Which "Classic" to add as a "for fun" frame?

[Soundbyte]

Hey guys,
So I've done extensive demoing over the past half year or so, finally settling on the PS90 and Volkl C10 Pros as my rackets of choice. I have 4 and 3 of each, respectively.
However, the Christmas holidays has graced me with a few funds to spend at TW. I figured, given my love of tennis and having demo'd most of the modern frames, that I would use this opportunity to purchase a "classic" frame. What do you guys recommend? Keep in mind, this will be predominantly a "for fun" frame to grab out of my bag every now and then.

My considerations:
1. PS85 - A no brainer, but I've owned many of these in the past, SV version included. Since I'm currently playing with the PS90, I worry this won't be a huge difference.
2. Prince Response 97 - I know its a reissue, but I still have a POG OS that has a fond place in my heart. I hear it's a volleying dream, and its only $100!
3. PK Redondo. I was looking at the 93 version specifically.

Open to other suggestions as well! Thanks

 

[SpinToWin]

Initially, I read the thread title and thought I would instantly say Pro Staff 85, but based on what you've said I don't see the point in it either.

A racquet I can really recommend is the Head Youtek IG Prestige Mid. It's on a incredible sale at the moment too.

I don't recommend the Response 97 as a fun frame to be honest; yes, volleys are great, but that strange bridge technlogy makes me feel disconnected from the ball, something I don't look for in a fun frame.

The Redondo Mid is an awesome frame, but I personally prefer the Prestige feel-wise.

You can always check out the Bosworth racquets too

 

[mhkeuns]

Maybe a Vcore Tour 89? Fun frame for sure... Not sure if it falls in the classic category...

 

[Soundbyte]

Maybe a Vcore Tour 89? Fun frame for sure... Not sure if it falls in the classic category...

I've thought about that frame as well. It's more expensive new, but used is always an option.

I'm also thinking the Redondo mid would be a nice frame to modify up to a SW of 350, since its stiffness rating is so low I feel like it would take mods nicely

 

[sansaephanh]

Prince O3 shark Hybrid. Hilarious stick. Some smart lead and its a solid stick.

The Stings. I love those sticks

 

[makinao]

POG OS one-stripe. I call mine the "happy" racquet. I can hit more fun and surprising shots, compared to my POG four-stripe's and Radical Agassi LE's.

 

[5point5]

It's not a classic yet, but the Graphene Prestige MP will be a classic in no time. Might as well get it now.

 

[YarikA99]

It's not a classic yet, but the Graphene Prestige MP will be a classic in no time. Might as well get it now.

Graphene will never be a classic, give it five years and people will remember graphene as a horrible "upgrade" that almost ruined the Prestige's name.

For a classic racquet that's fun t play with, get a wooden racquet. I f ou want something more modern then get a Head PT 630/280 or maybe a Head PC 600. If you want something cheaper then try the youtek ig pestige mid or POG mid.

 

[RanchDressing]

I don't know what's worse 5.5's ridiculousness or the hate graphenes get.

OP Get a Power angle (JOKES ), a woodie, some pro stock frame. Of all the new frames I'd probably grab a tour G 330.

 

[Oz_Rocket]

I was in the same situation so checked the local classifieds and bought myself a wooden Dunlop Maxply McEnroe.

All of $50 in near perfect condition with original grip. At 395g it is a hoot to play with and reminds me of the Maxply Fort that was the first racquet I had as a kid in the 1970s.

 

[anirut]

None of those are classics. OK, PS85, well, yes. Redondo, somewhat of that classic feel.

Want a fun classic frame? Try the Head Graphite Edge or Head Composite Edge. Look for them on the bay.

And if you have proper techniques to play them, you'll soon learn to dislike modern sticks.

 

[Soundbyte]

Preferably, the racket should be available on TW, as I have GCs to use. Although, I do appreciate the suggestions. If I go the Redondo route, which one to get 93 vs 98?

 

[B Cubed]

Try a Prince Graphite 100 or dig up a Head Radical Agassi Limited Edition. The latter is pricier, but can be found.

 

[robbo1970]

POG mid, Head PC600, or maybe a Dunlop AG4d 100 (or F100). The Dunlop's aren't considered "classics" but are great fun. However, like me, you could get to the point where they start out as a bit of fun and then you realise how great they are and they become your go to racquets.

