Heavy racquets causing arm discomfort?

[ramseszerg]

Are these causations plausible?

1- racquet is heavy (11.7 oz), causing late contact, mishits & frame shots, causing more arm pain than would be had with a 11.2oz racquet.

2- This time it doesn't have anything to do with the impact itself. The 11.7 oz racquet tires out certain muscles in the arm when swung alot more compared to the 11.4oz racquet. The racquet weight makes it harder to maintain during the swing, stiffening up the muscles.

I ask because I've been demoing 11.7-12.2oz racquets recently, and they gave me elbow pain, certain ones like RDS002Tour more than others, like O3 Speedport Tour. Didn't think much of it until I demoed the KBlade 98 (at around 11oz), which was stiff, solid and poppy, which should have killed my arm, but I surprisingly didn't feel any pain. I also remember before I had this whole arm thing, I used to use lightweight hammers around 10oz, and lastly the pure storm team at 11oz.

 

[volusiano]

A lot of people believe that heavier rackets is actually better to help avoid tennis elbow because the bigger mass absorbs the impact better than the lighter mass. I agree with that.

You can learn to handle the heavier rackets just like you learn to improve in tennis. OK, so a heavier racket in the beginning may throw your timing off a little or tire your muscles a little more. But it's nothing you can't fix. Play with it for a little while and your muscles will be conditioned to get used to it. And your timing will be back on point. It's just part of the game.

 

[hoodjem]

Try a few 12+ oz. racquets and see if you feel more pain or less?

(I don't think the difference is much between 11.7 and 11.2. And IMO 11.7 is not very heavy.)

 

[ramseszerg]

A lot of people believe that heavier rackets is actually better to help avoid tennis elbow because the bigger mass absorbs the impact better than the lighter mass. I agree with that.

I know, that's why I asked the question, if the opposite could be true. Because if it is, I'd rather play with the 11oz frame that lets me enjoy tennis without pain than the 12oz frame.

You can learn to handle the heavier rackets just like you learn to improve in tennis. OK, so a heavier racket in the beginning may throw your timing off a little or tire your muscles a little more. But it's nothing you can't fix. Play with it for a little while and your muscles will be conditioned to get used to it. And your timing will be back on point. It's just part of the game.

Not answering the question.

 

[ramseszerg]

Try a few 12+ oz. racquets and see if you feel more pain or less?

(I don't think the difference is much between 11.7 and 11.2. And IMO 11.7 is not very heavy.)

I'll try a few more soon. So far they certainly haven't given me less pain, just more from some of them, less from others, but still some.

I know it's not that big of a difference, but maybe for me it's the difference between being able to comfortably wield the frame and being late, mis-hitting, and also stiffening the muscles from the swing itself (not the shock).

 

[zdepth]

I know how u feel. I have tennis elbow & wrist problem. I use a Redondo
MP which is over 12oz... doesnt give me any wrist/elbow problems, BUT
it is heavy & i get tired from using it, although i dont have problems with
late contact but I just cant wield it for long... it takes a lot out of me
& my game is suffering.
I want to have fun with a lighter racquet that I can just whip with
blazing fast speed but at the same time wont hurt my elbow... i'm
searching for a new racquet now & the AG300's specs seem to be nice
to me

 

[anirut]

With heavy rackets, use a more relaxed stroke. Don't muscle your shots. And you'll reap the benefits without getting tired out.

My arm can play for hours with my Redondo mid (353 grams), but my legs die after 2+ hours. I think this may be "good enough" for an average player of 40+.

 

[spkyEngrish]

Are these causations plausible?

1- racquet is heavy (11.7 oz), causing late contact, mishits & frame shots, causing more arm pain than would be had with a 11.2oz racquet.

2- This time it doesn't have anything to do with the impact itself. The 11.7 oz racquet tires out certain muscles in the arm when swung alot more compared to the 11.4oz racquet. The racquet weight makes it harder to maintain during the swing, stiffening up the muscles.

It's possible. For me it was not about strings or stiffness, but rather handle grip size. While stiff, light racquets + poly are a statistically higher path to injury, everyone's body is built differently.

Just to throw a wrench in the works, I've seen plenty of serious arm/wrist/shoulder injuries in these parts from swinging 3 oz badminton racquets. Go figure?

