Racquet reco for tennis elbow

[Steve V]

Hi everyone,

First post with a question for anyone who has or has had tennis elbow: what racquet would you recommend?

I am trying to cast a bit of a wide net and gather as much info/thoughts as possible. I had had a few suggestions from one of the play testers and wanted a few more data points if possible.

A little background on me and my game:
- High beginner/low intermediate level
- More baseline player than net (52 years old and not super quick)
- Not net adverse, just need to develop that part of my game more
- Stroke is not fully developed (more maneuverable racquet better?)
- Am a little late on hard hit balls and more reactionary versus dictating the game
- Grip is either continental or semi-eastern

My current racquet is the prior version of the Pure Aero with addiction string. It has a 69 RA, 11.3 strung weight and 327 swing weight.

While I have been happy with the Pure Aero, I want to focus more on arm friendly options instead of trying to replicate this racquet. My tennis elbow was the result of poor form while trying the semi-western or western grip in tennis class.

When I bought the Pure Aero, I was planning on using a more spin generating grip and taking advantage of the racquet’s strength of spin. However, I don’t think that would be a good idea with my arm issues. (If I am not going to use a grip that focuses on spin, I don’t see much to gain from using a racquet that is designed for people who generate a lot of spin).

Some racquets recommended so far are:
- Yonex Ezone 98
- Yonex VCORE Pro 100
- Prince Phantom X
- Wilson Clash
- Wilson 98

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks everyone in advance,
Steve

 

[Injured Again]

Instead of spending money on a new racquet which may or may not help, how about spending some of that money on some lessons with a pro who can either teach you proper technique or validate that your current technique is arm healthy?

 

[Steve V]

I am taking classes now and the issue was trying a new grip. I have worked with someone since I tweaked my elbow and am back to my old grip. My teacher did not identify any issues with my swing. The issue is that it does not make sense to me to use a stiff racquet for people who use a more spin generating grip when that is not going to be my focus.

 

[Steve V]

I felt my elbow twinge when I was trying the new grip, so I know when it occurred. I returned to my normal grip, which never caused any issues before. Completely understand your reply, but I am viewing a new racquet as one of many things to do to help. I am not viewing it as a cure all.

 

[Miki 1234]

No need to think a lot , clash 100 or 98 is just great , at speeds you play it has no weak spots and its very easy on the arm.

 

[Steve V]

No need to think a lot , clash 100 or 98 is just great , at speeds you play it has no weak spots and its very easy on the arm.

Thanks!

 

[esm]

My current racquet is the prior version of the Pure Aero with addiction string. It has a 69 RA, 11.3 strung weight and 327 swing weight.

Hi Steve, do you know what tension you have on the PA with Addiction?
I played with a 2016 PAT for a while (i think it was about low 340g, 32cm and about 330SW) with flubbed of Addiction 16 at 48lb. Had about 10-12 hours on that and by the time i cut it out, it'd be at around low 40lb..... not problems with the elbow/wrist/arm.

Instead of switching the racquet, maybe try new string (softer multi) or adjust the tension to start with and see if that helps, while working/practicing on the strokes etc. good luck.

 

[TagUrIt]

Wilson Clash is an amazing racquet, had my Clash Tour strung with a gut/poly hybrid.

 

[Happi]

Wilson Clash is an amazing racquet, had my Clash Tour strung with a gut/poly hybrid.

Clash Tour is properly the worst racquet I ever played. Totally erratic. Interesting that there can be so different opinions on a racquet, I read so many good reviews (but to be fair, also a good amount of bad reviews) here on TT. Clash seem to divide the waters.

 

[Steve V]

Hi Steve, do you know what tension you have on the PA with Addiction?
I played with a 2016 PAT for a while (i think it was about low 340g, 32cm and about 330SW) with flubbed of Addiction 16 at 48lb. Had about 10-12 hours on that and by the time i cut it out, it'd be at around low 40lb..... not problems with the elbow/wrist/arm.

Instead of switching the racquet, maybe try new string (softer multi) or adjust the tension to start with and see if that helps, while working/practicing on the strokes etc. good luck.

Thanks for the suggestion. Definitely worth considering.

Babolat Addiction at around 54 pounds of tension.

Two concerns:
1. I think I bought a size too small and should be a 1/2 instead of 3/8.
2. Not sure if the Pure Aero is best suited to my game if I don’t put a lot of spin with a semi eastern grip.

Thanks again. Really appreciate the input and I will give it some thought.

