It took me over a year but I finally tracked the #1 player in Japan down for a match, Hiroshi Shimizu. He is currently ranked 80th on the USAR rankings.

http://www.usaracquetballevents.com/profil...13654&UID=13654

It is custom in Japan that you "pay" to play with a pro. So I did so willingly.

Y500 yen for 15 minutes. About $5. I wanted to pay for 30 minutes but the time slots were already full.

We played a game with points but no ending score to maximize the 15 minutes. I asked him for drive serves only because I wanted to experience the velocity and speed of returning the serve. I was aced twice on a crack out and a deep drive that boxed in the corner.

Overall I did crappy. I did not play well and I know it was because of some nerves and me overhitting 2-3 setups to my backhand.

Result was 18-4. Shimizu.

I reflect back on my play and know of how I could have increased my score to at least 8 or 9. Which tells me that there is still hope..

I'm the better looking one...



Tim



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Current Setup
Racquets: E-Force Command 170, HEAD Extreme 170. Shoes: High-tec 4sys (black/red). Eyeguards: Wilson Nvue (yellow lens). Gloves: HEAD AMP Pro, E-force Chill. Ball: Penn Pro Blue/Green

Previous Racquets
Ektelon Strobe Light, Wilson Hyper 160G, Head Ti Fire XL, Head LM 165, Head MX 175, Head AMP 175, Gearbox 250 Gold 185

 

Pretty crazy lol I know nothing about it but thats cool.

 

I'm a big fan of my Head MX 170. How do the AMP and Extreme compare?

 

The Head MX 170 is a 4pt head heavy racquet. It hits like a hammer but I've broken 2 of them in 3 months.

The Extrems is the best overall racquet in the Head lineup IMO. It's slightly head heavy but much more balanced than the MX series.

The AMP 175 is a like a you're swinging a log. I was very disappointed with this racquet and ended up selling it 2 weeks after I got it. The frame is VERY stiff and you lose the feel of the racquet.

There are many other 170-175g racquets out there that are far better than the AMP.

I'm currently using the Head Extreme and E-force Command and just purchased the Gearbox 250 black.

Try to swing the E-force Command if you get a chance. They are really, REALLY good racquets.

I've been playing racquetball for over 24 years and play A's. I'm hoping to play in the OPEN within a year.

 

My previous was an E-Force Bedlam Launch Pad 150, it was decent but I never felt very comfortable with it. I don't think I had the control it required.

24 years? I played nearly every day in highschool but never continued much, except for dabbling again a year here and there. Got 3rd in Men's Novice my one and only tournament, but otherwise just played with friends and leagues. Remember the Ektelon CBK? It was my first racquet, I thought it was cool just because of the carbon, boron and kevlar content.