Thinking about leaving the PT57A...

[ae1222]

I have been using the PT57A's for a few years now and they are a great stick. I have tried almost everything under the sun and I admittadely got caught up in Pro Stock fever. But I am getting to the point now where I just don't see the reason for paying lots for a specific frame, I feel there has to be reasonable alternatives out there.

A background to my game, I am currently a 5.0 player who will hopefully be healthy enough to go out and play some national 35's events in the near future. I played at a top 50 ranked Division I school but have had several major surgeries since, which is why I lean towards flexy frames these days. I have stuck primarily to doubles over the last decade but have been focusing on singles much more the last few months since I have finally gotten my elbow fixed and can play on back-to-back days now with no pain.

I have enjoyed the diary of a racketaholic thread, and I would consider myself in that boat. I played with the POG mid for most of my junior career and the beginning of college until I broke my wrist playing with it and the doc advised a softer stick. Since then I have switched almost every 6 months or so, never could find that perfect stick. Then got my hands on the 57A after trying several other pro stocks and thought the search was over.

But that frame isn't perfect, nor do I believe there is a special racquet out there that makes you better. I still think I could play fairly decent with about anything, but certain types feel better than others for my game. So with that being said, here are the frames I have narrowed my list down to:

Prince EXO3 Tour 18X20
Pro Kennex Type C Redondo
Pro Kennex Black Ace 98
Tecnifibre TFight 325 (the old original version)

I will cronicle my thoughts here as I figure this all out, please chime in if you have had similar experiences or any suggestions. Who knows, maybe at the end of all this I will just stick with the 57A's, but I guess we will all figure it out together.

Thanks!

 

[Up&comer]

The prince is super flexy, and prokennexes are great rackets for arm problems. Also check out some of the volkls. They are much more arm friendly than their stiffness suggests.

 

[AverageJoe]

I have been using the PT57A's for a few years now and they are a great stick. I have tried almost everything under the sun and I admittadely got caught up in Pro Stock fever. But I am getting to the point now where I just don't see the reason for paying lots for a specific frame, I feel there has to be reasonable alternatives out there.

A background to my game, I am currently a 5.0 player who will hopefully be healthy enough to go out and play some national 35's events in the near future. I played at a top 50 ranked Division I school but have had several major surgeries since, which is why I lean towards flexy frames these days. I have stuck primarily to doubles over the last decade but have been focusing on singles much more the last few months since I have finally gotten my elbow fixed and can play on back-to-back days now with no pain.

I have enjoyed the diary of a racketaholic thread, and I would consider myself in that boat. I played with the POG mid for most of my junior career and the beginning of college until I broke my wrist playing with it and the doc advised a softer stick. Since then I have switched almost every 6 months or so, never could find that perfect stick. Then got my hands on the 57A after trying several other pro stocks and thought the search was over.

But that frame isn't perfect, nor do I believe there is a special racquet out there that makes you better. I still think I could play fairly decent with about anything, but certain types feel better than others for my game. So with that being said, here are the frames I have narrowed my list down to:

Prince EXO3 Tour 18X20
Pro Kennex Type C Redondo
Pro Kennex Black Ace 98
Tecnifibre TFight 325 (the old original version)

I will cronicle my thoughts here as I figure this all out, please chime in if you have had similar experiences or any suggestions. Who knows, maybe at the end of all this I will just stick with the 57A's, but I guess we will all figure it out together.

Thanks!

I'll give you my thoughts on each.

A quick back round. Was recruited to play for a top 5 DII, ended up having problems with the coach and transferred to UC Berkeley (actually for family medical reasons, not to play) and tried to walk on but wasnt good enough to start (the year they finished 12 I believe) so with the title IX stuff it didnt make sense to take a junior over a freshmen. Anyways, my game is big. Big forehand, big backhand, big serve (125+) and good at the net. A decent defender but no where near a grinder.

-EXO3 18x20. I used this stick for a good couple months before going back to Head. I had to add about 20 grams of lead in the head and counter balance it in the handle to get the feel and weight that i wanted. It was the most control oriented of the sticks mentioned here (save the TF cause I've never hit with that stick). But at the end of the day, the power that I needed just wasnt there, even with all the weight and strung in the low 50's. I could also never fully get used to the feel of Prince sticks with O port style grommets. I will say though, this stick was incredibly stable and spin came very very easily.

-Redondo Type C. I demo'ed the 98 and hit with it for about an hr. Wasn't a fan. Seemed stiffer than it's said stiffness RA, and it's sweet spot wasnt great.

-Black Ace 98. Demo'ed this frame and hit a good 15 hrs on it with 3 different strings. Great frame. Loved the power, completely exceptional feel, and the ball pocking gave me unbelievable control over the ball with around 10 grams in the head, and a leather grip with overgrip. The one thing I did not like was the rubber butt cap, made it feel soft and it tended to move like it was loose even though it wasnt.

Hope that helps!

 

[Torres]

Out of interest, what did you not like about the PT57A?

