Aerogel 300 - 3 weeks play

1st week: So, i had a chance to grab an old stockDunlop Aerogel 300. Last week, I added leads before stringing and felt heavy, so I took out the leads when playing doubles. The racquet at 290 grams unstrung at stock felt light. I put leather grip, add overgrip, and strung at weight at 318 grams now. The power of the racquet is at medium, I had several long and several shorts. The spin is good, can flick the racquet and ball will spin. The weight is a bit light but at the right balance. No added lead, afraid after adding lead will add power. Will seek out more flying hours before deciding that it can replace other main racquets. Serves and overheads are OK. The power and plow through are still lower than PS97.

2nd week: 2nd week of playing with this racquet, played for 4 days (2 days singles and 2 days doubles) with totals of 9 sets. Added 2-3 grams of weight at 3 and 9. I would say that the racquet is nothing special except for comfort, speed and sweetspot but that is the highlight. Forehands and backhands are good. Overheads are good. Volleys are good but not as stable as PS97 or CX200. Maneuverability is very good though due to weight and headsize. No wrist pain.

3rd week: a hitting session and game day. Add 4 grams to the racquet, now weight 324grams. In the hitting session compare with CX200T18, AG300 is like trampoline, easy power, no feel and dwell time. The next day, played 3 doubles game. Unstable when receiving heavy ball but better than before adding leads. When hitting offcenter, I can feel the shocks but unlike using PS97, no wrist pain afterward.

4th and 5th week: easy power, won singles game or lost close sets. Need to flatten the serves. Compare to CX 200 Tour, no need to swing and better maneuverability.

Hot Melt 200G Grip Customization

 So, I changed and rechanged my HM 200G racquets with leather grip. I have two, one strung and the other unstrung. 

Racquet	String	Grip	Weight (grams)	Remark
HM 200G #1	17 Prince Syngut	Leather	340	No overgrip
HM 200G #1	17 Prince Syngut	Synthetic	331	No overgrip
HM 200G #2	None	Synthetic	318
HM 200G #2	None	Leather	326

The leather grip adds 6 grams and that is a lot for this heavy racquet. The #1 racquet now with overgrip and dampener will measure at 340 grams.

Similar racquets

 So, I had several racquets that are said to be similar even though not the same generation. They are as below:

- Dunlop Hot Melt 200G (early 2000s 320grams) are similar with Head Tour 630/280 (late 90s 330grams) or Head Pro Tour 2.0 (2019) in terms of headsize (95 sq inch), string pattern (18x20), stiffness (low 60s), beam width (20mm), weight (>320 grams unstrung), headlight balance

- Dunlop Aerogel 300 (early 2010s 285grams) are similar with Wilson Pro Staff 97 (2015-2020 315grams) in terms of headsize (97 vs 98), string pattern (16x19), beam width (21.5mm), swingweight (>320s)

- Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 (2018 315grams) are similar with Wilson Ultra Tour (2017 310grams) in terms of string pattern, low power, low stiffness

- Prince Warrior 107 (2015 300grams) are similar with Babolat Pure Aero (300 grams) in terms of power

I have not played with Head Pro Tour, Wilson Ultra Tour, or Pure Aero, but I get the ideas.

Running Soccer Shoes

 Had a look in soccer.com archives of 1999/2000 and found them, hybrid running and soccer. Did not buy them, I wish I had. I was more toward adidas but this are cool, supper comfortable for walking and kicking balls.

TW Archive Dunlop Hot Melt 200G

 

Valerian Movie

 I have now read Valerian comic series book 1-15. Hopefully, soon the complete series for book 18-21 will be available. Compare to the movie, the casting is quite far, the main actors for Valerian and Laureline looks too young. They should be in late 30s or early 40s. The depictions from the comic is great but quite far from my expectation as the comic fan. Below is the movie poster.

Dampener

 Dampener has weight: long silicon around 6 grams, small ones are 3 grams, while rubber band less are 2 grams. Need to try rubber band so it does not add weight significantly. Dampener dampens the string particularly the ping sound, it does not dampens the racquet vibration.

A racquet makes a difference

 The other day one of my regular session mate asked me, compare to how I played 6 years ago, he said "you have improved a lot". Then I said, "found the right racquet". 

