Have you managed to end your racquetholism? Please share your advices

[joohan]

Tips :

Play competitive USTA tennis and try to win matches.

Don't judge frames based on just hitting around.

To repeat - If you show up to a tennis court, play matches only. Never just hit balls.

Don't buy "platform frames". Stop modding. By now you should know what specs work for your game and buy racquets that fit within those specs.

Accept change. The only people that seem to resist the benefits of modern frames post here. I don't see them playing USTA tennis. I see people trying to win.

I second this. Matchplay, matchplay, matchplay and again, matchplay.

I used to trade frames because I was newly into tennis and had little money to spare while at the university + I was able to get interesting racquets on the cheap (I still have near mint original Donnay Pro One International Supermidsize I bought for like 10 bucks) and sell them via auction sites/TT/Stringforum for 3-4x more. Once I've started to play regularly and against proper opposition I've quickly figured out what I need, sold most of my previous frames apart from some special ones and started to hunt for what is best for me. I've settled on a frame that is, by chance, exactly what I want with zero need for customization. As I browse through these forums, I realize I'm probably extremely lucky.

I still read TT forums and watch/read majority of the TW reviews but feel no need to switch frames as I know there is probably nothing better out there for me. Plus if I ever spend full 200Euro for a tennis racquet, it will be a custom built frame.

 

[robbo1970]

I've tried a few lighter racquets, I've tried heavier Midsize racquets and heavier Midplus racquets.

I think the more you try, the less likely you are ever to really settle on one particular racquet or one particular set-up/spec. Plus, I think it can result in someone thinking more about the racquet than their technique.

Some people like to take a variety of different racquets with vastly differing specs to the court, but I do then wonder if they are thinking it is the racquet that affects their play and not themselves. To keep chopping and changing all the time is probably asking for inconsistency.

There is so much choice when it comes to racquets and I don't think that helps the racquetoholics out there.

I have now settled on a racquet that is of an easy weight to play both attacking and defensive tennis. Gives me good control from the baseline and at net, and one that I can play both singles and doubles with for hours on end without the racquet itself affecting my level. I read quite often on here how some like very heavy racquets but cannot sustain their level due to arm fatigue. I just don't really see the point in that.

I think it's also a case of being honest with yourself about the sort of specs that really suit your level. Sometimes the right specs and racquets that fit that criteria aren't necessarily the racquets people want to use, but that's just the way it is.

 

[robbo1970]

I still read TT forums and watch/read majority of the TW reviews but feel no need to switch frames as I know there is probably nothing better out there for me.

Likewise.

I'm often tempted to try different frames, but the ones that tempt me are usually really close in spec to what I am currently using, so I come to the realisation that they are not going to add anything to my game right now.

As and when my physical level drops, which is inevitable eventually, I will probably need to consider something new, but there's nothing out there right now that will give me any significant advantages.

 

[kimguroo]

Always wondering why you your every single post end up with asvertising YONEX Regna with that photos? Even now you started with 'new racket or new technologies do NOTHING just skill does' theory. I understand it is real premium racket, real expensive and hard to get one across the Pacific, but is it that real good?

Anyway because of you that Regna raised my interest. How about the flex rating of it? Is it stiff? haha

I did not try to advertise Regna. I posted the pic because I like the pic which shows good paint job of the racket and The Chinese letters which means "fine quality product" or "premium product".

Honestly, Regna is not for everyone. Regna has high swingweight so it feels like heavy racket. Since I played 12.4oz rackets (most of rackets were modified), I prefer stock form of Regna.
The frame action might be the most important character. I can't describe in words. Best description is "unique". In my opinion, there is no rackets which has similar feel to Regna's frame action (spring like action from shaft area) in history of racket manufacturing. Actually one might feel bad vibration or high stiffness from the racket because of the frame action but once one understands the unique feeling, it will be okay. Frame mold is similar to AI but slightly thinner beam (21.5mm). I calculated stiffness and it was 68 unstrung (RDC) but someone said their racket is 66 and even someone mention that 64 strung.

BTW what is the benefit from the frame action? It gives slight pop/energy. I can't say more speed but similar.
Flat shot winners might be benefit from it. Does this frame action help me to play better? No. I still need to refine my techniques to play better ^_^

I sold most of my rackets in order to get 4 Regnas. I think it was a good decision since I did not use those rackets for a while.

 

[JackB1]

But you seem to have a different racket every week.

