What's the best way to add power without wrecking my elbow?

[New Daddy]

Due to an elbow problem, I've been using a flexible racket - Head Youtek Radical MP. But for a change, I used my wife's racket - Head Youtek Speed Lite - one day and found that it gave me noticeably more power. Even my partner acknowledged that I definitely had more pace with my wife's racket.

Radical MP and Speed Lite are as different as different can be - 98 sq. in. vs. 102 sq. in.; 9.7 oz. vs 11.0 oz; stiffness 67 vs. 59.

According to the Learning Center material here at Tennis Warehouse, I think the larger head size, lighter weight, and higher stiffness of the Speed Lite all contributed to more power. But at a price. My elbow is really sore after playing with my wife's racket for only about 30 minutes. My elbow doesn't suffer with my own racket even after playing for hours.

This experience really made me want to change my racket for a more powerful one. But without wrecking my elbow. What should I look for in a new racket?

Again, the Tennis Warehouse Learning Center advises that more stiffness and less weight can lead to elbow pain. Then, increasing my racket head size about the only option to add more power? Are there rackets that are more stiff but comfortable at the same time (based on some new technology) or does stiffness always sacrifice comfort?

 

[tennisinAZ]

I dont think you really need to switch rackets, perhaps putting in a mid to high grade multi like babolat adiction, xcel, or x1 biphase and dropping tension maybe 10lbs would help. If you are looking for a new racket though the babolat pure drive GT is a solid playing racket, a little on the stiff side but still easy on the arm, or the organix rackets, which provide plenty of power while still being flexible but offer a muted and soft feel.

 

[New Daddy]

I dont think you really need to switch rackets, perhaps putting in a mid to high grade multi like babolat adiction, xcel, or x1 biphase and dropping tension maybe 10lbs would help. If you are looking for a new racket though the babolat pure drive GT is a solid playing racket, a little on the stiff side but still easy on the arm, or the organix rackets, which provide plenty of power while still being flexible but offer a muted and soft feel.

Thanks for the advice, but don't get me started on Babolat Pure Drive. It used to be my old racket, and yes it is a fine racket, but it gave me so much elbow trouble. I think I even asked in this forum whether that racket could be the cause of my elbow problem, and the response was an overwhelming yes.

 

[Aps1987]

If what you are looking for is a larger racquet with a low stiffness rating, maybe try the K Blade Team. 104 sq in, 57 stiffness. Never used it so I can't comment on the power level.

I have to say, though, that recommending this goes against my experience. For me, the heaviest shots I have ever hit are coming off the tiny head of a PK Silver Ace. 86", and must be over 13 oz. Provided you have the correct swing mechanics, I think a heavy racquet can hit a much harder ball than a lighter one, but that's just my experience.

 

[Hidious]

If you can handle it, increase the weight of your radical with lead tape. Also, don't be shy to lower the tension in the low 40s. Stay away from those light and stiff sticks if you have elbow problems.

 

[Readers]

Natural Gut, lots of power, very soft.

 

[Marcus]

Natural gut, lower tension more power easier on the arm.....

One of the few genuine win win situations !!

Enjoy !!

 

[Fuji]

Natural gut, lower tension more power easier on the arm.....

One of the few genuine win win situations !!

Enjoy !!

Very true. Gut will solve most wounds with time! Although, it is quite expensive. It is worth it in the long run though. I had a bout with gut last year, and it was well worth the relief on my shoulder and wrist, and once I was all healed I switched back to my normal strings and life was good.

-Fuji

 

[Marcus]

After a period of using poly and loving certain aspects I've gone back to gut mains with Tecnifibre NRG crosses.... Lovely ! Best of all worlds

 

[eleventeenth street]

if you are looking for something stiff but comfortable and not too heavy, maybe try checking out the volkl organix 8. RA 68, beam width 23.5-24.5, open pattern, under 11.5 oz, SW 330.

seems like it could be right in your wheel house. the new volkl handles are supposed to suppress almost all the vibrations.

 

[TennisMaverick]

Due to an elbow problem, I've been using a flexible racket - Head Youtek Radical MP. But for a change, I used my wife's racket - Head Youtek Speed Lite - one day and found that it gave me noticeably more power. Even my partner acknowledged that I definitely had more pace with my wife's racket.

