Head Gravity S and Gravity Lite

[pub]

Hi,
I am male, 5'-10", 180lb, pretty fit in mid 40s.
Rating 4.0, 1hbh and played for 25 years.

As I got older, I noticed that average weight and swingweight rackets are hard for me to maneuver.
ProStaff 97 is kind of heavy and Gravity MP is heavy for me as well. And I was having wrist and shoulder pain after using this.

I changed to Gravity S and it is so comfortable and just right to maneuver. Not much pain after hitting the ball, of course, everyone that I play are somewhere around 4.0, the don't hit super heavy balls.
I thought due to lower weight there would be more impact, but I think the 104 frame does a good job in reducing the impact of hitting.
Now I am wondering how Gravity Lite would be.

Two questions.
1. Some said "lighter racket will eventually hurt you due to impact from the ball, compared to using a heavier (regular) racket", I am wondering if this is true for a oversized (Gravity S 104sqinch) racket.
We see many elders using a 115sqin, super light rackets.
2. Anyone used Gravity S and also Lite? I wonder if Lite is also good like the S.
(Gravity Lite is extraordinarily light, compared to other "lite" frames)

 

[GravitysElbow]

I haven't played the Gravity Lite I'm afraid, hopefully someone who has can chip in with more useful info. However, I do play the S and I have one copy that is a bit under-spec, with a swingweight I think similar to the Gravity Lite (around the 300 mark, though still heavier static weight). I have also played an Instinct Lite which is the same static weight as the Gravity Lite. (I'm also the same age, for what it's worth).

The long and the short of it is I prefer the on-spec S to either the under-spec swingweight S or the Instinct Lite. I found the Instinct Lite not simply too light, but also found it to be a bit too head heavy (as I think the Gravity Lite would be). Once I'd added enough weight to get it to a balance I liked, I was pretty much back at the same weight as the S. I also find the Gravity S I have that is under-spec on swingweight less satisfying to hit with: it feels nice to swing with, but just doesn't connect with the ball as well, I have to work harder and am less accurate than I am with the copy that is more on-spec (if not a little over). However, these things are very personal and depend a lot on how you swing, and it sounds like you prefer a lower swingweight if you were finding the MP a bit too much. I don't think the MP is very high in static weight but comparatively high in swingweight for its static weight I think, but I haven't played it.

If you are going to use a light racket (or even the S), I'd recommend a soft string set up. I only use natural gut or multi. This helps replace some of the power lost with the low swingweight and also gives a bit more cushioning on impact with a light frame.

One way or another, though, if you're experiencing wrist and shoulder pain, I might take a bit of a break, try to see a physio and build up the strength in those areas a bit (I am doing the same myself at the moment!) You don't want to end up with tendon issues.

Anyhow, apologies, that's a long and perhaps not very helpful answer, but hopefully some others will have more direct experience to compare.

 

[pub]

The long and the short of it is I prefer the on-spec S to either the under-spec swingweight S or the Instinct Lite.

Thank you for your time.
Can you clarify what the 'under-spec" is?
'on-spec Gravity S' means, the exact stock without any modification.
But how can a racket become 'under-spec', (lowered weight?), if one adds lead tape, doesn't it become 'over-spec'?

Anyway, I love the stock (on-spec) Gravity S. I did try with a lead tape at 3-9, but did not like it at all.

Also, I either go with multi 55lbs or poly 53lbs.
You mentioned 'soft string setup', and what is your tension?

 

[GravitysElbow]

By 'under-spec' I mean it arrived under-weight when I bought it, it's much lighter in the head than my original and a few grams lighter in weight overall. It feels as though some of the weight that ought to have been in the head is either missing or mis-placed, I guess it's a quality control issue. I tested the swingweight using the TW method (so very approximate) and it came in at about 300, whereas my other copy was about 310 by the same method, which is what it ought to be. That one plays really well and I haven't felt the need to add weight to the head (I just have a couple of overgrips on the handle to get up to my grip size).

For stringing with gut (either Babolat VS Touch or Luxilon) I'm usually at about 54-55lbs (I have it strung a bit higher initially and leave it to fall to that level, but sometimes I string at that level and let it drop lower). With multi I aim for around 50-52lbs, so not too different to you. I've mostly been using Head Reflex.

