Any other racquet I should waste my money on in the hope that it’s the one?

[MasterZeb]

I have a tender arm. Blade 98 16x19 feels amazing. Sounds amazing. Produces a wicked ball. Lacks control though considering I can’t go too high in tension with my arm. Currently at 50lbs and I can’t hit first serves otherwise my pain will start. VCPHD awful. Doesn’t feel right at all. Wretched RF97 destroyed my arm. Pro Staff 95 2012 doesn’t suit poly, and multi poly hybrid lacks spin and bite. Control and feel is wonderful. Maybe I could try swinging poly very very low. Like low 40s. Newest pick up is the CX200 tour. Currently at stringers. Could it be the one?????? Who knows. My bank account sure hopes so.

 

[esm]

Maybe I could try swinging poly very very low. Like low 40s.

before wasting money on a new unicorn…. Give 33/31 a go with your usual go to poly string, if you still must use poly.

 

[Power Player]

I have a tender arm. Blade 98 16x19 feels amazing. Sounds amazing. Produces a wicked ball. Lacks control though considering I can’t go too high in tension with my arm. Currently at 50lbs and I can’t hit first serves otherwise my pain will start. VCPHD awful. Doesn’t feel right at all. Wretched RF97 destroyed my arm. Pro Staff 95 2012 doesn’t suit poly, and multi poly hybrid lacks spin and bite. Control and feel is wonderful. Maybe I could try swinging poly very very low. Like low 40s. Newest pick up is the CX200 tour. Currently at stringers. Could it be the one?????? Who knows. My bank account sure hopes so.

The new VCP? It feels a lot like the Blade or Blade pro. I'd go with the VCP 310 if you try the new one. Its a lot different than prior - softer, more stable. Easy on the arm. Has some free power so it's not a noodle.

Sounds like maybe you should try lighter frames and get that contact point cleaned up.

 

[MasterZeb]

before wasting money on a new unicorn…. Give 33/31 a go with your usual go to poly string, if you still must use poly.

On the pro staff?

 

[MasterZeb]

The new VCP? It feels a lot like the Blade or Blade pro. I'd go with the VCP 310 if you try the new one. Its a lot different than prior - softer, more stable. Easy on the arm. Has some free power so it's not a noodle.

Sounds like maybe you should try lighter frames and get that contact point cleaned up.

Perhaps. But too expensive for now. Phantom 97p maybe on the cards too. Lighter frames don’t suit my arm. Wdym clean up contact point.

 

[Power Player]

Perhaps. But too expensive for now. Phantom 97p maybe on the cards too. Lighter frames don’t suit my arm. Wdym clean up contact point.

Phantom 97 is highly regarded. Good call on that one. Please post a review.

 

[socallefty]

Maybe your arm is not healed and you are trying to play too soon. Rest longer from tennis and strengthen your arm using a Flexbar. Also, I would not advise playing with poly for a few months if your arm is so bad. If you have an injury that is not healed properly, changing racquets is not going to be enough.

Also, your racquet models are not notorious for causing elbow issues. I wonder if you play with poly too long after they go dead and cause discomfort. Stiff polys go dead within 7-10 hours and softer polys go dead in 15-25 hours. So, hope you are restringing within that time frame.

 

[Mark-Touch]

Just to throw in my two cents. BTW which version Blade are you using? v.7 or v.8?
I went through a one year trial of around 15-20 rackets a couple of year ago, when
finding a replacement for my old Dunlop Max 200G.

At the end of the day, none of the new rackets did it for me, save for the
Wilson Triad XP5 16x18 103 sq. in. 27.25".
I use that in combination with the Dunlop Biomimetic 200 Plus from several
years ago. I was lucky to buy a couple of them new, locally at a drastic discount.

I had demo'ed the Triad and bought the 200 Plus's on a hunch and they are great!

I need a racket that is fairly flexible <63 RA.

I got suckered into buying a few extra rackets:
Wilson Blade v.6 and v.7
Wilson Ultra Tour

The Blade v.6 was too stiff ultimately.
The Blade v.7 was much better but still has a stiffness that my other rackets don't have.

The Ultra Tour is very comfortable, but at the end of the day doesn't offer the
whole package (power, comfort, control) that my other two rackets offer.

So after going through that whole exercise (I did even demo a Dunlop CX 200 Tour recently)
I have decided to enjoy and get used to my rackets instead of constantly trying
to find the holy grail of rackets.

 

[AmericanTwist]

try playing with a syn gut and see how you feel either multi or solid core. I'm not a fan of poly strings

 

[BPlain]

(Cough, cough) ProKennex!

