Help my wife get a new racquet!

[sma1001]

My wife currently plays with a Prince O3 Pink LS:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_O3_Pink_LS/descpageRCPRINCE-PO3PLS.html

Watching her I'm pretty sure the 2 points HH balance is affecting her ability to get the racquet around to the hitting point i.e. she often hits a bit late even when i think she's go her feet braodly in the right place. I think she needs a more HL balance, and probably a bit more weight. This is borne out by her playing better with some of my heavier but HL sticks, but i think nevertheless that my sticks (usually around 12 ounces) are a bit heavy for her over a whole match so i need something in between.

I was/am considering simply adding mass to the handle, but also perhaps whether she should look at a 27.5, particularly the Wilson Blade 104, or Volkl Organix 4 which have specs that i think will suit her well, and because she could do with some help on her serve (worst part of her game). I've read a few posts suggesting a bit more length will help with serve (and she does tend to hit at the top of the hoop).

She does get a sore wrist (i think the HH balance and 70 stiffness of the Prince doesn't help) so the soft specs of the blade and Volkls dampening should help. But I am wondering if the extra length might make that worse?

Thoughts appreciated.

 

[michael valek]

pacific x fast or one of the lighter pacifics

 

[counterpuncher]

If she plays well with that frame then the O3 White LS in that series has all that you are looking for: more weight, more HL balance and more flex.

Otherwise find a lighter spec option of one of your 12oz frames that she plays well with. If you advise which she plays best with, some posters here may be able to suggest suitable lighter options rather than random arm friendly frames.

 

[Irvin]

If you compare all the Prince LS rackets you will see the Pink is very light, but at 70 RA the stiffest except for the silver. Because it is a very light racket you can add a little weight to the handle to lower the balance a great deal. I would suggest lead tape under the grip or BluTack inside the grip.

Lowering the balance point will make the racket easier to swing, and since it increases weight so She will have more plow through. You can pick up BluTack at home depot paint dept for about $4. Cheaper than a racket and you can spend the money you save on some Origami Owl jewelery for Valentine's day.

 

[McLovin]

My wife went to the Wilson Steam 105S last summer and really likes it. She's a 3.5 and has real flat strokes, so the open pattern has helped her get a bit more spin on her shots.

Its light (11oz strung), is headlight (6pts), but still has a decent swingweight (332).

 

[sma1001]

Thanks all. I don't think the Prince has a trap door so I can't get into the handle without taking the cap off. I don't want to do that as I don't have a staple gun. Pity as blue tack sounds good. I might take the grip off and put lead under that. Will that chance the grip size?

She likes the Prince Tour 100 so adjusting the Prince Pink might be the better option. Doesn't give her the benefits of an extended racquet though. Any thoughts on that?

 

[robbo1970]

What about an O3 Red perhaps?

 

[Irvin]

Thanks all. I don't think the Prince has a trap door so I can't get into the handle without taking the cap off. I don't want to do that as I don't have a staple gun. Pity as blue tack sounds good. I might take the grip off and put lead under that. Will that chance the grip size?

She likes the Prince Tour 100 so adjusting the Prince Pink might be the better option. Doesn't give her the benefits of an extended racquet though. Any thoughts on that?

Putting anything under the grip will change the grip size. You could put the lead higher at the top of the grip but that won't change the balance as much. Hummm? Damned if you do and damned if you don't. You could take the racket and add lead tape to the outside of the butt cap and see if she likes it. If she does take it to a shop and have them add weight in the handle to match the new specs.

 

[BlueB]

All of the O3 frames (except pro stock) I played with had the trap door. Blu tack is your friend.
If no door, it's still easy to mod. Option 1 is to remove the grip and wrap some led tape on the but cap itself. It will create a bit more flare too which is beneficial.
Option 2 is to stick the tack to the outside of the butt cap. Stays just fine.
Whatever you do I'd add part of weight at the butt, and part above the grip. Maybe 5 to 10g at each location?

 

[sma1001]

All of the O3 frames (except pro stock) I played with had the trap door. Blu tack is your friend.
If no door, it's still easy to mod. Option 1 is to remove the grip and wrap some led tape on the but cap itself. It will create a bit more flare too which is beneficial.
Option 2 is to stick the tack to the outside of the butt cap. Stays just fine.
Whatever you do I'd add part of weight at the butt, and part above the grip. Maybe 5 to 10g at each location?