"Every week"? Exaggerate much? I've been using either the Dunlop 6 or Volkl 4 for the past 6 months. I still occasionally playtest demos, but my game racquet doesn't change much.

besides...it is the op that is looking for advice. Not me.

 

[Soundbyte]

After a bunch of buying, selling, trading, I decided to go back to what I knew I liked, so I just recently sold most of my rackets to purchase some Angell Frames

 

[Freedom M.D.]

I did not try to advertise Regna. I posted the pic because I like the pic which shows good paint job of the racket and The Chinese letters which means "fine quality product" or "premium product".

Honestly, Regna is not for everyone. Regna has high swingweight so it feels like heavy racket. Since I played 12.4oz rackets (most of rackets were modified), I prefer stock form of Regna.
The frame action might be the most important character. I can't describe in words. Best description is "unique". In my opinion, there is no rackets which has similar feel to Regna's frame action (spring like action from shaft area) in history of racket manufacturing. Actually one might feel bad vibration or high stiffness from the racket because of the frame action but once one understands the unique feeling, it will be okay. Frame mold is similar to AI but slightly thinner beam (21.5mm). I calculated stiffness and it was 68 unstrung (RDC) but someone said their racket is 66 and even someone mention that 64 strung.

BTW what is the benefit from the frame action? It gives slight pop/energy. I can't say more speed but similar.
Flat shot winners might be benefit from it. Does this frame action help me to play better? No. I still need to refine my techniques to play better ^_^

I sold most of my rackets in order to get 4 Regnas. I think it was a good decision since I did not use those rackets for a while.

I beg your apology if you were in no good mood. I didnt mean any offensive things. Thankyou for your reply ^_^

 

[Power Player]

I always play matches, rarely casual hitting.

Ranked matches that mean something or just practice sets? Huge difference. When it means something, gear familiarity matters a lot more.

 

[time_fly]

Have you managed to end your racquetholism? Please share your advices

Get married.

 

[racket king]

"Every week"? Exaggerate much? I've been using either the Dunlop 6 or Volkl 4 for the past 6 months. I still occasionally playtest demos, but my game racquet doesn't change much.

besides...it is the op that is looking for advice. Not me.

Every time I go to the classifieds, you're selling another racket......Organix 4, Super G 4, Blade 104, Pro Staff 97, Dunlop 6.0, Warrior 107, Yonex Si105, and so on and so on. Damn.....you probably go through more rackets in a month than I go through hot dinners.

 

[kimguroo]

I beg your apology if you were in no good mood. I didnt mean any offensive things. Thankyou for your reply ^_^

I did not take your message offensively. If I thought it was offensive, probably I won't even reply haha.

 

[dman72]

I'm playing great with my ESP tour 100. Undefeated in my league, arm feels no pain. I think I'm going to put everything up for sale except the NXG's and one frame each for my kids..maybe the 2 sharks? Then I will finance 2 more ESP's with what I've sold and make a pact to not buy another frame for 5 years. A purge.

 

[kimguroo]

You are the very definition of racket-o-holic.

Probably it comes from different views.
Jack thinks he uses same rackets for his matches and did not count demo/playtest rackets since he likes to try different rackets. Some people count every single rackets which they tried. Actually Sounds like same but still has a slight difference in view point though ^_^

 

[Seth]

Crazy? Multiple rackets?
When I raced motocross, most years, out of 7, I had 125's, 250's, and Open bikes.
When I roadraced, I had X-6 for 250 Production and TD-2, for 250 GP.
When I surfed, I averaged over 7 surfboards in my garage, and usually travelled with 3.
I still have 4 surfboards, and I don't surf.
I have 6 snowboards. 1 Assym race, 1 carve freeride, 1 169 powder, 1 short spinny freestyle, 1 157 Pipe and all around, 1 160 powder and all around.
I have over 15 windsurf boards, and double that in sails.
I have road and mountain bikes.
I even have TWO boogie boards, and I don't boogie board, I surf.

?

 

[Freedom M.D.]

@Power Player dude do you mind if I ask you something personal?

As far as I know, you definitely liked Yonex Vcore 95D in the past - and now you are in love with HEAD Extreme Pro.
Since the 95D is a frame I'm interested in now, I wanna ask you a few question.
Now I really liked the Extreme Pro I'm demoing now, quite a lot satisfied and it would be my next racket of choice for next season matches.
OTOH I'm still interested in Vcore 95D how it works. Sadly it is discontinued years ago so I only can buy one if I want to, but cannot demo it.