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Vcore 95, even had a pro who uses a Blade and was stringing it try mine out, he might switch and Yonex are easssssy on the arm now (except for the Ezone 98 TOUR, but it's too head heavy for most)

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

I have a tender arm. Blade 98 16x19 feels amazing. Sounds amazing. Produces a wicked ball. Lacks control though considering I can’t go too high in tension with my arm. Currently at 50lbs and I can’t hit first serves otherwise my pain will start. VCPHD awful. Doesn’t feel right at all. Wretched RF97 destroyed my arm. Pro Staff 95 2012 doesn’t suit poly, and multi poly hybrid lacks spin and bite. Control and feel is wonderful. Maybe I could try swinging poly very very low. Like low 40s. Newest pick up is the CX200 tour. Currently at stringers. Could it be the one?????? Who knows. My bank account sure hopes so.

Where's your arm 'tender'? That might narrow down the reason for your discomfort. First, I strongly suggest taking a lesson...not only to learn what to do but what NOT to do that may be causing the problem with your 'wing'

Babolat Pure Strike 3rd generation (16x19 string pattern...and don't use a full bed of poly, instead try a hybrid of syn gut or pure gut in the mains/poly in the crosses OR a full stringed of syn gut).

 

[CosmosMpower]

Vcore 95, prestige Mp g360+

 

[Steve Huff]

I'd say Pro Kennex too. But then again, I'm not worried about which pro's use the racket I'm interested in.

 

[Rosstour]

Tecnifibre TF40.

People sneer at it being less headlight than a Blade or similar but having a little more weight in the head has really helped me. Excellent plow-through and control even at lower tensions.

I used to get some arm pain, gone now.

 

[TennisHound]

Perhaps. But too expensive for now. Phantom 97p maybe on the cards too. Lighter frames don’t suit my arm. Wdym clean up contact point.

Have you thought about a 100” racquet?

 

[AverageForehand]

Get ProKennex and forget poly.

 

[toby55555]

Wilson Clash are very arm friendly and are recommended to be strung 48 or less with Poly but lack control for me (need to hit with lot of top spin). Pro Kennex are generally comfortable but the 320/325 unstrung weights of some models could put strain on the shoulder.

 

[Mark-Touch]

(Cough, cough) ProKennex!

I took notes on most of the demo's I tried.

Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 5G 339 g - No (missing feel)

 

[Tennisguy3000]

I bought some Donnay Pro One 97's when I was having arm trouble and they are great frames. They are filled with high density foam and are some of the most flexible frames available. They are having a Buy One get one free US Open sale on their Formula Frames. I got the 18x 20 Pro One but there is a 16 x 19 available too. All of the best on the hunt!
Pro One: https://donnaytennis.com/tennis-racquets/pro-one-18x20-pentacore.html
Formula Guy One Get One: https://donnaytennis.com/
Tennis Nerd Review: https://tennisnerd.net/gear/racquets/racquet-reviews/donnay-pro-one-penta-97-racquet-review/8580

 

[Tennisguy3000]

BTW This brace saved my arm. It covers both the inside & outside of the arm:

BandIT Elbow Brace

The ProBand® BandIT works with the human anatomy to aid in the relief of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other forms of forearm and wrist pain associated with repetitive strain injuries.This does this without cutting off circula

www.physiotherapyroom.com

Also, these armbands are great to have on at the same time for both comfort & healing: https://www.amazon.ca/COPPER-HEAL-Elbow-Compression-Sleeve/dp/B071W6YBPN/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=sports+arm+sleeve+copper&qid=1630738495&sr=8-10

Lastly, this is how to wear the band/splint:

 

[Tennisguy3000]

Also a great five minute video on massage:

 

[BumElbow]

What grip size are you using? Too small a grip can lead to tennis elbow because they require you to squeeze the handle too tightly.

When is the last time you had your tennis technique reviewed by a teaching pro to make sure it is mechanically sound?

Sometimes, it's not the racquet that's the problem.

 

[MasterZeb]

Maybe your arm is not healed and you are trying to play too soon. Rest longer from tennis and strengthen your arm using a Flexbar. Also, I would not advise playing with poly for a few months if your arm is so bad. If you have an injury tha5 is not healed properly, changing racquets is not going to be enough.

Also, your racquet models are not notorious for causing elbow issues. I wonder if you play with poly too long after they go dead and cause discomfort. Stiff polys go dead within 7-10 hours and softer polys go dead in 15-25 hours. So, hope you are restringing within that time frame.

