Still searching for THE racquet. :(

[ethankrafft]

I've tried the ezone 98, but it trashes my elbow, vcore 98 trashes my wrist, and percept/vcore 97 are way too underpowered even with lead tape. Should I try any of the percept 100s? I've also tried the blade 98 v8 and v9 and theyre just too launchy for me. I tried the shift 16x20 and the strings seemed to lose tension extremely fast in that racquet. I tried the radical mp 2023 and hated the feel and it felt extremely anemic. The extreme tour felt decent, but was harder to put spin on shots. My serve and forehand are very clearly my best shots, but my backhand isn't bad either. I need suggestions for something that is going to be comfortable, but also has some good power. I don't want to be ripping at each ball to put it away.

 

[SinneGOAT]

Should try the new strike 98 16/19. More comfortable and better feeling than the previous gen, feels decently soft surprisingly for a babolat and has great put away power just being stock.

 

[ethankrafft]

Should try the new strike 98 16/19. More comfortable and better feeling than the previous gen, feels decently soft surprisingly for a babolat and has great put away power just being stock.

what would you recommend stringing with? i just finished my second year of njcaa tennis and we made it to the national tournament the last 2 years. i dont know if that gives any ideas. i usually string anywhere from 53-55 lbs

 

[SinneGOAT]

what would you recommend stringing with? i just finished my second year of njcaa tennis and we made it to the national tournament the last 2 years. i dont know if that gives any ideas. i usually string anywhere from 53-55 lbs

What string do you normally play with? I’ve tried it with a bunch of strings. My favorites have been volkl cyclone, rpm rough, tecnifibre razor code and ice code, and kirschbaum max power. Didn’t like solinco strings in the new strike much.

 

[ethankrafft]

What string do you normally play with? I’ve tried it with a bunch of strings. My favorites have been volkl cyclone, rpm rough, tecnifibre razor code and ice code, and kirschbaum max power. Didn’t like solinco strings in the new strike much.

i've been all over the place. i've played with hyper g, poly tour drive, lynx tour, toroline k-pro, alu power, and head hawk

 

[Anton]

I've tried the ezone 98, but it trashes my elbow, vcore 98 trashes my wrist, and percept/vcore 97 are way too underpowered even with lead tape. Should I try any of the percept 100s? I've also tried the blade 98 v8 and v9 and theyre just too launchy for me. I tried the shift 16x20 and the strings seemed to lose tension extremely fast in that racquet. I tried the radical mp 2023 and hated the feel and it felt extremely anemic. The extreme tour felt decent, but was harder to put spin on shots. My serve and forehand are very clearly my best shots, but my backhand isn't bad either. I need suggestions for something that is going to be comfortable, but also has some good power. I don't want to be ripping at each ball to put it away.

Simple - Gravity Pro 2023.

Total comfort. Firm upper loop with good power potential with added weight (if under spec). String-bed is very controlled.

K-pro plays great at 48

 

[ethankrafft]

Simple - Gravity Pro 2023.

Total comfort. Firm upper loop with good power potential with added weight (if under spec). String-bed is very controlled.

K-pro plays great at 48

I did not like the gravity pro when i tried it sadly

 

[Anton]

I did not like the gravity pro when i tried it sadly

In what way?

Prob with Gravity Pro is wild spec differences, but at 335-340SW 8 points headlight it’s a beast.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Yonex are very arm friendly/wrist friendly, but if you love yonex , which I understand, maybe the stiffness is the key? Try a Vcore HD. String at 45 pounds to start to bring the power.

But really, no Yonex should hurt you.

 

[ethankrafft]

In what way?

Prob with Gravity Pro is wild spec differences, but at 335-340SW 8 points headlight it’s a beast.

I don't really mesh well with 18x20 patterns. I tend to swing with a flatter trajectory and so 16x19 gives a little more lift. I also find that being at the level i've had to play at the past 2 years that that puts me at a significant disadvantage. But i also do prefer a lighter spec to swing faster through my serve and shots.