Radical MP and Speed Lite are as different as different can be - 98 sq. in. vs. 102 sq. in.; 9.7 oz. vs 11.0 oz; stiffness 67 vs. 59.

According to the Learning Center material here at Tennis Warehouse, I think the larger head size, lighter weight, and higher stiffness of the Speed Lite all contributed to more power. But at a price. My elbow is really sore after playing with my wife's racket for only about 30 minutes. My elbow doesn't suffer with my own racket even after playing for hours.

This experience really made me want to change my racket for a more powerful one. But without wrecking my elbow. What should I look for in a new racket?

Again, the Tennis Warehouse Learning Center advises that more stiffness and less weight can lead to elbow pain. Then, increasing my racket head size about the only option to add more power? Are there rackets that are more stiff but comfortable at the same time (based on some new technology) or does stiffness always sacrifice comfort?

No string is going to solve the problem of a stick which aggravates a chronic elbow issue that becomes crazy symptomatic in 30 min. As soon as you felt irritation, why didn't you just stop? You need to find a stick which gives you the pop that you are looking for without making your elbow issue symptomatic. Secondly, you need to do RICE and PT on a daily basis. Lastly, you need to fix your technique.

 

[ricardo]

Powerful and arm-friendly frames...

here's the link:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/contours.php

ProKennex Ionic Ki 5x (New)

ProKennex Ionic Ki 5 PSE (New)

Wilson KFive OS

Wilson BLX Khamsin Five

to me the most comfortable is KFive.

I string them low (40-50 lbs).

I use Natural gut 17g mains and soft multi 17g crosses.

I have had TE/GE for over 3 years and with the KFive with nat gut hybrid i can hit as hard as i can and the elbow does not complain...

 

[rufusbgood]

According to the Learning Center material here at Tennis Warehouse, I think the larger head size, lighter weight, and higher stiffness of the Speed Lite all contributed to more power. But at a price. My elbow is really sore after playing with my wife's racket for only about 30 minutes. My elbow doesn't suffer with my own racket even after playing for hours.

The larger headsize and higher stiffness contribute to more power. So does the open string pattern. But, the lighter weight and lower swingweight do not. At least not directly. They allow you to swing faster. And swinging faster than you usually swing with a stiffer frame that has less mass I imagine could account for the adverse reaction.

If you can play with your Radical for hours without experiencing any problems with your elbow but you aren't satisfied with the power output, I would recommend switching to a racquet with similar specs (flex, weight, swingweight) but with an open string pattern.

Here's a few that fit the bill:

Dunlop Aerogel 4D 300
Babolat Pure Storm GT
Volkl Organix 10
Head Youtek IG Speed 300

 

[fuzz nation]

My general thinking (no disrespect to our pals at TW!) is that power in a racquet is increased through higher stiffness, extra weight, or a combo of the two - with string type and tension remaining sort of "constant".

Not trying to be a snob, but as I see it, your wife's racquet is a fly-swatter of a lightweight while your Radical is no more than a middle-weight. I'm not suggesting that you go out and chop down an 80 year old oak tree to make a new racquet (I sometimes refer to my heaviest frames a "tree-branches":shock, but you'd be smart to consider a more hefty racquet with some significant head-light balance. A moderate measure of flex wouldn't hurt either.

Don't sweat the labels that corral us toward certain racquet types. "Player's frames" are merely racquets that belong to... players. Anyone is allowed to enjoy them and they don't require an operator's permit. It's a pretty strong bet that your long term arm health can benefit from a racquet that can do some more work for you, but it might require putting up with some short term disruption of your game as you adjust to it. Heavier racquets don't require great big muscles to play with, just different timing.

One racquet that's a super-soft-'n-sweet player is the ProKennex Redondo mid-plus. I'm also a rather big fan of the "10 series" frames from Volkl and my favorite these days is their C10 Pro. I used to own a couple of LM Radicals along with some other middle-weights, but I've never enjoyed the same power and stability that I've seen with 12+ oz. racquets. As long as they have at least 8 or 9 points HL balance, I'm okay with handling heavier gear. If the flex ratings are no higher than the mid 60's, I can comfortably use these frames, even strung rather tightly with synthetic gut.

As for strings, I also believe in the superior arm-friendliness of natural gut. One of my pals is a really strong player and he blew up his elbow when he tried poly hybrids in his PD Roddicks. After healing up, he kept those stiff racquets, but switched to full nat'l gut and has seen no new symptoms. I've seen a few other strong players find elbow relief by switching to good multifibers, too. I personally suspect that soft strings may contribute more toward happy elbows than flexible racquets.