 

[Ross K]

From what you say, I'm guessing you know your frame requirements and what's out there pretty well. The Exo Tour is getting lots of acclaim ATM and I see that's on your list. The C10 Pro springs to mind. As does the Bast Core Vantages (if you haven't ever played with a Vantage, may I commend it's superb feel and excellent quality build.) I'd also mention the Reb 95, PST and, if the head-size isn't a non-starter, the PB10 mid.

Good luck, and keep us updated.

R

 

[ae1222]

I don't know if there is anything about the PT57A I would say I don't like, except they are hard to find and really expensive. But after hitting with the Black Ace my 57's felt a little hollow.

I have hit with the C10 quite a bit and have one now, it is a great stick to be sure but a tad on the stiff side for what I am looking for. I also thought of the bast core line, that looks really good just not sure how I could grab one as a demo, don't feel like dropping that kind of money for something I am not sure I want at all. But I have had a few Vantages in the past, a well made frame to be sure.

Average Joe those are some great comments, thanks! My game doesn't sound quite as big as yours (I am only 5'7" so my serve tops out around 115 but I hit big from the ground). But from my initial hits with these frames I think I agree with your assessments of each. I need to fine tune them all a little and do some serious play tests with each this week, but I appreciate all of your thoughts!

Ross those are good thoughts, I was hoping to see this new Prince Rebel I read about here on the boards, the old version hit pretty nice but a tad lighter and a 98" head would be right up my alley. I do love hitting with mids, but in my old age and diminishing skill set I think I need a MP to be competitive anymore.

 

[HiroProtagonist]

I have been using the PT57A's for a few years now and they are a great stick. I have tried almost everything under the sun and I admittadely got caught up in Pro Stock fever. But I am getting to the point now where I just don't see the reason for paying lots for a specific frame, I feel there has to be reasonable alternatives out there.

A background to my game, I am currently a 5.0 player who will hopefully be healthy enough to go out and play some national 35's events in the near future. I played at a top 50 ranked Division I school but have had several major surgeries since, which is why I lean towards flexy frames these days. I have stuck primarily to doubles over the last decade but have been focusing on singles much more the last few months since I have finally gotten my elbow fixed and can play on back-to-back days now with no pain.

I have enjoyed the diary of a racketaholic thread, and I would consider myself in that boat. I played with the POG mid for most of my junior career and the beginning of college until I broke my wrist playing with it and the doc advised a softer stick. Since then I have switched almost every 6 months or so, never could find that perfect stick. Then got my hands on the 57A after trying several other pro stocks and thought the search was over.

But that frame isn't perfect, nor do I believe there is a special racquet out there that makes you better. I still think I could play fairly decent with about anything, but certain types feel better than others for my game. So with that being said, here are the frames I have narrowed my list down to:

Prince EXO3 Tour 18X20
Pro Kennex Type C Redondo
Pro Kennex Black Ace 98
Tecnifibre TFight 325 (the old original version)

I will cronicle my thoughts here as I figure this all out, please chime in if you have had similar experiences or any suggestions. Who knows, maybe at the end of all this I will just stick with the 57A's, but I guess we will all figure it out together.

Thanks!

TBH it seems like you are just suffering from racquet wonder lust, of which I am all to familiar myself, because aside from the EXO3 Tour all the racquets you listed, are imo trying to be the PT630/PT57a.

The Redondo and BA especially seem like PT630 clones to me when I hit them, I admit that I really dont know much about the TFight. I totally understand the expensive aspect of the PT57as but do you foresee needing more than the 4 you already have?

Now if you're looking for maybe a bit more pop, forgiveness, and spin I could see checking out the EXO3 Tour, great stick, but imo not as versatile as a PT57a.

I completely understand the racquetholism, I myself am demoing my frames and planning my next purchase despite having my iPrestiges fully moded and absolutely perfect for me, but I say stick with the PT57as as your main sticks and experiment with some others on the side.

 

[AverageJoe]

I also thought of the bast core line, that looks really good just not sure how I could grab one as a demo, don't feel like dropping that kind of money for something I am not sure I want at all. But I have had a few Vantages in the past, a well made frame to be sure.

I just put in an order for two bastcore demo frames (wasnt too bad, $30). I'll write you my thoughts once they are here

Average Joe those are some great comments, thanks! My game doesn't sound quite as big as yours (I am only 5'7" so my serve tops out around 115 but I hit big from the ground). But from my initial hits with these frames I think I agree with your assessments of each. I need to fine tune them all a little and do some serious play tests with each this week, but I appreciate all of your thoughts!

Anytime! I should have stated that my comments were most relevant to how I felt the rackets played from the ground. They all served quite similarly (power, control, spin, etc) but if I had to go in order it would have been a close tie between the Ace 98 and EXO3 tour, with the Redondo 98 as a distant 2nd. At the net it was hard to miss with the Ace 98 and feel was incredible. The EXO3 had imo the same consistency and stability as the Ace 98 just without the feel.

Ross those are good thoughts, I was hoping to see this new Prince Rebel I read about here on the boards, the old version hit pretty nice but a tad lighter and a 98" head would be right up my alley. I do love hitting with mids, but in my old age and diminishing skill set I think I need a MP to be competitive anymore.

Couldn't agree more. Loved the Rebel but it was too heavy, I need a little room to customize.

