Modern racquet for 1hbh

[BallBasher247]

You make these claims of three Exhibits that are not good for 1HBH, but give no justification for why this is the case. Please don’t say it is because you read about it on this forum. While I haven’t played with oversize racquets, I have démoed Blades, Pure Drives etc many times and didn’t like them for either my FH or 1HBH - there wasn’t any big variance on either wing for me.

My counterclaim would be that you would see Blades, Pure Drives, AeroPros and other thick beams used a lot by 1HBH players on the pro tour, college ranks and at your local club as they are amongst the most popular racquet models amongst all players whether they have a 1HBH or 2HBH. Just look at the diverse recommendations just on this thread and other threads in the past where posters recommend 1HBH racquets. The racquets I like have been excellent on both wings and at the net.

Incidentally, a high % of 1HBHs today are seen only amongst senior 60+ age group players and they almost exclusively use either Oversize racquets and/or thick beam racquets. Just go around your club or local college practice or pro tournament and see what racquets are used by 1HBH players - you will see a lot of racquets that you say are not suitable. Advanced 4.5+ players under the age of 40 who have 1HBHs are few and far between and even there you see quite a diversity of racquet specs.

I‘ve heard often players at my clubs talk about liking some racquets for serving and others for groundstrokes. I can’t recall people telling me they like some racquets for FHs and others for BHs. Advanced players don’t have a very unbalanced game where their BH is much weaker than their FH and they might have smaller difference in pace/spin/error rate between the two wings - BH liability that needs a lower SW or thin-beam racquet to generate good swing speed is a technique issue that is more common at lower levels and that should be fixed by correcting technique. So, 4.5+ players don‘t need different racquets for the BH wing as their swing speed, body rotation and early setup will still be pretty good on the 1HBH side. My social group is mostly 4.5/5.0 players or coaches who typically have somewhat textbook technique that was developed under coaching at the junior level. So, I can’t comment much or know much about the preferences of those at lower levels who learned tennis as adults. Since the board here seems dominated by adult learners, it seems like my views of racquets not making a huge difference compared to technique always seem to be contrarian,

On the other hand, I think strings and tensions make a huge difference and the power/control/spin potential of any racquet can be tuned over an incredibly wide range by experimenting with strings and tensions. My philosophy is to choose racquets based on comfort, stability and feel while power/control/spin can be tuned easily by changing strings/tensions. But, many posters here want to change racquets before they change strings and tensions. They also play with poly strings for way too long after it goes dead, get injured and then blame whatever racquet they are playing with.

Exhibit A-not good for 1HBH in stock form because Blade style rackets have near even balances coupled with high-ish SWs which makes it harder to use your wrist on the shot. Blades and similar rackets are nice on the 1HBH with counterbalancing; extra mass in the handle and buttcap allow for easier acceleration of the racket head.

Exhibit B-not good for 1HBH when heavy due to increased aerodynamic drag on a larger hoop size (greater force req’d to displace more air). Ok when light or with very HL balance

Exhibit C-not good for 1HBH in stock form for a combination of the reasons from exhibit A and exhibit B. More drag from bigger hoop and thicker beam, along with a near even balance. Better on 1HBH w/ counterbalancing.

I’d argue the 1HBH is more popular than you may think among us under 45 players. Sure, there’s lots of diversity of specs, but generally the players with stronger 1HBHs use rackets that help them out on that wing. Many of the players I’ve seen and played on college teams in my area with 1HBHs and rackets like blades, PA/PDs w/o mods either have very weak/inconsistent BHs or block the ball more often than not/use very little wrist on the shot. Many of the players I see w/ blades, pure strikes, etc that use 1HBHs counterbalance their sticks and they usually end up feeling nice on that shot when I get a chance to hit them. Most of the players I see who use their 1HBHs as a main weapon have Prostaffs, VCP’s, VC95’s and whatnot.

Totally agree on changing strings before rackets; they have the biggest impact on how your setup performs. But IME the one shot that takes me the longest to dial in whenever I switch between rackets is the 1HBH because it requires more precise timing and footwork than other shots. Also, I’ve heard plenty of high level players talk about enjoying different rackets in different ways. For example, a friend of mine from my team was telling me about how much more he enjoyed his RF97 on serve and his FH compared to his VCP HD, but his 1HBH is notably less consistent. I hear stuff like this all the time. For me there’s definitely rackets I love on different groundstrokes; e.g I love my FH all round on stock Pure Strikes but don’t like my BH. I love my BH on my teammate’s G360+ Prestige Pros and BLX Six.One’s (16x18), but I lack my usual spin on my FH w/ the PP’s and I don’t like the 6.1’s inconsistency on attacking FHs compared to my rackets.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I agree with this guy time410s. The racquet actually makes so much difference!

I listened to this video on the topic.

I agree with what he's saying on many levels. I support him and his journey. His experiences are his own and valid in every way.

He is right about the fact that better players will be more sensitive to changes and specs. Therefore, they will notice things, and they will be more particular about things.

