Thoughts about "un-arm friendly racquets"

[Bobo96]

I am a 17 year old high level player, I have been struggling with various arm issues for the last 4 months, but due not have a previous history. I was having some thoughts about racquets and arm friendliness today, and wanted to share them here.

I used to use babolat racquets when I was younger (pure drives and aero storm) I switched to a prestige around the time I found out about this board, I was about 13. since then I have always stayed away from racquets that were supposedly bad for the arm ( mostly because of this forum) partially from fear. I then used the boris becker delta core London ( good reputation for arm) then I switched to the blade, and after a year I switched back to the bb London. I got TE from the BB London, it was better after about 3 months, and I started using the yonex ezone ai before I got tendonitis in my rotator cuff. It has been a very frustrating period of time. I have just committed to a university, so now I'm thinking I'll try a few more sticks before I settle. I have had several of my friends, co workers, or family members say that I should try an aeropro or pure drive because they're are the best for the arm aside from prince racquets, and that my racquets are too demanding. I try and tell them that they're known to be the worst for the arm, but they continue to disagree. I never had arm issues when I used the babolats with poly when I was younger and much weaker.

I started to think how many juniors, college players, and pros use the aeropro or PD. I thought about a few kids who I could probably snap their arms in half that play at a high level with these racquets. To be honest the people that I know with arm issues are often those who use "arm friendly racquets" Does stiffness tell the whole story? All the good players who I have talked to who don't pay attention to these forums or people who say babs are bad for the arm, truly believe that they would be the best for the arm. Maybe it's different for all players, maybe players with faster swings can actually benefit from the babolats, as it seems the players with slower swings are usually the ones to have pain with babs, and less with softer sticks? I'm not trying to start an argument, but I just wanted toshare the thought I had today. It just doesn't make sense how they're so many high level juniors playing countless hours with babs and rpm with no pain.... I am a pretty strong kid, stronger tan most juniors my age I believe.

Please share any opinion you may have!

 

[Soundbyte]

If you have tendinitis, rest it. Your technique is 99% responsible for it. The rackets only contribute a small amount.

 

[DonDiego]

Tennis elbow is 95% technique and not being relaxed enough when hitting. That doesn't mean that if you get tennis elbow, you don't have good technique or you're a bad player. It can happen to any of us, we're not 100% perfect everytime.

But somehow people on this board believe otherwise, and prefer blaming racquets and strings. The following comments will confirm this.

 

[mawashi]

Tennis elbow is 95% technique and not being relaxed enough when hitting. That doesn't mean that if you get tennis elbow, you don't have good technique or you're a bad player. It can happen to any of us, we're not 100% perfect everytime.

But somehow people on this board believe otherwise, and prefer blaming racquets and strings. The following comments will confirm this.

I do agree that a lot of injuries are due to poor technique but racquet and strings do contribute as I have friends who play pain free with certain stiff sticks but when using poly or some other sticks begin to have aches and pains. They are mostly 4.5 players.

Let's face it, most players don't have great or even proper techniques so stiff sticks and strings only help to acerbate the potential problems.

 

[Bobo96]

If you have tendinitis, rest it. Your technique is 99% responsible for it. The rackets only contribute a small amount.

Tennis elbow is 95% technique and not being relaxed enough when hitting. That doesn't mean that if you get tennis elbow, you don't have good technique or you're a bad player. It can happen to any of us, we're not 100% perfect everytime.

