Arm friendly racquet for my wife?

Redflea · May 19, 2005

My wife has been off the courts for a number of months recovering from tennis elbow...she plays once or twice a week when healthy, and though small (about 5'1", 110 lbs) can whack the ball with authority. Hits very solid, has an eastern one-handed slice bh, eastern FH w/pretty good topspin. Baseliner in singles, does play at the net in doubles, so needs a racquet that works from both locations.

So I'm hoping to get her back on the courts this summer, and since our younger son has taken her racquet in the interim, she needs a new stick.

Her racquet was:

Prince Thunder OS (113) "longbody" (27.5). I think it's 9-10 oz. She can go higher on the weight (and I think should) and I'd also like to see her go lower on the stiffness.

Rules of engagement:

1. Prefer something less than $100, so a generation back, most likely. She is frugal and proud of it! If someone feels there is an awesome choice in a racque over $100, sing out, but she'd prefer something less expensive. (To balance my racquet collecting habit?)

2. Not too heavy, but heavy enough, if you know what I mean. I'm thinking 10.5 oz or so, maybe up to 11 tops.
3. Works for baseline and net play...head size can come down from 113, but likley nothing smaller than 100.
4. Needs to provide moderate power, but she doesn't need a boomer stick.
5. More flexible (sub 70) than her old racquet.

So...suggestions, please?

Redflea · May 19, 2005

Oh...and suggested string tension would be nice as well. I'm going to use Tecnifibre X-1 Biphase.

dscw · May 19, 2005

pd, shark, instinct
maybe rdx 500mp

proracketeer · May 20, 2005

Wilson Triad T6?

ssjkyle31 · May 20, 2005

What about a wood racket?

Maybe prokennex core or the kinetic series?

Clintspin · May 20, 2005

Check out the ProKennex 7g, 5g and others in that series. Very arm friendly and the price is just over a hundred.

Marius_Hancu · May 20, 2005

something under 65 in stiffness
use multis for strings
look at the Volkl range too ... 2nd hand

Match-Point · May 20, 2005

Consider a USED Volkl V-1 Classic. These can be had for under $90 and maybe less now that the new DNX V-1 is going to be launched next month. V-1 Classic is a very arm-friendly racquet. There is a reason Volkl has been making this racquet for 10 years. String it up with an inexpensive soft multi like Tecnifibre E-Matrix or Alpha Gut 2000 and its a sweet bat.

Another racquet to consider is the Volkl Cat V-1 Mid. Not as much pop as the V-1 Classic but more flexible. TW has some used ones on sale for $70:

[font=verdana,arial,helvetica]Volkl Catapult V1 Mid+ demo (1/2) used[/font][font=verdana,arial,helvetica]$70.00[/font][font=verdana,arial,helvetica]6+[/font][font=verdana,arial,helvetica]Used demo racquets in good condition. Popular frame for a reasonable price. Strung, no cover[/font]

M-P

Marius_Hancu · May 20, 2005

Redflea said:
I think it's 9-10 oz. She can go higher on the weight (and I think should) and I'd also like to see her go lower on the stiffness.

She should go over 320g, lower than 65.

Redflea · May 20, 2005

proracketeer said:
Wilson Triad T6?

Thanks...I'll look into this a bit. First glance it looks way too light (9.6) to be a good arm choice. Do you have personal experience w/the Triad line?

TW doesn't carry anything but the T4 and googling it came up w/UK web sites...

Redflea · May 20, 2005

Clintspin said:
Check out the ProKennex 7g, 5g and others in that series. Very arm friendly and the price is just over a hundred.

Hmmm...7G and 5G are 11.7/11.8 oz...going to be a bit much for her to swing. She's tried my RDX Mid (11.8, lower swing weight) and pronounced it too heavy.

I am interested in the ProKennex line...any others come to mind closer to 11 oz?

Redflea · May 20, 2005

Match-Point said:
Consider a USED Volkl V-1 Classic. These can be had for under $90 and maybe less now that the new DNX V-1 is going to be launched next month. V-1 Classic is a very arm-friendly racquet. There is a reason Volkl has been making this racquet for 10 years. String it up with an inexpensive soft multi like Tecnifibre E-Matrix or Alpha Gut 2000 and its a sweet bat.

