Please help me get out of a Pure Aero

[bobombom]

So after a multi year layaway (mostly because I got completely sucked into golf), my younger sibling goaded me back into the sport.

The last time I really got into the nitty gritty of racket shopping was back when the Steam was released so its been a while.

If I had to classify my play style, it would be a baseliner with a high spin playstyle. I have good rotational speed, and can generate a decent amount of pace (in golf language, my driver SS peaks out at 118 mph).

When I came back, I started with a 360+ extreme tour which for some reason was a rocket launcher for me. I moved on next to a 2019 Pure Aero. I assumed the same thing would happen since it's more of a "powerful" racket, but all of a sudden, everything started dropping in. I could take huge cuts and the ball just stayed in and kicked like a donkey. My tennis style has gotten lazier as I feel good enough to just swing with aplomb and know that it's going to likely have enough help to stay in. My problem now is that, while I'm not in overt pain, it wouldn't take much for me to cross over into the realm of elbow pain. I'm not old by any stretch of the imagination, but my late thirties body is telling me that it's going to start hurting me soon.

I would love to have a similar racket that I can just lazily take huge cuts at and have enough spin to keep it down (but also be nice to my body). Has anyone in a similar situation to me had similar success in a slightly more comfortable package?

Some interest currently in the Extreme MP and Speed MP. Not sure if those would be reasonable options.

Thanks all!

 

[FrankyRelax]

Carve 100

 

[Conrado85]

Prince TT ATS 310

 

[time_fly]

Have you considered focusing mostly on a comfort-oriented frame and setup and not worrying so much about “spin racquets”? I naturally hit with a lot of spin too, but I’ve discovered that I can get plenty of spin out of most raquets; I don’t need extra help. Unless your game is patterned after Rafa’s and you are looking to hit absurdly high-hopping topspin moonballs, you might prefer a racquet that gets your shot through the court and has the comfort you need. If you’re like me, you will still get plenty of spin to bring the ball down with a typical modern frame and string setup.

 

[bobombom]

Have you considered focusing mostly on a comfort-oriented frame and setup and not worrying so much about “spin racquets”? I naturally hit with a lot of spin too, but I’ve discovered that I can get plenty of spin out of most raquets; I don’t need extra help. Unless your game is patterned after Rafa’s and you are looking to hit absurdly high-hopping topspin moonballs, you might prefer a racquet that gets your shot through the court and has the comfort you need. If you’re like me, you will still get plenty of spin to bring the ball down with a typical modern frame and string setup.

Unfortunately that's kinda what my game looks like now with very spinny high kicking shots. It's been mentally comforting playing that way because I don't screw up as much compared to when my shots had some variance.

I guess to reframe my question, is there a racket that I can use to keep playing this way any have just a touch more comfort? The nearest tennis shop to get demos is pretty far, and my wife absolutely abhors me receiving and sending packages (due to my golfing packages), so I am trying to keep it to a single purchase if possible..

Will definitely look up the rackets above!

If it's helpful, I can post a video of how I hit.

 

[gsinko1]

Yonex ezone 100 or vcore 100 might be good for you to test out. The 2023 Pure Aero is supposedly more comfortable than the previous generation as well. I personally enjoyed the feel of the 2023 significantly more than the 2019 version (better control and feel in my experience)

 

[TripleSSS]

So after a multi year layaway (mostly because I got completely sucked into golf), my younger sibling goaded me back into the sport.

The last time I really got into the nitty gritty of racket shopping was back when the Steam was released so its been a while.

If I had to classify my play style, it would be a baseliner with a high spin playstyle. I have good rotational speed, and can generate a decent amount of pace (in golf language, my driver SS peaks out at 118 mph).

