Prince Hybrid Shark MP VS Head Microgel Extreme MP

[maruzo]

Have both but using the OS version of hybrid shark when playing matches. Only uses the MP during practice.

The pain in my elbow steadily getting worse. Alas, when will it heal?

I love both racket and knows that to improve my game i must learn to use these well instead of their easy-hitting, easy-power OS brothers.

Still, the pain persists and my arm simply does not respond quickly enough with the heavier sticks.

The stats between these 2 sticks are quite similar:


Head Microgel Extreme MP
Midplus Specs
Head Size:
100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27.25 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.2oz / 318g
Balance: 6pts Head Light
Swingweight: 320
Stiffness: 68
Beam Width: 24 - 26 - 23 Tapered Beam
Composition: Microgel / Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: HydroSorb
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Mains skip: 8T,8H
Two Piece
No shared holes
String Tension: 52-62 pounds

Prince Hybrid Shark MP
Midplus Specs
Head Size:
100 sq. in. / 645 sq. cm.
Length: 27 inches / 69 cm
Strung Weight: 11.1oz / 315g
Balance: 2pts Head Light
Swingweight: 324
Stiffness: 65
Beam Width: 22-26-22 mm Tapered Beam
Composition: Dynamic Braided Graphite / Titanium / Tungsten
Power Level: Medium
Swing Speed: Moderate-Fast
Grip Type: Duratac
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Mains skip: 7T.9T.7H.9H
One Piece
No shared holes
String Tension: 53-63 pounds

The feel during play is quite different, however. The shark is spin-happy and powerful, while the microgel is firm and consistent.

Shark is easier to maneuver than the microgel. Which is odd since both stick have almost the same stats. Except the 2pt vs 6 pts head light balance.

Anyone using either sticks?

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

TE or GE pain? One-handed BH?

Have not used the Mg Extreme but I have used the Hybrid Shark MP quite a lot. I have found that, with a soft string strung in the low 50s, the Shark is quite easy on my shoulder and arm.

It is not completely surprising that your Shark might be easier to maneuver than the Extreme. Even tho' the Extreme is supposedly more head-light than the Shark, it is also a bit longer. The swingweight for the 2 rackets are very similar. This might be more important than the stated balance specs. Note that ************** and H'bird Sports has the SW of the Shark at 322 which is very close to the 320 for the Extreme. Given that these specs actually vary quite a bit from the "average" values that published, your Shark could easily have a lower SW than your Extreme.

The O3 ports on the Shark might make it somewhat more aerodynamic than the Extreme. This can add to its maneuverability.

I noticed that the TW testers gave the Extreme a comfort score of 78. This is a so-so score. Unfortunately, we do not have a comfort score for the Shark but my guess is that it would be in the mid to high 80s. This guess is based on comparisons to other rackets I have tried that garnered comfort scores in the mid 80s. This score gives us a fair idea of how much frame shock might be delivered to your elbow, shoulder and arm.

 

[tata]

First of all i would stop playing for a good 2 weeks or at least until the pain stops. If you feel pain then don't play. YOu will only delay the healing process if you don't stop and let it recover.

If you are using polyester strings, ditch it and go for multis instead. You should try see how you play at lower end tensions in polys if you want to keep a polyester string.

 

[maruzo]

I use prince topspin 16g strung at 60lbs for the shark MP. The microgel is new so i'm still working off the oem string job.

I use 2 rubber bands tied up at the bottom of the string bed. This gives my string a really muted and dead feel, which is how i like it.

The pain is definitely tennis elbow. i wear protective gear on my elbow to soften the shock, that and i have about 6 days to rest in between matches does give the elbow plenty of rest.

I play around 4~5 sets every sat or sun. However, last week i played 2 weekends and the pain got worse after the second day.

So far the pain goes away after a day or two of rest. but it's still there if i try lifting weights.

I've been lifting a 12lb dumbbell with my left hand during break time at work. The arm does start to feel stronger.

The strange thing is, if i bend my elbow for a prolonged period of time during activities such as holding the phone or reading a novel, the minute i let go and straighten that elbow, i get this tenderness and pain that lasts for a few minutes.

A tennis pal who happens to be a professor at a local medical school says that my condition might be chronic, and that the tendons on my elbow may also be calcified.

Taking joint juices and doing some stretch exercises daily now to hopefully counter the effect.