What is the best frame for my old school game?

Gee

Gee

Hall of Fame
Currently I use to play with Diadem Elevate FS that I customized to 32cm balance - about 325-330 SW - 346 grams total.

Though I like the solid feel because they are foam filled I still prefer my Angell TC95 16x19 (that has similar specs as my Diadems). The thinner beam and d-beam structure just feels more natural (and maneuverable) to me. I also always liked the thin (19mm) beam and 98sq 18x20 structure of my PK Black Ace 98 (with the yellow precision on the throat) from 2009. Only they weren't foam filled.

This was to be expected as I strongly considered to buy 2 new TC95s last year but finally I changed my mind and purchased the Elevates as an alternative. Especially because it was also easily available to demo and buy those from a ‎native shop. Besides I also wanted a little bigger more forgiving 98 or 100 sq inch frame.

I already tried the TC100 that is a great 100" frame but I lost too much control due to the very open string pattern.

Now I am considering to demo the following racquets.
  • Head Prestige 360+ MP / Auxetic Pro (They improved just those details to my desire compared to the 95sq inch Prestiges that I also played with)
  • Prince Phantom 100x 18x20 (Weight specs and thin beam sound appealing to me. Only maybe a bit of lack of power)
  • Prince Textreme Tour 100p (Sounds like a good compromis between control, power and forgiveness. Maybe it doesn't feel as nice as the thinner beams of forementioned frames)
Which one would be the best one for my game? I have a well developed technique. More of an old school type with a lot of slice strokes (especially backhand) and strong net play. So a closed string pattern 18x20 or tight 16x19 would be more suitable. I am also a more touch/feel player so I would prefer a flexible frame with a good feel for playing drop shots, lobs and slice strokes.
Besides I also like heavier frames because they feel more solid. And it would be a bonus if they were also foam filled.
 
The Prince Rackets are gonna have the best feel compared to old school "players frames" (think Pro Staff 6.0 85, Classic Prestige, etc).
The Tf40 frames from Tecnifibre are worth considers, but based on your criteria I think you'll enjoy the Prince frames better.


But also, Do yourself a favor and demo the Volkl C10 Pro (not the EVO -> thats a lighter frame). This is last still living great players frame that's persisted through the years. Volkl doesn't get enough love in terms of popularity, but the C10 Pro is right up your alley!
 
Soundbyte said:
The Prince Rackets are gonna have the best feel compared to old school "players frames" (think Pro Staff 6.0 85, Classic Prestige, etc).
The Tf40 frames from Tecnifibre are worth considers, but based on your criteria I think you'll enjoy the Prince frames better.


But also, Do yourself a favor and demo the Volkl C10 Pro (not the EVO -> thats a lighter frame). This is last still living great players frame that's persisted through the years. Volkl doesn't get enough love in terms of popularity, but the C10 Pro is right up your alley!
Click to expand...
Thanks for your suggestions,, @Soundbyte.
Funny that you mentioned the C10 Pro as I also played with these one a few years. Indeed a great nice frame. I only didn't like those rectangular grip shapes (and I don't want to need to replace them with Völkl S-pallets again as I did earlier). Though it played great I missed some sensational feel due to the dampening characteristics of the kevlar.
 
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-thin frame options :
-wilson blade 98 v8 18/20
-head gravity pro 18/20

-solid hitting sticks to consider, for 5.0!?!?!
-more frame tickness than what you asked for
-head.radical.PRO, tight-16/19 (low/med power, control and feel)
-yonex.ezone.97.TOUR, 16/19 (med/high power, speed and spin)
 
Gee said:
Currently I use to play with Diadem Elevate FS that I customized to 32cm balance - about 325-330 SW - 346 grams total.

Though I like the solid feel because they are foam filled I still prefer my Angell TC95 16x19 (that has similar specs as my Diadems). The thinner beam and d-beam structure just feels more natural (and maneuverable) to me. I also always liked the thin (19mm) beam and 98sq 18x20 structure of my PK Black Ace 98 (with the yellow precision on the throat) from 2009. Only they weren't foam filled.

This was to be expected as I strongly considered to buy 2 new TC95s last year but finally I changed my mind and purchased the Elevates as an alternative. Especially because it was also easily available to demo and buy those from a ‎native shop. Besides I also wanted a little bigger more forgiving 98 or 100 sq inch frame.