When I came back, I started with a 360+ extreme tour which for some reason was a rocket launcher for me. I moved on next to a 2019 Pure Aero. I assumed the same thing would happen since it's more of a "powerful" racket, but all of a sudden, everything started dropping in. I could take huge cuts and the ball just stayed in and kicked like a donkey. My tennis style has gotten lazier as I feel good enough to just swing with aplomb and know that it's going to likely have enough help to stay in. My problem now is that, while I'm not in overt pain, it wouldn't take much for me to cross over into the realm of elbow pain. I'm not old by any stretch of the imagination, but my late thirties body is telling me that it's going to start hurting me soon.

I would love to have a similar racket that I can just lazily take huge cuts at and have enough spin to keep it down (but also be nice to my body). Has anyone in a similar situation to me had similar success in a slightly more comfortable package?

Some interest currently in the Extreme MP and Speed MP. Not sure if those would be reasonable options.

Thanks all!

Have you tried the latest 2023 model Pure Aero?
They softened it up and added more dampening tech into it.
Pair that with some soft strings at a lower tension.
Maybe that could help with arm pain and you get to still keep using the Aero.
Otherwise, Extreme MP might be the softest Spin racket and best option for you.
But always try to demo other rackets as I feel like modern rackets all have decent spin potential. I can get plenty of spin even with Blade 18x20. So unless you want to really hit balls with really high net clearance like Rafa, good idea to try other rackets and see if they get enough spin for you.

 

[ryushen21]

Might be a little outside the box, but have you considered the Blade 100?

 

[socallefty]

Change to a more comfortable stringjob - lower stiffness string, lower tension, thinner gauge etc. Better to tweak strings first rather than change racquets. Also if you are using poly, cut it out before you start feeling any tightness/discomfort. With most soft polys, you might need to do so within 15-20 hours and with stiffer polys, it might be even less than 10 hours. Also poly plays well at low tensions and if you are stringing over 50 lbs, you could try mid-forties.

 

[bobombom]

Have you tried the latest 2023 model Pure Aero?
They softened it up and added more dampening tech into it.
Pair that with some soft strings at a lower tension.
Maybe that could help with arm pain and you get to still keep using the Aero.
Otherwise, Extreme MP might be the softest Spin racket and best option for you.
But always try to demo other rackets as I feel like modern rackets all have decent spin potential. I can get plenty of spin even with Blade 18x20. So unless you want to really hit balls with really high net clearance like Rafa, good idea to try other rackets and see if they get enough spin for you.

Definitely might try the new one. Extreme interests me because the tour felt really nice. My elbow doesn't hurt yet...but the last time I hit it felt like a time bomb waiting for it's time to go off..

My game has devolved into big cuts and high net clearance. Completely different from my old game, but it is getting me results and letting me turn my brain off during the match. A very boring brand of tennis, but the whole heavy spin thing is very addicting.

I'm sure I'd do just fine in a non-spin frame (I get great kick from an old 18x20 six.one that I have around), but this new spin frame discovery has really changed my game and is decreasing my error rate, so this is my feeble attempt at keeping it going.

 

[bobombom]

Change to a more comfortable stringjob - lower stiffness string, lower tension, thinner gauge etc. Better to tweak strings first rather than change racquets. Also if you are using poly, cut it out before you start feeling any tightness/discomfort. With most soft polys, you might need to do so within 15-20 hours and with stiffer polys, it might be even less than 10 hours. Also poly plays well at low tensions and if you are stringing over 50 lbs, you could try mid-forties.

Currently have BK at 56, not quite sure if that qualifies as a soft poly

 

[bobombom]

Might be a little outside the box, but have you considered the Blade 100?

I played with an 18x20 blade in the late 2000's, I liked it then, but also didn't do the whole high spin high ball thing

 

[ryushen21]

I played with an 18x20 blade in the late 2000's, I liked it then, but also didn't do the whole high spin high ball thing

The Blade 100 is a little different. It would definitely be a more comfortable frame and there's no lack of spin with it.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

I don't think the Blade 100 is gonna give you what you're looking for, I think you're on the right path with the Extreme MP/Speed MP/New Aero, but I'd also throw the Boom MP into the mix - very comfortable racquet with tons of free spin and power, similar to what you like in your pure aero.

