Tell Us About A Successful Racquet Change You Made With A Huge Shift In Weight

[asifallasleep]

Tell us about a successful racquet change you made with a huge difference in raising or lowering your static weight. This change took you to an entirely new racquet universe and you've never looked back. List the two frames and give us the details of how this change made you a superhero on the court.

 

[SinneGOAT]

I used to use a Babolat pure aero, no weight added, just an overgrip. This past year, I switched to the blade, put on a leather grip and two overgrips and that’s going from 320 to about 340 now. The plow and mass as well as the more headlight feel has made a big difference in serves and volleys, and flattening out ground strokes feels smooth and silky. Worth a try for those who can handle the weight to go up to something about 320-325 grams unstrung.

 

[TennisHound]

Tell us about a successful racquet change you made with a huge difference in raising or lowering your static weight. This change took you to an entirely new racquet universe and you've never looked back. List the two frames and give us the details of how this change made you a superhero on the court.

Changed to a Dunlop FX500 with lead underneath the entire head guard (maybe 8-10” lead strips on both sides). I left everything else alone. Been using it for about 5-6 months. I switched from a regular PD. This change has helped most every part of my game

 

[DustinW]

Around 2015, I went from many years of playing 330g+ unstrung weight (Six.One 95) to 315g (Prestige Pro and others) to 295g (Graphene Radical MP). I've been playing lighter frames ever since. I've tried to go heavy again many times, but it just never works out.

The bottom line is that I love the control I get from lighter frames. That goes against most of what you read around here, but I find heavier frames to have inherent power from the weight that is harder to control (once you get it moving, it is harder to adjust or control). With light frames, I can adjust power and spin more easily with my swing speed, and even tweak things mid swing if I need to. And then the other obvious benefits are better defense, more spin on serves, and quicker reactions at the net.

I obviously lose the plow that you get with heavier frames, but I'm willing to give that up for all of the other benefits. Even at the 4.5 level, it is very rare (but does happen) that I come across somebody that hits big enough to make me wish I had something heavier.

 

[One Handed Dynasty]

My first big racquet switch was from the Ti.S5 I learned on to one of my father’s PS85s. I remember it was a struggle at first having something that felt so “heavy” compared to what I was used to back then, but when I got set up in time it felt like I was playing with a cannon against my fellow juniors. Looking back, I think the satisfaction of hitting through the ball and hitting winners helped me forgoe the traditional junior route of pancake serves and push fests and develop a game centered on attacking tennis. It also set me on the pro staff line, which I never deviated from until Wilson stopped producing PS90s. Once I hit 16 or so I started experimenting with lead tape and got dialed into a pretty hefty spec - around 360g, 350SW, ~32-33cm balance. I stayed with that from juniors through college tennis and it was pretty much perfect for playing aggressive to end points quickly. I’m still an advocate of giving beginners a weighted up mid to learn with. You can’t get away with any arming or lazy footwork, you’ve got to set up properly and hit through the ball. My slice, serve, volleys, and half-volleys wouldn’t be anywhere near the shots they are today without those racquets.

 

[tlm]

Around 2015, I went from many years of playing 330g+ unstrung weight (Six.One 95) to 315g (Prestige Pro and others) to 295g (Graphene Radical MP). I've been playing lighter frames ever since. I've tried to go heavy again many times, but it just never works out.

The bottom line is that I love the control I get from lighter frames. That goes against most of what you read around here, but I find heavier frames to have inherent power from the weight that is harder to control (once you get it moving, it is harder to adjust or control). With light frames, I can adjust power and spin more easily with my swing speed, and even tweak things mid swing if I need to. And then the other obvious benefits are better defense, more spin on serves, and quicker reactions at the net.

I obviously lose the plow that you get with heavier frames, but I'm willing to give that up for all of the other benefits. Even at the 4.5 level, it is very rare (but does happen) that I come across somebody that hits big enough to make me wish I had something heavier.

