how important is your racquet in determining the outcome of a close match?

How important is your racquet in determining the outcome of a close match?

  • 1. It is important

    Votes: 93 78.2%

  • 2. It is not important at all, I can play with just about anything.

    Votes: 28 23.5%
  • Total voters
    119
  • Poll closed .
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
1. It is important

2. It is not important at all, I can play with just about anything

Just about anything meaning a very wide spectrum

Guys think extreme 9oz stick vs 14oz, SW 280 VS 380, 28inch length VS 27 85sq vs 110sq 30cm Head light vs 36cm Head heavy

Think BIG BUBBA vs PS8.5

IN A TIGHT MATCH

IF IT DOES NOT MATTER THEN SO BE IT

But please vote here as well regarding your string setup

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=174882
 
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B

bluetrain4

G.O.A.T.
I can play with a pretty wide variety of frames as long as I have a little time to adjust.

That said, I do have preferences and some frames (ultra light, for example) would be out of the question.

I can adjust very easily to flexibility and string pattern changes

More diffcult to adjust to weight, but fairly easy if it's within a .4 oz.

Swingweight is probably the most difficult, but even then, as with all of these things, strokes can adjusted.
 
C

Chauvalito

Hall of Fame
If it is a close match, I would want to be playing with a racket I am completely comfortable with.

Otherwise I adjust fairly quickly to different rackets...I switch often between similar but different rackets and have no problems.

That said, in a match situation I would prefer a racket which i know well.
 
R

retrowagen

Hall of Fame
For me (ex. Div III college, ITF juniors and circuit player), #2. Except on bad "mental toughness" days when any number of factors would get under my skin - wind or a guy with a loud Hawaiian shirt in the stands could mess me up on such a fragile day as much as the wrong size racket grip or string tension off by 5 pounds.

Generally, better players need a racket they're comfortable with, weight, balance and feel within a certain range, and it needs to be tailored to the player's overall style of play (an all S/V person might not be too happy with a Rossignol F200, for instance, but it can be done in the hands of the right athlete).

In my competitive career (mid 80's-early 90's), I had success with such varied frames as the Kneissl White Star Pro Master, Dunlop Max 200G, Head Elite Pro, and Fischer Vacuum Elliptic. I did try the Rossi F200, but it was more useful on clay than hard courts, as was the Kneissl. I found the Voelkl Worldcup MS24 to be such a dismally-performing frame, that I refused to play more than one tournament with it - I switched over to Dunlop and then found the Head Elite Pro to be a very friendly racket for my play and kept on with it for quite a while.
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
Just about anything meaning a very wide spectrum

Guys think extreme 9oz stick vs 14oz, SW 280 VS 380, 28inch length VS 27 85sq vs 110sq 30cm Head light vs 36cm Head heavy

Think BIG BUBBA vs PS8.5

IN A TIGHT MATCH

IF IT DOES NOT MATTER THEN SO BE IT
 
dantespark33

dantespark33

Semi-Pro
i would have to say it is really important, because if you don't use a racket what else will you use? a frying pan? ^_^
 
R

retrowagen

Hall of Fame
Well, OK then, if you consider the "It's a Close Match, Big Bubba Or PS85 It Doesn't Matter" extremes of equipment selection, then the match probably wouldn't be a close one to begin with, were the player playing with an absolutely unsuitable piece of equipment. I'd suggest this is more true with advanced players than beginners.

It'd be as ludicrous as suggesting that it wouldn't matter if one would climb Mt. Everest in either proper insulated Mountaineering Boots with crampons, or cowboy boots.
 
