Thursday, October 13, 2022

ILTL match: ATS98 and T100-310-1 and Prince Hybrid String

 Played 3rd LITL match (not including a WO) after straight set loss previous game. We won 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. Played against a strong intermediate opponent. They have solid serves and forehands. Our win was helped by unforced errors though we had some too. We could have lost the last set but I think they lost their focus. We had a single break on the first set. The second and third had more breaks between the teams. My serve game were broken once in the 3rd set.

On racquet, warmup using both racquets but felt low power from ATS98. 1st set: first few games were using T100 but shots sprayed so change to ATS98. Court still wet thus heavier and harder balls. I close out the set. 2nd set: courts were dryer but partner lost focus sometimes. Partner game was broken twice though we took one. The ATS98 felt heavy so change racquet on the rubber set. 3rd set were all over the place. The score was 2-4 then 5-4 but partner cant close it but at 6-5 after break, we close it out at serve on the second match point.

Overall, need to test the ATS98 with a new string of old hybrid on morning outdoor play to compare with WUT. The T100 were definitely helped winning the last set, easy to strike and spin especially against heavy spin balls. It gave good power just by returning the heavy topspin ball. The plow through and spin was at best.




Programming: macro excel

Made a program in excel using macro (visual basic) to iterate through players list (and opponents) against matches table.

The goal is to fill players matrix to see head to head (like below)


The pseudocode looks like below:

> loop through players list in sheet "matrix" 

>> loop through opponent list in sheet "matrix"

>>> loop through matches in sheet "matches"

>>>> if found matches between them mark "W" in "matrix" sheet


The macro in excel works unlike database query, so you have to move around the sheets and cells. Very tedious work.

=======================================================

 Sub findmatch()


    Dim p1, p2, m1, m2 As String

    Dim tc, tr, tor, toc As Integer

    Dim c1, c2, c3, c4 As Integer

    

    'get player

    

    Application.Goto Reference:=Worksheets("matrix").Range("B3")

    p1 = ActiveCell.Value

    c1 = 0

        

    While p1 <> ""

        

        p1 = ActiveCell.Value

        

        MsgBox p1

                

        'get opponent

        

        Cells(2, 3).Activate

        p2 = ActiveCell.Value

                

        While p2 <> ""

        

            'MsgBox p1 + " vs " + p2

        

            'do work

            Application.Goto Reference:=Worksheets("matches").Range("C4")

            c3 = 0

            

            m1 = ActiveCell.Value

            

            While m1 <> ""

            

                'MsgBox m1

                        

                If p1 = m1 Then

                

                    'MsgBox m1

                

                    ActiveCell.Offset(0, 1).Select

                    c3 = c3 + 1

                    m2 = ActiveCell.Value

                    

                    'MsgBox p1 + " vs " + p2 + " CHECK " + m1 + " : " + m2

                                        

                    If p2 = m2 Then

                    

                        'MsgBox m2

                        'MsgBox c1

                        'MsgBox c2

                        Application.Goto Reference:=Worksheets("matrix").Range("b3")

                        ActiveCell.Offset(c1, c2 + 1).Select

                        ActiveCell = "W"

                        

                        Application.Goto Reference:=Worksheets("matches").Range("C4")

                        ActiveCell.Offset(c3, 0).Select

                        

                    End If

                    

                    'return to winner col

                    ActiveCell.Offset(0, -1).Select

                

                End If

                        

                'next row

                ActiveCell.Offset(1, 0).Select

                m1 = ActiveCell.Value

                            

            Wend

            

            Application.Goto Reference:=Worksheets("matrix").Range("C2")

            c2 = c2 + 1

            ActiveCell.Offset(0, c2).Select

            p2 = ActiveCell.Value

        

        Wend

        

        c1 = c1 + 1

        c2 = 0

        

        Application.Goto Reference:=Worksheets("matrix").Range("B3")

        

        ActiveCell.Offset(c1, 0).Select

    

    Wend


End Sub


Monday, October 10, 2022

Weekend update 2nd week Oct: CX18, WUT and T100-2

 Played 2 times this weekend, no league match.

