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 differently; however, now 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

Light tennis racquet

So I have played with light racquet before. The first time was using Six One Lite (SOL), a 249g unstrung racquet with the same cosmetic as Six One Team (SOT). The SOL was very light though and have even balance thus it was low powered and possibly hurt my hand due to vibration from the stiff construction. It is retired now, I change the grip to leather and eager to try it again for recreation only. I bought a second light weight racquet, Prince Textreme Tour 100L (TTL), a 279g unstrung headlight 4pts racquet. I customed with a leather grip and 2 strips of weight on 9 and 3 o'clock head. Two weeks ago, I brought it to practice and lo and behold, I beat the guy I rarely beat, twice on same day. So, what happened? This TTL was very maneuverable, no need for proper prep just like PS97 but still hefty enough for rec play. The thing is, the PS97 is awesome for straight hard balls but not easy on slow balls, no power from it. TTL is good for blocking back, not hitting it back, and good for hitting those slow balls and add some spin. In conclusion, use racquet for the type of game you play. Heavy racquet can be unforgiving especially for weird and awkward overhead.

Head Light Racquet

So I have been trying to follow RF forehand since I am most comfortable using eastern grip since forever same as him. I currently use Pro Staff 97 with no modification. When I first started using PS97, it felt pretty heavy compare to Six One Team or Lite that I use, but now I am quite comfortable with it. It is so easy to serve with, it has bigger sweet spot than my SOT and softer on the arm. Yet, I rarely restring unless it broke, and it may started to get harsh and sends vibration to the arm. I also have been wanting to change the grip of the PS97 but risking getting it even heavier.

I noticed that with existing grip and added a thick and thin overgrip, the grip feels round with slight bevel corner. Reading from the forum, some the advantages of using leather grip are better feel of the grip, added weight, thinning the handle, and long last.

And so, I replaced one of PS97 and then I use only one overgrip. I though the leather grip is thicker than the original faux leather grip installed. I played with it once and I got lighter head than before and guess what, less vibration on arm. The late wrist movement to generate spin were better. No wonder RF97 has 3 point more head light than PS97. So in conclusion, for a heavy racquet adding more weight on the handle for more head light could be better but depends on your tipe of swing. On the minus side, I could not serve flat as before but the kick improve on the plus side. I also changed the other one with leather grip as well. The feel of the bevel certainly helps especially 

on serve and volleys.

Serving ritual - bouncing

I rarely bounce the ball before serving, until very recently. Maybe before, I dont really good at bouncing the ball, I would rather hit the ball with the racquet to the court several times before tossing it. But few weeks ago, I played on a granite court, which was strange to me because the surface was not flat, so I bounced the balls couple of times to get the feel of the court. I think the idea was good that it forces you to check the bounciness of the court. But, then I get the second benefit from bouncing the ball, which will be explain next. I modeled my serve on Federer serve because 1st, I dont move me back foot when serving and 2nd, it is in between flat and kick serve. The next puzzle, I learn was that you need relax shoulders before tossing the ball and bouncing the ball helps that. You kind of need to bounce the ball, relax your shoulders by hunching them a bit and then open up when tossing the ball. It definitely helps to hit the ball by the sweet spot.

Poly string

So I made a gamble last week by bringing only one racquet, the six one team (SOT) with poly string. The string was wilson spin cycle that has cutting cross of a triangle strung at 55. The racquet perform well the week before after I played two matches indoor with PS97 which are heavier (maybe the weight just fit and it was a hot night). With SOT I can strike faster thus not as much late as before. So what happened was that after just a few hits, my arm could not bear the shock, I was hitting using the wrist movement. After the first game, I hit with the racquet and found that the sweetspot was now below the head mid point, so afterward I am for it but it was such a small sweetspot. So, I read about poly and with a full poly, I should have strung it at 10% lower maybe at 50 or lower. Plus, I read that about what happened when string goes dead. I never thought about dead string before, but when it goes dead, it hurts your arm. And so, I replaced it with a syn gut and see how the SOT will perform again. #tennis #racquet #sweetspot #poly

Quad helix is out

The quad helix was taken off on 11/24. Better eating now, no more veggies getting stuck. By the way, the dentist (drg Maya) compare it with before and the change was drastic, not underbite as before, and that to me is a big thing.