 

[chrisberchris]

I second the prestige mid. Such a great frame to play with! I go back and forth between it and my sv ps85 all the time

 

[anirut]

Preferably, the racket should be available on TW, as I have GCs to use. Although, I do appreciate the suggestions. If I go the Redondo route, which one to get 93 vs 98?

Redondo? Get the 93 (Mid).

 

[dr325i]

ANY Prestige Mid is a Classic now as they don't make them any more.
The MG Radical MP being the last of the "classic" Radical frames and a very good frame with infinite possibilities (easy to customize) is definitely worth adding to the collection.

 

[mrravioli]

POG mid, Head PC600, or maybe a Dunlop AG4d 100 (or F100). The Dunlop's aren't considered "classics" but are great fun. However, like me, you could get to the point where they start out as a bit of fun and then you realise how great they are and they become your go to racquets.

I've only played with a POG mid for one session when a friend gave it to me for stringing. That frame was so solid on contact and extremely fast swinging. It had 'otherworldly' spin which was the only reason I don't want it any more - I'm afraid that I won't generate spin with any other racquet after playing with it.

 

[mrravioli]

I've only played with a POG mid for one session when a friend gave it to me for stringing. That frame was so solid on contact and extremely fast swinging. It had 'otherworldly' spin which was the only reason I don't want it any more - I'm afraid that I won't generate spin with any other racquet after playing with it.

So, to OP, I mean I would not recommend a POG cuz that could be totally a game changer (still lot of 'fun' of course). Do give Prestige or Redondo a try.

 

[fuzz nation]

Redondo? Get the 93 (Mid).

Agree here - compared with the two classics you have in your bag now, I doubt the Redondo 98 would hold a candle to either one.

 

[speedysteve]

Well the world certainly is small!

I too have the Volkl C10 Pro one of my favourites (all BT7 gut strung).

I too have the PK Heritage Type C Redondo 93 in my stable, but strung with multi as the moment so not really a fair fight.

So far I like it less than the C10 and perhaps a tiny but less than the the Volkl Organix 10 that is strung in the same multi hybrid.

I don't dislike the Redondo at all however. I do need at least one frame with synthetic strings for the occasional wet play. That looks to be the Organix 10 for the time being.
Interesting that the 93 seems to be the favoured one here. Is that just that you guys are 93'ists or real world 90 as it has been said on another thread?

So at some point I think I will string the Redondo with all nat gut and give it another crack - to be fair to it.

That said I did serve well with the Redondo - generated good racquet head speed for nice spin on the kicker I favour... and it did nothing wrong on the groundies or volleys. Perhaps for me it was just lacking the communication of nat gut...

 

[anirut]

Interesting that the 93 seems to be the favoured one here. Is that just that you guys are 93'ists or real world 90 as it has been said on another thread?

The midsize is preferred because it gives you "that feel" the 98 cannot give. To put it bluntly, the midsize feels like a what 'real' tennis racket should be, if you know what I mean.

And the head size is actually 90. Why do they call it 93? I don't even care. But it's a 90.

 

[SteveI]

The one I love to rally and have fun with is the Dunlop AG 4D 100. It has outstanding feel and the spin you can create is outstanding. Has a nice sweetspot for a 90 sq inch frame. I know I can win with it at times.. but it is really not for competitive tennis at my level. It is an attacking frame and hard to play defense with. Serves great and is so stable and solid.

 

[robbo1970]

The one I love to rally and have fun with is the Dunlop AG 4D 100. It has outstanding feel and the spin you can create is outstanding. Has a nice sweetspot for a 90 sq inch frame. I know I can win with it at times.. but it is really not for competitive tennis at my level. It is an attacking frame and hard to play defense with. Serves great and is so stable and solid.

I know what you mean, I sometimes use the F100 classic which is the same spec as the AG4d. It is a great attacking racquet but its low power can hinder defensive play sometimes, but its still great fun. I think though that a lot of the classic racquets with their heavier weight and smaller heads will have that issue, but they're still great fun. I'd weigh up the pro's and con's and the fun element from any racquet would get my vote. I'd rather lose a fun match than win boring, if you know what I mean.

 

[anirut]

I'd rather lose a fun match than win boring, if you know what I mean.

YES, YES, YES!