On Friday because only 3 person showed up, played single vs double. First set double vs single, won 6-4. Then second set single vs double, won 6-3 after leading 5-1. I was using the T100-2, easier on the slick indoor service because the CX18 hits lower and lower while T100-2 easy power and spin. 

On Sunday, played 4 doubles set. First 3 set using WUT with every set against a heavy hitter opponent: 1-6, 6-0, 6-4, 3-6. 1st, 2nd, and 4th set playing with my uncle, we played well. The last set was using T100-2 but the control on the outdoor court were not as good as using WUT but T100 plays easier on flatter ball.

The WUT was leaded up with total 3 grams with each on 9, 12, and 3.

Also cut out the hyper g soft on the ATS 98, the string was holding no tension at cross but main still holding.




Monday, October 03, 2022

Weekend update Oct 1st weekend: Ultra Tour

Played tennis on Sunday, need to dry up the court before playing. The second time with WUT with syngut 17g. First set win 8-6 then 6-8 loss. Partnering with skillful but a bit disabled leg and borrowed my T100 racquet. The partner got tired on the second set after leading 5-3. String on the borrowed T100 did not move at all meaning either partner did not really produce topspin or hit cleanly in the middle.

WUT feels great, a control frame, pretty low powered. Slight wrist pain though, wonder if I need to string lower or just wait for it to soften up.

On Tuesday, played singles with WUT, tight loss 6-7 (7-4) against long time opponent using Speed Pro. The WUT definitely needs lead and see how it works on the backhand. It was felt like a slightly bigger headsize CX 200 Tour. Not comfortable enough for a one handed backhand amid the low launch angle. A good result for me because the opponent spends most of his time on the court. 

Next is to put hybrid in T100 and sygut at ATS98 and compare WUT with them.



Thursday, September 29, 2022

ILTL doubles match 2nd: WUT

Played our second league doubles match, a loss 3-6, 2-6. No break point won by us and partner serve got broken. The court was a bit wet after the rain. The opponents were pretty consistent and their net player pretty much holding it. It was a pretty fast match with not a lot of rallies.

I played with freshly strung Ultra Tour with gamma syngut 17g at 50lbs. On a 18x20 string pattern the string felt tight compare with 52 on 16x18 textreme tour. Overall on UT, just a really nice racquet. On par with T100 and ATS98. No need for lead.




Thursday, September 15, 2022

ILTL doubles match 1, sept 2022: T100

 Played first doubles match in ILTL, a night match. Played with T100-1, the strings moved a lot even though a week old strung. I wonder if this racquet made for poly or hybrid. I might just need to string at higher tension.

The match itself ended 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. A lot of errors in the first set. The opponent strategy is one hogging up the net. They played well at the net, blocking forehands. In 2nd and 3rd set started playing high looping balls targeting the baseline player. The opponents were also played good defense but with one player back can be tiresome.

My partner, Firhan, is a striker type of player with tendency to shoot for winner. Got a fast serve but can be inconsistent. He also like to aim the net player from the baseline. Have a great topspin forehand with that bab pure aero.

Overall, way to finish strong and start the league.


Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Weekend update September 2nd week: Ultra Tour dan Tour 100

Tried the Ultra Tour last Friday with the string that it came, yonex poly. The string felt harsh but the racquet felt great, could not put it down. Same string used by Genie as advertised. A win and two losses albeit one of them was tight loss. Definitely will try again with different string most likely the same as in CX 200 Tour to compare them.

Play again on Saturday using Textreme Tour 100, two tight lost at 5-6 against better matchups but could easily won with better focus and luck. The T100 was newly strung with gamma white syngut at 50lbs.


Thursday, September 08, 2022

Wilson Ultra Tour v2

Cant believe I got this racquet in a good condition for about USD 100. The weight was 321 strung with yonex poly 1.25mm. 

