New racket?

[25-TENNIS]

Hi! I'm 15 years old and have had shoulder injuries in the past. I currently have two rackets at the moments: two Yonex Ezone Dr Lite's (Stock: 100sq., 270g, 330mm).
One of them is custom painted and has some lead in the throat and at 3 & 9, it also has two overgrips (305g unstrung). The other one has only some lead at 3 & 9 and one overgrip (285g unstrung). The 305g has been my main racket, but there's something wrong with this frame. It feels like it has no sweetspot any more. Also, already before it had a strange feeling, I found that this racket isn't solid enough, has a bit to much power and misses some control. The comfort is very good on this racket and don't have any issues with my sensitive shoulder.

The 285g feels ok, but it doesn't play that good and is way too light. My dad's Head YouTek Radical MP (98sq, 295g, 325mm) plays way better. It has plenty control, but misses some power and spin (perhaps because of the 18x20 string pattern). The biggest downside is the comfort. Although it has a stiffness of 58Ra, the d3o technology makes it stiff and uncomfortable. I've also tried a Yonex Ezone Ai98, but it didn't really work for me.

I could put more lead and maybe some silicone in the 285g Dr Lite, but I doubt that would make it better. I think it's better to get a new racket that suits me better. I'm looking for something with the following specs:
300-310g
98-100 sq. Inch.
62-67Ra
Open string pattern.
Same comfort as my Dr Lite's
I was thinking about the Wilson Blade 98 V7 16x19, Yonex Ezone 98 2020 and the Prince Textreme Tour 310 (2019). What rackets do you recommend?

 

[Deleted member 768841]

just as a baseline, what is your playstyle? Baseline? Aggressive? Do you prefer power or control?

 

[25-TENNIS]

just as a baseline, what is your playstyle? Baseline? Aggressive? Do you prefer power or control?

I'm an aggressive baseliner, like to go for winners. I'm not very strong, so I like some free power. I think I prefer a blend of power and control.

 

[snoflewis]

pure strike 16x19

 

[25-TENNIS]

pure strike 16x19

I don't think the Pure Strike is comfortable enough. I'm trying to stay away from Babolat since they're too stiff and don't have enough dampening for me.

 

[the_faceless_player]

ProKennex is always a good go to for arm comfort. Q+ Tour or Q+ 5 Pro could be possible options at those specs

 

[Deleted member 768841]

The Wilson clash is like a babolat except much more comfortable. However it feels very odd compared to a normal racquet. Have you thought the reason behind your elbow is because the weight of your racquet is too light? The blade 16/19 is a very good racquet, the v7 has a tighter 16/19 compared to most. However it is good to get a good amount of options and test them.

edit: the clash is “control” In Wilson’s marketing, but it’s not. It’a pretty much a soft pure aero/drive.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

I have some ideas, however what is your current spec? Sub 300 grams? Swingweight? Balance? Grip style? Strings?

 

[25-TENNIS]

The Wilson clash is like a babolat except much more comfortable. However it feels very odd compared to a normal racquet. Have you thought the reason behind your elbow is because the weight of your racquet is too light? The blade 16/19 is a very good racquet, the v7 has a tighter 16/19 compared to most. However it is good to get a good amount of options and test them.

edit: the clash is “control” In Wilson’s marketing, but it’s not. It’a pretty much a soft pure aero/drive.

When I had the shoulder injury I played with the Blade 98UL & 98L (v6, no countervail). The light weight might have contributed to the injury. But when I switched to the Dr Lite the injury and pain disappeared.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

When I had the shoulder injury I played with the Blade 98UL & 98L (v6, no countervail). The light weight might have contributed to the injury. But when I switched to the Dr Lite the injury and pain disappeared.

Higher static weight equals more comfort, however the flex and strings also impacts comfort. Have you done any research into lead tape? That is a little more advanced than just using a higher static weight. But some I’d think about would maybe be a head prestige, obviously the blade, or maybe a Head gravity.

 

[25-TENNIS]

I have some ideas, however what is your current spec? Sub 300 grams? Swingweight? Balance? Grip style?

My main racket (with the weird feeling) is 305g unstrung, balance is +- 320mm, I can't measure the swingweight. Semi-western grip.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

My main racket (with the weird feeling) is 305g unstrung, balance is +- 320mm, I can't measure the swingweight. Semi-western grip.