I already tried the TC100 that is a great 100" frame but I lost too much control due to the very open string pattern.

Now I am considering to demo the following racquets.
  • Head Prestige 360+ MP / Auxetic Pro (They improved just those details to my desire compared to the 95sq inch Prestiges that I also played with)
  • Prince Phantom 100x 18x20 (Weight specs and thin beam sound appealing to me. Only maybe a bit of lack of power)
  • Prince Textreme Tour 100p (Sounds like a good compromis between control, power and forgiveness. Maybe it doesn't feel as nice as the thinner beams of forementioned frames)
Which one would be the best one for my game? I have a well developed technique. More of an old school type with a lot of slice strokes (especially backhand) and strong net play. So a closed string pattern 18x20 or tight 16x19 would be more suitable. I am also a more touch/feel player so I would prefer a flexible frame with a good feel for playing drop shots, lobs and slice strokes.
Besides I also like heavier frames because they feel more solid. And it would be a bonus if they were also foam filled.
Click to expand...
I would test RS305, speed pro 2022, prince 98 tour and why not RF97
 
Gee said:
Thanks for your suggestions,, @Soundbyte.
Funny that you mentioned the C10 Pro as I also played with these one a few years. Indeed a great nice frame. I only didn't like those rectangular grip shapes (and I don't want to need to replace them with Völkl S-pallets again as I did earlier). Though it played great I missed some sensational feel due to the dampening characteristics of the kevlar.
Click to expand...
Hi gee, which version of the tc100 did you own? Played the V3 this week, 320gr/ 305mm with a SW of 326 strung with poly (not sure which one) for the first time. Liked it! Do you still play with multi strings? As mentioned often, those 16/19 angells like thick poly to tame the launch angle. Probably you tried that as well.. but just wondering
 
StanAO14 said:
Hi gee, which version of the tc100 did you own? Played the V3 this week, 320gr/ 305mm with a SW of 326 strung with poly (not sure which one) for the first time. Liked it! Do you still play with multi strings? As mentioned often, those 16/19 angells like thick poly to tame the launch angle. Probably you tried that as well.. but just wondering
Click to expand...
I had the v2 version with a pretty high SW. They obviously sent me random exemples that time without sw control. I also forgot to ask about this.
I strung them with RS Lyon at 25kg. I just didn't like the (wierd dampened) feel of that string.

At the moment my TC95s has been strung with Tecnifibre Triax 1.33 at 27kg tension that plays like a poly/multi hybrid. Still the best feel for me and the control/power combination is allright.

Earlier I tried Pacific PolyPower Pro at 23/22 kg that had great control and power but unfortunately that gave me a little sore elbow. Besides the I think the feel of a full poly is not as well as with multi strings.
 
Siewi said:
In my opinion the 360+ PMP ticks all the boxes for you.
Click to expand...
Anyway the specs sound just perfect and I always wanted to try this Prestige so I would definitely demo this one soon. I only hope that it is forgiven enough on the defence and I can generate enough serve power with it.
 
Gee said:
Anyway the specs sound just perfect and I always wanted to try this Prestige so I would definitely demo this one soon. I only hope that it is forgiven enough on the defence and I can generate enough serve power with it.
Click to expand...
Dont think it is that much better than the ultra tours you played with as well, but of course give it a go
 
StanAO14 said:
Dont think it is that much better than the ultra tours you played with as well, but of course give it a go
Click to expand...
Yes I guess you're right. I also had that idea from the first moment and that's why I hold them off but I am still curious about the PMP 360+.
The weight and balance are at least more to my specs desired whereas the UT needs a lot more of customizing.
 
Gee said:
Yes I guess you're right. I also had that idea from the first moment and that's why I hold them off but I am still curious about the PMP 360+.
The weight and balance are at least more to my specs desired whereas the UT needs a lot more of customizing.
Click to expand...
I have found the PMP 360+ to feel really forgiving for a Prestige…there’s also PT 2.0 for the purist…it actually might be the better frame
 
Gee said:
Currently I use to play with Diadem Elevate FS that I customized to 32cm balance - about 325-330 SW - 346 grams total.