Carry on... and don't fear the demos.

 

[Carolina Racquet]

To answer the OPs apparent question, although he didn't mention current string setup for both frames and what kind of playing style he employs...

I'd suggest working with your Radical first... how can you add more power? Options...

1. Lower tension. With the closed string pattern of the Radical, you can really go lower compared to open pattern string patterned racquets.

2. String. Natural gut will give you a lot of power, but is costly and some feel it's too powerful. IF you play with the Radical and employ spin for control... you can get more power and enhanced spin by going to a powerful poly string like Big Hitter Blue Rough. Your arm should be ok using this string in the Radical because it's pretty flexible.

3. Lead Tape. You may have liked the Speed Lite because it's a more head-heavy frame. Perhaps TRYING some lead tape at the inside of the top hoop (2-3 grams) will give you some more pop on your frame. You didn't mention your size and strength, but unless you're slightly built, you can beef up a Radical without much problem.

As for different frames, perhaps you'll exhaust all options and need to find a new one. However, IMO, most players should try different string/weight setups before spending a lot more $ for a POSSIBLE fix.

 

[nickarnold2000]

I know that this is the racket section but a good, painless way to add power to your shots is to improve your footwork. If you can setup earlier for the ball and launch your body's momentum into your shots this will give you lots of power on tap.
As another poster mentioned above having a pro critic your playing style will be well worth the cash. Carolina has some great suggestions too.

 

[Fuji]

To answer the OPs apparent question, although he didn't mention current string setup for both frames and what kind of playing style he employs...

I'd suggest working with your Radical first... how can you add more power? Options...

1. Lower tension. With the closed string pattern of the Radical, you can really go lower compared to open pattern string patterned racquets.

2. String. Natural gut will give you a lot of power, but is costly and some feel it's too powerful. IF you play with the Radical and employ spin for control... you can get more power and enhanced spin by going to a powerful poly string like Big Hitter Blue Rough. Your arm should be ok using this string in the Radical because it's pretty flexible.

3. Lead Tape. You may have liked the Speed Lite because it's a more head-heavy frame. Perhaps TRYING some lead tape at the inside of the top hoop (2-3 grams) will give you some more pop on your frame. You didn't mention your size and strength, but unless you're slightly built, you can beef up a Radical without much problem.

As for different frames, perhaps you'll exhaust all options and need to find a new one. However, IMO, most players should try different string/weight setups before spending a lot more $ for a POSSIBLE fix.

I don't really believe this is the best route to be taking. A friend of mine play's with a super flexy Volkl C10 Pro, and he thought it would be okay to play with a full bed of poly, and a moderate tension, and even though it was a flexible and arm friendly frame, the poly did him in with TE for a few months.

A string change and tension change is going to make a world of difference in your radical. If gut doesn't work for you, there are some VERY high end multis that are fantastic as well, and they won't wreck your body.

All IMO of course!

-Fuji

 

[suppawat]

Due to an elbow problem, I've been using a flexible racket - Head Youtek Radical MP. But for a change, I used my wife's racket - Head Youtek Speed Lite - one day and found that it gave me noticeably more power. Even my partner acknowledged that I definitely had more pace with my wife's racket.

Radical MP and Speed Lite are as different as different can be - 98 sq. in. vs. 102 sq. in.; 9.7 oz. vs 11.0 oz; stiffness 67 vs. 59.

According to the Learning Center material here at Tennis Warehouse, I think the larger head size, lighter weight, and higher stiffness of the Speed Lite all contributed to more power. But at a price. My elbow is really sore after playing with my wife's racket for only about 30 minutes. My elbow doesn't suffer with my own racket even after playing for hours.

This experience really made me want to change my racket for a more powerful one. But without wrecking my elbow. What should I look for in a new racket?

Again, the Tennis Warehouse Learning Center advises that more stiffness and less weight can lead to elbow pain. Then, increasing my racket head size about the only option to add more power? Are there rackets that are more stiff but comfortable at the same time (based on some new technology) or does stiffness always sacrifice comfort?

You can check out new Donnay Dual Core racquets www.donnayusa.com. They are specifically designed to address racquet related pain issue. However, I don't know when they are available at TW.