I’ve tried resting it but hasn’t worked. Longest I tried was the first quarantine we had in the U.K. so that was what, a few months? I’m very upto date on my stringing as well. My strings break anyway within two weeks. The pain only comes when I start hitting first serves. It’s completely fine on every other stroke. I assume it’s because of the much harder contact and shock compared to the other strokes. And I get coaches multiple times a week at my academy too, and my coach hasn’t said anything concerns him with my technique.

 

[MasterZeb]

Just to throw in my two cents. BTW which version Blade are you using? v.7 or v.8?
I went through a one year trial of around 15-20 rackets a couple of year ago, when
finding a replacement for my old Dunlop Max 200G.

At the end of the day, none of the new rackets did it for me, save for the
Wilson Triad XP5 16x18 103 sq. in. 27.25".
I use that in combination with the Dunlop Biomimetic 200 Plus from several
years ago. I was lucky to buy a couple of them new, locally at a drastic discount.

I had demo'ed the Triad and bought the 200 Plus's on a hunch and they are great!

I need a racket that is fairly flexible <63 RA.

I got suckered into buying a few extra rackets:
Wilson Blade v.6 and v.7
Wilson Ultra Tour

The Blade v.6 was too stiff ultimately.
The Blade v.7 was much better but still has a stiffness that my other rackets don't have.

The Ultra Tour is very comfortable, but at the end of the day doesn't offer the
whole package (power, comfort, control) that my other two rackets offer.

So after going through that whole exercise (I did even demo a Dunlop CX 200 Tour recently)
I have decided to enjoy and get used to my rackets instead of constantly trying
to find the holy grail of rackets.

I have a feeling that may end up being her route I go down. Pro staff 95 is the best of the bunch for far arm wise. It’s the V7 blade

 

[MasterZeb]

try playing with a syn gut and see how you feel either multi or solid core. I'm not a fan of poly strings

I’ve tried them and wasn’t a fan at all of the lack of grab and spin.

 

[MasterZeb]

(Cough, cough) ProKennex!

I'd say Pro Kennex too. But then again, I'm not worried about which pro's use the racket I'm interested in.

Get ProKennex and forget poly.

 

[MasterZeb]

Vcore 95, even had a pro who uses a Blade and was stringing it try mine out, he might switch and Yonex are easssssy on the arm now (except for the Ezone 98 TOUR, but it's too head heavy for most)

I heard some people say that it’s a little stiffer than it says on the cards which is why I haven’t considered it.

 

[MasterZeb]

Where's your arm 'tender'? That might narrow down the reason for your discomfort. First, I strongly suggest taking a lesson...not only to learn what to do but what NOT to do that may be causing the problem with your 'wing'

Babolat Pure Strike 3rd generation (16x19 string pattern...and don't use a full bed of poly, instead try a hybrid of syn gut or pure gut in the mains/poly in the crosses OR a full stringed of syn gut).

It’s the bicep tendon area. Not tennis or golfers elbow. Had it checked out by a physio (which ended up being pretty useless). I get coached multiple times a week at my academy. My coach hasn’t said anything that concerns him about my technique. It only happens on the first serve. Every other stroke is completely fine. I assume it’s cause of the much harder impact. Maybe I need to see a proper sports doctor.

 

[MasterZeb]

Tecnifibre TF40.

People sneer at it being less headlight than a Blade or similar but having a little more weight in the head has really helped me. Excellent plow-through and control even at lower tensions.

I used to get some arm pain, gone now.

How’s it compared to the blade. Stats and review wise I didn’t see anyone marvel at its softness so didn’t consider it.

 

[MasterZeb]

Have you thought about a 100” racquet?

Thought about the speed. Tried it. Didn’t like it. Clash on the cards too I think.

 

[MasterZeb]

Wilson Clash are very arm friendly and are recommended to be strung 48 or less with Poly but lack control for me (need to hit with lot of top spin). Pro Kennex are generally comfortable but the 320/325 unstrung weights of some models could put strain on the shoulder.

