Babolat pure strike 2014 18x20 giving me elbow problems

[StringSnapper]

The thing is i really like playing with this racket. It just feels like if i miss the sweet spot it kills my arm. Ive got two rackets one with 60lbs prince syn gut and another with a low tension dead poly, both seem to give me problems.

What should i do? I used a shock absorber yesterday but it didn't seem to help much.

Should i get a racket with lower frame stiffness? I believe this racket is 67 stiffness.

I was looking at other rackets like the babolat pure control, which has 58 stiffness.

 

[tmc5005]

This racquet has gotten a lot of complaints over the years I think it is not only stiff but also generates a lot of vibration in your arm. Maybe you would like one of the racquets in my list of top 10 arm / elbow friendly racquets although it would take some adjustment for you. The list currently includes:
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
PRINCE Textreme Tour 100P
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson 2015 Blade 98 18×20
WILSON Pro Staff 97S

 

[StringSnapper]

This racquet has gotten a lot of complaints over the years I think it is not only stiff but also generates a lot of vibration in your arm. Maybe you would like one of the racquets in my list of top 10 arm / elbow friendly racquets although it would take some adjustment for you. The list currently includes:
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
PRINCE Textreme Tour 100P
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson 2015 Blade 98 18×20
WILSON Pro Staff 97S

Its funny you say pro staff, doesnt it have high stiffness?

Interesting you say that about the pure strike.

From that list which one do you think would be most similar? I like the 18x20 pattern and about 330g strung weight and the 97 square inch frame

 

[jmacdaununder2]

You could try a soft multi or NG in full bed or 'reverse' hybrid for 'bad' days and/or until the arm recovers, assuming the cost, lack of durability and relatively low spin potential aren't issues - I'm only suggesting this as you said one of the racquets was strung in Prince syn gut.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

I sure wish I lived in a country where I could afford to use gut mains poly crosses; unfortunately in Australia as I've said before it'd be cheaper to maintain a coke addiction.

 

[StringSnapper]

I sure wish I lived in a country where I could afford to use gut mains poly crosses; unfortunately in Australia as I've said before it'd be cheaper to maintain a coke addiction.

Lol how much does it cost here? (Im in Australia too)

 

[Crocodile]

First things first, stay away from dead Poly's at any tension and do not string a modern racquet at 60lbs.
Second, stay away from 80' percent of Babolat frames, they are hard on your arm.
Thirdly, gut is expensive and is not suitable for variable climates with temperature changes and humidity. Tecnifibre, Prince and Solinco have really soft multi filaments that will do the job perfectly. String your racquets at 50lbs or less.
Lastly do not be afraid to try other brands, particularly the lesser known ones because they are in fact better racquets, it's just the average Joe doesn't believe this. Yonex, Volkl, Pacific, Pro Kennex and Prince will all be better for you.

 

[Prince Vegeta]

The thing is i really like playing with this racket. It just feels like if i miss the sweet spot it kills my arm. Ive got two rackets one with 60lbs prince syn gut and another with a low tension dead poly, both seem to give me problems.

What should i do? I used a shock absorber yesterday but it didn't seem to help much.

Should i get a racket with lower frame stiffness? I believe this racket is 67 stiffness.

I was looking at other rackets like the babolat pure control, which has 58 stiffness.

Define low tension poly? I personally adore this frame strung at 38 lbs.

 

[StringSnapper]

Define low tension poly? I personally adore this frame strung at 38 lbs.

Well, I got the racket on sale as the last demo they had of it. The string was already in there so I have no idea what string and the current tension is. I heard the tensions of poly strings go down really fast - so i'm assuming its pretty low right now

 

[macattack]

Its funny you say pro staff, doesnt it have high stiffness?

RA numbers aren't always indicative of actually stiffness. My RF97 has an RA of 68, but it feels pretty plush compared to Babolats with the same RA rating. Same with my PSC 6.1, which has a RA of 70. Now, they aren't super flexy, but they're surprisingly comfortable for having such a high RA rating.

