes and one with the ports will leave a comparative review soon

 

[Anton]

I'll be demoing Volkl PowerBridge 10, YouTek Rad Mp and 200 4d - I've been working on my technique and want to try them again - TW makes it easy haha

 

[JackB1]

I'll be demoing Volkl PowerBridge 10, YouTek Rad Mp and 200 4d - I've been working on my technique and want to try them again - TW makes it easy haha

let me know how the AG 4d 200 compares to the Rebel? I cant find any demos locally.

 

[JackB1]

just strung up my 2 rebels one with the holes and one with the ports will leave a comparative review soon

should be interesting! same string and tensions?

 

[TheOneHander]

1 - Ross K (Exo Reb 95)
2 - Taz23 (Exo Reb 95)
3 - Donbot (Exo Ignite)
4 - Ljubicic for no 1 (Exo Reb 95 & Graphite 100)
5 - kimguroo (Japanese/Asian Reb 95)
6 - davetennis (Exo Reb 95)
7 - Prince03UserInOz (Exo Graphite 100)
8 - SlAyEr (Exo Reb 95)
9 - Anton - (Exo Reb 95)
10 - GhOst (Exo Graphite 100)
11 -Tennis_dude^V^ (Exo Reb 95)
12 - vasquez90 (Exo Reb 95)
13 - themitchmann (Exo Reb 95)
14 - Tipsy (Exo Reb 95)
15 - JonnyJolly11 (Exo3 ignite)
16 - Teyko (Exo Reb 95)
17 - Chicken Neck (Exo Reb 95)
18 - game set match 46 TIMES!! (Exo Reb 95 Team)
19 - Applesauceman (Exo Ignite 95)
20 - lefty10spro (Exo Graphite 100)
21 - rchang730 (Exo Reb 95)
22 - ninobrn99 (Exo Reb team)
23 - chaddles (Exo Reb 95)
24 - ci2ca (Exo Reb 95)
25 - tenniscourtoath (Exo Reb 95)
26 - Klementine79 (Exo Reb 95)
27 - IStern (Exo Reb 95)
28 - i_need_rice (Exo Ignite 95)
29 - gfc101 (Exo Reb 95)
30 - TheOneHander (Exo Reb Team 95)
31 - JackB1 (Exo Reb 95)

The list hasn't been updated since October! Our club is falling into anarchy. I know I'm relatively new...but it needed an update especially since JackB1 just got some new sticks How you liking the EXP hybrid, Jack? I think my demo had full EXP...nice string.

BTW...Vantage stole Meaghan from us, so davetennis gets to be #6

 

[kimguroo]

I am just curious that anyone tried mixed port setup.

 

[Studio City]

A mixed port setup! Never thought of that! I'm drooling. Could you please define the color palette on the chart for me? Whether the dark green color represents ports or holes. Red represents power? Blue, control? Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you o' so very much.

 

[kimguroo]

when Japanese rebel 95 released (4 month earlier than US release), prince advertised with this 4 in 1 set-up.
I assume that the dark green is port and light green is port hole inserts.

 

[m1stuhxsp4rk5]

i hit with the rebel today with both the port and the holes
i prefer the ports i like the extra power but i felt the racket lacked power maybe i strung the racket to tight. the holes had less power and spin. hopefully the strings loosen up and ill leave a better comparison

 

[TheOneHander]

I am just curious that anyone tried mixed port setup.

Thanks kimguroo!

It would be interesting to see how the second and third ones play. I really need to try this out...soon

Thanks,

OneHander