 

[Power Player]

It sounds like you may hit a little flatter and drive the ball more..is that correct? I wondered because I have some EXO100s coming and I really love the sticks in the 16x18 version. I believe those have more power than the 18x20, but still do not have the finishing power you are describing. I am adding some lead at 12 to get the Swing weight in the 330s and I think they will hit fairly big but my game is much more spin based and my winners come from moving the opponent around more than just driving through them.

Also love the flexy stick to help prevent recurring tendinitis that I can get...I was wondering how much more power the PT57A gave you and if you were using the 18x20 version. Also how the feel compared between the 2 for you.

If you are more of a driving flatter player you may like the Babolat Pure Storm Tour, Donnay Platinum or the Pro Kennex 7G.

 

[AverageJoe]

It sounds like you may hit a little flatter and drive the ball more..is that correct? I wondered because I have some EXO100s coming and I really love the sticks in the 16x18 version. I believe those have more power than the 18x20, but still do not have the finishing power you are describing. I am adding some lead at 12 to get the Swing weight in the 330s and I think they will hit fairly big but my game is much more spin based and my winners come from moving the opponent around more than just driving through them.

Also love the flexy stick to help prevent recurring tendinitis that I can get...I was wondering how much more power the PT57A gave you and if you were using the 18x20 version. Also how the feel compared between the 2 for you.

If you are more of a driving flatter player you may like the Babolat Pure Storm Tour, Donnay Platinum or the Pro Kennex 7G.

Not sure if you're talking to me, but I tried both string patterns of the EXO3 Tour. The 16x18 had considerably more power, but it was inconsistent power IMO. I just could not find my range with it. Stability was also greatly compromised, again IMO, relative to the 18x20.

 

[ae1222]

My backhand is fairly flat but my forehand has some good spin, but I wouldn't call myself a clay courter by any means. I have a semi-western forehand and drive the ball with some serious wrist snap of the wrist (I have been told I have a very "Sweedish" looking forehand). I tried the 16X18 and it just had way too much power, I couldn't keep anything in with it.

Going to have to look into the demo of the bastcore, didn't know you could demo them, thought you just had to buy it.

Hiro you have me pegged, I do have racquet lust, but just feel like the hype of the PT just doesn't deliver. I will hold on to at least two of my 57's and sell the rest if I do decide to switch over. Should be an interesting experiment going forward...

 

[AverageJoe]

My backhand is fairly flat but my forehand has some good spin, but I wouldn't call myself a clay courter by any means. I have a semi-western forehand and drive the ball with some serious wrist snap of the wrist (I have been told I have a very "Sweedish" looking forehand). I tried the 16X18 and it just had way too much power, I couldn't keep anything in with it.

Going to have to look into the demo of the bastcore, didn't know you could demo them, thought you just had to buy it.

Hiro you have me pegged, I do have racquet lust, but just feel like the hype of the PT just doesn't deliver. I will hold on to at least two of my 57's and sell the rest if I do decide to switch over. Should be an interesting experiment going forward...

Ya I felt the same way about the EXO3 16x18.

Vantage has 3 you can demo, all Bastcore, not the customizable ones.

 

[Funbun]

Wait, did you ever add lead to the PT57A? From what I know, it was designed to be customized. If you said that the 16X18 was overpowered, then I wonder about the swingweight of your PT57A.

I would assume that your PT57A's are very light and low swingweight. In that case, why not search for another racquet that's light and low swingweight?

 

[Power Player]

Not sure if you're talking to me, but I tried both string patterns of the EXO3 Tour. The 16x18 had considerably more power, but it was inconsistent power IMO. I just could not find my range with it. Stability was also greatly compromised, again IMO, relative to the 18x20.

Sorry I kind of blended you guys together for some reason. I am going to try adding a little lead in the head of the exo to see how it responds.

 

[ae1222]

Wait, did you ever add lead to the PT57A? From what I know, it was designed to be customized. If you said that the 16X18 was overpowered, then I wonder about the swingweight of your PT57A.

I would assume that your PT57A's are very light and low swingweight. In that case, why not search for another racquet that's light and low swingweight?

I have quite a bit of lead on my PT's, and all of these frames to be honest. My setup on all of them right now is 335g unstrung at a balance of about 32.5cm. Not a brick like some people do (I see many people with 350g unstrung) but it works for me.

 

[ae1222]

OK so I took the EXO3 Tour out today for a hit. A nice stick, the 18X20 plays much better than the 16X18 for me. This frame has a little less power than the 16/18 but I was impressed with how much spin I was getting on my forehand anyways. This has way more power than the 57A from the ground and more spin. The feel is significantly different, I really don't think the prince has much feel so to speak.

It still seems like every 5th or 6th ball it just takes off on me, I think I am going to try to string it tighter and see if that works. I already strung it at 62 (I string my 57's at 59) so I guess I will try 64 lbs. I don't think I really want to play with something strung that tight, always a little worried about arm problems.

The other thing I really didn't like about the frame was how it volleyed. Good pop but for such a flexible stick it just didn't seem like I had much touch at all. Even trying to pinpoint deep volleys was difficult, I just don't feel like this is a precision stick.

