Best arm friendly players racquet?
- Thread starter kailash
- Start date
LapsedNoob
Professional
It is often not as simple a correlation as that. Weight can take a lot of vibration out as well as handle design.
The Volkl Classic V1 I play is famous for comfort and has a 69 flex rating.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
The old ProStaff 6.1 Classics were even more stiff than this frame, but they were also designed with extra static weight and significant HL balance (maybe 12.8 oz., 10 pts HL). I used this racquet for a number of years before I even became familiar with various flex ratings among different frames and it never occurred to me that those 6.1's were uncomfortable. Even a few alternatives I sampled having significantly lower flex ratings seemed much less comfortable than those Wilsons.
What seems to be a possibility, at least to me, is that a racquet can feel relatively comfortable through the ball when it has more weight and inherent stability. Even if it's rather stiff, the hefty frame doesn't get twisted or "displaced" by the ball so much as something with a little less beef.
As long as a racquet doesn't have too harsh of a string setup, I think that the most comfortable and arm-friendly racquet for an individual may simply be the one that catches the ball in the sweet-spot most consistently when that player swings it.
Mad hatter
Banned
Mad hatter
Banned
Have used pK5 G leaded to 12oz 10pts H/L. Great control,very plush solid feel. Needs a little more put away power which I myself can no longer provide. Also played with v1Classic weighted to 11.8 oz 5 pts H/L.great feel.good power and control. Not as plush and stable as the PK5 G but more put away power. I think I will have to switch back to the V 1 Classic. Old age is catching up to this 70 yr old.
3.5 level was always tempted to try. The C 10 Oro but I think it is for a more advanced player to really utilize the benefits of this racquet
T. Anyone correct me if I am wrong about this
3.5 level was always tempted to try. The C 10 Oro but I think it is for a more advanced player to really utilize the benefits of this racquet
T. Anyone correct me if I am wrong about this
skydog
Professional
Pro Kennex Ki5 PSE. I know lots of folks think it is too heavy, but nothing out there has the same feel as this beast. I have leaded up other racquets to match the specs of my Ki5 PSE's, but none of them perform as well or feel as good at the moment of impact.
Definitely worth a demo if you are looking for an arm friendly players racquet.
Definitely worth a demo if you are looking for an arm friendly players racquet.
tnnsg
New User
3 Factors to consider to determine if the racket is arm friendly or no.
a) Low flex/higher weight : lower the number more the vibration absorption within the frame,higher the weight (upto 310/320gms unstrung depending on player level,better for arms
b) Headsize/Balance : smaller the headsize, higher the head light balance results in lower swing weight,higher level of feel
better for the arm.
c) Player playing style/level : Most ignored point, even some of the best arm friendly rackets can give TE if the player doesn't have a decent technique,hasn't been careful to warm up or exercise hand muscle.
after play testing over 200 racquets over the years, i find following few models to very arm friendly
# Volkl's 10 series,espacially earlier models of c10 pro, c10 pro tours,v engines,c9's...etc C10Pro(2012 is surprisingly harsh on arm)
# Prokennex: Heritage series, C types, R types, Redondos.
# Boris Becker : DT London, London tours,
# Wilson : BLX PS 95(2013)
# Babolat : Aero storm tour GT, Pure storm lTD
# Prince : POG's, EXO3 tour 100(soft flex but otherwise quite erratic feeling)
# Dunlop: MW200, AG-4D 200
# Head : IG YTK Extreme MP, YTK Extreme MP
Some of the rackets that are not arm friendly are earlier versions of Babolat pure control, pure drives, Wilson Hyper pro staffs,wilson streams,juices..,some agnel models like TC95's...etc
a) Low flex/higher weight : lower the number more the vibration absorption within the frame,higher the weight (upto 310/320gms unstrung depending on player level,better for arms
b) Headsize/Balance : smaller the headsize, higher the head light balance results in lower swing weight,higher level of feel
better for the arm.
c) Player playing style/level : Most ignored point, even some of the best arm friendly rackets can give TE if the player doesn't have a decent technique,hasn't been careful to warm up or exercise hand muscle.
after play testing over 200 racquets over the years, i find following few models to very arm friendly
# Volkl's 10 series,espacially earlier models of c10 pro, c10 pro tours,v engines,c9's...etc C10Pro(2012 is surprisingly harsh on arm)
# Prokennex: Heritage series, C types, R types, Redondos.
# Boris Becker : DT London, London tours,
# Wilson : BLX PS 95(2013)
# Babolat : Aero storm tour GT, Pure storm lTD
# Prince : POG's, EXO3 tour 100(soft flex but otherwise quite erratic feeling)
# Dunlop: MW200, AG-4D 200
# Head : IG YTK Extreme MP, YTK Extreme MP
Some of the rackets that are not arm friendly are earlier versions of Babolat pure control, pure drives, Wilson Hyper pro staffs,wilson streams,juices..,some agnel models like TC95's...etc
donnayblack99
Semi-Pro
POG 107... there's nothing better out there. Past, Present or Future.
