Switching from heavy to light???

D

dare

New User
Hi to all!
New here, was looking for some advice. I am a former player who plays rec tennis at the local club. Never really cared about the racquets that much, always played with a heavy player’s stick that suited me and today i still play with a 345gr strung racquet.
I am pushing 4th decade and was thinking to start with something lighter (about 315 to 320gr strung) to give me some free power, but never actually played seriously with anuthing under 340gr strung.
I feel that it is not easy to hit same strokes now as it was 15 years ago, especially after an hour of intensive hitting, and therefore my reasoning. Tried some solutions, and although they feel nice at first, I never gave it a real shot, the lack of stability is maybe the main reason.
What are your thoughts on the subject?
 
I'm 53 and play with 340g frames and appreciate the added stability I get. I don't hit intensively for an hour and I'm not sure how that should influence your racket choice. It should be mostly based on how you play in a match. I can play with a light racket against pushers and the like, but I need some heft to hold up to the big hitters. If you can play a couple sets and not fatigue, you are likely OK.

I think lighter frames end up being overly stiff, which leads to arm issues and problems. So I'm not a fan unless you've got elbows of titanium and grooved flawless strokes. Otherwise beware the seduction of easy power.
 
I use to play with 12.5 ounce racquets and above until I hurt my shoulder about 10 years ago. I am now playing with racquets that are in 11.7 ounce area. I gradually lowered the weight until I found my comfort zone. I much rather play with a racquet that has mass but my shoulder can’t handle the weight any longer at 51 years old. I recommend that if you having difficulty playing with a 12 ounce for a hitting session to go to another racquet that’s about 1/4-1/2 ounce lighter to see if that helps you. Dropping dramatically in weight will screw up your timing and strokes. There is no correct answer as there is a lot of trial and error.
 
dare said:
Hi to all!
New here, was looking for some advice. I am a former player who plays rec tennis at the local club. Never really cared about the racquets that much, always played with a heavy player’s stick that suited me and today i still play with a 345gr strung racquet.
I am pushing 4th decade and was thinking to start with something lighter (about 315 to 320gr strung) to give me some free power, but never actually played seriously with anuthing under 340gr strung.
I feel that it is not easy to hit same strokes now as it was 15 years ago, especially after an hour of intensive hitting, and therefore my reasoning. Tried some solutions, and although they feel nice at first, I never gave it a real shot, the lack of stability is maybe the main reason.
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Click to expand...
Yep, I've been in the same boat. I just turned 50, and I have kids that I teach and feed balls to more than I play. My favorite racquets have been the IG Prestige MP, RF97, and Pro Staff 90 up until about 2-3 years ago. Over the last couple of years I haven't had the time to practice and use these racquets effectively, so I've progressed to a lighter racquet. I switch between a 2015 Blade 16x19 and a 2018 Pure Drive.

Now, I will say that I have seen many guys older than me using heavy racquets like the RF97 and having no problems whatsoever.
 
I think it's whatever you get used to. When I played 5.0 years ago, I was using the Hammer 5.0 95 which weighed in at 9.6 ounces. There was no TW boards, so I didn't know you weren't supposed to play 5.0 with a 9.6 ounce racket. I played well enough to win more than I lost and had fun with it. I've since gone more mainstream, playing with a C10 and various other frames around that weight for 20 or so years. For about the last year, I've been using a VS10T which is really a happy median between the Hammer-time and the C10.

It all depends on where you and your game is as to what's best.
 
I switched from PS 6.1 to the much lighter Babolat Pure Aero Team. My arm is definitely less fatigued after long, hard hitting sessions. The fatigue I used to get with the heavier stick was just general arm tiredness, not joint pain.