I did serve well with it. I liked how much extra pop and spin I get with it but again accuracy was a bit lacking. My kick serve when it went in had a lot more jump to it, but I couldn't believe how much I was double faulting.

I am hoping that a tighter string job will even some of these issues out. I am going to give the Redondo a ride tomorrow and will restring this and take it out again on Wed.

More to come...

 

[movdqa]

This is what usually happens going to a stiffer stick - it's harder to keep the ball from going long so you string it up tighter. This is what I went through going from the Redondo to the K90 and then the Pure Drive Roddick. The answer that I always got was to hit more topspin and that does work.

I would really love to hear your feelings on the PT57A vs the Redondo Mid-Plus. They seem similar in flex, and in that they're both simple graphite frames. I wouldn't mind giving the Redondo MP a try if you think that they are pretty close.

 

[Power Player]

Just so you know I got an EXO sent to me with string hole grommets and you may want to give those a shot if you are on the fence with the racquet. It feels more solid with them in it. I personally prefer the ports I think..the flexy feel is great for me, but I also have wrist tendinitis to keep in check so comfort is very very key for me.

In my opinion the EXO tours may be more suited for spin hitters than flatter ones..I could be wrong, but from reading your accounts and others, it seems like the control really comes easier if you prefer to hit with heavier spin..I know that has been my experience with the 16x18. I am slowly seeing myself get used to the stick more each time out.

Movdqa, the EXO is probably more flexy than the PT57A.

 

[Mig1NC]

Try several of the newer Donnay sticks.

They feel comfortable and solid and they offer lots of configurations to suit any taste.

 

[movdqa]

I didn't know that there were many frames flexier than the PT57A. I have the feeling that I wouldn't like the O-Ports - I did hit with a Prince a while ago and didn't like the feeling.

 

[Power Player]

Yeah the EXO is the only Oport racquet that I have liked. It is a very very good racquet to be quite honest...a lot of people like it, but it's not for everyone.

 

[ae1222]

Just so you know I got an EXO sent to me with string hole grommets and you may want to give those a shot if you are on the fence with the racquet. It feels more solid with them in it. I personally prefer the ports I think..the flexy feel is great for me, but I also have wrist tendinitis to keep in check so comfort is very very key for me.

In my opinion the EXO tours may be more suited for spin hitters than flatter ones..I could be wrong, but from reading your accounts and others, it seems like the control really comes easier if you prefer to hit with heavier spin..I know that has been my experience with the 16x18. I am slowly seeing myself get used to the stick more each time out.

Movdqa, the EXO is probably more flexy than the PT57A.

So do you just have to call prince to get those? If I could just steady up that frame I think I may like it. The EXO3 does feel quite a bit more flexible to me than the 57A, but I am not opposed to that. Right now the overall feel just isn't right and I need to address the control issue. If those string inserts do that then I would be happy!

 

[Power Player]

You can order them from TW as well for around $8 right here:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=XOT20HBG

I need to spend more time with them but my first impressions were that if somebody felt the 100 was losing the ball too much for them on contact, they would probably prefer the string hole inserts. Obviously can't guarantee it will do it for you, but it does make a difference there for me. I just prefer that soft feel, but I love that I can change the feel of the stick a bit with the string hole inserts..pretty cool.

 

[NLBwell]

You might like the Microgel Prestige Pro. Open string pattern gives a little more power and comfort. Light swingweight, so you can customize it a bit. It's more flexible and comfotable than the youtek and doesn't have the non-linear response of the iPrestige.
Definitely try the technifiber. I liked the one I demoed a lot, but you need to decide if the somewhat mettalic feel is good for your game and your arm.

 

[AverageJoe]

OK so I took the EXO3 Tour out today for a hit. A nice stick, the 18X20 plays much better than the 16X18 for me. This frame has a little less power than the 16/18 but I was impressed with how much spin I was getting on my forehand anyways. This has way more power than the 57A from the ground and more spin. The feel is significantly different, I really don't think the prince has much feel so to speak.

It still seems like every 5th or 6th ball it just takes off on me, I think I am going to try to string it tighter and see if that works. I already strung it at 62 (I string my 57's at 59) so I guess I will try 64 lbs. I don't think I really want to play with something strung that tight, always a little worried about arm problems.

The other thing I really didn't like about the frame was how it volleyed. Good pop but for such a flexible stick it just didn't seem like I had much touch at all. Even trying to pinpoint deep volleys was difficult, I just don't feel like this is a precision stick.

I did serve well with it. I liked how much extra pop and spin I get with it but again accuracy was a bit lacking. My kick serve when it went in had a lot more jump to it, but I couldn't believe how much I was double faulting.

I am hoping that a tighter string job will even some of these issues out. I am going to give the Redondo a ride tomorrow and will restring this and take it out again on Wed.

More to come...

I felt the same way when I bought the stick. I put 4 inches of lead at 3 and 9 and it helped the precision of the volley a lot (along with the stability).