 

[ethankrafft]

Yonex are very arm friendly/wrist friendly, but if you love yonex , which I understand, maybe the stiffness is the key? Try a Vcore HD. String at 45 pounds to start to bring the power.

But really, no Yonex should hurt you.

I've tried a multitude of 18x20 racquets and don't mesh well with them

 

[jimmy8]

Boom pro 2024 - I think this racket fits what you want. If not boom, than extreme should work, extreme is a spin racket and you didn't get spin?! Did you try hyper g with extreme? Try the new hyper g hybrid with hyper g round for the crosses. I recommend 1.20mm.

 

[ethankrafft]

Boom pro 2024 - I think this racket fits what you want. If not boom, than extreme should work, extreme is a spin racket and you didn't get spin?! Did you try hyper g with extreme? Try the new hyper g hybrid with hyper g round for the crosses. I recommend 1.20mm.

what would you recommend stringing the boom pro with

 

[Anton]

I don't really mesh well with 18x20 patterns. I tend to swing with a flatter trajectory and so 16x19 gives a little more lift. I also find that being at the level i've had to play at the past 2 years that that puts me at a significant disadvantage. But i also do prefer a lighter spec to swing faster through my serve and shots.

100D may work then

 

[ethankrafft]

100D may work then

have you tried it?

 

[jimmy8]

what would you recommend stringing the boom pro with

Good round string is kirschbaum pro line evolution 1.25. But since you said you want more spin, you can go with hyper g.

 

[ethankrafft]

Good round string is kirschbaum pro line evolution 1.25. But since you said you want more spin, you can go with hyper g.

i don't necessarily want more spin i just said it was harder to put spin on my shots with that racquet

 

[Trip]

@ethankrafft - Considering the frames you mentioned that you liked but that had at least something awry with them (EZ98, VC98, P97, Shift), I can visualize your technique as being aggressive, whippy, very new school (you're only 20 years old, after all - per your profile). Problems with Blades being launchy would almost confirm that as well, for usually Blades are almost never launchy in most players' hands, except for when the player can't really get the Blade's weightier head to come around in as whippy a fashion as they're used to with other more head-light and/or lower-SW frames, and they end up hitting the Blades too flat, too late, and thus launching.

If most of that is correct, then it seems you're looking for a "pleener" (player/tweener crossover frame) with a fast <=320-ish swing weight, but wide-enough mid-beam for good power, and an open-enough string pattern to help with easier access to spin, with a small-enough head size for good precision (97-99"). And not board-stiff or too much vibration, either, for the sake of your wrist and elbow. After going through all of RacquetFinder possibilities and crossing off what you've already tried and discounted, I would point you to the Dunlop FX 500 Tour or SX 300 Tour -- the FX being a more comfortable, less-launchy Pure Drive 98 and the SX being a more comfortable, less-connected Pure Aero 98. I'd point you more towards the FX for starters, as it has a lower average swing weight than the SX, so it should be easier to whip around, which seems to be more of what you prefer.

See if you can get either one of those in your hands as some point, and let us know what you think.

 

[SinneGOAT]

i've been all over the place. i've played with hyper g, poly tour drive, lynx tour, toroline k-pro, alu power, and head hawk

I’d say lynx tour would be good, haven’t tried the others in the strike nor lynx tour but I’ve used lynx tour before.

 

[ethankrafft]

@ethankrafft - Considering the frames you mentioned that you liked but that had at least something awry with them (EZ98, VC98, P97, Shift), I can visualize your technique as being aggressive, whippy, very new school (you're only 20 years old, after all - per your profile). Problems with Blades being launchy would almost confirm that as well, for usually Blades are almost never launchy in most players' hands, except for when the player can't really get the Blade's weightier head to come around in as whippy a fashion as they're used to with other more head-light and/or lower-SW frames, and they end up hitting the Blades too flat, too late, and thus launching.

