How much improvement can be attained after finding the 'one'?

[Mac33]

Played a couple of sets with the orange coloured 97 Yonex Tour G 330g.

In my previous hit ups with this frame I strongly disliked it!

However,this time the feel was perfect and I was hitting my best flattish forehand topspins ever - by some serious margin with spin and pace. Easily the best two sets I've ever played.

It's been raining of late and no chance to see if it was just a good day.

Confident though this frame strung with Cyclone Tour at 48ilbs is the 'one'.

Just a feel - but confident I've improved my level significantly.

 

[zalive]

You'll see, no one can know this for you.
But my personal experience is that equipment can make a big, big difference.

For example, stability and predictability. Using the same technique I can both be pretty precise vertically (to clear the net about where I want as long as I have enough time to prepare for the shot) and pretty unprecise. The difference is simply huge.

Or returns. The difference in my % success of returning the first serves can be enormous between different racquets.

What's best, all of this differences may happen even if the spec range is pretty similar, with strings being similar and strung at the same tension. Racquet design makes a huge difference.

So, yeah, a better suited racquet/setup can definitely make you almost instantly (or pretty fast) a significantly better player.

 

[The Dark Knight]

Now comes the never ending search for strings and what tension etc etc etc.

 

[movdqa]

There's a lot of effort on these boards looking for the holy grail of frames and I think that this continual search for frames detracts from just focusing on playing and improving your game. If your racquet, strings, overgrips, dampeners, etc. are constant, then you're free to work on improvements without the little doubts in your mind about your equipment.

So take the time and effort to find THE FRAME and then just buy a bunch of them for the long haul and never worry about racquets again.

 

[The Dark Knight]

There's a lot of effort on these boards looking for the holy grail of frames and I think that this continual search for frames detracts from just focusing on playing and improving your game. If your racquet, strings, overgrips, dampeners, etc. are constant, then you're free to work on improvements without the little doubts in your mind about your equipment.

So take the time and effort to find THE FRAME and then just buy a bunch of them for the long haul and never worry about racquets again.

I probably would have agreed with you a couple of months ago but since finding my holy grail after years of searching I have to respectfully disagree .

I think the problem at least for me is fully admitting the player I am and the player that I wanted to be .

I wanted to be a big hitter with topspin ....changed my grip , practiced like crazy .....but it's just not me .

I had to find a stick that really complimented my style of play and I had to stop being stubborn and look at sticks over 100 square inches.

Even the Pros have these issues ....Sampras would not switch to Luxilon or a larger head ....he says it cost him the French open .

 

[SpinToWin]

The holy grail ain't exist. Take a frame you're comfortable with and work on your game... Practice technique, play practice matches, etc.

If your game starts changing/developing you may even find that the racquet suits your needs less and less as time goes on. The search for the holy grail therefore is a futile exercise IMO.

 

[AMGF]

As you and your game improve, then you also need to improve your equipment to match. There is no such thing as a the one imho. But if you know what you need, what you like and how to fine tune it, then you will have a very good performing frame for your needs.

There might be some exceptions, but I don't believe a frame out of factory to be precisely what you need. Especially when two frames from the same manufacturer can vary in weight/balance/sw by some margin. Many don't care to fiddle with their frame, but it makes a world of difference once you do.

So is the tour G your new grail? Maybe for now. But as time passes and your game/level/needs/wants evolve, then you might then try to find something else. Side note: it might just be the Cyclone, that's one nice string. My gf is testing Cyclone 19g and she's playing her best tennis ever...

 

[The Dark Knight]

The holy grail ain't exist. Take a frame you're comfortable with and work on your game... Practice technique, play practice matches, etc.

If your game starts changing/developing you may even find that the racquet suits your needs less and less as time goes on. The search for the holy grail therefore is a futile exercise IMO.

Totally disagree .

I did find the holy grail and my game has improved exponentially.....

I wish I had a professional tell me what type of stick I needed because it would have been a LOT cheaper .

And if my game starts changing I now know what I will need .....

Until you actually find that holy grail you won't understand or believe ....but it is very
Real.

 

[SpinToWin]

Totally disagree .

I did find the holy grail and my game has improved exponentially.....

I wish I had a professional tell me what type of stick I needed because it would have been a LOT cheaper .

And if my game starts changing I now know what I will need .....

Until you actually find that holy grail you won't understand or believe ....but it is very
Real.