Maybe the other racquet is just different in spec than the other, making it play and feel different? mark it maybe with a different overgrip to know which is which, if you don’t like playing with that one.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Higher static weight equals more comfort, however the flex and strings also impacts comfort. Have you done any research into lead tape? That is a little more advanced than just using a higher static weight. But some I’d think about would maybe be a head prestige, obviously the blade, or maybe a Head gravity.

Yes in my main racket I have some lead at 3&9 and in the throat to increase the stability. But in the other Dr Lite I have only some lead at 3&9. I have to put more weight (20-25g) in it to make it heavy enough. But you have to put some silicone in the handle to counterbalance that weight, right? I doubt all that weight won't really make the racket feel better and I'm afraid I will screw the frame.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Maybe the other racquet is just different in spec than the other, making it play and feel different? mark it maybe with a different overgrip to know which is which, if you don’t like playing with that one.

Well they definitely feel different, since they're both customized differently. But the feel of that racket is just strange and I'm quite sure there's something wrong with it. I don't see any cracks though.

 

[emhtennis]

When was the last time you had the restrung? You're original description sounds like the strings have gone dead.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

 

[25-TENNIS]

When was the last time you had the restrung? You're original description sounds like the strings have gone dead.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

Well, I just restrung it, last week. The tension was a bit too high, but I've strung both of my rackets at the same day at the same tension, so that shouldn't be the cause of the dead feeling in one of them.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

Yes in my main racket I have some lead at 3&9 and in the throat to increase the stability. But in the other Dr Lite I have only some lead at 3&9. I have to put more weight (20-25g) in it to make it heavy enough. But you have to put some silicone in the handle to counterbalance that weight, right? I doubt all that weight won't really make the racket feel better and I'm afraid I will screw the frame.

You can also use a leather grip to make it more head light.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

Well they definitely feel different, since they're both customized differently. But the feel of that racket is just strange and I'm quite sure there's something wrong with it. I don't see any cracks though.

Have you always wanted to use light racquets? I’m hoping the next Head radical gets the 360+ spiralfibers so it’s softer and is more control oriented, but the prestige and gravity are really good.

 

[beepee1972]

No sweetspot could also be caused by the strings or stringing. What strings and tension did you use? It is a 16*19 stringbed I think?

 

[25-TENNIS]

No sweetspot could also be caused by the strings or stringing. What strings and tension did you use? It is a 16*19 stringbed I think?

Yes, 16x19. I strung it with Wilson Sensation Power & Comfort at 26,5kg, to get some control. Normally I string it slightly lower. But before the last restring it already felt a bit strange. The restring might have made it worse. Since I strung both of my rackets with the same string, at the same tension, at the same day, and only one of them has the weird feeling, I think the strings are not the cause of the dead feeling.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Have you always wanted to use light racquets? I’m hoping the next Head radical gets the 360+ spiralfibers so it’s softer and is more control oriented, but the prestige and gravity are really good.

Last year, when I bought the two DR Lite's, I wanted light rackets, since I have never used a racket heavier than 285g. I also thought I needed the power that lighter sticks provide. Now the one of the DR Lite's is customized to 305g, I really like the extra weight. So I want a racket of 300-310g.

 

[25-TENNIS]

The Wilson clash is like a babolat except much more comfortable. However it feels very odd compared to a normal racquet. Have you thought the reason behind your elbow is because the weight of your racquet is too light? The blade 16/19 is a very good racquet, the v7 has a tighter 16/19 compared to most. However it is good to get a good amount of options and test them.

edit: the clash is “control” In Wilson’s marketing, but it’s not. It’a pretty much a soft pure aero/drive.

Which Clash do you recommend? 100, Tour/Pro, 98?

 

[Deleted member 768841]

Which Clash do you recommend? 100, Tour/Pro, 98?

The 100 will be the closest to your spec in terms of being light and easier to swing, the tour/pro will be a little heavier but still maneuverable and have more power and a higher swingweight(however the tour has had a slightly odd stringbed I’ve heard) and the 98 is the most advanced with the highest static weight, swingweight, and the most control. It will still have power, but it has a slightly thinner beam compared to the others and of course a smaller head size.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

Last year, when I bought the two DR Lite's, I wanted light rackets, since I have never used a racket heavier than 285g. I also thought I needed the power that lighter sticks provide. Now the one of the DR Lite's is customized to 305g, I really like the extra weight. So I want a racket of 300-310g.

The Wilson clash 100 is around 300-310 grams. It is the most maneuverable and easy to use out of the three.

 

[25-TENNIS]

The Wilson clash 100 is around 300-310 grams. It is the most maneuverable and easy to use out of the three.