So, what changed? I have to admit that ever since I use Pro Staff 97 v10 in 2017 my game changed. But the racquet has changed too. When I first started using it, still has the original grip but added two overgrips (one thick and one thin), the bevel feels very round. I remember the racquet being heavy but has good plow through, no arm/wrist pain though. In 2019, I changed both with leather grip. In 2020 with new string Prince Duraflex Syngut at 55lbs, I got wrist pain from using this racquet. I use to play with this racquet everytime especially when playing tough opponents. 

I have now opt friendlier racquet when playing, but less powerful than this one. Using this racquet, when you hit properly: proper forehand, proper backhand, proper volley, it felt good. However, when you hit on transition at the time when you need to adjust your wrist, that is when you feel it; I dont feel when using other softer frame.

The benchmark

 This is the racquet thats sets the weight benchmark: Hot Melt 200G. This racquet in stock form serves as the bench mark for hitting incoming ball in fast court. I can hit the ball nicely square with this racquet. The ball just dwell nicely in this one, you can just block fast past ball in this one. Strung it with syngut at 50lbs and still low power. Best with leather grip due to the frame low stiffness (<60lbs).

Pro Staff 97 v10 current set up

Been using this racquet since early 2017 and bought another one in 2018. I changed the grip with leather grip last year because the original has frayed. From my posting in 2019, it mentions that the racquet was softer than SOT and it was started to send shocks to my arm. Replaced it with leather grip, got better control from the bevel feel, uses multi on both racquets and got less control, change one back to prince syn gut 16g at 55lbs. After a month long hyatus due to pandemic, back with it and got wrist pain. Two causes: tight string and (prob) bad technique of wrist lag. Changed my technique now and change the grip. The racquet now uses synthetic grip, thin overgrip, and long dampener. Now, mostly use this racquet on indoor court where the ball slides more; this racquet fits well on terms of power and weight. To compensate the weight during serves, raise both hand the same time, dont use modern technique because the power is already there.

  

Most innovative manufacture

 The most innovative tennis racquet manufacture is not Wilson or Babolat, but Prince. Seeing Prince racquet from 80s with CTS, OG, DB, Textreme, are very innovative. The others are very much traditional constant beam.

Racquets weight

 So I weight all my racquets with same digital scale, here are the results:

Racquet	Weight (grams)	Unstrung weight (TW weight) + Add. info
PS97 #1	336 (21/7)	315 (329): synthetic grip, overgrip, rb dampener
PS97 #2	338 (21/7)	315 (329): synthetic grip, overgrip, rb dampener
CX200Tour 18x20	337 (22/5)	315 (332): leather grip (incl.), 24 inch lead, overgrip
CX200Tour 16x19	336 (26/10)	310 (326): leather grip, 12inch lead, overgrip
HM 200G strung	346 (24/9)	322 (337): leather grip, overgrip, rb dampener
HM 200G unstrung	320 (-2)	322 (337): synthetic grip, unstrung
Aerogel 300	320 (30/11)	290 (309): leather grip, overgrip, 12inch lead
Radical OS	325 (30/10)	295 (315): leather grip, rb dampener
Warrior 107	328 (28/10)	300 (318): leather grip, overgrip, rb dampener
Tour 100L	300 (30)	270: leather grip, overgrip, 18inch lead
Six One Team	303 (14/0)	289 (303): synthetic grip, bab leads

The biggest jump would be the Radical OS: 30 grams from string (18x19) and leather grip and overgrip. For singles, I am now using the 100L and so far with the added weight is good for baseline play and topspin forehand. While the Six One team is just about the same as TW strung spec.

Hot Melt vs CX 200 Tour on Singles

So, I tried using modified HM in singles game. For the first six games, I can gel it but the weight starts creeping after that; few mistimed forehand and backhand. Then back to CX200T. For the next day singles game, I modified the grip with synthetic grip and no overgrip because already thick enough. I can play more game with it but in the end still change to CX200T. Using the HM is pretty good, can hit flat but feel enough pace and plow through, not getting push around. Once get little tired just can control the power and that is where CX comes in. In summary, both are comfortable racquets.

Tennis.com: GEAR Q&A: WEIGHTY MATTERS

https://www.tennis.com/gear/2020/10/gear-q-weighty-matters/91467/

Taken from article above:

... The traits of a heavy ball are open to interpretation, but it’s essentially a shot that carries a wicked combination of speed and spin that make it more onerous to return; all that rotation feels like a weight vest on the ball and it takes greater effort to turn it around. If one gets above your shoulders it can seem like you’re hitting a brick.