What I mean when I say that it is more down to the player... what I mean is that great players will be able to pick up more racquets and make them right for them and play well with them. What I'm saying is that a higher-level player will play better with a wider range of racquets than a lower-level player. It doesn't mean (at least to me) that players will not have preferences and be more particular about exactly what they want, which racquet they want, and how they like things than a lower-level player.

I know using Pros to illustrate examples can be frustrating (as 99% of us will never be there), but it illustrates the point some of these people are trying to make. Agassi (from memory) famously beat a very good player (you know, like a 5.0 level type of thing) using a frying pan. He did this because he had exceptional technique and fitness, trained his whole life, and all of those things people don't like hearing about. Just because people don't like hearing about it, doesn't mean it's not true.

I understand that it is very frustrating to hear some of these comments and it might not be very helpful to people. But, it is also true that not all racquets are right for everyone, not all racquets suit everyone, and there are just some racquets that will be out of my range because I am not good enough to use them. I can hear that, I can take that info... but some people can't. They want to be told that they can do anything... and when they can't... they like to blame the racquet... or say it's crap as a fact. The racquet is the racquet, it will suit some people and not others... but that doesn't mean the racquet is bad, it means it doesn't suit that particular person.

So, sometimes when people do that... and flat out say the racquet is bad, like it's the racquets fault... some other people have to come out and say that they found it to be great, that they found no issue with it, and that perhaps it might be the person's technique or proficiency level that is the issue. It's not always the issue... but sometimes it is. We do live in a society and culture (or times, if you like) where some (the percentage is up for debate) people don't have patience, attention spans are low, and everything needs to happen now and be perfect... otherwise, it's bad, or garbage. Some people are very quick to blame everything but themselves and are not prepared to be honest about themselves and their capabilities. That's why you have people appearing on American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance, and shows like that... who are horrible, incapable, not of the right standard... whatever you want to call it. Those people needed to be told a long time ago that they are not of a certain standard, that they will need to work a lot harder to try to attain that standard, and that they possibly will never attain that standard (if that was the case). They may not like it... but it might be the truth. There are nicer ways to let people know that information... but if they don't listen and push and blame everyone but themselves, then sometimes the harsh truth may be the only way.

I agree with him that some people will say it just to upset people or act smart... and that is completely wrong and unacceptable. On the other hand, if the issue does lie in technique, proficiency, fitness, and some of those areas... then it is not wrong to state that as it is fact (but only if it is fact).

When I look at any product, the worst I will say is that it isn't for me and the reasons why I feel this way. I will never claim the racquet is crap outright like it is fact and anyone saying otherwise doesn't know what they are talking about. But you will see people on this forum do that time and time again (arguing for pages about stuff). There are many possibilities why something is not right for me... and one of them IS that I may not be good enough/ skilled enough to use that racquet. It might not feel nice, but it might be true. It also might be true that if I put in a lot of work, I may improve and the racquet might become right for me. NOW, if I don't have time to put in the effort, or I'm not prepared to work that hard... then that's not the fault of the racquet or the people that tell me I have to be at a higher level to use this product properly, it's just what it is and I should be prepared to move on and use something that is right for me.

I apologise for the long rave... they always stretch out. I supported some of what he said, however, I felt that the interpretation he had on better players and sensitivities was missing a component of what someone like me might be trying to say when they say that the player is more important than the racquet. It's not the be-all and end-all, it's not black and white, it's mostly gray.

I agree that we should all be more loving and supportive of one another. That does not mean that we should pander to people or make them believe they can do anything or that things won't take hard work and a lot of effort. I know he knows that... I know many people know that... but some just aren't prepared to hear it or take responsibility for it. Again... sorry for the long rant. I hope others can see where I'm coming from.

I look forward to more of his videos and the continuation of his journey.

 

[Lorenn]

I agree with him that some people will say it just to upset people or act smart... and that is completely wrong and unacceptable. On the other hand, if the issue does lie in technique, proficiency, fitness, and some of those areas... then it is not wrong to state that as it is fact (but only if it is fact).

Looking at other players I never see it as a fact, but simply the best guess from past experience. I can make suggestions, it is up to them to decide what to do with the information provided. There are nice ways to say it and one should always try to be kind.

I agree with this guy time410s. The racquet actually makes so much difference!

I don't think people think that tha racquet makes zero difference. It is more important to know what to do with the difference. Giving a 3.5 the best racquet in the world won't make him a Pro. Giving a Pro a wooden racquet... they would still beat a majority of players on the planet. It is easy to focus on the difference a racquet(racquet setup) might make. Takes dramatically more effort to focus on improving yourself...

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Looking at other players I never see it as a fact, but simply the best guess from past experience. I can make suggestions, it is up to them to decide what to do with the information provided. There are nice ways to say it and one should always try to be kind.



