Flexpoint Prestige midplus & Elbow Problems

[match]

I demoed the new prestige about a month ago and man I thought I had found the holy grail! However after about 2 weeks I started noticing some minor elbow problems ( insdide of my elbow) but kept playing. Now after a month my elbow is worse than ever and I cant serve at all! I was using the ncode 95 18x20 before and never had any issues.........I cant figure it out .the rackets are about the same in weight but sheesh my elbow is killing me~..has anybody else had this problem with the new flexpoint? maybe its not the flexpoint and im just getting old?? any input would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

 

[rooski]

The FXP Prestige is certainly the stiffest of any Prestige ever made but it really isn't any stiffer than your N6195. Did you perhaps swing awkwardly or catch a shot(s) really late AND hit it off center? Is the grip size the same? Tension too tight? Poly string job?

Tennis elbow usually occurs at the top of the forearm, just below the elbow. What you have sounds different. Rest it, ice it, take ibuprofin and lay off tennis for a while. If that doesn't work, go see a sports medicine doc (orthopaedics). Good luck.

 

[match]

from auther

the grip is a little smaller and i did lower the tension about 9 lbs for the FP .I thought that would be a good thing though for my arm? ....anyway I will take your advice and just layoff for awile .....I might have been overdoing it ..I have been playing 4-5 times a week for the last 2 mo..........it might be the racket but more than likely im just getting old!....im only 39 but i guess these tendons aint what they used to be ........if the problem persists after a layoff i guess it was the racket...... or ill have to take up golf ...lord help me!
thanks again!

 

[nkbond]

Match, I got tendonitis on the inside of my elbow hitting an "arm-friendly" frame also (Yonex MP Tour-5). Unless you're very lucky, you're beginning an odyssey that totally sucks. I'm into my fifth month of recovery, and there seems to be no one prescription...different things work for different people. Total rest did not work for me. PT helped a lot. Research some threads in the Health and Fitness forum for Golfer's Elbow...it ain't pretty. However, Good LucK!

 

[tonysk83]

Tennis Elbow has a lot to do with good stroke mechanics, racquet helps though. Going to a pro for a few lessons can help a lot.

 

[La Bomba]

Ok, I demoed the Flexpoint Prestige MP, it is such a bad racquet, it has a lot of vibration and feels about 300 grams and is so unstable. Stick to the Wilson it is a much solid and stable racquet and dampens a lot of vibration and is better for your arm.

 

[match]

thanks for the helpful comments........the Wilson did feel great and I will go back to that frame no doubt. Not sure why i switched really? One of the pros at my club just got one and I tried it out out and wow!....but obvioulsy not worth it.....for me anyway?
Thx
Match

 

[match]

Match, I got tendonitis on the inside of my elbow hitting an "arm-friendly" frame also (Yonex MP Tour-5). Unless you're very lucky, you're beginning an odyssey that totally sucks. I'm into my fifth month of recovery, and there seems to be no one prescription...different things work for different people. Total rest did not work for me. PT helped a lot. Research some threads in the Health and Fitness forum for Golfer's Elbow...it ain't pretty. However, Good LucK!

I never had this problem before .........so I hope its the frame?
thx
bond

 

[bluegrasser]

I'm a middle ager and hit with the fxp with no problems, but it could be a string and tension issue. I used the 176 fxp string at 55lbs, and no arm issues at all.

 

[Galactus]

Try a combinations of the following:
* correct service-technique
* heavier racquet
* more flexible racquet
* 'arm-friendly' strings / tension
* biceps/triceps excersises
* stretching 4-5 times a day and especially before playing
If none of these alleviate the problem - go and see a professional physiotherapist. A doctor will probably say 'don't play tennis for a while and take these painkillers'.

 

[sureshs]

String it the same as the Ncode and use the same grip size. Then, if TE shows up all of a sudden when you use the Prestige, it may be a racquet issue. I have never had any problems with the Ncode 95. Any 12 oz racquet should have enough mass to dampen the shock. Having said that, Vic Braden told me in a clinic that the frequency related shocks (vibrational) are dependent on the person's body and how the racquet resonances coincide with the arm's. So it is quite possible that two racquets of the same weight and stiffness may give you different comfort results.

 

[Galactus]

String it the same as the Ncode and use the same grip size. Then, if TE shows up all of a sudden when you use the Prestige, it may be a racquet issue. I have never had any problems with the Ncode 95. Any 12 oz racquet should have enough mass to dampen the shock. Having said that, Vic Braden told me in a clinic that the frequency related shocks (vibrational) are dependent on the person's body and how the racquet resonances coincide with the arm's. So it is quite possible that two racquets of the same weight and stiffness may give you different comfort results.