I can't see anything suggesting the grip has a door. No slots for the screw driver.

Anyway i've put about 12 grams under the grip in strips at the bottom. Makes the grip a bit bigger there - and I will see how she feels with that in the hand. i think it could do with some more but maybe easier to stop there. Overall weight is now 290 which is getting better. Certainly feels better in the hand.

Thanks for all other options - we may go there still!

 

[Fintft]

Ozone Tour.

 

[The_Racketeer]

I'd look into the other racquets in the O3 line. They'd allow you to change weight, balance, and stiffness while still maintaining the same basic "feel" of the racquet line. Plus, they're pretty cheap.

The O3 (or EXO) Red is slightly heavier, slightly HL, and slightly flexier. Also, it is 27.25" so she'll get a little extra length.

The O3 White would be the next step up and very much a quality tweener frame.

 

[badkitty]

If your wife is having wrist issues, I'd keep away from extended length racquets. Based on my experience, the extra length adds a bit more torque and stress to your wrist when serving.

 

[sma1001]

I'd look into the other racquets in the O3 line. They'd allow you to change weight, balance, and stiffness while still maintaining the same basic "feel" of the racquet line. Plus, they're pretty cheap.

The O3 (or EXO) Red is slightly heavier, slightly HL, and slightly flexier. Also, it is 27.25" so she'll get a little extra length.

The O3 White would be the next step up and very much a quality tweener frame.

Yes - i looked into the red but it looks dangerously close to head heavy to me. In fact some websites describe it that way. I'm wondering if the Volkl Organix 4 might be a good one.

 

[Alien]

Post her picture, we will tell you.

 

[sma1001]

If your wife is having wrist issues, I'd keep away from extended length racquets. Based on my experience, the extra length adds a bit more torque and stress to your wrist when serving.

Thanks for the advice. I do have that fear. i see you play the X Force. How does that play?

 

[spinovic]

My wife currently plays with a Prince O3 Pink LS:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_O3_Pink_LS/descpageRCPRINCE-PO3PLS.html

Watching her I'm pretty sure the 2 points HH balance is affecting her ability to get the racquet around to the hitting point i.e. she often hits a bit late even when i think she's go her feet braodly in the right place. I think she needs a more HL balance, and probably a bit more weight. This is borne out by her playing better with some of my heavier but HL sticks, but i think nevertheless that my sticks (usually around 12 ounces) are a bit heavy for her over a whole match so i need something in between.

I was/am considering simply adding mass to the handle, but also perhaps whether she should look at a 27.5, particularly the Wilson Blade 104, or Volkl Organix 4 which have specs that i think will suit her well, and because she could do with some help on her serve (worst part of her game). I've read a few posts suggesting a bit more length will help with serve (and she does tend to hit at the top of the hoop).

She does get a sore wrist (i think the HH balance and 70 stiffness of the Prince doesn't help) so the soft specs of the blade and Volkls dampening should help. But I am wondering if the extra length might make that worse?

Thoughts appreciated.

The Blade 104 is a great choice. My wife currently uses the Blade Team (2 models ago), but basically the same racquet. It's very user friendly, IMO. Comfortable frame as well. If she plans on demoing, I'd definitely include this one.

I would add though, I don't view it as a woman's racquet. I enjoy playing with it quite well myself. It's a great frame for anyone with room to customize if you want it heavier. It is definitely one of the better sticks I've had the pleasure of using. Don't be fooled by the weight and head size...I would describe it as a user friendly players frame.

 

[sma1001]

The Blade 104 is a great choice. My wife currently uses the Blade Team (2 models ago), but basically the same racquet. It's very user friendly, IMO. Comfortable frame as well. If she plans on demoing, I'd definitely include this one.

I would add though, I don't view it as a woman's racquet. I enjoy playing with it quite well myself. It's a great frame for anyone with room to customize if you want it heavier. It is definitely one of the better sticks I've had the pleasure of using. Don't be fooled by the weight and head size...I would describe it as a user friendly players frame.

Ideal - i can have a go with it too! Pity about her being a grip size 1 and me being between 4 and 5 (4 1/2 to 4 5/8)!

 

[badkitty]

Thanks for the advice. I do have that fear. i see you play the X Force. How does that play?