I don't think people think that tha racquet makes zero difference. I think most think it is more important to know what to do with the difference. Giving a 3.5 the best racquet in the world won't make him a Pro. Giving a Pro a wooden racquet, they would still beat a majority of players on the planet. It is easy to focus on the difference a racquet(racquet setup) might make, assuming two decent racquets. Take dramatically more effort to focus on improving yourself...

I agree with you on both points. That was what I was saying as well.

However, the person in the video was saying he gets annoyed with people saying it's the person and not the racquet, because he thinks it's the opposite and that the better you are the more the racquet matters because you'll then be more picky about the equipment and the exact specs you require. He therefore thinks those that make those statements have missed the point. I agree with him that they will be more exacting with the equipment, but am saying they will be able to get that exact balance with many more racquets (a wider variety) and still kick someone's butt because they are skilled (technique), talented (have a natural gift), fit, and work very hard (despite being more talented than the average bunch).

Some people just don't like to hear that, and/or are not prepared to put in the hard work, or just don't have the time. Rather than being honest with themselves about their skill level, or commitmment level, or their abilities and limitations, they would prefer to just blame the equipment.

The simple fact is, there is a scale from absolute beginner to World No. 1... and we all fit onto that scale somewhere. The same is true for equipment. There is no good or bad racquet... just the right or wrong fit. The reasons it is right or wrong are long and many... and people just need to be honest with themselves as to why that is.

That's just how I see it. I suspect you do too. Thanks for reading another rant.

 

[Lorenn]

I agree with you on both points. That was what I was saying as well.

Just was amplifying off your statements.

Depends on where you sit how you see the World...You could pick any sport and have the endless debate. Look at high tech swimsuits. They were something in the range of 3-5% improvement. The problem was that not everyone was given access. Even so the majority of the swimmers effort was the lifetime of work to get Olympics. I am not going to beat Phelps if given the best swimsuit. It would make a difference if not every racer was given access to the suit. Phelps would having likely been off the podium with a 3% reduction in performance. I don't think any racquet is as dominate as the Speedo LZR.

Racquets have improved vastly(started with Wood) but pros would still be amazing...even if they all had to use their second choice racquet. I don't think the racquets used by one pro are vastly superior to those used by any other top pro. The debate would likely pivot towards the advantage of being a millionaire versus someone with less money. Most players can not give up the 3-5% gained from being able to afford one of the fancy swim suits. Basically having top people service your racquets...Chefs cook your food...professionals helping you recover and exercise...top players playing against you...equipment designed for your needs...people filling out your paperwork for you ...

 

[MishitWinner]

Feel compelled to reply here. Until recently, my backhand was always better than my forehand. My theory is it's due to all the frisbee I played with my dad as a kid. I think that what's "better" for your OHBH will depend on what you learned with. If you give me a thin beam, headlight, small headsize racquet, I will be able to hit a good backhand. Head Prestige MP/Pro/Tour, Prince Phantom 93p/97p/TT95, Wilson Pro Staff, Angell TC95/97/K7, Yonex VCP 97, ProKennex Q+ Tour, whatever. The only 100" racquet I've liked on my backhand is Angell TC100.

However, I think that twistweight and beam thickness/profile are both important factors. One of the things you need to do with a OHBH is make adjustments. There is a lot more room for variation with one hand than two. The common experience with 305g, even balance racquets is feeling sluggish. However, if you look at twistweight, it's often very high on these racquets, and also increases with headsize. I find it limits my ability to target and finesse my backhand.

Beam thickness and shape is also big. I bought a Prince Synergy 98, which I really liked overall. But, it goes up to 26mm at the tip, and I can feel the wind resistance combined with high twistweight forcing my swing. So if I'm coming up for a short ball, I just don't have the confidence that I can hit a sharp crosscourt angle and have it dip down in time.

Personally, I think twistweight is an under-researched spec that has a real impact on serve & finesse shots. Pros are much stronger than us, so a 15.6 twistweight can be overpowered. But at club level, I think it can be limiting. A 322 swingweight with a 15 twistweight is a totally different hitting experience than 322 swingweight and 13 twistweight.

Just imagine holding a cast iron frying pan in front of you, arms to your sides, and turning it side to side with your wrist. Now, picture it getting wider and wider. Eventually, your wrist can't overcome the balance point and you need to use your arm/shoulder/elbow/core.

One unresolved relationship is that of weight and swingweight on serve. Theoretically, swingweight is not valid due to moving upwards. However, you consistently see the Angell TC95 called the absolute best serving racquet, and I agree. What is the #1 complaint about the TC95? It lacks stability against passing shots. The low twistweight, in my theory, adds to its serving power by putting more of the wrist's pronation "snap" into the ball, rather than using it to turn the racquet face.

And it just comes back to what helps you win or enjoy tennis more. I play with a Volkl V-Cell 10 320g, because it lets me play my game. I've just learned that at my level, what's best for the current "meta" does not jive with me. Definitely has advantages, I benefited from the TT100 and Pure Strike 100 on serve returns, directing my forehand, staying in rallies, etc.

 

[slal1984]

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