 

[Rosstour]

Clash v1

Pray and Spray. The most comically fun racquet ever.

Earlier this summer I hit the hardest return of my life in a tournament, can still hear the gasps from the ppl in the bleachers. I'm 43

 

[Rosstour]

I played with an 18x20 blade in the late 2000's, I liked it then, but also didn't do the whole high spin high ball thing

16x19 Blades are very different, that ball really jumps.

 

[TripleSSS]

Definitely might try the new one. Extreme interests me because the tour felt really nice. My elbow doesn't hurt yet...but the last time I hit it felt like a time bomb waiting for it's time to go off..

My game has devolved into big cuts and high net clearance. Completely different from my old game, but it is getting me results and letting me turn my brain off during the match. A very boring brand of tennis, but the whole heavy spin thing is very addicting.

I'm sure I'd do just fine in a non-spin frame (I get great kick from an old 18x20 six.one that I have around), but this new spin frame discovery has really changed my game and is decreasing my error rate, so this is my feeble attempt at keeping it going.

I think definitely try the new Pure Aero, I don't really get arm issues, but I still felt that the new Pure Aero was not really like older Pure Aero and is now pretty soft and dampened.

Currently have BK at 56, not quite sure if that qualifies as a soft poly

Not sure what BK is but try relatively soft strings, my recommendations are probably crap since I think my strings are soft but others disagree and they say they are stiff.
Toroline O-Toro, Absolut, Toro-toro, Wasabi.
Grapplesnake M8.
Yonex Poly Tour Rev.
Also try stringing them lower, like 48-52lbs. Will help be softer and give more spin. 56lbs is pretty high.

I played with an 18x20 blade in the late 2000's, I liked it then, but also didn't do the whole high spin high ball thing

The Blade 100 16x19 has a surprisingly good amount of spin, like it is a spin racket moreso than a control racket IMO.

 

[bobombom]

I think definitely try the new Pure Aero, I don't really get arm issues, but I still felt that the new Pure Aero was not really like older Pure Aero and is now pretty soft and dampened.

Not sure what BK is but try relatively soft strings, my recommendations are probably crap since I think my strings are soft but others disagree and they say they are stiff.
Toroline O-Toro, Absolut, Toro-toro, Wasabi.
Grapplesnake M8.
Yonex Poly Tour Rev.
Also try stringing them lower, like 48-52lbs. Will help be softer and give more spin. 56lbs is pretty high.

The Blade 100 16x19 has a surprisingly good amount of spin, like it is a spin racket moreso than a control racket IMO.

Sorry about that, Tier One Black Knight in 16 gauge.

That's true, maybe I can try a softer string before I commit to a new racket. Though the boom sounds interesting too, I had never heard of it before.

 

[shadow10]

Try the Yonex Vcores since that is their spin line! 100 would be the easiest to use having more power and spin than the smaller versions with less control. If you want the other end of the spectrum with control being the focus, then 95 is great with lower stiffness.

 

[dmtree]

A stiff 16g string at 56lbs is not going to help with arm issues.. I'd reduce tension by 10% and go down in size to 17g. Then try a softer string if the issues persist.
Even if you end up getting a softer racquet with less power, all the more reason to reduce tension.

 

[Rosstour]

Sorry about that, Tier One Black Knight in 16 gauge.

That's true, maybe I can try a softer string before I commit to a new racket. Though the boom sounds interesting too, I had never heard of it before.

Softer string, thinner gauge, lower tension, larger grip

 

[J D]

BK is a very stiff string. It’s sooo deceptive because it has so much pocketing, but it’s really stiff. It plays great, wicked spin and lots of bite, but it’s the only string in the last 5 years that bothered both my elbow and wrist. You can hybrid it with something like Tour Bite Soft in the crosses to really soften up the string bed without changing the playability too much.

If you want something that will play similarly but is definitely softer, try Hyper G Soft in 17 or 18 gauge. Bonus - it looks great in the PA 19. If you’re not a string breaker, regular TB in 19 plays much softer and has the spin of BK. You can’t string the 19 gauges too loose, though.