 

[zdepth]

With heavy rackets, use a more relaxed stroke. Don't muscle your shots. And you'll reap the benefits without getting tired out.

My arm can play for hours with my Redondo mid (353 grams), but my legs die after 2+ hours. I think this may be "good enough" for an average player of 40+.

MY redondo mp is 362 grams with babolat air touch grip + overgrip...
changing playing style is difficult & takes time... i do love my redondo,
i dont think i can find another racquet that is as arm friendly as the
redondo

 

[2nd_Serve]

zIf you can't handle the weight, yes it does cause arm discomfort. BUt if you could handle the heavier 12+ rackets, then it'll truly plow through the ball, and it really absorbs all the shock.

 

[Zielmann]

A major player in this is also the balance/swingweight. If you've got an 11.5 oz frame that's very head light, it'll play a little easier than one that's more even blanced/head heavy.

If you feel, though, that the racquet is too heavy for you to be able to swing properly, then it's too heavy. Or at least the swingweight is too high.

Bottom line: Don't get a racquet that's not comfortable for you. Also realize, though, that you can change some of that after getting a racquet. You can use softer strings, change tension, add a dampener, change the balance, etc.

 

[1hand4ever]

I think heavier racquets are better for your arm if you swing them correctly. My racquet is weighted to 13 ounces and it is way more arm friendly than my 11 ounce liquidmetal.

 

[[d]ragon]

a heavier racquet can cause discomfort if you A) are not used to it and or B) have bad technique

 

[ramseszerg]

I think heavier racquets are better for your arm if you swing them correctly. My racquet is weighted to 13 ounces and it is way more arm friendly than my 11 ounce liquidmetal.

hahaha come on, you're talking about a liquidmetal.. from when I demoed those, they're pretty shocking, literally.

Anyway, I've strayed away from looking at 11.7oz racquets and now looking at 11.3-11.5oz racquets, like Gamma T-7, DNX9, Tour 9 V-Engine, KFactor KPro Tour, and maybe Babolat Aero Storm 08 and the APDC. Any comments on these, especially the first 4, would be appreciated.

 

[zdepth]

when u say 'discomfort' there are 2 types of discomfort:

1. Discomfort because the weight is a burden to swing/wield

2. Discomfort because weight is causing pain to elbow/wrist/arm

For me, my 362 grams Redondo doesnt give me any arm problems
at all, perfect in everything BUT to me the weight is kinda high
for me to execute a speedy whipping forehand & also it tires
me when matches go long

 

[jayserinos99]

A major player in this is also the balance/swingweight. If you've got an 11.5 oz frame that's very head light, it'll play a little easier than one that's more even blanced/head heavy.

If you feel, though, that the racquet is too heavy for you to be able to swing properly, then it's too heavy. Or at least the swingweight is too high.

Bottom line: Don't get a racquet that's not comfortable for you. Also realize, though, that you can change some of that after getting a racquet. You can use softer strings, change tension, add a dampener, change the balance, etc.

I believe this is true. The OP said he used to use Hammers and recently the Pure Storm which has a swingweight of 312. It's also 11 oz, so it's going to be fairly easier to swing than say an RDS002Tour (sw: 330) or Speedport Tour (sw: 328 ). And then add the fact that it's also heavier and it's a recipe for getting hurt. The Kblade 98 is the closest to the Pure Storm so I think that's why the OP isn't having a lot of pain with it.

I believe that swinging tweeners and swinging traditional player's frames require an adjustment period and there'll be different muscles being used because the swing is a bit different. I notice that, like Anirut, I'm more about relaxing my swing and letting the mass of the racquet plow through the ball. With the tweeners I've been using as of late, I've been trying to whip the ball through, actually requiring more effort to hit the big spin and power.

 

[Winners or Errors]

Are these causations plausible?

1- racquet is heavy (11.7 oz), causing late contact, mishits & frame shots, causing more arm pain than would be had with a 11.2oz racquet.

2- This time it doesn't have anything to do with the impact itself. The 11.7 oz racquet tires out certain muscles in the arm when swung alot more compared to the 11.4oz racquet. The racquet weight makes it harder to maintain during the swing, stiffening up the muscles.

