Very nice grip. Tacky and soft. There is more than enough to do your handle. If you like it to be thicker there is enough length to wrap. I have had other grips where you have to experiment on your grip wrapping due to the tape not being long enough to reach the end.
First impressions of this racquet are great. My Racquet fully dressed came in at 160 grams with a balance of 360mm. The fit and finish on the racquet is very nice. It gives you confidence that the entire racquet was built well.
Racquet face is wider and shorter than previous Eye and Dunlops I have had.
Has a nice large handle and the grip is very nice. I had prepared to replace immediately with Karakal super grip but I will be using the factory grip until it wears out.
String job looks very nice. Tecnifibre 305 is a great string.
So if you like a traditional style racquet and use the tecnifibre 305 string, you should seriously consider this racquet. For me, it is perfect right out of the bag.
This particular eye racquet feels very nice. To me it feels like a very well rounded piece. Good power, good control, not too heavy, not too light. If you are looking for a racquet that is not in the extremes, this racquet is well worth looking at.
Factory strings were not the greatest. I might have got a bad factory job though. Much better with 305.
Plus its Shabana, so just buy it. Everyone will be jealous.
Eye V.Lite 145 Power – First Impressions
The Eye racquets have intrigued me for quite a while. Quite a few pro’s are playing them now and the cosmetics/design have been very forward thinking. The lack of bumper has freaked me out but perhaps they are constructing them stronger in the head and so a bumper is redundant, time will tell.
Cosmetics:
Very sharp design in black, red, and white.
Performance:
Pros:
+ Slightly heavier at 145 grams but a head light balance makes it easy to swing. Great power with minimal effort.
+ Uses a double main string pattern (2 strings out of the main string holes) that softens the string bed and increases the trampoline effect.
Cons
– Would like the frame to be a little wider at the bottom, feels a bit tapered but easily get used to as you play more.
- Could be better strung from the factory.
Overall a great racquet for players who love the power. Made for players with short swings and slow to medium swing speed.
Prince Pro Phantom 950: First Impressions
First impressions:
Cosmetics – Very blue in a cool sort of way.
Performance:
Pros:
+ Very head heavy balance that plows through the ball. If you like to blast the ball the 950 is the highest power level.
+ Small grip size which is good for small hands. I like to put one overgrip over to help suit my medium hand size better.
+ Very stable on off center hit shots.
+ Very quiet hit off the string bed and low vibration transmitted.
Cons:
– Made that “Speedport” sound when hitting the ball. The strings are moving back and through the ball to rebound off the string bed and make a “whump” sound. Not bad, just noticeable.
Overall: Great racquet for a player who likes to hit with power and has a small swing arc and a slow-medium swing speed.
Prince Pro Airstick 550 Lite 2017/18
I have played with the same model from last year. Loved it but they did break… This years model are supposed to be more durable.
Cosmetics: Same sharp graphics as last year.
Performance:
Pros
+ A bit more head heavy which makes the frame much more stable and plows through the ball easier.
+ One of the largest sweetspots in any racquet on the market. Power ring design does increase sweetspot size.
+ I prefer this non-speedport design which makes the string bed not as bouncy and more consistent.
+ Smaller handle size fits smaller hands, needs an overgrip + for medium sized hands and up.
Cons
– Not as maneuverable as last years model but the trade off seems worth it to me.
- Adding an overgrip will change the balance slightly to more head light and thus more maneuverable.2020 - the durability in this model was defiintely better than previous model.
Overall: Great all around racquet with a nice blend of power and control aimed at players with a medium swing.
Victor AS3W-FG: First Impressions
Cosmetic: Vibrant colors and modern looking. Good contruction.
Performance:
Pros
+ truly wider fitting as advertised
+ softer cushion and feel. Flexible midsole.
+ rounded sole edges to help prevent rollover
+ sticky gum rubber outsole, great traction.
Cons:
– flexible midsole, not very supportive if you need that.
Overall: A good shoe for the player looking for a nimble, lightweight shoe that feels like a slipper. Could use a bit more support for older feet 🙂.
Reminds me of the Prince NFS II models from way back in terms of fit and feel.
Eye X.Lite 120 Control Amr Shabana 2020 – First Impression
Cosmetic: New colors. logo and quality finish.
Pros:
+ elongated main strings promote a good sized sweetspot, 500 sq cm headsize.
+ a slight flex to the frame to allow a bit more feel on the ball, as well as provide some elasticity to generate power.
+ Eye cushion grip is a good combination of sweat absorption and tack.
+ The racquet Amr Shabana endorses, it must be great!
Cons:
– the eye x.lite 120 control does not have a bumper which Eye feels is redundant and not truly helpful to protect against breakage.
- Could be better strung from the factory.
Overall: For the player who has a full swing and is looking for lightness to volley and for deception. Good combination of power and control.
Eye V.Lite 125 Control Mazen Hesham (the Black Falcon) – First Impression
Cosmetic: Eye catching color combination. Quality gloss finish.
Performance:
Pros:
+ Generous sized sweetspot, even though headsize is midplus (477 sq cm). Due in large part to the stringing pattern (2 shared main strings out of the main string holes, leading to a fan pattern).
+ quick and maneuverable because of the 125 gram weight and head light balance.
+ Eye cushion grip that offers up a good combo of tack and absorption.