To me, the 23 PA was less arm friendly than the 19. With its lighter SW and tighter string pattern, you feel the stiffness more, even though it has a little more flex. The Dunlop SX300 has the spin and power of the PA 19 in a slightly more comfortable package. You might need to add a bit of weight to the head to get the same plow as the PA, though.

 

[bobombom]

BK is a very stiff string. It’s sooo deceptive because it has so much pocketing, but it’s really stiff. It plays great, wicked spin and lots of bite, but it’s the only string in the last 5 years that bothered both my elbow and wrist. You can hybrid it with something like Tour Bite Soft in the crosses to really soften up the string bed without changing the playability too much.

If you want something that will play similarly but is definitely softer, try Hyper G Soft in 17 or 18 gauge. Bonus - it looks great in the PA 19. If you’re not a string breaker, regular TB in 19 plays much softer and has the spin of BK. You can’t string the 19 gauges too loose, though.

To me, the 23 PA was less arm friendly than the 19. With its lighter SW and tighter string pattern, you feel the stiffness more, even though it has a little more flex. The Dunlop SX300 has the spin and power of the PA 19 in a slightly more comfortable package. You might need to add a bit of weight to the head to get the same plow as the PA, though.

Man I didn't realize BK was stiff.. have really enjoyed how it plays and how long it maintains playability and tension. I usually have some string breaking issues, but no issues with breaking thus far with BK 16.

I used to play Tourna BHS (round) for a long time and at some point used hyper G in 16 but had some issues with snapping sooner than my wallet liked. Tour bite felt really really stiff to be for some reason.

I never gave dunlop the time of day in the past, and seems nice but would have liked maybe a slightly lower RA and a more subdued PJ (though all these spin rackets seem to have loud PJ's these days).

Really appreciate everyone's input. I decided to try a string change back to BHS in 17 at a lighter tension. I will also demo a Extreme MP and report back. Who knows, maybe this love affair with overly spinny rackets will subside after a while.

 

[BlueB]

So after a multi year layaway (mostly because I got completely sucked into golf), my younger sibling goaded me back into the sport.

The last time I really got into the nitty gritty of racket shopping was back when the Steam was released so its been a while.

If I had to classify my play style, it would be a baseliner with a high spin playstyle. I have good rotational speed, and can generate a decent amount of pace (in golf language, my driver SS peaks out at 118 mph).

When I came back, I started with a 360+ extreme tour which for some reason was a rocket launcher for me. I moved on next to a 2019 Pure Aero. I assumed the same thing would happen since it's more of a "powerful" racket, but all of a sudden, everything started dropping in. I could take huge cuts and the ball just stayed in and kicked like a donkey. My tennis style has gotten lazier as I feel good enough to just swing with aplomb and know that it's going to likely have enough help to stay in. My problem now is that, while I'm not in overt pain, it wouldn't take much for me to cross over into the realm of elbow pain. I'm not old by any stretch of the imagination, but my late thirties body is telling me that it's going to start hurting me soon.

I would love to have a similar racket that I can just lazily take huge cuts at and have enough spin to keep it down (but also be nice to my body). Has anyone in a similar situation to me had similar success in a slightly more comfortable package?

Some interest currently in the Extreme MP and Speed MP. Not sure if those would be reasonable options.

Thanks all!

Is it hunting or it's just in your mind as a possibility? If it's not really hurting don't change.

If you must, look for whatever developed out of the Prince O3 White (the original ported racquet). It hits all the spin of the Aero, but with a lot more comfort.

 

[bobombom]

Is it hunting or it's just in your mind as a possibility? If it's not really hurting don't change.

If you must, look for whatever developed out of the Prince O3 White (the original ported racquet). It hits all the spin of the Aero, but with a lot more comfort.

It's not really hurting, but there is this weird throbbing sensation in the area that is consistently there when I use the PA for an hour or so. I've seen a buddy of mine get absolutely decimated by elbow issues, so would love to avoid rather than find out.