Compare the 18x20 string pattern with other racquet of same pattern: MG Rad MP is about the same, CX 200 Tour is more open, Bio F3.0 Tour is bit more open on cross, AG 300 4D Tour is more open on cross, Hot Melt 200G is tighter on central main. The paint compare to other is way too simple than others.

The current string is yonex poly tour 125 at 55lbs, a popular among pros. 



Monday, September 05, 2022

Weekend update: sept 1st week: ATS, TT, CX18

Played tennis in 3 days. 

Friday indoor: 3 sets with different partners, all comfortable win using ATS98, it just performs well in indoor setting. 1st set with Firhan, playing solid. 3rd set win with same partner when losing bad 2 weeks ago. Played mostly with ATS98. Strung CX18 with syngut 17g at 50lbs, felt tight.

Saturday, a housing complex tournament: played 2sets. 1st set with a girl against strong opponents, not a good bet, using ATS98. 2nd set with strong beg/inter against weaker players, bagel them using T100-2. Got 3rd prized.

Sunday: played 3 sets. 1st and 2nd set with same partner and opponents: 2-6 and then winning 6-3. The opponent were par, have to stay in focus. 1st set with T100-2 and then with CX18. 3rd set with CX18 against stronger opponent. The CX18 on serve was spot on, hitting the Ts or corner.





Sunday, August 21, 2022

Weekend update mid Aug 2022: ATS98, T100

 Played once before sick and twice after. Played twice indoor and once outdoor mostly with ATS 98 and T100. First time using ATS98 in indoor and fits me well though my biggest complain was with the low power from Hyper G Soft 18 installed. My soft T100 string have went loose (gamma syn-gut 16 at 50lbs) will try at higher tension next time (52-53). But my overall impression with this HyG Soft is good, it bites good and soft. Interesting to try it on T100.

Monday, August 01, 2022

Weekend update last weekend Jul 2022: ATS 98, CX16, T100

 Played tennis on Saturday and Sunday, not Friday due to futsal match.

Bought a mint ATS 98 on Thursday, after someone contacted me from TW forum discussing the 98. It just got restrung with Hyper G soft 18 at 53-52lbs. 

Played with the A98 on Saturday but felt too head heavy, though got a win (6-3) and then loss (3-6). String was soft, biting, and low powered. Then opted for CX16 playing heavy hitters and sometime felt too soft (first time feeling that) with a beg-inter player 6-1, 6-1, 2-6.

Played with A98 again on Sunday, replaced the original grip with leather grip, felt less headheavy. Won the first set against better player (6-5), then loss (0-6) with weaker partner. After that was playing fun games lost both 5-6 and 6-3 with beg-inter partner.

Compare with CX16 and T100, A98 played like in between and very manageable backhand. Tried backhand with T100 but still to spinny or powerful. Weight of the A98 was 336 grams and T100 at 343 grams. CX16-18, A98, and T100 are good racquets for rallying from the baseline. The string just moved a lot with T100. Overall, A98 scored high with no need for customization for now and just felt low powered maybe due to the string.

Noticed how Fed strikes the ball on the forehand with lower arm rotation and wrist movement to generate the topspin.




Sunday, July 24, 2022

Weekend update Jul 4th week: CX 200 Tour 16x19 and Textreme 100 310

 Only played tennis on Sunday, 3 sets 6-2, 3-6, 5-6. The first 2 sets were against same opponent and played with CX 200 T 16x19. Before playing, I was hitting with it and tried a technique based on video from tennisnerd, link below. The technique for the backhand really helped with to gain confidence and also helped my forehand. The technique to get around the ball by the tip of the racquet. It works well with CX 200 T but not so much with T 100-310 because of power difference between the two. I have now added a gram of lead to the T 100 310 tips.

Played also basketball for company internal tournament this week with 2 wins and futsal with 1 win.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJiv3WLbkHk 



Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Weekend update, July 2nd week: Textreme 100 310 and CX 200 T 18x20

 Played on Friday and Sunday for total of 4 sets, two sets on each day.