 

[Soundbyte]

Looks like the Redondo Mid is the easiest to get best bet here. I think I'll try to pick one up and add it to the bag.

 

[The_Racketeer]

The midsize is preferred because it gives you "that feel" the 98 cannot give. To put it bluntly, the midsize feels like a what 'real' tennis racket should be, if you know what I mean.

And the head size is actually 90. Why do they call it 93? I don't even care. But it's a 90.

This is fairly disappointing, as I'm a big PK fan and was planning on demoing the Redondo MP in hopes of finding a fun classic control oriented racquet, but I can't handle a 90sq" frame. Am I not going to get that Redondo experience with anything but the Mid? Maybe I should try the PCG100 or Response97 instead.

 

[mhkeuns]

It's not a classic yet, but the Graphene Prestige MP will be a classic in no time. Might as well get it now.

Lol... You are relentless!

 

[max]

This is fairly disappointing, as I'm a big PK fan and was planning on demoing the Redondo MP in hopes of finding a fun classic control oriented racquet, but I can't handle a 90sq" frame. Am I not going to get that Redondo experience with anything but the Mid? Maybe I should try the PCG100 or Response97 instead.

Who says you can't handle a mid? Try it. We once held a wood racquets mixer and it took most folks about 15 minutes of play for their bodies to get accustomed to the different specs.

 

[robbo1970]

I genuinely think anyone can handle a mid. If they're not strung too tightly then the sweet spot doesn't feel any smaller than that of a midplus.

But as far as 'classics' are concerned, they don't need to be mids, the PCG100 is a good option.

 

[fuzz nation]

This is fairly disappointing, as I'm a big PK fan and was planning on demoing the Redondo MP in hopes of finding a fun classic control oriented racquet, but I can't handle a 90sq" frame. Am I not going to get that Redondo experience with anything but the Mid? Maybe I should try the PCG100 or Response97 instead.

I think I sort of pooh-pooh'ed the Redondo 98 because I already had the C10 for a while before I got one of these. I kept it for a while and liked its soft, composed personality, but it didn't replace anything in my collection at the time.

I'd say that both the C10 and the Redondo 98 are examples of racquets that effectively blend old-school personality with more modern design - mostly with their 98" heads. If you're going to demo, I'd say have a go with it and see what it does for you... and sample the Prince gear while you're at it!!

 

[The_Racketeer]

Thanks for the added input. I plan on having a classic demo day with the Redondo, PCG100, Response 97, and PS85. The PS85 is just to round out the classic motif and cuz I can't think of anything better. Maybe the PK Pro 5G.

 

[Soundbyte]

I ordered the Redondo. It's on backorder though (so I guess its still selling!)

 

[coolschreiber]

Careful!!......you might get sucked into using the IG Mid as your primary weapon if you set it up right and get too addicted to it. Your other rackets might get jealous . I have used just two types of mids - prestige and tour 90's. I find IG Mid unique because I can use it in match play as opposed to my different iterations of tour 90's. Its very headlight and you can make last millisecond adjustments in your stroke which prevents mis-hits in my experience.

 

[mhkeuns]

I've thought about that frame as well. It's more expensive new, but used is always an option.

I'm also thinking the Redondo mid would be a nice frame to modify up to a SW of 350, since its stiffness rating is so low I feel like it would take mods nicely

It might be an old racket and won't interest you, but I would suggest you giving the Donnay X-Red 94 or 99 a chance. They are super-thin beams that provide nice feel, adequate power and control. You could probably pick one up really cheap on the auction site. They are nice looking frames, too.

The thing that has become strange about tennis today is that, at least in my case, I keep looking to stock up with different frames, even if I am completely happy with what I have. Every time I go out to play, I struggle to choose which ones to take to the courts. :neutral::???:

 

[The_Racketeer]

It might be an old racket and won't interest you, but I would suggest you giving the Donnay X-Red 94 or 99 a chance. They are super-thin beams that provide nice feel, adequate power and control. You could probably pick one up really cheap on the auction site. They are nice looking frames, too.

The thing that has become strange about tennis today is that, at least in my case, I keep looking to stock up with different frames, even if I am completely happy with what I have. Every time I go out to play, I struggle to choose which ones to take to the courts. :neutral::???:

So take em all!!