But somehow people on this board believe otherwise, and prefer blaming racquets and strings. The following comments will confirm this.

that's good to hear, because I don't want to put a limit on the racquets I use. My TE was caused by overuse probably, and lack of strengthening. I'm not sure what the rotator cuff tendonitis is from, but I am doing strengthening exercises for it now. I have some pain in my outer elbow like golfer elbow, and I think it was from too much pullups/pulling exercises, but my phys trainer says that once I heal completely I can do forearm extensor exercises to prevent both TE and GE.

here is a video of my strokes, is there anything you guys can see that could have caused elbow/shoulder issues? I have improved a lot since then, hitting with more variety/spin, better moving, consistency, and I've gotten stronger in legs. Thanks for any help. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&hd=1&v=c1d-ERwUvnk

 

[Soundbyte]

I can see why your shoulder hurts...your arming the ball a hell of a lot on your swings. You still get plenty of speed, but it looks like your violenty forcing your forehands. To me, you don't rotate your hips and shoulders enough. You're forehands should be smoother, in my opinion. Compare your strokes to federer or Novak and see what I mean

But don't me wrong here, I'm nitpicking. You clearly have a nice game. But certain styles can tax the body (eg Nadal)

 

[mikeler]

Tennis elbow is 95% technique and not being relaxed enough when hitting. That doesn't mean that if you get tennis elbow, you don't have good technique or you're a bad player. It can happen to any of us, we're not 100% perfect everytime.

But somehow people on this board believe otherwise, and prefer blaming racquets and strings. The following comments will confirm this.

While equipment can't fix bad technique, it most certainly can lessen the pain. Use a Babolat with a stiff poly versus a Prince ESP with gut and tell me there is no difference! It's night and day especially as your body ages.

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

Your forehand looks great, an efficient shot, certainly not "arming" it. Maybe your racket is a bit light, which may also cause issues, especially cos you're swinging pretty big.

How is your serve? It is often the culprit for shoulder issues.

 

[Irvin]

I think a lot of arm problems (from shoulder to wrist) come from swing a racket that is just too light. Lighter rackets have more vibration, less plow through, and are too easy to swing.

 

[DonDiego]

While equipment can't fix bad technique, it most certainly can lessen the pain. Use a Babolat with a stiff poly versus a Prince ESP with gut and tell me there is no difference! It's night and day especially as your body ages.

Equipment are not the reason why you hurt yourself the first time, but I agree that once you've had an injury, a softer racquet can help minimize the chance of hurting yourself again.

 

[TennisMD]

that's good to hear, because I don't want to put a limit on the racquets I use. My TE was caused by overuse probably, and lack of strengthening. I'm not sure what the rotator cuff tendonitis is from, but I am doing strengthening exercises for it now. I have some pain in my outer elbow like golfer elbow, and I think it was from too much pullups/pulling exercises, but my phys trainer says that once I heal completely I can do forearm extensor exercises to prevent both TE and GE.

here is a video of my strokes, is there anything you guys can see that could have caused elbow/shoulder issues? I have improved a lot since then, hitting with more variety/spin, better moving, consistency, and I've gotten stronger in legs. Thanks for any help. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&hd=1&v=c1d-ERwUvnk

Your forehand looks good to me, the comment comparing you/ us mere mortals to the top pros is interesting but if we had to have that level of precision to avoid arm injury we would all be doomed. Not sure which rkt your using here, but much heavier I would think you would be hitting late.
Also conditioning a key, there are books out there which guide you on specific weight training for tennis. I'm in your father plus category age wise but cross train religiously following guidelines for weight training for tennis, used APD all summer ( probably play less than you but play 3x week 2 hr plus sessions and have hit off ball machine over 1000 balls at a time with APD and zero arm issues of note I use soft string technifiber X one biphase at 55 lbs. now using Yonex E zone Ai 98 just like the feel I'm not really sure that much better point is used arm unfriendly supposedly ie APD and now using Yonex supposedly more arm friendly but I notice NO difference in this respect.

 

[Bobo96]

Your forehand looks great, an efficient shot, certainly not "arming" it. Maybe your racket is a bit light, which may also cause issues, especially cos you're swinging pretty big.

How is your serve? It is often the culprit for shoulder issues.

Thanks! My bb londons were weighted to 325 grams and pretty head light, but I used three over grips on that racquet for some reason, so that got it to almost 340 grams. That was the one I hurt my elbow with. I hurt my shoulder using ezone Ai 98 which Is 310 unstrung and like 11.7 or 11.8 strung I think. Its interesting that you suggest a heavier racquet, because a lot of my friends and family told me I should go lighter.

my serve is pretty good as far as I can tell. I don't get a whole lot flex backward in my elbow at the top. I will upload a video once I am completely healthy.