I just went through this, and decided to go with a mid 11oz racquet to replace a high 12oz racquet. Basically, I'm getting back into tennis after a long layoff and found the heavier racquet to cause wrist pain after several hours of playing.

Given that I'm unlikely to play more than twice a week for 2 hours, I figured I'd rather not fight through the pain until my wrist strengthens itself again, even though it would. Results of that decision have been ZERO elbow-wrist-shoulder pain in the past 4 weeks, and I'm OK with that. The only shot I feel I give anything up on is the volley, and I have gained many things that compensate for that by going to a slightly lighter frame. YMMV.

 

[volusiano]

I have an 18 year old daughter and she plays with a Head Flexpoint Radical Tour weighing 12.3oz strung just fine. It's 8 pts HL, 58 stiffness and 324 swing weight.

She never complains about it being too heavy for her or causing her any discomfort. She's a small frame girl, around 5' in height and maybe between 100-110 lbs. She's only maybe a 2.5-3.0 level. But she has basic good swings on both the forehand and backhand.

I truly believe that you can learn to get used to the weight (assuming the racket is HL and reasonable swing weight). And if your technique is proper, heavier rackets shouldn't hurt your arm. I'm not talking about any wild range, just between 11-12.5oz.

 

[G-Man]

Yes, very possible. I got tennis a few years back after switching to a heavy racket. Changed to a lighter one, tennis elbow went away and never came back. Do what is best for you arm.

 

[tennisfreak15347]

I think that heavier racquets are actually more comfortable.

 

[Doc Hollidae]

I'm in a similar boat as the OP. I've always played with rackets on the heavier side, but am starting to experience shoulder pain. The shoulder pain is mostly due to fatigue imo, as I play 4-5 days a week. I play great with my currents stick when I'm fresh and fully rested, but it really takes a lot out of me to maintain power and depth after several days of playing.

While I'm open to trying lighter rackets, I can't help but be weary about stability and the racket twisting in my hands during hard hitting. That's one of the main reasons I like a heavier racket, the plow through.

 

[backhand]

Until recently, always preferred heavier, higher SW sticks even though I'm a damaged former 4.0 now playing at about 3.0. They felt better, period. JollyR convinced me to rethink this. I did.

Biomechanics of it: All else equal, a heavier racquet will absorb more shock and vibration, give you more momentum at the same head speed. M=m*v. All good. BUT it also will take more muscle effort to swing each time, and thus it will tire out your arm muscles faster. Which can lead to slower swings, as well as less support from your smaller muscles. Which can lead to more joint shock from the tired muscles being unable to compensate for the less efficient joint angle and lower momentum at impact. Which will lead to TE more often than not.

Doc H's comment about the shoulder reminds me that it's a weaker joint, design-wise, than the elbow (go take a look at how thin a rotator cuff is), and serving is a much weirder motion, with far more stress from the accelerated changing rotation, than a groundstroke.

JR looks at it more from game strategy; pick the heaviest racquet that you can swing fast enough to get to the ball out in front. And thus drive your return deep without muscling it. For me, that's not really 12+ anymore. Even though I still love the feel of my Ncodes...

So, suspect that even better players moving up in weight should really let their bodies get used to it over a period of weeks, not just go out and play a long match and wonder why their elbow/shoulder hurts the next day. Also suspect unless you're 5.0, a 11+ will work better, allow faster hoop velocities, same outcome with less arm hassle. (higher v, lower m, same M). My .02 anyway...

 

[nCode747]

11.7 is a good weight for people with tennis elbow or arm probalms

 

[gipper]

zdepth----Redondo MP killed my shoulder because it was so heavy. I now use the PK I30 and get the racquet speed you are looking for---and it doesn't hurt my arm or shoulder!