The x force 98" 16x20 is a very plush comfortable racquet, good control, but a little low on power. Mine is weighted up a bit with a leather grip and lead in the hoop to give it a bit more plow through. It plays like a softer version of the Head Radical Pro 98" 16x19. I switched to this frame after getting tennis elbow and it has helped out my recovery. Pacific makes quality sticks, definitely worth a try if you find that other racquets are too stiff.

 

[sma1001]

The x force 98" 16x20 is a very plush comfortable racquet, good control, but a little low on power. Mine is weighted up a bit with a leather grip and lead in the hoop to give it a bit more plow through. It plays like a softer version of the Head Radical Pro 98" 16x19. I switched to this frame after getting tennis elbow and it has helped out my recovery. Pacific makes quality sticks, definitely worth a try if you find that other racquets are too stiff.

Cool, thanks.

 

[Irvin]

Another way to add weight and drop the BP is to replace the grip with a leather grip and/or add on an overgrip.

 

[PMChambers]

My wife currently plays with a Prince O3 Pink LS:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_O3_Pink_LS/descpageRCPRINCE-PO3PLS.html

Watching her I'm pretty sure the 2 points HH balance is affecting her ability to get the racquet around to the hitting point i.e. she often hits a bit late even when i think she's go her feet braodly in the right place. I think she needs a more HL balance, and probably a bit more weight. This is borne out by her playing better with some of my heavier but HL sticks, but i think nevertheless that my sticks (usually around 12 ounces) are a bit heavy for her over a whole match so i need something in between.

I was/am considering simply adding mass to the handle, but also perhaps whether she should look at a 27.5, particularly the Wilson Blade 104, or Volkl Organix 4 which have specs that i think will suit her well, and because she could do with some help on her serve (worst part of her game). I've read a few posts suggesting a bit more length will help with serve (and she does tend to hit at the top of the hoop).

She does get a sore wrist (i think the HH balance and 70 stiffness of the Prince doesn't help) so the soft specs of the blade and Volkls dampening should help. But I am wondering if the extra length might make that worse?

Thoughts appreciated.

That's timing, not HH or HL issue. Maybe check her eyes, I hit late became I have impaired sight, a late ball goes in more than an early ball, it generally means less winners but allows the opposition to control the point.

HL comes into play when you are late in position or reaction to speed. One technical point is whether she's extending the racquet too far behind herself, which most WTA players do. The ATP don't take their arm past should line. You'll find a lot of slow motion video demonstrating.

If she was late on volley or stretch shot then it might be an issue but if she's in position and still late it either technique, timing, or depth perception.
If she swings long adding weight to the racquet won't help it will make the racquet heavier and slower. On volley it doe not matter as your often only moveing your wrist to the the racquet angle and the added mass is useful as the racquet head has little to no velocity.

BTW I got my partner a O3 Blue and I think it's a great racquet of beginner and intermediate. I can hit alright with it but struggle with it's power and weight. I hit with a 370g PK Redondo 98 so completely different style of racquet. I would not change racquets expecting timing to change, more racquets the merrier.

 

[inzone]

I agree with others to just add more weight to the handle and see how that goes. Does she hold the racquet at the very bottom? If not, she can try to hold the racquet where part of the palm is hanging below the butt cap and the little finger is barely on the handle. This should help get leverage on the serve and ground strokes without having to get an extended length racquet.

 

[mctennis]

Volkl V1 Classic. Great racquet and she can use this racquet even if her skills improve. Demo one and I think she will really like it. No gimmicks ( like other racquet companies seem to have) just a nice solid playing racquet.

 

[spinovic]

Ideal - i can have a go with it too! Pity about her being a grip size 1 and me being between 4 and 5 (4 1/2 to 4 5/8)!

It's a great stick. Outside of my beloved TFights, it's as good as any frame I've used. And, the friendly stiffness number is always a plus. I don't mind stiff frames, but all things being equal, I like the added comfort. I would say it is comparable to the 315 Ltd in that it is soft and comfortable without having that springy/flexy feel that I did not particularly like in the IG Radical. The biggest difference is the TFight feels a little more solid/stable, which is understandable since it is roughly an ounce heavier.

Good luck. I think anyone would enjoy this frame, so I suspect your wife will as well. Mine does.