Another racquet to consider is the Volkl Cat V-1 Mid. Not as much pop as the V-1 Classic but more flexible. TW has some used ones on sale for $70:

[font=verdana,arial,helvetica]Volkl Catapult V1 Mid+ demo (1/2) used[/font][font=verdana,arial,helvetica]$70.00[/font][font=verdana,arial,helvetica]6+[/font][font=verdana,arial,helvetica]Used demo racquets in good condition. Popular frame for a reasonable price. Strung, no cover[/font]M-P

Thanks, M-P, I had been looking through the Volkls and thought the V1 might be an option except for pushing her price range....thanks for the pointers to the used pricing. She (like me) prefers a round "Wilson-ish" grip, but I suppose we could do some mods to the Volkl if she tried one and liked it.

danyue · May 20, 2005

Head Ti Radical OS

bruce nissenbaum · May 20, 2005

My suggestion would be Prince Thundercloud OS (not the new TT version!). Static wght appx 10 oz strung, SW about 305-310, stiffness appx 68 (but the 28-24mm taper beam offers more flexibility at the throat than the head so the racquet provides a very nice, comfortable combo of power and touch), balance is neutral and it is very easy to customize. Great slice shots from this racquet. Easy to generate the 'whip tail' on service motion. My wife hits with 2hbh and eastern fh with topspin drive, spin serves. I have strung the racquet with Head Rip Control 17 starting at 64# for 4 center mains, then 63,62,61,60; crosses at 63# for top and bottom 6, 64# for the middle crosses. Best yet, TW sells the racquet for $60.

muscl3s · May 20, 2005

Redflea,

Please keep us informed. I'm in a similar situation and would like to know what you end up with!

tarkowski · May 20, 2005

TW has the Wilson Htour 105 for $109. 105", 65 stiffness, about 10.5oz.

Redflea · May 20, 2005

tarkowski said:
TW has the Wilson Htour 105 for $109. 105", 65 stiffness, about 10.5oz.

That sounds like it's in the zone...have to look at that one!

Redflea · May 20, 2005

bruce nissenbaum said:
My suggestion would be Prince Thundercloud OS (not the new TT version!). Static wght appx 10 oz strung, SW about 305-310, stiffness appx 68 (but the 28-24mm taper beam offers more flexibility at the throat than the head so the racquet provides a very nice, comfortable combo of power and touch), balance is neutral and it is very easy to customize. Great slice shots from this racquet. Easy to generate the 'whip tail' on service motion. My wife hits with 2hbh and eastern fh with topspin drive, spin serves. I have strung the racquet with Head Rip Control 17 starting at 64# for 4 center mains, then 63,62,61,60; crosses at 63# for top and bottom 6, 64# for the middle crosses. Best yet, TW sells the racquet for $60.

Thanks, I'll add this one to the consider list. She likes the Prince brand in general, and the price is certainly right. A bit lighter than I'd like for her, maybe, but the characteristics you note sound positive.

Craig Sheppard · May 20, 2005

Hey Redflea, did a little poking around and came up with:

Dunlop 300G Oversize ($99, round grip, 105", flexible) - I've used the 300G 98 and liked it... this seems to fit most of your criteria

Head i.Radical Oversize (not round grip but $89, flexible, popular racquet)

The price restriction is the toughest thing... otherwise I'd recommend:

- PK Ki 15 -- fits your needs well, but pricey--maybe you can find it on an auction site.

- Fischer Pro Impact FT, I know you can find it online for <=$100. That's a very comfortable racquet with some good pop and is pretty easy swinging. Might check out the GDS Rally, but I don't have any direct experience w/ this, might be ablet o get it cheap at auction.

Craig

erik-the-red · May 20, 2005

The POG OS is $120, but it is the safest racquet.

Redflea · May 20, 2005

POGs going to be too heavy for her, but thanks, Erik.

Craig...great list of options, thanks! I don't think I'd consider the 300G OS due to my experience w/the 300G 98...specs and experience didn't mesh well for me...I found the 300G not a good arm racquet. The other suggestions sound very interesting. Didn't think of the iRadical...the specs do look pretty good, though along w/the Fisher may be a bit too low-powered...maybe w/low tension it could work.

bruce nissenbaum · May 20, 2005

IMHO, Thundercloud plays a lot better than H Tour 105, especially in serve department. In Wilson line, the colorful ProStaff Torch could be another option; slightly larger head 110 v 105 than H Tour, slightly lighter (closer to T-Cloud), same SW as H Tour (but feels more maneuverable), higher SW than T-Cloud (T-Cloud a little quicker), more stable than H Tour (larger head plus thicker beam mid-frame) and difficult to differentiate from T-Cloud. And Torch is half the price ($50) of Tour. FWIW, I would place Torch ahead of H Tour, and I prefer T-Cloud over Torch, mainly for serve and spin capability: T-cloud has a lense dense string pattern for the same 110 si. Interested to hear what you finally decide on.