Though I like the solid feel because they are foam filled I still prefer my Angell TC95 16x19 (that has similar specs as my Diadems). The thinner beam and d-beam structure just feels more natural (and maneuverable) to me. I also always liked the thin (19mm) beam and 98sq 18x20 structure of my PK Black Ace 98 (with the yellow precision on the throat) from 2009. Only they weren't foam filled.

This was to be expected as I strongly considered to buy 2 new TC95s last year but finally I changed my mind and purchased the Elevates as an alternative. Especially because it was also easily available to demo and buy those from a ‎native shop. Besides I also wanted a little bigger more forgiving 98 or 100 sq inch frame.

I already tried the TC100 that is a great 100" frame but I lost too much control due to the very open string pattern.

Now I am considering to demo the following racquets.
  • Head Prestige 360+ MP / Auxetic Pro (They improved just those details to my desire compared to the 95sq inch Prestiges that I also played with)
  • Prince Phantom 100x 18x20 (Weight specs and thin beam sound appealing to me. Only maybe a bit of lack of power)
  • Prince Textreme Tour 100p (Sounds like a good compromis between control, power and forgiveness. Maybe it doesn't feel as nice as the thinner beams of forementioned frames)
Which one would be the best one for my game? I have a well developed technique. More of an old school type with a lot of slice strokes (especially backhand) and strong net play. So a closed string pattern 18x20 or tight 16x19 would be more suitable. I am also a more touch/feel player so I would prefer a flexible frame with a good feel for playing drop shots, lobs and slice strokes.
Besides I also like heavier frames because they feel more solid. And it would be a bonus if they were also foam filled.
Click to expand...

Based on your highlighted requirements, one of these might seriously be the answer:

MAX-rackets-group.jpg
 
Gee said:
Currently I use to play with Diadem Elevate FS that I customized to 32cm balance - about 325-330 SW - 346 grams total.

Though I like the solid feel because they are foam filled I still prefer my Angell TC95 16x19 (that has similar specs as my Diadems). The thinner beam and d-beam structure just feels more natural (and maneuverable) to me. I also always liked the thin (19mm) beam and 98sq 18x20 structure of my PK Black Ace 98 (with the yellow precision on the throat) from 2009. Only they weren't foam filled.

This was to be expected as I strongly considered to buy 2 new TC95s last year but finally I changed my mind and purchased the Elevates as an alternative. Especially because it was also easily available to demo and buy those from a ‎native shop. Besides I also wanted a little bigger more forgiving 98 or 100 sq inch frame.

I already tried the TC100 that is a great 100" frame but I lost too much control due to the very open string pattern.

Now I am considering to demo the following racquets.
  • Head Prestige 360+ MP / Auxetic Pro (They improved just those details to my desire compared to the 95sq inch Prestiges that I also played with)
  • Prince Phantom 100x 18x20 (Weight specs and thin beam sound appealing to me. Only maybe a bit of lack of power)
  • Prince Textreme Tour 100p (Sounds like a good compromis between control, power and forgiveness. Maybe it doesn't feel as nice as the thinner beams of forementioned frames)
Which one would be the best one for my game? I have a well developed technique. More of an old school type with a lot of slice strokes (especially backhand) and strong net play. So a closed string pattern 18x20 or tight 16x19 would be more suitable. I am also a more touch/feel player so I would prefer a flexible frame with a good feel for playing drop shots, lobs and slice strokes.
Besides I also like heavier frames because they feel more solid. And it would be a bonus if they were also foam filled.
Click to expand...
Adding lead to phantom 100x hoop to boost power may work well for you. It has more power than I expected without customization and produces amazing backhand slices. You'll probably also like the tt100p 2022 white version with weight in the handle, not the green 2019 version.
 
Last weekend I got my Prince Phantom 100x 18x20 and I only hit once against the wall. First impressions are very promising. Very nice comfortable feel with great directional control. The very thin rounded beam also feels very natural in my off hand similar like my Angell TC95.

Interchanging between my TC95, Diadem Elevate FS and the PP100x 18x20 I noticed that the Phantom has a little more muted feel compared to the other 2 frames. I guess this is due to the original Prince Resitex Tour grip of the Phantom whereas I put leather grips at my Diadem and Angell. The soft flex feel of the Diadem and Phantom feel very close whereas the Angell is just a smidge crisper and more solid because of a higher swingweight.

