Middle Aged Fat Guy Seeks New Racquet

[BulldogLouisiana]

Hello Everyone,

So, I'm a really out of shape gentleman in his early 40's. I'm terrible at Tennis, although I really love it. I've taken a few lessons, about 3 years ago - but developed Tennis Elbow and tried to keep playing through it. It got so painful that I nearly screamed every time I hit a ball, so I had to take 6 months off for it to go away. Two years later, I'm starting to get back into tennis.

My racquets that I was/were using are Babolat Pure Strike Tour, and Pure Strike 16X19. They were purchased in 2014. I think I hurt my elbow just trying to swing out of my socks on a serve, which is really stupid because my serve sucks. I am somewhat fearful of tennis elbow returning, although I don't feel any discomfort yet.

My tennis style would probably be best described as a gasping, lunging, blocky defensive junkballer style. I can't create my own pace, and when I get tired (usually during warm ups) my footwork goes to hell. I swear, I use to be really fast in high school. I'm also pretty short at 5' 8" - I don't know if this is relevant info, but thought I'd include it. I have no clue what my rating would be. I can get the ball over the net, but it's usually in the forecourt. My best shots are usually returns on serves that are so fast I don't have time to think.

I am wanting to buy a new racquet or two, but really don't know how to evaluate them. Would a longer racquet help me get to balls a little easier? I don't want a super big head size, but maybe I should. I don't know if I should consider more arm friendly racquets etc..

I do believe in buying high quality, and growing into it. I'd appreciate any suggestions, and I'm sorry for creating such a long post.

Edit: I am signed up to start lessons again. I want to one day be able to hit amazing, deep forehands with lots of top spin. If I can stay healthy, I do think I'll put in lots of work to improve.

 

[pro_staff_user]

Hi. Welcome to the forums.

For your tennis elbow --
What kinda strings were you using in your Pure Strike ? If you can afford it, go for Babolat VS Series - Natural Gut, most comfortable and wouldn't hurt your arm at all. If not, try a multifilament string like Technifibre NRG2 or HDX or similar..

Hope you have seen a doctor for your TE. When you eventually get to see a Physio, they'll advise some exercises for your hands, follow them to the T

For New Racket --
Try and find a racquet which doesn't aggravate your Tennis elbow. Pro Kennex makes really comfortable tennis rackets and specifically targetted for ppl who have TE/GE. Maybe some can chime in with a model name or something.

I would suggest you try and enjoy the game. You will hit those amazing forehands at a later point in time. Please try and concentrate on the basic mechanics of the forehand / backhand / serve and how it works. All the best !!

 

[Dartagnan64]

For comfort: 11.5-12 oz mass, Head light balance, Sub 64 RA
Do not get XL frames as the added leverage puts more torque on the arm.

I'd suggest rackets like the Prince Phantom, Yonex DR and Volkl V-Sense lines. And string with multifilaments like Biphase, NXT or Excel or a unique string like Origin.

 

[beltsman]

Hello Everyone,

So, I'm a really out of shape gentleman in his early 40's. I'm terrible at Tennis, although I really love it. I've taken a few lessons, about 3 years ago - but developed Tennis Elbow and tried to keep playing through it. It got so painful that I nearly screamed every time I hit a ball, so I had to take 6 months off for it to go away. Two years later, I'm starting to get back into tennis.

My racquets that I was/were using are Babolat Pure Strike Tour, and Pure Strike 16X19. They were purchased in 2014. I think I hurt my elbow just trying to swing out of my socks on a serve, which is really stupid because my serve sucks. I am somewhat fearful of tennis elbow returning, although I don't feel any discomfort yet.

My tennis style would probably be best described as a gasping, lunging, blocky defensive junkballer style. I can't create my own pace, and when I get tired (usually during warm ups) my footwork goes to hell. I swear, I use to be really fast in high school. I'm also pretty short at 5' 8" - I don't know if this is relevant info, but thought I'd include it. I have no clue what my rating would be. I can get the ball over the net, but it's usually in the forecourt. My best shots are usually returns on serves that are so fast I don't have time to think.