So, could you please give me your 2 cents about 95d?
I've read almost all of posts about 95D here and still decision is decison...

What I've learned is - 95D has renown for great great racket, but also many of them complained of arm pain, including you.
Is it a stiff, vibrating frame like modern stiff Bab-like rackets? I expected it as soft, feel- and control-oriented racket but it isn't seem to.
Oh, and how about the power level of it? I think I've read it is a power beast somewhere.

Now I'm using Extreme Pro, so comparing with EP would also be appreciated..
Thankyou in advanced, PP.

 

[Power Player]

I only used the 95D for a few weeks because it hurt my arm. Never figured that out, but it happened with a few guys I know. The EP is much easier to use than the 95D. More power, spin and comfort. I would definitely stick with the EP.

The 95D is awesome like a 6.1 95 by Wilson. Just a great frame. But tougher to win matches with for me.

 

[heninfan99]

It ends now. I will sell two off.
Whenever you buy one racquet, sell two.

 

[LeeD]

Seth.... I"m 66, destroyed my rotator cuffs after 26 years of surfing 6 days a week. Around 61 was my last days of surfing, as my shoulder's don't allow paddling from a prone position anymore. Since I stopped surfing, I also stopped hanging at the surfing beach's, and therefore don't see any surfing friends, so the 6 boards I had at that time are still buried in my storage container or behind a stack of windsurf boards in the garage.

 

[Christian Olsson]

After a bunch of buying, selling, trading, I decided to go back to what I knew I liked, so I just recently sold most of my rackets to purchase some Angell Frames

How are the Angell frames?

 

[LeeD]

Oh, 2 of those surfboards got converted to kiteboards, by adding footstraps, and reinforcing the deck and rails.
Now I have 6 kiteboards, and haven't kitesurfed since 2001.

 

[DonDiego]

Ranked matches that mean something or just practice sets? Huge difference. When it means something, gear familiarity matters a lot more.

50-50. But I get your point. When summer leagues and tournaments come, I don't like switching. Serve consistency suffers the most.

 

[JohnBPittsburgh]

I had a lot of fun trying frames out, and it has allowed me to find my spec range (which I am sure will eventually evolve, but for now, I am good) I have finally reached a point, where I am good. I feel that I may have hindered my development a tiny bit, but now that I have found my target specs, I can spend all the time in the world, perfecting technique with a racquet. Like Joohan above, I will hold on to a couple frames that stand out, but for now, I am taking a break from all the racquets. I have narrowed strings down as well, and am in the final stages of matching string to racquet in my main frames. This board has definitely added fuel to the fire of my racquet quest, but in no way, would I change a thing. There is a big difference IMO, of where you are, and what you are setting out to achieve. I am a 35 year old rec player, and the Pro Tour dream, is not on the table. I started playing tennis to get in shape, and have fun. Both goals have been attained. I joined 2 leagues this year, and considering going for USTA next year. I don't feel like I have wasted any time or money, as I have enjoyed every racquet and the people I have met along the way.

 

[JackB1]

Every time I go to the classifieds, you're selling another racket......Organix 4, Super G 4, Blade 104, Pro Staff 97, Dunlop 6.0, Warrior 107, Yonex Si105, and so on and so on. Damn.....you probably go through more rackets in a month than I go through hot dinners.

That's buying & selling. Different from what I am using out there. Blade 104 I had over a year ago. PS97 was strickly a buy & sell item. Warrior I had for a little bit and moved on from it. I have never owned a Yonex Si105, so not sure where you go that from?

 

[JackB1]

Ranked matches that mean something or just practice sets? Huge difference. When it means something, gear familiarity matters a lot more.

Agree. I only playtest racquets or try demos in fun hit arounds or friendly matches. I never go into a league match with something totally new.

 

[Chingoo1255]

I fixed my buying of rackets just long enough for another sale. I tell myself that's it and then the one I been looking for goes on sale and I can't resist! Looking at a sale racket as I type this. 2012 PD for 90$ and Tour 98 ESP for 50$? Thank goodness for credit cards

 

[asifallasleep]

Some advice to the OP if he really wants to "end it"

-focus on the game and not the equipment. In other words, obsess over something else. Take stats about our matches and analyze them. Why you won...why you lost, etc.
-work on your weakest shots
-work on strategies and focus on WINNING matches
-figure out what your optimum racquet specs are and get something with those specs, regardless of the brand or model. You could also custom order something and black out the frame so it
fades into the background.

