Racket for dad (54 y.o.)

G

Gato

Semi-Pro
Hey guys, I want to buy a racket for my dad, he is playing now with recreational type of racket Yonex, kind of amateur one, head size is around 100 because when I compare it to mine it's the same size. I want to buy him proper one for his bday. We can't playtest here any rackets so it will be blind buy. I found some good deals in my local tennis store. I play with AeroPro Drive 2013 and he once played with mine and liked it. He had tennis elbow for a month like 3 years ago but since then no pain. His play is standard, medium topspin shots. Something comfortable for the arm would be also good bonus. Racket which he has now is pretty stiff I tried it and it's like hitting with piece of wood lol, so probably anything will be better... I restringed his racket and dropped tension to 52lbs because he was using it at 58-59lbs. What do you think? Maybe another frame? Thanks a lot! :)

For example these are for €110-116 which is good deal:
Yonex EZONE DR 100 300g 2018
Yonex VCORE DUEL G 100 300g
Wilson ULTRA TEAM 100 2018

This one is more expensive €150
Babolat PURE DRIVE 2018
 
F

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
Any racquet you get for him should be easier on his arm if strung with either synthetic gut or multifiber - not a poly. Dropping tension as you mentioned above is generally a good idea for avoiding irritation. But even at low tension, I'd stay away from any poly considering that your dad is a tennis elbow survivor.

Those three racquets you listed look fine. I'm a solid fan of Volkl and I can say that several of their frames have some arm-friendliness built in. I play a couple of their heavier models, so I don't know what to recommend here.
 
Irvin

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
Tecnifibre TFight 315 DC or if you want a softer version the TFight 315 DC LTD. On the other hand if you want a stiffer frame the TFlash 300 PS.
 
Georgo

Georgo

New User
Then you have. Shipping is approx. 22 pounds, ordered mines like this as well. If on stock, ships rather fast. :)
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
Georgo said:
Then you have. Shipping is approx. 22 pounds, ordered mines like this as well. If on stock, ships rather fast. :)
Click to expand...
Yeah that's not a problem, but he doesn't know Angell brand and he will treat it like some cheap not quality stuff... so that's a no in this case :D
 
joe sch

joe sch

Legend
Gato said:
Hey guys, I want to buy a racket for my dad, he is playing now with recreational type of racket Yonex, kind of amateur one, head size is around 100 because when I compare it to mine it's the same size. I want to buy him proper one for his bday. We can't playtest here any rackets so it will be blind buy. I found some good deals in my local tennis store. I play with AeroPro Drive 2013 and he once played with mine and liked it. He had tennis elbow for a month like 3 years ago but since then no pain. His play is standard, medium topspin shots. Something comfortable for the arm would be also good bonus. Racket which he has now is pretty stiff I tried it and it's like hitting with piece of wood lol, so probably anything will be better... I restringed his racket and dropped tension to 52lbs because he was using it at 58-59lbs. What do you think? Maybe another frame? Thanks a lot! :)

For example these are for €110-116 which is good deal:
Yonex EZONE DR 100 300g 2018
Yonex VCORE DUEL G 100 300g
Wilson ULTRA TEAM 100 2018

This one is more expensive €150
Babolat PURE DRIVE 2018
Click to expand...
Did he play tennis as a kid ? If yes then get him a woody like a Kramer and that may really make him happy. Atleast until he joins his dubs group :)
 
Georgo

Georgo

New User
Gato said:
he will treat it like some cheap not quality stuff...
Click to expand...
Until he sees it and plays with it and you explain him it was designed by who happened to have designed the Dunlop racquets of Steffi and John back in the days.:D
But your choice.
 
Last edited:
T

TennisCJC

Legend
yonex dr100 is a quality racket. it hits nicely, not too heavy with enough SW to add power. Good balance of power and control and more comfortable than its stiffness rating. it has the gel handle tech for a muted feel with less vibration.

Volkl v1 pro is similar and also a high quality racket.

I would go with either of these - make give with the yonex dr 100 a slight edge because it doesn't need customization. yonex has enough SW and good HL balance stock while Volkl v1 pro needs more SW and more HL in my opinion.
 
CopolyX

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
basic 11 oz plus HL 16 x 19 frame new from last yrs or yr before, would be find.
I would recommend even the blade 104 , very low vibration, string it with sync gut or a multi, he be fine
The blade 104 has a nice big sweet spot, using sync gut and or a multi will even increase the sweet spot and supply a bit more pop and power..maintaining a very arm friendly, user friendly stick.
and the can be had cheap...
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
How often should you restring synthetic gut or multi? I never used it, only poly... some good examples of those strings? Thanks
 
S

Steve Huff

G.O.A.T.
The Pro Kennex 5 series is a good all-around racket. It's also very easy on the arm. It's 100 sq in, medium power. If he's had elbow issues, I'd seriously look at it. Prices are pretty good too.
 
