Need some advice from One-handers

[gino]

Hey fellow one handers,

I am in need of some advice. I am a Div. III college player and I am thinking about switching to something more maneuverable. I also have had elbow problems, namely golfer's elbow. The golfer's elbow was the worst while I played with the Prestige MP, but is flaring up again.

This means abandoning my ol' faithful Wilson 6.1 95 16x18 and I've narrowed it down to three rackets (via play-testing, SW, other specs).

**I'll probably be adding weight to the handle to bring the balance to around 8pts HL


HEAD Speed IG 300 (16x19)
HEAD Youtek IG Radical Pro (16x19)
HEAD Prestige IG S (16x19)
Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 (16x19)
Volkl C10 Pro (16x19)

I've had a pretty extensive racket history so here are the Sparknotes:

2006: nCode Six.One 95 16x18
2007-2009: K-Six.One 95 16x18
2009: Wilson K-Pro Tour
2009-2010: HEAD Youtek Radical MP
2010-2011: HEAD MicroGel Prestige
2011: HEAD Youtek Prestige MP
2011: Wilson BLX Six.One 95 16x18
2012: Wilson BLX Six.One 95 16x18

Any advice about these rackets would be great. Thanks TT community

 

[gino]

Two-handers' input is also welcome! Thanks everyone!

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Two-handers' input is also welcome! Thanks everyone!

Forget the two handers man...vcore95d

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

well, I struggeld on BH with the V-COre 95D, actually..

(and I NEVER struggle on BH)

if you like the Wilson's stick with them.. The 6.1 95 is a fine frame.

I personally really enjoyed teh Dunlop Bio 200 on my BH, but it was hard work generating any service power so I moved on. However, if you hit a big serve anyway, give one of those a try..

Everyone says the Volkl X-10 325 is great too, but I haven't ever hit one.

bear in mind, I play Open tournaments with a Volkl X-7, so maybe my advice is not that good for you!

 

[darklore009]

kinda hard to pick which racket you like. those rackets are nice platform rackets that i can play around with. i add lead on the 12 to make any racket feel solid when i do a ohbh

 

[gino]

Thanks for the comments. I'm just mainly wondering how these three rackets play for one-handers and if any of you all have had good/bad experiences with these sticks.

Thanks

 

[PrincessAdam]

I use a Dunlop F 3.0 (18x20) and I like it for my ohbh. The M version would be good too.

 

[Xonemains]

Going through your list, I would just add lead to your old yt radical mp first.

Then go for PrincessAdam's rec. of those 2 dunlop 300 tour and 16 x 19 version.

 

[gino]

Going through your list, I would just add lead to your old yt radical mp first.

Then go for PrincessAdam's rec. of those 2 dunlop 300 tour and 16 x 19 version.

A couple years back, before I sold of the 3 YT Radical MPs I had, I put lead in various spots and couldn't find anything comfortable to play with against big hitters, or guys who hit a heavy ball.

 

[Sander001]

I'm also a one-hander and don't think I would ever go Wilson again. Too frustrating to groove your strokes to wildly varying specs. It's ok when fooling around but when playing at a higher level, mismatched frames are a handicap.

 

[gino]

I'm also a one-hander and don't think I would ever go Wilson again. Too frustrating to groove your strokes to wildly varying specs. It's ok when fooling around but when playing at a higher level, mismatched frames are a handicap.

Interesting to hear. Thanks for your perspective, I agree about Wilson's QC. Seems to me like I have to special order from TW or find matched frames on e Bay to justify playing with Wilson again.

My current Six.One 95's are off on SW, static weight, and balance - even after being customized heavily.

 

[Relinquis]

if you have elbow issues and such, perhaps the ones with teh lower stiffness ratings are more suitable... how do these sticks compare in terms of stiffness?

 

[fuzz nation]

I'm older than you are, but I also hit a one-handed backhand. Whenever I try a frame that's on the lighter side than I'm used to, my backhand and volleys are the first shots that lose their mojo. I enjoyed the old 6.1 Classics some years ago when I was more of a serve & volleyer, but I've found more control around the baseline with a softer alternative - evolving into more of an all-courter.