I also added a leather grip and the extra weight in the handle helped with the control a lot. Especially because the standard grip is one of the lightest and thinnest out there. I also strung full poly which helps. Hope this helps

 

[tennisaddict2223]

I have been using the PT57A's for a few years now and they are a great stick. I have tried almost everything under the sun and I admittadely got caught up in Pro Stock fever. But I am getting to the point now where I just don't see the reason for paying lots for a specific frame, I feel there has to be reasonable alternatives out there.

A background to my game, I am currently a 5.0 player who will hopefully be healthy enough to go out and play some national 35's events in the near future. I played at a top 50 ranked Division I school but have had several major surgeries since, which is why I lean towards flexy frames these days. I have stuck primarily to doubles over the last decade but have been focusing on singles much more the last few months since I have finally gotten my elbow fixed and can play on back-to-back days now with no pain.

I have enjoyed the diary of a racketaholic thread, and I would consider myself in that boat. I played with the POG mid for most of my junior career and the beginning of college until I broke my wrist playing with it and the doc advised a softer stick. Since then I have switched almost every 6 months or so, never could find that perfect stick. Then got my hands on the 57A after trying several other pro stocks and thought the search was over.

But that frame isn't perfect, nor do I believe there is a special racquet out there that makes you better. I still think I could play fairly decent with about anything, but certain types feel better than others for my game. So with that being said, here are the frames I have narrowed my list down to:

Prince EXO3 Tour 18X20
Pro Kennex Type C Redondo
Pro Kennex Black Ace 98
Tecnifibre TFight 325 (the old original version)

I will cronicle my thoughts here as I figure this all out, please chime in if you have had similar experiences or any suggestions. Who knows, maybe at the end of all this I will just stick with the 57A's, but I guess we will all figure it out together.

Thanks!

I do not know a lot about PT57A frames aside from the fact that they look like the Head Prestiges. I personally play with the Prestige Pro and it is an amazing racquet. Great power and control but the feel on any shot and the stability when hitting volleys makes it exceptional. I have been a Prestige user since I turned 12 and am currently 25. They are all great frames and you should definitely give them a shot. This is of course that the PT57A is heavier than the stock Prestiges. If so then why change you have the best racquet hands down. Again not very familiar with the PT57A weight specifications.

 

[Power Player]

The PT57A comes at a very light weight since it is meant to be customized.

Also, it is the PT630.

 

[jeffbeckib]

I agree with trying to first customize your PT, and I agree with you regarding the price of these frames, I played with pt10s for many years and had to finally just give up because people were asking 500-700 for a frame. Having said that, if you still feel like you want to try something new and different I would suggest the Donnay line. I used them for a year when they first came out and the quality control was horrible, but they seem to have straightened that out now. The donnays have a real Old-School feeling to them and they have just about every variation of flex,head size, sting pattern etc. I can't imagine anybody not finding a frame they love.
I would probably still be using them if it weren't for the fact that Wilson has re-released the PS85.

 

[Mig1NC]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but does anybody have a secret decoder ring for what the various PT and TGK numbers translate to?

 

[Power Player]

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=301547

 

[ae1222]

All good suggestions. I have hit with the stock prestiges and they just seem really hollow to me, especially after using the PT line. I have my PT's customized and leaded up, and I have matched all of my frames I am trying for this to the same spec to try and get an apples to apples comparison. Right now they are all at 335g unstrung at 32.5 balance. Much heaftier than almost any stock frame out there now (at least that is on my consideration list). Pro Kennex Redondo going for a ride today, will post tonight!

 

[AverageJoe]

All good suggestions. I have hit with the stock prestiges and they just seem really hollow to me, especially after using the PT line. I have my PT's customized and leaded up, and I have matched all of my frames I am trying for this to the same spec to try and get an apples to apples comparison. Right now they are all at 335g unstrung at 32.5 balance. Much heaftier than almost any stock frame out there now (at least that is on my consideration list). Pro Kennex Redondo going for a ride today, will post tonight!

Blake, is that your strung or unstrung balance? Curious about your thoughts on the Redondo, let us know which strings were on there. I think part of my displeasure with that frame could have been in partly due to the crappy synthetic demo strings that came on it.

And I sent you an email with questions about your PT's. Thanks

 

[Mig1NC]

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=301547

Thank you, sir.

 

[hrstrat57]

Have you ever hit a PT57E? Could be the ticket but then you are chasing the prostock dream again sounds like you are trying to escape that hurricane.

I bought 2 retail yt Prestige MP's matched from TW. I leaded one strip about 4 inches ea side of hoop at 3/9 and changed to Babolat leather grip. Strung at 57# with Head intellitour.

They are absolutely brilliant. I was hunting pro stock TGK 238.4 but it was suggested to me that I give the retail stick a whirl first for half the money. These were my first Head chinese frames ever and I am very very happy with them. There is nothing to be done on a tennis court that they cannot accomplish......except push of course, you gotta hit em.

4 PT 57A's tho, that is a pretty sweet bag once you decide what works better you will have no problem funding your new bag that's for sure.

Good luck!

 

[hrstrat57]

btw I have 3 retail i Prestige MP's as well and I have been told by others here that they are PT57E's.

They are also very very good, but I am almost ready to declare that the YT Prestige MP's are just as good and play very similar.