Cons:
– no bumper which Eye says is redundant in preventing breakage. The jury is still out on this. If you have played with Eye and have experience with the durability we would love to hear from you.
– slightly tapered in the throat which makes it feel like a smaller headsize.
- Could be better strung from the factory.
Overall: The Eye v.lite 125 control is for the player who likes a fast, lighter weight racquet that can generate power from a fast swing, very similar to Mazen Hesham.
Gearbox Prism Backpack – First Impressions
+ Phenomenal bag for the person looking for lots of storage and pockets to organize your gear.
+ Good quality zippers and materials for years of service. Upgraded zippers this year.
+ Padded shoulder straps and anatomical for great fit - Upgraded.
+ Store 2-3 squash/tennis racquets in it’s own pocket or 2-3 pickleball paddles.
– The only downside may be that it is too big and too many pockets, not a bad problem to have 🙂
Racquet Science - Impressions
The RAD overgrip is slightly thicker than the current overgrips on the market like the Yonex Supergrap or Wilson Pro. This isn’t a bad thing if you don’t mind a thicker grip. It also gives you a bit more material to absorb sweat. Good tackiness as well.
Grip performance is determined by how much you sweat and what is in your sweat. Trial and error is the only way to truly find the grip that is best suited for you. Good luck.
Cosmetic: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally I am not a huge fan of the color combo (it’s ok) but it is what is inside that counts 🙂
Performance:
Cons
+ Might be the best bag on the market in terms of usable pockets, construction, and functionality (IMO).
3 large pockets the entire bag length – 1 for rkts, 1 for clothes, and 1 for whatever else. 2 are vented.
2 zippered side pockets – great for accessories, sweatbands, etc
1 end zippered pocket for shoes, wet clothes, other smelly stuff. Vented.
1 soft microfiber pocket for phone or glasses.
+ Interior bag color is red. Makes finding your stuff much easier!
+ Backpack straps for easy carrying. Straps are on top of bag so they aren’t on the ground and getting dirty ++
+ Grab handle on bag end to make transport easy.
+ Pull tabs on zippers are easy to find (red again) and a good size.
+ Material is lightweight.
Cons
– As mentioned, the color… but it is growing on me.
Overall
An awesome bag from a construction/usability standpoint. Well worth it.
Color for me was why I didn’t give it 5 stars.
The new Tour Tec Bag from Unsquashable is made from lightweight materials so you aren’t carrying around added weight.
Pros:
+ Lightweight
+ Comfortable to carry – big end of bag is up on shoulders and distributes weight better.
+ Liked the grab handle on end of bag and the shoe/wet pocket the end of the bag.
+ Soft pocket for phone, wallet, etc.
+ Nice size, enough for 3 racquets and your gear.
– Would like one more pocket on other end for more shoes/wet and one zippered pocket on side for slim accessories.
– A key hook inside bag to hang keys would be nice.
Quick review from Racquet Science
The Asics Tactic 2 indoor court shoe is lightweight and well ventilated for someone looking for a fast feeling shoe.
Fit: Medium width / true to length
+ Asics Gel cushioning in heel and forefoot for good shock absorption.
+ Lightweigh trustic system in midsole to provide light-medium support through the midfoot.
+ No-sew upper, laser stitched to decrease number of seams and possible friction. Increased comfort.
+ Well ventilated for hot feet.
– Aimed at players looking for lightweight/fast, not a ton of support/stability.
Quick Review – Racquet Science
The Mantis 6 is a comfortable medium sized racquet bag with solid manufacturing and good features.
Pros
+ Durable nylon material, strong zippers and stitching for long life.
+ 2 main compartments, one with thermal protection. 1 detachable shoe/wet bag, inside zippered accessory pocket, end thermal pocket for cold drinks.
+ Comfortable carrying straps and a center carrying handle.
Cons
– the heavier material creates a slightly heavier bag but the trade off is great durability.
The Babolat Shadow Tour for 2018 is revamped from last years model with more cushioning, heel and forefoot, increased toe drag protection, and improved overall fit & feel.
Fit: True to length, medium+ width
+ Definite increased durability for toe draggers on medial side of shoe and on toe, “big blue” protection.
+ good ventilation
+ asymetric lacing for improved fit
+ comfortable ankle padding for increased fit.
+ good traction from Michelin rubber sole.
– Branding across the shoe could be more subtle (it will get noticed regardless).
– A softer flex through the midsole would make it feel more slipper like. As is, it is a bit stiff until full break -in.
Quick overview – Racquet Science
Pros:
Lightweight
Low to the ground for increased performance
Cons:
Low cushioning
Less durability than heavier shoes.
The Asics Gel Fastball 3 are proving to be a solid shoe offering from Asics.
If you are looking for light, flexible, and low to the ground responsive then this is the shoe for you.
The Fastball 3 is a little wider in the toe box compared to the Blade 6.
A laser sewn upper helps increase the comfort because of no seams to chafe or cause friction.
All in all a great lightweight shoe.
Larry
Great paddle with a nice balance of touch and power! If you prefer a traditional paddle length of 15.5 inches, this is the paddle for you! This one is made by Engage for Wilson with a fiberflex core. Never liked the original Wilson paddles because of too much power and little touch. These new generation Wilson paddles are a winner.
Outstanding service and delivery! Ordered the paddle one afternoon and was shocked to receive it at my door in North Durham the next day at noon! WOW.......now that is customer service!!!!
Thanks Larry!