It's not. It's real somewhere in La-La-Land perhaps.

 

[movdqa]

I probably would have agreed with you a couple of months ago but since finding my holy grail after years of searching I have to respectfully disagree .

I think the problem at least for me is fully admitting the player I am and the player that I wanted to be .

I wanted to be a big hitter with topspin ....changed my grip , practiced like crazy .....but it's just not me .

I had to find a stick that really complimented my style of play and I had to stop being stubborn and look at sticks over 100 square inches.

Even the Pros have these issues ....Sampras would not switch to Luxilon or a larger head ....he says it cost him the French open .

I think that a large change in your game whether technique, practice of fitness, can warrant a change in frame. But remember, you can achieve a lot of changes using silicone, lead tape, different strings, and different string tensions. I think that we have more examples of Pros sticking with what they like rather than going with something new:

Roger Federer - stayed with his 90s for a very long time and then bit the bullet to go to his 97
Djokovic - has used his 95 for a very long time
Murray - has used his PT57A for a very long time with different weighting specs and sometimes different string patterns
Nadal - has used his old APD for a very long time, then added a little more lead at 12; he might have gone to the latest model - not sure
Berdych - Used the tgk260.2 for a very long time before upgrading to the IG Radical MP

It would be interesting to see an inventory of head sizes of the top 10. I'm sure that they're all between 95 and 100. The top two are 95 so it's clear that you can play world class tennis at 95 and 97 given that Federer is #3.

 

[The Dark Knight]

It's not. It's real somewhere in La-La-Land perhaps.

Nope .... I found mine .

 

[movdqa]

There might be some exceptions, but I don't believe a frame out of factory to be precisely what you need. Especially when two frames from the same manufacturer can vary in weight/balance/sw by some margin. Many don't care to fiddle with their frame, but it makes a world of difference once you do.

Given what the Pros do, I'd say that you're 100% correct.

 

[Minion]

Here's what I normally do. Take the following strokes, and the best racquet for me personally:

1) serve / PD2015
2) return of serve / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
3) volleys / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
4) forehand / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
5) backhand / IG Prestige Pro

So, with the Blade 98 being better for me for most of my game: Blade 98 = my holy grail

But seriously, if it boosts your confidence, go for it

 

[The Dark Knight]

I think that a large change in your game whether technique, practice of fitness, can warrant a change in frame. But remember, you can achieve a lot of changes using silicone, lead tape, different strings, and different string tensions. I think that we have more examples of Pros sticking with what they like rather than going with something new:

Roger Federer - stayed with his 90s for a very long time and then bit the bullet to go to his 97
Djokovic - has used his 95 for a very long time
Murray - has used his PT57A for a very long time with different weighting specs and sometimes different string patterns
Nadal - has used his old APD for a very long time, then added a little more lead at 12; he might have gone to the latest model - not sure
Berdych - Used the tgk260.2 for a very long time before upgrading to the IG Radical MP

It would be interesting to see an inventory of head sizes of the top 10. I'm sure that they're all between 95 and 100. The top two are 95 so it's clear that you can play world class tennis at 95 and 97 given that Federer is #3.

Sampras had said that his biggest mistake was being so stubborn and not changing sticks and it cost him the FO.

Personally I was the same way....I would never even look at a stick above 100 square inches .

I luckily have stopped being stubborn and became more open minded ......

By doing so I actually found my perfect racquet ....right out of the factory .

I actually have zero complaints about it .....I still fiddle with the stringing a bit but not very much at all .....actually I do not fiddle even with the type of string anymore just the tension .

 

[movdqa]

Here's what I normally do. Take the following strokes, and the best racquet for me personally:

1) serve / PD2015
2) return of serve / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
3) volleys / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
4) forehand / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
5) backhand / IG Prestige Pro

So, with the Blade 98 being better for me for most of my game: Blade 98 = my holy grail

But seriously, if it boosts your confidence, go for it

I went to a larger racquet because they were easier to find and it was good for all of my strokes except for the 1HBH and volleys. I spent some time modifying my backhand to work a lot better with the bigger headsize. I have to be more careful with my volleys due to the big increase in power but I play more of a ground-game and less of a net game though I'm happy to come in when I have to. So for me, it's a case of modifying my game for the racquet once I decided on the racquet.

 

[zalive]

It's not. It's real somewhere in La-La-Land perhaps.