 

[KenC]

IMHO the best way to increase power while saving the elbow is to use your body weight more effectively and step into your shots. This way you really use the arm a lot less but produce a much heavier ball. Once you get your body into the shot you will find that you are looking for the least powerful racquet out there.

 

[rich s]

Due to an elbow problem, I've been using a flexible racket - Head Youtek Radical MP. But for a change, I used my wife's racket - Head Youtek Speed Lite - one day and found that it gave me noticeably more power. Even my partner acknowledged that I definitely had more pace with my wife's racket.

Radical MP and Speed Lite are as different as different can be - 98 sq. in. vs. 102 sq. in.; 9.7 oz. vs 11.0 oz; stiffness 67 vs. 59.

According to the Learning Center material here at Tennis Warehouse, I think the larger head size, lighter weight, and higher stiffness of the Speed Lite all contributed to more power. But at a price. My elbow is really sore after playing with my wife's racket for only about 30 minutes. My elbow doesn't suffer with my own racket even after playing for hours.

This experience really made me want to change my racket for a more powerful one. But without wrecking my elbow. What should I look for in a new racket?

Again, the Tennis Warehouse Learning Center advises that more stiffness and less weight can lead to elbow pain. Then, increasing my racket head size about the only option to add more power? Are there rackets that are more stiff but comfortable at the same time (based on some new technology) or does stiffness always sacrifice comfort?

I was in a similar situation.... I played with the Head MG Rad MP. It does not have a whole lot of power being that it is a 98" head and a dense 18x20 pattern.

I jumped up to the MG Rad OS.... similar specs but bigger head (107") and open string pattern (18x19) and was able to pick up some more power/pace/etc....

The MG Rad and LM Rad OS are priced nicely at TW... If you are able to demo either or both.... I would recommend it.

My $.02
rich

 

[marosmith]

Natural Gut, lots of power, very soft.

This is the only answer you need do not change rackets.

You can also add lead to 12 and counter balance with a leather grip on the handle for some power- and a heavier racket will also be better on your arm.

 

[Carolina Racquet]

I don't really believe this is the best route to be taking. A friend of mine play's with a super flexy Volkl C10 Pro, and he thought it would be okay to play with a full bed of poly, and a moderate tension, and even though it was a flexible and arm friendly frame, the poly did him in with TE for a few months.

A string change and tension change is going to make a world of difference in your radical. If gut doesn't work for you, there are some VERY high end multis that are fantastic as well, and they won't wreck your body.

All IMO of course!

-Fuji

I can't disagree with you, but based on little information we're getting from the OP about his playing style, use of spin and level of play... hard to give advice.

"Power" without additional information is too vague... but I stick to my guns that he should try to work with his current racquet first and then figure out what can be changed to get his desired result. If it's power with no/little concern about spin... gut can work, as can some high-end multis...

Even if he needs a new racquet, going through all the options of string/tension/weight will ultimately help him be more aware of 'what feels good/what doesn't' when he goes shopping for a new stick.

Bottom line... worse case, he's a better educated potential buyer.

 

[Fuji]

I can't disagree with you, but based on little information we're getting from the OP about his playing style, use of spin and level of play... hard to give advice.

"Power" without additional information is too vague... but I stick to my guns that he should try to work with his current racquet first and then figure out what can be changed to get his desired result. If it's power with no/little concern about spin... gut can work, as can some high-end multis...

Even if he needs a new racquet, going through all the options of string/tension/weight will ultimately help him be more aware of 'what feels good/what doesn't' when he goes shopping for a new stick.

Bottom line... worse case, he's a better educated potential buyer.

Very true. Power comes from so many different factors, it's hard to say definitely what he needs. Spin is in the same area, some peoples technique enables them to hit copious amounts of spin regardless of string pattern, string, and tension.

Exactly right, More education = better buy in the long run!

-Fuji

 

[New Daddy]

IMHO the best way to increase power while saving the elbow is to use your body weight more effectively and step into your shots. This way you really use the arm a lot less but produce a much heavier ball. Once you get your body into the shot you will find that you are looking for the least powerful racquet out there.

I think you have to be able to transfer your body weight regardless of the type of racquet you use. That said, your ability to properly transfer body weight doesn't totally negate your need or preference for more powerful racket. Otherwise, all the tour pros in the world would only be using the least powerful racquet.