How is it in terms of control?I am wondering if the large head size would make it a rocket launcher.
No contest here. Two winners Prince Tour 98 ESP and Volkl Organix 10 Mid. Prince has 16x16 pattern, ports, and soft flex. It's like hitting with a pillow. O10 mid has super soft flex in shaft, one of the largest sweet spots on any racquet of any head size, handle system, and enough mass (mine are 12.6 oz with two over grips) that they just pancake any ball no matter how hard it's been hit to you. Don't know any others that are close in terms of ease on the arm, and I have hit most players frame on the market in last 5 years.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Prefer the Tour 98 ESP to the 100T ESP? Besides the weight?
mikeler
Moderator
Based on higher current prices, I'd guess the 100T is more popular.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Have both. IMHO extra weight and the beam thickness give the 98 more power, even if Prince designates the 100T with a higher number. Shame the 98 is dc'd.
I demoed both. I thought the 98 had more control, and that was the biggest difference for me. Both are extremely arm friendly. I can even use full poly on those racquets, and I can't with most racquets.
Donnay X Duals. Haven't hit the new pro ones but the old pro ones are also butter.
donnayblack99
Semi-Pro
Not at all... the larger head size adds power and forgiveness, especially on off center shots. I've currently got mine strung with volkl cyclone 18g at 55 lbs. It's a pleasure to hit with, not too soft, not too tight. As the weather gets colder here in the northeast, I'll probably go a little looser and everything will contract slightly. I've tried literally 50+ sticks over the last 10 years due to tennis elbow and shoulder problems and I keep coming back to this stick... the large head size and all graphite layup just can't be beat.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Same here but the need to re-string poly often to counter tension loss bites when the stringbed is toothless.
Extra weight and longer mains make 98T ESP slightly comfier and more arm-friendly than 100T ESP but difference is slight. I think 98T is a little faster and has a little more control as well. If you can handle the weight, Volkl O10 Mid is just as comfy but has more power and stability. I bought some for fun when they were $50 because I like playing with 93's from time to time but I was shocked to feel the size of the sweet spot. Map of it on TWU is accurate even if it seems unbelievable.
Hit with my 98T ESP some today with Volkl Vstar. Great combo. Seems like it may be durable as well as I have seen very little notching of this string in my other frames as compared to other polys.
Hit with my 98T ESP some today with Volkl Vstar. Great combo. Seems like it may be durable as well as I have seen very little notching of this string in my other frames as compared to other polys.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
What tension are you stringing that poly?
I actually string low. 15g Tour XC at 53. Just strung one with 16g Vstar at 54. Initially, control seems lacking at those tensions but after hitting with them for a bit the control returns after adjusting to launch characteristics. I had been stringing at 58 in that frame. Comfort was still exceptional.
I string O10 Mid at 49 with 18g Cyclone Pink. Those frames are a little unique in that the stiffness of the hoop lends to stringing looser with no loss of control.
I string O10 Mid at 49 with 18g Cyclone Pink. Those frames are a little unique in that the stiffness of the hoop lends to stringing looser with no loss of control.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Ty, trouble taming any string under 60# in the 98. Same with the Volkl c10 Pro.
FischerFan
New User
Any of the new Donnay Pro Ones, dual core or the new quad GT.
Fischer Vacuum 90.
Fischer Vacuum 90.
time_fly
Hall of Fame
I would second this. The EXO3 Tour 100 and previous generation Tour 95 are both very easy on the arm. The Tour 95 is very low powered and has a lot of control. The Tour 100 has more pop. However, the new Textreme Tour 95 is much more firm. Luckily the old ones are still easy to find.
No trouble taming strings in T98 ESP. Power is relatively low and control is very good. It does require a fast swing and good mechanics, though to control the trajectory and reap the benefits of its spin potential. Lower tension really enhances spin potential.
O10 Mid is nothing like C10 Pro. All of the Organix 10 series should be strung 5 pounds lower than normal reference tension due to extreme stiffness of the hoop. Overall flex on the O10 midfielder is 58. Has pop of a stick with 65 flex. As forgiving as a 98.
O10 Mid is nothing like C10 Pro. All of the Organix 10 series should be strung 5 pounds lower than normal reference tension due to extreme stiffness of the hoop. Overall flex on the O10 midfielder is 58. Has pop of a stick with 65 flex. As forgiving as a 98.
I played with the EXO3 Tour 100 16x18 due to some serious golfer arm issues and just recently switched to the TXT95 without any problems. Yes, that stick is a tad firmer, but not more uncomfortable. It just got way better feel than the Tour 100. I just couldn't get used to the 52 flex with holes.
kailash
Hall of Fame
Agree with Crocodile's assessments, except the missing PK 7G/5G; would add few more and update the main post.
