Switching from KPro Tour - Arm friendly recommonations?

[aggietex08]

Have decided to switch from my Wilson KPro Tour and would like some suggestions. I enjoy the racquet but as other users have posted the stiffness feels higher than listed and has lead to some elbow issues. I have played for less than a year and am playing around the 3.5 level. I seem to enjoy a smaller head size, higher weight (11.5+) and denser string pattern. I have heard lower flex is good for the arm so I am steering my search in that direction.

So far I have demoed: Babolat AeroPro Drive Cortex, Babolat Pure Drive Roddick, Babolat Pure Storm Ltd., Dunlop Aerogel 4D 100 (1Hundred), Head YOUTEK Radical Pro, Head YOUTEK Speed 18x20, Prince EXO3 Black, ProKennex Black Ace 93, Volkl Power Bridge 10 Mid, Wilson BLX Six.One Tour, Wilson BLX Six.One 95 18x20, and Wilson BLX Pro Open.
Out of these the current winner is the Volkl Power Bridge 10 with the Wilson BLX Six.One Tour close behind. Due to the stiffness rating, I'm hesitant about the BLX Six.One Tour. I also enjoyed the Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. and am excited to try the newer version.

My next round of demos I am thinking about the Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. GT, Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour (2Hundred), ProKennex Heritage Type C Redondo Mid and Prince EXO3 Rebel 95.

Does anyone have any other recommendations or comments about the four above that I am thinking about demoing?

 

[corners]

Have decided to switch from my Wilson KPro Tour and would like some suggestions. I enjoy the racquet but as other users have posted the stiffness feels higher than listed and has lead to some elbow issues. I have played for less than a year and am playing around the 3.5 level. I seem to enjoy a smaller head size, higher weight (11.5+) and denser string pattern. I have heard lower flex is good for the arm so I am steering my search in that direction.

So far I have demoed: Babolat AeroPro Drive Cortex, Babolat Pure Drive Roddick, Babolat Pure Storm Ltd., Dunlop Aerogel 4D 100 (1Hundred), Head YOUTEK Radical Pro, Head YOUTEK Speed 18x20, Prince EXO3 Black, ProKennex Black Ace 93, Volkl Power Bridge 10 Mid, Wilson BLX Six.One Tour, Wilson BLX Six.One 95 18x20, and Wilson BLX Pro Open.
Out of these the current winner is the Volkl Power Bridge 10 with the Wilson BLX Six.One Tour close behind. Due to the stiffness rating, I'm hesitant about the BLX Six.One Tour. I also enjoyed the Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. and am excited to try the newer version.

My next round of demos I am thinking about the Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. GT, Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour (2Hundred), ProKennex Heritage Type C Redondo Mid and Prince EXO3 Rebel 95.

Does anyone have any other recommendations or comments about the four above that I am thinking about demoing?

The Kpro Tour probably hurt your arm because of its anemic swingweight (~300). Even a flexible frame with such little mass behind the ball will transmit too much shock to your arm.

Some of sticks you're demoing are much heftier and have much higher swingweights. How did you play with those? Your answer will help people make good recommendations.

In the same weight class as the Kpro Tour, but with reputations for being armfriendly (and overall excellent), are the Volkl Powerbridge 9 and it's forbear the DNX 9.

I've hit with Kpro Tour and DNX9 and preferred the DNX for sure. About as easy to swing as the Kpro, but with 315 swingweight you still have a little mass behind your shots. They can also be had for a song.

 

[john whilesmith]

Before you give up on your Wilson Kpro Tour, have you considered changing your string to a softer string and possibly lowering the tension as well? Some of the racquets you have demoed are considerably stiffer than the kpro Tour. You could also try adding some lead to the frame to increase the swing weight which could also reduce the strain on your elbow.

 

[aggietex08]

I have added .5oz of lead tape to the racquet as well as switched from full poly to a hybrid set up. Im thinking of changing strings again and have got some good replys to a string thread.

I love the feel of a heavier racquet. I think 12oz is about perfect.

I played five hours yesterday and my elbow is doing well today. I think the main issue was technique. Since Im new Im still learning. I recently made a major change and it seems to be working. Will probably still switch racquets because when I tried the Power bridge 10 mid I loved it. Just want to try a few more because spending the money though.