I know what you mean though. Since getting back into tennis, I've acquired a number of different racquets, requiring a quick eenie-meenie-miney-moe to choose which stick I'll use that day. I'm still on the look-out for my perfect frame, and I'm hoping that once I finally do, I'll get a matching pair and be done with it.

Time will tell.....

 

[StevieC]

K88 or PK Heritage C 93


Steve C

 

[dgoran]

Hey guys,
So I've done extensive demoing over the past half year or so, finally settling on the PS90 and Volkl C10 Pros as my rackets of choice. I have 4 and 3 of each, respectively.
However, the Christmas holidays has graced me with a few funds to spend at TW. I figured, given my love of tennis and having demo'd most of the modern frames, that I would use this opportunity to purchase a "classic" frame. What do you guys recommend? Keep in mind, this will be predominantly a "for fun" frame to grab out of my bag every now and then.

My considerations:
1. PS85 - A no brainer, but I've owned many of these in the past, SV version included. Since I'm currently playing with the PS90, I worry this won't be a huge difference.
2. Prince Response 97 - I know its a reissue, but I still have a POG OS that has a fond place in my heart. I hear it's a volleying dream, and its only $100!
3. PK Redondo. I was looking at the 93 version specifically.

Open to other suggestions as well! Thanks

Fun neo classic that is a must have would be original aero pro drive bonus is that 14 GMS champ is using it and extra bonus is that your game wont suffer by temporarily switching to it "for fun" as its one of the easiest racquets to use

 

[Ronaldo]

Unwilling to try a MAX 200G?

 

[OverLead]

KISS? How about POG 107´s? They are old-school, OS maybe but flat beamed solid graphite sick sticks that are maybe different from same eras mids... but real thing and FUN... and leadable...

 

[Soundbyte]

Gotta love the POG 107s, I owned 5 at one point, now down to 1. It's one of those frames (along with the PS85) that I think everyone should either own, or at the very least hit with, at some point during their tennis career.

 

[UCSF2012]

You buy classic frames at an online auction.

If you want a fun frame, go with raw power or spin. Something drastically different from your 90. I'd go tweener like AeroPro, Instinct, Blade 98. Plus, when the weather gets cold, your strings go stiff, and your 90 can't generate pace, you may need to turn to your Blade 98.

 

[Soundbyte]

You buy classic frames at an online auction.

If you want a fun frame, go with raw power or spin. Something drastically different from your 90. I'd go tweener like AeroPro, Instinct, Blade 98. Plus, when the weather gets cold, your strings go stiff, and your 90 can't generate pace, you may need to turn to your Blade 98.

I have owned both those rackets, but moved on from them. But no worries, I now have 2x Maxply McEnroe's, a Redondo mid, and a Blade 93 coming my way. They should all hold me over for awhile. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

 

[Mick]

I got this one for Xmas because it was on sale

 

[B Cubed]

POG OS one-stripe. I call mine the "happy" racquet. I can hit more fun and surprising shots, compared to my POG four-stripe's and Radical Agassi LE's.

Is the one stripe, the current version?

 

[HRB]

Try Agassi's Raddy OS, or the POG Oversize...for the life of me I can't control anything over 102 sq inches...amazed how he did PRIOR to Poly Set up's! (maybe it was the one in a million world class athlete thing! LOL)

 

[Ronaldo]

Try Agassi's Raddy OS, or the POG Oversize...for the life of me I can't control anything over 102 sq inches...amazed how he did PRIOR to Poly Set up's! (maybe it was the one in a million world class athlete thing! LOL)

Used Kevlar, no added power from the mains.

 

[RalphJ]

APD, obviously Pro Staff 90. Maybe a classic like Wilson Ultra 2 Largehead or Midsize

 

[Ronaldo]

APD, obviously Pro Staff
90. Maybe a classic like Wilson Ultra 2 Largehead or Midsize

Wilson Ultra Graphite, Kevlar, or FPK are great fun racquets. 16 Mains, flexible, headlight, and cheap. Also 25 years old now.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

Man I love my Max 200G. It's strung with black magic and omg does it just destroy the ball. Sure its a small head but it is almost like it is all sweet spot. If it were more maneuverable Id still be using it.

Love the prostaff 85 and I have a BBecker London tour that is so much fun.

The Pacific x Feel pro 90 vacuum is on my list too. a later reissue of the Fischerclassic