This exactly what I have found the lighter frames have much better control than heavy frames. A lot of players claim the opposite but I know for my game the heavier rackets do not give me near the control that lighter rackets do.

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

I went from 2015 Blade 101L's which were 299g/33,4cm strung. Swingweight was at definitely lower than 310. I switched to VCORE 95's which were 338g/31,4cm after customizations. Swingweight must have been between 322 and 326, wasn't measuring swingweight back then. The switch (along with string setup) got rid of my injuries for as far as possible, made me play my best tennis I've ever played and literally improved every shot significantly after the adjustment period. Two months later, my competition started and I won all 10 matches before they shut it down again because of stricter covid measures. Completely blew some good opponents of the court. In earlier seasons, I would've lost at least half of those matches. The positives results honestly weren't only down to my racquet switch because I also improved fitness, mental strength and on court confidence. I was a terrible competitor at times in the years before because of lack of mental strength. Paying attention to my equipment for the first time then and knowing that it fits my game and helps my arm health, definitely improved my confidence.

These VC95's and all the other ones I've acquired since, have been this at least these specs, mostly a little bit higher but only a few grams/SW points.

 

[Chezbeeno]

I went from 12+ oz frames, the last one being the RF97 to a CV Blade for my senior year of college tennis and it was a HUGE shift. I was able to play much better defense because of the increased maneuverability, and I was also able to hit much more aggressive approach shots because I could generate a lot more spin and racquet head speed. My volleys also improved, so I played the best doubles of my life. My backhand went from being a bit of a liability because I was often late or unable to control the ball with my wrist, to now being more reliable than my forehand most of the time.
At no point have I looked back from that change.

 

[cortado]

I went from Yonex 97 22mm beam 330g strung with over-grip, to Wilson PS90 17mm beam 346g strung with over-grip.
So 16g increase static weight. Some swing-weight increase but not sure how much. Twist-weight decrease.
Improved my technique a lot. Could finally swing out completely but retain control.

 

[golden chicken]

Went from a 10.8 oz 284 SW ProKennex to a 11.7 oz, 330 SW Prince TT Warrior OS to a 12.8 oz, 350 SW Wilson Tour 90. Have been flirting with a lighter Tour 95 lately but still feel comfortable swinging the 90.

I still own all 3 rackets too.

As above, the heavier rackets exposed flaws in my technique and helped me correct them. Also led me to play more attacking tennis.

 

[asifallasleep]

My first big racquet switch was from the Ti.S5 I learned on to one of my father’s PS85s. I remember it was a struggle at first having something that felt so “heavy” compared to what I was used to back then, but when I got set up in time it felt like I was playing with a cannon against my fellow juniors. Looking back, I think the satisfaction of hitting through the ball and hitting winners helped me forgoe the traditional junior route of pancake serves and push fests and develop a game centered on attacking tennis. It also set me on the pro staff line, which I never deviated from until Wilson stopped producing PS90s. Once I hit 16 or so I started experimenting with lead tape and got dialed into a pretty hefty spec - around 360g, 350SW, ~32-33cm balance. I stayed with that from juniors through college tennis and it was pretty much perfect for playing aggressive to end points quickly. I’m still an advocate of giving beginners a weighted up mid to learn with. You can’t get away with any arming or lazy footwork, you’ve got to set up properly and hit through the ball. My slice, serve, volleys, and half-volleys wouldn’t be anywhere near the shots they are today without those racquets.

What racquet are you currently hitting with?

 

[caesar66]

I took a few years off from tennis, and had been coaching more than playing prior to that break and was using a Wilson blx pro open, which was better for feeding balls during practice than the 6.1s I had previously used. I couldn’t get back in the groove with it when I came back to the game a couple of years ago, and bought two I.radical OS (barely 11 oz, barely 300 sw). Found my game again, but wanted to find something a little more modern in case the I.rads went kaput. I tried several racquets, but on a lark picked up a used Technifibre 315xtc-weighed in at over 12 oz, but still a low swingweight. Boom, fell in love. Gives me (closer to) the maneuverability of the rads, but the static weight (my two 315s are 12.5 oz strung) gives me the plow through of those 6.1s. So huge shift from the weight of those I.rads (which are still pretty fun to play with).

