help, racquet required for 62yr old mum

C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
dear all,

my mother is getting back into tennis having not really played for 20+ years

to give you some background she was a national player in her youth and played at junior Wimbledon

life took over but she is keen to get playing again, she has been playing with original black Prince graphite racquets (I mean when they first came out, yes that old) but these are too heavy for her now I think and she tried a middle range Wilson and it just gave her tennis elbow

having hit with her a couple of times recently I think she needs something with a bit of power as she was finding it hard to create pace but also arm friendly

slightly at a loss at to where to start, any help gratefully received, thanks

eta does not have to be new as could buy something second hand with a view to selling on if not right for her...
 
M

makinao

Rookie
If she played with a POG before (and I'm assuming it was an OS), and got tennis elbow with a tweener, then try the recent Radicals.

The Microgel Radical OS is at least an ounce lighter than a POG, but still arm friendly. Its an OS, so lots of margin for error. And its on sale for $89.95.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_MicroGEL_Radical_Oversize/descpageRCHEAD-MGRADO.html

The Youtek Radical OS may have the same specs, but I tried it and it seems lighter and flexier in the head. More expensive than the Microgel at $127.95, but still a bargain.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_Radical_Oversize/descpageRCHEAD-HYTROS.html
 
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C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
makinao said:
If she played with a POG before (and I'm assuming it was an OS), and got tennis elbow with a tweener, then try the recent Radicals.

The Microgel Radical OS is at least an ounce lighter than a POG, but still arm friendly. Its an OS, so lots of margin for error. And its on sale for $89.95.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_MicroGEL_Radical_Oversize/descpageRCHEAD-MGRADO.html

The Youtek Radical OS may have the same specs, but I tried it and it seems lighter and flexier in the head. More expensive than the Microgel at $127.95, but still a bargain.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_Radical_Oversize/descpageRCHEAD-HYTROS.html
Click to expand...

no was not a OS think the head is a 90 but an oversize might suit her now, it was/is black with a white stripe around it, did not have a bridge thingy

just googled it and pretty sure it is a prince series 90 graphite pro, are they collectable?

thanks
 
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M

makinao

Rookie
chippy17 said:
just googled it and pretty sure it is a prince series 90 graphite pro, are they collectable?
Click to expand...

The Graphite Pro is a flexier version of the POG. Its got an old-skool solid feel. It is a classic, don't let go of it. While you're at it, you should try it. You might like it. There's a thread about it:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=274830

Another cheap, comfortable, and light racquet is the Aerogel 4D 300. Its only 10.9oz, and a midplus.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Dunlop_Aerogel_4D_300_3Hundred/descpageRCDUNLOP-D4D3T.html

Finally, the Aerogel 4d 500 is entering tweener territory, weighting in at just 10.2, stiffness at 66, and beam width at 25 at the bridge. But I've tried it and its still comfortable. And right now its super cheap.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Dunlop_Aerogel_4D_500_5Hundred/descpageRCDUNLOP-D4D5.html
 
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S

Steve Huff

G.O.A.T.
I'm a big Pro Kennex fan because they are comfortable. The ki5 is a great all-around racket. It's 100 sq in. If she wants to go OS, I agree with the Head Radical (all except the LM version).
 
C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
makinao said:
The Graphite Pro is a flexier version of the POG. Its got an old-skool solid feel. It is a classic, don't let go of it. While you're at it, you should try it. You might like it. There's a thread about it:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=274830

Another cheap, comfortable, and light racquet is the Aerogel 4D 300. Its only 10.9oz, and a midplus.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Dunlop_Aerogel_4D_300_3Hundred/descpageRCDUNLOP-D4D3T.html

Finally, the Aerogel 4d 500 is entering tweener territory, weighting in at just 10.2, stiffness at 66, and beam width at 25 at the bridge. But I've tried it and its still comfortable. And right now its super cheap.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Dunlop_Aerogel_4D_500_5Hundred/descpageRCDUNLOP-D4D5.html
Click to expand...

thanks for these, liking the look of these

I have hit with them before but not for a long time, I ultimately preferred the PS 6.0 95 but will have another hit at some point
 
C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
Steve Huff said:
I'm a big Pro Kennex fan because they are comfortable. The ki5 is a great all-around racket. It's 100 sq in. If she wants to go OS, I agree with the Head Radical (all except the LM version).
Click to expand...

funny you say that as so am I, currently have 3 redondo mp in my bag, love them a lot to the point where I talk to them occasionally like nurturing a plant :)

was thinking the Ki5 wqas a bit on the heavy side?
 
T

TennisCJC

Legend
Get your Mum a Volkl V1 Classic. Volkl makes an excellent product and they are very comfortable.