Mentioned returns (of mine): for some reason it's hard to me to hit the ball with the ideal center. If the racquet is not sufficiently forgiving, I end up in sending many first serve returns in the net simply because the contact spot was not good.

 

[Minion]

I went to a larger racquet because they were easier to find and it was good for all of my strokes except for the 1HBH and volleys. I spent some time modifying my backhand to work a lot better with the bigger headsize. I have to be more careful with my volleys due to the big increase in power but I play more of a ground-game and less of a net game though I'm happy to come in when I have to. So for me, it's a case of modifying my game for the racquet once I decided on the racquet.

I hear you. I play mostly doubles, and I really could not hit my 1HBH with the PD2015. The weight and stability of the IGPP is perfect for it. I'm in the process of tweaking my BH and my serve, so it should work out with the Blade

 

[SpinToWin]

Nope .... I found mine .

And of course it is impossible that you could have adjusted and had similar success with another racquet. Or, even better, that you will want a different racquet when your game changes/develops...

 

[SpinToWin]

Mentioned returns (of mine): for some reason it's hard to me to hit the ball with the ideal center. If the racquet is not sufficiently forgiving, I end up in sending many first serve returns in the net simply because the contact spot was not good.

Well yeah, but then we're talking about a spec range, something I never disputed to begin with. I never claimed that any racquet does the same job, just that there isn't that elusive racquet that does everything perfectly and will continue doing so.

 

[The Dark Knight]

Here's what I normally do. Take the following strokes, and the best racquet for me personally:

1) serve / PD2015
2) return of serve / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
3) volleys / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
4) forehand / 2015 Blade 98 18x20
5) backhand / IG Prestige Pro

So, with the Blade 98 being better for me for most of my game: Blade 98 = my holy grail

But seriously, if it boosts your confidence, go for it

There's the problem ....in order to find Mrs right you have to be honest with yourself as to what type of player you are rather than what you think you are or what you think you can be .

No matter how hard we try we cannot all be Federer .

My racquet is from a small company called vortex and I play with the ES 116. It was hard for me to admit that I needed that large of a head size as I never would go above 100.

Now I want huge topspin and I have taken lessons , tried all sorts of racquets and strings .....I finally have to face it .....I will just never have this stroke not do I really need it as I'm a serve and volleyer and I'm pretty slow in the backcourt.

what I have is a serve and volley game but not one like Sampras but rather one like Mcenroe.

The problem is that my hands are not as good as Mac's and never will be . No matter how hard I try I will never have his game with his stick.

Therefore I found a specially stick that is perfect but it sucks for topspin which I don't need anyway if I am going to be true to myself

By switching sticks my game has improved exponentially and I dare say if Mcenroe had to use a wood stick with gut I think that I could give him a run for his money with my current stick.

So I use the vortex Es 116 and under your criteria :

1- serve . Vortex Es 116
2- return -Vortex Es 116
3-volleys- Vortex Es 116
4- forehand slice and touch -Vortex Es 116
5- backhand slice and touch- Vortex Es 116

*6 - topspin - babolat APD....but I don't really have a good topspin shot nor do I need one for my game .

By being true to myself and giving up on a stroke that I never really had or needed I have found my holy grail.

What style of player are you ? Are volleys really all that important in your game ? Do you need a racquet with a slightly better serve or is your BH shot more important ? Ask yourself these questions and be painfully honest with yourself .....

This is the only way to find the holy grail.

 

[movdqa]

Mentioned returns (of mine): for some reason it's hard to me to hit the ball with the ideal center. If the racquet is not sufficiently forgiving, I end up in sending many first serve returns in the net simply because the contact spot was not good.

You can make a racquet far more forgiving with lead tape. My YT Prestige MPs have a tiny sweetspot but add 15 grams of lead and it's huge. Djokovic has lead from 8:00 to 4:00 (the long way around) and I'm sure that that really opens up the sweetspot on his frames. The downside for some players is the additional weight.

 

[The Dark Knight]

And of course it is impossible that you could have adjusted and had similar success with another racquet. Or, even better, that you will want a different racquet when your game changes/develops...

It's impossible ....seriously .

I have never in my life played this well ....NEVER.

I have a Mcenroe type game ....except I'm not nearly as good .

My touch shot just didn't have the zip and placement his does . My volleys were not even close .

I came across the Vortex ES 116.....

