help a woman out?

[FABulous]

Hello. So I am looking for a new racket because the one i use now seems to not be helping my game. It's the only racket that i have played with. I'm using a Head TDI or something along those lines..who knowes..that's discontinued. For a long time i've been wanting to try the Babolat Pure Drive Standard. But i've read reviews and many people say its "to stiff" or "tennis elbow". I've already incountered some elbow problems with the racket i use now. And the stiffness i'm clueless on. I was also looking towards the Babolat AeroPro Drive Standard. Mainly cause i lack at creating spin. The reviews i saw from that is that you need lots of arm strength and for a person who loves spin. Now come on, i'm a girl with breadsticks and i pretty much have flat hits. haha. But i'd like to have some spin. So that was my con on that racket.

I'm mainy a baseliner with a big forehand that I like to go all out on. My serve is pretty flat too, but hey its got some power. I use both the one/two handed backhand.

What i'm asking is if anyone could help me decipher which racket to lean towards that'd help me with my game, power, accuracy, and a shot that wont be returned. PLEEEEASE!!

 

[VGP]

First question.....can you demo rackets where you live? (If not there's TW)

Do you have friends that use the frames you're interested in?

Can you take lessons from a reputable pro that can give hands on advice?

 

[Kaptain Karl]

"Breadsticks?" What is your NTRP? Are you in Juniors? Adults? Seniors?

- KK

 

[Punisha]

age... strength... marital status...

 

[onkystomper]

If you have had arm problems i would avoid the APD or Pure Drive. They made me elbow flair up no end.

How about the prince 03 white or red both forgiving and easy to use for most games.

Give them a demo

 

[FABulous]

First off thanks for the replys.
Okay to answer some of your questions.....I'm a junior player..17...been playing only for 4 yearsish..i know which is too late. But yes i can demo rackets which i was going to do..but the store is about an hour an half away..and i'd only beable to get down their on weekends if. That's what i was planning on doing. No i don't have any friends that use the rackets i'd like.

And i don't have a ranking because my parents are keeping me from doing that. They won't let me enter tournys or anything. They don't think i can do it. Which is bull.

But i'm planning on going to college this summer and play for the college team.

 

[Steve H.]

You sound determined. At your age, size, and experience you probably don't need to worry about developing elbow problems with one of the Drives -- but they may be on the heavy side for you. It would probably help us give you some ideas if you can identify the exact model you are playing with now, and say what you don't like about it -- too light? Too hard to swing? Head too big or too small?

Meanwhile, check out this frame (the oversize one) -- quality materials, open pattern for good spin, medium weight and flex, and not too expensive.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=PADB

You might also consider some of the other Prince oversize frames such as the Thundercloud, Scream or the Air Freak.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

Okay, FAB, that helps us help you. The other big question is "What racket Weights and Swing Weights are you most comfortable with?" (Without trying some various frames, you won't know either.)

From the little bit we know about you, I'd suggest you try three or four *different* frames with your first Demo. The feedback from those should help give you better focus with your subsequent frames. (At least that's my theory. I'm stickin' to it.)

I searched for sticks between 10.5 and 11.5 oz, Head Size 100 - 110 and these are some of the "types" I'd recommend you try:
Babolat Pure Drive Team - A heavier MP
Prince Shark DB MP - A lighter MP
Prince Shark DB OS - A lighter OS
Head Intelligence i. Radical OS - A "bit" heavier OS

After you've tried a variety of frames, take the specs from the frames which were not "Rejects" and plug their ranges into TW's Racquet Finder. The Racquet Finder will give you a bunch of choices ... hopefully closer to what makes you happy than just random suggestions from TT friends (who have never seen you play).

I just finished using TW's Demo Program to pick my new frames. These people are really helpful. I highly recommend them. TW's Phone Number is 800 / 883 - 6647.

- KK

 

[Marius_Hancu]

FWIW
check my posting here:

Best arm friendly racquets?
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=58089

 

[Kaptain Karl]

Also ... here's a pretty good thread, started by AndrewD, on how to demo rackets.

How do you decide?.

- KK

 

[FABulous]

Okay. I play with a Head Ti. S7 TItanium. The thing i don't much like about it is that it's too light. I also want a more updated one since it is disconinued. I think it's easy to swing, it's not bad. I'm thinkin about demoing the two that i mentioned in my first post and the Yonex RDS 001 or the RDX 500. From talking from someone else he mentioned to get a 98-100 square inch racket head. I'll look at those Prince ones that KK mentioned also. I'll also take a look at those links you guys gave me. Thanks again for helpin me.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

Yikes! FAB, I finally found some specs on your current racket. That thing isn't just "light" ... it's super-light. It weighs only 8 oz.

I caution you to be very careful about demo-ing frames over 11 oz. (This includes both Yonex frames you're planning to try. Even though they both have very loyal followings.) The following is all based on my "assumption" that you are a "typical" 17 year old girl. (Is there such a thing?) I mean, I'm imagining you between 5'2 and 5'5 and 105 - 115 pounds. If you are bigger and stronger than my mental image ... maybe your problem is you've been playing with FAR too light a stick. If I'm right with my "picture" of you ... I'm concerned that those to Yonex frames you're considering are simply too big a weight jump.

A three ounce jump in weight could be too much. (I don't know the SW of your S7; that could make a difference. I'd be stunned if the SW was over 300.)

Please follow a regimented approach to demo-ing. I don't want to (in six months) read on one of the fitness threads about you needing to rehab something.

I'd encourage you to look at a different Yonex frame than the 001 and 500. For instance, check out the Yonex RQ 5.

A too light frame can cause arm problems. But so can a too heavy frame. See Marius' link above ^^^. (Marius is a wonderful researching resource here on TT. Marius - Your checks have not been arriving very quickly lately...!

- KK

 

[FABulous]

Yes it is reaalllly lite. Your almost correct. I am 5'6 and about 107lbs. I think i need to go to a heavier stick. I'm thinkin this Babolat stick is going to be just right. Time for demoing!

 

[Steve H.]

FAB, unless you're really strong and coordinated, those Yonex frames you mentioned will be really hard to use. When setting up your demo, as KK said try a variety of weights and head sizes, maybe even one a bit under 10 ounces, which is a lot more than 8! For example, the Prince O3 Blue is a really nice frame with good power, something like that may be the most successful for you. Maybe take one of the 11-ounce Babs as your most demanding, and try some others in between like the Shark, Radical OS or the AirDB. Good luck, and have fun!

 

[LoveThisGame]

I agree with the Prince Turbo Shark, MP (heavier) or OS (lighter) and the Prince AirDB. Note that these racquets are on the way out, but that means they cost less. For newer ones, the O3 Hybrids (Shark, Hornet, and Spectrum) are good.

 

[FABulous]

FAB, unless you're really strong and coordinated, those Yonex frames you mentioned will be really hard to use. When setting up your demo, as KK said try a variety of weights and head sizes, maybe even one a bit under 10 ounces, which is a lot more than 8! For example, the Prince O3 Blue is a really nice frame with good power, something like that may be the most successful for you. Maybe take one of the 11-ounce Babs as your most demanding, and try some others in between like the Shark, Radical OS or the AirDB. Good luck, and have fun!

i dont have the money for that one. i think i'll stick to demo-ing the babolat's and a few heads.