I can vouch for that - I have no problems with the ProStaff Original 6.0 85 but a ton of ache with the ProStaff Tour90.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

hm, this FP family starts to cause some victims:-[

flexpoint radical tour user...
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=97259

 

[SwissServe]

I have played with my Flexpoint Prestige MP last and this week end. While on first week end I have had some shoulder pain and wasn't able to serve on evening (unfortunately I had this with all previous sticks, nSixOne 95 18x20 and TF325), for this reason I have met my chiropractor (which I consult every three weeks from last past may). He found out that there is a small sclerosis on my neck and next to my spine (not only on my shoulder, which seemed to be). He loosened this points, with a ugly noise

This week end I had a tournament (called Interclub here in Switzerland), I served loose (not with full power as I normally would). Yes, and it worked very well, no pain after a single and double match (unfortunately, we lost )! Hopefully it goes on in this style...

 

[barry]

I never had this problem before .........so I hope its the frame?
thx
bond

If you never had tennis elbow problems before switching rackets then I would dump the racket. I had a similar problem with the FXP Radical. Used it for 2 hours and shoulder was killing me. Sold the racket, and have had no problems since.
I think the Flexpoint technology is bad for your arms and shoulders, many have reported similar issues. I switched to a Wilson Nsix-one and have had no problems.
My advice is to dump the racket, even players are on the tour are using painted versions.

 

[sureshs]

If you never had tennis elbow problems before switching rackets then I would dump the racket. I had a similar problem with the FXP Radical. Used it for 2 hours and shoulder was killing me. Sold the racket, and have had no problems since.
I think the Flexpoint technology is bad for your arms and shoulders, many have reported similar issues. I switched to a Wilson Nsix-one and have had no problems.
My advice is to dump the racket, even players are on the tour are using painted versions.

Is it the Flexpoint technology or some changes in stiffness and mass distribution that may have been made in the new models?

 

[Vamz]

What you have is "Golfer's Elbow". Try adding more weight to your racquet, that might help. You could also try dropping tension even more. You are coming from a racquet that was 16x18 to one with 18x20, so the head might actually be stiffer than the wilson was due to just string.

 

[match]

my ncode was 18x20 so i dont think it has to do with the pattern ......if i lower the tension anymore the fence on the back of the court is going to getting a good workout........my elbow is feeling much better and i got some instruction on my serve ( which is really when the pain was felt) i was off balance causing me to make an eratic stroke at the ball ..thus the pain i will however go back to the ncode its a much more stable racket ......i just hope i can play as well as i did with the Fp......thanks for your help!
match

 

[lazyguy]

After playing with FXP radical MP only a few times and I developed TE. I guese it's because of the harsh feeling of off center hit.

 

[match]

i was hitting today to test out the ole elbow.......was hitting with the Fp and noticed some soreness but after about 5 min it started getting worse ......so i then switched to my ncode and hit for another 1/2 hour virtually pain free.......then one of the pros at the club suggested it might be the string?..i have failed to mention i switched strings right before this elbow thing happened as well............i switched to Gamma Live wire prof...i thought that stuff was supposed to be easy on the arm? ....but i guess not .....i am going to put some PSG in there and see how it goes ......i will keep ya posted .....for those you give a **** anyway
thanks
match

 

[barry]

Is it the Flexpoint technology or some changes in stiffness and mass distribution that may have been made in the new models?

In my case I always use the same string, grips etc. when trying to frames. Thought it was the weight, but the Nsix-one weighs more than the Flexpoint . In my opinion it is in the Head Flexpoint technology, I think it keeps the ball on the strings to long, and when it flexes if you do not hit the ball dead center, you get vibrations and twisting.
If you are an active tennis player, you change frames, and you have pain in your arm or shoulder, then you probably have a racket which is not suited for your game.

 

[ace of spades]

i do not have any problems. no soreness or pain at all after 16 hrs a week playin 6 days for the past 2 months. i have 9g at 3&9 and i like the performance of the racket. although, my lm's are more comfortable.

 

[sureshs]

In my case I always use the same string, grips etc. when trying to frames. Thought it was the weight, but the Nsix-one weighs more than the Flexpoint . In my opinion it is in the Head Flexpoint technology, I think it keeps the ball on the strings to long, and when it flexes if you do not hit the ball dead center, you get vibrations and twisting.
If you are an active tennis player, you change frames, and you have pain in your arm or shoulder, then you probably have a racket which is not suited for your game.

So a new vibration axis. Interesting. That indirectly means the technology really works.

 

[barry]

So a new vibration axis. Interesting. That indirectly means the technology really works.

Worked pretty well on me, my shoulder was so sore I had to take a week off tennis. That was after 2 hours of play, loaned the frame to a 5.5 player, and he said he could feel his wrist after 1 set and gave it back.
I was a long time Head until using the Flexpoint technology. I used the Trisys 260 and Head Ti.radical for 8 years, great frames. For now am sticking with Wilson, at least no problems with arm, shoulder, or wrist.

Maybe Head’s next generation will be curved with more holes so it can flex like a Jai Alai Cesta, where the racket engineer discovered Flexpoint technology.

 

[sureshs]

Guess they were right about the head cupping the ball. Just didn't tell you how it will vibrate once the ball is gone!

