Elbow Friendly Alternatives to APD

[ArliHawk]

I've used the APD for about a year and a half after taking up the game again after a 18 year sabattical. Everything seemed to be going fine until the last month or so, but now my elbow is tight/tender after playing. This feeling isn't horrible the next day, but I still think I should consider some arm friendly alternatives. I play primarily doubles, but also play some singles. When I play singles, I generally play baseline with a semi western forehand and 2 handed backhand. So far, I have on my demo list the following:

1. Volkl Organix V1 midplus. My wife uses this racquet, and I've hit with it. Seems very arm friendly.

2. Donnay Formula.

Any other suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

[avince]

BLX Pro Open

[fuzz nation]

In case you have that APD strung with a harsh string, you could try it with something softer - I've seen/heard good results with Head RIP Control, but there are others. That could be less expensive than switching racquets, but a softer string in a stiff racquet might just be too lively.

Something from the Babolat Storm lineup could offer you a softer option with a familiar grip shape - always a plus. The BLX Blade 98 also has some flex to it and I've seen a couple local sluggers switch into that racquet from a stiffer Babolat in the last year or so. Otherwise I'd say you're on the right track with Volkl and Donnay.

[Pbarrow]

I was in the exact boat (20 years off!) and was sore after the adult season. I demoed a whole bunch of arm friendly sticks and the Head Extreme Pro 2.0 stood out for me. I bought two and strung them with gut and my arm and elbow feel much better and I really like the way they hit a lot. May experiment with some different strings in spring.

[ArliHawk]

Originally Posted by fuzz nation

In case you have that APD strung with a harsh string, you could try it with something softer - I've seen/heard good results with Head RIP Control, but there are others. That could be less expensive than switching racquets, but a softer string in a stiff racquet might just be too lively.

Something from the Babolat Storm lineup could offer you a softer option with a familiar grip shape - always a plus. The BLX Blade 98 also has some flex to it and I've seen a couple local sluggers switch into that racquet from a stiffer Babolat in the last year or so. Otherwise I'd say you're on the right track with Volkl and Donnay.

I actually have it strung with Head RIP Control 17 right now. Hit with my wife's V1 and really enjoyed it.

[Disneos]

any donnay racquet is arm friendly as they are designed to eliminate any vibration from passing into arm, I'd recommend any of the pro ones or x-duals, the formula has gotten bad reviews from higher level players, though if youre a club player or casual it should work fine for you.

[LeeD]

Anything else except a PDRoddick.

[sunof tennis]

A Head Radical Pro would be a much softer racquet. Still has some pop and spin, but much better for your arm.

[TroutSc]

I started with the APDgt and ran into elbow issues. The donnay F100 i demoed was more solid, but it was still way stiff (compared to other donnays i tried, like the x duals). while it felt more solid/dampened, I didnt get the impression that it would immediately make my arm stop hurting, that could just me mental knowing the high stiffness rating on the f100 tho.

YouTek IG Speed 300 is where I am at now on demos, so far I love it.

I tried the rad MP, which was also great and comfortable but was an 18/20, the rad pro would be high on my demo list. I plan to try it but am loving the speed too much so I may just go with the speed, its soft but doesnt feel too 'flexy',many would prob want to add some lead to it as it is fairly on the lighter side. I tried the prince tour 100, but couldnt dial it in, it felt really flexy, but very comfortable, probably as comfy as it gets.

[AlfaAce]

Dunlop Bio Max 200G
Babolat Aero Storm line (GT, etc)

There are tons of threads about "elbow friendly" racquets.

[NLBwell]

Any ProKennex 100sq in.

[canadad]

Originally Posted by NLBwell

Any ProKennex 100sq in.

Yep, Ki5 or Q5. Perhaps not at maneuverable as the APD but I love these sticks, they are so comfortable and my arm is the absolute worst. Don't let the lack of marketing keep you away, these are quality products.

[SOY78]

Might want to try the Gamma RZR 98 the lighter version. The head is smaller but it is very maneuverable and hits almost the same as the APD. The Gamma is also much softer.