If most of that is correct, then it seems you're looking for a "pleener" (player/tweener crossover frame) with a fast <=320-ish swing weight, but wide-enough mid-beam for good power, and an open-enough string pattern to help with easier access to spin, with a small-enough head size for good precision (97-99"). And not board-stiff or too much vibration, either, for the sake of your wrist and elbow. After going through all of RacquetFinder possibilities and crossing off what you've already tried and discounted, I would point you to the Dunlop FX 500 Tour or SX 300 Tour -- the FX being a more comfortable, less-launchy Pure Drive 98 and the SX being a more comfortable, less-connected Pure Aero 98. I'd point you more towards the FX for starters, as it has a lower average swing weight than the SX, so it should be easier to whip around, which seems to be more of what you prefer.

See if you can get either one of those in your hands as some point, and let us know what you think.

Thanks for the comment! I tried the current and previous fx500 tour as well as sx300 tour and they didn't mesh well with me at all. I really liked the pure aero 98 and could swing with enough racquet head speed to get the power and spin out of it, but found that I would overdo it which would lead to more fatigue. I am open to trying bigger head sizes as well. I have thought of trying the percept 100d since it has a more forgiving head size and denser string pattern. Adding spin is not an issue for me at all, but rather hitting more penetrating flatter shots. I know that that may be a technical flaw, but I have been using the ezone 98 and have been struggling to hit flatter shots with that as I feel it can launch off the stringbed with it being a power oriented frame already.

 

[PistolPete23]

@ethankrafft - Considering the frames you mentioned that you liked but that had at least something awry with them (EZ98, VC98, P97, Shift), I can visualize your technique as being aggressive, whippy, very new school (you're only 20 years old, after all - per your profile). Problems with Blades being launchy would almost confirm that as well, for usually Blades are almost never launchy in most players' hands, except for when the player can't really get the Blade's weightier head to come around in as whippy a fashion as they're used to with other more head-light and/or lower-SW frames, and they end up hitting the Blades too flat, too late, and thus launching.

If most of that is correct, then it seems you're looking for a "pleener" (player/tweener crossover frame) with a fast <=320-ish swing weight, but wide-enough mid-beam for good power, and an open-enough string pattern to help with easier access to spin, with a small-enough head size for good precision (97-99"). And not board-stiff or too much vibration, either, for the sake of your wrist and elbow. After going through all of RacquetFinder possibilities and crossing off what you've already tried and discounted, I would point you to the Dunlop FX 500 Tour or SX 300 Tour -- the FX being a more comfortable, less-launchy Pure Drive 98 and the SX being a more comfortable, less-connected Pure Aero 98. I'd point you more towards the FX for starters, as it has a lower average swing weight than the SX, so it should be easier to whip around, which seems to be more of what you prefer.

See if you can get either one of those in your hands as some point, and let us know what you think.

Good suggestions. Would also add CX400 Tour to the list. If don’t like Gravity Pro, Gravity Tour is in a 16x19 pattern.

 

[ethankrafft]

Good suggestions. Would also add CX400 Tour to the list. If don’t like Gravity Pro, Gravity Tour is in a 16x19 pattern.

i demoed the gravity tour and found the same issue as the pro and it didnt work for me. i also demoed the gravity mp and flatter balls flew

 

[PistolPete23]

i demoed the gravity tour and found the same issue as the pro and it didnt work for me. i also demoed the gravity mp and flatter balls flew

What did you like? Would the Ezone and VC98 have worked if they didn’t hurt your elbow and wrist?

 

[ChanterRacquet]

Boom MP?

 

[maksp]

pure drive 98

 

[Trip]

If don’t like Gravity Pro, Gravity Tour is in a 16x19 pattern.

