Game improvement racquets ban

[westpac690]

I read a separate post, and what I wanted to say really didn't fit in the nature of what was being discussed so I figured I'd start this one.
I'd like to see a ban of game improvement racquets on all levels. What I mean is if you're swinging a game improvement racquet, then that's your NTRP ranking. Not 2.0, not 2.5, not 3.0, not 3.5 and so forth and so on. There would be a separate ranking, category and matches simply labeled as "game improvement." If you roll on the court swinging a HyperHammer or one of it's b@stard offspring, then you shouldn't rate at all on the scale.
This was prompted by watching a couple guys play next to me the other day. I watch the guy stick his racquet out, "hit" a winner and declare himself the best 3.5 in town,"(paraphrasing). I sat there thinking to myself, "good job, you stuck your racquet in front of the ball." Had he took a more realistic view of what actually occurred on the court, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. But this dude thought a little too high of his tennis self.... I don't know, it ticked me off and I wasn't even playing him.

 

[InspectorRacquet]

What if the person swinging the game improvement racquet is actually better than the person swinging the Federer racquet? Your system seems pretty superficial and doesn't take into account the actual skill of the player. NTRP at least attempts to place players by skill level and not by the racquet they swing.

The random winners by the "best 3.5 in town" occur because the guy has that racquet, but he can't make them on command and purpose. Everyone's stick suits their game, but it shouldn't designate the game they play.

 

[Ramon]

Limits on racquet dimensions should have been implemented a long time ago. However, I don't see how you can justifiably raise someone's rating just because his racquet is designed a certain way. Can you imagine the cost of enforcing such a rule? If it's a legal racquet, it should be legal period.

Obviously, game improvement racquets are inconsequential above the 3.5 level anyway. No one is going to make any money by getting a game improvement racquet. So if you are a lower level player and a game improvement racquet helps you, you should be free to use it.

 

[blakesq]

stupidest thing i have read on the interwebs today.

I read a separate post, and what I wanted to say really didn't fit in the nature of what was being discussed so I figured I'd start this one.
I'd like to see a ban of game improvement racquets on all levels. What I mean is if you're swinging a game improvement racquet, then that's your NTRP ranking. Not 2.0, not 2.5, not 3.0, not 3.5 and so forth and so on. There would be a separate ranking, category and matches simply labeled as "game improvement." If you roll on the court swinging a HyperHammer or one of it's b@stard offspring, then you shouldn't rate at all on the scale.
This was prompted by watching a couple guys play next to me the other day. I watch the guy stick his racquet out, "hit" a winner and declare himself the best 3.5 in town,"(paraphrasing). I sat there thinking to myself, "good job, you stuck your racquet in front of the ball." Had he took a more realistic view of what actually occurred on the court, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. But this dude thought a little too high of his tennis self.... I don't know, it ticked me off and I wasn't even playing him.

 

[mhj202]

I read a separate post, and what I wanted to say really didn't fit in the nature of what was being discussed so I figured I'd start this one.
I'd like to see a ban of game improvement racquets on all levels. What I mean is if you're swinging a game improvement racquet, then that's your NTRP ranking. Not 2.0, not 2.5, not 3.0, not 3.5 and so forth and so on. There would be a separate ranking, category and matches simply labeled as "game improvement." If you roll on the court swinging a HyperHammer or one of it's b@stard offspring, then you shouldn't rate at all on the scale.
This was prompted by watching a couple guys play next to me the other day. I watch the guy stick his racquet out, "hit" a winner and declare himself the best 3.5 in town,"(paraphrasing). I sat there thinking to myself, "good job, you stuck your racquet in front of the ball." Had he took a more realistic view of what actually occurred on the court, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. But this dude thought a little too high of his tennis self.... I don't know, it ticked me off and I wasn't even playing him.

If a player can beat you with a Hyperhammer then he is better than you- simple as that.

If I thought I'd be a better player with a Hyperhammer, then I'd use one. I am not better with Hyperhammer so I don't use one.

