Help me understand what is helping me hit certain forehand

[Mx125]

I've demo'd a few raquets to replace my Dunlop 200g (95, 330g 7pts HL, natural gut 52lbs 18x20).

I've always been able to hit a very aggressive forehand approach inside the service line....flat and hard inside baseline. With the 3 demos so far i blow long unless I really slow down my swing and roll a loopier topspin. I can't really plow it hard and roll it over.

My question is . . . Is it the racquet, the string construction/tension of the demos or is it just my comfort level/skill with new racquets? My experience with demos is they tend to have stiffer and tighter string setups. I'm trying to isolate the mechanics of that type of shot, so I don't write off demo frames for the wrong reason. Any insight?

If a low string tension and tight pattern gut string will get me there, maybe I need to just buy one of the top frames and have faith....and forget demo's.

Recent Demos: wilson blx95 16x18, bio300, bio200.

 

[klementine]

The 200g is a heavy, flexible racquet and you've probably been playing with it for awhile.

All those demos are considerably stiffer, if not play stiffer, than the rdc rating.

The heavier, more flexible 200g (and it's probably gotten more flexible over time with string-jobs and play) is probably more conducive to your style of hitting and your swing speed has adjusted to it over time.

The stiffer, newer racquets will play more powerful than the 200g. That being said, if your mind is made up on switching, some tweaks in your mechanics can be made to tame the more powerful frames.

I'm sure some of the people on these boards that play with the newer, stiffer, lighter, more powerful racquets can chime in.

 

[Mx125]

Thanks. That's actually a bit depressing! It sounds like there aren't many soft options that will compare. And I'm not necessarily set on switching . . .i guess I have the bug to try something new after 20 years. I plan to still use the 200g. I'm also afraid if I break it . . I'll be it panic.

I have a babolat pure storm gt and a Wilson prestige MP on hold to try . . .hoping they feel less stiff, I guess.

 

[klementine]

^ ProKennex has some great options for you if you're used to the 200g. They'll be releasing a similar type stick shortly but already have some great options available. Better than going the pro stock route, ala pt57a.

EDIT: You probably have some old-school strokes if you've been playing the 200g for over 20 years. A semi-western forehand grip will help you tame those powerful frames.

 

[Magnetite]

The first thing to do when demoing a racquet is to rip out the strings, and string it with a string/tension of your choice.

You cannot properly compare racquets when the demo racquet has different (often crappy) strings.

 

[keithfival]

^ ProKennex has some great options for you if you're used to the 200g.

^^Was about to say the same thing.

 

[Mx125]

Thanks. I do use semi-western ....but you're probably right. I might have locked in on some old school form. I'll be back in some one on one lessons this year, so we'll see.

Thanks for the tip I'll check out the prokennex. They do seem less stiff than many on the spec sheets.

Also, i see the dunlop bio 200 is a 57 flex, so perhaps an older design but no one in my area stocks the 200. Only the 300. Maybe I need to get over my Dunlop connection.

 

[tymmh789]

Ya you really need to restring demos. The racquet I just switched to (YTPP) had this hybrid strung at what felt like 60 or so and it just didn't work so I just restrung it to get a better comparison.

 

[Mx125]

I agree these demos were likely close to 60 and pretty harsh string. I'm more comfortable at lower #. I just don't want to blow 40 bucks for a 2 day test. Apparently the prestige i'm picking up is a little better.

But overall, would you guys think that I would have been closer to my natural stroke/shots if I had tested lower # and softer strings? They were also both 16x19...which I might have wrongly attributed to lack of feel and too much power (in a relative sense).

 

[keithfival]

I agree these demos were likely close to 60 and pretty harsh string. I'm more comfortable at lower #. I just don't want to blow 40 bucks for a 2 day test. Apparently the prestige i'm picking up is a little better.

But overall, would you guys think that I would have been closer to my natural stroke/shots if I had tested lower # and softer strings? They were also both 16x19...which I might have wrongly attributed to lack of feel and too much power (in a relative sense).

I prefer higher tension for flatter, old school strokes so if I were spraying at 60 I'd think it was more the frame not being suited to that style.

 

[Korso]

Playing with a 18x20 and 16x19 are different for me. I have to make adjustments to my swing going from one to the other. I personally play better with an 18x20. Maybe you should look to demo some rackets with your old specs.

 

[Mx125]

All the raquets i'm now testing are 18x20 and similar weight and balance. I think the low stiffness aspect is possibly one of the tough things to match. I originally *hoped* I could age into a slightly lighter, slightly larger more forgiving raquet with maybe a touch more power ....but still allow me to really swing through (at the expense of stability). Maybe that's just not possible.

Realistically, at 46 i'm certainly not getting better . . . It's all downhill . . .so I probably need to just get an 10-11 ounce raquet and put in the time and evolve. Maybe i'll even improve certain things. I just don't want to lose the feel that makes me want to play. So far the bigger, stiffer raquets just don't feel as fun.

I'm now more focussed on finding a backup with very similar feel.

 

[keithfival]

Realistically, at 46 i'm certainly not getting better . . . It's all downhill . . .so I probably need to just get an 10-11 ounce raquet and put in the time and evolve. Maybe i'll even improve certain things. I just don't want to lose the feel that makes me want to play. So far the bigger, stiffer raquets just don't feel as fun.

If you go this route maybe try a Prince, they seem to retain a more plush, old school feel even with modern specs.

 

[Korso]

Have you tried the Prince Rebel out yet? With the open ports it is extremly forgiving and easy on the arm.

 

[Mx125]

Thanks. I'll look that up as well.

 

[Magic of tennis]

ProKennex and Volkl are soft for arm but powerful enough to shock your opponent. Choose just right model. I have volkl organix 10 295g with some lead in 3, 12, 9 and handle. And I have famous Prince exo3 tour 16x18. after using over 1 year alternatively, I found out that Volkl x10 was much more powerful than exo3 and very comfortable for your arm.