CAM178

CAM178

Hall of Fame
Yes, it matters. I've broken a string close to the end of a match, and had to switch to another frame. Me not happy. Me win, but me not happy.
 
meowmix

meowmix

Hall of Fame
If I'm 7-6, 6-7, 6-5 in a match and I break my strings on my primary racket and I have to switch rackets, I'm screwed. Pure and simple. I can adjust to the other racket, but it'll take me 15-20 minutes. I wouldn't have that kind of time in a close match.
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
This is a Wilson ULTRA with metal PWS head size is 65sq not sure if there is smaller, and it weighs over 13oz flexs at 80, with 3/4 grip and 1.40mm 15g strings at 40lbs . This is the frame I will bring with me for all you Macho folks who can win with anything in a close match. ONLY person I know on this board who can play effective with this frame is Deuce

721cc2e.jpg
 
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drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
I don't even want to think about my frame when playing. That said, if I am comfortable with my selection, then it is important. If it does not feel comfortable, I will be too conscious of it, and will probably tighten up during points.
 
W

WBF

Hall of Fame
JohnP said:
Anybody who voted "it doesnt matter" needs to stop huffing paint thinner.
Click to expand...

If you have time to practice with the racquet (as in, multiple days, completely habituate to it in the same sense that you did your previous racquet), then it does not matter.

If you are asking whether these specs can make a difference when you just randomly switch with no practice on the new racquet whatsoever, I don't see the point in the question.
 
Ultra2HolyGrail

Ultra2HolyGrail

Hall of Fame
When i was playing a light hyper carbon i felt one match i lost becuase of my racquet.. And alot of approach shots i felt the control was not my fault. The one match i remember against a player using a prestige was that i was getting tight and not swinging out like i should have.. Could of just been me at the time choking but that was a pretty powerfull and stiff racquet and for some reason i felt i could not hit out like i should have. And the guy swinging the prestige was swinging it like a mad man ;) I really should have beat him lol..
 
Rabbit

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
michael chaho said:
This is a Wilson ULTRA with metal PWS head size is 65sq not sure if there is smaller, and it weighs over 13oz flexs at 80, with 3/4 grip and 1.40mm 15g strings at 40lbs . This is the frame I will bring with me for all you Macho folks who can win with anything in a close match. ONLY person I know on this board who can play effective with this frame is Deuce

721cc2e.jpg
Click to expand...

Hmmmm.....
 
Ultra2HolyGrail

Ultra2HolyGrail

Hall of Fame
I voted yes it makes a difference but disclaimer is only if you are comfortable with your racquet and been playing it for atleast a year than it should make zero difference. That's why anybody who takes tennis pretty serious stays with the same racquet.. The last thing you want to worry about is if you "like" your racquet when your playing. So yes it makes a difference but if you tend to lose alot of close matches than i say thats your fault.. Flat out "Choking"-playing tight and losing focus and intensity is usally the real reason why you lose in a close match.. Or the other person just played better than you.. To me nothing is worse than losing a close match, if it's close, i feel i should win it..
 
H

herosol

Professional
michael chaho said:
This is a Wilson ULTRA with metal PWS head size is 65sq not sure if there is smaller, and it weighs over 13oz flexs at 80, with 3/4 grip and 1.40mm 15g strings at 40lbs . This is the frame I will bring with me for all you Macho folks who can win with anything in a close match. ONLY person I know on this board who can play effective with this frame is Deuce

721cc2e.jpg
Click to expand...


lawl. Ai pwnz u wit dat racketz kkz?

I would probably attempt to just lob every shot, and just hit every ball really high like a pusher with that thing. :[

The racket does matter, especially since I use Yonex. For me the Isometric head-shape has always been a very unique feeling for me atleast. I takes me awhile to get back to using regular oval/circular shaped racket heads. The Isometric vs Regular Shape really affects my serve in particular.
 
Z

Zhou

Hall of Fame
Wow, for the 10 people that voted no, there are 2 possibilities. 1) You are just beast and are gonna be pro someday or 2) you are trying to be cool and say your awesome on these boards so people would portray you to be a good tennis player but in real life you are just a lousy 3.5...
 
RoddickAce

RoddickAce

Hall of Fame
Imagine using an oversize racquet, with modern technology, and then switching to an 80 sq inch or less frame size wooden racquet. I need to adapt, and in a really close match, I would perform the best if I'm used to using my equipment.
 