 

[cha cha]

I recently moved from Blade 93 (355 strung) to Angell TC90 (325 strung).
The Angell is a little less headlight and it feels basically the same. I can't really even tell the difference in the string pattern unless I am on extreme defence, where the Blade had more of a tendency to find the bottom of the net. The only real difference is the serve, which feels and works better with the Angell, and the slice which felt better with the blade.

 

[socallefty]

I can mention a drastic weight change that did not work. After playing as a kid with racquets weighing over 12.5 ozs like Dunlop woods and the Max200G, I stopped playing for a decade before getting back to tennis in the late Nineties. I bought into the hype for light, stiff modern racquets and bought a Head Ti S2 weighing 9.6 ozs without a demo - it was an unmitigated disaster as I got tennis elbow within weeks and my game sucked as if I had forgotten how to play tennis.

I switched back to a heavy, thin beam 12 oz racquet (Babolat Pure Control+) after a few months and order/health got restored to my tennis life. I’ve played with 12 oz thin-beam Babolat racquets like the Aerostorm Tour and Pure Strike Tour ever since and tennis has been fun with a lot of winning and no elbow issues.

 

[cha cha]

Head Ti S2

Proper granny stick this thing.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I can mention a drastic weight change that did not work. After playing as a kid with racquets weighing over 12.5 ozs like Dunlop woods and the Max200G, I stopped playing for a decade before getting back to tennis in the late Nineties. I bought into the hype for light, stiff modern racquets and bought a Head Ti S2 weighing 9.6 ozs without a demo - it was an unmitigated disaster as I got tennis elbow within weeks and my game sucked as if I had forgotten how to play tennis.

I switched back to a heavy, thin beam 12 oz racquet (Babolat Pure Control+) after a few months and order/health got restored to my tennis life. I’ve played with 12 oz thin-beam Babolat racquets like the Aerostorm Tour and Pure Strike Tour ever since and tennis has been fun with a lot of winning and no elbow issues.

In the end that became my sweet spot as well. Give me something around 12 oz and a thinner beam and a HL balance and I'm a happy camper.

 

[joah310]

Jumped from a dunlop black max to a graphene xt rad pro. The black max came in at 370g with overgrips string and dampener. The rad was under 340. Have switched rackets since then but generally have stuck with sticks in the 335-350 g strung and all set up since.

 

[WYK]

Was using 12 ounce players sticks mainly until I injured my arm last year. Been using the Clash 100 since and am very satisfied with the results.

 

[LocNetMonster]

After several years of trying different mods, what seemingly is working for me, regardless of the racquet, is adding about 85g under the cap. Done this with four different racquet models of various static weight and balance -the result is the same. I have much better control and timing, which has led to more consistency.

 

[Toydy]

Went from Clash 98 stock to V-core pro 97 HD 348 grams

 

[Anton]

Tell us about a successful racquet change you made with a huge difference in raising or lowering your static weight. This change took you to an entirely new racquet universe and you've never looked back. List the two frames and give us the details of how this change made you a superhero on the court.

Still sometimes playing my old DR98 285g strung and weighted up to 340g, but I specifically got it as a platform racket.

 

[Anton]

After several years of trying different mods, what seemingly is working for me, regardless of the racquet, is adding about 85g under the cap. Done this with four different racquet models of various static weight and balance -the result is the same. I have much better control and timing, which has led to more consistency.

85g? You must be an actual monster.

 

[onehandbh]

I am considering switching to the @Shroud customized racquet setup.