It is as maneuverable as a 90 square inch stick .....I've never seen anything like it .

It's also the most powerful stick I have ever played with in my life ....nothing comes close .....this allows me to place the ball exactly where I want it with some zip.

And if I'm forced to hit a topspin shot ....which I suck at ....I basically now have to just "wrist" it and the shot goes exactly where I want with power .

And if you don't believe me ....just try and find another stick anywhere with the same specs as the vortex Es 116....you will not .

Donnay just came out with a the "superlite 114" but looking at that stick there is now way in hell it has the power of the Es 116.

The string pattern and the stuffiness are just not even close .

Anyway here's the challenge ....find a stick similar to the vortex Es 116 and then we can talk .

Otherwise no ....it is impossible for anything to play better for my game ....impossible

Here are the specs :

Length: 27 3/4 in.
Weight: 9.9 ounces strung
Balance: 6-8pts HH strung
Pattern: 14m x 15c
Flex: 70#RA


And here's the description :

The ES 116 has to go down as one of the most powerful rackets ever made. With the widest string pattern ever in a racket this size, the power and spin is off the charts. At 9.9 ounces strung, head-heavy and one of the largest sweet spots ever created, this racket is simply a MONSTER!!! You have to try this racket to believe it. Great for anybody looking for extra POP!!!

 

[zalive]

@SpinToWin:
Not just spec range, we're talking about stability, design, grommets pattern and hole size...

I have ordered two pretty light frames. Never held them in my hand before, it was testing pure luck plus I didn't want to pay much for them. So I got Pro Kennex Destiny FCS 265 and Mantis 250. Numbers are also weight in grams. Idea was that I get frames that are more control than power oriented in 90-100 sq.in. range (which they are).

PK was the first one and I was pretty pleased with the result, to say the least. Turned out great from the first take. Then I ordered Mantis for which I knew that it would need a bit more lead in the hoop (not that different specified SW's, with Mantis at 295 and PK at 301). The designs pretty similar. I applied the same tactics of customization as with PK (longer run of lead tape from 9 to 3 o'clock, then some more at 11-1 o'clock, silicone in the handle).

Turned out that Mantis was not near as good as PK. From that point i tried 7-8 re-modifications of Mantis, trying every approach that crossed my mind as potentially useful. Got it much better than from the first take, yet it still simply cannot be compared with PK. It's never that stable (tho I stabilized it in the end at 3+9 o'clock twice as much as PK), it's not near as precise (tho they both share 16x19 pattern and Mantis has only marginally bigger head size). And its sweet spot is not as big. Although their specs range is pretty similar. And all with what ever modification of Mantis I tried.

PK design is simply better, to the point where it's pretty hard, if not impossible, to get what you want from the mentioned Mantis. I really cannot imagine what should I do to make it really stable. Perhaps 20 grams at 3+9 o'clock? because even 14 grams doesn't make it ideal. Even if 8 or 10 grams are put on the outer side of the frame, which is better from twist stability aspect.

Mantis and PK are not really important, they're just an example, but this does say a lot how much the actual design of a racquet is important, and that customization is not almighty even if specs get pretty similar.

 

[movdqa]

It's impossible ....seriously .

Length: 27 3/4 in.
Weight: 9.9 ounces strung
Balance: 6-8pts HH strung
Pattern: 14m x 15c
Flex: 70#RA

And here's the description :

The ES 116 has to go down as one of the most powerful rackets ever made. With the widest string pattern ever in a racket this size, the power and spin is off the charts. At 9.9 ounces strung, head-heavy and one of the largest sweet spots ever created, this racket is simply a MONSTER!!! You have to try this racket to believe it. Great for anybody looking for extra POP!!!

My Prestige MPs are 27.6 inches, 13.25 ounces, 62 flex (strung), and 386 swingweight. These have an incredible amount of power if you can swing them. I think that Shoud has similarly heavy frames - monster power without excessive stiffness.

 

[zalive]

You can make a racquet far more forgiving with lead tape. My YT Prestige MPs have a tiny sweetspot but add 15 grams of lead and it's huge. Djokovic has lead from 8:00 to 4:00 (the long way around) and I'm sure that that really opens up the sweetspot on his frames. The downside for some players is the additional weight.

I know all this. But different designs don't offer the same reward. It's not just lead, it's what is inside the frame, it's the shape of head and weight distribution, and many other things that depend on design, construction and perhaps even materials.