Ultra2HolyGrail

Ultra2HolyGrail

Hall of Fame
Zhou said:
Wow, for the 10 people that voted no, there are 2 possibilities. 1) You are just beast and are gonna be pro someday or 2) you are trying to be cool and say your awesome on these boards so people would portray you to be a good tennis player but in real life you are just a lousy 3.5...
Click to expand...

Everybody is 4.5+ on these boards :)
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
Zhou said:
Wow, for the 10 people that voted no, there are 2 possibilities. 1) You are just beast and are gonna be pro someday or 2) you are trying to be cool and say your awesome on these boards so people would portray you to be a good tennis player but in real life you are just a lousy 3.5...
Click to expand...
it is funny how the people who say racquets are not important are rarely seen in the equipment section, they are faithful posters everywhere else though

But I would like to know how many from these people also think setup is no important as well. show of hands? I know there are few of you, maybe even all of yous think the same regarding string string setup as well.
 
A

anbu4ever11

Semi-Pro
i would say it matters in the fact of the enviroment.lets say its a long match and your tired then i think which racket your using does matter.ill have my choice sticks but if im tired or not getting and depth or power then i will switch to a back up more powerful easier to swing racket.if ur performing at ur best physical and mental then id say then what racket your using doesnt matter.
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
JohnP said:
Anybody who voted "it doesnt matter" needs to stop huffing paint thinner.
Click to expand...

behold the glue sniffers, me thinks they should be banned from the equipment section

chiapants226, Jack & Coke, johlhausen, JW10S, Leelord337, retrowagen, robmachado23, tennis_nerd22, WBF, YULitle

1/2 these people are under 4.0 and are teens who do not know the difference between a tennis racquet and a hockey stick and it is not surprising, but I am rather disappointed from the older and much more experienced crowd. I think this macho bunch are on a mission. I hope they reach their goal.
 
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Q

quest01

Hall of Fame
If I'm playing a guy thats pretty good then I want to use a racket I feel I'm best with. If I'm playing for fun or against a guy that reeks then I'll use a racket which is more demanding like the PS85 or K90.
 
Mick

Mick

Legend
when I lose a close match, it's not because of my equipment. It's because my opponent out played me.
 
W

WBF

Hall of Fame
michael chaho said:
behold the glue sniffers, me thinks they should be banned from the equipment section

chiapants226, Jack & Coke, johlhausen, JW10S, Leelord337, retrowagen, robmachado23, tennis_nerd22, WBF, YULitle

1/2 these people are under 4.0 and are teens who do not know the difference between a tennis racquet and a hockey stick and it is not surprising, but I am rather disappointed from the older and much more experienced crowd. I think this macho bunch are on a mission. I hope they reach their goal.
Click to expand...

The phrasing of the op was such that we were asked whether individually, we think we could play against close opponents with various racquets. I pointed out that given practice and time to adapt to a new racquet (and a reasonable racquet, junior sticks and crap like that excluded), I think it wouldn't be the deciding factor. I would simply habituate to the racquet. Does it not generate enough spin? I would modify my game (I have had success using my first serve twice in a row, slightly slower vs. the kicker). Too powerful? I would adjust my strokes. etc.

Does this mean that I won't play with my racquet of choice given the opportunity? Of course not. You asked the question, I just answered it.
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
Mick said:
when I lose a close match, it's not because of my equipment. It's because my opponent out played me.
Click to expand...

WBF said:
The phrasing of the op was such that we were asked whether individually, we think we could play against close opponents with various racquets. I pointed out that given practice and time to adapt to a new racquet (and a reasonable racquet, junior sticks and crap like that excluded), I think it wouldn't be the deciding factor. I would simply habituate to the racquet. Does it not generate enough spin? I would modify my game (I have had success using my first serve twice in a row, slightly slower vs. the kicker). Too powerful? I would adjust my strokes. etc.