I am wanting to buy a new racquet or two, but really don't know how to evaluate them. Would a longer racquet help me get to balls a little easier? I don't want a super big head size, but maybe I should. I don't know if I should consider more arm friendly racquets etc..

I do believe in buying high quality, and growing into it. I'd appreciate any suggestions, and I'm sorry for creating such a long post.

Edit: I am signed up to start lessons again. I want to one day be able to hit amazing, deep forehands with lots of top spin. If I can stay healthy, I do think I'll put in lots of work to improve.

Tennis elbow or golfer's elbow? Tennis elbow typically occurs on a 1HBH. Golfer's elbow typically occurs on serve/FH.

They are similar injuries but on different sides of the elbow.

 

[mscream]

I would recommend looking into Prince racquets and definitely stay away from Babolat. Prince has some of the most comfortable racquets on the market yet they still work for high level tennis.

 

[McLovin]

@BulldogLouisiana, Tennis Warehouse has an excellent demo program that allows you to demo up to four (4) racquets for a week for $20. That price includes shipping both ways. To learn more about it, and see what frames are available, go to http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/demoprogram.html

They have various grip sizes as well as string types (many have a poly & a multi option). While @Dartagnan64 makes a good point about the stiffness rating, you can't go strictly on the specs. For example, I demoed the Volkl V-Sense V1 Pro a few months back. That is rated at 66RA, but it felt more like lower 60s to me. Granted, it had full multi in it, but still, it was extremely comfortable.

So, I'd say find a couple frames that look interesting, read a few of the reviews, as well as what people say about them here, decide on 4 and order away.

And if you don't like any of those 4, return them and order 4 more! Demoing is fun...

 

[Dartagnan64]

Tennis elbow or golfer's elbow? Tennis elbow typically occurs on a 1HBH. Golfer's elbow typically occurs on serve/FH.

They are similar injuries but on different sides of the elbow.

I've had TE and have a 2HBH and felt it most on the serve. I think either injury can happen depending on technique rather than stroke specific.

 

[BulldogLouisiana]

Tennis elbow or golfer's elbow? Tennis elbow typically occurs on a 1HBH. Golfer's elbow typically occurs on serve/FH.

They are similar injuries but on different sides of the elbow.

I believe that I did self diagnose myself with Golfer's elbow. It's weird, for something that hurt so bad for so long - I'm trying to remember exactly where it hurt. I believe it was mainly on the inside of my arm, especially at the inner wrist (under my index finger, right below the thumb pad).

 

[Dartagnan64]

I believe that I did self diagnose myself with Golfer's elbow. It's weird, for something that hurt so bad for so long - I'm trying to remember exactly where it hurt. I believe it was mainly on the inside of my arm, especially at the inner wrist (under my index finger, right below the thumb pad).

That's more of a wrist injury from the sounds of it. But wrist and elbow injuries largely arise from the same racket issues: stiff strings and frames, poor technique, wrong grip size and lack of plowthrough.

 

[BulldogLouisiana]

That's more of a wrist injury from the sounds of it. But wrist and elbow injuries largely arise from the same racket issues: stiff strings and frames, poor technique, wrong grip size and lack of plowthrough.

The pain definitely radiated the entire length of my arm to include the elbow, but I seem to remember it being really intense at my wrist. I'm pretty sure I'm using the right sized grip, according to the test that I saw on TW. I have no doubt that poor technique had a lot to do with it.

 

[pro_staff_user]

better see a doc first before anything else if it was that bad

 

[milk of amnesia]

My suggestion would be to demo the Volkl C10 Pro. It's a classic racquet with great feel. It's also easy on the arm as it has a stiffness rating in the low 60's and it also has some technology in the handle which absorbs vibrations. The trade-off is that you will have to provide your own power - so this is the kind of racquet that you will have to grow into, but no matter how good you get, you will want to keep it.