On Friday, played first set with CX200T 18x20, won 7-3, the racquet played easier to control despite low power compare to other racquet that I brought, T100-310-1. The second set was annoyed by the drip of water and loss 4-7 after leading 4-3.

On Sunday, played both sets with T100-2 with a win 6-2 and then lost 4-6. We could have won it but lost focus on a fun play.

That CX200T-18x20 def needs a restring.

Also listened to podcast by TW about the new Prince ATS racquets. The 95 similar with CX 200 Tour, 98 similar with Pro Staff or TFight 305, T100-310 similar with Speed MP. Comparing the score, the 95 lower than CX 200 Tour with T100-310 being the highest score between them.


Sunday, July 10, 2022

Singapore, Friday T100 vs CX18T

 Went to Singapore last week just for one night. Rode the subway around 10pm and still a lot of people, from Somerset to Farrer Place. The prices in Spore are essentially the same as in Jakarta.

Played 2 sets of tennis on Friday. First set win 7-6 playing with T100-2. Closing the set at holding serve.

Second set win 7-5 changing to CX200T-18 at 4-4. The control with CX200 were much better, I can swing freely. The racquet still has the 17g babolat s-gut string.  

The T100-2 and CX200T-18 swapped leather grip and for the better. Tourna leather grip is thinner than Artengo's.



Monday, July 04, 2022

KBI Tenis Tournament Jun 2022

 So, in June 25, I participated in tennis tournament. It was a one-day tournament. The tournament is Davis cup ala playoff group. There were 4 groups and I captained one of them. Mostly were beginners or early intermediates. My team (B) consists of (1)me, (2)Abi, (3)Ferdian, (4)Laras, (5)Reno, and (6)Rafa. The team member was picked based on strongest to weakest. Played both games with T100-2.

My target was to get some win for the teams, so here was my strategy:

- original pairing was 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. However, player 2 and 3 knew each other so I pair them up and then me with player 4. 

- strongest pair to play first to get win early.

The first group game with me and Laras played against team D player Eric (2) and Bey (3). The pairings were pretty closed and started 2-2. I served first to get some games early on. I knew the opponents would strike my partner and I had to close the nets. The set ended with 6-4. The second pair won and we are through to final.

The final was against group C. We played the same pairs. Me and Laras played against Ari (5) and Evan (6), they were pretty well matched up. The opponent had a long game in the first match. Halfway down the sets they started to pick on my partner in which I had to close down the nets. We had two deciding points served up by opponents after two deuces. We started 5-1 before opponent tactics to pick on my partner. We won the sets 6-3. The second pair also won and we won the tournament.

In the end, the opponent teams set up the captain to play last but we had different strategi and worked.




Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Foot Fault - FF

 Every week I played against people who has advantage because he took steps during service motion. I believed he had advantage by doing that extra movements but not the others. 

Today I saw a post on IG of a player moving when serving clearly jumping sideways and told that person who reposted (a tennis league admin) and had an argument over it. I said that the ITF rule stated that the person need to be at rest and then can only have slight movement. He disagree with me. Before I raised about the movement he said he knew tennis and foot fault is only when crossing the line. I guess many people does not realize about this rule.

This foot fault argument toward players can be pretty heated, stars got angry being called FF. 

So searched about it and the most does not explain about the "at rest" and "walking" however the USTA clearly stated as below in 2017 interpretations:

https://www.usta.com/content/dam/usta/pdfs/20170502_USTAOfficiatingScenariosand%20Interpretations_2017.pdf



Sunday, June 19, 2022

Weekend update MW100 and T100-2 - June 3rd week

 Played 3 doubles sets on Friday and 2 doubles sets on Sunday. The scores on Friday was 7-3, 3-7, and 8-7 (tie break 3-7). The 1st set was against long time no see opponent, I was using the MW 100. The serve and volley were easy with good power but the spin and control not as good as the T100.