It’s different than a shot that only has a lot of pace. That kind of ball can travel through the court quickly, but lacks in “substance"—it doesn’t fight your racquet at contact quite the same way. It needs the accompanying spin to make it heavy. That means you need significant racquet head whip up and through contact. When that is combined with stiff polyester strings designed for spin, the ball compresses and stays on the string bed giving more of an opportunity to put work on it.  

...

And the truth is, the difference between 300g and 305g frames can be difficult to detect. For some players, the more mass translates to a heavier shot. But as long as you’re generating the requisite swing speed (and spin), there’s no reason your shots can’t carry serious weight.

[end from article]

From my experience, my hitting partner is using a 249 unstrung racquet but he can generate heavy ball. I agree with the article above except that it does not mention plow through.

Tennis Forehand: Classic, Modern, NG

 There were classic forehand (Edberg, Lendl, etc), then modern forehand (Agassi, Federer, Nadal, Murray, etc), the next gen (Kyrgios, Sock, etc). The take backs for them are different: classic - straight back, modern - racquet drop/tap dog, and next gen - whip/lasso. The grip are also different: classic - continental/eastern, modern - easter/semi, next gen semi/western. And then, I saw TW videos with Marcos Giron and he has sort of combination between next gen take back and modern grip; he uses eastern/semi grip but next gen take back. Current racquet manufacture is geared or suited toward modern or next gen. My modern technique felt suited to W PS 97 or Dunlop Hot Melt 200G  but I still coulf not maximize my Dunlop CX 200 Tour. Seeing Giron forehand and he uses Yonex Vcore 95 which is similar to 200X Tour, I think I might try his style. The different techniques produce different result, the next gen style produce more spin with less wrist snap. See his form in below picture.

So I had 2 sessions trying to apply a new FH techniques. The 1st session with Hot Melt 200G and PS97: the new technique is pretty hard to apply with HM (too heavy) and PS97 (erratic result). On the 2nd session with CX 200 Tour: better due to fast swing racquet but need to be careful due syngut unspin-friendly string. The new technique certainly works well to generate power while the modern/classic is more consistent and flat hit.

Session review (1 Nov 2020) - singles and doubles - HM 200G and CX 200 Tour 18x

 I played 4 games, 1 single and 3 doubles with results: 4-3, 6-4, 6-5, 6-5. The playing level was close, a bit above or lower. On the several sets, I started with CX 200 18x but then changed to Hot Melt 200G. The ball was new, playing outdoor, I thought the CX would perform better but the result shows that (I) felt more confidence using Hot Melt. Overall, the plow though was better; however, overhit two overheads. The softer but heavier Hot Melt can be very bouncy at times. 

PS97 v13 vs v10 (comparing TW scores)

The result from TW is out; v13 scored 85 while v10 was 83 though from averaging out the v13 is 83.9 while v10 is 83.1 (so 1 point different). The biggest difference between the two is the control which is 9 points more in v13. And one more important point, the v13 scores lower in power by 3 points (79). In my opinion, not much different; more control, less power, maybe tiny bit of comfort; still a modern player's frame.

 

Hot Melt 200G vs Pro Staff 97

I tested both racquet, but this time with modified Pro Staff 97. I changes the grip with synthetic ones (no leather grip) to reduce the static weight and put long Dunlop dampener. The result was that the Pro Staff is less stiffer, the power still there. Now that I have accustomed of using low powered 95 square inch raquet, using PS97 feels like using oversize with its power. However, the stiffness still there. Also, we did not use new balls, so the balls are softer/mushier and prefer PS due to HM low power. 

Prince Warrior 107: slice and dicer

Hitting out with Warrior 107 yesterday, the racquet is such a slice and dicer. It has a lot of power, unless you like to generate massive spin, slicing and dicing could be the way to tame this racquet. Lost the game because could not push opponent just with slice and dice.

 

Balancing Hot Melt 200G and CX 200 Tour

I added more lead to the CX 200 Tour and put it to the test at Friday night on the indoor court where ball slides hard. Played with HM 200G first and then try the CX 200. The verdict is that, the CX still lighter than the HM but not as lopsided as before. 

The HM is very good with groundstroke but feels heavy when serving, CX 200 is easier on when serving without as plow through. Sunday morning where I played outdoor, I test the CX 200 again. Played 4 sets doubles, winning just 1; was playing easy but the opponents coming out hard and played against higher rating opponent. 