Besides, even if you were to minimize the use of your arm, that wouldn't prevent the shock or vibration from reaching your elbow. How could it? It's all a matter of degree, and some people may be more susceptible to elbow pain than others.

 

[New Daddy]

I can't disagree with you, but based on little information we're getting from the OP about his playing style, use of spin and level of play... hard to give advice.

I'm a 4.0 and play mostly from the baseline. I try to mix pace and spin, but I think I rely more on spin.

My current setup on the Radical MP is Wilson Sensation 16 (multifilament synthetic gut) at 58 lbs.

 

[New Daddy]

A friend of mine play's with a super flexy Volkl C10 Pro, and he thought it would be okay to play with a full bed of poly, and a moderate tension, and even though it was a flexible and arm friendly frame, the poly did him in with TE for a few months.

I had similar experience. Once I had full poly - for the first time - on my Radical for a change, and it was bad. Maybe not as bad as synthetic gut on Babolat Pure Drive, but the flexibility of Radical MP wasn't enough to compensate for the stiffness of full poly. I've never gone back to poly - even for hybrid - since.

 

[New Daddy]

2. String. Natural gut will give you a lot of power, but is costly and some feel it's too powerful. IF you play with the Radical and employ spin for control... you can get more power and enhanced spin by going to a powerful poly string like Big Hitter Blue Rough. Your arm should be ok using this string in the Radical because it's pretty flexible.

A lot of people, including you, suggested using natural gut. When people say "natural gut", do they mean full natural gut? That is an expensive set-up.

What caught my attention while surfing the string section at TW was Wilson's offering of natural gut + Luxilon poly (advertised as Roger Federer's setup). Maybe I will start with that.

 

[TennisMaverick]

A lot of people, including you, suggested using natural gut. When people say "natural gut", do they mean full natural gut? That is an expensive set-up.

What caught my attention while surfing the string section at TW was Wilson's offering of natural gut + Luxilon poly (advertised as Roger Federer's setup). Maybe I will start with that.

If you guys actually believe that a stick which aggravated a chronic condition big time in under 30 minutes, being strung with full natural gut or some magic string, will make everything OK.....

And after New Daddy takes that advice, spend $70 installing gut, and his arm starts screaming in 35 minutes, what will you guys say then?

 

[New Daddy]

If you guys actually believe that a stick which aggravated a chronic condition big time in under 30 minutes, being strung with full natural gut or some magic string, will make everything OK.....

No, you didn't read my OP closely.

My racquet (Radical MP) doesn't give me elbow trouble at all. But it lacks power.

My wife's lighter, stiffer racquet is the one that gave me elbow but also more power. It was after I tried my wife's racquet that I decided I needed more power from my own racquet, hopefully without suffering pain in consequence.

 

[TennisMaverick]

No, you didn't read my OP closely.

My racquet (Radical MP) doesn't give me elbow trouble at all. But it lacks power.

My wife's lighter, stiffer racquet is the one that gave me elbow but also more power. It was after I tried my wife's racquet that I decided I needed more power from my own racquet, hopefully without suffering pain in consequence.

I understand that, and the advice you received was to string your wife's stick with gut. I'm saying that stringing the Speed with magic string is not going to keep your elbow from hurting. You need to find another model as a solution.

 

[KenC]

I think you have to be able to transfer your body weight regardless of the type of racquet you use. That said, your ability to properly transfer body weight doesn't totally negate your need or preference for more powerful racket. Otherwise, all the tour pros in the world would only be using the least powerful racquet.

Besides, even if you were to minimize the use of your arm, that wouldn't prevent the shock or vibration from reaching your elbow. How could it? It's all a matter of degree, and some people may be more susceptible to elbow pain than others.

That Speed Lite is really lite, somewhere around 275g. To me that is not enough weight to counter the collision with the ball. I don't think the vibrations are causing the elbow grief, its the weight, or lack of weight. I think 320g for the frame only is the lowest weight that can counter a typical ball from a decent club player. If you need more power I would go with a heavier frame with a high swingweight, like the Speed Pro, or maybe the Radical Pro.

