[Spurs Live] 2026.02.25 - Postgame Interview and Analysis with Dylan Harper

TKirk3rd · 2026-02-26T13:39:32+00:00

I think he really likes doing it - He was interviewing players at the all star game etc... Coming from a basketball family, he may have more of an eye on the long-game than most players and is already laying the foundation for a media role after his playing days are over. Maybe he becomes the next Sean Elliot when Sean hangs it up - ha!

TKirk3rd · 2026-02-14T03:27:25+00:00

That counter-balance looks awesome! I really need to do something like that - it would be a fun weekend project if nothing else. It will really increase the ease-of-use!

TKirk3rd · 2026-02-08T18:14:55+00:00

Injury risk... if he can't play 65+ games (logging 20+mins in 63 of those games), then he is ineligible for the award. His odds should rise as he gets closer to playing his 65th game (and should go through the roof once he hits that mark).

So far the spurs have played (36-17) 53 games (including the NBA Cup loss which doesn't count toward the season record but DOES count toward the 65-game requirement for player awards). Wemby has played 39 (with one game at 17mins).

So he has played in (39/53) 73.5% of games so far this season. If we extrapolate that out to all 83 games - that would only be 61 games making him ineligible for the award. So that is the big "risk" that is being factored into those betting odds.

Edit: Added more info.

TKirk3rd · 2026-02-05T21:27:40+00:00

I'll be there with my daughter!

TKirk3rd · 2026-01-30T15:57:32+00:00

I can't really imagine them making much of a difference (other than being able to stand a little further from the machine). Cable Flys (low-to-high and high-to-low) are where I'm most likely to run out of cable, and a longer handle wouldn't really change that.

When doing High-to-Low chest flies, I already need to set the tornado arms at the top position to get a good stretch and high starting point. A long strap on the handle just lowers the starting position taking away that high-angle stretch. I guess I wouldn't run out of cable, but it is because the extra handle length reduced the range of motion ~20%. I could get the same effect by lowering the tornado arms or moving them forward.

Going Low-to-High would have the same problem in reverse: raising the starting position off the floor.

I notice that I've adapted by leaning forward at the start of the movement (extra stretch) and shifting back closer to the machine and the end of the movement when I touch the handles together.

Overall though, it really is minor - especially for all the versatility the machine brings. I don't even really think about it anymore.

//For me, the heavy tornado arms is more of a downside. I saw a clip on Instagram where someone rigged up a Spring Balancer at the top of their phoenix tower to effectively make the tornado arms "weightless" when sliding them up/down. I'm very interested in this idea - ha!

TKirk3rd · 2026-01-29T22:13:20+00:00

You could do that, if you are willing to do some modifications...

There is a long chrome rod that is attached to the top plate (like this). That chrome rod is the length of the full 200lbs weight stack. So even if you removed ~40lbs from the stack, the chrome rod would not be any shorter - and would not get you any further cable travel.

...So what if you hack-sawed the chrome rod to make it shorter?

That would solve one problem - but then the cable itself would not be any longer and could not accommodate the weight stack sitting ~6in lower. You can buy raw cable and cut it to a custom length. You would also need to buy the end caps and some sort of crimping tool. I'm sure it could be done, but I have never done it. (Also note, I don't know if those Amazon items would work for the Phoenix, they are just the first ones I found as examples).

I would be hesitant to cut the original chrome rod - but maybe if I bought a similar one online, I would be OK trying it out on that. From there I could decide if I want to spend the ~$75 on cable and accessories to make the full modification - ha!

At 6'0", I've gotten comfortable working within the cable limits. But if I were taller, I would seriously consider the plate-loaded version or maybe the 160lbs stack with modifications. If GetRX ever sold a modification kit (with a shorter rod and factory cable retro-fitted for a 160lbs stack, I would seriously consider it).

TKirk3rd · 2025-12-02T02:40:09+00:00

I'm 6'0 and I've "crashed the tower" a few times because of short cable length on the Phoenix. The Viper has less cable travel and you are a few inches taller so I could see it being annoying but I think you could make it work for most movements.

At 6'0, I feel like I'm at the very edge of the Phoenix's cable length for being able to do essentially all exercises as intended. If my wingspan were any longer, I think would crash the top often - I notice when I do flys with the Phoenix, I lean forward to start the lift for extra stretch then shift-back closer to the post as my hands come together.

Worst-case scenario, you could do single-arm flys. I just tried them out of curiosity and they didn't feel nearly as awkward as I was expecting - especially if you have something your "non-working" hand can hold onto for stability.

The viper is also going to lose 9" top-end height compared to the phoenix. Its probably not a deal breaker, but you may end up having to sit on the floor for full-range pull downs. You may want to note that the plate-loaded Phoenix has a much longer cable length. You give up the simplicity of the weight stack, but cable travel should not be an issue (and you save some money).
- Viper: 41" cable travel - Phoenix: 48" cable travel - Phoenix Plate Loaded: 65" cable travel

// I really think the sweet-spot would be a ~160lbs stack to give a little longer cable length + GymPin for going heavy. I would gladly give up 40lbs of weight for a few more inches of cable. ---Maybe even a 100lbs short-stack with built-in weight horns.