 

[StringSnapper]

First things first, stay away from dead Poly's at any tension and do not string a modern racquet at 60lbs.
Second, stay away from 80' percent of Babolat frames, they are hard on your arm.
Thirdly, gut is expensive and is not suitable for variable climates with temperature changes and humidity. Tecnifibre, Prince and Solinco have really soft multi filaments that will do the job perfectly. String your racquets at 50lbs or less.
Lastly do not be afraid to try other brands, particularly the lesser known ones because they are in fact better racquets, it's just the average Joe doesn't believe this. Yonex, Volkl, Pacific, Pro Kennex and Prince will all be better for you.

One thing I've noticed is that its really hard to get a 18x20 string pattern in these other brands. I like to swing hard at the ball and I find I hit out too much with the open string patterns They don't have PAcific / Pro Kennex in Australia it seems. Otherwise the
"ProKennex Heritage Type C98 Redondo MP"
Sounds like an awesome racket for me. Its on sale... maybe I should just order it from America without demoing LOL

Just poking around the forums I also head of this "Angell TC97 18x20" racket being mentioned. Haven't heard of the Angell brand before... it appears you can order online but they look pricey.

 

[Crocodile]

One thing I've noticed is that its really hard to get a 18x20 string pattern in these other brands. I like to swing hard at the ball and I find I hit out too much with the open string patterns They don't have PAcific / Pro Kennex in Australia it seems. Otherwise the
"ProKennex Heritage Type C98 Redondo MP"
Sounds like an awesome racket for me. Its on sale... maybe I should just order it from America without demoing LOL

Just poking around the forums I also head of this "Angell TC97 18x20" racket being mentioned. Haven't heard of the Angell brand before... it appears you can order online but they look pricey.

You can get PK in Australia if you know where to look and who to talk to.

 

[Prince Vegeta]

Well, I got the racket on sale as the last demo they had of it. The string was already in there so I have no idea what string and the current tension is. I heard the tensions of poly strings go down really fast - so i'm assuming its pretty low right now

There's a difference in fresh string poly and poly that's been in there a while. Poly strings go dead after a short amount of time, and when they do, you better cut them put and get it freshly strung otherwise you will risk elbow issues. Strings go dead because they lose their elasticity. Poly is a synthetic material that is not very elastic so it loses what it has very quickly. I can almost guarantee that all you need to do is get your racquet re strung.

Do not convince yourself that, just because it has been in there a while, it plays like a fresh strung low tension poly. I love this frame because it feels more solid (to me) than the newer one, and you can go super low tension with full poly in an 18x20 and not risk the ball sailing long on you. I wouldn't string this frame over 40lbs personally. Try it in the high 30s and adjust to your liking.

 

[Mlenk]

I use the tour version of the strike 2014 and ive never had any comfort issues. I use volkl cyclone 19 gauge strung at 52 pounds

 

[StringSnapper]

First things first, stay away from dead Poly's at any tension and do not string a modern racquet at 60lbs.

What if you're using a multi, syn gut, or natural gut?

 

[StringSnapper]

There's a difference in fresh string poly and poly that's been in there a while. Poly strings go dead after a short amount of time, and when they do, you better cut them put and get it freshly strung otherwise you will risk elbow issues. Strings go dead because they lose their elasticity. Poly is a synthetic material that is not very elastic so it loses what it has very quickly. I can almost guarantee that all you need to do is get your racquet re strung.

Do not convince yourself that, just because it has been in there a while, it plays like a fresh strung low tension poly. I love this frame because it feels more solid (to me) than the newer one, and you can go super low tension with full poly in an 18x20 and not risk the ball sailing long on you. I wouldn't string this frame over 40lbs personally. Try it in the high 30s and adjust to your liking.

Interesting comment. I'm not sure I can want to / can afford to restring that often, though. Maybe if I bought a stringing machine.

The thing is, in all my previous rackets having a dead poly in it hasn't caused elbow issues.

 

[Prince Vegeta]

Interesting comment. I'm not sure I can want to / can afford to restring that often, though. Maybe if I bought a stringing machine.

The thing is, in all my previous rackets having a dead poly in it hasn't caused elbow issues.