Another PS97 and on the string

So, I bought a new (old) racquet. It is a brand new old stock, red PS97; so I have two now. It cost a bit than my previous same racquet. I just felt so comfortable with this racquet (though bit heavy sometimes, must be from playing lighter racquet; hopefully). In addition, the string of the 1st one felt loose and need spare too. It turns out, the 1st one due need replacement cause I played with the 2nd one (same type of string with same tension) and felt better. But, I will, cross my finger, replace when the string broke. For history, prince topspin 16 at 55lb (mind the picture). About old new stock, the grip was starting to peel when I opened the plastic wrap.
#tennis #racquet #syngut #wilson #prince

Tennis: team playing

After non-playing for more than a month, I play again, yay. Played three games: win, lost, lost. You dont talk about the win. You learn from losses. 1st lost: trailing 5-4 then opponents want play til 8, OK we said. We got 7-5 but then partner missed easy shot that might got her nerve. Then lost at 8-7, a a bummer but good game. 2nd lost: play with same opponents but different partner; trailing 5-3 but then easing to 5-5. Got 5 from playing aussie formation which was awesome, should do it again but depends on the server call. Lost the last game from opponent playing poach. They well aware of my return and try poach it; cant blame them.

I like returning fast and low but they play for the win while I play for the game; just hate hitting those lob. So better try the lob to beat the poach, be a poacher too next time, play when they want to play, try beat them when they want to beat you.

Lob note: aim corner on 1st serve, step up on 2nd serve
Racquet note: not comfortable playing light racquet on doubles, need those slice and dicer and sharp balls.

Tennis: serving

Oh boy, serving. Serving can win or loose you. The key is to own the first serve and if fails then own the second serve. How do you own the first serve? fast serve obviously, but an effective one might just do esp. in doubles. How about second serve? control. At first serve, it all depends on the server; at second serve, depends on the receiver. On second serve, receiver knows that the attempt wont be as fast. This is the hardest stroke to learn among other most used strokes. Forehand is a must topspin or backspin, the same as backhand. Plus you can, go around do forehand instead of backhand and vice verse. But for service, no way around it. Of course, there is underhand but easily returned. I spend a whole of time, practicing and analyzing this stroke. You can practice but if you does not improve that it wont be as effective. Two important things: the throw and the stroke. Cant have the stroke if does not have the throw. In addition, different throw for different stroke. Moreover, different racquet and it could be very different result. Different player have different stroke, thats why I loved it. #tennis #serve

Game of Tennis (doubles)

The blog is about my last week tennis game. I played once in week in tennis courts just inside my housing complex. I play there with bunch a people that been playing for a long time and way older than me. I started playing with them about 2 years ago from my uncle that plays with them. When joining them, I had a decent forehand and need much improved backhand and serves (now, I am better due to better technique, practice, and equipped). But still, when it comes to game time, playing with those older guys were never easy. Even though they play each other every week or even twice or more, the idea of loosing is just not there. At first it is all mental, I mostly lost but now it is about half of the time. And every week it is just different, you play with different partner against different opponent. How they react can just get under your skin.

The key for playing double is playing solid and that is the goal, winning comes second. The strategy always comes to who your partner and who are your opponent. Have to understand your partner as well as your opponent. Some like to play two up front or one front-one back. And when it comes to playing double, avoid the net player; go loop when pushed but needs it to be a good one. And one other thing, breathe.

Remember in game of tennis, even the mighty can lost to an inferior opponent even when already leading.
#tennis #doubles

Sony A6000

So i bought Sony a6000 few months ago for photographing daughter traditional dance at school. The camera came with retractable lens (i dont like retractable lens due to power usage etc). Comparing to my other camera Canon G15, this mirrorless camera is bigger; you need camera bag for sure, cant just dump it in the bag. (continue)

2022 update: bought a used longer lens too

Braces

Starting Jan 2nd week:
So i had lower braces (teeth) installed - at the time of writing also has quad helix expander (tell you later). The first few days wearing braces were grueling. I had saliva issue and end wire poking cheek, it was truly painful. Plus the dentist applied two molar bands for upper jaw to make way for the expander. After a week it gotten so much better, chewing better felt like jaws had adjusted. I had a ceramic type, looks better and not noticeable since they were on the lower only.

Update 4th April 2018:
Moving the premolar is very slow, it might pull the molar to the premolar. It might be a string premolar or other condition. The quad helix is not showing any major improvement, it has been almost three weeks after last adjusment and total 5 weeks installed.

Update 25th April 2018:
The premolar moved, a bit but it moved, yay. The QH showing some signs but real real real slow. No upper braces yet. Had missing band, so need to be back after a week.

Update September 2018:
Been a while, upper braces, had a tooth from lower pulled out, upper jaw further than lower now (teeth perspective); may need to take expander out (how human can get comfortable after period of time with such equipment in mouth is astounding).

Pic from 2021:

Racquet finder (at start)

So i have been looking for the ultimate tennis racquet (for me). Here is my story:

I started with my trusted Wilson Ultra 95 since junior high, used to belongs to my parent. Played it during high school and last time when I played with company I work with occasionally. The Ultra fits playing style in the 80s where many play serve and volley but this one got thicker beam but the grip size was just perfect 4 3/8 (L3). In 2013 I started playing again and this time seeking new racquet.

