Haven't played in a long time - some equipment questions

[Hersh]

Hello. I have not played tennis since 2003. I grew up a tennis brat and played at a pretty high level and simply burned out, but now I have the itch to join a local league. I'm 37 and in pretty decent shape. I'm completely lost on what new sticks and string to purchase.

I used to play a head light racquet. The last one I used was a Prince Graphite 2. I would string it tighter than recommended, like 66 lbs.

I've heard no one strings racquets that tight anymore. Is that true?

I used to have a stringer and would routinely break a set of strings every 3 days or so. However, I can't afford 3 new racquets. How long to strings last these days?

Any recommendations on more modern racquets and strings for me?

 

[dak95_00]

Demo.

Of course, you could just find those racquets on used sites and play them again.

I’d recommend the Head Microgel Radical OS if you wanted new and similar.

Poly strings should be strung looser. It lasts longer because of the lower tension and produces more spin due to its ability to snap back or not slide like syn gut does.

 

[esgee48]

Demo programs, use them. Use Racquetfinder.com to see what the average specs are for strung frames. Your Prince Graphite 2 was probably a mid with a 14x18 patterns, which is considered to be a string eater pattern. Just find something between 11.3 and 11.8 oz strung, 16x18 or denser in the head size you feel comfortable with using. Head sizes will vary between 93 - 110 square inches. Doubt you want anything too much bigger such as the super OS by Gamma, Prince or Wilson. When demo'ing frames, don't worry too much about the string. That is the 2nd step; finding a string and tension. Start off with the standard Synthetic Gut. Too harsh? Use multis or NG. Break too fast? Switch to polyesters or co-polys. In all cases, you will have to trial to find the right string and tension.

 

[DanS]

Prince Phantom 93P - just wanted to beat everyone to it! lol

Seriously though, they are right about demoing. Prince is still a good place to start. They still make flexible frames like the entire Phantom line (I have a couple Phantom Pro 100P's), and the Tour line is great as well, albeit a tad stiffer over all. The biggest plus is that you're already used to the Prince grip shape. Another great, arm friendly racquet is the Wilson Ultra Tour.

Also, don't shy away from the For Sale or Trade forum on here to save yourself some money! Not everyone can afford to buy 3 racquets at $220 a pop.... Myself included!

Good luck, and glad to see you back!