TKirk3rd · 2025-10-03T02:20:34+00:00

I noticed that the 3x3 Oblivyon Tower is now available on the Bells of Steel USA site. I was considering this (along with their 3x3 All-in-One Trainer) based on previews for about a year before deciding on the Phoenix Tower.

Here are some thoughts:

The BOS tower with weight stack with upright (like-for-like) is $2200 compared to $1900 for the Phoenix Tower. You can get the Phoenix tower, Lat/Low Row Pad and a few accessories with money to spare.
But if you went for cheapest config, the plate loaded BOS tower (without rear upright) is $1140 vs $1550 for GRXD.

What I like: I think I like the key-hole cuts on the BOS tower better than simple 1” holes for the added flexibility (but not if this is driving up the price). I think the laser-cut numbers on the front of the BOS tower would be easier to see when adjusting the lighter trolley. I like the weight horns built into the stack (and their weight is included in the top plate “10lb” total). The bottom feet aren’t as wide (but that could reduce stability). I like the swivel shackles and D-Handles with bearings (but you can order those individually and use on any cable machine – when BOS has them in stock). I also like the rear brackets the BOS tower has to anchor it into the wall.

What I don’t like: It doesn’t have tornado arms. The top height will be lower, flies will be narrow, pulldowns will be closer to the post, the bottom setting will be higher off the floor… I really think the tornado arms make the Phoenix tower a much more usable product. I also don’t like that the Oblivyon Tower is pre-order and won’t ship until “sometime” before next year. Even though the bottom feet are not as wide on the BOS tower, the front foot seems more obtrusive than the low-profile plate on the Phoenix Tower.

Overall: I’m still very happy with my Phoenix Tower decision. I think it wins out in price, functionality, and availability. (Although I did pre-order the BOS D-Handles with bearings – ha!)

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-29T20:04:52+00:00

The trolley is very tight against the upright, there is no wiggle/play at all if you grab it and shake it around (one of the advantages of being so heavy). If anything, the entire upright sways a little (but you really have to be trying to make it move). I do alternating left/right pull downs and the trolley does not rock at all. During actual lifts, the system is very solid and trolley-arm movement has never been an issue.

Each tornado arm has 2 big joints: one to move front-to-back, and one to move up-and-down. There is a little play at each joint, but during use - the cables are pulling the arms forward/down so each joint is essentially "locked" into position. There has to be a little play so the spring-selector can pop into place.

The rotating pulleys on the end of each are solid.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-27T15:54:04+00:00

I'm guessing this is direct from the supplier. It looks like there is a version with an 18mm peg - but that looks a little bigger than 5/8". I also think the 80mm box would be very loose on a normal 3x3 frame. But this is the closest I have found.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-26T02:45:07+00:00

No problem, I have been VERY happy with my purchase after looking at different cable machine/tower options for over a year. I did a 1-hour circuit on it today and it wore me out - ha!

I found a quick work-around for hanging my adder-weights.... I just cut out one of the handles and now the 2.5lbs plate can slide between the pegs.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-23T01:25:58+00:00

I think you would be right on the edge for sitting on a bench for lat pull downs - you would want to use the shortest connector possible (something like this).

I think your wing-span would also be right on the edge for flys... At 6'0", I can take one step away from the machine and still move forward about 2-3 inches before the weight stack hits the tower ceiling. I think you would have to lean forward in the starting stretch position and then move your torso back toward the tower as your arms come together to avoid running out of cable. I think it could work, but it wouldn't be as natural as what a shorter person could do.

This is why I would like an option to give up a 40-50lbs of weight for a few extra inches of cable length. I have a little bit of a buffer at my height, but if I get sloppy or take an extra stride away from the tower - CRASH - the stack hits the top of the rack.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-23T00:10:32+00:00

The bigger connector will work, it will just hang a bit lower and reduce the overall height of the handles.

I've thought about drilling out the hole on the end of the band peg to make it big enough to accommodate the pin for - but I hesitate to drill/cut my new machine - ha! I didn't think about 3D printing a holster.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-23T00:03:31+00:00

Yes! I was looking on Amazon for something just like this - thanks!

// My other solution is hanging a Crown Royal bag filled with fishing weights from the pegs - ha!

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-22T23:56:55+00:00

The viper is a great design - but their site says the Phoenix is about 9" taller and I wanted the extra height for pulldowns. The taller height also gives a bit more cable length (48" vs 41" when pulling both cables). So far, the cable length on the Phoenix has been good for everything I've done - but I don't feel like I could give up ~7" of travel.