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max

max

Legend
I'd pick the Volkl C-10 or the Pro Kennex 5G.

Of course, the demo process can be a fun thing to do.
 
1HBHfanatic

1HBHfanatic

Legend
1 more vote for the yonex.dr.100
Ive strung this for someone with elbow issues, used hybrid, low tension, poly/syn.gut,, they luv it.. no arm discomfort now..
solid racquet, lots of good reviews
Can be taylored for many different players, latter,,
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Prince Phantom Pro 100 or 100P
Yonex Ezone series. I like DR 98 personally
Volkl C10 Pro

You'd never have to worry about arm issues with those frames. And they play very nice.

I'd stay away from Wilson's other than ProStaff and Ultra Tour (or a 2015 Blade 98). I'd avoid Babolat except for Pure Strike VS Tour. In the Head lineup I'd probably suggest the Radicals over anything else but I'm not a big Head person.
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
1HBHfanatic said:
1 more vote for the yonex.dr.100
Ive strung this for someone with elbow issues, used hybrid, low tension, poly/syn.gut,, they luv it.. no arm discomfort now..
solid racquet, lots of good reviews
Can be taylored for many different players, latter,,
Click to expand...
I ordered Yonex Ezone DR 100, which strings do you recommend? Name a few specific thanks
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
1HBHfanatic said:
What do you have available?
also what do you normally string the rakets with?
fb.multi
fb.poly
hybrid poly/multi?
Click to expand...
Fb poly, last time it was Poly pro tour for dad at 52-53lbs but he played with it only for 2 hours.. and before that he had like 2-3 years old string, natural color but very stiff high tension not good - very hard when bed had contact with ball
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Don't string it with poly.

If he wants spin, try a muted slippery multi like Velocity, RIP Control, HCX Tour. If he doesn't need lots of spin and doesn't break strings then Gut, Origin, or Biphase one
 
1HBHfanatic

1HBHfanatic

Legend
Gato said:
Fb poly, last time it was Poly pro tour for dad at 52-53lbs but he played with it only for 2 hours.. and before that he had like 2-3 years old string, natural color but very stiff high tension not good - very hard when bed had contact with ball
Click to expand...

I personally would do fb poly, low
I like 49mains/46crosses, always lower on the crosses, less stiff feel..
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
Imago said:
Listen to the good doctor if you wish your dad well. Go for the poly only if you desire some kind of revenge. Your dad will end up with some case of tendonitis or lateral epicondylitis.
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I asked about specific synthetic gut strings and nobody answered
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Gato said:
Thanks, but I will probably use Babolat, Wilson
Click to expand...

Any synthetic gut from any brand would be ok. Both Wilson and Babolat have synthetic guts. The Prince synthetic gut is pretty popular. I personally like to hybrid with poly mains and synthetic gut crosses.
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
Imago said:
Babolat Synthetic Gut is surprisingly good and cheap.
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It's easier to buy it here, I could order from Germany but it will take 5-6 days and I want to give it till next weekend stringed. Btw what do you think about synt gut vs multifilament? Big difference or not? Synt gut is cheaper
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
mhkeuns said:
Any synthetic gut from any brand would be ok. Both Wilson and Babolat have synthetic guts. The Prince synthetic gut is pretty popular. I personally like to hybrid with poly mains and synthetic gut crosses.
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I red about Prince synt gut original but couldn't find it only the black version but it's worse
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Gato said:
I ordered this Wilson synthetic gut, Babolat wasn't in stock. How often should it be restringed? The same like poly? Or does it have longer lifespan?

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_Synthetic_Gut_Power_16_String/descpageACWILSON-WSGP16.html
Click to expand...

I find the Wilson syn gut to be terrible personally. Locks up fast and becomes unplayable. Prince is far better IMO.

Maybe your dad won't notice. But as I said previously, if he's not a string breaker then natural gut is the best string hands down despite it's price. It's tension holding properties will last far longer than any other son gut or multifilament and it has nice feel and touch.

If he's not the type to care about spin, power, tension loss, etc then stick to comfortable strings to lessen the risk of arm damage. Technifibre Multifeel is probably an underrated multi that performs well at a lower price point than the premium multis like Excel, NXT and Biphase.
 
S

Steve Huff

G.O.A.T.
It has a longer lifespan. Wilson Synthetic is ok. He probably will like it. Others are Gosen OG Micro, Prince Syn w/Duraflex (most popular string in the world), Head Syn PPS, Babolat Syn, Gamma Synthetic, Polyfibre Select. About every manufacturer markets a synthetic gut, and they are all made about the same. Softer strings are called multifiliments. They are generally higher in cost, but easier on the arm. A good one to start with is Technifibre Multifeel. It's kind of middle of the road when it comes to price.
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
Dartagnan64 said:
I find the Wilson syn gut to be terrible personally. Locks up fast and becomes unplayable. Prince is far better IMO.