 

[joe sch]

I think a lot of arm problems (from shoulder to wrist) come from swing a racket that is just too light. Lighter rackets have more vibration, less plow through, and are too easy to swing.

Agree.
Also what strings/tension are being used ?
I suggest dropping tension and possibly playing a less stiff string. This player has a nice swing and will need even more loop and racket head speed with my suggestions, more like Rafa and I really hate to suggest such modifications but will provide even more control and spot hitting ability.

 

[TennisMD]

Thanks! My bb londons were weighted to 325 grams and pretty head light, but I used three over grips on that racquet for some reason, so that got it to almost 340 grams. That was the one I hurt my elbow with. I hurt my shoulder using ezone Ai 98 which Is 310 unstrung and like 11.7 or 11.8 strung I think. Its interesting that you suggest a heavier racquet, because a lot of my friends and family told me I should go lighter.

my serve is pretty good as far as I can tell. I don't get a whole lot flex backward in my elbow at the top. I will upload a video once I am completely healthy.

Interesting re your serve not getting the drop as they call it rkt face not almost tapping your back, I have the same tendency and on occasion have shoulder issues, again technique not racquet

 

[Soundbyte]

My comment on his forehand was intended to mention his doesn't rotate his shoulders and his as much as he could, but is by no means terrible. Also, he clearly gets tons of velocity on his swings, which makes me think he is "arming it" in the sense that he is muscling his forehand more than he needs to, in order to maintain the speed and power that he is now accustomed to.

 

[HRB]

My comment on his forehand was intended to mention his doesn't rotate his shoulders and his as much as he could, but is by no means terrible. Also, he clearly gets tons of velocity on his swings, which makes me think he is "arming it" in the sense that he is muscling his forehand more than he needs to, in order to maintain the speed and power that he is now accustomed to.

His form looks better than most folks I play with in the 4-4.5 range who all have no elbow or shoulder issues, so in his case I suspect string and racquet issues.

 

[Bobo96]

Oh boy, I wish these things could be easier. So many variables, so many opinions.

 

[BlueB]

I'm not qualified to comment on your technique. I'll give my thoughts on gear...
Often too heavy = shoulder pain on serve. Too light = elbow pain on groundies.
However, too thick or too thin grip can easily result in elbow pain. I noticed that you had 3 over grips. That would have pushed the grip over one full size up.
And no, the very stiff and light racquets are not good for the elbow. Especially combined with tight strung poly.

 

[Bobo96]

I'm not qualified to comment on your technique. I'll give my thoughts on gear...
Often too heavy = shoulder pain on serve. Too light = elbow pain on groundies.
However, too thick or too thin grip can easily result in elbow pain. I noticed that you had 3 over grips. That would have pushed the grip over one full size up.
And no, the very stiff and light racquets are not good for the elbow. Especially combined with tight strung poly.

the grip size was 1/4th so it was too small for me. I'd say that with three overgrips it was bigger than 4 and 3/8th with an overgrip but smaller than 4 and 1/2 with an overgrip.

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

I play with 353g, and 333 swingweight, with a very flexible racket. Very soft strings. All that should make it pretty arm friendly. But in the past I used to use too high tensions. 59 pounds, then 54. The better I became and faster I swung, I was getting golfers elbow from my forehand and serve. Now I've gone down to 48 and even lower, and the arm is healing nicely. Mine is a very tight string pattern though, your mileage may vary.

 

[BreakPoint]

Equipment are not the reason why you hurt yourself the first time, but I agree that once you've had an injury, a softer racquet can help minimize the chance of hurting yourself again.

Well, equipment was definitely the reason why I hurt myself the first time. I switched to a lighter, stiffer, and longer racquet and got tennis elbow for the first time in my life. After healing and coming back, I switched back to a heavier, more flexible, and shorter racquet and never got tennis elbow again from my racquet (only from strings). That was 12 years ago. My technique has never changed.