On Sunday, the scores were 7-6 (tie break 7-0) and 8-3 (from leading 6-1). The second set closing were tough but we got lucky in the end scoring from lobs.

The defense was better using T100 as I can produce topspin lob from the back.



Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Weekend update CX18 and TT100-2

 Played 5 sets of doubles tennis over 2 days: Friday 7-5, 3-7, 3-7 and Sunday 3-6, 5-7. Got only 1 win due to partner selection. The single win was when using CX 200 Tour 18x20, the racquet felt heavy but the ball seems heavier.

Bought new tennis backpack from Decathlon (picture below). Compare to the Tecnifibre, it is smaller since it has no shoe pocket.




Monday, June 06, 2022

Started in 2013

 I started to play tennis again in 2013 starting from watching a match on TV, guess who? Genie Bouchard, in 2013 and then I bought a book in Bandung. After that, watching Fed in YT and the rest is history. Fed, used Pro Staff 90 and then RF97.

Prior to 2013 with my office, I attend one practice but no practice partner and plus I played futsal on the same day of the week. I also entered the oil and gas tennis tournament, played 2 pro sets matched and almost got bagel-ed. And when the tennis practice day was changed, I joined. 

Genie on the other hand has used various racquets depending on the endorsement. Here are probably the list of the racquets she used:

Year Brand Type String
2011 Wilson
Blade Pink
XL(?)
18x20
2012 Wilson
Steam 100 paint
PWS
16x20
2013-2015 Babolat Pure Aero Drive 16x19
2016-2017 Babolat Pure Aero 16x19
2018 Babolat Pure Drive 16x19
2018-2022 Yonex Vcore 16x19
Year Brand Type String

Thursday, June 02, 2022

Jun 1-5, 2022 doubles

 Played two doubles sets on 1st Jun, a national holiday, brought both T100. First set loss 3-6 to a stronger way younger opponent then another loss 4-6 doubling with not so strong partner but we managed to get 4 games. When playing with not so strong partner, I tend to make him comfortable with just playing to gain confidence and to be more consistent. First set playing with T100-2 and then T100-1, found no significant difference between the two.

Three doubles sets on Friday night, 5-7, 5-7, 8-6 with T100-1 against stronger or similar opponents. All close games with 5-5 ties and 6-6 on the last set before closing it down. Partner said that he couldn't hit decent forehand thus the more than the usual unforced error. Brought also the F3T just for warming up. Felt very tired the day after.

Two sets on Sunday, another hard fought with a stronger way younger opponent, 4-6 and 7-5. Played with T100-2 with newer and thicker string. Partnered first set with my 70 year old uncle and then with younger one. Both were tied sets. 




Sunday, May 29, 2022

2nd TT 100-310

 So I have two TT100-310 now. Have not modified the 2nd one except stringing it. Had a singles game on Friday and tried hit it with against a Pure Aero opponents and just not heavy enough so back to using the 1st racquet. The 2 sets match ended 6(2)-7 and 6-4. The balls we used were 2 sessions old and they might affect our games. Started with rallying strategy but not working and then had to shorten the rally. At home, I then customized the 2nd racquet, add Artengo leather grip and with overgrip weights at 342 grams compare with 340 grams of the 1st racquet, heavier due to thicker string or bigger size 3 grip. Also, was using new shoes Artengo orange in 44, feels better then the blue size 43.

Played doubles on Sunday, a comfortable win 8-2 and lost 4-6 against a good and way younger opponent. The newly customized TT100-2 (2nd one) with 16g string felt same as the 1st racquet now. Felt soft and controlled and yet powerful spin friendly.

Btw, the 2nd racquet had a buzzing sound coming from inside handle, can ignore it when at match. The heavier now with leather grip may lessen it a bit. Read from TT forum and some racquets do can develop the buzzing maybe due to loosen graphite and handle separator. Thought it was a crack but couldnt find any physical mark.

The new TT100 have new white cosmetics but I am liking this old one especially with the textreme fibers pattern on the throat.


