Multi or Gut Similar to Xcel

[Rossyspsce]

I've been using Xcel at 52 pounds for awhile now but have started breaking every 2 hours of play in a Pure Strike VS. I was wondering if anyone can recommend any other string with similar playability and similar arm friendliness, as I have tennis elbow in both sides(about 4 years in the right, 1 year in the left).

 

[scotus]

Try Head Reflex, very similar in feel to Xcel and soft.

Velocity is cheaper and slightly more spin friendly.

 

[Kevo]

You should probably be using gut if you've got elbow issues in both arms. A decent gut will probably last longer than XCel too. Might want to try some string savers as well.

Alternatively, or in addition to that, you might want to get your hands on an old PK Copper Ace or Rossignol or Head frame from the 80s that has fiberglass in the layup. Those old frames are way easier on the arm than anything modern. They have lots of flex. RA ranges from like the 30s to 40s compared to todays high 50s and up.

 

[iamrkoev]

First thing I wondered after I read "tennis elbow" was - "Why is he using a Babolat". However, Rossyspsce - with the current setup do you feel pain after 2 sets?

 

[Rossyspsce]

First thing I wondered after I read "tennis elbow" was - "Why is he using a Babolat". However, Rossyspsce - with the current setup do you feel pain after 2 sets?

Yes and no, I stop practice after 2 hours usually playing with my current set up. Though I haven’t been able to hit a backhand for the last 3 months

Another source of pain could be that my grip is too big? I came from a Head GT Pro L2 with one or two over grips depending on the day. Currently use the Pure Strike VS L3 with two over grips. I read that too large a grip can cause wrist issues as it makes a racket less maneuverable

 

[iamrkoev]

It definitely makes it less maneuverable. I can't tell you about the wrist issues - I believe that this is an individual matter. Do you use elbow pads? Imo you have to switch the frame ASAP and take some time off.

 

[Rossyspsce]

It definitely makes it less maneuverable. I can't tell you about the wrist issues - I believe that this is an individual matter. Do you use elbow pads? Imo you have to switch the frame ASAP and take some time off.

wdym by “elbow pads”

do you recommend any frames, ideally it would need to be a control oriented frame and less powerful than the Head GT Pro

 

[Kevo]

Sounds like you have a significant issue. I'd strongly suggest get an older frame with fiberglass and stringing it with gut. That will be the softest most comfortable setup. The only thing you could improve on from that would be if you have technique issues. You might want to have someone take a look at your strokes in person to see if there are any obviously fixable problems. The three most common things that come to mind for me are hitting late, using the wrong grip, and mishitting.

I don't think a one size grip difference up or down is any cause for concern. If you use the wrong grip for your shots though, that can definitely contribute to issues.

You might want to seriously consider not playing at all for a couple of months and doing some basic rehab exercises. It can be really hard to heal if you are playing and even just subtly re-injuring yourself over and over again.

 

[iamrkoev]

I mean a elbow support sleeve. I purchased a magnetic one from a pharmacy. The brand is called "Oppo".

After playing with a light and stiff racquet I've started to develop "tennis elbow" - I stopped playing for about a month, then I switched to a heavy flexible frame - Head LM Prestige. I was also playing with the elbow support for months. After every match I was applying a cream/gel called "Deep Relief" and now I feel no pain at all.

Do you warm your elbows before playing? What about the wrist?

The power comes from your body motion, not from just hitting hard. Use your kinetic energy and let the mass of the heavy frame do the job for you. Look for a racquet that has a stiffness rating below 65. The graphite frames are absorbing the vibrations, cause the material itself has many cores - just like the natural gut/monofilament strings.

 

[Rossyspsce]

I mean a elbow support sleeve. I purchased a magnetic one from a pharmacy. The brand is called "Oppo".

After playing with a light and stiff racquet I've started to develop "tennis elbow" - I stopped playing for about a month, then I switched to a heavy flexible frame - Head LM Prestige. I was also playing with the elbow support for months. After every match I was applying a cream/gel called "Deep Relief" and now I feel no pain at all.

Do you warm your elbows before playing? What about the wrist?

The power comes from your body motion, not from just hitting hard. Use your kinetic energy and let the mass of the heavy frame do the job for you. Look for a racquet that has a stiffness rating below 65. The graphite frames are absorbing the vibrations, cause the material itself has many cores - just like the natural gut/monofilament strings.

I do warm up both my arms and wrists with stretches before I begin hitting. Are you talking about the kind of brace you put on the forearm close to the elbow like this one: https://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Elbo...ocphy=9033572&hvtargid=pla-425062936713&psc=1

As for rackets with a lot of mass in order to have it for me, the reason why I switched rackets to begin with was because my coach wanted me to switch to a control racket

 

[brownbearfalling]

What base are you using under neath the over grips? I would definitely get the correct grip size. Tensioning your hand and forearm too much to hold on to a big grip doesn’t help your cause. I would recommend Wilson Shock shield base grip underneath your over grips. It is a thick base grip so drop down in size first. Also some silicone in the hairpin would dampen shock.

as for your original question, I think xcel is a unique multi. To me it’s softer than other multi but with very little “Spring”/ elasticity. That’s my experience anyway. Other multis have more “spring” “bounciness”. Only other one that comes close dunlop silk. I would highly recommend Tourna quasi gut. Very good multi at a great price in the reel form. Also, with the amount of breakage you are having you should be stringing your own frames. That would cut your costs dramatically.

 

[iamrkoev]

I do warm up both my arms and wrists with stretches before I begin hitting. Are you talking about the kind of brace you put on the forearm close to the elbow like this one: https://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Elbo...ocphy=9033572&hvtargid=pla-425062936713&psc=1

As for rackets with a lot of mass in order to have it for me, the reason why I switched rackets to begin with was because my coach wanted me to switch to a control racket

This is the exactly one I was using - https://www.amazon.com/Oppo-Biomagnetic-Elbow-Support-Op2685/dp/B002WOQQLO

I hope that it is not a problem for TW that I am linking it. It is important for your health and I'd be happy to help you.