Incorrect. Gravity Tour is an 18x20 pattern (Gravity MP is a 16x20 pattern).

pure drive 98

If a VCore 98 supposedly caused wrist issues... I'm not sure a PD98 is a very good idea. Although, at this point, considering how he's pretty much tried everything else, I suppose it couldn't hurt to try it.

You could try the 2024 Strike 98 16x19, but I think it's going to be too much swing weight for you, causing you to exhaust too quickly and hit too open/flat/launch, similar to how you did with the Blade. But hey, who knows; give it a shot.

@ethankrafft - Understood. Another question: have you considered trying a softer and/or more shock-absorbent string bed in either the EZ98 or VC98? ie. softer poly's than you've been using, and/or hybrids? There's a whole world of string combinations out there, one of which may unlock enough of a comfort boost that it could make any/all of these frames playable enough for you.

Beyond that, looking at 100" frames, I think the 100" Percepts could be worth a demo. Also, a lower-spec Strike 100 16x19. Also, there's the ProKennex Ki 5, with mass technology that will help to protect your elbow better than the other frames, but will still hit like a thinner-beamed, more precise, more predictable-flexing Pure Drive.

Lastly, if you have the patience and/or willing to customize, another idea could be spec'ing up a platform frame, namely something like the Blade 100L, which is supposed to have a lower swing weight but also a more firm layup than the regular Blade 100 -- ie. not your typical amount of Blade head weight in stock form. With some handle weight and perhaps a bit of hoop lead, you could have yourself something akin to the PK Ki 5, just in a bit more customized form.

I would hope one of the above ideas helps unlock an option for you.

 

[maksp]

Incorrect. Gravity Tour is an 18x20 pattern (Gravity MP is a 16x20 pattern).


If a VCore 98 supposedly caused wrist issues... I'm not sure a PD98 is a very good idea. Although, at this point, considering how he's pretty much tried everything else, I suppose it couldn't hurt to try it.

@ethankrafft - Understood. Another question: have you considered trying a softer and/or more shock-absorbent string bed in either the EZ98 or VC98? ie. softer poly's than you've been using, and/or hybrids? There's a whole world of string combinations out there, one of which may unlock enough of a comfort boost that it could make any/all of these frames playable enough for you.

Beyond that, looking at 100" frames, I think the 100" Percepts could be worth a demo. Also, a lower-spec Strike 100 16x19. If you wanted more of customization platform that you could dial up to your desired spec and swing behavior, there's also the Blade 100L, who's upper 60's RA and crispier layup hits more like a more precise/controller Pure Drive than the regular Blade 100. Also, there's the ProKennex Ki 5, with mass technology that will help to protect your elbow better than the other frames, but similar to the Blade 100L, will still hit like a slightly thinner-beamed, more precise Pure Drive.

I would hope something in the above advice would unlock an option for you.

This arm issues thing is very " up in the air".. ezone caused me pain( DR And latest 22), gravity pro no pain,aero 100 caused pain instantly. But aero 98 no pain going on 6 months...

I think their is just some things like vibrations and frequency that also contribute to pain n discomfort.. not just flex or RA

Manufacturers can't figure it out so they are turning everything into wet noodles with NO FEEL

 

[Trip]

This arm issues thing is very " up in the air".. ezone caused me pain( DR And latest 22), gravity pro no pain,aero 100 caused pain instantly. But aero 98 no pain going on 6 months...

Sounds to me like it might be a stock recoil weight thing for you -- all too low in the EZ98's and PA100, whereas it's noticeably higher in the higher-swing-weight GP and PA98. But to your later point, comfort can obviously be more nuanced than that.

I think their is just some things like vibrations and frequency that also contribute to pain n discomfort.. not just flex or RA

That's absolutely true, and even simple Hz measurements don't tell the whole story, because they don't account for the presence, absence and/or amplitude of certain sub-frequencies, and their tendency to show up depending on what kind of string/tension is put in the frame. And then working all the other physical variables back in (stock recoil weight, mass distribution, flex, etc), overall comfort can be very hard to predict.