 

[John Galt]

We've become a bunch of woosies! If someone can't swing a 12 oz. frame for five sets without causing fatigue or "arm problems" then they should take up golf or bocce ball on the beach with their overweight uncle and grandmother that bakes nice pies. A heavier stick (and lower flex) is by far the best solution for any arm problems. They generate less vibration to the arm, allow for a better plow through, and do much more of the work. Light, stiff, giant headsize, or any other teenage female frame (or resort pro that feeds balls to old ladies stick) is much more a cause for alarm and arm problems. Quit the whining and play tennis like real men (and women):twisted:

 

[volusiano]

We've become a bunch of woosies! If someone can't swing a 12 oz. frame for five sets without causing fatigue or "arm problems" then they should take up golf or bocce ball on the beach with their overweight uncle and grandmother that bakes nice pies. A heavier stick (and lower flex) is by far the best solution for any arm problems. They generate less vibration to the arm, allow for a better plow through, and do much more of the work. Light, stiff, giant headsize, or any other teenage female frame (or resort pro that feeds balls to old ladies stick) is much more a cause for alarm and arm problems. Quit the whining and play tennis like real men (and women):twisted:

Allelujah!

 

[justsomeguy]

Are these causations plausible?

1- racquet is heavy (11.7 oz), causing late contact, mishits & frame shots, causing more arm pain than would be had with a 11.2oz racquet.

2- This time it doesn't have anything to do with the impact itself. The 11.7 oz racquet tires out certain muscles in the arm when swung alot more compared to the 11.4oz racquet. The racquet weight makes it harder to maintain during the swing, stiffening up the muscles.

1. Yes, framing shots is bad. Pretty much bad with any stick of any weight. Less than a half ounce of weight is throwing you off so bad that you can't find the strings anymore?

2. You are talking about half an ounce of weight. Is this really thrashing your arm?

I'll go with number 1. You need to find the strings. I bet if you stop framing shots and stop sending bad vibrations up your arm things will improve. As far as that beastly 11.7 oz, well i guess you'll have to work your way up to it.

Or you can do what everyone else does around here. Start demoing sticks to find one that covers up whatever it is you are doing wrong. Sometimes that will alleviate arm pain as well.

 

[backhand]

We've become a bunch of woosies! If someone can't swing a 12 oz. frame for five sets without causing fatigue or "arm problems" then they should take up golf or bocce ball on the beach with their overweight uncle and grandmother that bakes nice pies. A heavier stick (and lower flex) is by far the best solution for any arm problems. They generate less vibration to the arm, allow for a better plow through, and do much more of the work. Light, stiff, giant headsize, or any other teenage female frame (or resort pro that feeds balls to old ladies stick) is much more a cause for alarm and arm problems. Quit the whining and play tennis like real men (and women):twisted:

Yep and woodies all weighed 13+ and yada yada. Always nice to come across this argument. If it's so easy to mash a 12 oz frame into a 120 mph serve or volley against a 75 mph forehand, then why do most pros top off in the 12.5-13.5 range? Jeez, Nadal is one serious woosie for not hefting a 16 oz stick! After all, that's just 4 oz more than a typical players weight, and hey, if you bench 225, what's 4 oz, right?

 

[jorel]

with a heavier racquet... your swingspeed "should " slow but if you still whip the racquet like a man possessed with a heavy racquet.. a lot of arm problems could result

 

[jorel]

and in general... a heavier racquet should equal a slower swingspeed equals better for your arm (in general)

 

[stician]

must strengthen your rotator cuff and forearms to consistently wield 12oz+ frames. the deceleration portion of a full stroke will eventually catch up and stress your tendons if muscles surrounding them are not up to the task.

 

[John Galt]

ahh, the ol' exaggerate to try to make a point bs..

Yep and woodies all weighed 13+ and yada yada. Always nice to come across this argument. If it's so easy to mash a 12 oz frame into a 120 mph serve or volley against a 75 mph forehand, then why do most pros top off in the 12.5-13.5 range? Jeez, Nadal is one serious woosie for not hefting a 16 oz stick! After all, that's just 4 oz more than a typical players weight, and hey, if you bench 225, what's 4 oz, right?

Uhm, Bucky, where again did I say; "all woodies weighed 13 oz (yada yada)"; "Nadal is a woosie for not using a 16 oz. stick" (yada yada); "if you can bench 225 than what's 4 oz?" (yada yada)......come on, you can do better, backhand!!!