I don't know if I have exceptionally strong elbows and wrists or not (I'm not a big guy, 5'7" 155#), but I've not had any joint pain using the lighter, stiffer racquet. Could be good joints, could be my technique, could be luck. Who knows? All I know is that I'm fresher coming off the court now than when I was using the Pro Staffs.
 
nb1234 said:
I switched from PS 6.1 to the much lighter Babolat Pure Aero Team. My arm is definitely less fatigued after long, hard hitting sessions. The fatigue I used to get with the heavier stick was just general arm tiredness, not joint pain.

I don't know if I have exceptionally strong elbows and wrists or not (I'm not a big guy, 5'7" 155#), but I've not had any joint pain using the lighter, stiffer racquet. Could be good joints, could be my technique, could be luck. Who knows? All I know is that I'm fresher coming off the court now than when I was using the Pro Staffs.
Click to expand...

You know, the Babolat APD is not as bad a racket at all...
 
I'm 61. Have been trying many racquets over last year. Keep coming back to my RF97 and Angells all about 340-355g. Nothing else feels as good especially on serves. I do have a strategy however if the match is long and that is I have a similar model that is in the 320g range that I revert to if I feel the weight is getting to me.
 
If you are playing some tough players that hit a fast or heavy ball, use the heavy racket and vice versa.
 
dare said:
Hi to all!
New here, was looking for some advice. I am a former player who plays rec tennis at the local club. Never really cared about the racquets that much, always played with a heavy player’s stick that suited me and today i still play with a 345gr strung racquet.
I am pushing 4th decade and was thinking to start with something lighter (about 315 to 320gr strung) to give me some free power, but never actually played seriously with anuthing under 340gr strung.
I feel that it is not easy to hit same strokes now as it was 15 years ago, especially after an hour of intensive hitting, and therefore my reasoning. Tried some solutions, and although they feel nice at first, I never gave it a real shot, the lack of stability is maybe the main reason.
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Click to expand...

I'm sure you'll get a mix of responses of "Switch to XXX which is da best" to "they can take my 370g racquet off my old dead hands!" Haha
I recently made the switch to SV 98+, which is 20+g lighter than my old RF97 which were around 356-365g depending on setup. I'm closing in on 50 in a few years and noticed a loss in power and spin on serves. There is no replacement for racquet head speed and height, but an extended racquet which was lighter allowed me to "extend the magic" a bit while more.
Here is more on the transition:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/replacing-the-rf97a-with-the-yonex-sv98.604597/

I'd say if you have decent strokes and timing, going to a 320-330g racquet won't be much of a change. I certainly switched for overall mobility, including net play, and also endurance. If you play aggressive 5.0+ tennis, going too light would be detrimental, but going 10-15g lighter shouldn't be an issue, if you can maintain the swing weight.
I never even considered a racquet bigger than 90 before I hit 40. I also never considered a racquet less than 355g. Much of it was stubbornness and laziness to adjust. Finding the racquet which minimizes the adjustment period is key.
 
I am 40 years after 10 years of not playing tennis. I have 10 more years of life in me to play heavy racquets. I am playing Dunlop Max 200G Pro, 400i, and 800i. 200G Pro is the heaviest one of all.
 
Thanks for so many responses.
Yes, I am ok with my technique and handling the heavy stick, the only problem is the juice, tiredness that is affecting the play after some time on the court. Of course, I could work to improve my overall condition, which would be the best, although I am happy where I am considering the free time I have.

There are two approaches to this subject, physical and paychological, as I see it. Physical, where you are trying to adjust based on how you are able to handle the weight. Psychological, not wanting to accept that you need to do something about it and that the years are passing by.

I did start playing more agressively a few years ago, changed the approach when I play a match, trying to make the points shorter and it works ok for now.

I have demoed, for example, yonex vcore duel g 310gr and 300gr unstrung models and the last model of babooat pure drive. Pure drive was very powerfull but also very stiff for me, but I liked the feel of the yonex vcore duel g 100 (300gr unstrung). I had to adjust a bit to get the ball where and how I wanted, the serve was not as effective, but overall felt very comfortable and my hand was appreciating the weight. But, the main issue is the response I got from the guys accross the net. They told me that my balls don’t have the same pace and they could handle it slightly easier. Maybe this can be improved after some time of adjustment, not sure.