I just demo-ed the new dunlops f 3.0 and m 3.0, wilson ps 6.1 95, and tecnifibre v02 320 against my current racket Volkl O10 295 customized. My racket is far better than all of them.
Volkl is an EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE racket.
Volkl is an excellent choice and the V1 Classic is perfect for a good player that is getting older or an intermediate to advanced player looking for a light racket with power and control.
 
C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
TennisCJC said:
Get your Mum a Volkl V1 Classic. Volkl makes an excellent product and they are very comfortable.

I just demo-ed the new dunlops f 3.0 and m 3.0, wilson ps 6.1 95, and tecnifibre v02 320 against my current racket Volkl O10 295 customized. My racket is far better than all of them.
Volkl is an EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE racket.
Volkl is an excellent choice and the V1 Classic is perfect for a good player that is getting older or an intermediate to advanced player looking for a light racket with power and control.
Click to expand...

good advice, I have been offered a couple of PB10 mid light 295, was tempted?
 
T

Tim

Rookie
I'd second the Volkl V-1 Classic they really play amazingly well for good players that either want something lighter or have an injury etc. They are easy on the arm and you can control the power quite well based on strings and tension, try it with a full bed of VS gut at 58 or 60 and it plays very nice.
 
max

max

Legend
TennisCJC said:
Get your Mum a Volkl V1 Classic. Volkl makes an excellent product and they are very comfortable.

I just demo-ed the new dunlops f 3.0 and m 3.0, wilson ps 6.1 95, and tecnifibre v02 320 against my current racket Volkl O10 295 customized. My racket is far better than all of them.
Volkl is an EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE racket.
Volkl is an excellent choice and the V1 Classic is perfect for a good player that is getting older or an intermediate to advanced player looking for a light racket with power and control.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the Volkl V1 was the first to come to mind.
 
C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
thanks it seems the concensus is for Volkl, any comments on the PB10 mp light 295 I mentioned, any good or just a gimmicky lighter version of a great racket?
 
esgee48

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
The PB10 MP 295, by the time it is strung up, will weigh in about 25-30 grams heavier. That's about 11.2 oz and there are many racquets (at TW) with that mass.
 
T

Tim

Rookie
I haven't played with the PB's but I played DNX mps, and currently have a Becker Melbourne in my bag,and while they are nice sticks they are relatively flexible and low powered. The problem your mum will run into is going to be endurance, so if she can hit well with a low powered players racquet how long will she be able to play with it? and how will it effect shots when shes out of position etc. I've found from personal experience that as you age giving yourself a little edge with more power and lighter racquets really can improve your game the fun you have playing. Just one example would be reaction volleys, after a set or so you will be too slow with the heavier racquet but a lighter one you'll have a much better chance with.
 
Chotobaka

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
chippy17 said:
thanks it seems the concensus is for Volkl, any comments on the PB10 mp light 295 I mentioned, any good or just a gimmicky lighter version of a great racket?
Click to expand...

Nothing gimmicky about this racquet -- it's an easy swinging players racquet -- but for me the Organix 10 295 has better feel and more comfort. I own a PB10 Light and will be buying more than one X10 295 whenever they go on close-out.
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Wary of the V1. Bit too light and stiff IMHO. Usually see 62 yo with Granny sticks but those are guys.
 
C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
Tim said:
I haven't played with the PB's but I played DNX mps, and currently have a Becker Melbourne in my bag,and while they are nice sticks they are relatively flexible and low powered. The problem your mum will run into is going to be endurance, so if she can hit well with a low powered players racquet how long will she be able to play with it? and how will it effect shots when shes out of position etc. I've found from personal experience that as you age giving yourself a little edge with more power and lighter racquets really can improve your game the fun you have playing. Just one example would be reaction volleys, after a set or so you will be too slow with the heavier racquet but a lighter one you'll have a much better chance with.
Click to expand...

mmm interesting thoughts thanks, i take your point perhaps even these middle weight rackets might be a but much for her?

as I am sure you can imagine she has well developed full strokes but very old school and her movement is not great, perhaps she does need a good tweener!?

can't resist a bit of name dropping and small claim to fame; she used to date Nastase for a while said he was completely mad but that was the attraction apparently I was quite close to being Nastase's son :)

any recommendations?
 
T

Tim

Rookie
well he was certainly hard to beat for on court antics....:) one other thought I would have is the BLX Blade Team, thats one of the few light weight but flexible racquets which might suit the situation well. I've played one with full poly, albeit an older iteration and it really plays like a light players stick, again put in a full bed of something lively like Addiction, if you don't want to go with gut and it should play well.

Rondaldo have you played a V1 with gut or a soft multi? I've never found them to feel stiff in any negative connotation.
 
C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
Tim said:
well he was certainly hard to beat for on court antics....:) one other thought I would have is the BLX Blade Team, thats one of the few light weight but flexible racquets which might suit the situation well. I've played one with full poly, albeit an older iteration and it really plays like a light players stick, again put in a full bed of something lively like Addiction, if you don't want to go with gut and it should play well.