A racquet with the power of the clash, I think I’d need to stringer higher than 48

 

[MasterZeb]

BTW This brace saved my arm. It covers both the inside & outside of the arm:

BandIT Elbow Brace

The ProBand® BandIT works with the human anatomy to aid in the relief of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other forms of forearm and wrist pain associated with repetitive strain injuries.This does this without cutting off circula

www.physiotherapyroom.com

Also, these armbands are great to have on at the same time for both comfort & healing: https://www.amazon.ca/COPPER-HEAL-Elbow-Compression-Sleeve/dp/B071W6YBPN/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=sports+arm+sleeve+copper&qid=1630738495&sr=8-10

Lastly, this is how to wear the band/splint:

My pain is in the tendon area of my bicep. Had it checked out by a physio and everything. They said it’s not tennis or golfers elbow, which I figured beforehand after looking at some info on their symptoms (is that the correct word? Idk). Gave me some excercises to do and massages. Still hasn’t worked for me. I’m thinking I may need to go to a proper sports doctor this time and get it properly checked out.

 

[MasterZeb]

What grip size are you using? Too small a grip can lead to tennis elbow because they require you to squeeze the handle too tightly.

When is the last time you had your tennis technique reviewed by a teaching pro to make sure it is mechanically sound?

Sometimes, it's not the racquet that's the problem.

Grip 3. I’m pretty this is the correct size. Feels good. Done that finger test as well.
I get coached multiple times a week at my local academy and my coach hasn’t said anything that concerns him about my technique.

 

[BumElbow]

Grip 3. I’m pretty this is the correct size. Feels good. Done that finger test as well.
I get coached multiple times a week at my local academy and my coach hasn’t said anything that concerns him about my technique.

I suffer from chronic tennis elbow. I use the largest grip I can get. Borrow a racquet with a 4 1/2" grip size and see if it makes a difference. Every little bit you squeeze the racquet handle less does make a difference. If the larger grip size gives you more stability then it may be worth switching to. Try it.

 

[DustinW]

If you love the Blade 16x19 but think it is lacking control, why not the Blade 18x20?

 

[esm]

It’s the bicep tendon area. Not tennis or golfers elbow. Had it checked out by a physio (which ended up being pretty useless). I get coached multiple times a week at my academy. My coach hasn’t said anything that concerns him about my technique. It only happens on the first serve. Every other stroke is completely fine. I assume it’s cause of the much harder impact. Maybe I need to see a proper sports doctor.

Do any of your academy coaches give you any advice on what to do in relation to your first serve? Any modifications they can think of? Maybe change the toss, height of impact or maybe get another coach outside the academy just for any help/new advice.
how about your second serve? Does it hurt your shoulder/upper arm? Maybe fine tune it to make it your first serve?
(Just thinking out loud…)

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

I heard some people say that it’s a little stiffer than it says on the cards which is why I haven’t considered it.

If the stiffness scares you because of tennis elbow, ignore that fear, these Yonex cannot cause tennis elbow. It's really a magical racket, I've seen more non-yonex people switch to this stick than any other Yonex in the past 5 years. And, it has to overcome the stigma of being a 95, but the sweet spot is large. It's a must demo, for anyone.

 

[socallefty]

It’s the bicep tendon area. Not tennis or golfers elbow. Had it checked out by a physio (which ended up being pretty useless). I get coached multiple times a week at my academy. My coach hasn’t said anything that concerns him about my technique. It only happens on the first serve. Every other stroke is completely fine. I assume it’s cause of the much harder impact. Maybe I need to see a proper sports doctor.

You have a rotator cuff injury which makes the bicep tendon impinged. It is the #1 injury sustained by juniors who play a lot of tennis and it causes pain only during overhead motions like serves and smashes. The shoulders of juniors unfortunately can take only so much repetitive overhead motions, especially with heavy, stiff racquets like the RF97. If you rest it, the pain will subside, but it will come back as soon as you play again. Sounds like it is a mild injury if it affects you only during first serves.

You need to see a physical therapist to put you on a program to strengthen your rotator cuff. You can also find information online on exercises you can do. All the best!

 

[Luke Hochstatter]

Love my vcore 95. A dream on a one hander backhand too.

 

[AmericanTwist]

I get 95% of poly spin with a syn gut. Have you tried sheep micro 17 or 18?

 

[Steve Huff]

Grip 3. I’m pretty this is the correct size. Feels good. Done that finger test as well.
I get coached multiple times a week at my local academy and my coach hasn’t said anything that concerns him about my technique.

How is your serve speed? You mention your "academy" which I'm assuming is a tennis academy, so you are probably in your teens. The reason I ask about your serve speed is to get an idea of the pronation you're getting while serving. Your bicep has 2 connecting tendons--1 near the elbow, the other towards the top that connects to the shoulder area. Which of yours is having pain? You haven't been working on lowering your toss, or something like that have you? Hope you're getting better by now, and if not, yes, you should get a doctor who specializes in tennis injuries to look at it.

