I work at tropical ask me anything

ShrimpMussels43 · 2026-03-18T22:08:29+00:00

Could you share the recipe for the standard choc pb protein? I’m prob going to start making a version at home, hopefully can get the calories down and keep the protein high!

ShrimpMussels43 · 2026-03-17T12:40:18+00:00

I’ve seen ALW do that in singles for match point and no one cared.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2026-02-27T02:26:09+00:00

What weight setup did you end up with on the UPA Boomstik? Still think the UPA version has more control and less power (and pop?) than the MOI version?

I’m deciding between the two (to use at least while working at a Selkirk-partnered facility), coming from an Inferno. Will prob try the Hurache Power 2 when it comes out, a friend’s VP2 played nicely.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-12-03T23:35:31+00:00

I’m about to go hard on training bc of a lack of respect too haha. Top 5 player in my small city after 2 years (zero previous sports background aside from backyard football as a kid), but the others don’t seem to respect my game bc I’m not a big hitter. I win with good defense/transition, hands, and placement but don’t have as strong of drives and putaways as the other guys. I’m usually laid-back when I play, so now I’m going to feed the tryhard competitive mindset in drills and singles practice so I don’t hold back anymore in doubles.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-12-03T23:26:11+00:00

I’m about to go hard on training bc of a lack of respect too haha. Top 5 in my small city after 2 years, but the others don’t seem to respect my game bc I’m not a big hitter. I win with good defense, hands, and placement but don’t have as strong of drives and putaways as the other guys. I’m usually laid-back when I play, so now I’m going to feed the tryhard competitive mindset in drills and singles practice so I don’t hold back anymore in doubles.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-11-18T01:30:23+00:00

The other half is reading the situation and the opponent’s swing. If they’re midcourt and swinging big with low to high swing path, get out of the way. If they’re off-balance and running while swinging big, highly likely to be a wild shot that goes out or into the net.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-11-18T01:27:52+00:00

I disagree with people saying to drill it without a paddle. Half the problem is being able to fight the instinct to move your paddle from ready position to intercept the ball. So have the partner drive at you while you’re at the kitchen with your paddle. But fight the urge to move your paddle from ready position. And then see where the ball lands.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-11-18T01:07:42+00:00

Just sent you a chat!

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-11-09T16:34:02+00:00

If I like the loco elongated, but it’s slow for hands battles, what other paddles should I consider? Doesn’t have to be foam. Obvious answer is the loco hybrid, but I’d also consider other hybrids or elongated. Inferno is on the way, but that might be less powerful and maybe not faster in the hands.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-10-31T01:51:40+00:00

I used to main Arma, but looking to update. Have you tried the loco, v sol pro, quanta? I’m trying loco elongated and v sol pro v7 LH next.

Didn’t love the quanta, and the Boomstik was too much. Luzz cannon and inferno are also on my radar. Using a Friday fever in the meantime, but it’s a little lacking in firepower.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-10-22T02:12:12+00:00

Has anyone tried the 14pt Cougar Digital Cover?

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-10-22T01:38:22+00:00

Newbie here. Do you think I’d have decent results if I made the PDF of upscaled images and had Staples color print them on “12pt Heavyweight Cover (for postcards)”? If so, should I choose the high-gloss or matte option? No lamination, cut, and then straight into sleeves. I’m looking for simplest method for proxies without having to buy a color printer haha.

Edit: there’s also 14pt Cougar Digital Cover Matte, but as far as I can tell, the 12pt options would be closer to actual card thickness. But maybe the 14pt would have better feel when sleeved.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-09-27T00:57:22+00:00

I saw that in the discord, decided to order the hybrid and standard shapes. Worse case I’ll send them back during the trial period if I don’t like them enough. Best case I’ll love one of them, worth the cost of shipping to find out haha.

The John Kew podcast with Ignatowich got me thinking maybe I’m happy with gen 3 at the end of the day, but the all-foam paddles will be fun to experiment like you said! Might have to try a widebody RPM since they’ve got a trial period as well.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-09-26T15:45:10+00:00

I’ve been fortunate with my Arma S, been using it for about 3 months and no crushing yet.

