Getting Back to the Basics

[jonolau]

I noticed over the time that I'm here, there have been so many threads created on what the perfect racquet should be; opinions on how to set up the perfect racquet requiring a whole bunch of equations/measurements sufficient to build an A-bomb etc.; how to calculate the ultimate swingweight so that even a chimpanzee can swing it well enough to enter Wimbly;

There's always going to be the advocates and detractors, and sometimes these discussions get so heated.

I don't know if anyone else agrees with me. Tennis, for most of us here, is a social game and the whole idea is to go out and have fun, make new friends, win a few games, lose a few etc. Of course, we also want to keep challenging ourselves to improve and attain a high level of competency.

My question is: Shouldn't we just go back to the basics and focus on the technique rather than pay so much attention to the numbers stamped on the frame?

 

[Cruzer]

The perfect racquet for you is not likely going to be the perfect racquet for me and vice versa. The quest for the "perfect racquet" is really an individual choice. I am currently trying out a PS 6.1 Stretch racquet that weighs in at 13.5 ounces after I exchange the synthetic grip for a leather grip. I doubt if there are many if any players that would consider that the perfect racquet but it I like it.

 

[jonolau]

Thank you, Cruzer. I do realize that there is absolutely nothing wrong in wanting to create the perfect setup that suits your personal preference, in fact, if it benefits your game then all the more it should be done.

 

[armand]

I like to keep it simple. Over 12 ounces, head light, but not too headlight, a midsize and medium flex, open pattern.

[I was just thinking about getting back to the basics on court today but in form, not equipment. My forehand is getting overly complicated while my nice and simple backhand seems like my better shot these days. Anyway]

 

[jonolau]

I like to keep it simple. Over 12 ounces, head light, but not too headlight, a midsize and medium flex, open pattern.

[I was just thinking about getting back to the basics on court today but in form, not equipment. My forehand is getting overly complicated while my nice and simple backhand seems like my better shot these days. Anyway]

Exactly, adely, but I forgot to add that option into the poll.

Just get a stick you're comfortable with, and get back to the basics on your technique. I see quite a number of posters here who are more bothered about equipment rather than questioning form.

 

[Duzza]

I like to keep it simple. Over 12 ounces, head light, but not too headlight, a midsize and medium flex, open pattern.

[I was just thinking about getting back to the basics on court today but in form, not equipment. My forehand is getting overly complicated while my nice and simple backhand seems like my better shot these days. Anyway]

Yeah with specs like that, It's pretty hard to make an AWFUL mistake. They will all play reasonably ok.

 

[snoflewis]

a good racket for me would have to fall in w/ the following specs:
weight: 12 + 0.5 oz - more towards the 12 oz range though
length: 27 in. and nothing else
balance: 4-12 pts headlight
flex: anything, although i've been more into the medium-stiff range recently
swingweight: 320-330
beam width: 18 to 21 mm
string pattern: 16 mains no matter what.

 

[wyutani]

a good racket for me would have to fall in w/ the following specs:
weight: 12 + 0.5 oz - more towards the 12 oz range though
length: 27 in. and nothing else
balance: 4-12 pts headlight
flex: anything, although i've been more into the medium-stiff range recently
swingweight: 320-330
beam width: 18 to 21 mm
string pattern: 16 mains no matter what.

12 oz? wow, that's pretty heavy...

 

[anirut]

I just keep it simple.

This, of course, is based on certain numerical values. But if I don't feel that I like it, even though the numbers seem to be 'perfect', I wouldn't want it.

 

[Duzza]

12 oz? wow, that's pretty heavy...

It may be considered heavy nowadays. But it's really not.

 

[yoga]

I don't know if anyone else agrees with me. Tennis, for most of us here, is a social game and the whole idea is to go out and have fun, make new friends, win a few games, lose a few etc. Of course, we also want to keep challenging ourselves to improve and attain a high level of competency.

i dont talk much whenever i step inside the tennis courts. and i very much detest players licking each others ass praising "good shot!" and stuff, between points i intensely meditate on what i did right what i did wrong. those who tried breaking through my fiery barriers, i simply tell them tennis by its nature is violent, if you want to socialize, go play golf

but hey, to each his own, of course, we seek our kinds to play with

 

[StraightSets]

I'd vote for the option that says for the best cosmetics within your specs range

 

[Supernatural_Serve]

how about the option - it just "feels" right.

I don't care about ANY of the specs, ANY opinion by any one else, and I certainly don't care what the pros are using for their racquet is so modified it has nothing to do with mine.

Its simple: It feels right, especially when I serve, return, and hit a groundstroke.

Generally speaking, it seems I like mid-size not oversize, control but not "tour" racquets, and head light, with hybrid gut/synth strings.

4 5/8" Head Liqiuid Metal Radical MP with Klip Screamer strings. It feels perfect.

 

[dmastous]

There's one critria you didn't include in your poll.
I base my racquet selection more on feel. I'm not looking as specs much (tho that's changing). I take some swings with the backhand and if I feel comfortable I'll give it a demo. That is unless it's too good a price to pass up.

 

[jonolau]

There's one critria you didn't include in your poll.
I base my racquet selection more on feel. I'm not looking as specs much (tho that's changing). I take some swings with the backhand and if I feel comfortable I'll give it a demo. That is unless it's too good a price to pass up.

Good point, dmastous. Feel is something personal and subjective that adds up to the overall enjoyment of the game.

Is there any way of altering the poll?

 

[AAAA]

I like your alter-ego.