 

[Larrysümmers]

lemme guess, you use a "player's" racket?

 

[mhj202]

lemme guess, you use a "player's" racket?

Not sure if this was directed at me or the OP-- if directed to me, I actually use a 'tweener but would definitely use a Hyperhammer or some other Super Game Improvement racket if it gave me a better chance of winning.

 

[tennis tom]

stupidest thing i have read on the interwebs today.

Hey it's the holidaze, be thankful anyone is posting anything at all, to fill time between the commercials during the football games. I'm pissed off because they won't let me use my Prince Woody in woody and whites tournaments.

 

[mhj202]

stupidest thing i have read on the interwebs today.

It get's better-- check out the "Looking for a Western Grip" thread. very impressive.

 

[Ramon]

If a player can beat you with a Hyperhammer then he is better than you- simple as that.

If I thought I'd be a better player with a Hyperhammer, then I'd use one. I am not better with Hyperhammer so I don't use one.

I think what we are seeing here is a different world inhabited by recreational players. In their world the Hyperhammers make a difference.

Unfortunately, I don't see any practical solution to the OP's problem. Can you imagine judges going to adult leagues with rulers, scales, and fulcrums to make sure no one is using a head heavy racquet with an oversized head? If someone brings a light version of a tweener racquet and puts lead tape on the head, I imagine that would have to be illegal also.

The main reason no one will listen is because, frankly, there's no money involved in it.

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

epic idiocy.

Guy I know plays 5.5 and open age events, wins everything in his age group and beats plenty of much younger opponents.

He plays with Volkl DNX-2s...

Simple as that...

OP, you're an idiot.

 

[beernutz]

I read a separate post, and what I wanted to say really didn't fit in the nature of what was being discussed so I figured I'd start this one.
I'd like to see a ban of game improvement racquets on all levels. What I mean is if you're swinging a game improvement racquet, then that's your NTRP ranking. Not 2.0, not 2.5, not 3.0, not 3.5 and so forth and so on. There would be a separate ranking, category and matches simply labeled as "game improvement." If you roll on the court swinging a HyperHammer or one of it's b@stard offspring, then you shouldn't rate at all on the scale.
This was prompted by watching a couple guys play next to me the other day. I watch the guy stick his racquet out, "hit" a winner and declare himself the best 3.5 in town,"(paraphrasing). I sat there thinking to myself, "good job, you stuck your racquet in front of the ball." Had he took a more realistic view of what actually occurred on the court, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. But this dude thought a little too high of his tennis self.... I don't know, it ticked me off and I wasn't even playing him.

 

[Jim A]

I really like my Speedport Tour's..

however last year I did a review on a Khamsin Five BLX from Wilson for a buddy's website. Loved it. Had a high SW and low weight, open string pattern and could just knock the bejeezus out of the ball from nearly anywhere...if it was 98-103 I'd probably have switched...

I can see myself moving to this type of racquet as I get closer to 50 than 40.

I'm thinking the "best 3.5 in town" was likely just a fun comment between the people on the court...the guy was probably being dry or self-depricating...good on you for listening in though...and reporting back to the tt boards..we can't let those 3.5's think they are any good...oh wait I'm one of them..crap

 

[precision2b]

stupidest thing i have read on the interwebs today.

I agree...

 

[fleabitten]

I agree...

Yeah, "shut up and serve" is about the most appropriate response.

 

[Angle Queen]

What the heck is a "game improvement" racquet? Aren't we supposed to be selecting racquets/setups that enhance our game?

 

[DeShaun]

If a player can beat you with a Hyperhammer then he is better than you- simple as that.

If I thought I'd be a better player with a Hyperhammer, then I'd use one. I am not better with Hyperhammer so I don't use one.

I recall playing against this out-of-shape, pot-bellied guy last summer who camped out on his baseline where he swung his Hyperhammer to such effect that he could poke everything back or throw up a towering lob. He eventually surrendered enough short balls, though, that I finally beat him something like 19-17 in the third. As I recollect fondly, that was my first ever experience with beating a pusher who, I knew, had nothing that he could hurt me with.