Does this mean that I won't play with my racquet of choice given the opportunity? Of course not. You asked the question, I just answered it.
Click to expand...

you two don't even think strings setup are important in a match so racquets should not even be a question, not surprising
 
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Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
WBF said:
Does it not generate enough spin? I would modify my game (I have had success using my first serve twice in a row, slightly slower vs. the kicker).
Click to expand...

WBF I have seen your first serve, if you slow down your first serve with less kick against me, I will crush it and the chances are you will get broken and oh yeah bring your LM prestige the one you hate the most
 
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W

WBF

Hall of Fame
I think I clarified in my post that the string would need to be within the tension recommendations on the racquet. Other than that, just edit my above post so it discusses stringing vs. racquets.

It is not that these aren't important. It's that these won't be deciding factors during a match with a close competitor, if you have time to habituate to them.

The reason they are important to *me* is that they let me play my favorite style of game with less discomfort, room for injury, and so forth. Factors that ultimately wouldn't affect the outcome of a match imho.
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
WBF You just bought a new stringer few weeks ago, you are new to stringing, people here have been stringing for 30 years and they will disagree with you, I have been stringing for more than 25 years since I was 13

You just joined this site six months ago with over 700 post in less than six months read below:

you never started a thread in the equipment section

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php?searchid=1509772

you have posted a dozen times in the racquet section

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php?searchid=1509783

and a few times in the stringing section

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php?searchid=1509781

Given your history I am not surprised by your position.
 
G

Gimmick

Semi-Pro
I think the gap in specs between the two racquets is going to determine how much it affects your outcome.

(I kept it brief because my posts keep disappearing???)
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
WBF said:
I think I clarified in my post that the string would need to be within the tension recommendations on the racquet.
Click to expand...
We are talking about gauge and type which IMO are even more important than tension. I agree tension does not matter as much I can play well between 40-60

If I give you a very dense frame with all 15g Kevlar or 15g POLY at 70lbs you will habituate in a few days to it and beat your closest competitor:confused:

If you can then all the power to you mate, either you are clueless to gear or we are going to have a NEW US hopeful, but you are 24
 
W

WBF

Hall of Fame
Michael, I've been stringing my own racquets for around 10 years. I've been stringing other players racquets for the same amount of time. I strung for my Dad's club team (good players), I strung for my highschool team, and I strung a little during college, although they had very poorly maintained stringer, so I avoided it as often as possible. And I had... other things to do! I've used a dropweight for a few years, but mostly a crank (ektelon model H). While I am not nearly as experienced as all of you, I am far from new to stringing.

I enjoy using the equipment I like but... Sometimes the vehement positions taken here remind me of this study ( http://scienceblogs.com/cortex/2007/11/the_subjectivity_of_wine.php )
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
WBF said:
Michael, I've been stringing my own racquets for around 10 years. I've been stringing other players racquets for the same amount of time. I strung for my Dad's club team (good players), I strung for my highschool team, and I strung a little during college, although they had very poorly maintained stringer, so I avoided it as often as possible. And I had... other things to do! I've used a dropweight for a few years, but mostly a crank (ektelon model H). While I am not nearly as experienced as all of you, I am far from new to stringing.

I enjoy using the equipment I like but... Sometimes the vehement positions taken here remind me of this study ( http://scienceblogs.com/cortex/2007/11/the_subjectivity_of_wine.php )
Click to expand...


this thread tells me otherwise

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=173657

now you want to go out and buy a scale, it is getting addicting
 
W

WBF

Hall of Fame
michael chaho said:
this thread tells me otherwise

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=173657

now you want to go out and buy a scale, it is getting addicting
Click to expand...

I have never said that I would *prefer* to play with equipment that I am not used to. I simply stated that I *could* play with equipment that I am not used to, and given practice, could attain the same results.

Obviously, I would prefer to play with what I am used to, vs. having to adjust my game.
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
^^^^^^ why don't you play with the LM prestige? seriously what don't you like about it? It should do everything your N6.1 can.