 

[SwissServe]

I have played with my Flexpoint Prestige MP last and this week end. While on first week end I have had some shoulder pain and wasn't able to serve on evening (unfortunately I had this with all previous sticks, nSixOne 95 18x20 and TF325), for this reason I have met my chiropractor (which I consult every three weeks from last past may). He found out that there is a small sclerosis on my neck and next to my spine (not only on my shoulder, which seemed to be). He loosened this points, with a ugly noise

This week end I had a tournament (called Interclub here in Switzerland), I served loose (not with full power as I normally would). Yes, and it worked very well, no pain after a single and double match (unfortunately, we lost )! Hopefully it goes on in this style...

Today I hit with the Flexpoint Prestige MP again (strung with Kirschbaum Touch Multifibre 17 at 25.5/26.5 kp).
Guess what? I wasn't able to serve anymore at end of my practice I have felt pain in my shoulder (that happens, normaly not that hard) and that's even worse on my elbow (I never felt pain during I play tennis, means 14 years and I have played with many sticks incl. Wilson Pro Staff Original 85, Head Prestige Classic 600, Head Radical OS, Head Prestige LM MP, Wilson nSixOne 95 18x20, TF 325, O3 etc.).

I can't believe that I felt no such pain from Wilson nSixOne 95 18x20 (stiffer frame)....

Before I give up this stick I will try it with some other strings in lower tensions e.g. VS Team (after prestretch, 25/26), Isospeed (26/27) and maybe with X-One Biphase.

 

[sureshs]

Today I hit with the Flexpoint Prestige MP again (strung with Kirschbaum Touch Multifibre 17 at 25.5/26.5 kp).
Guess what? I wasn't able to serve anymore at end of my practice I have felt pain in my shoulder (that happens, normaly not that hard) and that's even worse on my elbow (I never felt pain during I play tennis, means 14 years and I have played with many sticks incl. Wilson Pro Staff Original 85, Head Prestige Classic 600, Head Radical OS, Head Prestige LM MP, Wilson nSixOne 95 18x20, TF 325, O3 etc.).

I can't believe that I felt no such pain from Wilson nSixOne 95 18x20 (stiffer frame)....

Before I give up this stick I will try it with some other strings in lower tensions e.g. VS Team (after prestretch, 25/26), Isospeed (26/27) and maybe with X-One Biphase.

Inform Marius about this. People need to know this stuff and avoid such racquets so manufacturers learn to make comfortable frames instead of hyping some new technology.

 

[mrags]

SwissServe-did the other string solve the problem?

Today I hit with the Flexpoint Prestige MP again (strung with Kirschbaum Touch Multifibre 17 at 25.5/26.5 kp).
Guess what? I wasn't able to serve anymore at end of my practice I have felt pain in my shoulder (that happens, normaly not that hard) and that's even worse on my elbow (I never felt pain during I play tennis, means 14 years and I have played with many sticks incl. Wilson Pro Staff Original 85, Head Prestige Classic 600, Head Radical OS, Head Prestige LM MP, Wilson nSixOne 95 18x20, TF 325, O3 etc.).

I can't believe that I felt no such pain from Wilson nSixOne 95 18x20 (stiffer frame)....

Before I give up this stick I will try it with some other strings in lower tensions e.g. VS Team (after prestretch, 25/26), Isospeed (26/27) and maybe with X-One Biphase.

 

[The Dampener]

Match, I feel you're pain.

Like you, I have pain on the inside of my elbow. And Vamz is right--what you are describing is commonly called Golfer's Elbow (or medial epicondylitis).

Be careful!

Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are often confused. And well-intentioned people will give you their "tennis elbow" solutions when they may not be the best thing for you. And even among different people suffering the same ailment, the answer is often a different one.

I know this all sounds vague, but I've been throught and heard all the different stories and cures. It could be your racquet (oddly enough, your old ncode is the very one that may have done me in). It could be some new technique you are using. It could be strings and/or tension. It could be age. Oh, and switching frames, strings and tensions while you're arm is still hurting, that can make it even worse.

The health and fitness forum is loaded with great info (and bad info too), but it's a great place to start.

Good luck!

 

[kbui]

Hi, I'm a regular FXP Prestige MP user and absolutely love this racquet. I was initially hesitant by the stiffness of the frame but it does indeed flex when dead on in the sweetspot. I have not had any elbow or shoulder issues. I currently use a natural gut (Tonic) and synthetic gut (Gosen) hybrid at 60 lbs. I have also tried Kirsbaum P2/Gosen in a hybrid and that was also great. I do play regular (well, starting again finally after adjusting to the arrival of a newborn baby girl) and love this racquet. It is much more forgiving than the mid... that racquet is tough, tiny sweetspot!

When all else fails, please try nat gut, it is a great string and plays great in any frame!

Good luck!
Ken

 

[wally]

My $.02 Not sure how big you hands are...

You mentioned the FP Prestige had a smaller grip than your Wilson.

When I play with a grip thats too small (< 4-1/2) my forearm/elbow will hurt. I tend to grip a smaller grip too tightly. Its a personal sort of thing. For example Guga & Fed play with small grips compared to their handsize. They have great technique and like the extra "whipping" action you can get with a smaller grip. Most recreational players, myself included, tend to tighten their grip too much when using a smaller grip.

I agree that string type, racquet stiffness etc can be contributors but in your case with what you've described it just might be the smaller grip.