Gosh, if you have problems handling 12 ounces of racquet just admit it rather than getting all catty..:shock: Heck, thanks for making my point anyway (in more ways than one). If a pro player can play for several hours a day of heavy hitting, pretty much every day, against pro level competition with 13 oz. frames I would think that even you might be able to handle about 12 ounces and a realistic swingweight for a couple of hours against other 4.0's or 5.0's (or 3.0's?)...don't ya think? Quit yer whinin'...

 

[Satch]

and in general... a heavier racquet should equal a slower swingspeed equals better for your arm (in general)

that's true... anyway only department where i find heavy racquet (12.5+oz) to be the problem is on serve, after 1 hour of serving.... but you get used to it.

 

[Seacoast Stringer]

We've become a bunch of woosies! If someone can't swing a 12 oz. frame for five sets without causing fatigue or "arm problems" then they should take up golf or bocce ball on the beach with their overweight uncle and grandmother that bakes nice pies. A heavier stick (and lower flex) is by far the best solution for any arm problems. They generate less vibration to the arm, allow for a better plow through, and do much more of the work. Light, stiff, giant headsize, or any other teenage female frame (or resort pro that feeds balls to old ladies stick) is much more a cause for alarm and arm problems. Quit the whining and play tennis like real men (and women):twisted:

I agree completely. I have seen many more shoulder/arm problems with users of light, stiff, wide beam (especially with tightly strung poly's) - than with a flexy 12 ounce stick. The only time I had shoulder pain was when I dropped to an 11 oz frame with a swingweight under 310. The torque on the arm, added vibration, more work for the shoulder, and less mass caused me a couple of months of PT. Obviously to each their own and each player has different issues and playing styles.....but based on my experiences I believe most decent players with good technique and in shape can (or should be able to) easily handle frames in the 11.5-12.5 range with swingweights in the 320-335 range. Most of the high level players in my region use these types of frames and they hit heavy balls and have good arm health. There are no hard & fast general rules other than people's own experiences. What I see out on the courts or experience myself can be completely different from the next guy. That's what makes the game interesting!!

 

[samster]

I agree completely. I have seen many more shoulder/arm problems with users of light, stiff, wide beam (especially with tightly strung poly's) - than with a flexy 12 ounce stick. The only time I had shoulder pain was when I dropped to an 11 oz frame with a swingweight under 310. The torque on the arm, added vibration, more work for the shoulder, and less mass caused me a couple of months of PT. Obviously to each their own and each player has different issues and playing styles.....but based on my experiences I believe most decent players with good technique and in shape can (or should be able to) easily handle frames in the 11.5-12.5 range with swingweights in the 320-335 range. Most of the high level players in my region use these types of frames and they hit heavy balls and have good arm health. There are no hard & fast general rules other than people's own experiences. What I see out on the courts or experience myself can be completely different from the next guy. That's what makes the game interesting!!

I cannot agree more than what you stated at the end of the paragraph. All this nonsense about optimal weight, headsize, brand of racket is just that...nonsense. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tennis rackets.

 

[WChiang]

.......There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tennis rackets.

Bingo. It basically all boils down to that.

 

[lgbalfa]

wanted to open up this thread again.

if my current racquet is at 11.5 ounces and i wanted to increase the static weight (handle) to alleviate arm pain, would making it 11.8 / 11.9 even make a difference?

the racquet is rated at 68 / stiffness.

i know that everyone will say demo a more flexible racquet but i would like to continue to use my current sticks. i have not given up on them just yet.

i am already using soft strings (NRG2) / lower tension (54).

is it a waste of time to increase the static weight since the racquet is so stiff or can it only help? if it can help would the slight increase to 11.8 make a significant difference?

thanks

 

[Ramon]

wanted to open up this thread again.

if my current racquet is at 11.5 ounces and i wanted to increase the static weight (handle) to alleviate arm pain, would making it 11.8 / 11.9 even make a difference?

the racquet is rated at 68 / stiffness.

i know that everyone will say demo a more flexible racquet but i would like to continue to use my current sticks. i have not given up on them just yet.

i am already using soft strings (NRG2) / lower tension (54).

is it a waste of time to increase the static weight since the racquet is so stiff or can it only help? if it can help would the slight increase to 11.8 make a significant difference?

thanks

IMO...I think it's a waste of time to increase the weight of the racquet if it's already giving you arm problems and you already use a soft multifilament. I think you'll be much happier in the end if you switch to a more arm-friendly racquet. Some racquets are actually fairly stiff, but they are easy on the arm because of technologies that absorb shock.