The racquet of choice then goes to Wilson Six One Team, a 95 inch head size with a little below 10oz unstrung. I read the review from online store and it was also racquet used by one of germany female player; racquet worthy for trying. I chose Wilson due to experience with Wilson and not going to others like Head or Babolat. I also began to notice Federer playing style because my style was so flat. I remember watching Nadal on TV few years back and recall tennis has become a muscle sport. I guess I wasnt noticing Federer yet. Plus, when I play with office they had no coach or sparring partner, just games and games, and got beaten all the time. In 2013, the office got new playing court with coach and sparring partner, that is where I tennis improved. First with forehand, then backhand, volley, and lastly serve which was a few years back still awful. Talk about the racquet, it has small sweetspot, really, so my serve suffer. But this racquet was my coach for forehand and backhand, a bit struggling to produce fast serve but manage kick serve. It is a tad heavy so I seek a lighter backup. [recent - had poly but maybe too stiff, may need to restring]

In 2014, I ordered the Wilson Six One Lite, a 102 head size but below 8oz weight. I figure good for practice. I did not realize it until I had a wrist injury that I knew that the racquet is too light, thus vibrations got into my arms. Plus, when I play single, people were easily returning my ball unlike when using the team. I tried by adding weight around 6-9g in total but still, the stiffness combined with the weight and powerful string, just not enough for the playground. In the end, this is a good racket for spin and serve, plus, I won a runnerup double with this racquet, speedy at net. I also got the same paint as Six One team. So I seek another one. [thinking of retiring this one or give to nephew]

I then ordered Prince Tour Pro 100 ESP, and here is my first experienced with extreme string pattern and just like other super spin racquet it is just not my type. Plus, I mostly played double and you need different kind of racquet. This racquet was too bouncy and in the minus side, I broke two strings without really spending much time with this one, 16 and 15L string gauge. Moreover, I never really got the feel with its shape, more of an egg rather than oval as my wife said. I later trade this one with Wilson Ultra 100 (review below).

After Federer winning another slam in early 2017, I ought to get his racquet but I chose not the signature one, but the lighter one, a Pro Staff 97, no need to mention the brand. I seriously love this racquet with grip L2 just right for a bit of wrist snap, string it with Prince Spin 16 gauge at 55. I even place two overgrip, one standard and the other thinner. The racquet has the buttery feel. I can hit flat and spin, plus my serve got that oomph maybe due to the weight. Talk about its weight, playing long enough and your shoulder can feel sore and that is where my Six One Team can jump in.

So, I bartered the Tour ESP with Wilson Ultra 100, too a swing with it and it is such a powerful racquet. Might be good for single BUT the width of the head at 25mm is just felt head heavy. 4/4/2018: the racquet is sold and no complain from the buyer maybe since the cosmetics are good.

I recently got a Prince Textreme Tour 100L, a light version, a bit heavier than SOL by an oz. It came with a string but might change it cause it might be a syn-gut and a bit tight. A multifill should be better or lower tension (might try this first). It is def a lighter side prob good for warmup or practice.

(... continue)

javajazz 2018

Went with spouse to JJF2018 on friday only. Saw Vanessa Williams, Lee Ritenour, Dionne Warwick, Jeff Lorber, Maysa Leak, Kennedy Administration, Matthew Whitaker, Harvey Mason, and others. Saw mostly international. The sound was not as expected, some mistakes here and there. Mix crowd due to old performers. Vanessa Williams blew me, she brought her own band and was awesome, worth it.

Juke

So i have been driving this juke from early 2015, it was a 2014 car so got a good bargain. Use the car to commute between jakarta and pangalengan (south of bandung) about 190km one way. Bought this car because 1) safe, 2) performance, and 3) high clearance to avoid flooding; other reason such as familiar with nissan service etc. The engine performance is better than livina because of double injection and cvt plus just notice the compression ratio is lower than livina which prone to engine rattling. Because of the mileage it is quite high now. When selecting the vehile was thinking Rush or Yaris but either has high fuel consumption, the other has low ground clearance. The minus of juke is that i dont like the 17 inch wheel and small rear cabin; cant imagine sitting in the back when there is driver.

i'm back

so i have this blog, will post later on... have so much to tell.

compact SUV

This posting is about my comparison of the new segment so called compact SUV against the previous segment and also too my current ride.

... not finished

Compact cars length comparison

Comparison by length:

• nissan march (3.78m)
• ford figo (3.79m)
• honda brio (3.6m)
• renault twingo (3.6m)
• peugeot 107 (3.4m)
• suzuki swift (3.75m)
• suzuki jimny (3.3m)