I'm currently just getting back tentatively into playing after recovering from a badly sprained wrist, so I feel your pain. When I first started gently hitting again I went straight for the lower swingweight racket and it made a big difference, so I can see why you'd consider lighter weight if you've had wrist pain, it does make a difference. I did notice the impact shock a bit, but ultimately reducing the torque on the wrist by playing a lower swingweight was more important at that point. While recovering I have been playing gut (Luxilon 17ga) in the 40s, which was great to enable me just to hit, but now my wrist is getting pretty much back up to strength I'm finding that I struggle to control the ball at that tension. I've found that with multis too: extra comfortable down to about maybe 48lbs or so, but once they drop below that then I start to lose control of the ball.

 

[caesar66]

To me, the Gravity S fills a great void left by the Radical OS after they stopped making them. The Gravity S plays a little lighter than most of the last few Radical OS’s (way lighter swingweight than the liquid metal, almost exactly like the I.radical). I think it really would work for a ton of players and seems far more like a platform/lightweight player frame than the lite (admittedly, I haven’t hit with the lite).

 

[Deleted member 776614]

I feel like there are always exceptions to general rules like "a light racket will hurt you." I've played with light rackets that felt like they'd cause damage to body parts, but also light(ish) rackets that feel solid with plenty of plow. My first two TF40s are at the minimum spec (313g strung, 313 swing weight), but there's mass in the hoop and I notice absolutely no deflection or potential for injury. I use a very loose grip and really the racket doesn't get banged around at all, it's just smooth and solid. I use multi string at 58lbs, FWIW.

I'm 43, get tendon injuries easy, and just started playing tennis 6mos ago. I play 5 days a week and have no tennis related injuries.

I will say that I notice a lot more 'arm' when I use the lighter rackets - I find I end up using my wrist and bicep more to lift the racket face for spin. With a heavier racket I (not intentionally) use my body more to generate a more vertical swing path. Despite using more arm, the loading feels less on my joints with the lighter sticks.

 

[prostaff junkie]

To me, the Gravity S fills a great void left by the Radical OS after they stopped making them. The Gravity S plays a little lighter than most of the last few Radical OS’s (way lighter swingweight than the liquid metal, almost exactly like the I.radical). I think it really would work for a ton of players and seems far more like a platform/lightweight player frame than the lite (admittedly, I haven’t hit with the lite).

I've switched to it recently. I'm 46 and average fitness at best (probably not even close to be honest), so I don't mind admitting that I need something to make tennis easier.
Switched from the PD2012, needed something a bit better for my arm.

Plays surprisingly stable in stock form, but like you say it is a very good platform raqcuet.

I've added 2g split between 3&9, leather and OG. I also changed the pallet to the rectangular TK82 (I don't like the TK82S that it comes fitted with).

Strung specs (poly/syngut hybrid) are....

315g
310sw
33.1cm

It works well (for me) at this spec. This is a powerful frame, most likely due to it being a 104, but the low SW means it's easier to get that RHS giving easy spin and good directional control. I hit moderate spin on my FH, semi-western grip, but I like to hit big flat winners. Also works for my flat and slice one handed BH, especially the dirty low slices.
I think these have gone under a lot of radars, superb racquets, really good for doubles players and all-courters.
Tweener playabilty and power in an arm-friendly great feeling frame. Definitely on the "lightweight player frame" spectrum, not quite an OS but it does fill that gap.
Much better than I expected to be honest.

 

[liftordie]

I've switched to it recently. I'm 46 and average fitness at best (probably not even close to be honest), so I don't mind admitting that I need something to make tennis easier.
Switched from the PD2012, needed something a bit better for my arm.

Plays surprisingly stable in stock form, but like you say it is a very good platform raqcuet.

I've added 2g split between 3&9, leather and OG. I also changed the pallet to the rectangular TK82 (I don't like the TK82S that it comes fitted with).

Strung specs (poly/syngut hybrid) are....

315g
310sw
33.1cm

It works well (for me) at this spec. This is a powerful frame, most likely due to it being a 104, but the low SW means it's easier to get that RHS giving easy spin and good directional control. I hit moderate spin on my FH, semi-western grip, but I like to hit big flat winners. Also works for my flat and slice one handed BH, especially the dirty low slices.
I think these have gone under a lot of radars, superb racquets, really good for doubles players and all-courters.
Tweener playabilty and power in an arm-friendly great feeling frame. Definitely on the "lightweight player frame" spectrum, not quite an OS but it does fill that gap.
Much better than I expected to be honest.

Still playing with the S?