Craig Sheppard · May 20, 2005

Redflea said:
POGs going to be too heavy for her, but thanks, Erik.

Craig...great list of options, thanks! I don't think I'd consider the 300G OS due to my experience w/the 300G 98...specs and experience didn't mesh well for me...I found the 300G not a good arm racquet. The other suggestions sound very interesting. Didn't think of the iRadical...the specs do look pretty good, though along w/the Fisher may be a bit too low-powered...maybe w/low tension it could work.

No prob Redflea on the 300G--seems people either like it or hate it. I liked it for the short period of time I hit with it. The Impact FT is lower powered for the specs, although it's very comfortable and easy to use.

Other options you could consider is the Wilson Surge X at $89.99. Not the softest racquet, at 68 but good pop and might not be too harsh with a soft string.

I would seriously take a look at the PK Kinetic Classic line -- all are around $119 and could probably find them cheaper elsewhere since they were quite popular. The 15G Light and the 11G both meet some of your criteria, and from what I've heard all of the Kinetic racquets have been pretty good elbow-wise.

Good luck... figure more options the better

silverwyvern4 · May 20, 2005

The Prince TT Warrior also seems like a good choice. At a solid 11.3 oz, but a dampened 67 stiffness: only $70! It might be a little low in power too

Steve H. · May 20, 2005

I'd agree with Craig about one of the Radical OS models -- my wife uses the Ti version and likes it a lot, and the i.Radical is quite popular with our women's team here.

Revman · May 20, 2005

I would throw my vote in for the Ti Radical OS as well. They're readily available on ****. Great blend of power and control, and very arm-friendly when strung with something like Wilson Sensation at low tension.

yip kok kuin · May 20, 2005

My wife have wrist problem. She now uses the Prince Vortex Midplus. She is happy with it.

Tenny · May 20, 2005

Pog Os, Ps6.0 95, V1

Hi,

I am against (Ti) Radical OS. Oh, well, it was actually a very good stick (balance-not too heavy, not too light + good feel + pretty look etc) but spin generation was not very satisfying (18 mains) so I moved on. I was going to suggest POG OS. They are very arm-safe and if your wife wants to improve her game, they will help her to achieve. But it(POG OS)'s too heavy(still let her try once) for her, she can a PS6.0 95. Very good, buttery feel, arm safe, VG spin and control and as for a heavy stick, it's very headlight so, strangely feels lighter than it's supposed to. Also, I heard many good things about Volkl V1 line products. I don't know how different classic V, quantum (cheapest now) V1, catapult V1 and 10yr edition are though. Good luck!

donnyz89 · May 20, 2005

thundercloud is a really good quality racquet... cheap too.

newracketagain?? · May 20, 2005

what about the wilson hyper pro staff 5.1 surge ? only $59.99 on www.********.com

louis netman · May 20, 2005

Try the Volkl V1 or Catapult V1... but you may want to add some weight. The lighter weight may irritate a sensitive wrist and/or elbow. You say she has quite a swing...??? Then try to find a used Volkl C9 Pro in the classifieds. They're 11.5 oz strung, headlight, 98 sq inches. They are extremely arm friendly (RDC 60), with larger grommets in the hitting area. String it up with gut or gut hybrid and she'll say goodbye to arm issues forever!!!

Superior_Forehand · May 20, 2005

Prince thundercloud. Very good racquet for a smaller woman who is still serious about tennis, (my girlfriend plays with it). Its a great deal at 60 dollars.

Redflea · May 20, 2005

I'm surprised at the number of Thundercloud recommendations, given the low weight and relatively high stiffness (9.8/68)...really is good on the arm? Price is sure right.

Great suggestions...I'm going to go over this thread w/her and start working out which ones she'd like to try from the suggestions.

Progressive10s · May 21, 2005

Recommendations??