 

[mhj202]

I recall playing against this out-of-shape, pot-bellied guy last summer who camped out on his baseline where he swung his Hyperhammer to such effect that he could poke everything back or throw up a towering lob. He eventually surrendered enough short balls, though, that I finally beat him something like 19-17 in the third. As I recollect fondly, that was my first ever experience with beating a pusher who, I knew, had nothing that he could hurt me with.

Sounds like you didn't have much to hurt him with either.

 

[DeShaun]

Sounds like you didn't have much to hurt him with either.

Correct. But I was in better shape. Very late in the third set, he appeared resigned or to have decided that it wouldn't be worth his continued effort, which was a victory for me because guys like him prey on any opponent who happens to lack the guts, the attention span, or the mental fortitude required to simply outlast them.

 

[mhj202]

Correct. But I was in better shape. Very late in the third set, he appeared resigned or to have decided that it wouldn't be worth his continued effort, which was a victory for me because guys like him prey on any opponent who happens to lack the guts, the attention span, or the mental fortitude required to simply outlast them.

Fair enough. Outlasting a guy like that is definitely a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Congrats.

 

[nickarnold2000]

I recall playing against this out-of-shape, pot-bellied guy last summer who camped out on his baseline where he swung his Hyperhammer to such effect that he could poke everything back or throw up a towering lob. He eventually surrendered enough short balls, though, that I finally beat him something like 19-17 in the third. As I recollect fondly, that was my first ever experience with beating a pusher who, I knew, had nothing that he could hurt me with.

Any reason why you're using a 390g racket?

 

[Cindysphinx]

What the heck is a "game improvement" racquet? Aren't we supposed to be selecting racquets/setups that enhance our game?

I think "game improvement" is chosen because it would be hard to sell the racket if it were called by its scientific name "Hacker's racket."

I believe it describes those huge rackets with stiff frames used by older players and people like myself who didn't know any better until someone told them.

Cindy -- whose first racket was a Wilson T-2, which had a 120 sq inch head, and who still hits with it for yuks sometimes

 

[Ronaldo]

I really like my Speedport Tour's..

however last year I did a review on a Khamsin Five BLX from Wilson for a buddy's website. Loved it. Had a high SW and low weight, open string pattern and could just knock the bejeezus out of the ball from nearly anywhere...if it was 98-103 I'd probably have switched...

I can see myself moving to this type of racquet as I get closer to 50 than 40.

I'm thinking the "best 3.5 in town" was likely just a fun comment between the people on the court...the guy was probably being dry or self-depricating...good on you for listening in though...and reporting back to the tt boards..we can't let those 3.5's think they are any good...oh wait I'm one of them..crap

Don't hate the player.........hate his racquet. Btw, ckout the BLX Five, holla.

 

[storypeddler]

stupidest thing i have read on the interwebs today.

Totally agree. The fact that you don't like game-improvement racquets counts for absolute diddly-squat. If you don;t like them, don't use them. This sounds very much like seething rage from a player who has lost too many matches to pushers when he can't figure out how to respond to them. That or a player with an extremely inflated opinion of his own tennis abilities. Or actually, maybe both. LOL. What a bozo. If TW gave an annual award for stupid comment of the year, this posting would get my vote.

 

[kylebarendrick]

I have a friend that is a good 4.5 who hits very hard with huge topspin. He also happens to use a hyper hammer. It's not the stick, it's the player.