Yes Clash 100 is 295g. I think I will demo the Clash Tour/Pro alongside with the Ezone 98 and Prince TT 310. If I find the Tour to heavy, I can always demo the 100.

 

[25-TENNIS]

•Blade 98 16x19
•Clash Tour
•Ezone 98
•Prince Textreme Tour 310
•Ezone 100
•Gravity MP
Which two rackets should I demo first to see what I like? Blade 98 16x19 and Ezone 98?

 

[Deleted member 768841]

•Blade 98 16x19
•Clash Tour
•Ezone 98
•Prince Textreme Tour 310
•Ezone 100
•Gravity MP
Which two rackets should I demo first to see what I like? Blade 98 16x19 and Ezone 98?

Those two are good, the clash will be more powerful. I can’t say much about prince or Yonex. The gravity is pretty comfortable and more control oriented, same with the blade.

 

[dr. godmode]

If the old Radical MP isn't powerful enough, you will struggle with the new Blades. I recommend the 2020 EZone 98 and the Gravity MP. The Strike 100 could be good too, I don't think the new ones are uncomfortable despite the high RA. As you discovered with the old Head, RA doesn't tell the whole story.

What shots does your shoulder hurt on? If its serve, I wonder if your current sticks are too head heavy (swingweight too high). Sometimes this can strain the shoulder.

I also recommend you buy a red band to work out your rotator cuff before and after hits. It makes a HUGE difference.

 

[High Lama]

The blade v7 has a hefty feel to it. It is comfortable but fairly low powered. The new ezone felt lighter, stiffer/hollow more power. The clash tour is comfortable and very powerful like a cannon to me.

 

[25-TENNIS]

If the old Radical MP isn't powerful enough, you will struggle with the new Blades. I recommend the 2020 EZone 98 and the Gravity MP. The Strike 100 could be good too, I don't think the new ones are uncomfortable despite the high RA. As you discovered with the old Head, RA doesn't tell the whole story.

What shots does your shoulder hurt on? If its serve, I wonder if your current sticks are too head heavy (swingweight too high). Sometimes this can strain the shoulder.

I also recommend you buy a red band to work out your rotator cuff before and after hits. It makes a HUGE difference.

With my current rackets (heavier Ezone Dr Lite) I don't have any shoulder pain. With my previous rackets (Blade 98UL and 98L) my shoulder did hurt on forehand and mostly serve.
Is the Gravity more powerful than the Blades?

 

[henrytennisadelaide]

I, myself have had shoulder trouble as a high-level junior (top 150 nationally) Some things that I did to remedy this were:

1. Move to a higher static weight racquet (Wilson blade v7) - I found that using the Blade ULS as I was, I wasn't getting enough power from the frame so my shoulder muscles were having to work extra hard on serves/forehands.

2. Technique on the forehand - contact point out in front and hit the ball in a sid on position. Hitting the ball front on means that you don't get any power from hip rotation and this doesn't allow you to use any drive from your legs.

3. Technique on the serve - I found that my body was moving in front of my ball toss, before I had hit the ball, meaning that I was hitting the ball just above/behind my head, hence, putting a lot of strain on my shoulder muscles.

4. Taping - My saving grace in returning to play was Kinesiology Tape. My physio created a taping pattern that left me supported and pain-free as I was easing back into high-level competition. Furthermore, if I ever start to feel the pain again, I just chuck on the tape and play.

5. Workload - At the time of injury, I was playing 9 times a week (approx. 19 - 24 hours a week). This was too high for my body and conditioning level at the time.

Take from this what you will but I think moving to a higher static weight/lower swing weight racquet like has been mentioned is the best thing you could do. Along with technique, you could have all the racquets in the world if your technique is the problem the shoulder issue wont go away.

HTA

 

[25-TENNIS]

I, myself have had shoulder trouble as a high-level junior (top 150 nationally) Some things that I did to remedy this were:

1. Move to a higher static weight racquet (Wilson blade v7) - I found that using the Blade ULS as I was, I wasn't getting enough power from the frame so my shoulder muscles were having to work extra hard on serves/forehands.

2. Technique on the forehand - contact point out in front and hit the ball in a sid on position. Hitting the ball front on means that you don't get any power from hip rotation and this doesn't allow you to use any drive from your legs.

3. Technique on the serve - I found that my body was moving in front of my ball toss, before I had hit the ball, meaning that I was hitting the ball just above/behind my head, hence, putting a lot of strain on my shoulder muscles.