The Volkl C10 has been great for me, but the Organix 10 could be a smart one to check out, too (haven't tried it). I run my C10s with snug synthetic gut and they give me zero discomfort, even if I'm keeping a very busy schedule on the courts. They're a little peculiar, just because they have some flex in their hoops. Although they're a little bit "tip dead" this hasn't been a problem for me at all. As soon as I switched into this racquet, my strokes really came alive, but I've still enjoyed enough of that 6.1 sort of performance with these that I haven't missed those Wilsons at all since my switch.

 

[Sander001]

Interesting to hear. Thanks for your perspective, I agree about Wilson's QC. Seems to me like I have to special order from TW or find matched frames on e Bay to justify playing with Wilson again.

My current Six.One 95's are off on SW, static weight, and balance - even after being customized heavily.

Same. Played with [k]90 for a while and tried to get them to play the same with lead and all that but then even the flex was different. Loved coming to net and volleying with that racquet.

 

[gino]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I appreciate it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but does a more flexible racket lend itself to more defensive and baseline oriented styles?? (i.e. Tomic, Djokovic, Hewitt, Ferrer)

In recent years I've developed into agressive baseliner, and I spend a good amount of time at the net. So, at this point I am wondering if switching to a more flexible frame will compromise my strengths as a player?

Thanks again

 

[sandflea]

Try an Angell or Vantage setup.

 

[Slitch]

The Volkl C10 has been great for me, but the Organix 10 could be a smart one to check out, too (haven't tried it). I run my C10s with snug synthetic gut and they give me zero discomfort, even if I'm keeping a very busy schedule on the courts. They're a little peculiar, just because they have some flex in their hoops. Although they're a little bit "tip dead" this hasn't been a problem for me at all. As soon as I switched into this racquet, my strokes really came alive, but I've still enjoyed enough of that 6.1 sort of performance with these that I haven't missed those Wilsons at all since my switch.

Played with the O10 325 with leather and og. Big sweetspot, very good vibration dampening, but the hoop seems a bit stiff. Solid on contact but comfortable. For the weight I expected more plowthrough. The C10 seems to be more powerful.

You could exercise your triceps. Low weight with many, slow repetitions. It really helps a lot! Makes your tendons stronger.

 

[Anton]

Hey fellow one handers,

I am in need of some advice. I am a Div. III college player and I am thinking about switching to something more maneuverable. I also have had elbow problems, namely golfer's elbow. The golfer's elbow was the worst while I played with the Prestige MP, but is flaring up again.

This means abandoning my ol' faithful Wilson 6.1 95 16x18 and I've narrowed it down to three rackets (via play-testing, SW, other specs).

**I'll probably be adding weight to the handle to bring the balance to around 8pts HL

Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 95 (16x19)
HEAD Speed Graphene MP (16x19)
Dunlop Biomimetic 3.0 (16x19)
HEAD Youtek IG Radical Pro (16x19)

All three of these rackets have favorable swing weights so a one-hander like myself can really get the racket around for all of my shots.

I've had a pretty extensive racket history so here are the Sparknotes:

2006: nCode Six.One 95 16x18
2007-2009: K-Six.One 96 16x18
2009: Wilson K-Pro Tour
2009-2010: HEAD Youtek Radical MP (I had my best results with this racket, but began to get pushed around due to lack of power)
2010-2011: HEAD MicroGel Prestige
2011: HEAD Youtek Prestige MP
2011: Wilson BLX Six.One 95 (16x18 )
2012: Wilson BLX Six.One 95 (16x18 ) - newest version

Any advice about these rackets would be great. Thanks TT community

More maneuverable doesn't necessarily mean lighter btw.

Prestige MP is somewhat unstable in the loop without some lead, so that may have contributed to your elbow problems.

I'd recommend you take Graphine Pro for a spin - it's got some traits of both Prestige MP and Wilson 95, but is more maneuverable per stability due to better weight distribution.