 

[esm]

Thanks for the suggestion. Definitely worth considering.

Babolat Addiction at around 54 pounds of tension.

Two concerns:
1. I think I bought a size too small and should be a 1/2 instead of 3/8.
2. Not sure if the Pure Aero is best suited to my game if I don’t put a lot of spin with a semi eastern grip.

Thanks again. Really appreciate the input and I will give it some thought.

i think these are easily solved.
re:
1. you can always find a thicker replacement grip or a thicker OG to bump up the grip size. or use a heat sleeve to bump up a whole size, but i think it'd add about 15g (from memory)
2. shouldn't matter, imo. i am a flatter hitter, and i was okay with the PAT.

I think lower the tension and see if that helps

 

[pats300zx1]

After having serious elbow issues with a BPD I switched to a Clash 100 with a good multi (NXT or NRG2). It has helped tremendously.

 

[Miki 1234]

Clash Tour is properly the worst racquet I ever played. Totally erratic. Interesting that there can be so different opinions on a racquet, I read so many good reviews (but to be fair, also a good amount of bad reviews) here on TT. Clash seem to divide the waters.

Depends on the strings as well but sure control is not the best , on the other hand bpd has very similar control probably worse the 98 tho. But to wory about that when you have arm issue is just insane.Marginal stuff at best.

 

[TagUrIt]

Clash Tour is properly the worst racquet I ever played. Totally erratic. Interesting that there can be so different opinions on a racquet, I read so many good reviews (but to be fair, also a good amount of bad reviews) here on TT. Clash seem to divide the waters.

I’m almost certain you didn’t have the right strings in the racquet. When I first got my Clash Tour I had it strung with Luxilon Smart at 44lbs. The stringbed was like a trampoline and zero control over my shots. I almost returned it to Wilson, until I had it restrung with Alu Power at 55lbs, it makes a world of difference with what kind of strings you play. Another thing I’ve noticed that most people either love or hate the Clash, to each their own I guess.

 

[Injured Again]

I'm glad you're getting validation from a coach that it is your racquet primarily causing your elbow irritation. That being said, I have hit briefly with a Clash 100 with a multi in it and that is a very plush combination with decent control. It wasn't overly powerful and there weren't many shots that just went unexpectedly way long or high. It is a good combo that is playable to a high level, and if you want a bit more surface area, a Clash 108 is also a good racquet that can be handle weighted to get close to the specs of a regular Clash.

 

[Steve V]

I'm glad you're getting validation from a coach that it is your racquet primarily causing your elbow irritation. That being said, I have hit briefly with a Clash 100 with a multi in it and that is a very plush combination with decent control. It wasn't overly powerful and there weren't many shots that just went unexpectedly way long or high. It is a good combo that is playable to a high level, and if you want a bit more surface area, a Clash 108 is also a good racquet that can be handle weighted to get close to the specs of a regular Clash.

Thanks! I do agree that it is important to work with a good coach to confirm what the cause might be. Appreciate the thoughts on the Clash.

 

[Steve V]

i think these are easily solved.
re:
1. you can always find a thicker replacement grip or a thicker OG to bump up the grip size. or use a heat sleeve to bump up a whole size, but i think it'd add about 15g (from memory)
2. shouldn't matter, imo. i am a flatter hitter, and i was okay with the PAT.

I think lower the tension and see if that helps

Thanks! Really appreciate the advice.

 

[graycrait]

You can wish and hope but there is no magic. Take more lessons, get a POG 107 and the rest of my recommendations. When you go off the rails with light stiff rackets and cheap poly overplayed then just get my kit out, again. I don't use my kit as often as I used to.

 

[Steve V]

You can wish and hope but there is no magic. Take more lessons, get a POG 107 and the rest of my recommendations. When you go off the rails with light stiff rackets and cheap poly overplayed then just get my kit out, again. I don't use my kit as often as I used to.

Thanks. I’ll definitely check out the POG 107. I did have a steroid shot in my elbow a week ago and my doc suggested a lighter racquet, some stretches and a brace to take off strain from the elbow. I am looking for the racquet to be one thing to help along with technique, a brace, stretching and some rest in between playing. But am clear it is only a part and not the solution. Appreciate the input.

 

[graycrait]

Thanks. I’ll definitely check out the POG 107.

The POG 107 lets you play while you recover. I think the most important thing is hard massage with the hard ball and massager (sp?). Those are some tiny blood vessels to get blood to the repair site. They need all the help they can get. Reverse arm curls are good things as well. Relaxed grip and move to more modern swing and grip if you insist in using "modern racquet and string."