Monday, May 16, 2022

Tennis update May 2nd week 2022 and PIM 3

 Played on Friday and Sunday mostly with Textreme Tour 310 and comparing it with F3.0 Tour. The T310 string is due to change but I will play until it breaks. For hitting out not ideal but for game play, very spin friendly and powerful. Tried to play with F3.0T but balls sail long because 1) not spin enough 2) with regular grip add power and could not produce spin. Total sets 4 win, 2 loss. Losses due to stronger opponent or weak partner.

 Went also to PIM 3, stayed in a hotel in PIM 2. PIM 3 was crowded, wait long for food. The hotel overall was very good. We lost our shoe bag with sandals in it but was found and returned, thats a plus. Compare with hotel at Gandaria mall, about the same except for the pool at Gandaria that we have not tried.


Monday, May 09, 2022

Lebaran and tennis weekend update, May 1st week 2022

 Last week was lebaran week and played 3 times. Singles with score 4-6, 4-1; doubles (2 days) 6-5, 1-6, 4-6, 3-3. Aside from PS97 on 6-5 win, the rest was using TT310. The interesting take were strategies when playing singles: 1) standing cross court, 2) leaning on 2nd serve. The second strategy was implemented in doubles but beware of the net player. Take away: might need to restring the current TT310. Compare with PS97, the PS97 did produced erratic high balls compare to TT310 which are very spin friendly with some balls ended up in net or short.

We also had lebaran trip to Bogor area for glamping at Pondok Rasamala. We had lunch at Langit Teduh resort and the to the glamping area. The road to glamping via Jalan Gunung Bunder were bad, inside the forest area. We had great time camping. First time for the kids to sleep in a tent though not complete darkness. Then stayed a night in Bogor to explore Kebun Raya. Kebun Raya entrance was organized and there were a lot of people there during lunch time. Overall the Park was in good condition with some areas not maintained well. Went to the zoology museum as well.

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Weekend update 3rd weekend April 2022 - TT310

 Have not played tennis for 2 weeks amid fasting month. Played on Sunday starting around 4pm, 3 sets doubles, using TT310, the control and spin was good and better stability. Slide the strings from the notches plus added 2g of lead on 3 and 9. The sets were 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. The first set was playing against a solid hard hitting junior. In addition, tried returning method from Moratoglu video and was better from leaning to produce the topspin. 

Below is picture of string notches.



Sunday, April 10, 2022

Weekend update 1st week April 2022: T100-310

Played once on Friday, indoor for 2 sets tight loss and win: 6-7 and 7-6(6). Both using T100-310. Trailing on both sets: 3-6 and 4-6. Second set played against senior heavy hitter. T100-310 felt a bit unstable against heavy balls, cannot return it hard. Is it due from the string or head light? Anyway, I add 2 gram of lead at 3 and 9 and see how it performs (below pic of tennisnerd adding lead). I try to play this string until it breaks.

About the holo sticker on the prince racquet, turns out the new ones got smaller sticker compare with the one on my other prince racquets, like the one below.



Tuesday, April 05, 2022

PS97 and T100-310

I thought that they play similar; PS97 and Tour 100-310. Lets compare their specs side by side by TW below, similar swing weight and balance (and slightly different head shape):

I thought the PS97 has low-med power especially on serve. They both have similar plow through.

* added Pro Staff 100 and Speed MP 2022 that I have not tried

PS97 T100-310 PS100* Speed MP*
head size (sq in) 97 100 100 100
weight (gr-unstrung) 315 310 305 300
string pattern 16x19 16x18 16x19 16x19
length (in) 27 27 27 27
swing weight 321 322 323 323
stiffness 66 65 64 62
beam width 21.5 22/23/20 22.5 23/23/23
balance (strung) 7 HL
32cm
7 HL
31.9cm
5 HL
32.5cm
4 HL
33cm
power level low-med low-med  low-med  low-med
customization  leather grip   leather grip  n/a n/a




Monday, April 04, 2022

Weekend update of last March 2022 and Ramadan

 Played once on Friday, just 4 players came out. We played three games where I won all with 2 different player. Played 1st and 3rd set with T100 and 2nd with AG3. They feel the same for me just grip wise the T100 felt smaller. On serve, I had a bit different take, stretching the left arm seems help to generate spin after watching Nial played with us, his served reminded me of Sampras.