 

[darrinbaker00]

I read a separate post, and what I wanted to say really didn't fit in the nature of what was being discussed so I figured I'd start this one.
I'd like to see a ban of game improvement racquets on all levels. What I mean is if you're swinging a game improvement racquet, then that's your NTRP ranking. Not 2.0, not 2.5, not 3.0, not 3.5 and so forth and so on. There would be a separate ranking, category and matches simply labeled as "game improvement." If you roll on the court swinging a HyperHammer or one of it's b@stard offspring, then you shouldn't rate at all on the scale.
This was prompted by watching a couple guys play next to me the other day. I watch the guy stick his racquet out, "hit" a winner and declare himself the best 3.5 in town,"(paraphrasing). I sat there thinking to myself, "good job, you stuck your racquet in front of the ball." Had he took a more realistic view of what actually occurred on the court, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it. But this dude thought a little too high of his tennis self.... I don't know, it ticked me off and I wasn't even playing him.

You need your prescription for chill pills refilled.

 

[westpac690]

Totally agree. The fact that you don't like game-improvement racquets counts for absolute diddly-squat. If you don;t like them, don't use them. This sounds very much like seething rage from a player who has lost too many matches to pushers when he can't figure out how to respond to them. That or a player with an extremely inflated opinion of his own tennis abilities. Or actually, maybe both. LOL. What a bozo. If TW gave an annual award for stupid comment of the year, this posting would get my vote.

Do you people sit at your computer waiting to make 1 sentence snarky comments of zero substance? Doesn't say much for you or your life if you do.
My comment is made from showing up to tennis courts, seeing people that play with "GI" racquets acting completely out of line when they dump a shot or hit a "winner". Could be just the people that live in the area I live in, but I notice the biggest jack@sses on the court tend to use those types or racquets.
My comments win the award for stupidest comment of the year? What's more "stupid"? Me making a statement voicing my opinion regarding GI racqeuts and some of their users, or the jack@ss that took time out of his day to say what I posted was the stupidest comment of the year and call me a bozo? You obviously have a inflated view of your self worth if you feel you have to post worthless degrading comments. You are the type of folk that has turned me from pro life to pro choice.

 

[darrinbaker00]

Do you people sit at your computer waiting to make 1 sentence snarky comments of zero substance? Doesn't say much for you or your life if you do.
My comment is made from showing up to tennis courts, seeing people that play with "GI" racquets acting completely out of line when they dump a shot or hit a "winner". Could be just the people that live in the area I live in, but I notice the biggest jack@sses on the court tend to use those types or racquets.
My comments win the award for stupidest comment of the year? What's more "stupid"? Me making a statement voicing my opinion regarding GI racqeuts and some of their users, or the jack@ss that took time out of his day to say what I posted was the stupidest comment of the year and call me a bozo? You obviously have a inflated view of your self worth if you feel you have to post worthless degrading comments. You are the type of folk that has turned me from pro life to pro choice.

Aw, did we hurt your feelings? We're sorry.

 

[Ramon]

Do you people sit at your computer waiting to make 1 sentence snarky comments of zero substance? Doesn't say much for you or your life if you do.
My comment is made from showing up to tennis courts, seeing people that play with "GI" racquets acting completely out of line when they dump a shot or hit a "winner". Could be just the people that live in the area I live in, but I notice the biggest jack@sses on the court tend to use those types or racquets.
My comments win the award for stupidest comment of the year? What's more "stupid"? Me making a statement voicing my opinion regarding GI racqeuts and some of their users, or the jack@ss that took time out of his day to say what I posted was the stupidest comment of the year and call me a bozo? You obviously have a inflated view of your self worth if you feel you have to post worthless degrading comments. You are the type of folk that has turned me from pro life to pro choice.

You really can't pose that argument because now it's guilt by association. In other words, if I use a Hyper Hammer, I'm now considered a jack@ss. Maybe the GI racquets send off some kind of evil vibe that corrupts its users, much like evil swords! LOL

Back in the 70's the most powerful racquet was the T-2000, and the only man worthy enough to use it and win was Jimmy Connors. Wasn't he considered the biggest jack@ss at the time?

 

[tennis tom]

Do you people sit at your computer waiting to make 1 sentence snarky comments of zero substance? Doesn't say much for you or your life if you do.

Pretty much so, it's the nature of Al Gore's Internet--it's a "freedumb to snark" thing--an entitlement. Those who can do, those who can't snark. Gotta' have something to do until the hot-tub warms up.