 

[kailash]

Some racquets recommended so far are:
- Yonex Ezone 98
- Yonex VCORE Pro 100
- Prince Phantom X
- Wilson Clash
- Wilson 98

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks everyone in advance,
Steve

Try ProKennex racquets too; that is the best brand for arm-friendly racquets.
The list you have also is good; demo to see which one helps you.
And avoid full bed of poly.

 

[Dartagnan64]

A) don’t do steroid shots. TE is a degenerative temdinopathy not an inflammatory condition. You’ll just break down the tissue further. Eccentric exercises and bracing.
b) racket weight is not a cause of TE. Just as many light weight TE sufferers as heavy weight.
c) just go with the Clash and be done with it.

 

[Khadir General]

Very interesting, but I found tennis elbows and golf elbows while using Clash.
Although I did not use hard string, I pulled the softest polyester strings to 21kg.

Switch to Pro Kennex tennis racket, icing, Deep Relief gel triple helped.

 

[UCSF2012]

It's cheaper to buy natural gut than to see a doctor.

Avoid big vibration dampeners, because the bigger they are, the more firm the string bed.

Hitting the frame and off-centered shots is how I injure myself.

600mg of ibuprofen is all you need for tennis elbow.

Switching to a lighter racket is a bad idea. Your doctor doesn't play tennis. Find the heaviest you can move around comfortably.

 

[Happi]

Avoid big vibration dampeners, because the bigger they are, the more firm the string bed.

No big worm dampers are really good for vibrations IMO. I have not noticed the string bed gets firmer, but I guess I depends on where you install the damper

 

[Happi]

I’m almost certain you didn’t have the right strings in the racquet. When I first got my Clash Tour I had it strung with Luxilon Smart at 44lbs. The stringbed was like a trampoline and zero controversy my shots. I almost returned it to Wilson, until I had it restrung with Alu Power at 55lbs, it makes a world of difference with what kind of strings you play. Another thing I’ve noticed that most people either love or hate the Clash, to each their own I guess.

Yes some racquets are for sure string sensitive, I demoed the racquet for a week with Wilson Sensation as I was looking for a really soft setup. I was exited and very positive to try the Clash Tour but did not turn out right for me as I wrote before.

 

[stephenpinkus]

In addition to suggesting that you consider Volkl, I’m going to provide suggestions from my doctor who is at least a 4.5 and maybe a 5: no poly, proper grip size, use regular balls, use new balls, use flex bar, use elbow brace (I love bio skin - hypoallegenic), consider gut.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I’m almost certain you didn’t have the right strings in the racquet. When I first got my Clash Tour I had it strung with Luxilon Smart at 44lbs. The stringbed was like a trampoline and zero controversy my shots. I almost returned it to Wilson, until I had it restrung with Alu Power at 55lbs, it makes a world of difference with what kind of strings you play. Another thing I’ve noticed that most people either love or hate the Clash, to each their own I guess.

-I also agree, the wilson clash is a great racquet at the club level, with the 98, 100/tour, and 108, there is one for a lot of people
-luxilon almost f'd up this racquet by suggesting 44lbs ??!!??, I have no idea what they were thinking (high power stick, high power strings and a low tension, its a catapault combination), WTF!!
-ive been stringing this racquet for people with Wilson sensation plus (black color), at mid to high tension 55-58lbs, plenty of comfort and control now

 

[Steve V]

A) don’t do steroid shots. TE is a degenerative temdinopathy not an inflammatory condition. You’ll just break down the tissue further. Eccentric exercises and bracing.
b) racket weight is not a cause of TE. Just as many light weight TE sufferers as heavy weight.
c) just go with the Clash and be done with it.

Thanks! I was not aware of the issues with the shots. Googled some stuff after reading this — very interesting. Lighter racquet was recommended to be easier to swing rather than causing the issue, but do agree that better to focus on RA/shock absorption. Do plan to demo the Clash. Appreciate your insights.

 

[Steve V]

In addition to suggesting that you consider Volkl, I’m going to provide suggestions from my doctor who is at least a 4.5 and maybe a 5: no poly, proper grip size, use regular balls, use new balls, use flex bar, use elbow brace (I love bio skin - hypoallegenic), consider gut.

Thanks! Is there a specific model of Volkl you recommend? Regarding strings — assume natural or synthetic gut? Will look for the brace on Amazon. Really appreciate the insights.

