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