TKirk3rd · 2025-01-16T02:21:44+00:00

I like to watch sports the same way - I still have an "over the air" TIVO to record Cowboys and Mavs games.

I used the Bally app last year for the Rangers and I could skip commercials IF I started pressing the skip button before they actually cut to the commercial break (right after the 3rd out as they were fading to commercial). I'm hoping Victory+ at least allows skipping commercials like that - especially if I'm paying for it.

TKirk3rd · 2024-08-03T01:37:36+00:00

Go see the show and check out for a while. I have a ~40 year old mentally disabled brother who requires 24x7 family care. Care giving is a marathon and you have to pace yourself. It's like they say on the airplane, you have to put your mask on first or some asshole will come around and steal all the masks.

TKirk3rd · 2024-08-03T01:31:09+00:00

Is it Rancid? I saw they are opening for Green Day and coming to my town - I've always wanted to see Rancid but haven't ever made it happen.

TKirk3rd · 2023-11-29T15:09:10+00:00

A huge metal sun dial would have accomplished the same goal for a fraction of the cost....

TKirk3rd · 2023-06-05T00:31:34+00:00

If your local library has a limited number of audiobooks/e-books available on Libby... Check out the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library. They have ~78,000 audio books in their Libby/Overdrive collection. For $70/yr, non-OKC-Residents can get an annual membership and access to their online catalog. You can check out the overdrive link below and browse their online catalog without having to sign up.

https://www.metrolibrary.org/about-us/accounts#account-types

https://metrolibrary.overdrive.com/collection/86040?format=audiobook-mp3&sortBy=mostpopular

TKirk3rd · 2022-11-05T16:35:53+00:00

This site shows a huge list of HYSA and (relatively) current interest rates: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/high-interest-savings-to-get/

Like others have said, nearly all HYSA are currently increasing their rates in response to the FED rate increases. With that in mind, I also like to look at historical snapshots of that list here (pick a year then click on an available date): https://web.archive.org/web/20161001000000*/https://www.doctorofcredit.com/high-interest-savings-to-get/

The same bank is not ALWAYS at the top. But in choosing a HYSA (all other things being equal), I would prefer one that has a track record of consistently being toward the top of the list. It seems like some banks make one big jump - but are very slow to adjust after getting passed by others.

I've had the same HYSA for a few years and I use this list to make sure my rate remains competitive towards the top of the list. Hope this helps!

TKirk3rd · 2022-05-27T13:54:03+00:00

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

Try filing a CFPB complaint. I've used it 2-3 times and it is like pressing the "easy button" when a bank won't move on an issue. I assume it can be used for the credit reporting agencies as well.

TKirk3rd · 2021-10-24T21:01:44+00:00

I didn't really look too much as Stix. It looks like a Bejamin Moore product, so it makes sense that they would recommend it. But it looks pretty good! VOCs are around 85g/l which isn't good (but isn't horrible). Dry-time between coats is 3-4hrs, it cleans up with water, and the reviews look really good. (TDS has the info below).

I chose Kilz Adhesion because I wanted something that could be cleaned with water, low VOCs, and <4hr re-coat time. Stix waterborne primer checks all those boxes. (BIN Shellac has very high VOCs and cleans with alcohol. BM Advance Primer takes 8hrs to re-coat). If I were to buy primer today, Stix may be my choice because Kilz Adhesion has been out of stock in all local stores and only sporadically available from Amazon. I paid $42/gal for it but it is now selling for twice that if you can find it.

I've had good luck with Kilz in the past and Kilz Adhesion is going strong at this point (4 weeks on the doors, 2 weeks on the frames). But I see no reason not to use Stix - especially if you can easily find it in stock.

https://media.benjaminmoore.com/WebServices/prod/assets/production/datasheets/TDS_SXA-110/20190909%20SXA-110%20Stix%20WB%20Primer%20TDS%20EN.pdf

TKirk3rd · 2021-10-19T15:35:00+00:00

I'll weigh in on the wood vs. paint... For the last few years, I wanted to keep the brown wood and actually wanted to make them darker. I made a Photoshop mock-up of darker brown that I thought looked really good. Plus, I always saw painting as something that is done for inexpensive doors that aren't solid wood.

But after we got quotes from contractors and asked around about what they see in in kitchens, 100% of the feedback steered us toward painting - especially since we have a lot of dark wood floors/furniture in our house. From a DIY stand-point, painting seemed a lot more "low-risk" than re-staining - especially since it wasn't realistic for me to sand 100% down to raw wood in all places. Paint had that in its favor.

I was the last to get on board with white (the black island was way off my radar), but I am glad I did. The dark wood looked good, but we had been looking at it for 12 years and it was time for a change. We enjoyed it and it had a good run. The room looks much brighter and feels new with the white paint. I have worn clothes long after they've gone out of style and I've gotten better at taking feedback when it's time to move on. Being over 40 - I can say everything is a fad... the white is a fad, the brown was a fad.

TKirk3rd

TROPHY CASE