 

[Luke Yonex]

I think there is a couple of thousand threads on TE/GE. People are lazy and don't use search tools, However I think I may have done the same so maybe I should bite my lip. Out of the Ezones the Dr is suppose to be the best for TE. I brought a couple second hand last year because my elbow was killing me. I tossed some Natural gut in both and haven't looked back. People are saying the 2020 model is a lot like the DR,,

 

[Steve V]

I think there is a couple of thousand threads on TE/GE. People are lazy and don't use search tools, However I think I may have done the same so maybe I should bite my lip. Out of the Ezones the Dr is suppose to be the best for TE. I brought a couple second hand last year because my elbow was killing me. I tossed some Natural gut in both and haven't looked back. People are saying the 2020 model is a lot like the DR,,

Thanks for your post.

I actually have searched both on the blog here and elsewhere. The challenge is that the most recent post on this blog is a couple of years old. My thought was that people might have the new racquet versions that are actually available on the site or someone who did not post in the past who does have helpful info adds a post.

And, my other hope was that a racquet specialist or two would weigh in since their job is to review gear that the website sells. (no luck with that so far but fingers crossed someone will soon).

In my case, I am trading in my current racquet so I am focusing on what is listed on tw.com.

In addition, I have become very skeptical on what bloggers are recommending because we do not know what their affiliation is with manufacturers and if they are being paid to review equipment (this is across all industries - my kids watch unboxing videos and those are basically paid advertisements).

I have reached out separately to the racquet email and have one specialist who has been very helpful. Since everyone has a different POV/playing style and that person might not have TE, there is benefit in a new post to gather more information with new research on racquets and treatments.

 

[stephenpinkus]

I use the VSense V1 MP, 10.6 strung, around 11 with an overgrip. Heard good things about the v4, but may be a little light. The V1 classic may be a good option. I string my racquets at 52 , use technifibre X-one biphase 17.

 

[Luke Yonex]

I actually have searched both on the blog here and elsewhere. The challenge is that the most recent post on this blog is a couple of years old.

Really a couple of years old ??, I am sure I was on a different one yesterday with the same subject, Maybe I am losing my marbles

 

[Steve V]

Really a couple of years old ??, I am sure I was on a different one yesterday with the same subject, Maybe I am losing my marbles

When I looked last week it did not come up in my search. I might have missed it as well.

 

[Luke Yonex]

I would short list about three and play test them before buying (if you can)

 

[Steve V]

I would short list about three and play test them before buying (if you can)

Thanks. That is my plan.

And, when I switched up the search to date from relevance, I did see what posts you were referring to. I am going to check out some of those posts as well.

 

[ratm355]

In order:

1) physical therapy
2) work on proper technique
keep in mind, demoing a bunch of rackets means you'll mishit a lot and could worsen the situation
3) string with full bed of natural gut and use any racket you like that plays well with it and get the tension dialed in for your game...no need to cut it out until it breaks
4) with rackets, heavier (higher swingweight) and flexible (low RA, but avoid twisting type of flex) is better for tennis elbow but you don't have to go to extremes if you did the above 3 steps. if you want to make the gut last longer, anything that lets you string it at a lower tension helps such as: dense string pattern, smaller head size, more flex/less power coming from the racket. Also, make sure you're using a comfortable grip size and not gripping too tightly.

Equipment-wise, you basically want to switch from the stiff racket/stiff string combo to soft racket/soft string without a big sacrifice in performance...this is how a lot of pros played for years and still could be a few around so there's at least the potential to match that level of play.

 

[Anthony Kirk]

Look for a racquet with these specifications:

60-65RA stiffness
11.4-12.0oz strung
315-330 swingweight
5-9pts HL balance
Hybrid stringing setup or full natural gut, tensions i would range from 50-55lbs

If you want more spin opt for 16x19 pattern, if you want more control go for 18x20, if you want best of both worlds or a compromise try 18x19.

Technique is key obviously, but you also want a racquet that can absorb the impacts and help cushion the elbow/arm. Higher swingweight/static weight will have more plow through and generally will absorb impacts better.

 

[Holdfast44ID]

The Clash 98 is the best of that lineup to me. Easy on the arm and better control for that type of frame. You can use something else down the road.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

 

[Mad hatter]

Thanks. That is my plan.

And, when I switched up the search to date from relevance, I did see what posts you were referring to. I am going to check out some of those posts as well.

give the Prokennex 5 g a try. Very,very arm friendly. Will definitely help your tennis elbow ailment. String it low,add some lead @3,9,12 to get more power,

 

[max]

Pro Kennex 5G.