For me, I stopped obsessing over racquets when I got interested in other things....other sports or other parts of tennis. If you have a compulsive personaility, you just have to shift the focus elsewhere and suddenly racquets aren't at the top of the list anymore.

This is some of the best advice ever. If you are switching racquets all the time you probably aren't that good and probably won't get any better if you keep switching. Play matches and work on improving your game, specific strokes, etc. The best players hardly ever switch racquets. The most important variable in tennis is you, not the gear, not the sticks.

 

[alexdoro]

Nice, turns out I don't have an issue after all. Compared to you guys, I'm just a boyscout with my 20 count over the last 4 years.
I'm learning quite a bit about my game still with my reduced collection of various string pattern and stiffness, now that I've narrowed down my specs in weight & balance.

I would consider myself more of a stringaholic now as it can make or break a racquet. It's crucial actually forcing me to revisit my previous racquets I've let go.
A good example would be the Yonex Ai100 for me. I almost sold it after a few frustrating stints with it with various string setups. Couldn't find a buyer so tried some more strings and ended up finding a perfect setup. It now serves as my benchmark as I've bought another recently as a backup.

Not stopping though. Settling on the Ai100 while I experiment further with a few more, old and new.

And whats the perfect setup for your ai100?

 

[DonDiego]

Played a few more sets tonight with the Graphene Radical Rev. In 2 hours I haven't been broken once, and this rarely happens to me as I always give up at least one game by double faulting.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I am a better player with this racquet. My weakness as a hard hitter has always been unforced errors, mainly on serves but also sometimes on ground strokes. this racket is so light it provides so much control on every kind of shots and the fact that it has a 330 swingweight makes hard-hitting very pleasant too. I will win more matches if I stick to it, that's a hundred percent guaranteed. that should be enough to stop searching will you say, well... there's only one little downside so far: some slight instability on heavy shots from my opponents when I don't hit the sweet spot. I will have to play against my 5.0 hard hitting partner the test it.

Oh... there is one more thing I need to come to terms with: my racket is lighter than the racket my 8 year old daughter is using lol.

 

[vsbabolat]

Its only getting worse.

 

[RDS001]

Yes I did, it took some time, but I am not changing my customized Dunlop Aerogel 200 16x19s, what a racquet, for me it was a cure for racquetholism

 

[Freedom M.D.]

I only used the 95D for a few weeks because it hurt my arm. Never figured that out, but it happened with a few guys I know. The EP is much easier to use than the 95D. More power, spin and comfort. I would definitely stick with the EP.

The 95D is awesome like a 6.1 95 by Wilson. Just a great frame. But tougher to win matches with for me.

Big help PP
I really appreciate it

 

[Aretium]

Being poor helps.

 

[Rabbit]

Being poor helps.

I have to agree with this. Many years ago, I wasn't a racquetholic. My wife kept me on the straight and narrow. She barely let me have two racquets of the same model. She kept me playing with the ProStaff for many years.

I am a recovering racquetholic. I think I may have solved my addiction. This is my 3rd or 4th trip back to the C10, well documented in the annals of TW Talk Tennis. Each and every time I leave it, I find myself in a real honeymoon period. And each and every time, my games starts to decline shortly thereafter or I find something wrong with the new racquet. And each and every time I come crawling back. I have been hitting with a Pacific XForce Pro. I really want to like it. I've played several matches with it. It's a fine frame. But.....it's not the C10.

I think I'm near the end of my 12 step program. I know that there is a bright, shiny new model around the corner. I have to remind myself each time that it won't do what it promises. I have found my nirvana of tennis and need to remain faithful, loyal, and forthright.

In all seriousness, when you do find "the frame", it really is an epiphany. I know that I'll never again be a 5.0, but I can still hit the ball and the C10 just fits me to a tee. I have found the extension of my arm.

 

[Jonboy]

I buy a ridiculous amount of racquets. But I have been searching for ones that are aligned to my game. Having tried Heads, Babs and Wilsons, I can say with certainty that the Blades are the best ones for me. Its a case of finding a stick that compliments your style.