As for strings, I would definitely go with natural gut. It's the most expensive up front, but the least expensive in the long run. Natural gut is easiest on the arm, maintains its tension better than any other type of string, doesn't break as quickly as any other type of string (provided you take care of it) and it provides more power than any other type of string.

Demo as many racquets as you can and ask your instructor for racquet advice as well, but if your instructor works for a place that has its own pro shop keep in mind that he will probably limit his suggestions to what they sell.

 

[penguin]

Seconding pro kennex but really anything with a low ra (flex) strung with a string that isn't poly or kevlar should do you fine.

You could pick up a second hand Dunlop revelation pro tour or muscle weave off ebae pretty cheap- these older designs play well without poly in them and would allow you to develop your game

 

[BulldogLouisiana]

Hi. Welcome to the forums.

For your tennis elbow --
What kinda strings were you using in your Pure Strike ? If you can afford it, go for Babolat VS Series - Natural Gut, most comfortable and wouldn't hurt your arm at all. If not, try a multifilament string like Technifibre NRG2 or HDX or similar..

Hope you have seen a doctor for your TE. When you eventually get to see a Physio, they'll advise some exercises for your hands, follow them to the T

For New Racket --
Try and find a racquet which doesn't aggravate your Tennis elbow. Pro Kennex makes really comfortable tennis rackets and specifically targetted for ppl who have TE/GE. Maybe some can chime in with a model name or something.

I would suggest you try and enjoy the game. You will hit those amazing forehands at a later point in time. Please try and concentrate on the basic mechanics of the forehand / backhand / serve and how it works. All the best !!

I don't recall the strings that I was using. Pretty sure it was multi or synthetic gut.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

Hello Everyone,

So, I'm a really out of shape gentleman in his early 40's. I'm terrible at Tennis, although I really love it. I've taken a few lessons, about 3 years ago - but developed Tennis Elbow and tried to keep playing through it. It got so painful that I nearly screamed every time I hit a ball, so I had to take 6 months off for it to go away. Two years later, I'm starting to get back into tennis.

My racquets that I was/were using are Babolat Pure Strike Tour, and Pure Strike 16X19. They were purchased in 2014. I think I hurt my elbow just trying to swing out of my socks on a serve, which is really stupid because my serve sucks. I am somewhat fearful of tennis elbow returning, although I don't feel any discomfort yet.

My tennis style would probably be best described as a gasping, lunging, blocky defensive junkballer style. I can't create my own pace, and when I get tired (usually during warm ups) my footwork goes to hell. I swear, I use to be really fast in high school. I'm also pretty short at 5' 8" - I don't know if this is relevant info, but thought I'd include it. I have no clue what my rating would be. I can get the ball over the net, but it's usually in the forecourt. My best shots are usually returns on serves that are so fast I don't have time to think.

I am wanting to buy a new racquet or two, but really don't know how to evaluate them. Would a longer racquet help me get to balls a little easier? I don't want a super big head size, but maybe I should. I don't know if I should consider more arm friendly racquets etc..

I do believe in buying high quality, and growing into it. I'd appreciate any suggestions, and I'm sorry for creating such a long post.

Edit: I am signed up to start lessons again. I want to one day be able to hit amazing, deep forehands with lots of top spin. If I can stay healthy, I do think I'll put in lots of work to improve.

kudos on the refreshing honesty... you deserve similar racquet. Angell tc100 ra 63... but mostly it sounds like mechanics, fix those first.

a nice soft frame that does everything well and it and won't hurt your arm so you can concentrate on all the other stuff is the best way to go. Hope you have a great season.