 

[Bobo96]

Alright bottom line, once I heal, considering I continue with rotator cuff and forearm exercises, could I use a racquet like aeropro with soft polly like yonex ptp and stay healthy with a fairly grueling schedule? If I didn't know anything about this forum I'd think it would be better for my arm. I mean I certainly don't have to work as hard as with my other racquets, and it definitely feels forgiving but idk. I look at all these kids and college players who are like me, same strength or worse, same technique or worse, same amount of practice, but no bad injuries. Are babs really worse???

 

[6august]

From my experience, besides technique, string stiffness/tension is more important than racket stiffness.

I have serious trouble with stiff poly at high tension even on PT57A - the noodle-like stick. Meanwhile, super stiffs stick such as Graphene Speed MP or Aero Pro Drive cause me no inconvenience at all they're strung with soft poly at less than 23.5kg.

 

[6august]

****, so many mistyping mistakes. Newbie should be allowed to edit posts.

 

[Magic of tennis]

I can see why your shoulder hurts...your arming the ball a hell of a lot on your swings. You still get plenty of speed, but it looks like your violenty forcing your forehands. To me, you don't rotate your hips and shoulders enough. You're forehands should be smoother, in my opinion. Compare your strokes to federer or Novak and see what I mean

But don't me wrong here, I'm nitpicking. You clearly have a nice game. But certain styles can tax the body (eg Nadal)

Agreed. OP has fast racquet speed and power but I noticed that your arm and hand is not relaxed enough to give power. Your power is coming from your arm muscle instead of proper rotation and power generation from leg - hip.

Also I agree with other people commented about racquet. Technique is the most important part to prevent tennis elbow. No one has perfect technique in club level so racquet and string choice is important as well. When you have tennis elbow the best thing to do is rest for weeks until it goes away completely. Then choose arm friendly racquets until you develop better technique. I had T.E from Wilson racquet + poor technique. I changed to volkl and it was healed completely. Then I bought Yonex racquet with 89 sqin one, then within 2 weeks T.E came back. I sold Yonex racquet right away. ( I am not saying that all Wilson and yonex racquets are causing T.E) Ever since then, I am using Volkl. I demoed ProKennex and those are also very arm friendly.

 

[KYHacker]

Definitely arming the ball instead of generating power from shoulder and hip rotation. That technique will cause injuries with a heavy racquet over time. Using a lighter stick may help but those tend to get pushed around against heavy pace and spin.

I would also agree that string bed stiffness is biggest issue equipment-wise for tennis elbow.

Also isn't tennis elbow on the outside of the elbow and Golfer's elbow on the inside? The upward acceleration of the arm to force the "wipe" on topspin strokes will definitely cause Golfer's elbow.

 

[Bobo96]

Definitely arming the ball instead of generating power from shoulder and hip rotation. That technique will cause injuries with a heavy racquet over time. Using a lighter stick may help but those tend to get pushed around against heavy pace and spin.

I would also agree that string bed stiffness is biggest issue equipment-wise for tennis elbow.

Also isn't tennis elbow on the outside of the elbow and Golfer's elbow on the inside? The upward acceleration of the arm to force the "wipe" on topspin strokes will definitely cause Golfer's elbow.

I got a small case of GE when I wasn't even playing tennis, because of my shoulder. The GE just came from doing too many grip exercises without working my extensor.

 

[Ramon]

Alright bottom line, once I heal, considering I continue with rotator cuff and forearm exercises, could I use a racquet like aeropro with soft polly like yonex ptp and stay healthy with a fairly grueling schedule? If I didn't know anything about this forum I'd think it would be better for my arm. I mean I certainly don't have to work as hard as with my other racquets, and it definitely feels forgiving but idk. I look at all these kids and college players who are like me, same strength or worse, same technique or worse, same amount of practice, but no bad injuries. Are babs really worse???