Stay with the Pro Kennex line or Volkl. The Kinetic 5G is only 11.3 ounces and it's a great racquet. There have been some recommendations that I cannot agree with. Stay with something with a lower stiffness rating. For example, the PD is not something I would recommend. As a TE sufferer myself, go for something with a track record like the Pro Kennex line.

kv581 · May 21, 2005

Isn't the 5g 11.7oz?

monologuist · Jun 1, 2005

so what was the verdict on this one? I too am now looking for an arm-friendly racquet for my girlfriend...she's just starting out, so it's should probably be an OS, shouldn't be too heavy, yet be powerful and spin friendly enough to make the game fun.

Redflea · Jun 1, 2005

Unfortunately, M, we're on hold...she thought her arm was going to be good enough to start demoing a week or two ago, but when she gave it a brief try it was no-go...still painful.

So she's back to more therapy and the waiting game. She is very frustrated, and I am as well, as I miss hitting with her. :-(

We're going to try again in another month or so...thank goodness we live in a climate where we can play most of the year.

monologuist · Jun 1, 2005

by the way...I was just sifting through some old posts and saw some positive reviews of the Wilson Hammer 6.2 and 6.3 OS's...apparently they are 30% fiberglass and are known to be pretty comfy....although I don't know if it will be good for a beginner....it's funny, alot of these 110" OS racquets that weigh about 10 oz. or so are described on TW as being for 3.0, 3.5 and above players...this surprises me, as most players of that level that I know use something more like a 100" Pure Drive...something at least 11 oz. or so, and no bigger a head than 105-107.

what's on your demo list Redflea?

Redflea · Jun 1, 2005

You know, we hadn't even boiled the list down to what she wanted to demo when we found her arm wasn't ready yet.

I had printed out the thread and were going to go through it together one evening on the weekend. That day we went to the club to have an easy hit and boing...pain. She was pretty disappointed/mad, and when I tried to interest her in going through the demo thread later that weekend she was predictably uninterested.

So I've put it away and we'll try again in a month or so. She does want to go through the thread with me to pick out the racquets, but she's made it clear this is her decision/racquet, not mine

, so I'm waiting for her. Timing is important, if you know what I mean.

kv581 · Jun 1, 2005

Redflea, please keep us updated on her eventual choice. Also, I think many on this board would be interested to know what she recommends for someone of her size but with less advanced strokes.

IceT · Jun 1, 2005

I'm no pro, but seeing how the tennis elbow is the central issue, she needs to use the most arm-friendly racket => Prokennex 5g or Ki 5.

It's a bit on the heavier side, but look at the low swing weight. It's actually quite easy to swing. Strung with multi, I don't think you can find a more comfortable racket at 11.7oz. You can find a used one for well under $100.

If she wants something lighter with bigger head, I'd recommend Prince O3 Red. It's 105 inch and weighs at 10.5 oz strung. I've seen used ones sell for around $130.

Just my 2 cents...

Marius_Hancu · Jun 1, 2005

Redflea said:
You know, we hadn't even boiled the list down to what she wanted to demo when we found her arm wasn't ready yet.

I had printed out the thread and were going to go through it together one evening on the weekend. That day we went to the club to have an easy hit and boing...pain. She was pretty disappointed/mad, and when I tried to interest her in going through the demo thread later that weekend she was predictably uninterested.

So I've put it away and we'll try again in a month or so. She does want to go through the thread with me to pick out the racquets, but she's made it clear this is her decision/racquet, not mine , so I'm waiting for her. Timing is important, if you know what I mean.

How to restart tennis:

Do you have pain when you do the flexibility exercises at:
http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/tennis_elbow

Only if the answer is negative should you proceed to this:

Do you have pain when you do the exercises here
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/05_96/nirscpa.htm
with light weights, say 3lbs, say 3 series of
up to 20 each?

Only if the answer is negative to both of the above should you proceed with tennis.

counterpuncher · Jun 2, 2005

One more to add to your list of possibles when the search resumes is the Yonex Mp-2i. Specs are : 102 sq. in., 27.5 inches, 11oz, Swingweight: 312, Stiffness: 65.

I've had two friends, one with shoulder pain and the other with elbow pain switch to this with Luxilon Ace (which some consider to be a relatively stiff string) and have no recurrence of their injuries.