483 grams strung
5 7/8 square grip
Mains at 97 lbs and crosses at 20 lbs

 

[Shroud]

I am considering switching to the @Shroud customized racquet setup.

483 grams strung
5 7/8 square grip
Mains at 97 lbs and crosses at 20 lbs

Its not far off!!!

 

[Papa Mango]

I am considering switching to the @Shroud customized racquet setup.

483 grams strung
5 7/8 square grip
Mains at 97 lbs and crosses at 20 lbs

Not complete without a black/grey hoodie...

 

[onehandbh]

Not complete without a black/grey hoodie...

Already have a black hoodie and sweat pants.

 

[onehandbh]

My stock Wilson Advantage has a strung weight of 404 grams (w/1 overgrip)
L5 grip

This might be a good platform racquet for the @Shroud racquet

 

[onehandbh]

Back on topic. I switched from the PS85 and K90 to the Yonex 95D with a fairway grip. The Yonex is about 10g less in weight and really feels like a big difference. It took me a long time to get used to it but the 95D feels great to me now.

But... now I am looking to change again.

 

[cha cha]

the 95D feels great to me now.
...
But... now I am looking to change again.

Like.
I too make a habit of switching a racket the moment I start playing well with it.

 

[onehandbh]

Like.
I too make a habit of switching a racket the moment I start playing well with it.

The 95D is no longer made and grommets are hard to get so I may as well switch. I only have 2 of them and one is really beat up.

 

[nvr2old]

Interesting thread. I’ve always been a thin beam, 11.6-12.5 oz junkie due to feel that I’ve never gotten with a thicker type beam. Recently serve and shoulder and other joint issues have hampered my game considerably. Tried a friends clash 100L recently and serve was magical. Rest of game not far off. Stil don’t love the feel aspect as much but can’t deny the results and overall fun I had with the frame. Might need to change my TW thread name I’m afraid.

 

[asifallasleep]

The 95D is no longer made and grommets are hard to get so I may as well switch. I only have 2 of them and one is really beat up.

You can still find them. I see them for sale but i'm always browsing all kinds of racquets 24/7, smh

 

[LocNetMonster]

85g? You must be an actual monster.

Not really. 85g is nothing on a 255 frame.

 

[onehandbh]

You can still find them. I see them for sale but i'm always browsing all kinds of racquets 24/7, smh

I like my 95D but not totally in love with it. Tried a friend’s Blade 98 and it felt similar. maybe even slightly better

 

[puppybutts]

Changed to a Dunlop FX500 with lead underneath the entire head guard (maybe 8-10” lead strips on both sides). I left everything else alone. Been using it for about 5-6 months. I switched from a regular PD. This change has helped most every part of my game

man the fx500 (and dunlop generally) is sorely underrated...it's such a fun racket to swing without the occasional instability/fluttering issues i sometimes find with the pure drive. i just wish the tour version was heavier to be more in line with typical tour specs so you wouldn't have to mess with customization.

 

[StasTs]

When I was young (20 years ago ) I've played with Wilson Pro Staff 6.1. Then I've take a long break and return to the game as ~40 year old with extra weight After a season with old Pro Staff, I've changed to new Pro Staff RF97. Same 340g unstrung. Played for a season and changed to Babolat PS ( 16*19 one 7 version 305g version). I was absolutely pleased and played for 3 years. But my elbow said, it's time to change now again. And now, I'm playing with Head Graphene 360+ Radical Pro (315g).

As for game change, PS allow me to generate much more spin and power on slow balls. There is almost no change in game between PS and Rad Pro.

 

[TennisHound]

man the fx500 (and dunlop generally) is sorely underrated...it's such a fun racket to swing without the occasional instability/fluttering issues i sometimes find with the pure drive. i just wish the tour version was heavier to be more in line with typical tour specs so you wouldn't have to mess with customization.

Yep X2. This racquet takes weight very well. I like the PD and PA but the head feels wider than the FX500 (which feels really close to a Wilson Blade Team 99).