Adding the following to the list:
- Babolat Pure Control 95/Pure Control Tour
- Head Microgel MP/OS (with added weights)
- Prince Textreme Tour 95
- Becker Delta Core Melbourne
kailash
Hall of Fame
Updated list:
- ProKennex 7G/5G
- Volkl C 10 Pro
- Volkl Super G 10 MP 325
- Pacific X Feel Pro 95
- Head Pro Tour 630
- ProKennex Ki 5 315/Ki 5X
- Volkl V1 Pro MP
- ProKennex Redondo MP
- ProKennex Q Tour 325
- Yonex V Core HG 330
- Babolat Pure Control 95/Pure Control Tour
- Prince Textreme Tour 95
- Becker Delta Core Melbourne
- Head Microgel MP/OS (with added weights)
- Prince EXO3 Tour (with added weights)
- Dunlop Biomimetic 200 18/20
- ProKennex 7G/5G
- Volkl C 10 Pro
- Volkl Super G 10 MP 325
- Pacific X Feel Pro 95
- Head Pro Tour 630
- ProKennex Ki 5 315/Ki 5X
- Volkl V1 Pro MP
- ProKennex Redondo MP
- ProKennex Q Tour 325
- Yonex V Core HG 330
- Babolat Pure Control 95/Pure Control Tour
- Prince Textreme Tour 95
- Becker Delta Core Melbourne
- Head Microgel MP/OS (with added weights)
- Prince EXO3 Tour (with added weights)
- Dunlop Biomimetic 200 18/20
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
Out of the 4 mentioned here I've hit with the Prince Textreme 95 and it's a great playing racquet, with a solid feel, but could do with a little more weight (just a personal preference ). In terms of arm comfort, it feels much firmer than the 60ra would suggest.
The 5g and 7g definitely one of the best in terms of arm safe performance, but I don't play as well with them.
n8dawg6
Legend
that's what she s .... huh ... that IS what she said.
bajadrifter
New User
The Prince Tour 100 18x20 strung with a multi in the low 50s is super comfortable on my 59-year-old arm. The racquet’s flexibility (RA57), the softness of multi, and the EXO3 ports makes it an enjoyable daily driver. It is especially good from the baseline.
I agree with the Prince Tour. The 16x19 is even easier on the arm. In my opinion the softer flex Angell TC95 ot TC100 are fantastic on the arm and does not flex as much as the Prince and there provides better feel and control. The manufacturer rates the flex at 63, but that is a prestrung flex. Comparing to TW stiffness ratings, the Angells are about 59.
Some of the most arm-friendly racquets do not come in "player" specs.
Take, for example, Wilson Five and Wilson Pro Staff 100LS. They are super light but you can add weight (lead, silicone, heavier grip, etc) to bring them up to your desired specs.
Those belong in the top echelon of comfort racquets.
Take, for example, Wilson Five and Wilson Pro Staff 100LS. They are super light but you can add weight (lead, silicone, heavier grip, etc) to bring them up to your desired specs.
Those belong in the top echelon of comfort racquets.
Volkl 0rganix 10 Mid. Absolutely the most comfortable frame I have ever hit with. Mine are 12.5 oz with two over grips and dampener. 325 sw. Sweet spot is pretty much entire racquet face. Mass pancakes any ball no matter where it hits the string bed. 58 flex and handle system takes care of any other shock.
roundiesee
Hall of Fame
For me, any of the Prokennex "ionic" or "kinetic" series is extremely beneficial for tennis elbow; would not hesitate to recommend it highly, 
n8dawg6
Legend
not necessarily disagreeing, but I found it to be somewhat harsh/uncomfortable on off-center hits when strung with cyclone @ 50.
She's a good wife.
She meant to say that all those things equate to excitement, but she used the word "comfort" so as to not hurt your feelings.
Some Pro Staffs and 6.1s had braided Kevlar, which works as an excellent shock absorber.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
True, braiding the graphite/kevlar is a way to interrupt/attenuate the vibrations is a distinctive way. That Grafil injection process dunlop used for the 200g was another.
rossi46
Professional
She's a good wife.
She meant to say that all those things equate to excitement, but she used the word "comfort" so as to not hurt your feelings.
Nice, good to see some banter here.
I demo'd a Juice for two weeks and I thought my arm was going to fall off.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
My two cents is that if you do it right you can get a racket with high swing weight but lowish static weight and a slightly headlight balance. That has been kind of the best of both worlds for me.
I'm a senior player who was away from the game for a long time.
Used to be a club 4.5
Played with Prince but had a Hammer 5.0 for late afternoons when I'd been playing all day and arm was tired.
I use the bigger head size, never have liked the 95s or 100.
Having shoulder and bicep problems, need new technology for a senior player with a larger head size.
Ideas are all welcome.
Thanks.
Used to be a club 4.5
Played with Prince but had a Hammer 5.0 for late afternoons when I'd been playing all day and arm was tired.
I use the bigger head size, never have liked the 95s or 100.
Having shoulder and bicep problems, need new technology for a senior player with a larger head size.
Ideas are all welcome.
Thanks.