You cannot get something for nothing...
 
First I think the problem here is you haven't spent enough time for your new (light) stick. Be patient and sooner or later you'll tame it.

Second, each stick fits a particular period in your career, even Federer or Sampras had to switched from their trademark sticks. You will never come back to your mid 20s.

Goodluck.
 
dare said:
I have demoed, for example, yonex vcore duel g 310gr and 300gr unstrung models and the last model of babooat pure drive. Pure drive was very powerfull but also very stiff for me, but I liked the feel of the yonex vcore duel g 100 (300gr unstrung). I had to adjust a bit to get the ball where and how I wanted, the serve was not as effective, but overall felt very comfortable and my hand was appreciating the weight. But, the main issue is the response I got from the guys accross the net. They told me that my balls don’t have the same pace and they could handle it slightly easier. Maybe this can be improved after some time of adjustment, not sure.

You cannot get something for nothing...
Click to expand...

I'm one who also uses a heavy racquet. I've tried lighter options here and there through recent years, but I played a lot of serve and volley tennis as a kid and I've always been uncomfortable without enough stability to command the ball at the net, back at the baseline, or even when I want to crank up my serves. My frames give me a better fit for my game.

But lighter rigs are apparently a very good fit for many players. I've coached a number of kids who can annihilate the ball with not-so-hefty racquets. Some young sluggers stick with that sort of frame over the long term and some might transition into something in the heavier direction, but there doesn't seem to be a specific formula for what's right or wrong unless somebody wants more stability. That can come from a switch to a heavier racquet or simply with a little tuning with lead tape, etc.

The only caution I can think of when switching into a lighter racquet is the idea of compensating for a possible drop in power with the lighter frame by swinging faster through the ball. It's hardly that simple. If you've ever tried to throw a featherweight whiffle ball with the same effort as what you would use to throw a baseball or softball really hard, you know that you run the risk of "throwing your arm out" (straining or injuring it).

If your lighter racquet is a comfortable fit, then life is good. But I think it's important to be aware that there can be a drop off with inherent power or the frame's capacity for "winning the collision". I have talked to a couple of tennis pals over the years who have run into some arm trouble after going to a lighter racquet, but it's hard to know whether they were just overdoing it in general. I just think it's smart to be aware of swinging comfortably with any racquet. A frame that's too heavy can be tiring, especially with not-so-great mechanics or swing timing. It's also important to not overdo it with a light racquet that can be really easy to whip at the ball.
 
Maybe you can do small adjustment in changing to light racket.

The key points are:
1. More power but still control oriented racket
2. Noy lighter than 310gram
3. Not overly stiff

Yonex Vcore 310, Yonex Vcore 330 (Vcore Tour G 330 might suit you, since it is lighter but not overly polarized), Wilson Ultra Tour, Prince Phantom 100 might be great alternative.

Edit:
Sorry, i missed your post on your new yonex racket. If you already get the yonex and did feel lighter, you can modify it to get a 315 - 330 gr unstrung racket. You can ask a racket technician to get the feel you like. All it takes is a few strip of tungsten / lead tape and placement expreriment.

Ie: I dont like the stock ezone 100 which have 300gr weight, high SW and polarized feel, so i get lighter racket, let say yonex ezone 285gr and modify it to 300gram with weight distribution and balance that i like.
 
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Went from my RFA (340g unstrung) to a ZÜS 100 RA70 (it's more a 98" to be honest), 325g unstrung. It went very well, as I have more power, more racquet speed and the same control.
 
IowaGuy said:
With you coming from 340g, the first time you serve with a lighter racket, you'll realize that they don't give "free power".

If anything, "free power" is generally associated with rackets with more plow-through...
Click to expand...
This.