Verdict is that the CX 200 Tour leaded up does not need high swing speed, you can but the weight is already there unlike before the lead.

Dunlop Hot Melt 200G and Head Pro Tour 2.0

I recently got myself a new old stock Dunlop Hot Melt 200G and the specs are close to recently released Head Pro Tour 2.0, see below table for comparison. I change the leather grip of the Hot Melt. Stiffness still lower in HM and lower swing weight too. So, 6 out of 8 is about the same. So, I can say yeah, I got a Pro Tour 2.0 for a bargain. Comparing, the string pattern, the Pro Tour is much tighter in the center area and thinner loop and throat.

	Hot Melt 200G	Pro Tour 630/280	Pro Tour 2.0
Head size (sq inch)	95	95	95
Weight (strung grams)	331 (synth grip)	340	343 (synth grip)
Length (inch)	27	27	27
Swingweight	316	n/a	335
Balance	5 HL	8 HL	6 HL
Strings	18x20	18x20	18x20
Stiffness	60	58	65
Beam width (mm)	20	20	20

Grip pallet

The grip pallet taken from TW website: Pro Staff, Radical, Textreme Tour, VCore. Noticed the Radical shape is very rectangular.

     

Dunlop Hot Melt 200G and CX 200 Tour

I just bought a brand new old stock, Dunlop Hot Melt 200G. The unstrung weight are 322g. I changed the grip to leather and strung it up with Prince Syn Gut Duraflex 17g at 50lbs. Played with the HM on Friday night, it felt good: plow through yet plush. Afterward, I hit with CX 200 Tour 18x20 and the CX felt so light. The next day, I weight them (HM and CX) and added 3 grams to the CX to make the balance the same. I weight them and about the same at around 345-350grams. Played using the CX on Sunday and the racquet changed from low and flexible to more plow, more power (not over) though not as plush, more modern feel, no need for 2 handed backhand because the power already there. Take away, HM 200G is such a gem, a bit on the heavy side but could be pro stock none the less. Picture below: leaded CX from tennisnerd.

String types (and gauge)

I dont really tinker the string much, I feel that tennis performance is as follow, racquet choice is 90% while string is 10% or less. I have tried syn gut many times, multi several times, and poly once. The only time, I hurt my arm from using poly, I have then stop using it. So, I did some readings and the result for the different types are based on the following categories (see below table). My take is that I have been using syn gut since the early days. On the gauge, I used 16 on open pattern and 17 for tight pattern.

Type	Power	Spin	Stiffness	Other
Multifilament	High	Low	Low	Loose tension fast Soft on the arm Less control
Syn Gut	Med	Med	Med	Loose tension moderate Depends on tension Med control
Poly	Low	High	High	Loose tension fast Need low tension High control

Player's frame list (live list)

 Here is the list of player's frame (traditional or control oriented) with its specs for comparison:

Brand and type	Year	Headsize (sq inch)	Weight unstrung (gr)	Length (inch)	Balance	Swing weight (gr)	RA	Beam width (mm)
Wilson Pro Staff 16x19	2014-2020	97	315	27	-9	324	66	21.5
Dunlop CX 200 18x20	2018	95	315	27	-7	318	63	20.5
Dunlop CX 200 16x19	2019	95	310	27	-7	317	64	20.5
Wilson Ultra Tour 18x20	2017	97	310	27	-6	324	63	21
Wilson Blade 18x20	2014-2020	98	310	27	-4	334	62	21
Yonex Vcore 97 HD 18x20	2018	97	320	27	-7	326	59	20
Yonex Vcore 95 16x20	2018	95	310	27	-7	325	62	21
Dunlop Hotmelt 200g 18x20	2000	95	322	27	-5	316	60	20
Babolat Pure Control Tour	2014	95	320	27	-5	317	63	21
Wilson Six One 95	2015	95	330	27	-8	338	67	22
Wilson RF97	2015	97	340	27	-9	335	68	21.5
Wilson Six One Team	2015	95	289	27	-0.5	303	63	21
Head 360+ Prestige MP 18x20	2019	98	320	27	-7	323	61	20
Wilson Pro Staff 90 BLX	2011	90	340	27	-8	327	65	17.5

Picture from someone's collection

Soccer and Tennis

I had my tennis lesson when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade before I was playing basketball or soccer; start playing basketball in 4th grade and soccer in 7th grade. Played tennis again in 10th grade for a fresh/soph team but no improvement there plus tennis was not as exited as nowadays. Played soccer since 7th grade until around 2013 when I feel that I need to get back to tennis and the time was right because. My take in sports is the same whether playing soccer or tennis, it is to "in control". In soccer, I like to play in central midfield where one of its job is to received ball from defender and pass the ball to other to attack. Soccer, as I learned through out the year have technical aspect also, there are more than one way to kick a ball. Plus, you need to learn to kick with your less powerful leg, perform header, etc. The point is, kicking soccer ball is similar with striking tennis ball.