It provides good power, is relatively light, manueverable & comfortable, provides easy access to spin and best of all is $99 at TW. If she was a Kournikova fan, then that could also be a plus : )

netman · Jun 2, 2005

Pro Kennex 15g line. Now that the Ki models are out you can find these used for very reasonable prices or discounted when new. If the standard 15g is too light, the 15g PSE ups the weight without losing the Kinetic tech. The Kinetic technology really works to dramatically reduce shock and vibration. Takes a little time to get used too, but well worth the investment. The 15g would be a logical transition from your wife's current frame. The 5g is a wonderful racquet but probably heavier and much less powerful than what she has been using.

My partner had TE and couldn't get over it. Had the Ossatron treatment performed on it. One treatment and a few weeks rest and he is back on the court with no problems. Worth a look. Unfortunately insurance would not pay for it, but he did negotiate a lower price.

LoveThisGame · Jun 2, 2005

Admittedly, I haven't read all the other posts. A racquet to consider is the Volkl Catapult 2, Generation II strung with multifilament string about 5 pounds below the specified range. This is a large head, light racquet which has control despite the power of the long main strings and the catapult effect.

I have a older lady customer with a hand problem and bit of an elbow problem on this, strung with Babolat Xcel Premium 16. It works for her.

It has also worked for a senior player no longer able in fast play to get around on a Wilson Hammer 6.3 OS.

Strangely enough, a late-40s player with strength who likes light weight frames loves this racquet (strung at mid-range), claiming it is the best racquet he has ever played with. This boggles my mind; we've often discussed his penchant for light weight frames, so he knows I think he should be playing with a heavier racquet. Maybe he wants to prove me wrong

.

Redflea · Jun 2, 2005

Thanks, all. The PK will likely be on our list, though admittedly the weight looks like it would be too much for her...

Marius..thanks...we found those links in the health section and she's been doing them for quite a while...went through physical therapy via our health plan, has been doing the stretching and other exercises, even has a small hand weight in her car. Been very frustrating. I'm tying to convince her to give acupuncture a try...can't hurt.

Rackethead · Jun 2, 2005

I like the Prestige Classic MP. It is listed as #8 best for the arm at the racquet web site (forget the URL). It is lighter than the POG or PC at 11.6 ounces and has a bigger head at 102" so it is more suitable for beginners.

Redflea · Jun 22, 2005

Well...my wife and I were running some errands at lunch and she surprised me by asking if we could drop by the local tennis shop and get some demo racquets...

She picked out a Prince O3 Red, a Flexpoint Radical OS, and a Head Protector OS.

Yeah, I know, the whole "don't want to spend a whole lot of money" part seems to have gone out the window. I'm just glad she's feeling ready to try again.

We hit for an hour or so this evening and her arm is feeling good, just minor twinges - she was very excited about that. She is using a brace, and iced/ibuprofened after playing proactively.

Racquet results:

O3 - liked the best
Flexpoint - close second
Protect - HATED IT!

She hit quite well w/the Flexpoint and O3, but she was late w/the Flexpoint on enough shots that it looked to heavy for her.

I didn't have my list from this thread w/me when we were at the store, but she'll be going through some of the Pro Kennex, Volkls, others recommended in this thread over the next few weeks.

More to follow.

Redflea · Jun 24, 2005

Next update...we were hitting last night and a friend had a Fisher GDS Rally FT...not on my wife's list, but what the heck, give it a try, right? She didn't care for it, felt it was too dampened and not as controllable as the O3, which she is still liking.

She's passing on the Flexpoint radical, I think, as she agrees it is too heavy. So the O3 is the one from the first batch that will get through to the next round. I haven't told her the O3 price yet, and we'll have a bit of a "?!?!?!" when I do. <evil grin>

More demos coming this weekend...

Tennisaurus · Jun 27, 2005

Redflea said:
Well...my wife and I were running some errands at lunch and she surprised me by asking if we could drop by the local tennis shop and get some demo racquets...

She picked out a Prince O3 Red, a Flexpoint Radical OS, and a Head Protector OS.

....(clip) ....

Racquet results:

O3 - liked the best
Flexpoint - close second
Protect - HATED IT!

Would you share your experience regarding the Protector?

There doesn't seem to be anyone else (who is dealing with TE) that tried the Protector on these boards.

Thanks!

Arm friendly racquet for my wife?

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