I can’t serve bombs or hit massive forhands with anything less than 345 grams strung. It’s ultimately a personal thing though.
 
Prince Vegeta said:
This.

I can’t serve bombs or hit massive forhands with anything less than 345 grams strung. It’s ultimately a personal thing though.
Click to expand...

Probably true, I was told that my balls are not as effective when trying the lighter stick. Although I was thinking it might be because I am not still comfortable with it as much as with my racquets. I could hit a ton of spin easier than with my sticks, but the bals lack power. Also they were much more forgiving on proper footwork. Will try some more, but I am not very patient as I don’t have time to waste by not playing the way I like.

Thank you all for so many friendly advices!
 
dare said:
Probably true, I was told that my balls are not as effective when trying the lighter stick. Although I was thinking it might be because I am not still comfortable with it as much as with my racquets. I could hit a ton of spin easier than with my sticks, but the bals lack power. Also they were much more forgiving on proper footwork. Will try some more, but I am not very patient as I don’t have time to waste by not playing the way I like.
Click to expand...

The lighter weight isn't the biggest issue but where it is distributed is. You can get more power with more powerful strings, adding swing weight, lowering tension or just flattening out your stroke a bit. Talk to your racquet guy about the specs and see if you can add some swing weight to the new racquet. Most of the time, a lighter racquet with good swing weight means it's more head heavy.
 
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The reduced heavy feeling of the ball is expected when using lighter racket. You can offset that with stiff powerful racket like babolat pure drive.

If you still value feel, control, and need a bit more power, then 98 - 100 inch racket with 20 - 22mm beam will be a good choice. As for weight, look for 300 - 315 gram, 7-9 points balance unstrung, with 275-390 swingweight unstrung. That spec will leave some room for modification.
 
I went from 355g strung to 332g strung and liked the change / sticking with it.
I find the slightly higher Racquet head speed I can get helps on spin serves. Don't notice less power really either - the 332g frame is stiffer but it's loaded with all the Volkl arm friendly tech, and it works..

I'm not ready for the next step down to 300-310g yet :)
 
I have tried a bunch of rackets that weighed around 11 1/2 ounces and just do not like it. I think if I only played people who didn’t hit the ball hard I would’ve liked it more but every time I would go up against someone who could really serve hard or hit heavy groundstrokes I did not like the feeling of being pushed around. I only play a 4.0 level but I still play people who hit the ball hard and I like the security of having a bit heavier racket. Having said that, I do like my rackets to be headlight for sure. I’m sure I could learn to play with a lighter stick that was more evenly balanced. Tried it with the Wilson blade and That racket seem to swing like a sledge hammer compared to my 12 1/2 half ounce rackets that are 10 points headlight. I’m currently playing with the tours and they have ports so I think that also makes up a lot as far as swing weight.
 
63yrs here. Hurt my shoulder this winter. Took some time off of overheads and serves. Lingering issues got me to thinking. Especially after looking at some racket weights some good 20 yr olds are playing with. Started to experiment with really light low RA rackets with lively strings. Head & Wilson both made 100" low RA light rackets. Most of these are somewhere between 2pts HL to 2pts HH, 62-57RA. Messed around with lead quite a bit on these, but then just started to use leather grips. Really depends on where and who I am hitting with though. Tennis is not much different than fishing, different poles/string/lure weight for different species/sizes; volleyballs for beach and indoors are different weights; gloves and bats are different for baseball vs softball; same thing in handgunning. Different tools within the same sport for different applications/situations. I still take lessons at least once a week, plus hit with a variety of players, including feeding at least 4 hrs a week to some beginner adults. It helps when you have rackets from the 60s - current, a stringing machine, box of many types of string, a balance board and a scale. Sometimes I like to use a 13oz 80s graphite with syn gut, sometimes an 11.7oz racket with poly and right now I goofing around with 10.8-11oz low RA rackets using strings like Zyex and Origin.
 
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