My APDGT was hurting my elbow. I switched to the Pro Kennex Ki 5x because it was more arm-friendly. I'm glad I did. Not only is my arm feeling better, I'm also hitting my serve harder because I can swing freely again. When your arm feels better, your game will pick up in areas you never knew were weak because of your arm pain.

 

[lgbalfa]

IMO...I think it's a waste of time to increase the weight of the racquet if it's already giving you arm problems. I think you'll be much happier in the end if you switch to a more arm-friendly racquet. Some racquets are actually fairly stiff, but they are easy on the arm because of technologies that absorb shock.

My APDGT was hurting my elbow. I switched to the Pro Kennex Ki 5x because it was more arm-friendly. I'm glad I did. Not only is my arm feeling better, I'm also hitting my serve harder because I can swing freely again. When your arm feels better, your game will pick up in areas you never knew were weak because of your arm pain.

thanks for the advice R -

 

[DeShaun]

Oh, this is indisputable. With my racket, I tend to get at most three bites at the cherry, three rally balls to hit at the beginning of points in trying to coax a week reply and come into net. If one of my first three ground strokes (into which I usually take real big cuts) in a rally doesn't elicit anything weak and I am stuck in abaseline exchange, I am deep do-do, because 13+oz. mids are not good for baselining.

 

[Steve Huff]

From what i've seen, heavier rackets are harder on the shoulder, while lighter rackets are harder on the elbow. The key is getting the "right" weight, right flex, right balance, right string set up. Flex is the one variable you can't change. In general, you can't make a racket lighter either (you can, but it's probably not worth removing head guards etc). So, if you can't find a racket that's just right, try finding one with the right flex that is a little lighter than you'd like. Adding weight and changing balance are pretty simple, as is changing the string.

 

[Magic of tennis]

Why don't you learn from pros?
They are all using very heavy racquets. There is reason to do that. heavier racquet is better for arm. How heavy? It depends on how heavy you can handle. I think over 11.7 - 12.5 oz will be pretty good number. If you can not handle 12 oz racquet you need to go to gym for weight training. That will surely help you. no kidding.

 

[un6a]

Why don't you learn from pros?

Because most of us do not spend 8 hours every day on the court like them ?

 

[trilix]

My PS 85 is the most comfortable racquet I ever had. Back in the days when I believed I needed to have a light racquet, I used the K6.1 95 Team... It's good if you don't have much pace coming at you, but that's about it... When the pace goes up, you need a heavier racquet to keep the comfort.

 

[jorel]

if ur still whipping a 14 oz heavy racquet around like a 10 oz racquet..then i could see shoulder problems occuring.. especially on the serve..theoretically.slower swing speeds should result from a heavier racquet

 

[Ramon]

if ur still whipping a 14 oz heavy racquet around like a 10 oz racquet..then i could see shoulder problems occuring.. especially on the serve..theoretically.slower swing speeds should result from a heavier racquet

If the guy is strong and in shape, I don't see why not.

It's like saying if someone is squatting 500 pounds he's going to have back and knee problems. Well, Ronnie Coleman can do it, and his back and knees are fine.

 

[TennisCJC]

I think the weight difference is in your head. 11.4 to 11.7 is not significant. I am mid-50s and play with a lot of guys between 50-60 years old. Many use rackets in the 11.5 - 12.5 range. I have never seen a one of them complaining about the weight of their racket causing pain, discomfort or fatigue.

Honestly, you can find good comfortable rackets at 11.4 and some at 12.4.

If the Kblade does not hurt your arm, then use it. I play a 12 oz customized Volkl Organix 10 295 and it is great on my arm and my game.

Don't overthink the weight thing. In general, heavier is better and swing weight should be a minimum of 320 grams for 3.5 and above tennis in my opinion.

I don't buy into the "oh, I just get so tired in the 3rd set from swinging a 12 oz racket". You get easier power from a heavy racket if you just develop compact strokes with a smooth and accelerating swing.