People are all different. If an average guy punches me square in the jaw, I'll probably get knocked out. If the same guy does that to Mike Tyson, it would probably just tickle. You just have to accept that your genetic makeup is probably not favorable for using a stiff Babolat racquet with poly strings.

The good news is that there are plenty of other options out there. You can try out powerful racquets from Pro Kennex, Volkyl, or Prince. If you still can't use poly with those racquets, you can try Ashaway Monogut ZX at high tensions, which gives me as much spin as a smooth poly but without the harsh stiffness.

 

[Bobo96]

Un arm friendly racquet alternatives?

I 10charsss

 

[TennisCJC]

No one can tell you to play with an APD or PD or to not play with one except yourself.

For me, old guy who has been playing about 4 decades; the answer is simple. I demo-ed them and didn't like them. The APD felt like a board and my first impression was this will kill my arm. So, MY opinion is APD is bad for your health as it hits like a stiff board. PD is a little better but also a bit too stiff.

Yes, there are lots of juniors and college players that use them, but of the 4 best players in the world (Federer, Nadal, Djoko and Murray); 3 of them are using thinner beams and softer flex.

 

[Soundbyte]

Any racket can be fine for the arm. The general consensus is that heavier, flexier rackets are "safer" for the arm, but there's no sports literature out there to prove this to be true. But its dogma for some reason.

Pro Kennex has a bunch of flexy rackets you should check out. I would rest up first and be cleared medically by a sports medicine doctor or orthopedist. Also, I haven't seen your serve, but I would stop trying to crush your serve (if you do that) until your shoulder is 100%. When I was your age, I was in a similar position. Recruited to play D1 tennis, had a brief stint with shoulder issues because I was cranking 120+ mph serves and trying too hard to do it over and over again. Once I eased off and relaxed on my motion more (after taking a break to heal 100%), I haven't had any issues since.

But out of your list of rackets, I'd vote for the POG 107. The others are stiff, but they might be fine for you.

 

[Bobo96]

Any racket can be fine for the arm. The general consensus is that heavier, flexier rackets are "safer" for the arm, but there's no sports literature out there to prove this to be true. But its dogma for some reason.

Pro Kennex has a bunch of flexy rackets you should check out. I would rest up first and be cleared medically by a sports medicine doctor or orthopedist. Also, I haven't seen your serve, but I would stop trying to crush your serve (if you do that) until your shoulder is 100%. When I was your age, I was in a similar position. Recruited to play D1 tennis, had a brief stint with shoulder issues because I was cranking 120+ mph serves and trying too hard to do it over and over again. Once I eased off and relaxed on my motion more (after taking a break to heal 100%), I haven't had any issues since.

But out of your list of rackets, I'd vote for the POG 107. The others are stiff, but they might be fine for you.

are there any racquets similar to those I listed that are good for the arm, also would you say the ezone Ai 98 is pretty arm friendly?

 

[Soundbyte]

I love the AI98. I thinks its an extremely comfortable racket with good pop, spin, and feel. Personally I think its the best all around racket on the market right now. As a close second I have the Pure Control 95+.

 

[Bobo96]

I am accepting that light and stiff racquets are not the best for me, but I also don't think low powered, heavy flexible frames are the best for me either. Here is a list of racquets I would have demoed if not for my arm
pure strike 16x19
aeropro drive
prestige pro
graphite 107

are any of these racquets okay for my arm? If not are there any similar alternatives. Or should I stick with ezone Ai 98 that I recently started using? Would you say the ezone is the best of the bunch? I believe is that the Ai is good for my elbow, but I'm not quite sure about the shoulder, what do you think? Any help appreciated.

 

[BlueB]

On paper, it looks like your Ai 98 should be the best for your shoulder and ok for your elbow.
Prestige and Graphite should be the best for the elbow.

 

[KYHacker]

If you like attacking racquets, you may want to consider the Prince 100 Tour in any of its variants (16x18, 18x20, or ESP) or the Tour Pro ESP. I have generally found Prince and Dunlop frames to be the most arm friendly.