Graphine S is also an interesting option - a bit softer then PRO, more open pattern if you want "more power", and tons of room to customize.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_YOUTEK_Graphene_Speed_S/descpageRCHEAD-HGSS.html

 

[bad_call]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I appreciate it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but does a more flexible racket lend itself to more defensive and baseline oriented styles?? (i.e. Tomic, Djokovic, Hewitt, Ferrer)

In recent years I've developed into agressive baseliner, and I spend a good amount of time at the net. So, at this point I am wondering if switching to a more flexible frame will compromise my strengths as a player?

Thanks again

coming off GE (almost healed) and going with full syn gut 1st so can relate.

IME more flexible racquets can make it more difficult to put away the ball and yes one must play more defense at times. however if you're able to get to net then you're forcing the play. the dunlop 4D 100 (flex ~60 or so) is superb at volleys but somewhat lacking in pop when hitting ground strokes probably due to the 90 sq in head.

 

[srvnvly]

well, I struggeld on BH with the V-COre 95D, actually..

(and I NEVER struggle on BH)

if you like the Wilson's stick with them.. The 6.1 95 is a fine frame.

I personally really enjoyed teh Dunlop Bio 200 on my BH, but it was hard work generating any service power so I moved on. However, if you hit a big serve anyway, give one of those a try..

Everyone says the Volkl X-10 325 is great too, but I haven't ever hit one.

bear in mind, I play Open tournaments with a Volkl X-7, so maybe my advice is not that good for you!

Timbo: Apologies if you covered this in another thread, but have you had any issues with a 1HBH and the Volkl Organix 7 (310)? Thanks

 

[Fintft]

if you like the Wilson's stick with them.. The 6.1 95 is a fine frame.

You should listen to the good advice before and if you can afford it, why not try natural gut (at least for a while)?

 

[fuzz nation]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I appreciate it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but does a more flexible racket lend itself to more defensive and baseline oriented styles?? (i.e. Tomic, Djokovic, Hewitt, Ferrer)

In recent years I've developed into agressive baseliner, and I spend a good amount of time at the net. So, at this point I am wondering if switching to a more flexible frame will compromise my strengths as a player?

Thanks again

I suppose this depends on the specific racquet. Because the softer C10s gave me an instant boost in control from the back court, they helped me to hit more aggressively and still play around the net with a lot of authority - they're softer, but still rather hefty (and powerful). I needed to perpetually hold back to some degree with my 6.1 Classics to keep my strokes down on the court, so in my case, the extra control that I found with the softer racquets sort of enabled a more aggressive game.

No arguing with the snappy respose and volleying authority that comes with a stiffer frame (that also has the heft of a Six.One). I'd probably still use mine if I didn't get better control and consistency from a softer alternative. I think I offered the Volkl 10 series models for consideration because it sounds like you want that Wilson performance in a more arm-friendly layout.

 

[fuzz nation]

coming off GE (almost healed) and going with full syn gut 1st so can relate.

IME more flexible racquets can make it more difficult to put away the ball and yes one must play more defense at times. however if you're able to get to net then you're forcing the play. the dunlop 4D 100 (flex ~60 or so) is superb at volleys but somewhat lacking in pop when hitting ground strokes probably due to the 90 sq in head.

Very much agree with this observation - softer racquets without "enough" heft will play rather dead in contrast with stiffer frames. Although I'm enjoying more flexible gear these days, I need a minimum of 12.4-12.5 oz. heft with 9-10 pts. HL balance to feel like I can hit with some authority - but that's just me.

I've actually been curious to try one of the Dunlop 100's for a while, but I know that I'd need a good shot of lead on both the hoop and the handle of one of those to get it solid and stable for me. Although my old Yonex RQiS 1 Tour weighed 11.8 oz. stock, it was also rather soft and surprisingly dead for me until I leaded it up on both ends.

 

[bad_call]

Very much agree with this observation - softer racquets without "enough" heft will play rather dead in contrast with stiffer frames. Although I'm enjoying more flexible gear these days, I need a minimum of 12.4-12.5 oz. heft with 9-10 pts. HL balance to feel like I can hit with some authority - but that's just me.