If the platform is not as it should be, seems that you cannot work miracles. Now, Prestige is a serious design. I'm sure you made a great racquet from it.
Anton had experience with Mantis before me. Like me, he was unable to turn it into something that is really great.

My Prestige MPs are 27.6 inches, 13.25 ounces, 62 flex (strung), and 386 swingweight. These have an incredible amount of power if you can swing them. I think that Shoud has similarly heavy frames - monster power without excessive stiffness.

Shroud had a different challenge with his Wilson. His racquet is stiff type, large head, when you customize it hard like he did you turn it into a power monster. Which then had to be strung hard with enormous tension to be tamed.

Mine platform frames are something in between Shroud's Wilson and your Prestige. Head size closer to a Prestige, but flex like Wilson's. Not extra powered but not low powered either when you raise the SW.

 

[The Dark Knight]

My Prestige MPs are 27.6 inches, 13.25 ounces, 62 flex (strung), and 386 swingweight. These have an incredible amount of power if you can swing them. I think that Shoud has similarly heavy frames - monster power without excessive stiffness.

Nice but I don't swing ....remember I have mcenroe type strokes.

It does not come close to my vortex Es 116 .

I need maneuverablity ....at 9.9 ounces it does just that. It's a maneuverable as a 90 inch

the open string pattern of 14x15 is just insanely powerful.

As far as stiffness ...mcenroe likes a stiff racquet and so do I . I need it for the control....and with a string pattern of 14x15 a flex racquet would spray balls all over the place .

This stick is the perfect Mcenroe stick . Anyone can play like Johnny with this puppy.

I think Mcenroe would be downright scary with this thing .

Sometimes I hit volleys back that I cannot believe that I hit back . I'm actually shocked .

 

[GBplayer]

Confidence in my equipment is vital , it lets me play the game freely .

 

[smalahove]

I've been through 50+ rackets over the last couple of years. Here's some of my thoughts regarding this journey:

• As long as you develop your game, esp. going from 3.0 to 4.5, your racket preferences will change.
• If you choose a racket highlighting your strengths (f.inst. forehand), this will often be very different from the ones that give your weaknesses better margins (f.inst. ohbh).
• As you get better, your opponents and/or playing partners tend to get better as well. Which results in smaller margins (ref. point above)
• Do you want to focus on playing (aesthetic) tennis - or winning matches?
• String and tension choice, as well as customizing with lead and silicon, can greatly change the playing characteristics and sensation of a frame.
• With age, beware of stiff frames, stiff polys and high tensions (even synt gut at high tension).

 

[ed70]

Never found a holy grail that feels like an extension of my arm when I'm getting my ass kicked on court.

 

[TennisHound]

I do know that your body will automatically adjust to whatever racquet you use. For about the first couple of days, the racquet feels great, then you begin to adjust to it and everything goes back to normal. Then it's just another racquet. Then you lose a tight match (or two) with it. And you start to think about its weaknesses and how a different racquet would have helped. It's a never ending cycle.

 

[Alex78]

Approximately 20-23%.

 

[dgoran]

IMHO There is a grain of truth in both arguments of course providing you have the same level of skill changing racquets can definitely improve or degrade ones game since not all racquets are suited for every body style and style of play

 

[Anton]

Impossible to answer. Sometimes things click for you with one racket where they do not with another.

There is technique and ways of playing that will improve your game no matter what racket, but the right racket can possibly get you to grab on to particular ideas about how to improve and achieve a whole new level.

Tennis is mostly between the ears, but gear choices effect that process...how is a very personal thing for everyone.

 

[The Dark Knight]

I think the key to finding your holy grail is really understanding your own game ....which is far more difficult than it sounds.

It took me years to actually really understand my own game .

I've always had a big serve and great volleys.

Having quick hands I had a great return of serve game and actually pretty decent groundtrokes.

Every stick i tried was testing my serve my volley and my ground strokes .

I always seemed to like 11 ounce stiff sticks with no bigger than a 100 square in frame .

Babolat APD extended was my stick of choice .... And I didn't think I would ever find anything better . I would not say it was a "holy grail " because it did not raise me to a new level but I felt the best with this stick.

One day I happen to play with a stick from an unknown company by the name of vortex ...I actually played with their 100 inch version and I liked it as much as the babolat .