 

[Chairman3]

So...I'll be "that guy"
There's no perfect frame. Unless you're like a top 25 ATP guy who works with coaches and whose form is so reliably consistent that the racquet doesn't matter much...there will never be a perfect frame.

At a certain point, you just need to play. Pick a frame and stick with it.
I'd choose the one where you feel most confident and comfortable using it.

I need a frame where I can, mid-rally, decide to attack or take a ball up the line. I gravitate toward 18x20s, I also hit flatter.
I agree, sometimes you don't "gel" or "mesh" with a frame, but I see you say that for ALOT of racquets people have mentioned.

Seems like you've tried a dozen or more, how long are you spending with each? Do you use your own strings/tension? Do you use them in a variety of conditions (courts, opponents, weather, etc)
We all have highs and lows in our games, you have to use a prospective racquet during both.

Seems like you're searching for an on-court epiphany and that's a waste of time.
I wouldn't search for one that makes your weaknesses better either, find something that compliments your strengths.
If you're a serious player, you can improve your weaknesses through lessons, coaching, or practice.

That's my 3 cents worth of advise based on watching you dismiss so many frames so quickly for, at times, arbitrary reasons.

 

[Trip]

I was about to go to where @Chairman3 went with his reply, but figured I'd focus on the gear for a couple replies before going there... alas, those points are nonetheless relevant.

 

[BillKid]

I've tried the ezone 98, but it trashes my elbow, vcore 98 trashes my wrist, and percept/vcore 97 are way too underpowered even with lead tape. Should I try any of the percept 100s? I've also tried the blade 98 v8 and v9 and theyre just too launchy for me. I tried the shift 16x20 and the strings seemed to lose tension extremely fast in that racquet. I tried the radical mp 2023 and hated the feel and it felt extremely anemic. The extreme tour felt decent, but was harder to put spin on shots. My serve and forehand are very clearly my best shots, but my backhand isn't bad either. I need suggestions for something that is going to be comfortable, but also has some good power. I don't want to be ripping at each ball to put it away.

As many people I tend tu suggest my favorite racquets although more options are available:
- Prince Tour 100p or maybe one of the other Tour 100. You seem to be more a 98 kind of player so you may also be interested by the 98. I found the 98 not very different than the 100p anyway.
- TFight 305 or 300. The former may not be the most spinny and it’s not the easiest to play but it’s a monster.
Other options would include the Head Speed and Pure Strike. I’m not familiar with Yonex except the EZone 98 (which btw I don’t find harsh on the arm, maybe a string thing).

 

[PistolPete23]

Incorrect. Gravity Tour is an 18x20 pattern (Gravity MP is a 16x20 pattern).

You’re right, my mistake! I think I confused it with the upcoming Gravity 98, which is rumored to be 16x19.

 

[JFrijhoff]

As many people I tend tu suggest my favorite racquets although more options are available:
- Prince Tour 100p or maybe one of the other Tour 100. You seem to be more a 98 kind of player so you may also be interested by the 98. I found the 98 not very different than the 100p anyway.
- TFight 305 or 300. The former may not be the most spinny and it’s not the easiest to play but it’s a monster.
Other options would include the Head Speed and Pure Strike. I’m not familiar with Yonex except the EZone 98 (which btw I don’t find harsh on the arm, maybe a string thing).

Sticking with the Prince suggestions, the 100x 305 may also be a good option.

And to Chariman3's point, if you have the chance, do spend a good amount of time with a racket over multiple days/weeks to at least get an idea if it'll be for you (unless it gives you pain of course ) and rule out your off days.

 

[Tranqville]

Your racquet selection appears random and non-systematic. You lack process. Buying a racquet is not a simple consumer decision like buying a t-shirt. A racquet should support your long-term tennis objectives and development goals, while meeting immediate needs and desires.