Fleece Navidad

 

[Ronaldo]

Maybe 2Pac is right, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XLG-9bFkMQ

 

[Ramon]

Pretty much so, it's the nature of Al Gore's Internet--it's a "freedumb to snark" thing--an entitlement. Those who can do, those who can't snark. Gotta' have something to do until the hot-tub warms up.

Fleece Navidad

Al Gore's Internet? You mean the guy who calls masseuses to his hotel room and chases them around while he's naked?! You mean I'm on HIS Internet? These nasty Internet viruses are bad enough, but to know that I'm on Al Gore's Internet...you just messed up my holidays! LOL

 

[blakesq]

You are also basking in the warmth of Al Gore's global warming!

Al Gore's Internet? You mean the guy who calls masseuses to his hotel room and chases them around while he's naked?! You mean I'm on HIS Internet? These nasty Internet viruses are bad enough, but to know that I'm on Al Gore's Internet...you just messed up my holidays! LOL

 

[PBODY99]

HYPER HAMMER don't balme the frame......

Well,I take it you just don't like super oversize high powered frames. I see a few at National level men tournaments in the 45 and over divisions. The boorish behavior, well that is more a failure of players to understand the decorum of the game.
I have four Hyper Sledge 2.0 I'm stockpiling for the 70's. I will not let any mortal government take away my right to play with a rocket launcher. Of course when all I can do it chip and dip, I will.

 

[Ronaldo]

Well,I take it you just don't like super oversize high powered frames. I see a few at National level men tournaments in the 45 and over divisions. The boorish behavior, well that is more a failure of players to understand the decorum of the game.
I have four Hyper Sledge 2.0 I'm stockpiling for the 70's. I will not let any mortal government take away my right to play with a rocket launcher. Of course when all I can do it chip and dip, I will.

Played dubs with a player in his 70s who is ranked Nationally in singles and plays daily. Uses a Weed racquet very effectively. Btw, don't hate the playa, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWmnGrDEajs

 

[SoBad]

I understand your frustration, but realistically all one can do is try their best to have the people they like on their court and the adjacent courts.

 

[Ronaldo]

I understand your frustration, but realistically all one can do is try their best to have the people they like on their court and the adjacent courts.

Got some splainin' to do!!!????

 

[SoBad]

Got some splainin' to do!!!????

I admit I did not analyze the OP very thoroughly, but from what I gather the poster was upset at the sight of an older man with a larger racquet and looser strings, at an adjacent court, hitting balls in a manner that was perceived by the OP as unacceptable and offensive. I submit that anyone who has ever played tennis at public courts can relate to that general sentiment and merely suggested that the best way to avoid such experiences was to better ourselves in a way that would enable us to select better hitting venues.

 

[Ronaldo]

I admit I did not analyze the OP very thoroughly, but from what I gather the poster was upset at the sight of an older man with a larger racquet and looser strings, at an adjacent court, hitting balls in a manner that was perceived by the OP as unacceptable and offensive. I submit that anyone who has ever played tennis at public courts can relate to that general sentiment and merely suggested that the best way to avoid such experiences was to better ourselves in a way that would enable us to select better hitting venues.

Still hit with guys who dismiss players with short strokes and big sticks. But majority of players over 50 use GI racquets effectively. Like it or not, you best learn to love it. Or face a challenge everyday.

 

[SoBad]

Still hit with guys who dismiss players with short strokes and big sticks. But majority of players over 50 use GI racquets effectively. Like it or not, you best learn to love it. Or face a challenge everyday.

True as that may be, are we going off at a tangent here? The key issue in this thread, as I see it, is that the OP was unhappy about something on the courts. Is that the issue that we are all still trying to address here?

 

[DeShaun]

Any reason why you're using a 390g racket?

Because I love crushing one-handed backhands? I am not yet skilled enough to swing a 93' hoop with great speed or accuracy. The extra mass in mine adds depth to my shots. I can focus now on footwork and prep, on getting to the ball early; and forget about worrying about generating levels of topspin that this racquet was not designed for.