I still think the Prestige MP is the best racquet Head makes for serious players. Like I said before, it demands better technique and proper use of body weight to get the most out of it. As for tour pros, there are many getting a lot of power out of the Prestige MP. Those that use the slightly more powerful tweener type racquets on the tour are usually those using enormous amounts of spin, like Nadal. I watched Ryan Harrison use the least powerful racquet out there, the PSLGT, and he was wailing on the ball with a healthy amount of spin to boot. It's all technique, not the racquet.

 

[robby c]

17 gauge string will give you more power with less shock. It will break faster, but if you pick a cheap version it doesn't raise the cost too high.
I use 16 mains and 17 crosses. Pretty good compromise for power, comfort, and cost.
Robby C

 

[Carolina Racquet]

I had similar experience. Once I had full poly - for the first time - on my Radical for a change, and it was bad. Maybe not as bad as synthetic gut on Babolat Pure Drive, but the flexibility of Radical MP wasn't enough to compensate for the stiffness of full poly. I've never gone back to poly - even for hybrid - since.

Did you string the poly at the same tension? Most folks DO and that's a big mistake and even exasperated more by the closed string pattern of the Radical.

Do you recall the poly you used?

 

[treo]

Best way to cure elbow pain is to change your technique instead of focusing on gear. I've never had any elbow pain with my loopy forehand, SW grip - even using full poly on a stiff frame.

 

[Irvin]

More weight to a point is usually better for your elbow as long as you do not increase swing weight. A lower swingweight will also increase racket speed. Adding weight to the handle will lower your swing weight and increase the overall weight of the racket.

Irvin

 

[Power Player]

I know that this is the racket section but a good, painless way to add power to your shots is to improve your footwork. If you can setup earlier for the ball and launch your body's momentum into your shots this will give you lots of power on tap.
As another poster mentioned above having a pro critic your playing style will be well worth the cash. Carolina has some great suggestions too.

I agree with this. If you have a bad elbow and can't generate power, then the issue is probably late preperation more than any racquet. So no matter what you get, you will not be totally happy. I would save the money on a racquet and get a couple 1 on 1 lessons where you specifically focus on groundstrokes, footwork and timing.

Or (to oblige the racquet section) you could demo the new Prince EXO100..it has great flex and probably good power as well.

 

[hrstrat57]

If you are looking for baseline spin (top I assume?) with a little more power perhaps a flexible Head OS frame or a pro version with a more open pattern might make sense to try? Head 18x20 are best for flat (or relatively flat) hitters...

Huge agree with TMav on stringing a stiff frame with gut....band aid move for power at best.....and agree a fair chance of injury, a stiff frame is a stiff frame.

Re keeping the current Rad try dropping tension a bit maybe even to 54....
I am surprised however that you think the Rad MP does not have enuff power....a baseliner with good strokes should have no problem keeping the ball deep with that frame IMHO......experiment a bit with tension. You will have to focus coming over the stroke at 54 to keep the ball in at all likelihood but you will def get more power. Sensation is fine on that frame.

 

[ricardo]

First understand what the OP needs, then make recommendations..

My elbow doesn't suffer with my own racket even after playing for hours.

This experience really made me want to change my racket for a more powerful one. But without wrecking my elbow.

The OP is completely satisfied with his current rackets except that it lacks power.

Recommendations:

1. How to make your current racket more powerful
2. What other rackets are as arm-friendly as his current racket but are more powerful

How to make your current racket more powerful
1. Add weight (12 o'clock most power added, 6 o'clock least power added)
2. use more powerful strings (Natural gut (17g) at low tensions (45-55 lbs)

What other rackets are as arm-friendly as his current racket but are more powerful

here's the link:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...r/contours.php

ProKennex Ionic Ki 5x (New)

ProKennex Ionic Ki 5 PSE (New)

Wilson KFive OS

Wilson BLX Khamsin Five

to me the most comfortable is KFive.

I string them low (40-50 lbs).

I use Natural gut 17g mains and soft multi 17g crosses.

I have had TE/GE for over 3 years and with the KFive with nat gut hybrid i can hit as hard as i can and the elbow does not complain...

 

[fuzz nation]

No, you didn't read my OP closely.

My racquet (Radical MP) doesn't give me elbow trouble at all. But it lacks power.

My wife's lighter, stiffer racquet is the one that gave me elbow but also more power. It was after I tried my wife's racquet that I decided I needed more power from my own racquet, hopefully without suffering pain in consequence.

Just don't opt for a stiff racquet that's strung with poly, even in a hybrid layout. That ought to cover it, I think.