None of my 9 Head 18x20 frames are for sale.

 

[ae1222]

Yeah I have a i.prestige mp and a PT57E in microgel PJ, they are the same. They are ok, hit somewhat similar to the TGK 238.4 in my opinion. I think I am really just trying to get away from the pro stock line, I just can't believe there isn't a good player frame out there.

I gave the Redondo a ride today, a nice frame. This is fairly similar to the PT57A, same type of feel on the frame but I personally think the Redondo is a bit stiffer than the 57's. But this is something I think I could pick up and play with in a match and do fairly well with, it didn't take much adjustment to get used to it. A nice solid feel, ground game was similar as 57's, not as much pop or spin compared to the exo tour. Volleys were much better than the prince, a lot more control I thought. Kind of a tweener stick between the two. Going to take the Black Ace out tomorrow, will see how that goes.

 

[Ross K]

OK so I took the EXO3 Tour out today for a hit. A nice stick, the 18X20 plays much better than the 16X18 for me. This frame has a little less power than the 16/18 but I was impressed with how much spin I was getting on my forehand anyways. This has way more power than the 57A from the ground and more spin. The feel is significantly different, I really don't think the prince has much feel so to speak.

It still seems like every 5th or 6th ball it just takes off on me, I think I am going to try to string it tighter and see if that works. I already strung it at 62 (I string my 57's at 59) so I guess I will try 64 lbs. I don't think I really want to play with something strung that tight, always a little worried about arm problems.

The other thing I really didn't like about the frame was how it volleyed. Good pop but for such a flexible stick it just didn't seem like I had much touch at all. Even trying to pinpoint deep volleys was difficult, I just don't feel like this is a precision stick.

I did serve well with it. I liked how much extra pop and spin I get with it but again accuracy was a bit lacking. My kick serve when it went in had a lot more jump to it, but I couldn't believe how much I was double faulting.

I am hoping that a tighter string job will even some of these issues out. I am going to give the Redondo a ride tomorrow and will restring this and take it out again on Wed.

More to come...

Nice feedback. Look forward to hearing how you fare with the tighter string job.

 

[Gee]

Yeah I have a i.prestige mp and a PT57E in microgel PJ, they are the same. They are ok, hit somewhat similar to the TGK 238.4 in my opinion. I think I am really just trying to get away from the pro stock line, I just can't believe there isn't a good player frame out there.

I gave the Redondo a ride today, a nice frame. This is fairly similar to the PT57A, same type of feel on the frame but I personally think the Redondo is a bit stiffer than the 57's. But this is something I think I could pick up and play with in a match and do fairly well with, it didn't take much adjustment to get used to it. A nice solid feel, ground game was similar as 57's, not as much pop or spin compared to the exo tour. Volleys were much better than the prince, a lot more control I thought. Kind of a tweener stick between the two. Going to take the Black Ace out tomorrow, will see how that goes.

Interesting thread as I am curious about the frames you are demoing. Especially PK Redondo vs Black Ace. I always wanted to demo the Redondo but unfortunately that model is very hard to obtain in Europe. (Yes I might buy from TW but I don't want to spend too much shipping costs).

I also own a Black Ace 98. Here I wrote my experiences with that frame.

 

[tennisexecutor]

this is a very interesting thread that caught my attention because not too long ago i made a post, seeking some advice on both versions of the exo tours.

ae/aj, i don't mean to hijack your thread but can you please go into a little more detail on why you felt the 18x20 exo tour was much better for you than the 16x18. i assume the pt57a is incredibly flexy and has a really dense string pattern like the prestige series so was it the disconnect between the flatter, "more precise" trajectory of ball you were used to with p57a that made it difficult to control the 16x18? was there a big difference in feel/flex for you between the two versions?

 

[ae1222]

this is a very interesting thread that caught my attention because not too long ago i made a post, seeking some advice on both versions of the exo tours.

ae/aj, i don't mean to hijack your thread but can you please go into a little more detail on why you felt the 18x20 exo tour was much better for you than the 16x18. i assume the pt57a is incredibly flexy and has a really dense string pattern like the prestige series so was it the disconnect between the flatter, "more precise" trajectory of ball you were used to with p57a that made it difficult to control the 16x18? was there a big difference in feel/flex for you between the two versions?

I thought the 16X18 had a lot more power than the 18X20. Granted I do have a flatter game than maybe most are these days, I do generate a fair amount of spin on my forehand side. I just felt the 16 would jump on my far too often, if I really whipped it the ball would stay in, but anytime I wanted to flatten one out I honestly would sometimes hit the back curtain (something I haven't done in 15 years). I think I just prefer an 18X20 pattern, I feel like I get plenty of spin with it, I have a fairly aggressive game so I often like to really take a crack at one, so an open pattern really doesn't help me.

 

[ae1222]

Interesting thread as I am curious about the frames you are demoing. Especially PK Redondo vs Black Ace. I always wanted to demo the Redondo but unfortunately that model is very hard to obtain in Europe. (Yes I might buy from TW but I don't want to spend too much shipping costs).

I also own a Black Ace 98. Here I wrote my experiences with that frame.

