Power potential perceived vs measured as in the learning center

[TennisMD]

So TW testers , the big hitters among you( I will let you self identify) I have always wondered on the discrepancy between the power score as perceived by the testers vs the actual intrinsic power as listed on the learning center for example the new pure strike 18 x 20 3 rd generation has a measured intrinsic power listing of 42.2 this out ranks the pure aero, the pure drive , the Federer autograph yet all of the latter have perceived scores much higher most notably the pure aero perceived 91 score measured 41.7
PS 18x 20 3rd gen perceived only 80 measured 42.2. The reason I pose this question is to be honest the reviewers ( no disrespect) on the Pure strike was not loaded with heavy hitters
So big hitters ,those that can wield a heavier racquet( I know racquet Head speed increases power) but those of you that can swing is the pure strike 18 x 20 3 rd gen felt to be that low powered.

 

[TennisMD]

So Michelle, Troy, Chris not on the review team but what are your thoughts on the Pure strike 18 x 20 3rd gen as low a score as the current reviewers gave it

 

[TW Staff]

Mass wins when it comes to power potential and has the biggest impact on the lab numbers. I just checked the 3rd Gen 18x20 and it was slightly lower than the RF 97A which is 42.8 vs the 42.2 of the Strike 18x20. Both are very close in swingweight but the higher static weight of the Pro Staff is giving it the edge in power potential.

On court it will come down to the player's ability to swing the racquet. There will come a point where the weight of the racquet will inhibit the player from consistently reaching their best swing speed. At that point they wont be getting the most out of the racquet. A slightly lighter racquet should allow them to swing faster more of the time and get more consistent power over the duration of a match.

Given time to set up and take a full cut the heavy racquet should reward you with more power. However, we don't always have the time to do that and a lighter/faster racquet may offer a player easier access to pace and depth -- especially in a defensive situations as it is easier to still hit with a fuller swing. For instance it is much easier for me to access depth and pace with the Pure Aero when stretched out on the run than it is with a heavier racquet like the Pro Staff RF 97A.

If you are looking to maximize power (and comfort) then using the heaviest racquet you can comfortably swing for the duration of a match is the way to go. Go too heavy and you'll be leaving some power potential on the table. Go too light and again you might be missing out.

Remember it's much easier to add weight to a racquet so a slightly lighter starting point and building up is the safest bet.

Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Chris, TW.

 

[TennisMD]

Thanks for reply
Curious though you that are 5.0 types would you say you hit with more power with a pure Aero or not
Brittany ,I believe Jason in a quip back to a kibitzers said losing to his wife who was # 1 singles at D1 school was no shame (I would agree )but even she rated the PS low powered
My dilemma is very strong senior ,like the feel of the PS and tough for me to really judge the power level difference between the 2, but foot speed and reaction will decrease before brut strength so if you react a bit more slowly you can compensate more with a pure Aero type hence better timing better power
I guess the young guns at TW who swing heavier rkts is as you said can swing but more importantly react fast enough to allow efficient use of the likes of theRF 97A
Would you all agree