Later this week I'll replace the original Prince grip with a Prince Premier Leather grip (plus overgrip) and besides that I'll a few grams of lead at 12. Very curious how my PP100x will perform with these customizations.
 
d-quik said:
What is the bottom right one? Is it stiff!?
Click to expand...
MAX 800i, I believe Dino measured it at 38 RA (!) but it feels more like 48 to me like most IMFs, a bit stiffer than the rating. Mine is 380g, but 12pt HL strung! Imagine a plush version of a Wilson Profile 2.7 95 or CTS Thunderstick, which I guess were its rivals. Bonkers power with longggg dwell time and no arm pain! Lovely racket:

MAX-800i-top.jpg
 
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Grafil Injection said:
MAX 800i, I believe Dino measured it at 38 RA (!) but it feels more like 48 to me like most IMFs, a bit stiffer than the rating. Mine is 380g, but 12pt HL strung! Imagine a plush version of a Wilson Profile 2.7 95 or CTS Thunderstick, which I guess were its rivals. Bonkers power with longggg dwell time and no arm pain! Lovely racket:

MAX-800i-top.jpg
Click to expand...
Cool. Any chance you ever tried the Head Discovery or Trisys 150?
 
Here are my first experiences on court with the PP100X 18x20. I only replace it with a Prince Premium leather grip plus overgrip.

I experienced a lot of the same that the TW testers also mentioned. Very nice soft feel with a big sweetspot and great control. Hitting halfvolleys from baseline was really a enjoyment like Troy said. I was able to create plenty of power and spin with ease because of the maneuverable nature of the thin beam like Julie mentioned as well.

I also noticed I hit more through with no fear to hit long because of the lower power nature of the PP100x 18x20. Even with flat strokes my shots went well mostly whereas I need to add a bit of topspin with more powerful frames.

However I also think it needs a little bit more weight in the hoop as sometimes it felt a bit unstable. Especially with volleys I missed that solid feel of my Angells. At the end of this session I picked up my TC95 and I immediately felt the heaviness and solidness of the Angell. Really no comparison with the PP100x 18x20!

Next time I'll a few grams at 12 in order to increase the swingweight to 330 SW for more plow through. Maybe that will improve the stability as well. Otherwise I'll add another 2 grams at 3 and 9.
 
Last week I added 2 more grams of lead at 11 and 1 to my PP100x 18x20 and now we're talking! My serves and smashes are menacing and the frame also feels much more solid while still maneuverable enough to me.
My current setup is 2 grams lead at 3 an 9 and 4 grams at 11 and 1. Together with a overgrip and O-dampener the total weight is 347 grams strung with TF Multifeel 1.30 at 27/26 kg.

Unfortunately I don't know exactly the swingweight after these customizations but the original swingweight strung with Luxilon Element 1.25? was measured at 323 by the reseller. Let me please know if you can estimate the current swingweight.
 
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Next week I'll also demo my long awaited Head Prestige MP 360+! Curious if that one will surpass my PP100x with a little more maneuverability and (even) more precision.

Some of you may know that I used Head IG Prestige MP and Pro Kennex Black Ace 98. at that time I always wished the IG Prestige MP had the same specs as PK BA98. Softer flex, a slightly bigger headsize (98sq inch), a more Wilson-like grip shape (TK82S) and a thinner beam (20mm). With the Head Prestige MP 360+ they ticked all these boxes for me!
 
Yesterday I hit during a doubles game one sublime stopvolley that landed just behind the net and one even more phenomenal slice forehand that I hit along the net pole into the tramrails. I never hit such a stroke into my life.

This weekend I'll receive a demo of the Head Graphene Prestige MP 360+ with the following specs: 357g - 31.9cm balance - 341 sw strung with head lynx tour 1.25.

Really excited about this Head PMP360+ as I actually wanted to try this one from the moment that they released it but I kept distance from it as I was focusing on only foam filled frames (like Angell and Diadem) to restrict my racquet choices.

However I changed my mind in that respect since I hit with the Phantom 100X 18x20.

Curious if the Head PMP360+ can surpass my Phantom. Last night I really was wondering if I still need to demo the Prestige as I was so impressed by the Phantom!
 
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