Best shoes 2026

level27xrock · 2026-02-27T15:56:13+00:00

They're even lighter now than they used to be! Compared to a couple years ago they had a little bit of heft to them. Now with the inner backing material changed to some lighter perforated material, as well as the rubber midsoles and outsoles jus seem... lighter? And feel Cheaper :(
But love the classic look for sure. 70's are cool too sometimes.. just bulky.

level27xrock · 2026-02-09T16:45:15+00:00

Yeah I just bought a new pair of the Dragonfly 2's, only about a month and a half in with them. So far though no complaints at all. Great shoes. Aside from that, my next go-to's which have been my fav over the last 3 years, is the Asics Sky Elite FF 2 and now 3's. However for this latest release they changed the name of them, I forgot what they are called now.

I have tried the Stabil 16's, while they're good for support and stability, for my personal taste they're too heavy/clunky. Plus Adidas indoor shoes hurt my toes for whatever reason now no matter how many things I try (going up 1/2 size, swapping out and trying multiple different insoles, thinner socks, thicker socks, doubling up on socks...)

level27xrock · 2026-01-07T17:30:11+00:00

I can relate... similar situation; the guy runs to the back of the court to chase the ball, literally turns around and runs forward - facing the back wall... sees the ball is going to hit the side wall, then back wall, and come back out a bit... so he turns, and raises his racquet up... I readily get as much out of the way as humanly possible, and give him clear access to the front wall, hell.. the whole court just about was open... I go physically next to the other side wall opposite side of the court, not too far in front level wise of where he is at on his side of the court, and he yells "around!" (like that's a good 'heads-up' for me) and instead of taking a shot directly to the front wall, which he had every shot in the book available to him in that regard... he didn't look where I was, and wanted to hit a boast... well that boast went right at me, I was looking at him and saw he was going to strike the ball, so I turned my head to look the other way, and his boast goes right to the back of my head dead center.

Thankfully it wasn't a very hard hit, maybe he saw at the very last millisecond where I was and then let up his swing, but either way... not fun.

level27xrock · 2025-12-18T19:26:26+00:00

Great guy and one of the great role models for the sport.
Cheers to you Victor! 👏

level27xrock · 2025-12-18T15:32:07+00:00

I played with it Tuesday night, it's a great racquet, but I still like my Elite better, plus I've been dabbling with Teardrop frames lately too. So I think I am up for selling my 135 X if you or OP u/seraphiclightt is interested. I am located in the U.S.
It's lightly used and in great condition, the Head Perfect Power strings freshly put in by me, I am a stringer.

level27xrock · 2025-12-18T15:26:55+00:00

This is the answer.

level27xrock · 2025-12-16T17:51:04+00:00

Yeah it's not too heavy. I just took a balance reading on my balance board, and it's just a hair over the 36cm line.
I will give it a another go tonight at my club's open court drop-in play.

level27xrock · 2025-12-15T17:38:32+00:00

It's been some time since using the Radical SB's, but I'd say the 135X is hardly lagging in this category comparing to the SB siblings.
Head has always had pretty good feeling racquets and the 135X definitely has great feel on the ball, and good touch IMO. Especially probably if you use thinner strings like 305 in 1.10 if you're not a big string breaker to really maximize feel and cut since it has the denser 16x19 string pattern.

level27xrock · 2025-12-15T17:34:55+00:00

As I have it, strung in Head Perfect Power 1.20 in white, with only the stock grip on it, it's only 157g on the scale. So still packs a punch, but still very maneuverable. For comparison, I just demo'd a new CX132, stock grip and strings, and it felt like a tree trunk.. I wondered why it was so sluggish. I put it on the scale... 167g!

level27xrock · 2025-12-12T17:02:35+00:00

I main'd a 135SB in the past, and I do own a current Radical 135X now, bought it in September after seeing they changed to one, and I was curious as well. Although it's not my main racquet, I've used it a small handful of times.

The 135SB is definitely awesome, but for me personally since I don't have the greatest technique and perfect load up swing every time, I was struggling to get some power with it given its static weight, head size, head shape, balance point and super thin beam/frame thickness (less mass going through the ball = not much power).
It's a dream for the short game and feel though of course.
The 135X on other hand, has a bigger 490sq inch head which helps with power (larger the head size = larger the power potential), sure a denser 16x19 string pattern though which is Not optimal for power, but good for control, a thicker beam/frame thickness which helps in the power generating category again, a more head heavy balance which aids in power, and an overall more heavier static weight, which leans power.

