Panda Power: A Racket That Can Take 40lbs. String Tension!

[visor]

Haha yes sorry I meant the same lack of graphics as the Tpro and Upro

A few pages back, Dink did mention that no Pro version of Precision is planned.

[Sketchy]

Dink hasn't told me anything yet regarding the next batch of Precisions, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't go with an unpainted frame, considering the comments he's made about it improving performance.
Less certain, is whether there will be any material changes - apart from the unpainted frames, the other defining characteristic of the UPro and TPro is that they are both slightly stiffer than their predecessors (U2 & T2). The same may or may not be true of the next Precision.

Meanwhile, I'm still eagerly anticipating the arrival of my UPros - they should be here by now

[DinkAlot]

the other defining characteristic of the UPro and TPro is that they are both slightly stiffer than their predecessors (U2 & T2). The same may or may not be true of the next Precision.

Actually the UPro and U2 are about the same in stiffness

The TPro is slightly stiffer than the T2.

Currently working on a new batch of Precisions and will probably go with the raw frame as well. Will see the difference during testing.

[Sketchy]

I must have my numbers wrong somewhere...
According to what I have written down:

U2 = 7.5~7.8
UPro = 7.0~7.5 (or 7.0~7.3?)
T2 = 8.0~8.3
TPro = 7.8~8.2

[DinkAlot]

The UPro stiffness was changed because just before production, the manufacturer (again) wanted to make sure Panda wanted to produce another ultra stiff racket like the U1. Panda thought about it and decided the U1 was too demanding and wanted to make it more user friendly. So we went back to the U2 stiffness.

Notes:
*In 0.5 increments is the minimum except the Precision which is in 0.3 increments.
*Actual: based on Panda's estimates

U1: asked for 7.0-7.5, actual: 7.0-7.2
U2: asked for 7.3-7.8, actual: 7.5-7.7
UPro: asked for 7.3-7.8, actual: 7.5-7.7

T1: asked for 7.8 - 8.2, actual: 7.8-8.0
T2: asked for 8.0 - 8.5, actual: 8.3-8.5
TPro: asked for 7.8 - 8.2, actual: TBD

Precision: asked for 8.5 - 8.8, actual: 8.6 - 8.8

So, all the rackets produced have been in the range of their respective desired stiffness.

I must have my numbers wrong somewhere...
According to what I have written down:

U2 = 7.5~7.8
UPro = 7.0~7.5 (or 7.0~7.3?)
T2 = 8.0~8.3
TPro = 7.8~8.2

[visor]

The UPro stiffness was changed because just before production, the manufacturer (again) wanted to make sure Panda wanted to produce another ultra stiff racket like the U1. Panda thought about it and decided the U1 was too demanding and wanted to make it more user friendly. So we went back to the U2 stiffness.

Notes:
*In 0.5 increments is the minimum except the Precision which is in 0.3 increments.
*Actual: based on Panda's estimates

U1: asked for 7.0-7.5, actual: 7.0-7.2
U2: asked for 7.3-7.8, actual: 7.5-7.7
UPro: asked for 7.3-7.8, actual: 7.5-7.7

T1: asked for 7.8 - 8.2, actual: 7.8-8.0
T2: asked for 8.0 - 8.5, actual: 8.3-8.5
TPro: asked for 7.8 - 8.2, actual: TBD

Precision: asked for 8.5 - 8.8, actual: 8.6 - 8.8

So, all the rackets produced have been in the range of their respective desired stiffness.

Looking at those actual ranges, if the TPro ends up at actual 8.0-8.3, then you'll have all your stiffness indices covered.

[what07]

I wonder what 6.5-7 would play like.

[cobalt]

The UPro stiffness was changed because just before production, the manufacturer (again) wanted to make sure Panda wanted to produce another ultra stiff racket like the U1. Panda thought about it and decided the U1 was too demanding and wanted to make it more user friendly. So we went back to the U2 stiffness.

Notes:
*In 0.5 increments is the minimum except the Precision which is in 0.3 increments.
*Actual: based on Panda's estimates

U1: asked for 7.0-7.5, actual: 7.0-7.2
U2: asked for 7.3-7.8, actual: 7.5-7.7
UPro: asked for 7.3-7.8, actual: 7.5-7.7

T1: asked for 7.8 - 8.2, actual: 7.8-8.0
T2: asked for 8.0 - 8.5, actual: 8.3-8.5
TPro: asked for 7.8 - 8.2, actual: TBD

Precision: asked for 8.5 - 8.8, actual: 8.6 - 8.8

So, all the rackets produced have been in the range of their respective desired stiffness.

So... the T1 was significantly stiffer than the T2?

[DinkAlot]

I wonder what 6.5-7 would play like.

Assuming 6.7ish...extremely stiff.

[DinkAlot]

So... the T1 was significantly stiffer than the T2?

It's noticeably stiffer but not a big or full step stiffer. It's about a half step stiffer if that makes any sense.

[DinkAlot]

Trivia Question: Why is this nice Yonex shirt mingling with Panda's "Darth Maul" (red ZM67 PT and red RKEP Ultimate) Ultra Pro?

[DinkAlot]

Answer!



No, the shirt is not for sale, it's already promised to Pat/Ormy4.

Panda met up with Tony Gunawan and hit for about 30 minutes. Learned a few things but mainly if Tony lifts deep, don't waste your time smashing at him, save your strength, it's like hitting at the Great Wall of Chi...Indonesia.

A few tips from Tony to all of us:

1) You can never practice too much. Footwork, serve, return of serve, back court drops, net drops, clears, etc...

2) Fitness: be as fit as you can be. Eat healthy, get good sleep.

3) If you have a specific weakness and/or want to work on one aspect, focus on that one thing for a few weeks (or months). Don't try to focus on too many things at once because can be counterproductive.

4) Strategy. Learn all the strategy you can. If you lose, lose because your opponents are better and outplay you. Try not to beat yourself by committing errors.

Oh yes, because Panda knows a few will ask...

...Tony was using a 3U Arc Saber 10 with NBG95 at about 30lbs. Original grip removed, double layer of Super Grap for about a G4.5 grip size. His favorite racket of all-time is still the MP100 though.

...when Tony picked up the Ultra Pro he looked at the name and said, "Panda Power? Wow!" No, he didn't test the racket, no time.

...Panda didn't talk or ask too much more as he was busy getting run.

[OliverHH]

Trivia Question: Why is this nice Yonex shirt mingling with Panda's "Darth Maul" (red ZM67 PT and red RKEP Ultimate) Ultra Pro?

You cannot decide between the good and the dark side of the force?

[Avenger]

wow, panda met Tony Gunawan!
so how panda can get the shirt? pay it? or he gave it for free?

[DinkAlot]

You cannot decide between the good and the dark side of the force?

Touché! OK, you got Panda on that one.

[DinkAlot]

wow, panda met Tony Gunawan!
so how panda can get the shirt? pay it? or he gave it for free?

Soon, Panda will be seeing Tony regularly.

But more on that later, when it actually happens.

[weeyeh]

Soon, Panda will be seeing Tony regularly.

But more on that later, when it actually happens.

That's fantastic. So you guys are on a first name basis yah... :P