It's probably because it's been in there for so long. Who knows when the last time it was string, get what I mean? Tbh, I am generally fine getting my frames strung before every season and just rotating them. If I'm playing a whole lot, like 4+ times a week and in tournaments, I may string everything once a month.

Before I got my new rackets, I had four pure controls that I had all strung back on April 1st. Before that, I had been out of the game for a little while, school, internships, etc... and I hadn't played since the summer before that. God only knows when the last time I had them strung back then. When I came back, the strings were at least a year old and I got tennis elbow in like a week hitting 3 times a week.

The point I'm getting at is you probably don't have to worry about getting your frames strung every 2 weeks, but don't let it go a year. But there is absolutely nothing you can do to make any racket more comfortable on the arm with strings that are waaaay past their expiration date.

If you're on a budget, like me, best thing to do is find the best cheap string you like. For me, it's Volkl Cyclone 17.

 

[StringSnapper]

It's probably because it's been in there for so long. Who knows when the last time it was string, get what I mean? Tbh, I am generally fine getting my frames strung before every season and just rotating them. If I'm playing a whole lot, like 4+ times a week and in tournaments I may string everything once a month.

Before I got my new rackets, I had four pure controls that I had all strung back on April 1st. Before that, I had been out of the game for a little while, school, internships, etc... and I hadn't played since the summer before that. God only knows when the last time I had them strung back then. When I came back, the strings were at least a year old and I got tennis elbow in like a week hitting 3 times a week.

The point I'm getting at is you probably don't have to worry about getting your frames strung every 2 weeks, but don't let it go a year. But there is absolutely nothing you can do to make any racket more comfortable on the arm with strings that are waaaay past their expiration date.

I see your point. Maybe I should invest in a stringing machine instead then, to string regularly and keep costs down.

I've got two pure strikes, the other one has newly strung prince syn gut. I think that was done at 55lbs tension (I was told to string syn gut / gut / multi higher than poly) but that too hurts my elbow.

 

[Prince Vegeta]

I see your point. Maybe I should invest in a stringing machine instead then, to string regularly and keep costs down.

I've got two pure strikes, the other one has newly strung prince syn gut. I think that was done at 55lbs tension (I was told to string syn gut / gut / multi higher than poly) but that too hurts my elbow.

Syn gut is still a synthetic string, although much, much softer than poly. I'd drop the syn gut down to 50 and see what that does. Either way, I'm a firm believer that 99% of rec. Players string their frames too high.

 

[StringSnapper]

Syn gut is still a synthetic string, although much, much softer than poly. I'd drop the syn gut down to 50 and see what that does. Either way, I'm a firm believer that 99% of rec. Players string their frames too high.

You think rec players need lower tension than pros? Why is that?

 

[Crocodile]

What if you're using a multi, syn gut, or natural gut?

I would go 50 to 55lbs in multi/gut/syn if you have a sore arm.

 

[Prince Vegeta]

You think rec players need lower tension than pros? Why is that?

Pros hit the ball much harder and it can be harder to control. Also, a lot of pros, but not all, use hybrid stringing with a natural gut. Nat. gut is much more powerful and elastic that other strings. They also re string before every match. But not all pros string that high either. There are numerous pros that string lower than I do.

 

[Prince Vegeta]

Your strings and string tension are really going to boil down to two things:

1. What are you trying to accomplish?
2. Do you have arm problems?

For instance, Fed when he used the 90inch strung lower than he is now. Most likely to produce a little more power from his frame. Now, his racket does it for him, so he strings tighter.

 

[StringSnapper]

This racquet has gotten a lot of complaints over the years I think it is not only stiff but also generates a lot of vibration in your arm. Maybe you would like one of the racquets in my list of top 10 arm / elbow friendly racquets although it would take some adjustment for you. The list currently includes:
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
PRINCE Textreme Tour 100P
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson 2015 Blade 98 18×20
WILSON Pro Staff 97S

I've just read through your website. What a great resource! thanks for putting it together.

So from the advice I've got on here so far, i'll probably try restringing the pure strike at 50 lbs using a soft multi filament (one of the ones recommended here: http://tenniselbowracquet.com/tennis-string/) and see how that goes.