 

[max]

Volkl V-1

 

[nvr2old]

My mantra returning to the game was low RA flex rating and comfort as a priority. While I’ve played for years and technique is less of an issue I still think low RA sticks are best for “older” players as well as multi strings vs polys in general. My personal picks would be:

Head MG series for budget minded
Pro Kennex 5G or 7G slightly more expensive
Yonex ezone or vcore tour older models
Prince Textreme models
Angell if price is no object

 

[realplayer]

you need a forgiving oversize racket. Pure drive 107 or my favourite KI15 280 are rackets that would suit you. Perfect rackets for a middle aged fat guy.

 

[Zoolander]

Best thread title ever!

I would suggest middle aged fat guys use something around 100 sq inch with flex lower than 65 and only 16 mains for more power. And def use syn gut or nat gut strings, dont even think about poly! I forbid it!

 

[BulldogLouisiana]

kudos on the refreshing honesty... you deserve similar racquet. Angell tc100 ra 63... but mostly it sounds like mechanics, fix those first.

a nice soft frame that does everything well and it and won't hurt your arm so you can concentrate on all the other stuff is the best way to go. Hope you have a great season.

I didn't see a referral option or I'd have listed you, but I just placed my order for a TC100 ra 63, with 16x19 string pattern. I'm really looking forward to it! What strings would you recommend? I'm leaning torward natural gut, since I'm not in danger of breaking strings anytime soon.

 

[BulldogLouisiana]

Volkl V-1

Does this suggestion mean the Volkl Classic V1 DE? There are a few V1's listed on the Tennis Warehouse site.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

I didn't see a referral option or I'd have listed you, but I just placed my order for a TC100 ra 63, with 16x19 string pattern. I'm really looking forward to it! What strings would you recommend? I'm leaning torward natural gut, since I'm not in danger of breaking strings anytime soon.

natural gut will have a lot of power and comfort... my hitting partner has used pacific classic with rslyon in the crosses but full gut should be good. Hopefully you can just concentrate on tennis and enjoy it now.

 

[max]

Does this suggestion mean the Volkl Classic V1 DE? There are a few V1's listed on the Tennis Warehouse site.

nah, just something in this model. There's a variety.

 

[max]

natural gut will have a lot of power and comfort... my hitting partner has used pacific classic with rslyon in the crosses but full gut should be good. Hopefully you can just concentrate on tennis and enjoy it now.

The times I've used gut, I really haven't quickly snapped it. It just goes on for a good long while, and would gradually wear out. YMMV considerably, though.

 

[max]

re: this thread.

I think the advice is pretty good for young players, too. I think there's only so much playing time anyone can do with a VERY STIFF Babolat-type frame strung with STIFF/HARD poly string. Arms and arms and they can fall off when abused.

 

[SavvyStringer]

Hello Everyone,

So, I'm a really out of shape gentleman in his early 40's. I'm terrible at Tennis, although I really love it. I've taken a few lessons, about 3 years ago - but developed Tennis Elbow and tried to keep playing through it. It got so painful that I nearly screamed every time I hit a ball, so I had to take 6 months off for it to go away. Two years later, I'm starting to get back into tennis.

My racquets that I was/were using are Babolat Pure Strike Tour, and Pure Strike 16X19. They were purchased in 2014. I think I hurt my elbow just trying to swing out of my socks on a serve, which is really stupid because my serve sucks. I am somewhat fearful of tennis elbow returning, although I don't feel any discomfort yet.

My tennis style would probably be best described as a gasping, lunging, blocky defensive junkballer style. I can't create my own pace, and when I get tired (usually during warm ups) my footwork goes to hell. I swear, I use to be really fast in high school. I'm also pretty short at 5' 8" - I don't know if this is relevant info, but thought I'd include it. I have no clue what my rating would be. I can get the ball over the net, but it's usually in the forecourt. My best shots are usually returns on serves that are so fast I don't have time to think.