So Ramadan is here, always reminded me time when I was working at a geothermal powerplant site. Waking up on cold nights with cold food waiting. Camp was empty because most people opted to break fasting at their home. I usually walk down crossing tea plantation from the power plant to the camp around 4 pm and took a rest waiting for break fast. I also usually spent Sunday night in Lembang avoid long drowsy drive from Jakarta. The past two Ramadhans where quiet fast due to pandemic where mostly spent working from home.



 

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Weekend update Mar 25-27 2022: AG3, MW100, T310

 Played on Friday with an old friend, Nial, a jazz pianist, joining though we never played before but saw his post entered a tournament. He played so well that I thought about taping him next time. I brought  AG3 and MW100. Won first set with AG3 and then MW100 due to new balls. Won also the second set partnering with Nial. Loss the tight third set 6-7 partnering with Nial. The MW100 was too soft when playing against hard hitting ball. I noticed Nial brought like 5 old racquets including a Hammer or Profile. 

On Sunday, played 2 sets. Winning the first with strong partner, Rizki, a teenager, against not too bad opponents with the T310. Brought along the F3T but needed those spins for more secure play. Retired the 2nd set due to ankle sprain at 4-5 against the teenager and his partner.

Bought a second used T310 and cut the string, was a Weiss Cannon yellow (no marking) and the string has no tension left barely passing a string gap. Noticed the holo sticker was smaller then the other prince racquet. It might be a japanese version or newer version. The unstrung weight was measured at 310 grams with original grip. 






Sunday, March 20, 2022

Weekend update 3rd week Mar 2022: CX16, AG3, T100

 Played 3 times this week: singles, and twice doubles. Used the CX16 for singles but the result were not as good, maybe from using old balls. On Friday played doubles using AG3 with old balls on indoor and outdoor courts. The new AG3 setup with leather grip definitely helps the balance, less power and better control: won 3 times even when playing with better opponent in the last set. 

On Sunday outdoor playing doubles was using T100 with new balls. The control, power, and spin were there. Won a hard fought set and a good old set partnering with my very senior uncle where he blasted drives and lobs. 

Decathlon had restocked leather grips but the price increased by more than 10% from before IDR 130k to now IDR 150k; still lower than other leather grips at more than IDR 200k. I bought two.

Below: pic of T Fritz who just beaten Nadal at Indian Wells 2022 using Head IG Radical MP with specs as below



Sunday, March 13, 2022

Weekend update Mar 2022 - MW100, AG3, and TT100 - Decathlon leather grip

 On friday played 3 sets doubles using MW100. The MW100 flex were noticeable. Serves were great but the volley a bit off on tap ins. A little wrist pain may be from off center hits.

On Sunday played 3 sets doubles also, 1st set using AG3 customized with leather grip now. The old tfibre string felt slippery, cant produce spin easily. 2nd and 3rd set using TT100 and the control were better. Thinking of changing the AG3 string to syngut 17g at 50lbs but afraid triggering the pinky pain. A slight wrist pain from using TT100 maybe because it needs a good spin to control its power.

By the way, I used to buy leather grip from Decathlon but not they ran out of them, the price is IDR 130k. However, people had been buying them and reselling online for over that price. I hate reseller that jacked up the price.