If my arm still hurts after a few weeks, i'll probably get one of these;

Prokinnex Ki Q Tour Tennis Racquethttps://www.*************.com/pro-k...ickid=QI7V5gWMCxZSWe10fBTsU0wJUkm0jV1STzKH1k0
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/ProKennex_Heritage_Type_C98_Redondo_MP/descpageRCPK-KTCRMP.html
http://www.tennisonly.com.au/Prince_Textreme_Tour_100P/descpage-T1HP.html

 

[Pleb123]

I suggest using thin gauge poly hybrid at mid-forties tension. If you can handle extra weight in the hoop and handle that also helps.
Since it has been suggested already I also have 2 PK QTour 300 current version that I wish to part with because the handle shape does not suit me. PM me for details. I am in Sydney.

Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[Serjojeee]

Try catching your raquet with your spine muscles on the follow thrue, letting your elbow going high. Otherwise you are overusing your weak tendons of weak muscles of the forearm. Work on your technique and you will be able to use any raquet you like.

 

[StringSnapper]

I suggest using thin gauge poly hybrid at mid-forties tension. If you can handle extra weight in the hoop and handle that also helps.
Since it has been suggested already I also have 2 PK QTour 300 current version that I wish to part with because the handle shape does not suit me. PM me for details. I am in Sydney.

Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk

Polyhybrid, do you mean multifilament?

 

[tmc5005]

Its funny you say pro staff, doesnt it have high stiffness?

Interesting you say that about the pure strike.

From that list which one do you think would be most similar? I like the 18x20 pattern and about 330g strung weight and the 97 square inch frame

Actually the pure strike is probably the most arm friendly of the babolat racquets but is still not an arm friendly racquet. There are a lot of Wilson pro staff models and a lot of variation there. A arm elbow friendly racquet that feels pretty close to the pure strike would be the Wilson blade 18 x 20

 

[StringSnapper]

Actually the pure strike is probably the most arm friendly of the babolat racquets but is still not an arm friendly racquet. There are a lot of Wilson pro staff models and a lot of variation there. A arm elbow friendly racquet that feels pretty close to the pure strike would be the Wilson blade 18 x 20

Thanks for the advice. Great website btw!! Ive actually recently had a hit with my friends youtek prestige head which was 345g and loved it, so im getting something similar to that (prokennex redondo). Heavier rackets are better on your elbow too right?

 

[RVAtennisaddict]

I use a 18x20 (2014) purestrikes but string at 52 with 18guage RPM. I started at 44 and gradually worked my way up, but I would strongly recommend dropping tension and then working way back up as you need for control. I would also experiment with strings to find the right set up for you. The 2017's (sold mine) are definitely more plush and arm friendly, but I felt I lost feel with it.

I have not had any arm issues with this racket but have in the past with others. This coming from a guy who split his humorous into 3 pieces at the joint requiring surgery, pins, and casting for 6 months at the age of 15 (30 years ago).

 

[Pleb123]

Polyhybrid, do you mean multifilament?

I mean a polyester string in main and gut or multi or synthetic gut in the crosses, or the other way around if you prefer. Softens up the string bed.

Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[MajesticMoose]

"Babolat" and "Elbow Problems" in the same sentence. Yep that sounds about right.

 

[StringSnapper]

Ive purchased a prokennex type c98 redondo mp strung with poly in the main and multi in the crosses.

The other day i hit with my babolat again, i could almost hear the vibrations rattling down my arm. This was after it was strung in full multi wilson sensation at 50lbs.

Then i hit with my mates racquet, an old head prestige youtek strung in full poly at 52lbs. Now based on strings alone my racquet should have been more arm friendly. But nope, i couldnt feel my arm sore at all using his racquet. It had almost the same specs as the redondo only a stiffer frame, so i bought a redondo. Due to arrive in a few days. Ill let you guys know how it goes.

 

[StringSnapper]

"Babolat" and "Elbow Problems" in the same sentence. Yep that sounds about right.

Its shocking isnt it? Never had i used a babolat before, never had i had an elbow injury in 5 years of playing.