I am wanting to buy a new racquet or two, but really don't know how to evaluate them. Would a longer racquet help me get to balls a little easier? I don't want a super big head size, but maybe I should. I don't know if I should consider more arm friendly racquets etc..

I do believe in buying high quality, and growing into it. I'd appreciate any suggestions, and I'm sorry for creating such a long post.

Edit: I am signed up to start lessons again. I want to one day be able to hit amazing, deep forehands with lots of top spin. If I can stay healthy, I do think I'll put in lots of work to improve.

Look into Volkl rackets. A V-sense 8 300g would be a good, spin friendly, powerful racket so you don't have to generate the pace yourself. Its very similar to a pure drive or head extreme with a more dampened feel so it shouldn't hurt your arm.

 

[JohnP480]

All of these are good suggestions. But technique plays a big part so you should take a few more lessons. If you're not looking to spend a lot on a racquet, then I suggest the Head Radical Microgel Oversize. These are still being sold on TW. Very easy on the arm. 107" head size. Just string it below recommended mid tension with a multi and you'll get enough umph out of it.

 

[topspn]

I would suggest an Angell K7. I have yet to hit with anything that has the comfort of this frame. Super easy to pick up and play in stock form, very high quality and as you develop will be perfect to customize a bit for added weight and SW.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

Use your old frame strung with cheap (but soft!) synthetic gut at low tension. Send the money on a few lessons and a subscription to the TE site (Salzy) Good luck! BHBH


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

Use your old frame strung with cheap (but soft!) synthetic gut at low tension. Send the money on a few lessons and a subscription to the TE site (Salzy) Good luck! BHBH


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

If you feel compelled to do something with your gear open the trapdoor on the butt cap and spray some Home Depot sourced foam in there. Great for dampening. [emoji120]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[tmc5005]

Hi,
If you looking for an arm / elbow friendly racquet my current top 10 list includes:

Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene Prestige MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
Wilson Ultra Tour
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Q+ Tour Pro
Pro Kennex KI5 320
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson Countervale Blade 98 18×20
Dunlop Srixon Rev CX 2.0 Tour

 

[PBODY99]

Demo the Prince Warrior 100L.

 

[Don't Let It Bounce]

I didn't see a referral option or I'd have listed you, but I just placed my order for a TC100 ra 63, with 16x19 string pattern. I'm really looking forward to it! What strings would you recommend? I'm leaning torward natural gut, since I'm not in danger of breaking strings anytime soon.

Congratulations on an excellent choice. I bet you're going to love it. For the situation you describe, natural gut is an easy call: in my experience, a full bed of gut makes an even bigger difference to tendon health than racket choice... and you'll have both working for you.

Enjoy! And when you get everything together and take it out for a spin, please post how it went.

 

[TennisCJC]

get a yonex EZONE 100 - either the older model ezone DR 100 or the newer ezone 100 - both are excellent. it is a 100" head, will help add power, is a 16x19 pattern good for control and spin. It is also perhaps the most comfortable of the 100" rackets with a thicker beam.

Another option is volkl v-sense v1 pro or volkl v-sense v1. these are 100 and 102 inch heads respective and very good combo of power, spin and comfort.

 

[realplayer]

I didn't see a referral option or I'd have listed you, but I just placed my order for a TC100 ra 63, with 16x19 string pattern. I'm really looking forward to it! What strings would you recommend? I'm leaning torward natural gut, since I'm not in danger of breaking strings anytime soon.

Hope you will enjoy the racket. Angell makes high quality rackets but the very open string pattern in the middle of the tc100 gave an erratic response for me and with multi or synthetic gut the strings are all over the place. You definitely need poly in the racket. Hyper g with the thickest gauge would be my advice.

 

[time_fly]

My general advice is if you want to get better at tennis, invest in lessons and do general athletic / conditioning training as well as playing to help get back into shape. Don't worry too much about the racquet, as long as it's easy to play with and doesn't hurt. A lot of variations of the Prince Textreme Warrior are on sale right now -- why not the 107 which is very forgiving and has decent control for an oversized frame? I also recommend staying away from poly until you get your technique / arm issues under control.

