Which Max 200G is best for me?

pshulam

Hall of Fame
The real factor going on with racquet feel there is the racquet itself! It's so plush that strings don't account for much, ..
Are you saying that an inexpensive poly provides the same (or very similar) feel and comfort as a multi-filament or natural gut string?
 

Bud

Bionic Poster
McEnroe Signature MAX 200G (Wibledon & USO)

Right then here we go I don't claim to be an expert, so this will need correcting, but this is all I know, and some of it is probably wrong!!!

I think there are 6 main different versions, but it depends what you call "main", as there are lots of little differences. The main different versions of the MAX200G are:-

1. 1982 - Black Racquet, Green/Gold Chevrons - 2 green stripes (3 different molds, first had tapered beam narrowest at head with round string holes. Second had constant beam with round string holes and third had constant beam with squarish holes (this mold continues until 92 basically unchanged). And I think the 2 round string hole versions were only made in 1982.
2. 1986 - Black Racquet, Green/Gold Chevrons - green/gold stripes - Block letters, and "Graphite Injection" These have John McEnroes signature on side of frame and there is a different version celebrating his win in 1984 Wimbledon/US Open written on side of frame, possibly a US only import frame? (I want one of these so if anyone has one please contact me through my profile)
3. 1988 - Black Racquet, Green/Gold Chevrons - green/gold stripes - Curly letters, and "Grafil Injection" also another version of this was - Green Racquet, Red/White chevrons - red/white stripes, and I've heard other colours were done at this time also? (If anyone has any other colours, please sell me one as I collect them, eerrr obviously I suppose!!!)
4. 1989 - Golden Grand Slam - Numbered Edition
5. 1990 - Gloss Black Racquet, Gold/Turquoise Chevrons
6. 1991 - PRO - Purple Racquet with green writing in completly different style to other MAX200G's. Years could be very slightly wrong (especially versions 5 and 6).

As for PRO versions. There were definitely PRO versions of 2,3,5 and 6(All these were PRO, but there was also a different PRO version 6) as well (and probably for version 1, if anyone has a PRO version with 2 green stripes I'd like one). So for the PRO versions; Version 2 had PRO written on it (this is the one Virginia has). Version 3 had PRO written on Black Racquet and PROII on Green Racquet. 5 had PRO written on it. 6 had PROIII written on it (again looking for one of these, please email through my profile). Again there are probably others.

If I start talking about the grips it's going to get a bit confusing, but the order is Black, Black with little Gold "Dunlop" written around it, then Brown leather "Fairway" and then Black Leather again, then Green leather, and then soft disintegrating grips which have all basically yes disintegrated if not wrapped!! Again I could well be wrong

As for the covers/bags, there's lots of different ones (I have at least 15 different versions).

Feel free to tell me I'm wrong (am sure the knowledgable Vsbabolat will for starters), as I quite possibly am; but look I am trying!!!

I located my last remaining 200G and it's the version with McEnroe's signature on the side :)
 

lendlmac

Rookie
Virginia, so how many do you have now, since the inception of this thread, and do you still use it daily?

I love the Max 200G, it is so plush!

..."The Max 200G with 17ga babolat natural gut strings in it at 55lbs, is in most respects quite crisp too, felt pretty good, because of the amount of feel translated through the racquet frame into one’s hand.

The first thought which springs into one’s head upon striking a ball with a Max 200G is: “Comfortable!” Completely plush. No buzz, no ping, no shock, just seamless comfort. It feels like a shock absorber which never seems to hit bottom regardless of the size of the bump. And string dampeners? No need. The material, and the construction of the frame absolutely neutralize all agitations, and without losing any feel for the ball in the process. Incredible, nothing else comes close.

The next notable impression is of the stability of the frame. Some of this is due to the 14oz weight of it, some to the 84 inch head size, some to the rather wide and thick beam construction, and some to the force absorbing qualities of the injection-molded materials used in the mix. All together they combine to make the type of stability capable of turning maniacal top-spin ground strokes into Sundayschool volleys at the net.

And speaking of ground strokes, the Max’s ability to dampen the effects of an opponents heavy top-spin shot pays dividends to its user in two important ways. One, because the frame stabilizes heavy shots so well, it requires less exertion from the player in order to send those shots hurling back at ‘em, with equal if not more ball heaviness, thereby saving precious energy for other aspects of the game such as, mental strategy, running, and bragging (or excuse making) after the match. Two, the sort of stability one finds in a Max 200G coupled with its enhanced feel tends to raise a player’s confidence, ( one is not so concerned with what the opponent will do) which in turn helps produce more assertive type play. Indeed, it’s stability virtually demands forward thinking, and aggressive playing tactics. Noticeably more than it’s heir apparent.

By anyone’s measure the Max 200G is a shot maker’s delight. It absolutely oozes control, and as such, puts a premium on placement rather than gratuitous raw power. But, don’t be mislead, deceivingly fast balls can be attained with this thing. Balls that appear to be initially slow coming off the strings carry ultimately deeper and heavier once they clear the net, and invariably almost always skid through upon contact with the court. This raises a predicament for opponents who watch as seemingly lackadaisical shots suddenly reach them with greater impetus than first expected.

Anyone who has ever played against someone with a Max 200G will understand what I’m saying here. Balls that clear the net with little more than an inch to spare don’t usually carry to within inches of the baseline, only to then skid right under one’s racquet. At least not with normal racquets anyway, unless the player really gets a good crank on the ball, at which time, you can be reasonably sure of the outcome. Not so with a Max. Idle looking swings are not to be taken lightly, because of this extra carrying effect produced by the racquet. Serves are much the same. Not only can one easily perplex an opponent with the mercurial placement of the serve, but also with the constantly fluctuating speeds, spins, and skids. The ball really does come off the strings differently with a 200G...."

~ by Hunter Pieper
 

Virginia

Hall of Fame
Oh, this is an old thread. I have 10 (I think) 200Gs of varying ages and the one I use, around once a week, to improve technique, is a stealth (painted all black) Pro model. Nobody knows it's a 200G, except my stringer who can recognise one of these anywhere, even half hidden in a racquet pocket!

I lost the elbow problems two or more years ago now, since I started playing with Chris racquets.

My main playing racquet is a Chris Competition, but I also play often with a Pro Staff 6.1 (95) and lately also with a Head Youtek Speed Pro (midplus). Three more different racquets, in terms of head shape, would be hard to find.
 

Chuck Savage

New User
Hi Virginia

With regards to your original thread, the Max 200g remains a beautiful racket to play with, and only those that have played with such a masterpiece will truly understand her qualities.

From my collection of the main models their weight ranges from 346g to a staggering 397g! I feel the teal version (don't like the colour) felt lightest to swing, then again they weighed 355-360g.

The models where weights were similar was the grand slam version between 350-360g a fine masterpice to swing and easy on the arm. Strung at 55lbs with Prince Synthetic gut.

This is my humble opinion and its down to personal preference.
 
As for PRO versions. There were definitely PRO versions of 2,3,5 and 6(All these were PRO, but there was also a different PRO version 6) as well (and probably for version 1, if anyone has a PRO version with 2 green stripes I'd like one). So for the PRO versions; Version 2 had PRO written on it (this is the one Virginia has). Version 3 had PRO written on Black Racquet and PROII on Green Racquet. 5 had PRO written on it. 6 had PROIII written on it (again looking for one of these, please email through my profile). Again there are probably others.

Yes, I have a 200GL PRO, it weighs 335g, does the L mean "Light"?
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