Rondaldo have you played a V1 with gut or a soft multi? I've never found them to feel stiff in any negative connotation.
Click to expand...

yes I have met him a couple of times and he is still a bit loopy in a good way, thanks for your suggestion I will add to the list
 
H

Hi I'm Ray

Professional
At that age they will usually need a light frame and lots of power. I know a few older players fairly well around that age who range from decent to surprisingly good players.

V1. I haven't hit with a Pro Kennex in a long time but they are supposed to be powerful and arm friendly. Babolat Pure Drive 107 is very powerful and surprisingly comfortable (Check the TW description and user reviews).
 
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C

chippy17

Semi-Pro
Hi I'm Ray said:
At that age they will usually need a light frame and lots of power. I know a few older players fairly well around that age who range from decent to surprisingly good players.

V1. I haven't hit with a Pro Kennex in a long time but they are supposed to be powerful and arm friendly. Babolat Pure Drive 107 is very powerful and surprisingly comfortable (Check the TW description and user reviews).
Click to expand...

she was a very handy player in her youth, not quite world class but not far off, but she is extremely rusty

she of course grew up playing with wooden rackets and the heavy graphite ones so weight has never been a problem before but I hit with her the other day and lent her one of my Redondo's and after about 10mins she said it was too heavy for her, but I worry that a light tweener with ooodles of power is going to far the other way

personally the redondo is one of the nicest rackets I have played with for a long time and after a year of playing with it I have decided i will stick with this racket for the forseeable, i would not call it powerful but i can generate my own so not an issue for me, very arm friendly even set up like I have with full poly

I fear that if she plays with a really light racket she will miss a bit of stability?
 
T

Tim

Rookie
I don't think stability will be an issue with the V1 but if it is then just add .5-1 gram of lead at 9 and 3 and the corresponding amount in the butt cap or under the grip to keep the balance the same. I'm currently using the V 10 catapult which is just slightly heavier than the V1 and I'm playing around the 4.5 lvl. Just to give another perspective Feliciano Lopez was using a V 1 Catapult after his shoulder surgery a few years back at the pro level, I don't know if he had lead added but the frame itself is pretty solid.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
I'm sure there are dozens of racket that qualify.
I"m an injured 63, have Dunlop500's and one MicroGelRadOS. Both work really well for net play and returns of serves.
500 is precise but stiff, and very lightweight.
MGOS is softer and kinder, not as precise, but much bigger sweetspot.
Both have enough power for any level of tennis to be expected.
 
H

Hi I'm Ray

Professional
chippy17 said:
she was a very handy player in her youth, not quite world class but not far off, but she is extremely rusty

she of course grew up playing with wooden rackets and the heavy graphite ones so weight has never been a problem before but I hit with her the other day and lent her one of my Redondo's and after about 10mins she said it was too heavy for her, but I worry that a light tweener with ooodles of power is going to far the other way

personally the redondo is one of the nicest rackets I have played with for a long time and after a year of playing with it I have decided i will stick with this racket for the forseeable, i would not call it powerful but i can generate my own so not an issue for me, very arm friendly even set up like I have with full poly

I fear that if she plays with a really light racket she will miss a bit of stability?
Click to expand...

I used heavy rackets for years, can play ok with wood frames as well. Now using a leaded up tweener. If you're in the states you can always demo from TW. Swingweight & mass in the racket hoop are more important for stability than overall static weight. Frame too light or unstable? - easily fixed with $2 lead tape. I'd start with 4gm at 3&9 o'clock and go from there.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Seldom do 62 year old people, especially MUMs, need to worry about stability and plowthru.
What, are they playing against 25 year old 4.5's all the time?
Eyes failing, body crumbling, reflexes slowing down, movement hampered, would you hand here Federer's racket of choice?
Try light (10 oz) BIG (OS), with soft strings that create the power with little chance of a long powerful swing.
 
N

NLBwell

Legend
V-1 hurts my elbow on the first shot.

See how she does with the Microgel Radical mid+ and os.
Not a ton of power, but acceptable and easy on the arm.
I'd think she'd play well with a Pure Drive, but it isn't easy on the arm.
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Tim said:
well he was certainly hard to beat for on court antics....:) one other thought I would have is the BLX Blade Team, thats one of the few light weight but flexible racquets which might suit the situation well. I've played one with full poly, albeit an older iteration and it really plays like a light players stick, again put in a full bed of something lively like Addiction, if you don't want to go with gut and it should play well.

Rondaldo have you played a V1 with gut or a soft multi? I've never found them to feel stiff in any negative connotation.
Click to expand...

Seriously, most of Wilson's entire line of game-improvement racquets are arm-friendly. Used the old Triad technology with RA of 19 to 60.
 
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