 

[BulldogLouisiana]

Congratulations on an excellent choice. I bet you're going to love it. For the situation you describe, natural gut is an easy call: in my experience, a full bed of gut makes an even bigger difference to tendon health than racket choice... and you'll have both working for you.

Enjoy! And when you get everything together and take it out for a spin, please post how it went.

I got my racquet from Angell much faster than I expected. Had it strung with a full bed of KLIP Legend Tour Natural Gut. I've only hit with it once so far, but I really, really liked it! It is definitely a great feeling racquet, and I think I made a great choice.

 

[BulldogLouisiana]

My general advice is if you want to get better at tennis, invest in lessons and do general athletic / conditioning training as well as playing to help get back into shape. Don't worry too much about the racquet, as long as it's easy to play with and doesn't hurt. A lot of variations of the Prince Textreme Warrior are on sale right now -- why not the 107 which is very forgiving and has decent control for an oversized frame? I also recommend staying away from poly until you get your technique / arm issues under control.

Thanks for the advice! I already purchased an Angell TC100, but I'm working hard on getting back in shape. I'm also taking lessons once or twice a week, and maybe that will help me out one day.

 

[danbrenner]

The advice you are getting from the other posters is great advice.
However. You and you alone are going to be the jusge and jury on your next stick.
My point is you should demo
Up to 4 sticks for $20. Then Report your findings back to us

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

I got my racquet from Angell much faster than I expected. Had it strung with a full bed of KLIP Legend Tour Natural Gut. I've only hit with it once so far, but I really, really liked it! It is definitely a great feeling racquet, and I think I made a great choice.

Glad you are digging it... the thing with getting a great stick is that it removes something to blame... sometimes a crucial part of tennis

 

[BulldogLouisiana]

kudos on the refreshing honesty... you deserve similar racquet. Angell tc100 ra 63... but mostly it sounds like mechanics, fix those first.

a nice soft frame that does everything well and it and won't hurt your arm so you can concentrate on all the other stuff is the best way to go. Hope you have a great season.

Well, Backhanded Compliment should get a discount from Angell. I've already purchased 2 TC100 Custom Classics, 1 Custom V3 100, and just ordered the Slazenger Pro Braided. Is there a hotline or something that I can call for help?

I want to try a poly in my new racquet, but want to stay pretty arm friendly. Any recommendations?

 

[ROCKinCourier]

Nevermind .. didn't realize this was an older thread. Congrats on your purchase and best of luck!

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

Well, Backhanded Compliment should get a discount from Angell. I've already purchased 2 TC100 Custom Classics, 1 Custom V3 100, and just ordered the Slazenger Pro Braided. Is there a hotline or something that I can call for help?

I want to try a poly in my new racquet, but want to stay pretty arm friendly. Any recommendations?

rslyon is great but low powered... weiscannon scirpion has a lot more power... i also really like poly tour pro black from yonex.

I believe theatmost players really can't go wrong with the TC 100...

the reward is there are the sort of tennis racquets that I like available to me when I want them. Also I root for underdogs and Paul is an engineer my dad was an engineer as well...

I also get a kick out of bucking the industry Trend Industries not listening to me and a lot of players who prefer these sorts of frames

 

[Rabbit]

@BulldogLouisianaDemoing is fun...

Yes to your entire post except the above. I imagine heroin is fun the first few times you do it too. I know alcohol is fun. The problem is ADDICTION. Thankfully, I have finally completed a 137 step program to break my addiction from trying every new frame that comes out (hopefully). I live one day at a time now. Keeping a journal with only three words at the end of each day I resist the temptation: YOU DONE GOOD

@TripleB are you out there, buddy?