I took the Black Ace out today and wow was I impressed. If I had to make a decision today it would be this frame for sure. It feels much more like my 57A than the redondo did, plus it has some added pop but not so much so that I couldn't control it.

Granted I had read some threads on this frame (including yours, thanks for the info) so I strung it a little tighter knowing that many people said it had some more pop. But I was surprised at how much action I was getting on the ball with this from the ground, especially my forehand. I was just hammering the ball from the ground, and I felt like I could make the ball dip and do almost anything I wanted. The backhand got away from me here and there, but once I adjusted it hit just fine.

The sound off of that frame was impressive. A much more solid feeling frame than the 57A but still maintains the low flexy feel which I love. I could really serve well with this thing, lots of pop and spin on the second serve, plus I didn't have the accuracy issues that I did with the Prince EXO3 tour. My volleys with this were also the best of the bunch, a solid feel and my drop shots were the best they have been in a long time.

So to make sure I wasn't dreaming after a few ground games I switched back to my 57A and I adjusted back quickly. My backhand was more steady with the 57A but my forehand wasn't quite as potent. When I asked the guy when we got done which he thought I hit better with his answer was the Black Ace no question.

I must say I am impressed with the Pro Kennex frames. The redondo is a nice stick to be sure, a nice solid feel. The Black Ace to me is a step up from that frame and is a true players stick. Maybe I am a racquet snob or just plain old misinformed, but I never thought much of Kennex growing up, but they have impressed me to say the least.

Now I could have just been treeing out of my mind today so I am going to give all of these some more court time this weekend. I ordered the string inserts for the EXO Tour and I am going to wait until I get those before hitting with that one again. But going to get the Redondo and the BA 98 out again for sure this weekend.

More to come...

 

[movdqa]

Thank-you for your observations. It's really nice having someone with a lot of PT57A experience compare it to other interesting frames.

 

[Power Player]

The Black Ace is the real deal by all accounts. Not at all surprised you like it...PK makes amazing sticks.

 

[dgoran]

I took the Black Ace out today and wow was I impressed. If I had to make a decision today it would be this frame for sure. It feels much more like my 57A than the redondo did, plus it has some added pop but not so much so that I couldn't control it.

Granted I had read some threads on this frame (including yours, thanks for the info) so I strung it a little tighter knowing that many people said it had some more pop. But I was surprised at how much action I was getting on the ball with this from the ground, especially my forehand. I was just hammering the ball from the ground, and I felt like I could make the ball dip and do almost anything I wanted. The backhand got away from me here and there, but once I adjusted it hit just fine.

The sound off of that frame was impressive. A much more solid feeling frame than the 57A but still maintains the low flexy feel which I love. I could really serve well with this thing, lots of pop and spin on the second serve, plus I didn't have the accuracy issues that I did with the Prince EXO3 tour. My volleys with this were also the best of the bunch, a solid feel and my drop shots were the best they have been in a long time.

So to make sure I wasn't dreaming after a few ground games I switched back to my 57A and I adjusted back quickly. My backhand was more steady with the 57A but my forehand wasn't quite as potent. When I asked the guy when we got done which he thought I hit better with his answer was the Black Ace no question.

I must say I am impressed with the Pro Kennex frames. The redondo is a nice stick to be sure, a nice solid feel. The Black Ace to me is a step up from that frame and is a true players stick. Maybe I am a racquet snob or just plain old misinformed, but I never thought much of Kennex growing up, but they have impressed me to say the least.

Now I could have just been treeing out of my mind today so I am going to give all of these some more court time this weekend. I ordered the string inserts for the EXO Tour and I am going to wait until I get those before hitting with that one again. But going to get the Redondo and the BA 98 out again for sure this weekend.

More to come...

My little mission in my tennis life has been to find suitable replacement for my pt630's simply because I cannot believe how much better is pt630 to any current stick, and because I am stubborn...
In short I found some possible replacements that I can get use to on my forehead and serve but NOTHING provides that confident feel on my backhand...

Just my 2c

 

[Gee]

I took the Black Ace out today and wow was I impressed. If I had to make a decision today it would be this frame for sure. It feels much more like my 57A than the redondo did, plus it has some added pop but not so much so that I couldn't control it.

Granted I had read some threads on this frame (including yours, thanks for the info) so I strung it a little tighter knowing that many people said it had some more pop. But I was surprised at how much action I was getting on the ball with this from the ground, especially my forehand. I was just hammering the ball from the ground, and I felt like I could make the ball dip and do almost anything I wanted. The backhand got away from me here and there, but once I adjusted it hit just fine.

The sound off of that frame was impressive. A much more solid feeling frame than the 57A but still maintains the low flexy feel which I love. I could really serve well with this thing, lots of pop and spin on the second serve, plus I didn't have the accuracy issues that I did with the Prince EXO3 tour. My volleys with this were also the best of the bunch, a solid feel and my drop shots were the best they have been in a long time.

So to make sure I wasn't dreaming after a few ground games I switched back to my 57A and I adjusted back quickly. My backhand was more steady with the 57A but my forehand wasn't quite as potent. When I asked the guy when we got done which he thought I hit better with his answer was the Black Ace no question.