I've actually been curious to try one of the Dunlop 100's for a while, but I know that I'd need a good shot of lead on both the hoop and the handle of one of those to get it solid and stable for me. Although my old Yonex RQiS 1 Tour weighed 11.8 oz. stock, it was also rather soft and surprisingly dead for me until I leaded it up on both ends.

apologies to the OP for the sidetrack but check the thread on the 100 series dunlop. got the 4D 100 leaded at 12 a bit (2-3 grams i recall) with lesser amount at 3&9. total weight with replacement grip ~ 12.3 oz. that cured the anemia for this player.

speaking of yonex, got an rdis200 mp that plays well stock.

 

[gino]

I hit with the Graphene Speed MP yesterday.

Serving with this stick definitely troubled the elbow, but my groundies felt superb. I love the access to spin and at net it was okay (I am sure it would be much better at around 8PTS HL).

What do you guys think about the Graphene Speed MP?

 

[LeeD]

Sorry, I skipped most of the other posts.
I"m old, need something forgiving, and the Dunlop300T with 24" of lead at 10-2 is smooth, solid, no "twanging", and reliable.
The Bio3 with 16x18 feels like a toy, compared to the 18x20 pattern.
Just GOTTA string it at sub 50 tensions.

 

[srvnvly]

I hit with the Graphene Speed MP yesterday.

Serving with this stick definitely troubled the elbow, but my groundies felt superb. I love the access to spin and at net it was okay (I am sure it would be much better at around 8PTS HL).

What do you guys think about the Graphene Speed MP?

Volleys are the GSMP's best asset; you can get good depth with topspin, and slice can be good, depending on technique. Serving is where I'm having an issue. I can't seem to hit a good, flat serve, and I'm hitting too many first serves into the net (read: no gimmees on serve). I'll continue to give it a shot, but I have Volkl Organix 7 (310), Blade 104, and 2012 BPD on the way.

 

[LeeD]

Look at graphene's stiffness ratings.
If you hit into the net, increase length of lever by choking down to butcap. Keep your eyes and head up.

 

[srvnvly]

Look at graphene's stiffness ratings.
If you hit into the net, increase length of lever by choking down to butcap. Keep your eyes and head up.

Good points, thanks

 

[gino]

Thanks for the comments on the graphene speed mp. Has anyone added weight to the handle?

Thanks

 

[USS Tang]

Prince EXO3 Red 105. Light (10.4 oz.) but relatively stiff (63). Extra .25" in length adds reach. Easy on the arm. Larger head size enhances plow-through effect on groundstrokes. Control is not a problem unless you're a big top-spinner.For extra hand-cushioning, consider smaller grip size than you normally use and then wrap leather grip over it.

 

[AYone]

Organix 10 is very arm friendly, but agree with comments the hoop seems stiff on off center/shank hits. Otherwise it's about as comfy of a stick I've played with.

 

[fuzz nation]

apologies to the OP for the sidetrack but check the thread on the 100 series dunlop. got the 4D 100 leaded at 12 a bit (2-3 grams i recall) with lesser amount at 3&9. total weight with replacement grip ~ 12.3 oz. that cured the anemia for this player.

speaking of yonex, got an rdis200 mp that plays well stock.

Interesting stuff, thanks.

Figured that our tangent had a little bit of a connection to the original thread in terms of what's potentially helpful for a one-hander, etc. Hope our OP doesn't mind a tangent or two as long as we're still talking racquets.

 

[max]

Try the Volkl C-10 or PB mid. Also the PK Redondo.

 

[JackB1]

Volleys are the GSMP's best asset; you can get good depth with topspin, and slice can be good, depending on technique. Serving is where I'm having an issue. I can't seem to hit a good, flat serve, and I'm hitting too many first serves into the net (read: no gimmees on serve). I'll continue to give it a shot, but I have Volkl Organix 7 (310), Blade 104, and 2012 BPD on the way.