My heaviest racquets are a pair of 13.4 oz. LM Prestiges which have a lot of flex and a lot of HL balance. Sometimes my game isn't terribly up to par, but when it is and I can hit with decent timing, the power potential in these frames can seem unlimited. They're just not super-quick around the net, so I'll use them sometimes when I want to slug it up in a singles outing.

I don't recall whether I already had my LM Radicals at the same time that I picked up these frames, but I specifically remember that the Radicals seemed to have a sort of governor on their top end like you get with many cars; no faster than "x" mph or whatever. To help make them feel more familiar for me, I added some lead to their hoops (on the silver colored areas) along with some more under their grips for better HL balance. No matter how I strung them up, I couldn't match the zip I could generate with some other racquets. That was the only real dilemma I had with those frames.

If you can arrange your own "Pepsi Challenge" with some heavier demos - keep the stiffness ratings no higher than the mid 60's - I'll bet you'll get some measure of the power you're lacking. Just remember that some demos are strung with poly.

 

[Devilito]

heavy racquet, low tension. Even poly is fine if you go low enough and pick a nice soft one. Larger grip size helps with stability and to take torque off your elbow

 

[New Daddy]

Best way to cure elbow pain is to change your technique instead of focusing on gear. I've never had any elbow pain with my loopy forehand, SW grip - even using full poly on a stiff frame.

I think elbow pain is really relative, since everyone's susceptibility to tendinitis must be different. I'll bet someone out there in the world who hits just like you using gears just like you can have terrible elbow pain.

As for me even, I didn't have elbow pain the first year I played with Babolat Pure Drive. It was in my second year with that racket that I started to have elbow trouble. Age can be a factor here too, as I'm now in my 40s. I'm not getting any younger.

 

[New Daddy]

I agree with this. If you have a bad elbow and can't generate power, then the issue is probably late preperation more than any racquet. So no matter what you get, you will not be totally happy. I would save the money on a racquet and get a couple 1 on 1 lessons where you specifically focus on groundstrokes, footwork and timing.

Or (to oblige the racquet section) you could demo the new Prince EXO100..it has great flex and probably good power as well.

I appreciate your advice, but I really don't buy the line of logic that technique will solve my problem.

The telltale sign that power would improve with gear change was my serves with my wife's racket. My serves had definitely more pace and spin with my wife's lighter, stiffer racket - as acknowledged by my partner. How do you explain that with the "late preparation" theory?

Besides, I take lessons on a regular basis, and my coach doesn't usually take issue with my preparation - his biggest issue is my shoulder turn. Yes, there probably is room for improvement on my footwork and preparation, but I'm sure there is room for improvement in every aspect of my game.

 

[fuzz nation]

I agree with that 100%. (post #41)

Everyone has their own risk level for T-E, so it's not realistic for one player to say that a certain racquet and poly combo is okay just because they had no trouble with it. One more reason that tennis elbow in general is a murky issue.

When several good players in my area have come down with cases of tennis elbow after trying poly in their familiar racquets, I can only draw the conclusion that those stiffer strings are tougher on players who are in the higher risk group.

 

[Power Player]

I appreciate your advice, but I really don't buy the line of logic that technique will solve my problem.

The telltale sign that power would improve with gear change was my serves with my wife's racket. My serves had definitely more pace and spin with my wife's lighter, stiffer racket - as acknowledged by my partner. How do you explain that with the "late preparation" theory?

Besides, I take lessons on a regular basis, and my coach doesn't usually take issue with my preparation - his biggest issue is my shoulder turn. Yes, there probably is room for improvement on my footwork and preparation, but I'm sure there is room for improvement in every aspect of my game.

How do I explain that a stiffer racquet is more powerful even with bad technique? Do I really need to?

You are obviously taking this personally, but I did not intend to make you defensive. I think you have a pretty awesome racquet, and there is no reason you will not be able to hit hard with it.

Shoulder turn IS preperation. It is a GIANT part of it and makes your power level much higher.

You have basically said what I suspected. Your footwork and prep is not up to par. Thats pretty normal for a lot of players, and I don't think something to gloss over.

Anyway, technique will solve your problem. That is just a fact that I have personally learned over the course of the last couple of years. I am just trying to save you some cash and racquet demoing. If you can get the shoulder turn and feet polished up, you will have a racquet that you can control the ball with when you are ripping forehands.