 

[TennisCJC]

Any racket can be fine for the arm. The general consensus is that heavier, flexier rackets are "safer" for the arm, but there's no sports literature out there to prove this to be true. But its dogma for some reason.

I read an article by French Tennis Federation and they suggest SW of 320 or more with a HL balance of 4 or more, and a low to medium flex was better for you game and health. They also had a recommended static weight and I think it was roughly 11 oz or more. I have seen other written information too that recommend softer and decent weight. I have never seen any recommendation that stiffer and lighter are better for your health.

But, it is a personal choice.

 

[TennisCJC]

I still think the Babs, at least the APD and PD, are common with juniors and college players because of Nadal and Roddick. Bab became the number 1 selling racket in USA about the time Roddick broke on to the scene.

 

[Ramon]

I still think the Babs, at least the APD and PD, are common with juniors and college players because of Nadal and Roddick. Bab became the number 1 selling racket in USA about the time Roddick broke on to the scene.

I think the endorsements get people to go out and try it, but they have to like the racquet to want to keep it. Jimmy Connors was a huge player in his day, and he was identified with his racquet more than any other player. A lot of people tried the T-2000, but they didn't like it, so it lost its early popularity.

 

[Bobo96]

I went to a different phys therapist today, and he seemed almost certain that my hip was the problem. He couldn't believe how tight my whole lower body was, specifically my hips. he said that my left hip would barely internally rotate, therefore my shoulder and possibly my elbow are overcompensating and taking the whole load. He gave me some stretches and told me to attack them like crazy. I may still just stick with the AI, but time will tell.

 

[speedysteve]

This makes very interesting reading.
I ran into golfers elbow problems earlier in the year.
i had been using a light / stiff modern racquet with standard cheap strings.
Would probably have been ok if I'd stayed at playing once or twice a week - I started practising more and flat serves a lot, and got good at them. It crept up on me so slowly that I did not realise what it was. I was playing 3/4 times a week and practising serves too.
I do other general exercising / weights and when I was playing the arm actually felt ok and eased off. It was other things during the week that gave me signals - until it really struck!
I tried other equipment but it was too late by then.
Treatment / away from tennis for 5 weeks and lots of physio and it's under control now.
Control is the word - it's not 100% by any means, but I can feel it getting better and better slowly.

I have had to back off on the serve completely. It is that and not the forehand that is causing my problems. Poor technique I guess on the flats but I can sort of kick serve all day with no issues and at least I can play pretty much to my hearts content - that's the main thing!

I too changed equipment. Out went the light / stiff / polys - in came the heavier 340-350g, 320+g SW and soft multifilaments - I am using Head rip control 17 gauge at the moment, which I like.
I also have one racquet strung with Prince Premier Softflex but it's a bit too high tension Damn pro shop stringing!

We'll see how long the Rip control 17 lasts. I also dropped tension. Tension seems to be the biggest issue for me at the moment / give the most results to help my arm.

My racquet weights are now back to where they were in my heyday! Wonder what all the light bat swatters of this young generation will do when they get old?

Now I've got my own stringing machine I can really experiment with fast turnaround.

I am toying with going natural gut. I don't break strings and from what I read it will be even arm friendlier and last well enough to outweigh the initial cost...

But what price my arm health? - I don't mind throwing cash at it if it works and I can play.

It's really interesting reading all you guys trials and tribulations, so please keep the updates coming...

 

[Bobo96]

My coach gave me a Pog the other day. Is the pog okay for the shoulder, after I rest it up? Please someone answer, really need to know. I know it's good for the elbow. Ideally I want to demo the pog and the Ai, maybe one more and then decide.

 

[BlueB]

First question is what version? Old one stripers have too heavy SW. 4 stripe, Straight Shafter and later are fine.
Next, POG OS or M?
OS is not so great on 1st serves. This might inspire you to try to hit even harder. Combined with weight it might bother your shoulder. Otherwise, it is comfier then M in all other aspects.
I normally remove the heavy leather grip from OS to make it play a bit lighter.