 

[McLovin]

Sadly, @Rabbit, I gave into the temptation last week and picked up a barely-used Volkl V1 Pro (one of the racquets I demoed) from @vantageboy (which had the 'S' pallet). After hitting with it, I immediately went out & purchased a couple more 'S' pallets, and am now on the prowl for used V1 Pros...

 

[TennisHound]

Hello Everyone,

So, I'm a really out of shape gentleman in his early 40's. I'm terrible at Tennis, although I really love it. I've taken a few lessons, about 3 years ago - but developed Tennis Elbow and tried to keep playing through it. It got so painful that I nearly screamed every time I hit a ball, so I had to take 6 months off for it to go away. Two years later, I'm starting to get back into tennis.

My racquets that I was/were using are Babolat Pure Strike Tour, and Pure Strike 16X19. They were purchased in 2014. I think I hurt my elbow just trying to swing out of my socks on a serve, which is really stupid because my serve sucks. I am somewhat fearful of tennis elbow returning, although I don't feel any discomfort yet.

My tennis style would probably be best described as a gasping, lunging, blocky defensive junkballer style. I can't create my own pace, and when I get tired (usually during warm ups) my footwork goes to hell. I swear, I use to be really fast in high school. I'm also pretty short at 5' 8" - I don't know if this is relevant info, but thought I'd include it. I have no clue what my rating would be. I can get the ball over the net, but it's usually in the forecourt. My best shots are usually returns on serves that are so fast I don't have time to think.

I am wanting to buy a new racquet or two, but really don't know how to evaluate them. Would a longer racquet help me get to balls a little easier? I don't want a super big head size, but maybe I should. I don't know if I should consider more arm friendly racquets etc..

I do believe in buying high quality, and growing into it. I'd appreciate any suggestions, and I'm sorry for creating such a long post.

Edit: I am signed up to start lessons again. I want to one day be able to hit amazing, deep forehands with lots of top spin. If I can stay healthy, I do think I'll put in lots of work to improve.

It doesn't sound like the racquet will matter in this situation.

 

[Anton]

Well, Backhanded Compliment should get a discount from Angell. I've already purchased 2 TC100 Custom Classics, 1 Custom V3 100, and just ordered the Slazenger Pro Braided. Is there a hotline or something that I can call for help?

I want to try a poly in my new racquet, but want to stay pretty arm friendly. Any recommendations?

Key to comfort with going full poly is keeping the tension low and cutting it out if it gets locked up (crosses digging deep into the mains).

I'd recommend trying Cyclone 17 at about 50lbs (for 16x19, 100sq). RS Lyon is good too.

If you want top comfort and good performance Natural Gut/Poly hybrid is king.

 

[Rabbit]

Sadly, @Rabbit, I gave into the temptation last week and picked up a barely-used Volkl V1 Pro (one of the racquets I demoed) from @vantageboy (which had the 'S' pallet). After hitting with it, I immediately went out & purchased a couple more 'S' pallets, and am now on the prowl for used V1 Pros...

You know, after I went to the trouble to get the R pallet, I played like crap with it. I went back to the whatever-pallet that came on the frames. I feel ya on that. V1 Pro, huh?

 

[TagUrIt]

Whatever racquet you choose, make sure you get the correct grip size. That also can be a contributing factor to tennis elbow. Also nothing wrong with an oversized racquet. Larger sweet spot and more forgiving on the mis-hits.

 

[McLovin]

V1 Pro, huh?

Yeah. Its the Super G version (instead of the newer V-Sense). It gives me a little more power, yet its still a very forgiving frame (maybe its that extra .5 sq in in the '99.5 sq in' headsize..). They're 4 3/8, and I prefer 4 1/2, so I just add a 2nd overwrap (its around 315g unstrung). I was going to add some lead in the handle anyway, so I kill 2 birds.

I always liked Volkl, but like Head, cannot stand the rectangular-shaped handle. Now that I know where to get pallets, I'm giving Volkl another chance.