Instead, I have been able to generate smooth, flowing swings, letting the mass take care of the rest. I have tried swinging my racquet in stock form but it does not feel right to me, neither on impact nor when it comes around or through. So, I added some lead here and there, got the weight up and made the balance feel good, and the rest is history. My old Prestige Pro, designed for hitting with more topspin, was never modded up to 390g. . .it's just that this exo 93 feels so much nicer coming through and on impact with so much extra mass.

 

[Ronaldo]

True as that may be, are we going off at a tangent here? The key issue in this thread, as I see it, is that the OP was unhappy about something on the courts. Is that the issue that we are all still trying to address here?

So what can he do about GI racquets? Never gonna ban them. Saw this sentiment in USTA Adult League playoffs when a player ran to an official to protest our players racquet. It was legal and our 65 yo single player reamed this crybaby.

 

[SoBad]

So what can he do about GI racquets? Never gonna ban them. Saw this sentiment in USTA Adult League playoffs when a player ran to an official to protest our players racquet. It was legal and our 65 yo single player reamed this crybaby.

I agree that a ban petition would be unrealistic, which is why I posted what I posted. He could move up in the world by enhancing his economic, social, and erotic capital, so as to reach a stage where he can choose a hitting venue that excludes the types that he finds offensive.

 

[ImAGrinch]

The only people I see with GI racquets are 60 year old women. And they all have the worst case of tennis elbow I have ever seen.

 

[Wilander Fan]

Not sure if I understand what a GI racket is. If you are referring to the 100inch widebodies, I think alot of pros use these rackets. Anyway, I think its the strings more than anything. I was hitting with a guy using a widebody strung with gut and then he went back to the same racket but with full poly and the difference in pace and spin was significant.

 

[Ronaldo]

The only people I see with GI racquets are 60 year old women. And they all have the worst case of tennis elbow I have ever seen.

Play USTA Senior Adult League and try to find someone who does not use a GI. You can Depend on that.

 

[gmatheis]

True as that may be, are we going off at a tangent here? The key issue in this thread, as I see it, is that the OP was unhappy about something on the courts. Is that the issue that we are all still trying to address here?

I think the idea is that the OP must have been beat by someone he thought had inferior skills to him but this "inferior" player still won because of his "GI racket"

Sorry but rackets don't swing themselves, and if someone has less power and needs a stiffer frame or is a little less precise on their strokes and needs a larger head then so what? The person still has to swing it and the OP lost to the person not to his racket.

 

[SoBad]

I think the idea is that the OP must have been beat by someone he thought had inferior skills to him but this "inferior" player still won because of his "GI racket"

Sorry but rackets don't swing themselves, and if someone has less power and needs a stiffer frame or is a little less precise on their strokes and needs a larger head then so what? The person still has to swing it and the OP lost to the person not to his racket.

No, the OP was just frustrated because of the hacks on the adjacent courts. Our job as the community is to comfort him and suggest constructive solutions.

 

[Ramon]

Not sure if I understand what a GI racket is. If you are referring to the 100inch widebodies, I think alot of pros use these rackets. Anyway, I think its the strings more than anything. I was hitting with a guy using a widebody strung with gut and then he went back to the same racket but with full poly and the difference in pace and spin was significant.

No, I use a 100 si head-light widebody myself and so do a lot of pros.

GI racquets are usually widebodies on the high side of 110-130 si, under 10 oz, and head-heavy. You can't do anything with them besides take short, straight swings and depend on the racquet's ridiculously high power to send the ball back.

 

[Ronaldo]

No, I use a 100 si head-light widebody myself and so do a lot of pros.

GI racquets are usually widebodies on the high side of 110-130 si, under 10 oz, and head-heavy. You can't do anything with them besides take short, straight swings and depend on the racquet's ridiculously high power to send the ball back.

Players that use GI racquets tend to play doubles IMHO.