What I learned from our distinguished reviewers and forum participants, like АC Tennis, is that they give each racquet playing time and thorough consideration. They have developed extensive mental maps of racquet landscapes, understanding how racquet families are related, strenght and weaknesses, origins and trends. Such commitment cannot be expected from a regular tennis consumer, but having a basic process in place is much better than none.

Here's my process, as an example, warts and all. I look at my key initial criteria:

Playing style - attacking baseliner. I need heavy, penetrating drives to big targets and precision to smal targets. I need a lot of stability and forgiveness to take the ball on the rise, and I expect to have time to setup a big shot, so I can afford high swingweight and below average maneuvrability)
Backhand - OHBH
Level - 4.0 (I need extra power from my racquet, also need forgiveness and bigger sweetspot)
Racquet history ("native" racquet I played with for many years) - 320g Dunlop 200G Hotmelt - this will affect the feel you prefer

Second, I look for my priorities:
combination of control and power, great feel, moderate comfort and spin

These priorities inform my desired specs:

Head size - 97-98
Beam - 22mm, preferably modern hybrid beam design, not box (control) or ellipse (power)
String pattern - tight 16x19, open 18x20, or 18x19, 16x20
Balance - at least 5HL to support OHBH, ideally 6-7HL for static weight efficiency
Static weight - 315-320g (this is a part of my tennis DNA, and also the way to satisfy swingweight and balance criteria)
Swingweight - 330-340
Recoil weight - 172-174

Please kindly note how these specs form a logical SYSTEM: for example, static weight, swingweight, balance and recoil weigth are all intertwined.

These priorities and specs zoom me in on a racquet category that I desire - "pleener", or hybrid between control and power racquet (Pure Strike, Whiteout, T-Fight, Speed, CX400 Tour, Prince ATS), and racquets just outside this category on control or power side, like the FX500 Tour, Blade, Radical MP, ProStaff 97, TF40. Ideally, you would want to narrow the list down to 3-4 candidate racquet models and demo them extensively. For my game, that list today would be Pure Strike 16x19, T-Fight 305, Radical MP. That includes practice, matchplay, and hitting racquets side by side. Also testing different string setups and controlling for string setups so that each raquet gets a fair treatment. @galapagos is a great example of such dedication, you can check his Youtube channel dandan.tennis for his demo process. I also highly recommend AC Tennis channel and insights from @Trip on the selection process.

I also made a decision that I'm open to customization, which gives me access to more models. For many players, avoiding customization route keeps the process more straightforward.

For most players, such elaborate process will feel overwhelming. We could similify it to basic specs and racquet category and selecting a few popular choices from big brands as candidates, then demoing them with the same string.

 

[galapagos]

Your racquet selection appears random and non-systematic. You lack process. Buying a racquet is not a simple consumer decision like buying a t-shirt. A racquet should support your long-term tennis objectives and development goals, while meeting immediate needs and desires.

What I learned from our distinguished reviewers and forum participants, like АC Tennis, is that they give each racquet playing time and thorough consideration. They have developed extensive mental maps of racquet landscapes, understanding how racquet families are related, strenght and weaknesses, origins and trends. Such commitment cannot be expected from a regular tennis consumer, but having a basic process in place is much better than none.

Here's my process, as an example, warts and all. I look at my key initial criteria:

Playing style - attacking baseliner. I need heavy, penetrating drives to big targets and precision to smal targets. I need a lot of stability and forgiveness to take the ball on the rise, and I expect to have time to setup a big shot, so I can afford high swingweight and below average maneuvrability)
Backhand - OHBH
Level - 4.0 (I need extra power from my racquet, also need forgiveness and bigger sweetspot)
Racquet history ("native" racquet I played with for many years) - 320g Dunlop 200G Hotmelt - this will affect the feel you prefer

Second, I look for my priorities:
combination of control and power, great feel, moderate comfort and spin

These priorities inform my desired specs:

Head size - 97-98
Beam - 22mm, preferably modern hybrid beam design, not box (control) or ellipse (power)
String pattern - tight 16x19, open 18x20, or 18x19, 16x20
Balance - at least 5HL to support OHBH, ideally 6-7HL for static weight efficiency
Static weight - 315-320g (this is a part of my tennis DNA, and also the way to satisfy swingweight and balance criteria)
Swingweight - 330-340
Recoil weight - 172-174

Please kindly note how these specs form a logical SYSTEM: for example, static weight, swingweight, balance and recoil weigth are all intertwined.