4. Taping - My saving grace in returning to play was Kinesiology Tape. My physio created a taping pattern that left me supported and pain-free as I was easing back into high-level competition. Furthermore, if I ever start to feel the pain again, I just chuck on the tape and play.

5. Workload - At the time of injury, I was playing 9 times a week (approx. 19 - 24 hours a week). This was too high for my body and conditioning level at the time.

Take from this what you will but I think moving to a higher static weight/lower swing weight racquet like has been mentioned is the best thing you could do. Along with technique, you could have all the racquets in the world if your technique is the problem the shoulder issue wont go away.

HTA

I think I had the same problem with the Blade 98UL, my muscles had to work too hard to create power. Since I started to play with the Ezone DR Lite, the pain disappeared, probably because it has better dampening and it offers more power.

 

[Karma Tennis]

I'm trying to stay away from Babolat since they're too stiff and don't have enough dampening for me.

PS 16x19, customised and dampened by placing either Blue-Tack or Silicon inside the handle. Pair it with a decent quality "Fresh" string.

If your stroke technique is up to scratch and you are a clean hitter, no customised Babolat racquet will feel stiff, not even a Pure Drive let alone a Pure Strike.

Of course, if your game is a little bit off, then something like a Yonex, Head, Angell or ProKennex would probably suit you better.

Do it right, and you will end up with the perfect racquet for the game you appear to aspire to playing.

 

[25-TENNIS]

How's the Gravity's power compared to the Blade and Ezone?
Also, the Dunlop CX 200 16x19 looks great in specs to me, but the TW-reviewers weren't really impressed by it. What do you think about it?

 

[DuraWrangler]

I'm a recent fan of the Head Speed 360+ MP. Has a decent amount of free power while still maintaining a bit of control. Might be worth adding to your demo list if the swing-weight doesn't bother you.

 

[dr. godmode]

With my current rackets (heavier Ezone Dr Lite) I don't have any shoulder pain. With my previous rackets (Blade 98UL and 98L) my shoulder did hurt on forehand and mostly serve.
Is the Gravity more powerful than the Blades?

The Gravity MP/Tour (not the Pro tho) is more powerful than the new v7 Blades. When they softened the Blade for the new version, the power went way down. The EZone 98 is more powerful than the Gravity. Despite being 16x20, the Gravity MP has a more open string pattern than the EZone too.

 

[25-TENNIS]

The Gravity MP/Tour (not the Pro tho) is more powerful than the new v7 Blades. When they softened the Blade for the new version, the power went way down. The EZone 98 is more powerful than the Gravity. Despite being 16x20, the Gravity MP has a more open string pattern than the EZone too.

Okay, so the Gravity would probably suit me better? How's the CX200's powerlevel?

 

[Simplicius]

Hi! I'm 15 years old and have had shoulder injuries in the past. I currently have two rackets at the moments: two Yonex Ezone Dr Lite's (Stock: 100sq., 270g, 330mm).
One of them is custom painted and has some lead in the throat and at 3 & 9, it also has two overgrips (305g unstrung). The other one has only some lead at 3 & 9 and one overgrip (285g unstrung). The 305g has been my main racket, but there's something wrong with this frame. It feels like it has no sweetspot any more. Also, already before it had a strange feeling, I found that this racket isn't solid enough, has a bit to much power and misses some control. The comfort is very good on this racket and don't have any issues with my sensitive shoulder.

The 285g feels ok, but it doesn't play that good and is way too light. My dad's Head YouTek Radical MP (98sq, 295g, 325mm) plays way better. It has plenty control, but misses some power and spin (perhaps because of the 18x20 string pattern). The biggest downside is the comfort. Although it has a stiffness of 58Ra, the d3o technology makes it stiff and uncomfortable. I've also tried a Yonex Ezone Ai98, but it didn't really work for me.

I could put more lead and maybe some silicone in the 285g Dr Lite, but I doubt that would make it better. I think it's better to get a new racket that suits me better. I'm looking for something with the following specs:
300-310g
98-100 sq. Inch.
62-67Ra
Open string pattern.
Same comfort as my Dr Lite's
I was thinking about the Wilson Blade 98 V7 16x19, Yonex Ezone 98 2020 and the Prince Textreme Tour 310 (2019). What rackets do you recommend?

I agree with you that Youtek Rad MP is an arm killer!

pure strike 16x19

Pure strike 16x19 has the specs that you are looking for your game style.
You can try Prince Textreme Beast 98. It has the same specs as BPS16x19 but it's less stiff (in real action) and has a more control oriented 16x20 pattern.
I haven't use Beast 98 (normal ports) myself, but all the comparisons between those two name the Beast 98 more powerful and less harsh.