They should be taken off the market!

 

[WhiskeyEE]

Pros hit the ball much harder and it can be harder to control. Also, a lot of pros, but not all, use hybrid stringing with a natural gut. Nat. gut is much more powerful and elastic that other strings. They also re string before every match. But not all pros string that high either. There are numerous pros that string lower than I do.

Pros hit with racquets for 1 hour so they never lose tension. If you use strings for 15 hours you cannot compare your initial string tension to pros. This is really a dumb argument.

 

[Prince Vegeta]

What part of "they also re string before every match" did you not understand? I never tried to compare my initial string tension to the pros, nor stated I am a pro. Honestly though, you stated that pros hit with racquets for 1 hour so they never lose tension, which makes your opinions invalid in my eyes. Racquets lose tension when you play with them. Even if it is for only an hour. This is why they switch to a fresh racquet.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

What part of "they also re string before every match" did you not understand? I never tried to compare my initial string tension to the pros, nor stated I am a pro. Honestly though, you stated that pros hit with racquets for 1 hour so they never lose tension, which makes your opinions invalid in my eyes. Racquets lose tension when you play with them. Even if it is for only an hour. This is why they switch to a fresh racquet.

Your opinion was invalid in my eyes from your first sentence and that's why I never even read the "they also re string before every match" part of your post. Obviously racquets will lose a small amount of tension in even 1 hour, but it's rather petty to nit pick at my wording. Most pros string in the mid 50s. If you string at 50, the tension could be in the 30s by the 10th hour.

 

[Ace214]

Hey guys, so this is what I'm looking for in a racquet:

- Plush, buttery feel
- Stable (while being under 12 oz would be ideal!)
- Tons of control
- Free power (if I'm not asking for too much)

On the basis of that, I'm trying to decide between these racquets: Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro vs Wilson Ultra Tour vs Prokennex Kinetic Ki Q+ Tour Pro (35) vs Prince Textreme Tour 100P vs Angell TC97 (18x20).
Not in a position to demo them as well, so I'm stuck. Would love to hear your opinions. Thanks!

 

[Harry_Wild]

Natural gut strung at 50 lbs. or less will solve your tennis elbow!

 

[Prince Vegeta]

Hey guys, so this is what I'm looking for in a racquet:

- Plush, buttery feel
- Stable (while being under 12 oz would be ideal!)
- Tons of control
- Free power (if I'm not asking for too much)

On the basis of that, I'm trying to decide between these racquets: Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro vs Wilson Ultra Tour vs Prokennex Kinetic Ki Q+ Tour Pro (35) vs Prince Textreme Tour 100P vs Angell TC97 (18x20).
Not in a position to demo them as well, so I'm stuck. Would love to hear your opinions. Thanks!

Angell TC 97. Hands down.

 

[Ace214]

Angell TC 97. Hands down.

Love your avatar!

Can I ask why and how it compared to the other racquets+Graphene Touch speed Pro?
Thanks!!!

 

[Prince Vegeta]

Love your avatar!

Can I ask why and how it compared to the other racquets+Graphene Touch speed Pro?
Thanks!!!

My roommate in college had the previous speed pro and I thought it felt rather flimsy. Maybe it was the graphene?It seemed to have deacent power tough, at least for me.The TC 97 18x20 is very plush and flexy in the upper hoop. Also, Angell allows you to choose what weight class you want. Many claim it feels like an old Head pro tour 630, however I cannot attest to this because I haven't hit with the pt 630.

 

[Ace214]

My roommate in college had the previous speed pro and I thought it felt rather flimsy. Maybe it was the graphene?It seemed to have deacent power tough, at least for me.The TC 97 18x20 is very plush and flexy in the upper hoop. Also, Angell allows you to choose what weight class you want. Many claim it feels like an old Head pro tour 630, however I cannot attest to this because I haven't hit with the pt 630.

Sick! Any experience with the Prokennex Kinetic Ki Q+ Tour Pro (325)?

 

[Prince Vegeta]

Sick! Any experience with the Prokennex Kinetic Ki Q+ Tour Pro (325)?

No, sorry.