More power needed?

Blask

Semi-Pro
I have been trying a lot of demo's lately in order to find something with more flex since I have unending TE problems. I have always hit with low-powered stiff frames (always Wilsons and a brief affair with a Speedport Black).

I'm currently trying out Fischers (98 Pro 1), Prince's Ozone Tours, the C10 Pro by Volkl and some others.

While I'm looking, should I try out some medium powered framed as well to see the difference? Am I really missing out on too much? I feel that I already get good power from frames w/ low natural power but figured I would throw it out there? Anyone recommend anything? Will the frames with more flex get overpowered by big hitters?

Thanks
 

TonyB

Hall of Fame
Unless you're playing at the pro level, you'll never be overpowered by big hitters. Any racquet currently available on the market is easily capable of handling the power generated by 4.5 level players or lower.

That said, LIGHTER frames generally have more difficulty with stability in off-center shots that are hit hard. So, rather than worry about flex, you should worry more about weight and swingweight.

Since you claim to have TE problems, I would stay with frames lower than, say, 62 RDC flex. Something like the PK Redondo, Babolat Pure Storm Ltd., or similar frames might be good ones to try along with the ones you mentioned.
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
I'm with Tony...

In my experience, the racquets that make me feel outgunned are the lighter ones, too. I go to net a lot and a racquet under 12 oz. feels like it's going to get blown away by a hard hit ball even more than when I'm at the baseline. If I want full strokes with control and an ability to impose my will against a hard hitter, I need some heft and stability. Some players can wail the ball with lighter frames, but those are typically rather stiff bats. I've never had TE, but I have seen a couple of twinges in my elbow when I've sampled some of those stiffer, lighter racquets so I don't spend any time on them anymore.

I hoped I might find this confidence in lighter frames like the Yonex RQiS 1 Tour and the LM Radical mp (both have some flex), but I couldn't function with either of them without adding a lot of lead. If you're trying out the Volkl C10 for the first time, I recommend that you take more than one session to get to know it if you can. The hoop may be softer than you're used to, but I've owned a couple of those for a while and while they have significant flex and comfort, they can also deliver a lot of power.

My experience won't necessarily reflect the best course of action for you, but from what I've seen in my gear trials along with those of some of my pals who are seasoned players, I think you're smart in wanting to protect your arm. If you want to demo some racquets with more power, tread lightly and stay away from any harsh string jobs with kevlar or poly.
 

Blask

Semi-Pro
My experience won't necessarily reflect the best course of action for you said:
Thanks Fuzz

I played with Kevlar for about 12 years and finally made the switch over the last 2. I'm still trying to figure out what's economical and fun to play with at the same time. I've tried a lot of multis and of course natural gut. I need to get the racquet figured out first before narrowing down a string though. It's a total switch for me so I'm hoping to find something that feels right when swinging. I have long strokes from the baseline and also like to serve and volley. My favorite stick was the PSC 6.1 because it was so head light so I don't want to lose too much of that.
 
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