Oh and I do like your serve BTW only you should invest in a ball hopper rather than a baggy :)

You know why your position is the way it is, it is because you are a young 24 year old, healthy and very fit, wait till your 40,
 
W

WBF

Hall of Fame
Haha, yes, this may be a factor :p The reason I do not use the LM is because I prefer the n6.1. I think I could compete with close competitors using both, but one of them would require far more work (getting used to it, changing aspects of my game, not enjoying the feel, etc).

If I had a racquet that simply *sounded* crisp when hitting, but was literally the same in all other ways to a racquet which sounded muted, I would prefer the crisp sounding one. Would it change my game? No, I just wouldn't enjoy playing with it as much.

I live less than a 5 minute walk away from the courts; the canvas bag I use (was it a baggy in the video? or the canvas bag?) is more comfortable vs. thin metal over my shoulder!
 
Mick

Mick

Legend
michael chaho said:
you two don't even think strings setup are important in a match so racquets should not even be a question, not surprising
Click to expand...

1/ all my racquets have the same strings/tension.
2/ when I play opponents at my level, I would bring the racquets that I play my best with to the courts.
3/ when he beats me, I would congratulate him for playing a good match. I don't tell him: if i used a bigger headsize racquet or if I use a certain strings setup I could have won.
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
WBF said:
Haha, yes, this may be a factor :p The reason I do not use the LM is because I prefer the n6.1. I think I could compete with close competitors using both, but one of them would require far more work (getting used to it, changing aspects of my game, not enjoying the feel, etc).

If I had a racquet that simply *sounded* crisp when hitting, but was literally the same in all other ways to a racquet which sounded muted, I would prefer the crisp sounding one. Would it change my game? No, I just wouldn't enjoy playing with it as much.
Click to expand...

You think you can compete with close competitors but can you win, have you tried it? picture you went to a tourny and all three of your n6.1 broke, your buddy gave you an LM prestige a frame you know so no need to have few weeks with it, would you win a very close match?

As for sound, now you are making sense to me. Sound is one of the most important element in my game. How a frame sounds and how a string sounds builds up my confidence, especially the "thumping" sounds of PC600 and PT630. If a frame or string sounds metallic with a high pitch or a frame the sound very HOLLOW, it will affect my game to some degree, many here will agree to that.

Try hitting with your ears plugged, and you will know the importance of sound is a game. I ounce lost to a 4.5 that I usually kill, why because we played near a highway were all you hear were cars driving by, I could not even hear a single any shot. It was not only distracting but annoying.
 
Pro_Tour_630

Pro_Tour_630

Legend
Mick said:
1/ all my racquets have the same strings/tension.
Click to expand...

stop, all your racquets have the same string and tension, and you voted string/tension should not matter, please who do you think we are? why do you even have the same string and tension in all your frames?
 
Mick

Mick

Legend
drakulie said:
I don't even want to think about my frame when playing. That said, if I am comfortable with my selection, then it is important. If it does not feel comfortable, I will be too conscious of it, and will probably tighten up during points.
Click to expand...

I am with you. I never think about my racquet when I play. I would only think about where I would place the ball and how much pace I should use.
 
W

WBF

Hall of Fame
michael chaho said:
You think you can compete with close competitors but can you win, have you tried it? picture you went to a tourny and all three of your n6.1 broke, your buddy gave you an LM prestige a frame you know so no need to have few weeks with it, would you win a very close match?
Click to expand...

I might lose. I might win. The racquet could certainly be to blame in this case; as I pointed out before, I would need time, and a good amount of it, to get used to the racquet.
 
Mick

Mick

Legend
michael chaho said:
stop, all your racquets have the same string and tension, and you voted string/tension should not matter, please who do you think we are? why do you even have the same string and tension in all your frames?
Click to expand...

when I get my racquets strung, I would ask them to string the racquets at the mid point of recommended tensions. But the string tensions would loosen the more you play, so I have played with 60 lbs tension and a bit less and the change doesn't affect my level of play.

I know it would affect the level of play for professionals because they are playing against world class players but I don't play against world class players.
 
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