But then just for fun i tried the es 116.....it was gigantic ! It was 27 3/4 and weighed a mere 9.9 ounces with a 14x 15 pattern ......Surely this boat could not play well.

Shockingly I had the best volleys of my life and my return of serve was amazing . But my serve was way way off and my ground strokes were horrible .

It was a fun stick but i tossed it and stuck with my APD.

I took lessons , read books , watched videos , changed strings , nothing worked I remained at the same level .

Years later I went back to the ES 116 and tried it again. Except this time I noticed something very different .....

On my transition game from serve to the net ......the stretch shots or reach shots or even shots at my feet.....all I had to do was get my racquet on the ball . With my APD I would eother miss those or get a weak shot back....but with this stick i would not only get it back ....but they were winners .

From the baseline the same was true ....the hard to reach shots instead of being weak with my APD ....went back strongly and deep.

My serve admittedly was not as strong with the vortex .....but my second serve was far far better ....and I learned it's the second serve that wins matches !

I also realized that when I would rest racquets it would be on balls where I was not moving or volleys when I was already at the net and not the transition game .

On the shots where I don't have to move the babolat is admittedly better ....but the vortex is good enough on those shots for a winner anyway.

The Vortex has cleaned up all my weak shots....or my "B" game . I have gone up another level in every respect .

When you play a match its the shots when you are in trouble that you have to test for ....when your stretched out or when a shot is hit at your knees on a volley ....

The Vortex Es 116 is my holy grail and no racquet has ever improved my game the way this one has .

I'm able to hit shots that even surprise me with very little effort .

I'm in absolute heaven . Whether I can improve even more is another question .....but I'm definitely playing the best tennis of my life and I'm a far far better player with this racquet .....I don't even know what it is I could improve on actually ....I guess conditioning and losing weight?

As far as my game ....I have no issues ....I hit the ball where I want how I want when I want ....it's an extension of my hand .

It's taken me many many years to find her ....but I finally have !

 

[skraggle]

There's a lot of effort on these boards looking for the holy grail of frames and I think that this continual search for frames detracts from just focusing on playing and improving your game. If your racquet, strings, overgrips, dampeners, etc. are constant, then you're free to work on improvements without the little doubts in your mind about your equipment.

So take the time and effort to find THE FRAME and then just buy a bunch of them for the long haul and never worry about racquets again.

This is great advice that rings true.

The best rec player I know (5.5 level) gets his blacked out racquets and mystery string from a friend who is a tech for a racquet company. Every so often, the tech will just take back the older frames and give him newer ones. I asked what they were and what strings they had, and he didn't know and didn't care.

Instead of worrying about equipment, all of his focus is on fitness and technique improvement. He goes to a high-end tennis academy a few times a year, trains religiously, and has well-used fitness bikes and stair steppers at home.

If the majority of us grabbed a frame/string combo that works well, and spent the time and money that usually gets allotted to equipment tweaks on lessons and fitness instead, chances are good that real improvements will be made. This includes me, as much as I hate to admit it.

Would be an interesting thread to figure out how much money and effort went into equipment and what gains were made, and then setting aside the same money and effort to working on ourselves and charting the progress.

 

[The Dark Knight]

The difference is he is that good ....we all cannot be as good regardless of how hard we work......that's why at least I started to focus on equipment .

No matter how hard I work and train I will never be able to play nearly as well as Sampras with a ps85.

I recognize that I need help ....and my racquet has helped rise a whole level .....I simply cannot play as well with a ps85

 

[phanker]

There is no such thing as "the one" I've realized since I've had this eureka feelings multiple times over the last few years and only to find myself cheating again shortly after. What I play now is what I've settled for, for the time being. You can't possibly find "the one" unless you've tried everything available.

So while I game with my 3 main sticks I've settled for, I still keep around about 5 other sticks with various string pattern and weight distribution but all swing similarly in swingweight. Strings make a huge difference as it can totally make or break a frame. So on the side, I try various strings on all these frames as a way to educate myself the effects of all the variables involved. I've learned a great deal and feels like I know more and more what works for me and what doesn't.

At least this will now give me the best chance of finding "the one" now that I know what to look for. I'm definitely enjoying the journey though.

 

[coolschreiber]

Go with the stick that feels best, with approximately the right weight and weight distribution you want. Then just fine tune it with lead and strings. In the end and least importantly.... Start working on your technique