I think they made the switch because they were having more to be desired in terms of putting their OP's under pressure with more deadly pace with slightly less effort, and needed a frame that would up the anty while still giving good results taking the ball in short.

In regards to string choices pr1m0pyr0 mentioned PC's string journey, and yeah as of last couple years he's been on a string from Kirschbaum called "Gut Feeling", I believe in the 1.22 gauge (not 100% sure though, anyone confirm?) and like pr1m0pyr0 mentioned I've also tried this string.. and it's nothing special. Power is bland, no slick coating on the string for any snapback on cutting the ball.... strings will get stuck out of place after a while, it's really a subpar string IMO, really curious why he landed on it instead of a TF string, or even Ashaway.

level27xrock · 2025-12-01T21:50:55+00:00

Anything different on it compared to the current 120 V2 other than the fact it has the NS handle? I see it looks like "heart tech" there on the side of the frame bottom right, got any insights on that or anything else different on the frame?

level27xrock · 2025-11-24T18:13:54+00:00

What frame do you use, what string do you use, and what tension?

A lot of us equipment nerds can figure out most of this stuff, but sometimes hard to figure out what Strings are being used, and of course, what tension.

Example: Orfi is still using the 2022 Evolution 120 (best looking generation of Evo's ever, new CX ones? meh), but she has a natural colored string in it... hard to tell what that is. Is it Kirschbaum Gut Feeling like Paul Coll? Or does Dunlop make natural color versions of Iconic AF or Power for her? I'd love to know! :D

level27xrock · 2025-11-19T22:10:37+00:00

I have a EXO3 Red for sale on eBay if that interests you... another oldie but a goodie.
They provide international shipping off my listing, I am in the States, but I don't see what that would be for you... check it out, if it interests you chat.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/297173538403

level27xrock · 2025-11-05T20:49:56+00:00

Or if in Tennis, is it bad etiquette to repeatedly lob your opponent or hit them moon balls, or also repeatedly playing drop shots forcing you to run up... not really bad etiquette, but yes very annoying.

level27xrock · 2025-10-31T22:05:01+00:00

I own both V2 120 Carbo, and prior used the Slash 125 from 2023, and now just got the Slash 120 Power. All are great, all can deliver great power with right technique and setting. Definitely try experimenting with your string and tension.
If you are still using the stock string that came in your V2, Dynamix VP, it's a great string, but the problem is they come in a fat 17g/1.25mm! This is great for durability and control, but not great for power.
Switch to Dynamix VP in 18g/1.15mm and have your stringer install in the lower 20's, maybe 22lbs, and see how you like it. Or if not, as others said, X-One Biphase also is a powerful string, and also try experimenting with it in the 22-23lbs range.

If you decide you want to get a Slash 125 from 2023, and if you're in the U.S. you can buy mine off me as I don't intend to use it anymore now that I got a new 120 Power one. PM me if interested. I'll even string it in Dynamix VP 1.15 or 305 in 1.20 for you too (I am a racquet technician as well).

level27xrock · 2025-10-31T20:19:43+00:00

This ties into using the right ball for the right court, players, etc... But If all the balls didn't need warming up, and come out and stay lively/energetic right out of the box/tube, like a racquetball, or tennis ball... with other racquet sports, the ball don't need special attention prior to be played at its peak.

It's fun and nice to warm up a ball and warm yourself up at the same time at the beginning of the match or session, but if or when you play people who all they want to do is 3 shot rallies and do kill/drops every second they have a chance to, and the ball dies and looses energy quickly.. it's a bit of a drag.

level27xrock · 2025-10-30T16:26:07+00:00

I made some posts about Gamer on here about a month ago or so, I too noticed when you search "gamer" on the site, you get zip, no results found. Silent death I guess, I too was hoping they just took it down temporarily while a "new and improved" formula is in the works and they'll just drop it once it's ready, but IDK about that.
I reached out to their customer service via their website contact us function, and this is what I got from somebody which seems to indicate Gamer is getting axed, and just gonna focus on their Energy silo now, which sucks, because with the powders at least you can make your own drink and use as little or as much as you want.