These priorities and specs zoom me in on a racquet category that I desire - "pleener", or hybrid between control and power racquet (Pure Strike, Whiteout, T-Fight, Speed, CX400 Tour, Prince ATS), and racquets just outside this category on control or power side, like the FX500 Tour, Blade, Radical MP, ProStaff 97, TF40. Ideally, you would want to narrow the list down to 3-4 candidate racquet models and demo them extensively. For my game, that list today would be Pure Strike 16x19, T-Fight 305, Radical MP. That includes practice, matchplay, and hitting racquets side by side. Also testing different string setups and controlling for string setups so that each raquet gets a fair treatment. @galapagos is a great example of such dedication, you can check his Youtube channel dandan.tennis for his demo process. I also highly recommend AC Tennis channel and insights from @Trip on the selection process.

I also made a decision that I'm open to customization, which gives me access to more models. For many players, avoiding customization route keeps the process more straightforward.

For most players, such elaborate process will feel overwhelming. We could similify it to basic specs and racquet category and selecting a few popular choices from big brands as candidates, then demoing them with the same string.

Wow, wasnt expecting that. Thank you !
And i totally agree with everything above.
I am so much into „tennis identity” now. Even more than tennis gear. Gear is very personal therefore being aware of your playstyle and things you want to emphasize or hide is so exciting. Most exciting thing to me at least.

Finding your tennis identity helps you commit to your picks also. If you have a vision and a goal its always great. Tricky part is that you have to put your ego down to see things more clearly. Also Having a coach or sparing partner giving you feedback can be crucial while on the search.
Even showing the frame to players that you think have similar tennis identity might be helpful.

I see myself as a „grinder”. Its not something I picked. Its something that gave me more wins when playing tournaments so i kinda moved deeper and deeper towards this playstyle. I guess everybody would prefer to play winners on every exchange but being able to hit a winner and actually win the match are two different things especially on our „amateur” level

 

[Trip]

@Tranqville - Very nice. Couldn't have said it much better myself.

Also, beyond building an ideal racquet profile, one should have a fail-safe string setup – something that one can fall back to, that will almost always play well and feel comfortable enough in basically any frame, to allow for continuous, intense play without pain. This will almost always allow a player to persist through a full evaluation process, to really get to know a racquet, without any concern over pain, after which they can address string compatibility and the playability-to-comfort balance. For most rec players, even higher-level ones, I would argue that the best fail-safe setup is usually either a full bed of crisp but non-locking syn gut (example: Yonex Dynawire), or a hybrid, of non-poly paired with either poly or partial-poly (my favorite: crisp and durable syn-gut or multi mains / slick and high-tension-maintenance co-poly crosses).

Now, one can always make the counter-argument that you mainly play the strings more so than the racquet and "if I can't play full-bed _____(whatever poly)____ pain free, then the racquet isn't for me anyways!", and that's perfectly valid I guess. But if you just need to be able to get more time with a frame, having at least a go-to workable string setup that you know won't give you issues, is certainly a nice arrow to have in the quiver.

 

[Tranqville]

@Tranqville
Also, beyond building an ideal racquet profile, one should have a fail-safe string setup

This is a great insight! And thank you for your kind words!