 

[BumElbow]

I own a Graphene Touch Radical S and just bought a Gravity Lite. The Radical S is similar to the Gravity S except it is 102 square inches instead of 104. I have had problems with both racquets due to their light weight and my tennis elbow issues.

Please note that the Gravity Lite and Head "S" models all bear a notice recommending stringing with Head Velocity string - a multifilament. I've had the Radical S strung with syngut a few times and it's so harsh that my arm is sore afterwards. Initially, I had the Gravity Lite strung with a Kirschbaum poly at 50 lbs. and it was very harsh on my wrist and elbow. Recently, I had it restrung with Head Velocity at 55 lbs. and it is much more comfortable. Initially, the Velocity string felt and played well but as I've broken it in, I have become less confident that the ball will land where I'm aiming it, forcing me to go for bigger targets. On the plus side, I don't tire as easily (I am a senior player) with the Gravity Lite and I get good spin. The power is only adequate / average. I have mixed emotions and results with the Gravity Lite and have switched to the ProKennex Black Ace 300. It's not as light but is more flexible, dampens vibration and shock better but is smaller at only 100 square inches. Recently, ProKennex issued a new Black Ace 105 that is larger, stiffer and slightly longer; it's heavier than the Gravity Lite. TW advised they will soon issue a playtest review and I am waiting its release to learn how it plays.

 

[liftordie]

I own a Graphene Touch Radical S and just bought a Gravity Lite. The Radical S is similar to the Gravity S except it is 102 square inches instead of 104. I have had problems with both racquets due to their light weight and my tennis elbow issues.

Please note that the Gravity Lite and Head "S" models all bear a notice recommending stringing with Head Velocity string - a multifilament. I've had the Radical S strung with syngut a few times and it's so harsh that my arm is sore afterwards. Initially, I had the Gravity Lite strung with a Kirschbaum poly at 50 lbs. and it was very harsh on my wrist and elbow. Recently, I had it restrung with Head Velocity at 55 lbs. and it is much more comfortable. Initially, the Velocity string felt and played well but as I've broken it in, I have become less confident that the ball will land where I'm aiming it, forcing me to go for bigger targets. On the plus side, I don't tire as easily (I am a senior player) with the Gravity Lite and I get good spin. The power is only adequate / average. I have mixed emotions and results with the Gravity Lite and have switched to the ProKennex Black Ace 300. It's not as light but is more flexible, dampens vibration and shock better but is smaller at only 100 square inches. Recently, ProKennex issued a new Black Ace 105 that is larger, stiffer and slightly longer; it's heavier than the Gravity Lite. TW advised they will soon issue a playtest review and I am waiting its release to learn how it plays.

You need to try the Gravity S.

 

[BumElbow]

You need to try the Gravity S.

No. I won't be buying a Gravity S - I am too disappointed with the performance of the Gravity Lite and the need to use a multifilament string in it. I am moving away from Head racquets and switching to brands whose designs better suit my game like ProKennex (Black Ace 105) and Prince (Phantom 107G).

 

[liftordie]

No. I won't be buying a Gravity S - I am too disappointed with the performance of the Gravity Lite and the need to use a multifilament string in it. I am moving away from Head racquets and switching to brands whose designs better suit my game like ProKennex (Black Ace 105) and Prince (Phantom 107G).

You go from 270g to 305g... Crazy gap!!

 

[BumElbow]

You go from 270g to 305g... Crazy gap!!

Not really. The Gravity Lite is evenly balanced while the Black Ace 105 and Phantom 107G are headlight for increased swing speed. Their extra weight also makes them more stable. Lighter is not always better especially when it limits string choices.

 

[liftordie]

Not really. The Gravity Lite is evenly balanced while the Black Ace 105 and Phantom 107G are headlight for increased swing speed. Their extra weight also makes them more stable. Lighter is not always better especially when it limits string choices.

...... 305g is 305g. Even if it's more in the handle...... And 305g with poly, it's hard for the arm.

 

[BumElbow]

I have decided to retire my Gravity Lite. What a disappointment it is. I don't like the Velocity string and the power and consistency are lacking. I play much better with my old MicroGel Radical Oversize! At best, I will put a leather grip on it so that the balance mimics my Radical S. But, I doubt it will make much of a difference. Goodbye Head racquets - with the exception of the discontinued Radical Oversize - the brand does not make a decent playing oversize racquet that I would consider buying. They are all too light, poorly balanced and lack stability especially on volleys.