Backhand drive

I have been using low powered racquets, Dunlop CX 200, I noticed that my backhand tend to be flat and drop on the net, unlike when using Pro Staff 97. So, I tried using two handed and works great. I can not believe I am hitting with two handed but the ball flies flat and long. Using this CX racquet, I tend to hit slice back but now I have other option.

Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20 (review continued)

From the past 2 playing sessions where I played singles and doubles matches, I used the CX 200 Tour 18x20. My winning records for those days are 50%, but it is not the winning percentage that I would like to discuss but the performance of the racquet. I also had few strikes with the Pro Staff 97, where I strike long with it and then going back again to using the CX18. What I like about using the 18x20 in 95 sq inch racquet is that the string does not move much even though I am using syn gut. I had also Prince Textreme Warrior 107 with syn gut, and the string moves a lot. Now, back to Dunlop CX 200 18x20, I guess I have become comfortable with it, for example, I strike the ball hard and the ball still landed in, probably due to its low powered but I have added lead tape at 3 and 9 to give it more power. 

Continue: CX200 CX 18x versus Pro Staff 97

Last friday in indoor setting playing doubles, I played with Dunlop CX200 18x20 and Wilson Pro Staff 97. I opt to use the CX200 as 1st choice. I tend to stay away from the PS97 to avoid agravating my wrist again. Played the first set with CX200, trailing 1-5 but then closing with 6-7 loss (opponent rate was same as ours). After the 4th game at 1-3, I noticed the ball was flat and ask for a newer balls. During warm up toward the second set, I used the PS97 because the warm up balls were flat. On the second set, again trailing at 1-3 and closing with 5-7 (opponent with higher rating). In the last set, noticed the ball was flying powerless especially on backhand and high volley when using CX200, I used the PS97 again. I figured that it was the last match of the night and the opponents have higher rating than us. Using the PS97 the ball had more zing on serve, forehand, slice, and volley though I have to be careful not to overhit it.  The result was a win (partner played better than 1st match), 7-6 with me at serving. 

On sunday, I played two set, both with CX200. In the first game of the first, after changing to fresher balls, noticed the CX200 played better. After a shaky start, we closed the first set with 6-3 trailing from 1-3 (we were rate higher). In the second set, we had a tight game ending at 6-5.

So, it all depends on the condition of the ball and court, might used CX200 or PS97. PS97 is better at low and fast volleying but heftier on overhead. And while playing with PS97, I missed this racquet cosmetics, the red, the silver lettering.

Singles game and low powered racquet

So yesterday, I played a singles match with my routine tennis partner using a low powered racquet, Dunlop CX 200 18x20. I was hesitant at first due to its low powered nature since I did not have good doubles game last weekend with the same racquet. The difference to the racquet was that I trimmed the lead a bit on that racquet to make it feels like my 16x19 version. The 18x version had newly strung 17g syn-gut at 53lbs. Compare to the 16x that has multi string and probably need replacement, the 18x is most likely to be lower powered but better at control. What I noticed with the 18x version was that the ball is so low powered that most likely the ball will fall inside the service area and will not bounce high. Looking at the video review from TW, TE, and even TN, you can see that the balls fell not far from the service line. So, I had to embrace this, I guess I was so accustomed to play more powerful racquet like Pro Staff 97 and Six One Team. The result of the match was better that what I was expected: 6-1, 7-5. In the first set, I lead 5-0 before the opponent won a game. The second set was tight, even trailing 5-3 before finishing 7-5. I had a lot of defensive backhand slice and I tried to hit more angled cross court because the ball will drop quicker. Now, just wanted to change to 16x version with fresher string. Below are links of CS 200 18x review and picture of another low powered racquet that I would love to try (Ultra Tour):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6fyMRjSVKw&t=189s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXazYNfhWus&t=188s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-FBCpcq9oo&t=216s

Tennis video posted

 Here is the link of me playing tennis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPQwo7mZQv4&t=11s

Players racquet

CX200 is considered a player's racquet. It has the same spec as Wilson Ultra Tour and the famous Head PT57A or the recent Pro Tour 2.0. They have 95 sq-inch head size and 18x20 string pattern. Though the Head ones are heavy, the CX Tour and Ultra Tour were made for customization. Mine had been leaded up. I tried the CX 16version with no lead and it just so low powered, the ball very short. Both current CX Tour 16v and 18v is now around 335grams. It is just more user friendly than the PS97 which is more powerful and heavier by about 10grams now but it is just the stiffness that is bothering now.

