Arm Friendly Racket Questions????????????

[Tennis16]

I have been searching for an arm friendly racket. I originally started out with a Fischer Magnetic Tour (SL). A great racket, but at almost 12 oz. it started to hurt my shoulder. So I decided to look for something with less static weight. I have narrowed it down to the Nblade 98, and the Pure Storm. Both great rackets, but I think I am leaning more towards the Nblade. Any opinions regarding these rackets, and there arm friendliness over a period of time would be appreciated. Also, has anyone ever used racketresearch.com to aid in finding an arm friendly racket. Thanks for your responses.

 

[counterpuncher]

Have you thought of trying the UL version of the Mag Tour 100 given that is fairly similar to what you have been using in a lighter package ? I have both the SL and UL versions and can switch between the two without too much adjustment.

 

[vsdtrek]

I have been searching for an arm friendly racket. I originally started out with a Fischer Magnetic Tour (SL). A great racket, but at almost 12 oz. it started to hurt my shoulder. So I decided to look for something with less static weight. I have narrowed it down to the Nblade 98, and the Pure Storm. Both great rackets, but I think I am leaning more towards the Nblade. Any opinions regarding these rackets, and there arm friendliness over a period of time would be appreciated. Also, has anyone ever used racketresearch.com to aid in finding an arm friendly racket. Thanks for your responses.

Hi -

I actually just got rid of two Storms. I know a lot of people really like them (I did too from a play standpoint), but I did end up with some wicked tennis elbow recently after only 6 matches. I'm not sure it was entirely due to the frame as I was doing some relatively heavy yardwork during that period; however, I do think it played a part. Despite its overall modest stiffness specs, the Storm does have a firmer tip and lighter weight than frames I have typically used (PS 6.0 95 and RDX 500 MP). I am finding that with the way I hit backhand shots/volleys, too stiff a tip tends to give me some trouble. Still, you may really like it.

I just started using a Gamma 7.0 and this thing is really soft. I'm not sure it's right for me, but it is as flexy as I've used in awhile. My arm was fairly decent in last night's USTA league play.

 

[Tim]

If you just started getting a sore shoulder using the same raquet you had been, then finding out exactly what the problem is would be the most important thing. Without knowing more I would say the nblade is a good choice. If your problem has more to do with swinging fast, than the actual weight,you may even need to go to a raquet that supplys more power like a volkl V1.

 

[abrahavt]

I have both the Magnetic Tour SL and the MSpeed 105 (both similar static weights). The MSpeed feels a lot lighter and easier to swing. It also has more power so you dont have to swing as hard. The MSpeed has a buttery smooth hit and is one of the most arm friendly racquets around (I have tried many including the ProKennex 5G). You should demo the MSpeed 105 if you can.

 

[diggler]

I playtested a Head Protector today. It is ok. I fuc.ked up a few backhands, but I'll get used to it. I'll probably buy it. $250 Aussie dollars, about $200 USD. Pretty cheap.

 

[socalrider81]

What specs of a racket would be considered an arm friendly racket?

 

[keithchircop]

I playtested a Head Protector today. It is ok. I fuc.ked up a few backhands, but I'll get used to it. I'll probably buy it. $250 Aussie dollars, about $200 USD. Pretty cheap.

a real bargain, huh?

 

[Tennis16]

Well being that the static weight of the Fischer gave my shoulder trouble I am leaning toward a lighter weight racket with a stiffness rating of 64 or less. I actually tried the lighter version of the Fischer, but it just never felt right for me. The only racket I have found so far in an 11 oz package that fits the bill is the Nblade. The storm feels like a very solid racket to me, but it feels as though it is an even balance. Thus harder to move the racket around as compared to the Nblade. So far it looks like I might be moving toward the Nblade. I am an all court player, and at every given opportunity I am at the net. The Nblade has caused me no discomfort. Although, I like power of the Storm I think I can remedy that with the Nblade by stringing it in the low 50's with gut. Let me know what you guys think!!! Thanks

 

[counterpuncher]

The storm feels like a very solid racket to me, but it feels as though it is an even balance. Thus harder to move the racket around as compared to the Nblade.

I found exactly the same thing when I used the Storm for a while before giving up on it, but the UL Fischer does feel okay to me. It sounds like you have found your answer in the Nblade.

One other racquet that I would throw up for your consideration is the UL version (L2 grip) of the Yonex RDS002 Tour. A slightly thicker replacement grip or overgrip will build it up quite easily to an L3 or even an L4 without adding too much, if any weight. It is very comfortable, has great touch, spin and reasonable power and is definitely worth a demo.

 

[Tennis16]

I did demo the RSD 003. A very powerful racket, but it felt heavier than 11 oz, and more like an even balance than headlight. I think I will give the RDS 002 a try. But I got to be honest with you I just can't seem to get used to that square shape head.

 

[Tim]

The thing that really makes the nblade nice is that the swingweight is quite high given its static weight so it really feels like a heavier raquet. Should serve you well.

 

[Tennis16]

Also, I think one big mistake I was making was that I was concentrating to much on what the static weight of the racket was. I have come to realize that swingweight it extremely important in determining a good racket fit. Finding your max swingweight, and then choosing demos based on that I think it the way to go.

 

[abrahavt]

Not sure you can always trust the swing weight either. The Magnetic Tour has a swing weight of around 302 while the MSpeed 105 has a swing weight around 320. The MSpeed feels lighter and easier to swing. Not sure why.

 

[fuzz nation]

I honestly wonder if some of those swingweights are drawn out of a hat! Occasionally they are just plain wrong (don't feel violated in case a swingweight leaves you feeling deceived).

Anyway, you might also want to look over what Volkl has to offer. The Tour 10 Gen II is a softy of a frame that's quite easy to handle. Most of their racquets are at least moderately flexible.

 

[cirish]

Volkl V1

Is the reintroduced Volkl V1 friendly on your arm?

 

[A-Rod6600]

Pro kennex ki5 is one of the best arm friendly racquet around. It has a good weight and it's manevrauble due to the head light balance. I switched to it because of wrist pain and i'm satisfied with it.

 

[ClimbK2]

Do a search on the topic as this has come up many times before. RacquetResearch.com, while outdated, probably explains 2/3 of racquet-related tennis elbow issues. From what I've read & experienced:

Factors making a racquet more arm & shoulder friendly:
- More flexible -- lower #s better
- More weight, esp. head light
- Soft strings, especially natural gut
- Low string tension

Poor stroke mechanics are a major cause. Have your 1-handed backhand checked out by a pro.
Don't grip the racquet tightly continuously.

Some other good racquets: Most Pro Kennex, like Ki5, Volkls (& Beckers), the heavier Princes (e.g., POG, O3 Tour).