I must say I am impressed with the Pro Kennex frames. The redondo is a nice stick to be sure, a nice solid feel. The Black Ace to me is a step up from that frame and is a true players stick. Maybe I am a racquet snob or just plain old misinformed, but I never thought much of Kennex growing up, but they have impressed me to say the least.

Now I could have just been treeing out of my mind today so I am going to give all of these some more court time this weekend. I ordered the string inserts for the EXO Tour and I am going to wait until I get those before hitting with that one again. But going to get the Redondo and the BA 98 out again for sure this weekend.

More to come...

Good review, ae1222! Nice to read that it plays and feels very similar to a PT57A. I always wondered how the PT57A would play. I think I should give my BA98 another chance.

Did you play the BA98 stock? I need to customize my BA98 heavily because I thought it was very light and unstable in stock condition though I must admit that I am used to the rock solid feel of my TF335.

For sure it has a very nice soft feel that is probably due to the 100% graphite formula.

Look forward to your next BA98 story...

 

[Ronaldo]

You might like the Microgel Prestige Pro. Open string pattern gives a little more power and comfort. Light swingweight, so you can customize it a bit. It's more flexible and comfotable than the youtek and doesn't have the non-linear response of the iPrestige.
Definitely try the technifiber. I liked the one I demoed a lot, but you need to decide if the somewhat mettalic feel is good for your game and your arm.

Microgel Prestige Pro felt a bit stiffer than the Redondo mp or the iPrestige mp. Have a PT 630 but it is a log.

 

[AverageJoe]

Good review, ae1222!

Did you play the BA98 stock? I need to customize my BA98 heavily because I thought it was very light and unstable in stock condition though I must admit that I am used to the rock solid feel of my TF335.

For sure it has a very nice soft feel that is probably due to the 100% graphite formula.

Look forward to your next BA98 story...

Interesting. I hit with the BA98 for around 15+ hrs with 3 different strings. I actually found it pretty nice in stock form. In the end I added a leather and over grip, 4 inches (2g) at 12 and 10 inches (four 5 inch strips) at 3 & 9 and it played fantastic. The stability was more than adequate and this was against guys in the top 1000.

I would say however, that the flex did make it feel slightly disconnected, but I added a bit of lead in the throat and it was fine.

 

[Gee]

Interesting. I hit with the BA98 for around 15+ hrs with 3 different strings. I actually found it pretty nice in stock form. In the end I added a leather and over grip, 4 inches (2g) at 12 and 10 inches (four 5 inch strips) at 3 & 9 and it played fantastic. The stability was more than adequate and this was against guys in the top 1000.

I would say however, that the flex did make it feel slightly disconnected, but I added a bit of lead in the throat and it was fine.

Yes I customized my BA98 in a similar way as well.

 

[ae1222]

Good review, ae1222! Nice to read that it plays and feels very similar to a PT57A. I always wondered how the PT57A would play. I think I should give my BA98 another chance.

Did you play the BA98 stock? I need to customize my BA98 heavily because I thought it was very light and unstable in stock condition though I must admit that I am used to the rock solid feel of my TF335.

For sure it has a very nice soft feel that is probably due to the 100% graphite formula.

Look forward to your next BA98 story...

No I customize my frames quite a bit. I play with 27.5" frames so what I did was install new pallets that are the wilson shape at size 2.5 that are cut to length at 27.5. I fill the bottom gap with some silicone (strange but saw the BA 98 already had silicone in the handle, at least one side did) then I put the buttcap back on. I added some lead right at the cap and put a cushion grip back on with one overgrip. I have 1 1/2" of lead at 3 and 9 o'clock making the total weight of the frame at approx 335g unstrung and the unstrung balance is 32.5 cm. I string it up with a full poly (new Zarlon string, more to come on that later) at 62 lbs and debating about going up to 63 or 64 lbs.

Hitting again with it tonight, more thoughts to come...

 

[ae1222]

well now i went and done it...

So in my engineering mind I was thinking how could I get the same kind of snap on the ball with my 57A as I was with the BA 98, so I added 5g of lead at 3 and 9 o'clock and sure enough I was blasting the ball just like the BA 98, except the feel with the 57A is just a tad more plush. So I played a set in my usual Thursday night league with the 57A and I was pounding the ball. Served big, net game was good with pretty good touch. So when we finished the first set I was now a bit conflicted about what to do with the racquets.

I did feel a little tired after hitting with the 57A, who knew an extra 5g would do that. So I decide to grab the BA 98 and give it a ride for the second set. To my surprise I start hitting even HARDER with it and since it now feels a bit lighter I get more whip and hit some just sick angles. I seemed to have figured out the backhand because it was back to normal, my backhand return was much better than my forehand (that is my usual) and I was just pounding backhands. I felt like I couldn't miss and I could get a little more angle on the ball.

So now I am getting a bit confused since I played well with both, and I got the 57A to feel almost identical to the BA 98. But I think in the long run the lighter weight will help me, and that little extra pop never hurts. But I will continue to playtest, really want to try the EXO Tour with those string inserts.

The saga continues...