  

CX200 18version review

Due to the bargain and the rarity of the racquet, I decided to bought another CX 200 Tour but in 18x20 string pattern. It came with a Yonex poly strung at 47lbs. Since I want to try it over the weekend, I changed the string and restrung it with SynGut 17g at 53lbs. Tested it over the weekend and the results were good. Played 4 doubles game over period of 2 days, winning only one game. Compare to the 16version which I have not restrung it, still has the multi it came. The 18version with freshly string played well, spin was good, serve was good, volley was low powered (same as 16version). They, the 18v and 16v basically played slightly the same, as tennisnerd mentioned. I originally, was seeking Wilson Ultra Tour that a friend offered about a year ago but I had no arm problem at that time, so I skipped the offer. As summary, the 18v with new string felt good, spin, slice, overhead, vibration. Compare to PS97, CX200 is more comfortable given the overhead of lobs since I mostly played with slicers dicers and lobbers. The only problem with CX 200 is the low powered volley, other than that, no complain here.

Racquet list

Here is list of racquets I have with review given same categories:

	Power	Control	Stiffness	Plow Through	Remark
Pro Staff 97 (2014)	Med	High	Firm	High	Power, control, and firm
CX 200 Tour 18x20	Low	High	Soft	Med-High	Control and plush, leaded
CX 200 Tour 16x19	Low	High	Soft	Med-High	Control and plush, leaded
Six One Team	Med	Med	Firm	Med	Small sweetspot, leaded
Radical Youtek OS	High	Med	Soft	Med	Soft oversize
Textreme Warrior 107	High	Med	Firm	Low	Midplus+
Textreme Tour 100L	Low	Med	Firm	Low	Light racquet, leaded
Hot Melt 200G*	Low	High	Soft	High	Classic
Aerogel 300*	Med	Med	Firm	Med	All around, leaded

* added Feb 2021

Picture below is not my collection:

Dunlop CX 200 vs Pro Staff 97

Just got myself a used Dunlop CX 20016x19 and got a chance to play singles and doubles games with it. In comparison with my regular frame, the PS97 (2014), I have concluded that the CX 200 in comparison with PS97 are as follow:

Power: definitely low compare to PS97

Spin: the spin are there given my old-school forehand

Comfort: definitely plush, played 3 single games in a row and no issue

Forehand: low powered, should aim higher 

Backhand: low powered, should aim higher

Slice: low powered, should aim higher

Serve: low powered, need propel forward

Volley: plush, can touch volley

Both by chance use same multi string. On doubles game where you need to attack, it is best to used low powered racquet so your strokes do not sail through. There was this closely doubles match that i started with the CX then PS because a nephew need a lighter racquet then change back to CX to close the game with a win. Never before I switch from PS for the better game. The CX 200 is definitely a nice controlled plush racquet. At first I thought this would replace PS97, but no, each serves different purposes.

Note: changed leather grip and lead to the CX

Wrist Pain and Forehand Take Back

Been watching and trying online videos for forehand takeback. Wonder if my take back with tap the dog style (Fed style) contribute to my wrist pain due to racquet lag. Might try neutral take back for less racquet rotation.

Grip shape and size

I have wilson (PS97), head (RadOS), and prince (TTL, TW107) racquets at hand. They do have different grip shape: head is more rectangle, prince closer to square, and wilson in between. Pros must have customized the shape, there is no way using standard Head with western grip since it is so rectangle. See picture below, taken from TW forum.