 

[phanker]

Golden Set Snakebite 1.30 / MSV Focus Hex 1.18 @ 50/49lbs
Main issue I had with it was that it's a powerful frame. This hybrid helps to tame that power down to the level I prefer while remaining super comfortable. However, tension has to be just right though to get the right amount of dwell time for spin and launch angle consistency. Literally, if I go even 1-2 lbs over that tension sweetspot and it's unplayable as I lose all control and comfort. If tension is too low and it becomes a rocket launcher. Revelation really since I've started string my own 2 years ago.
Better yet, this hybrid is very durable for me too lasting well beyond 30 hrs so far. I've actually worn out the edges of the shaped mains in the sweetspot area. Tension and playability have remain consistent so far too with just some loss of spin due the worn mains. I'm using the Spingen tool to add back some texture to the mains and will keep playing to see how long I can keep going. I normally have to restring after 15-20 hrs or so with other setups.
This setup only works in a larger springbed it seems. I've tried it my Yonex F 97 with less success. It's playability is similar but comfort is lacking with my sensitive elbow.

And whats the perfect setup for your ai100?

 

[Alchemy-Z]

for me I forgot my bag (wife and I traded cars during the day) and I had a match after work- so I borrowed one of my team mates sticks...

I still won my match having never played with his set up..and it was a different head size.

also I played a woodie round robin....again...totally different feeling...yet I adjusted to it's strengths and made some good points with it...having never touched one.

end of the day (the Human mechanics to compensate for equipment are far greater than the equipment itself)

 

[Windsor]

One way, but I am not sure it's the most efficient, is to start playing around more with strings and raquet customizations. This would likely slow down your average purchases per year.

 

[Windsor]

The best way is to became a better player though

 

[TennisCJC]

I believe it is better to get a good solid racket and then stick with it. The player is responsible for 98% of the play and racket maybe accounts for 2%. These are just percetages I am making up. If you get a good solid racket, you really aren't going to gain much by switching to another good solid racket as it would only be possible to gain a small portion of 2%. Also, playing with the same racket allows you to groove your swing and not worry about adjusting.

 

[donquijote]

It's funny how a 'let's stop racquetholism' thread turns into a conversation about racquets and specs. It's like people trying to quit drinking and finding themselves talking about wine, whiskey, tequila and such.

As for myself, I found my holy grail and will stick with it. lol

 

[n8dawg6]

I'm sure we'll be talking about tennis elbow next.

 

[n8dawg6]

"does a pure drive strung with poly at 55 lbs cause elbow pain?"

"not if you use good form."

"you shouldnt be using poly unless you're 4.5+"

"you should quit tennis at the slightest sign of elbow pain"

"elbow pain is unavoidable, just ice it down"

"it's not frame stiffness it's recoil weight"

"you need a real heavy player's frame strung with a sh***y multifilament"

"you should be using a midsize cause you're just arming the ball"

"midsize has no place in the modern game"

"try winning USTA matches without a tweener and poly, doesn't happen"

have I covered the bases?

 

[Anton]

It's funny how a 'let's stop racquetholism' thread turns into a conversation about racquets and specs. It's like people trying to quit drinking and finding themselves talking about wine, whiskey, tequila and such.

As for myself, I found my holy grail and will stick with it. lol

LM Radical with a paintjob? Djoker is that you?

 

[donquijote]

LM Radical with a paintjob? Djoker is that you?

 

[hrstrat57]

I recently listed racquets on C r aisglist and sold four immediately.

Thought I was going to get sick as I handed them over in exchange for cash.....

Luckily nobody has called about the other 6 or so in the listing.

 

[hrstrat57]

Actually a Pure Drive strung at 55 with shaped poly might end a lot of racquet G A S...... as you watch your serves leap and forehand bombs drop in.

 

[DonDiego]

Only thing that's stopping me from trying a new racquet right now is the wait for the new Prestiges and Radicals. If Head can delay their release for another 3-4 weeks at least, I may just get cured through this. As we all know, the first two weeks without switching are the hardest

 

[DustinW]

This thread should be combined with the "Racquets in your bag" thread.

In my bag: 2x Graphene Radical MP
In my closet: 2x Speed Pro, 2x Extreme MP, 2x Six.One 95s

The Radicals haven't left my bag for 8 months, so common sense says its the one, but...

 

[Jonboy]

This thread should be combined with the "Racquets in your bag" thread.

In my bag: 2x Graphene Radical MP
In my closet: 2x Speed Pro, 2x Extreme MP, 2x Six.One 95s

The Radicals haven't left my bag for 8 months, so common sense says its the one, but...

My bag ain't big enough to hold a 10th of my selection. Talk to me about trunks....

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

I pretty much like to focus on how I strike the ball... hard to do when you are always second guessing your stick. There is no holy grail... I find something that lets me carve the ball I want then I twiddle around with strings but basically I hate the idea of switching racquets... though I love racquets... I collect cool old wood frames but Im picky there too.