Also, get the largest grip size you can manage. Consider adding some lead tape to the PK to bring it up to 12 or so.

My guess is that you're at a point where you've outgrown the "light, stiff" frame, and need to be able to get a racquet that manages your more mature swing.

But this is my guess, from 4,000 miles away.

 

[fuzz nation]

Hi everyone,

First post with a question for anyone who has or has had tennis elbow: what racquet would you recommend?

I am trying to cast a bit of a wide net and gather as much info/thoughts as possible. I had had a few suggestions from one of the play testers and wanted a few more data points if possible.

A little background on me and my game:
- High beginner/low intermediate level
- More baseline player than net (52 years old and not super quick)
- Not net adverse, just need to develop that part of my game more
- Stroke is not fully developed (more maneuverable racquet better?)
- Am a little late on hard hit balls and more reactionary versus dictating the game
- Grip is either continental or semi-eastern

My current racquet is the prior version of the Pure Aero with addiction string. It has a 69 RA, 11.3 strung weight and 327 swing weight.

While I have been happy with the Pure Aero, I want to focus more on arm friendly options instead of trying to replicate this racquet. My tennis elbow was the result of poor form while trying the semi-western or western grip in tennis class.

When I bought the Pure Aero, I was planning on using a more spin generating grip and taking advantage of the racquet’s strength of spin. However, I don’t think that would be a good idea with my arm issues. (If I am not going to use a grip that focuses on spin, I don’t see much to gain from using a racquet that is designed for people who generate a lot of spin).

Some racquets recommended so far are:
- Yonex Ezone 98
- Yonex VCORE Pro 100
- Prince Phantom X
- Wilson Clash
- Wilson 98

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks everyone in advance,
Steve

My answer may sound like an oversimplification of things, but I say the best one for you is the one strung with natural gut.

A harsh string bed - poly or poly hybrid - will make any frame much harder on the arm (pretty much the wrist and elbow). And even a stiffer middleweight racquet can be completely comfortable for lots of us if it's paired with a soft string. Natural gut is still the king of arm friendliness.

What's the catch? A soft string in a "powerful" racquet may feel like it's impossible to control. Feel is a tricky intangible that's a little different for each of us.

Don't depend on extra flex in a racquet to keep your arm happy if you also want to get away with stringing it with harsh stuff. Extra racquet flex contributes a little bit to a more cozy ride, but based on what I've seen first hand through recent years, softer strings make the biggest difference.

 

[tennis347]

My answer may sound like an oversimplification of things, but I say the best one for you is the one strung with natural gut.

A harsh string bed - poly or poly hybrid - will make any frame much harder on the arm (pretty much the wrist and elbow). And even a stiffer middleweight racquet can be completely comfortable for lots of us if it's paired with a soft string. Natural gut is still the king of arm friendliness.

What's the catch? A soft string in a "powerful" racquet may feel like it's impossible to control. Feel is a tricky intangible that's a little different for each of us.

Don't depend on extra flex in a racquet to keep your arm happy if you also want to get away with stringing it with harsh stuff. Extra racquet flex contributes a little bit to a more cozy ride, but based on what I've seen first hand through recent years, softer strings make the biggest difference.

These days I lean towards flexible frames and soft strings due some elbow and shoulder issues from over 30 years of playing and it has worked wonders for me. I know from all your posts that you love the C10 Pro which is definitely an all time great. IMO the most arm friendly racquet made today is the Angell K7 Red. Its super flexy and offers extreme arm comfort. With a soft string it has that buttery feel which can't be replicated these days. Just thought I would throw it out there for all those players have arm issues.

 

[esm]

These days I lean towards flexible frames and soft strings due some elbow and shoulder issues from over 30 years of playing and it has worked wonders for me. I know from all your posts that you love the C10 Pro which is definitely an all time great. IMO the most arm friendly racquet made today is the Angell K7 Red. Its super flexy and offers extreme arm comfort. With a soft string it has that buttery feel which can't be replicated these days. Just thought I would throw it out there for all those players have arm issues.

i can definitely vouch for K7 Red and TC100 63 RA - they are very arm friendly

 

[tennis347]

i can definitely vouch for K7 Red and TC100 63 RA - they are very arm friendly

I still use the Blade v7 98 16 x 19 but IMO, I have to say that the Angell K7 Red is more arm friendly due to the more HL balance and very flexible feel. I was foolish for selling my pair of K7 Reds. Definitely easier to use than the Blade. I might consider going back to the K7 Red. Much easier racquet head speed and room to add weight. If anyone is looking to sell them, drop me a line.

