FISCHER GDS RALLY FT w/ HARSH STRING - opinions please

[cervelo]

I have always been inclined to play with "tournament level" racquets with "looser" string jobs ... Lately, due to some back/shoulder weakness, I grabbed a Fischer GDS Rally FT and I'm using Kevlar and/or Poly for a stiffer feel to bring down the power a bit. Previously, I was hitting with both the Fischer Pro One Orig. and the FT but my back/shoulder would "tire" after about 20-30 minutes.

Have any of you tried something like this?

 

[Shane Reynolds]

The Rally has a lot of dampening technology in it but I am worried for you if you're already having back/shoulder trouble and you're using a kevlar string. I would at least try Zo Plus or one of the softer polys.

 

[cervelo]

I have one Rally strung with the Kevlar and another with Live Wire 16 at about 59 (I have the Kevlar at 45). The problem with the Live Wire is that I lose my follow through length and tend to whip over the ball to try keep control. The kevlar keeps me level but, as you said, worries me in the long run ... and FYI: at first the change to the Rally/Kevlar worked well but after a few weeks the shoulder/back has fallen off ...

I just never gave much thought to the difference in limiting the string resiliency in a stiffer racquet instead of my usual "advanced" racquet with looser string ...

 

[Shane Reynolds]

Maybe this post will get the attention of Jerry Seinfeld, Gaines Hellix or some of the other experienced stringers on the board - they can give good recommendations for you. I liked the Rally very much in terms of power and comfort but in the end thought it was too light. I had shoulder pain for about a year and even had an MRI on it (no tears, just degeneration) and it just mysteriously went away. I had a double laminectomy 11/02 so I can identify with the back pain, too. I wish you the best.

 

[cervelo]

I bailed on the Rally today after an hour ... like you said "too light" and for me, just can't seem to get the control I'm accustomed to, even with the Kevlar ... this was the 2nd time that the serve wasn't getting any help from the lighter, arm-friendlier stick ... I happened to have my old Fischer Extreme FT with me and it felt really nice to hit with again ...

I scheduled to have my serve looked at by a teaching pro ... I think my technique is harsh on my torso and, to make matters worse, the sore back is taking my legs out of the shot ...