Added: dunlop grip is very slightly smaller than wilson (CX 200)

Wrist pain, strokes, and TW107

In the last post, I mentioned wrist pain even when using PS97 with multi strings. I tried different strokes but it is just not the same, you need that slight wrist movement when using PS97 that is where the power and spin comes from (Fed style). So, I gave TW107 another test. I have concluded that TW107 have no plow through, so just return it, esp on low ball. But on higher ball, the racquet is just so easy to return with power. Slices were sharp though, could use it as weapon. The serves are easier though no power. HOWEVER, this racquet though an oversize DO play small, so you need it to strike the ball in the middle. Overall, I enjoy using this racquet, but cant push it too much due to power. It is a baseline racquet and high volley, careful on low volley. In addition, after reading TW forum, tried to use it WITHOUT dampener, and the feel was better.

String selections (Syngut vs Multi)

So, i have two PS97 with one strung with syngut (16g) and the other with multi (17g). Previously, I had both strung with multi, but changed one to Syngut (Prince 16) due to lack of control. After not playing for about 2 months due to pandemic and fasting month, I played again. Bringing the PS97, I started with the multi for warm up and then change to syngut. Played better with syngut because of better control from wider string and tension still holding up. Two days after, I played again this time with the syngut but then due to bad strokes, my wrist tensed. Then, i used the multi which I felt softer on the arm. I never had wrist problem using PS97 before but then this happened. The message was, multi definitely softer than syngut and PS97 can be stiff too. I thought of lay low the PS97 and try easier racquet for a while.

Wilson Six One Team

My take on TN review, in brackets:

Judging from the responses of our playtesters, the 2012 update to the Wilson BLX Six.One Team is going to turn some heads [not sure when compare to 90s Wilson Ultra that I used previous this one]. The new Amplifeel technology uses an innovative handle system to reduce harsh vibrations, and the switch to an open string pattern has expanded the sweetspot [certainly different that other racquet handle]. Together these changes add up to more comfort -- a fact not lost on our team [not sure]. In addition to comfort, Wilson has kept this racquet very maneuverable, which explains why our testers were able to position the racquet so quickly and explode through contact [agree, maneuverable]. With its 95 square inch head and lighter weight, the new BLX Six.One Team errs on the side control [good control racquet]. While our testers occasionally had issues with the power level and stability, none of them walked away disappointed. Ultimately, Wilson has created a very comfortable all court racquet for the intermediate to advanced player who places a premium on maneuverability, comfort and precision [set the standard].

Prince Warrior 107

Coming from Pro Staff 97, I looked for nice and easy OS racquet as I enjoyed Rad OS on fast court. So, I had my eyes on Prince Warrior 107. I finally got this racquet, a special edition with blue rather than red (rather the red version, but this is rarely exist in Indonesia). After playing with it for several games, I thought this racquet is too powerful. I just have to be careful when swinging it, especially on backhand (cannot swing long with this one). Here is the review summary from TN and my remarks in brackets:
Like the other racquets in the new Prince Textreme line, this Textreme Warrior 107 took our playtest team by surprise [not sure yet]. A 107 square inch headsize often qualifies as what we like to call a "game improvement frame" that is ideal for players with shorter, slower strokes who want help generating power [i could not swing big with this one]. However, the Warrior 107 reminded our testers of classic oversize frames like the Head Radical OS and Prince Original Graphite 107 [played with Rad Youtek OS and not the same], which appealed to a wider range of players, including more advanced ones [maybe]. This Warrior 107 had plenty of power and forgiveness [true], so our testers could swing big [not me] without fear of missing the sweetspot, but it also provided good control and exceptional feel from almost everywhere on the court. While it didn't quite provide the level of control [agree] of a more traditional player's racquet, this oversize offering truly impressed our team and is worth a demo for almost any level of player.

Racquets lineup

3 racquets on current line up would be: 1) Wilson PS97, 2) Head Radical OS, and 3) Prince Textreme Warrior 107. Each of them played dirently; however, no I have come to the following summary:
1. PS97: rally from baseline; plow through; serve; small headsize; tad heavy; very good for single
2. RadOS: defense; headsize for volley; power; overhead; need to swing hard; oval grip; good for single/double
3. W107: defense; return; so far played for 3 double matches (1-2) and 1 single match (0-1).

Note:
1. playing with RadOS rediscover how to strike forehand with power and control
2. different racquet DO affect your stroke especially on serve

Start of 2020

So, at the start of 2020:
- teeth are align, yay, after 2 years (all teeth connected to the wire in Dec 2019)
- playing tennis with Head Radical OS Youtek (great for doubles but on the lighter side), change with leather grip and might tip the balance... (will write review in near future)
- just recently (a week) improving tennis forehand (see control and power video, check on Fed left hand and shoulder); pic from nerdtennis.com