Maybe your dad won't notice. But as I said previously, if he's not a string breaker then natural gut is the best string hands down despite it's price. It's tension holding properties will last far longer than any other son gut or multifilament and it has nice feel and touch.

If he's not the type to care about spin, power, tension loss, etc then stick to comfortable strings to lessen the risk of arm damage. Technifibre Multifeel is probably an underrated multi that performs well at a lower price point than the premium multis like Excel, NXT and Biphase.
Click to expand...
Could find only Prince duraflex and it seems people don't like it
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
Steve Huff said:
It has a longer lifespan. Wilson Synthetic is ok. He probably will like it. Others are Gosen OG Micro, Prince Syn w/Duraflex (most popular string in the world), Head Syn PPS, Babolat Syn, Gamma Synthetic, Polyfibre Select. About every manufacturer markets a synthetic gut, and they are all made about the same. Softer strings are called multifiliments. They are generally higher in cost, but easier on the arm. A good one to start with is Technifibre Multifeel. It's kind of middle of the road when it comes to price.
Click to expand...
Yeah last time when someone stringed his rackets he doesn't even know the brand of the string let alone material... he stringed it by something stringer recommended.. so we'll see this time. I think proper racket will be big upgrade in feel from the current
 
S

sma1001

Hall of Fame
Prince Duraflex is a good quality syn gut: there is a reason it's very popular. Don't be distracted by those harkening back to the pre-duraflex version. Durafalex adds to durability and the feel is still very good by comparison to other syn guts, so try it next time at 55 pounds.

PS: i hope your dad likes his DR100. I'm sure he will: a quality racquet which will help him get better. And good for him that he has a son who is willing to do this research for his birthday. Enjoy!
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
sma1001 said:
Prince Duraflex is a good quality syn gut: there is a reason it's very popular. Don't be distracted by those harkening back to the pre-duraflex version. Durafalex adds to durability and the feel is still very good by comparison to other syn guts, so try it next time at 55 pounds.

PS: i hope your dad likes his DR100. I'm sure he will: a quality racquet which will help him get better. And good for him that he has a son who is willing to do this research for his birthday. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Thanks! Okay maybe next time.. We are competint in local tennis league (for amateur players of course) and he is joining us this year so I think it will help him a lot, he also lost some fat so he is getting into the shape again :) How often do you restring syn gut? The same as poly?
 
S

sma1001

Hall of Fame
Gato said:
Thanks! Okay maybe next time.. We are competint in local tennis league (for amateur players of course) and he is joining us this year so I think it will help him a lot, he also lost some fat so he is getting into the shape again :) How often do you restring syn gut? The same as poly?
Click to expand...

In principle syn gut should last longer than poly, but it depends how long you leave your poly in. Some people play their poly far too long, believing they should wait until it breaks. However, all polys lose their elasticity and most shouldn't be used beyond about 10 hours. Syn gut should last that long, and can be played until it breaks, albeit its better to check for fraying, and once that is developed, restring then.
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Gato said:
Could find only Prince duraflex and it seems people don't like it
Click to expand...

Yeah some people hate the duraflex and some love it. I think it's fine and still better than Wilson Syn gut, but I prefer the POSG withough duraflex as I'm not a huge string breaker and it has a softer feel.
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
Dartagnan64 said:
Yeah some people hate the duraflex and some love it. I think it's fine and still better than Wilson Syn gut, but I prefer the POSG withough duraflex as I'm not a huge string breaker and it has a softer feel.
Click to expand...
Maybe next time, how often do you restring syn gut?
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
It's here! I have to say racket looks amazing! The green case is nice as well - didn't expect that! And I got bonus too - free Dunlop Fort balls and 2 Wilson overgrips :)
2eek3di.jpg

23ku5wm.jpg
 
G

Gato

Semi-Pro
So my package with Wilson gut, etc is late for 3 days so I couldn't wait yesterday and went to local shop and they only had Dunlop S-Gut black synthetic gut for €6 or Babolat Xcel for €19 so I picked Dunlop and got it stringed at 23kg (50lbs). Anyone tried this S-Gut from Dunlop? Is it better or worse than Wilson?
291dmk4.jpg
 
T

TennisCJC

Legend
Gato said:
I ordered Yonex Ezone DR 100, which strings do you recommend? Name a few specific thanks
Click to expand...

if you Dad is 4.0 or below and doesn't have a fast topspin string, I would go with TF MultiFeel 16G at 57lbs. It is $10 a set and a very good string. If your Dad plays a higher level OR has a faster swing with good topspin, I would do a Kirschbaum Max Power 17G mains at 48 lbs with a syn gut 17G cross at 46lbs.
 
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