 

[25-TENNIS]

I agree with you that Youtek Rad MP is an arm killer!



Pure strike 16x19 has the specs that you are looking for your game style.
You can try Prince Textreme Beast 98. It has the same specs as BPS16x19 but it's less stiff (in real action) and has a more control oriented 16x20 pattern.
I haven't use Beast 98 (normal ports) myself, but all the comparisons between those two name the Beast 98 more powerful and less harsh.

Not sure if the Radical is am arm killer, but it definitely doesn't have great dampening. I'm not sure if the Beast is too powerful, but I'll add it to the demo list.

 

[dr. godmode]

Okay, so the Gravity would probably suit me better? How's the CX200's powerlevel?

I haven't tried any of the Dunlop's. Not available in my area. Maybe check out the Diadem Elevate. Depending on your ranking you may be able to get some sort of sponsorship.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Update on my search for a new racket. I got two demorackets today: the Yonex Ezone 98 and 100 2020 version. Both are strung with a dark grey/black poly. Played a 1.5 hour training session with it. My first impression:
Both frames play great. The 98 has a nicer feel, great control too. The 100 has more power and is easier to play with. Especially on the serve it was perfect, I could hit some bombs! Not sure which one I like better. I will have to play more with it to know which one suits me better. I think the Ezone 100 will have a bit to much power when I string it with my usual Wilson Sensation string. The 98 with Sensation will be great I think.
I will also demo the Blade 98 V7 16x19 and the Prince Textreme Tour 100 310 later.

 

[Karma Tennis]

The 98 has a nicer feel, great control too. The 100 has more power and is easier to play with.

The 98 with Sensation will be great I think.

Yonex make nice raquets.

You could enhance the Depth Potential (you call it Power, but that is sort of a misonmer beyond the scope of the discussion here.) of the 98 by adding a bit of weight in the right places. Do it properly and you will have the best of everything.

 

[25-TENNIS]

Yonex make nice raquets.

You could enhance the Depth Potential (you call it Power, but that is sort of a misonmer beyond the scope of the discussion here.) of the 98 by adding a bit of weight in the right places. Do it properly and you will have the best of everything.

Yes some lead is needed for more stability and plow through. I do like the 98 better than the 100. The 100 feels a bit like a rocket launcher to me. 98 has more control and less power, which suits me better. I'm curious about the Blade since it has less power, and better stability and plow. The Gravity MP might suit me too. Any other recommendations?

 

[Jster]

Yes some lead is needed for more stability and plow through. I do like the 98 better than the 100. The 100 feels a bit like a rocket launcher to me. 98 has more control and less power, which suits me better. I'm curious about the Blade since it has less power, and better stability and plow. The Gravity MP might suit me too. Any other recommendations?

powerangle

 

[25-TENNIS]

powerangle

What's that?

 

[Karma Tennis]

What's that?

A brand of racquets that has diagonal string patterns. Google the word to go to the company site !

 

[25-TENNIS]

A brand of racquets that has diagonal string patterns. Google the word to go to the company site !

They look interesting. Have you ever played with them?

 

[Karma Tennis]

They look interesting. Have you ever played with them?

No I haven't. And I don't know anyone who has. So can't really comment on them.

I've looked at the stringing instructions. They don't seem to be too difficult to string. An interesting concept that does make sense from a "tennis physics" point of view.

However, they have been around for quite some time now. If they did provide any serious advantage over traditional patterns, you would think they would have been more widely adopted at the highest levels of the sport. Everyone is looking for a playing advantage these days. The "one percenters" can make a huge difference.

 

[25-TENNIS]

No I haven't. And I don't know anyone who has. So can't really comment on them.

I've looked at the stringing instructions. They don't seem to be too difficult to string. An interesting concept that does make sense from a "tennis physics" point of view.

However, they have been around for quite some time now. If they did provide any serious advantage over traditional patterns, you would think they would have been more widely adopted at the highest levels of the sport. Everyone is looking for a playing advantage these days. The "one percenters" can make a huge difference.

I had never heared of them before. I think the rackets look a bit ugly. Maybe they should have done a more modern design on it.

 

[Miki 1234]

I would take yonex if you already played with such head shape. You cant miss with yonex and all racquets that you mention have minor flaws so its not worth it to change.
Other then that you might wanna try new head speed graphene mp if you want something different then yonex.Seems to get very good feedback.