 

[kabrac]

I love playing with 12oz. racquets but, I'm going through the same problem you are. Strength and endurance are no issue. I work out and play everyday, I'm 28 and have always played with heavy racquets.

I have problems with the bottom part of my forearm. After hitting for about 2-3hrs. day after day my whole arm feels dead (dead arm), not tennis elbow.

If I play one day, then take the next day off, then play the next day I'm fine. But day after day is another story. My arms are strong and my racquet arm looks like Popeye's.

I agree the mass from the heavier racquet should pancake the ball, but you people that say "have a loose swing" and you'll have plenty of power?

You people must be stringing with full nat gut @ 45-50# for that kind of power.

I know there are different factors such as racquet stiffness, swingweight, and so on but, you still have to swing that racquet and get it accelarated through the ball for it to go over the net and land deep in the box on the baseline.

I agree you'll be a better player with using a 12oz. racquet over time.

I served for 2hrs. last night and tried practicing groundstrokes and volleys this morning but, my arm just feels noodley dead and couldn't feel the ball on the strings. And no, I'm not a *****, I'm a strong 4.0 player with great technique for my level of play, so I don't need to prove myself. Just wanted to let you know that you're not the only one having these problems.

Even the pros have these problems, Jim Courier, talked alot about having dead arm, not tennis elbow during his career, and I think we can argue he was/is no *****.

 

[KenC]

wanted to open up this thread again.

if my current racquet is at 11.5 ounces and i wanted to increase the static weight (handle) to alleviate arm pain, would making it 11.8 / 11.9 even make a difference?

the racquet is rated at 68 / stiffness.

i know that everyone will say demo a more flexible racquet but i would like to continue to use my current sticks. i have not given up on them just yet.

i am already using soft strings (NRG2) / lower tension (54).

is it a waste of time to increase the static weight since the racquet is so stiff or can it only help? if it can help would the slight increase to 11.8 make a significant difference?

thanks

Adding weight to an uncomfortable racquet will just make it more uncomfortable. Weight is really much more complicated than what it weighs on a scale and it is more important how that weight is distributed throughout the frame. If the frame has a lot of weight concentrated at the top and bottom you get a polarized setup that tends to have a higher swingweight. Higher swingweights are what make arms and shoulders work harder. It is a good idea to determine what swingweight works for you. If you add more weight to the top half of your racquet you will just make it worse because SW increases dramatically. Adding weight to the bottom half makes it head light but doesn't ever take away swingweight, so this is just a way to add more mass for stability and plowthru, but it will not ever be more comfortable.

My suggestion is to determine what swingweight you can swing comfortably and then try various racquets based on it. Say you seem to prefer a SW of around 320 strung. The Head Prestige Pro weighs 12.2 oz with that swingweight and the Head Radical MP weighs 11.2 oz with that SW.

 

[mikeler]

I love playing with 12oz. racquets but, I'm going through the same problem you are. Strength and endurance are no issue. I work out and play everyday, I'm 28 and have always played with heavy racquets.

I have problems with the bottom part of my forearm. After hitting for about 2-3hrs. day after day my whole arm feels dead (dead arm), not tennis elbow.

If I play one day, then take the next day off, then play the next day I'm fine. But day after day is another story. My arms are strong and my racquet arm looks like Popeye's.

I agree the mass from the heavier racquet should pancake the ball, but you people that say "have a loose swing" and you'll have plenty of power?

You people must be stringing with full nat gut @ 45-50# for that kind of power.

I know there are different factors such as racquet stiffness, swingweight, and so on but, you still have to swing that racquet and get it accelarated through the ball for it to go over the net and land deep in the box on the baseline.

I agree you'll be a better player with using a 12oz. racquet over time.

I served for 2hrs. last night and tried practicing groundstrokes and volleys this morning but, my arm just feels noodley dead and couldn't feel the ball on the strings. And no, I'm not a *****, I'm a strong 4.0 player with great technique for my level of play, so I don't need to prove myself. Just wanted to let you know that you're not the only one having these problems.

Even the pros have these problems, Jim Courier, talked alot about having dead arm, not tennis elbow during his career, and I think we can argue he was/is no *****.

If you serve for 2 hours at a time, your arm will likely be sore the next day.