You can also go with a stiffer, more powerful racquet, but you risk further arm injury and inconsistency.

If you really want to switch racquets, I think those EXO100s with their super low flex may be a good match.

If you don't want to switch, and instead work on your technique, you could try gut. That would up your power and feel great on your arm.

 

[New Daddy]

You have basically said what I suspected. Your footwork and prep is not up to par. Thats pretty normal for a lot of players, and I don't think something to gloss over.

What's your definition of 'par'?

Let's say my footwork and preparation is brought up to 'par'. Still, if I can generate more pace and spin without sacrificing control too much and risking injury with a different gear, why shouldn't I go down that route?

Shoulder turn IS preperation. It is a GIANT part of it and makes your power level much higher.

Shoulder turn is part of preparation, but you mentioned preparation in the context of 'late' preparation.

My preparation is not late. The problem with my preparation is that my backswing is exaggerated and is not as compact as the modern swing preaches. Thus my coach has been telling me to turn my shoulders more and abbreviate my backswing. Will better shoulder turn increase my power? I'm sure it will. So? See above: if I can generate more pace and spin without sacrificing control too much and risking injury with a different gear, why shouldn't I go down that route? Other than to save cash.

 

[New Daddy]

The OP is completely satisfied with his current rackets except that it lacks power.

Recommendations:

1. How to make your current racket more powerful
2. What other rackets are as arm-friendly as his current racket but are more powerful

I like your approach. Based on your and many others' advice, I will first try different settings on my current racket and see how it goes.

 

[Power Player]

Its just tough to figure what the issue is with your elbow, but it usually boils down to late or poor prep. So you want to look for a power racquet with lower flex to protect you.

Thats why I feel like the Prince may be a nice demo..I have never used it, but it flexes so much that it could help you out.

It would just suck to get your shoulder turn and feet dialed in and then miss your old stick. I think that your radical is a more demanding stick with not a lot of power..which is no fun until you start dialing it in all of a sudden and then it is bliss.

I personally use the Donnay Black..it is insanely comfortable with no vibrations, but may not have the power you want..they are also a little tougher to track down to demo. Definitley great racquets that protect your arm in the process though.

 

[FedHammer]

I'm suffering again with TE after a bout last year. I dropped the co-poly hybrid setup, & used Flex Bars, bucket of rice, wrist curls, etc along with icing after play back in the fall. I also increased grip size from 3 to a 4 & added .8 oz of lead in grip. Played mostly pain-free throughout winter, but developed some lazy habits. I can say unequivocally that late/poor preparation & lack of adequate power loop/not dropping racquet head enough has been major contributor to my TE. My pro has identified my typically late prep for a high 3.5 as the culprit. In midst of better prep now to fix. Also hit a 1HBH, so that doesn't exactly help. My long-winded point is, fix your preparation, whether late or not, & ensure adequate hip/shoulder turn, especially if you hit from open stance. Adding some weight is cheap alternative along with a softer string & lower tension. Take it from someone who has been there, & unfortunately back again. I'm off for the annual cortisone shot.....no kidding, leaving right now.

 

[Power Player]

I'm suffering again with TE after a bout last year. I dropped the co-poly hybrid setup, & used Flex Bars, bucket of rice, wrist curls, etc along with icing after play back in the fall. I also increased grip size from 3 to a 4 & added .8 oz of lead in grip. Played mostly pain-free throughout winter, but developed some lazy habits. I can say unequivocally that late/poor preparation & lack of adequate power loop/not dropping racquet head enough has been major contributor to my TE. My pro has identified my typically late prep for a high 3.5 as the culprit. In midst of better prep now to fix. Also hit a 1HBH, so that doesn't exactly help. My long-winded point is, fix your preparation, whether late or not, & ensure adequate hip/shoulder turn, especially if you hit from open stance. Adding some weight is cheap alternative along with a softer string & lower tension. Take it from someone who has been there, & unfortunately back again. I'm off for the annual cortisone shot.....no kidding, leaving right now.

Sucks man, but you identified the problem and know what it takes to fix it. It's easy to dance around the technique issue, but it is so important, plus it helps you win matches and stay healthy. Good luck!

 

[FedHammer]

LOL, yep. Feel like I'm walking around with my racquet cocked & loaded all day long to ensure I'm not late.