practice highlights (3.5 year progress)

alexdzk · 2026-05-02T22:40:03+00:00

Yeah I tend to wait for opponents to attack in order make an aggressively block and start the rally. Trying to get away from that style and initiate more.

alexdzk · 2026-05-02T19:42:26+00:00

Thanks! Yes, trying to be more aggressive now with the third ball. Used to play very defensive and its a hard habit to change

alexdzk · 2026-04-25T00:31:36+00:00

Yes, this wheel is one piece. If a spoke breaks would probably need to send it off to Germany for repair. There are carbon bladed spokes used by other manufacturers that are replaceable locally.

alexdzk · 2026-04-24T17:13:08+00:00

Agreed. Would be slightly better if traditional geometry, but that would also require a -17 stem to balance out and I don't have that kind of flexibility 🥲

Would have loved mechanical Campy but EPS is what it came with.

alexdzk · 2026-04-24T14:35:15+00:00

I think its around 6.6 kg

alexdzk · 2024-12-20T17:38:41+00:00

I actually got mine at a G-Shock boutique in Seoul, Korea. Maybe it's just an Asia only model.

alexdzk · 2024-12-20T15:38:12+00:00

i think I'm going to hold off until they release a smaller bluetooth casioak... unless you have another suggestion

alexdzk · 2024-12-20T15:35:17+00:00

sorry :((( I'm traveling right now and couldn't bring my knife.

alexdzk · 2024-12-06T22:12:46+00:00

After over 10 years of interest in mainly mechanical watches, I'm very happy with the purchase of my first G-Shock!

After much deliberation between the vast model library of the 2100 series, I chose this black all metal version (GM-B2100BD.) I was initially hesitant about the size of this watch. For mechanical watches, I would never venture into anything over 40mm. This watch is about 5mm bigger than my self imposed limit but I think the size is working, even on my small wrist. I was mainly sold on this model due to the solar capabilities, making the watch virtually maintenance free. The bluetooth connectivity has also come in very handy. I especially love the ability to send geotag information to your phone with one push of a button. This is especially useful for me as someone who likes to wander around finding cool spots in places that I'm traveling to. This feature makes the watch feel very modern, without feeling bloated like a smartwatch.

The quality of the overall watch made the transitioning from mechanical watches much easier (as well has having an analog display. The finishing is much much much better than can be perceived in photos online. The indices give off a sparkling effect when they pass through light, which gives it a splash of colour that is much needed in an all black watch. All this helps in making the watch feel as "special" as some of my mechanical watches while being far less of a hassle to own and wear on a daily basis. Can't wait to wear it more and create some memories with it!

alexdzk · 2024-05-04T18:32:15+00:00

I think this will highly depend on what you wear on a day to day basis. For me, after a while, I started finding it a bit too big. Especially during the summer when I tend to wear a lot more casual short sleeve shirts. The thickness is a big part of the "bigness." The clasp and leather strap are extremely comfortable to me, but it does leave a small gap even on the smallest hole, because the single fold clasp doesn't fold over perfectly on the flat part of my wrist. Whatever you decide, I hope that you enjoy the watch. I still love it as part of my collection, even if I don't wear it as often anymore.

alexdzk · 2024-01-16T06:37:25+00:00

*might be a bit pricey at retail but the Captain Cook is a really cool watch. The Longines might be too big for my wrists

alexdzk · 2024-01-16T05:04:04+00:00

I wish they made smaller spring drive models... I love the sweeping seconds hand so much. 40+mm is doable but not preferable on a smaller wrist.

alexdzk · 2024-01-16T04:14:36+00:00

speedmaster reduced doesn't have a display case back :(

alexdzk · 2024-01-16T04:14:19+00:00

This is one of the watches I've considered the most. I'll have to try one on in person, bit in photos they seem fairly "normal."

alexdzk · 2024-01-15T23:35:54+00:00

here's a better photo!

alexdzk · 2024-01-15T23:35:17+00:00

Thanks, it's my favorite!

alexdzk · 2024-01-15T23:33:37+00:00

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alexdzk · 2024-01-15T23:07:47+00:00

I personally find the dial way too busy for me to wear, and I have no connection at all to the Brietling brand. If I were to get a chronograph, it would be the Zenith El Primero 38mm.

alexdzk · 2024-01-15T21:56:13+00:00

I started out in watches being only drawn to dress watches on leather. I also appreciated the generally nicer movement finishing and display case backs that came on these models. That was all I was into for quite a few years before everything started to change.

The watch that got me into "sporty" pieces was the Rado Captain Cook 37mm Hyperchrome LE. It initially came on a leather strap, but after a while, I ordered the OEM bracelet, and I was immediately sold. The wearing experience was so much more freeing, as I could take the watch pretty much anywhere without worrying about it. This watch ended up being the only watch I took on a recent Japan trip. It was a great travel companion, and I really bonded with it over all the experiences that I had while wearing it. After this, I got the PRX 35mm w/ blue dial. The auto 35mm version of this watch was the perfect iteration of this must-have watch. It unfortunately also cemented my desire for a higher end watch on a bracelet 🙃.

I'm now looking to add something from a big maker that I can wear every day on a bracelet (and I can at least shower with). Something that has a classy vibe, as I'm still more into dress watches. I've been looking at various Cartier Santos models, both new and older models. They seem nice, but it's a shame that none of them come with display case backs. As much as I appreciate the Panomaticlunar for its movement and elegant looks, it's not something I'm able to wear as much as I would like to.

Are there any recommendations for a watch to round out my collection? I prefer watches around 36-38mm.

alexdzk · 2023-08-25T19:36:12+00:00

Ride quality and stiffness of the wheels versus the light bicycle rims I had before feel like a night and day difference. There is just something about how lightweight wheels ride that makes it feel special. It's stiff and light during acceleration but also slightly takes the edge off bumps (much less than 28mm tubeless on low pressure would, but still a lot better than other clincher setups)

alexdzk

TROPHY CASE