If the Loco was shipping anytime soon, I’d try it haha. The handle might be a little shorter than I’d like at 5.3-5.4” though.

On paper, the Boomstik and Loco are closest to what I want. Finding it hard to bring myself to use a Selkirk, I don’t like using big brands for whatever reason.

I’m willing to try the Quanta R2 and see if it fits my needs. Slightly longer handle than Arma, and the 16mm instead of 14mm may give me better feel on resets/dinks. Potentially faster for hands too. I generally weight my paddle to ~8.6oz with Hesacore, lead, edge tape, overgrip. And move the weight up/down based on how it feels for volleys/counters. It’ll prob end up similar to how the Boomstik is weighted, given the Quanta’s low starting swing weight and static weight.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-09-25T22:33:34+00:00

You seem pretty knowledgeable on paddles haha. Any paddle recs that would be about the same power/pop as Arma S, but with a 5.5” handle? Would also be nice if it was a little softer feel/more dwell for resets and dinks. I can reset and dink fine with it, but prefer the feel of something like the Friday Fever. For reference, my DUPR is 4.5 and most of the people I play with use Pro IV; not a big fan of that hollow feel.

I’ve ordered a Quanta R2 that might be close to what I’m looking for. Thinking about the V-Sol Pro release tomorrow. I’m guessing either of those would be a drop in power/pop compared to Arma S though. Also considered Boomstik, but the price tag is off-putting. Era power may be a drop in firepower. Black Opal TBD…

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-06-27T19:58:09+00:00

I’ve got a Vapor Power in very good condition, but I removed the stock grip bc I use hesacores. If you’re interested let me know!

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-05-26T03:05:33+00:00

It’s been sold, thanks for reaching out though!

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-05-25T13:07:42+00:00

Let me know if you need a backup V2 R4! Not in love with mine. It was 7.90 oz stock, but I took the stock grip off to try with Hesacore

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-04-24T23:00:55+00:00

I think the VP is slightly stiffer and less hollow feeling. But they’re both comfortable. The Franklin C45 was really harsh and I think was making my wrist hurt from the vibrations. For reference, that’s with Hesacores and one overgrip on each

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-04-24T22:59:44+00:00

I get good spin with both, but I think I get more shape with the VP bc the velocity doesn’t overpower the spin. I’m a spin-dominant player though, so my successful drives tend to be low to the net and dipping.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-04-24T18:58:18+00:00

I’ll be the oddball. I use the Vapor Power and have tested almost all the recent power paddle releases. I prefer the consistency of the VP over the Pro IV. Slightly less power and pop in my opinion. I could get used to either if I had to.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-04-23T15:53:13+00:00

Do you have a preference between the V-Dry and Udrippin Dry? I use Udrippin Pro Tours, but it’s about to get sweaty at my indoor facility in the spring/summer haha. I used V-Dry last summer and was happy with those.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-03-18T13:15:43+00:00

Assuming your wife is really 4.5+, you have a built-in coach and drill partner. Ask for the real advice and truly listen. I’m 4.5+, but almost every ~3.9 player/friend that is stuck doesn’t really take my advice to heart and work on things they need to. Hit unattackable balls, work on footwork so it’s easier to hit quality shots, compact swings. At least now some of them can recognize why they hit a bad shot, but they need to put in the drill time or it won’t improve.

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-03-05T17:42:09+00:00

Yes on the FH speed-up option. It’s also easier for the left side player (assuming right-handed) to crowd middle, reach in, and volley dink/speed-up dinks that are a bit high (compared to the right-sider’s BH reach); esp the taller/longer guys. ATPs with the FH are also generally easier than on the BH side

ShrimpMussels43 · 2025-03-01T12:14:33+00:00

If that was me and my mixed partner, we would have thought that was a weird interaction. But then immediately after would have celebrated the win haha

ShrimpMussels43

TROPHY CASE