I tried the GSpeed MP and the Blade 104 yesterday and the 104 was much better for me. Serves were more accurate.

 

[srvnvly]

I tried the GSpeed MP and the Blade 104 yesterday and the 104 was much better for me. Serves were more accurate.

Thanks, Jack; I'm getting frustrated trying to find the right combo and amount of lead tape in the head/ handle, and nothing has worked great for me yet. I look forward my Bade 104 demo later this week!

 

[JackB1]

Thanks, Jack; I'm getting frustrated trying to find the right combo and amount of lead tape in the head/ handle, and nothing has worked great for me yet. I look forward my Blade 104 demo later this week!

I would start it out with 4" strips at 3/9 and 12'. That will bring it up to around a 325 swingweight. IMO it's too light and unstable in stock form.

 

[AlfaAce]

I like the Graphene Speed, but demo a Dunlop Bio Max 200G. More flex (elbow saver) and a great all around "do everything well" racquet!

 

[BC1]

I would start it out with 4" strips at 3/9 and 12'. That will bring it up to around a 325 swingweight. IMO it's too light and unstable in stock form.

Jack, with that set up, i would think the balance is about even. Are you adding any weight to the Handle to counter balance? Have you tried just adding weight to the handle to bring up static weight without increasing sw that much?

(Sorry op for the off topic post. However FWIW, I found the 104 to be surprisingly good for a one handed backhand)

 

[DonDiego]

My suggestions, in order:

1-Keep playing with the BLX (2010 -- not 2012!) and put soft multis in it, in thinner gauges. I had a tennis elbow last summer and that's what I did. (Check my signature for a low-powered, ultra-comfortable setup.) I've never had better 1-hand BH than with this racquet.

2- Volkl C10 Pro. Almost exact same specs as the six one, but more maneuverable, and VERY comfortable, even with polys. You'll need a slight adjustment from your six one, but not that much.

3- About the Radical Pro (in your list): I found that adding 20 grams in the handle (either by choosing a smaller grip and adding a heat-shrink sleeve, or by putting a leather grip + overgrip) makes it almost identical to the six one 95 in terms of weight and balance. The racquet is more flexy and comfortable, but not as much as the C10 Pro.

4- Head Extreme Pro 2.0. Weird suggestion, you might think. But I swear, yo can go from the six one to this racquet in a middle of a match and you'll be fine (almost). Despite the difference in head size, they play similar and the Head is just as much precise. And don't be fooled by the stifness rating, it's a very comfortable frame. Night and day compared to the previous model.

 

[Boricua]

I also have golfers elbow and hit a one hander. I am getting on Monday a Pro Kennex Q5 295. In your case, considering you llike heavier frames, you can check out the Q5 325 model. Both have kinetic technology. Pro Kennex claims there rackets help reduce or eliminate tennis elbow and in their webpage they present two scientific studies done by an american and german scientific institute that back up these claims.

 

[gino]

My suggestions, in order:

1-Keep playing with the BLX (2010 -- not 2012!) and put soft multis in it, in thinner gauges. I had a tennis elbow last summer and that's what I did. (Check my signature for a low-powered, ultra-comfortable setup.) I've never had better 1-hand BH than with this racquet.

2- Volkl C10 Pro. Almost exact same specs as the six one, but more maneuverable, and VERY comfortable, even with polys. You'll need a slight adjustment from your six one, but not that much.

3- About the Radical Pro (in your list): I found that adding 20 grams in the handle (either by choosing a smaller grip and adding a heat-shrink sleeve, or by putting a leather grip + overgrip) makes it almost identical to the six one 95 in terms of weight and balance. The racquet is more flexy and comfortable, but not as much as the C10 Pro.

4- Head Extreme Pro 2.0. Weird suggestion, you might think. But I swear, yo can go from the six one to this racquet in a middle of a match and you'll be fine (almost). Despite the difference in head size, they play similar and the Head is just as much precise. And don't be fooled by the stifness rating, it's a very comfortable frame. Night and day compared to the previous model.