 

[Novichok]

OP has got a wrecked arm but still wants nothing less than the seductive bite, spin and control of a shaped co-poly strung tight. Also, seems unwilling to make changes to the first serve, because 'coach' doesn't think anything's wrong.
The situation is dire.

Spoiler

 

[Karma Tennis]

It sounds like you might have some sort of shoulder rotator cuff injury.

If that is the case then nothing you do with your equipment is going to fix it. And if you continue to put pressure on it it will simply get worse until the only solutions will be to quit playing tennis altogether. Over time, the wear and tear will get to the point where everyday acitivies would become painful and limited. And once it gets to that point, the only solution will be surgery, and that is not 100% guaranteed to fix it.

Firstly, you need a proper diagnosis. The easiest way to determine what is going on is with a CAT scan or MRI scan of the tender area. At this point you might only have one or a few very minor tears. But if you keep doing what you are doing it will get worse. I have seen what happens to people who ignore it. It is not nice!

 

[MasterZeb]

I suffer from chronic tennis elbow. I use the largest grip I can get. Borrow a racquet with a 4 1/2" grip size and see if it makes a difference. Every little bit you squeeze the racquet handle less does make a difference. If the larger grip size gives you more stability then it may be worth switching to. Try it.

Defo an option I will have to try.

 

[MasterZeb]

If you love the Blade 16x19 but think it is lacking control, why not the Blade 18x20?

Launch angle. But it might be something I might have to get used to. If it gives me all the other things.

 

[MasterZeb]

Do any of your academy coaches give you any advice on what to do in relation to your first serve? Any modifications they can think of? Maybe change the toss, height of impact or maybe get another coach outside the academy just for any help/new advice.
how about your second serve? Does it hurt your shoulder/upper arm? Maybe fine tune it to make it your first serve?
(Just thinking out loud…)

I haven’t really told them. I’ve always just thought the solution would to change equipment and so skipped over that conversation. But thinking about it now I should’ve done it ages ago. I’ll defo let him know next session. Getting a new opinion on it may also help.
Second serve is completely fine. Doesn’t hurt at all. Always end up reverting to it like midway through a match cause my arm can’t deal with the pain anymore, or I just use it all the time. Annoying though as the first is a significant weapon. Second is like zverevs.

 

[MasterZeb]

If the stiffness scares you because of tennis elbow, ignore that fear, these Yonex cannot cause tennis elbow. It's really a magical racket, I've seen more non-yonex people switch to this stick than any other Yonex in the past 5 years. And, it has to overcome the stigma of being a 95, but the sweet spot is large. It's a must demo, for anyone.

In that case maybe my dislike of the VCPHD may just need adjusting of the setup. Maybe I’ll try lower.

 

[MasterZeb]

You have a rotator cuff injury which makes the bicep tendon impinged. It is the #1 injury sustained by juniors who play a lot of tennis and it causes pain only during overhead motions like serves and smashes. The shoulders of juniors unfortunately can take only so much repetitive overhead motions, especially with heavy, stiff racquets like the RF97. If you rest it, the pain will subside, but it will come back as soon as you play again. Sounds like it is a mild injury if it affects you only during first serves.

You need to see a physical therapist to put you on a program to strengthen your rotator cuff. You can also find information online on exercises you can do. All the best!

It sounds like you might have some sort of shoulder rotator cuff injury.

If that is the case then nothing you do with your equipment is going to fix it. And if you continue to put pressure on it it will simply get worse until the only solutions will be to quit playing tennis altogether. Over time, the wear and tear will get to the point where everyday acitivies would become painful and limited. And once it gets to that point, the only solution will be surgery, and that is not 100% guaranteed to fix it.

Firstly, you need a proper diagnosis. The easiest way to determine what is going on is with a CAT scan or MRI scan of the tender area. At this point you might only have one or a few very minor tears. But if you keep doing what you are doing it will get worse. I have seen what happens to people who ignore it. It is not nice!

Oh my. I guess I don’t need to see a doctor anymore. Jokes aside thanks a bunch. But what you’re saying makes sense. The physio I went to did give me a couple of excercises which were linked to the bicep and tricep area but they haven’t worked. A proper sports doctor is definitely needed however big a gulp it will be for the wallet. A proper checked and look is needed, and dealt with sooner rather than later. Like you said I don’t wanna be debilitated for life with this. Sounds scary can’t lie.

 

[MasterZeb]

I get 95% of poly spin with a syn gut. Have you tried sheep micro 17 or 18?

I have not. I’ll have a look actually.