 

[esm]

I still use the Blade v7 98 16 x 19 but IMO, I have to say that the Angell K7 Red is more arm friendly due to the more HL balance and very flexible feel. I was foolish for selling my pair of K7 Reds. Definitely easier to use than the Blade. I might consider going back to the K7 Red. Much easier racquet head speed and room to add weight. If anyone is looking to sell them, drop me a line.

i have pretty much only used Blade 98 (2013) and Pure Strike 98 (gen 1) these days, but still have K7 red which is some times my 5th racquet in the bag... lol

 

[tennis347]

i have pretty much only used Blade 98 (2013) and Pure Strike 98 (gen 1) these days, but still have K7 red which is some times my 5th racquet in the bag... lol

Right now there's no tennis due to the holding pattern with the virus situation. I don't see too many used K7 Reds for sale these days.

 

[fuzz nation]

These days I lean towards flexible frames and soft strings due some elbow and shoulder issues from over 30 years of playing and it has worked wonders for me. I know from all your posts that you love the C10 Pro which is definitely an all time great. IMO the most arm friendly racquet made today is the Angell K7 Red. Its super flexy and offers extreme arm comfort. With a soft string it has that buttery feel which can't be replicated these days. Just thought I would throw it out there for all those players have arm issues.

Excellent - thanks for the heads-up. I'm sure that when/if I stumble across any of those, I'll probably buy-it-to-try-it and see what's happening on the racquet road less traveled.

The C10's have always been super kind to my arm and I've always strung them with syn. gut tensioned right up to 58 or even 60 lbs. when the weather gets especially warm. But the revelation came for me when I took some stupid pills a couple years ago and strung one of my C10's with a full bed of poly: Volkl Cyclone 17 mains, Isospeed Baseline 1.25mm crosses, all tensioned at 43 or 44 lbs.

Two quick hitting sessions (maybe 15-20 mins) with this layout on two consecutive days absolutely annihilated my arm. In fact, I think I was toast after only the first session. Three different areas in my elbow & forearm were lit up like the 4th of July and I wintered over while playing almost zero tennis for a few months. Mark me down as pretty much disgusted with this string type... and also a little disgusted with myself for even trying it

After that much wreckage happened for me so quickly with a familiar racquet that's been superlatively cozy for my arm through the years that I retooled my strokes and developed a one-handed backhand, I've decided that the majority of arm-friendliness is rooted in the strings. Racquets with the "wrong" weight, balance, etc. can make certain problems for certain players, but I truly believe that impact shock is primarily a string thing.

 

[tennis347]

Excellent - thanks for the heads-up. I'm sure that when/if I stumble across any of those, I'll probably buy-it-to-try-it and see what's happening on the racquet road less traveled.

The C10's have always been super kind to my arm and I've always strung them with syn. gut tensioned right up to 58 or even 60 lbs. when the weather gets especially warm. But the revelation came for me when I took some stupid pills a couple years ago and strung one of my C10's with a full bed of poly: Volkl Cyclone 17 mains, Isospeed Baseline 1.25mm crosses, all tensioned at 43 or 44 lbs.

Two quick hitting sessions (maybe 15-20 mins) with this layout on two consecutive days absolutely annihilated my arm. In fact, I think I was toast after only the first session. Three different areas in my elbow & forearm were lit up like the 4th of July and I wintered over while playing almost zero tennis for a few months. Mark me down as pretty much disgusted with this string type... and also a little disgusted with myself for even trying it

After that much wreckage happened for me so quickly with a familiar racquet that's been superlatively cozy for my arm through the years that I retooled my strokes and developed a one-handed backhand, I've decided that the majority of arm-friendliness is rooted in the strings. Racquets with the "wrong" weight, balance, etc. can make certain problems for certain players, but I truly believe that impact shock is primarily a string thing.

I totally agree that even using a poly at lower tensions with player's with arm problems is a recipe for disaster! I use to play with poly years before any problems creeped up on me. Now, with some elbow and shoulder issues, I would never play with it again.

Also agree that the C10 Pro is quite arm friendly but just too heavy for my shoulder these days. The balance of the racquet is also important along with using a frame with a low flex rating below 65. I find that a more HL frame these days makes the game easier and puts less stress on the elbow and shoulder. Angell is truly making some super arm friendly frames that are underrated. I just can't wait for things to get back to normal so everyone can hit the courts again!