 

[Tranqville]

I see myself as a „grinder”. Its not something I picked. Its something that gave me more wins when playing tournaments so i kinda moved deeper and deeper towards this playstyle. I guess everybody would prefer to play winners on every exchange but being able to hit a winner and actually win the match are two different things especially on our „amateur” level

I found this new perspective on playing styles valuable, check it out:

 

[hadoken]

what would you recommend stringing with? i just finished my second year of njcaa tennis and we made it to the national tournament the last 2 years. i dont know if that gives any ideas. i usually string anywhere from 53-55 lbs

Your stringing setup is all messed up if the EZONE 98 'trashes' your elbow. I'm 51 and this frame is by far one of the few ones that has he right level of flex to keep my elbow OK. You should drop the tension to say 45lbs and use a soft multifilament on the mains (NRG2, REXIS, Sensation) and a thin poly on the cross. It will make a MASSIVE difference in terms of comfort. Or heck stick in a full synthetic gut bed and you will see a big change in comfort

If you really don't want to do that, then check out the Prince Twistpower 100. Seriously. My son uses them and I hit with it. VERY flexy with decent power given the beam size. It flies under the radar as gimmicky but it's actually a fantastic frame.

 

[AmericanTwist]

There is no "the racquet in tennis nor "the one" in dating life. Try a range of flexes and size and you'll gradually narrow down your choices. These choices are further obfuscated by string selection and tension which can be used to offset softness or stiffness in frames lol. Over time you'll get a better feel of what you like. Note: this may take a few years as many will tell you.

You can also string your frames looser and up the power level but certainly adding weight helps.

 

[justinhaughtmd]

Would try Technifibre T-fight 305 strung w restring zero 1.28… power but controlled

 

[esm]

@Tranqville - Very nice. Couldn't have said it much better myself.

Also, beyond building an ideal racquet profile, one should have a fail-safe string setup – something that one can fall back to, that will almost always play well and feel comfortable enough in basically any frame, to allow for continuous, intense play without pain. This will almost always allow a player to persist through a full evaluation process, to really get to know a racquet, without any concern over pain, after which they can address string compatibility and the playability-to-comfort balance. For most rec players, even higher-level ones, I would argue that the best fail-safe setup is usually either a full bed of crisp but non-locking syn gut (example: Yonex Dynawire), or a hybrid, of non-poly paired with either poly or partial-poly (my favorite: crisp and durable syn-gut or multi mains / slick and high-tension-maintenance co-poly crosses).

Now, one can always make the counter-argument that you mainly play the strings more so than the racquet and "if I can't play full-bed _____(whatever poly)____ pain free, then the racquet isn't for me anyways!", and that's perfectly valid I guess. But if you just need to be able to get more time with a frame, having at least a go-to workable string setup that you know won't give you issues, is certainly a nice arrow to have in the quiver.

Yep. Fully agree with the fail safe string setup. I think that is the golden rule for any racquet demo/holicing/testing - just to give yourself a fair idea if any/certain racquets are right for your style.

I sometimes giggle when people complaint about this and that and how they diss a racquet straight away when there is a random string setup in the said racquet.

 

[Guttersnipe]

I go brand by brand, how does one know if they are using the best frame for them (even within the same brand)?

I had a Prince phase for a while...had to try as many I could out to see what clicked.

(I’m also not a fan of renting/testing from a store...buy it on sale, sell for a slight loss. (the more frames you own, the less wear and tear)

Tried & own:

Twistpower 97 / Synergy 98 / TxT 310 / 2020 Japanese Tour 310 & Tour 95 / Phantom (2020) 100x 18x20

Love them all for different reasons, conditions & depending on my opponents skill level or how I’m felling on the day I’ll use X

IMO string tension maintenance is a HUGE factor! & I prefer tight patterns for that reason.

As everyone has said, just figure out what your looking for (personally I’m not a fan of Yonex, Head, Babolat or Wilson (pure control & Pro staff are the only fames I’d contemplate using...everything else is not for me...it’s easier to eliminate.

“Every thing I’m not...Makes me everything I am”