Sunday, March 06, 2022

Bandung trip end Feb 2022

Went to Bandung for the end of Feb 2022 long weekend. Drove the Juke due to Bandung odd-even plate for incoming cars. Usually we drove with Terios because it has bigger space for stuff. We stayed in Bandung for 2 night in a nice hotel. Leaved at 1pm and arrived around 4pm and decided to rest in the room and had dinner later on. On the second day, the pool was out of service because of badly maintenance to restore the water pH. We decided to explore the city: went to Braga street and Asia-Africa Conference museum, and then to Saung Udjo for musical experience, and last to a restaurant overlooking Bandung. The last day, we swam in the morning, checkout then had lunch in rijstafel restaurant and then to a tourist favorite food store, then head home.



Sunday, February 20, 2022

TT100-310 and PS97

Recently bought a secondhand Textreme Tour 100-310 and strung it up with gamma syn-gut 17g at 50lbs last Friday (Feb 2022). Hit with it and could not put it down, played  two sets 7-6 and 8-9. The racquet is very spin friendly and low-med power, I can swing it out but needed to spin it else will flew. It felt like a softer PS97. The string movement was crazy, either next time string it with 16g or tighter tension. The racquet weight was 316 unstrung and no overgrip.  

On Sunday, played singles with a higher ranking player, most of the time lose to this player. Bought my PS97 and nothing else. The mini set result was 0-3, 0-3, 1-3, and 3-2 (a mini set point at 2-1). After 3 lost, won the last mini set. The PS97 strung with old soft 16g tfibre at 50lbs. The string moved but not as much as in TT100.

Weight them players racquet up and here are their weight: PS97 345g, TT100 338g, CX16 334g, CX18 332g. All have leather grips and overgrip. The PS97 starts at 315g without leather grip and 16g string. The CXs have Tourna leather grip, probably thinner than others though added 3g lead, and different 17g string (CX16 gamma syngut and CX18 babolat syngut).

Sunday, February 06, 2022

RadMP, CX16, MW100, CX18 - Feb 2022

 Played twice this week (week 1). On Friday was using RadMP for the first 2 sets, tight loss on the second one. Then last one using MW100 won comfortably amid tired opponent. Tried the RadMP with leather grip and felt the control better but quite heavy on the static side. On Sunday, played 3 sets. First was a win with CX200-16. Lost later sets with MW100. The MW100 produce easy serves and overhead, but the control was way off compare to CX200-16. 

Also played on Monday after for singles game, brought CX18 and RadMP. The CX18 had 1+ year old string and did not responded well. Switched to RadMP after game score 1-1. First set loss 6-8. Then had 10 point tie break, winning 11-9 after trailing 6-9. RadMP performed well on singles, good control and power. A bit tired on regular sets amid serving.

On Week-2, Friday, played 4 sets. First set win by quiet a margin (7-1) using RadMP and MW100, second set win (7-4) using RadMP, 3rd set loss using MW100 (4-7) after trailing 6-0, and 4th set loss (4-7) using MW100. MW100 felt softer than RadMP probably because of the string pattern. Bought Textreme Tour 100 310 and will prep it for next time.  

Summary:

- MG Rad MP is truly a players racquet, no need for lead just leather grip to compensate the power from its balance.





Wednesday, February 02, 2022

Bandung & Lembang trip

 We decided to take a trip to Bandung, we departed from Jakarta on Saturday. We had lunch in Bandung and then went to Lembang. We took a new route to Lembang via punclut from Cieumbuluit, first time driving there. I had driven using other small route via Dago Pakar. I figure the road couldnt be as steep but I was wrong. After punclut road, there was a stretch of long steep climb. The car temperature rose but then stabilized after the climb. I then bough demin water to fill the reservoir tank and turns out it was empty. I fill it up and went back to the road on Sunday to a nearby small park and zoo. I check it again and the tank was empty again. We then decided to head home and I bought coolant refill. On Monday, while kids attended online class and spouse worked from home. I drove the car for services and checked the radiator. The radiator had leaks and due for repair while performing periodic maintenance. I then spent the morning at coffee shop and then at a lunch place. The radiator was fixed but them the radiator cover leaked. The car had to spent another day at the workshop. The car is fine now and thanks to parents for sending a car over with driver.