Thanks for the input. I will try out the Radical Pro, I think that could work for sure.

What do you all think about the HEAD Speed IG 300? It has a flex of 60 RA and I could add weight to the handle to bring the balance to around 8pts HL

 

[gino]

So here are my top 4 rackets compared with my Six.One 95

Which do you all think is the best for my elbow/aggressive baseline game when brought up to around 8 PTS HL?

 

[DonDiego]

For your arm, you need two things above all else (in addition to good technique): Heavy frame, and soft strings. For this reason, I would go with the six one 2012. This model is slightly more powerful than your BLX (2010) version, so that makes it the perfect racquet to use with a soft, low-powered multi like Rip control 16 or anything else you like.

Don't be fooled by the so-called ''control'' attribute of polys, they're much more powerful strings than most people say. And I find them too lively in this Wilson model.

The Head is not a bad choice either, and would be even softer for your arm. It's a bit less powerful than the Wilson, so you could also drop the tension, which is also good in your situation.

Didn't try the two others.

 

[DonDiego]

...BTW, expect your Wilson 2012 to be around 7-8 pts headlight, not 10 as advertised. The new model is LESS headlight than the BLX 2010.

 

[max]

I suppose this depends on the specific racquet. Because the softer C10s gave me an instant boost in control from the back court, they helped me to hit more aggressively and still play around the net with a lot of authority - they're softer, but still rather hefty (and powerful). I needed to perpetually hold back to some degree with my 6.1 Classics to keep my strokes down on the court, so in my case, the extra control that I found with the softer racquets sort of enabled a more aggressive game.

No arguing with the snappy respose and volleying authority that comes with a stiffer frame (that also has the heft of a Six.One). I'd probably still use mine if I didn't get better control and consistency from a softer alternative. I think I offered the Volkl 10 series models for consideration because it sounds like you want that Wilson performance in a more arm-friendly layout.

This is why I went Volkl. The stiff Wilson stuff has its fun moments, but longterm negative pains. The Volkl let me swing out, so I had more real-world control and didn't have to worry about restraint so much.

I wouldn't get uptight about the lesser flex. It's not much difference, in practical terms. I remember seeing the math on these things and it's irrelevant in terms of your ball's pace.

 

[spinovic]

I haven't played with any versions of the Speed, but of the others, the Radical Pro is the "softest", IMO.

I can echo DonDiego comments on the BLX 6.1 95 16x18 and the Head Extreme Pro 2.0. Those racquets aren't nearly as different as the specs might suggest. The XP2.0 does not feel any stiffer than the 6.1 95 despite the ratings. I actually preferred the XP2.0 in that regard. Both are excellent racquets though.

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but I liked the BLX 6.1 95 better than the the Radical or the Prestige.

And, the prices is down to $164 now, so that's a plus.

 

[brage tennis]

I'd say the IG speed 300 is a good platform for u.
1) The racket feels comfortable even with full poly
2) Since the new version is up you can get it dirt cheap
3)the beam is really thin wich feels good when hitting a 1 hander.
4) The racket actually features good control even tho it is a 100 square inch head.
You will need some weight to make it more stable but then it's golden!
Just my 2 cents

 

[gino]

Thanks for your opinions everyone.

I guess at this point the only thing holding me back is HEAD's inconsistency with design. I'm just confused as to why HEAD keeps changing the Speed mold. It seems that HEAD doesn't like to change their molds unless a racket does poorly on the market. However, with the rise of djokovic and his endorsement of the speed line, I don't see any reason to change the mold they had last year.

Maybe I'm just thinking about this too much, do you all have any knowledge about the new mold?

 

[gino]

After some additional thought here are the specs I think my game lines up with. Does anyone have racket suggestions?

Static weight: 11.5-12.5 oz
Swingweight: 300-325
RA Flex: 62-63
Strong pattern: 16x19



My favorite racket, comfort wise, has to be when I had my brief stint with the Wilson Kpro Tour. Any replacement ideas?

*i am also looking for a mold similar to the 2007 Wilson Kro Tour