 

[Bobo96]

First question is what version? Old one stripers have too heavy SW. 4 stripe, Straight Shafter and later are fine.
Next, POG OS or M?
OS is not so great on 1st serves. This might inspire you to try to hit even harder. Combined with weight it might bother your shoulder. Otherwise, it is comfier then M in all other aspects.
I normally remove the heavy leather grip from OS to make it play a bit lighter.

POG OS the new one. I'm a little worried if you say it is bad for serves, I need to serve well.

 

[drgolder]

we have demoed both of these and settled on the pdr. The weight seemed to make my tennis elbow disappear. Also string at a lower tension if using either babolat. The AP is more flexible in the throat so less power. The pog oversize is used a lot around here by juniors. I found the trajectory of the ball is lower than any other racquet I have used and it was noticeably more headlight so less power. I notice that a lot of people using them lead them up and use higher tension in an attempt to get more depth on shots. Definitely old school. The babolats have shock absorbing features and so I would stick with what you have and experiment with string and tension. Also try the pdr which is heavier. My 15 year old son has used it 4 years and no arm complaints.

 

[drgolder]

I agree I don't see any juniors serving great around here with the pog. Not enough power especially when they are stringing at 70 lbs. The idea with poly is that you don't have to string tight for control anymore. String looser and you still get control from more spin. I have seen a lot of juniors having arm issues with the pog around here. The coach that is coaching them is having them string tight and lead them up for more power. Why not just use a more modern frame? The babolats are designed to take advantage of low tension poly the way I see it. Poly is too stiff to string too tightly.

 

[Bobo96]

we have demoed both of these and settled on the pdr. The weight seemed to make my tennis elbow disappear. Also string at a lower tension if using either babolat. The AP is more flexible in the throat so less power. The pog oversize is used a lot around here by juniors. I found the trajectory of the ball is lower than any other racquet I have used and it was noticeably more headlight so less power. I notice that a lot of people using them lead them up and use higher tension in an attempt to get more depth on shots. Definitely old school. The babolats have shock absorbing features and so I would stick with what you have and experiment with string and tension. Also try the pdr which is heavier. My 15 year old son has used it 4 years and no arm complaints.

I do not have any babolats, so I wouldn't be sticking with what I have. I could get my hands on a aeropro pretty easily though. Its funny that you say the babs are good for the arm, while most people on here say the opposite. If I used the POG I would definitely use low tension poly.

 

[BlueB]

POG doesn't need poly any higher then 45 to 50. Launch angle is not low at all at that tension. Deep defensive shots become effortless.

 

[drgolder]

I think a lot of people on here may be referring to the babolats before the cortex . I believe it makes a difference to have a stress breaker in the handle of a stiff frame. I thought you said you played with an aeropro before. That is also a popular frame around here with the juniors. The only babolat with a sw 330 is the pdr though. You should try it along with the pog os and the aeropro with a low tension poly and see what you think. I would use a copoly though. I don't like harsh ones and coming from gamma tnt in the old days, I really like the feel of luxilon alu.

 

[Bobo96]

I think a lot of people on here may be referring to the babolats before the cortex . I believe it makes a difference to have a stress breaker in the handle of a stiff frame. I thought you said you played with an aeropro before. That is also a popular frame around here with the juniors. The only babolat with a sw 330 is the pdr though. You should try it along with the pog os and the aeropro with a low tension poly and see what you think. I would use a copoly though. I don't like harsh ones and coming from gamma tnt in the old days, I really like the feel of luxilon alu.

no. I was saying that I used the pd and aerostorm(difference), When I was young. That was over 5 years ago. I was using a bb London when I hurt my elbow. If a few other people suggest the babs I'll try the aeropro, and maybe add some lead. I'm just really afraid to not feel any affect while playing but wound up making my arm worse. I'll probably use yonex ptp which is known as one of the softest co polys.