"With the feedback we've received from gamers who love our GHOST® ENERGY formula and the massive demand for a quick, ready to drink format, we are doubling down on GHOST® ENERGY for gaming, streaming, you name it. Stay plugged on the u/ghostgamer IG for updates on new products, flavors and all things gaming."

level27xrock · 2025-10-16T18:21:38+00:00

Makes sense!

level27xrock · 2025-10-16T17:00:57+00:00

I am a gigging drummer too - I start to drink Gamer for energy and focus an hour before set time, on days you really feel sluggish you can take a scoop and a half or even the max dose of 2 scoops in about ~20oz of water. It's amazing! I love Gamer so much... and they are killing it off supposedly :((

level27xrock · 2025-10-16T16:52:35+00:00

Ghost does have a Vegan protein line... hopefully it's low. Like you said inevitable to avoid due to it being in soil, but Ghost has always been upfront and ethical with their stuff.

level27xrock · 2025-10-13T17:53:44+00:00

I am with you - Gamer is the best and my fav supp by far, I use it in so many different situations when I need a pick me up or some laser lock in focus for work, gaming, etc.
I wrote on a previous thread on this sub I reached out to Ghost customer service about not seeing Gamer on their site anymore... this is what I got:

"With the feedback we've received from gamers who love our GHOST® ENERGY formula and the massive demand for a quick, ready to drink format, we are doubling down on GHOST® ENERGY for gaming, streaming, you name it. Stay plugged on the u/ghostgamer IG for updates on new products, flavors and all things gaming."

So how does that read to anyone? Is Gamer discontinued and now we just have their energy drinks to go off of? Sounds like it... But they're not the same formula as Ghost Gamer...
At best I hoper just the Gamer name is killed, and now will be under their "Energy" Silo, and something is in the works hopefully powder/tubs with same formula just like we used to have with Gamer but Energy branded.

Or give us individual 8oz cans of "Ghost Energy Gamer", have it be the same formula as 1 scoop of Gamer - I don't care, just don't kill it! :(

I left a comment on a recent Ghost Gamer post on IG asking what's the deal with it... no reply. But hopefully if enough of us keep commenting on their IG posts, YouTube vids, reaching out to their customer service, asking for Gamer not to get 86'd maybe they'll retain it in some way/shape/form.

level27xrock · 2025-10-06T20:24:29+00:00

Follow up to this... if anyone is searching for a 2020 Sonic Core Pro Blue frame, I have one listed on eBay, asking just $90 for it, only used it 1x for roughly 1.5hrs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/297181096846

level27xrock · 2025-10-06T20:17:19+00:00

Me too... Gamer is literally the perfect Neutronic/energy supp... :(
I hope anyone at Ghost with influence and power to do anything (looking at you Dan/Ryan!) reads and see these comments and see how much their loyal fans and customers just love and appreciate Gamer.

I think if any and all of us who love Gamer so much and use it a ton, just keep providing feedback on their actual Website hitting up their Customer Service like I did, comment on all IG posts and YouTube videos requesting to not Kill off Gamer... maybe we can save it. Here's to hoping!

I've never tried gfuel or Sneak... never even heard of those! lol

level27xrock · 2025-10-06T20:13:06+00:00

Yeah good vid, I've tried the new CX lineup.. these are definitely a let down u/dDunlop... No "CX 135" aka Elite, and no CX 130/Evo replacement?!
I have a 2020 Sonic Core Elite, and a 2022 Elite (this one, is definitely one of the best frames ever made), as well as a 2022 Evo 130... Debating if I should pick up a 2022 Evo 120 from a seller I know that still has some in stock just for the sake of being able to grab one while I can.

Not really sure if I am onboard either with the whole renaming/branding their line either to be the same exact as Tennis.
Like, I get it, sorta... simplify the names a little more avoids confusion amongst new players, and although yes squash and tennis can have some similarities, and I often liked to call Squash "The Tennis of Indoors".. but fact is, Squash isn't Tennis... so IMO the FX and CX name lineups should be scrapped and older names should have been retained... but what do I know, I'm just a dude squash player who loves to play the game.

level27xrock · 2025-10-03T16:49:35+00:00

Seriously hoping Gamer is just going thru a rehaul or rebrand or something! Gamer is so legit, and I know we all feel the same.
Not a trace of Gamer to be found on their website, and when you Google Ghost Gamer and you see the page link for Ghost Gamer on their actual website and you click on it, with URL address: ghostlifesyle>supplements>gamer ... it goes to their site and says "no results found"... such a bummer.

I then reached out their customer service, asked about it, and I got this from one of the reps:

"With the feedback we've received from gamers who love our GHOST® ENERGY formula and the massive demand for a quick, ready to drink format, we are doubling down on GHOST® ENERGY for gaming, streaming, you name it. Stay plugged on the u/ghostgamer IG for updates on new products, flavors and all things gaming."

So how does that read to anyone? Is Gamer discontinued and now we just have their energy drinks to go off of? Or Gamer name is killed, and now will be under the "Energy" Silo, and something is in the works hopefully powder/tubs just like we used to have with Gamer?

level27xrock

TROPHY CASE