Are You Playing With the Wrong Tennis Racquet? | My Recommendations for the Rec Level

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  • Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
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    Are you playing with the wrong tennis racquet? In today’s video, I recommend which racquets you should be using at the recreational level.
    0:00 Graphite Racquets
    3:30 Two Types of Players
    9:44 Recommendations
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 722

  • @IntuitiveTennis
    @IntuitiveTennis  2 роки тому +25

    My String Recommendations 👉 ua-cam.com/video/3CyNgcHE_uo/v-deo.html

    • @colesstark3646
      @colesstark3646 2 роки тому

      When I use a light racquet and the ball hits the frame ,my elbow gets a jerk and the ball travels outside the court even normally. I play with a Wilson Pro staff 6.6 Jim Courier. Its weight is about 350grams .When I play with a 300-320 gram racquet it just doesn't fit right .I am a intermediate player though. What should these kind of players do even if they are not strong enough.

    • @colesstark3646
      @colesstark3646 2 роки тому

      Could you please give recommendation of different brand of racquets on each type of players.

    • @Tennerd
      @Tennerd 2 роки тому

      Coles Stark OMG I have a similar problem!
      I'm a very lean 178cm 60kg player that used to play with 315gr racket. When I shank a lot of ball in a day, I would feel pain on my elbow. One day my friend lent me the 340gr RF97, then all of a sudden I started beating players that I usually can't beat. What's more important is the elbow pain was also gone!!
      Now I already played with the RF97 for around 3 years and relatively pain free. Should I really go back to a lighter racket since I'm only an intermediate 4.5 player?

    • @stevlehr
      @stevlehr 2 роки тому

      @@Tennerd Light frames work for some players but probably not for you.

    • @khaimeariver
      @khaimeariver 2 роки тому

      Where do you get your T shirt printed?

  • @LucaMorosini96
    @LucaMorosini96 2 роки тому +86

    I live in Italy and I believe I have a ranking of 4.5 / 5.0 as equivalence and I see from my personal experience that even the differences in stringing are often magnified.
    Many times I play well even with the most used strings and often in fact it depends exclusively on the confidence in the shots and in your own game!
    So yes, I think the issue is almost exclusively mental 🧠

  • @cyberjonesy
    @cyberjonesy 2 роки тому +29

    Thanks for sharing your tennis knowledge with all of us.
    Your lessons are top quality, the explainations, much more detailed and easy to understand than most tennis lessons that my parents have paid for when I was in my teens.
    I have been following your channel for a while now and I feel like I have been blessed with many hundreds of dollars worth of tennis lessons!
    Keep up the good work !

  • @OneAdam12Adam
    @OneAdam12Adam Рік тому +8

    I love your direct explanation. No sugar coating. Excellent. It's that German upbringing. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

  • @kkekang7
    @kkekang7 2 роки тому +23

    I agree with Nick completely. The only minor detail that would make a difference to me would be the grip shape. Head has a more of a rectangle grip than other brands. String tension would make more of a difference to me.

  • @buenosairesstreetart
    @buenosairesstreetart 2 роки тому +7

    Great recommendations. Also frame thickness is key for me when choosing a racket not just weight. If you hit kick serves, for me a thick frame is a no go. Also most serve & volleyers tend to go for a slightly smaller head size. And if you have a 2-handed bh, a racket with a longer grip handle is a better fit.

  • @stevlehr
    @stevlehr 2 роки тому +63

    My rackets all weigh 340 grams, strung. 30 years ago, in my forties, I played about 365 grams.
    I'm no Djokovic.
    I could hit with lighter frames, but, in my experience, heavier frames reduce injury. I'm 73 and experience no shoulder, elbow or wrist pain playing tennis.

    • @transamination
      @transamination 2 роки тому +5

      I think too heavy and too light are both bad in different ways. For me 340-350g all strung up is ideal.

    • @glen871
      @glen871 2 роки тому +3

      I'm 49 and play with a POG oversize that weighs 348 grams but it's fairly headlight. I can whip it around easily but it still has good plow through. I seem to prefer headlight racquets with a swingweight around 330.

    • @warehouse13-motorsports
      @warehouse13-motorsports 2 роки тому

      My friend who is 56 plays with the Prince Graphite 100 at 15 oz strung at 70. Lead tape in the handle and around the head. 4.5 player. That thing is a brick.

    • @dave5566
      @dave5566 2 роки тому

      I agree with this. I think up to a certain level, you should be using rackets that are as heavy as you can handle. Also it might change the way you hit and improve your technique since its much more stable than a light racket that requires speed to work. We generally have the option to go either a soft heavy ish racket or a stiff but lighter racket.

    • @ericfreeman5795
      @ericfreeman5795 2 роки тому +4

      I totally agree with your assessment. I've found that lighter frames are "bullied" by the ball that, unfortunately, still weighs the same. And lighter racquets transmit more shock to the arm. The heavier the racquet, the more it participates in the stroke. The more plow through.
      It has been said, and I totally agree, that the ideal racquet is the heaviest you can wield and play, without suffering fatigue. Fatigue is different from injury.

  • @maireadmaccy4336
    @maireadmaccy4336 Рік тому +12

    Wow, honest advice!😮 How many youtubers wud hav used this topic for a sponsership ad money making opportunity?? Now we know you definitely have our interest at heart.Thank youuuuuu🤘🎾👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌

  • @graemecook2548
    @graemecook2548 2 роки тому +76

    Amazing advice, Nick. I’ve just checked my racquet an old Wilson Tour. Sold to me by my first coach 8 years ago and it’s the right weight and grip size according to your recommendations. I’ve abandoned thinking about getting a new racquet to improve my game. My bad shots are not the fault of the racquet they are down to ME! As the old saying goes ‘A bad workman always blames his tools.’

    • @Eliath1984
      @Eliath1984 2 роки тому +3

      I'll definitely say what I've found(I've recently upgraded rackets after rocking a Wilson 6.1 Stretch since 1996) is that there has been more change in the past 20 years in String technology than in Racket technology... newer frames can be lighter.... alittle more arm friendly.. more aerodynamic(sometimes) maybe some tech that gives slightly better spin.. but the difference is minor.. however like I said.. Strings now compared to strings 20 years ago...... whole new ballgame...

    • @telquel7843
      @telquel7843 2 роки тому +1

      I still use a 2007 Roddick Pure Drive. Sometimes I'm tempted to upgrade because it is not too stiff anymore, but I hit well enough with it.
      My problems are still largely shot selection and discipline 😕 Choices, positioning, and poor execution are the major flaws in my game, not my old racquet.

    • @Eliath1984
      @Eliath1984 2 роки тому +3

      @@telquel7843 oh I still bring out my 6.1 from the 90s. They made that thing solid. I have to use heavier rackets to get that kind of feel and plow through and overall feel. The people I hit with complain every time they try out my racket cause they are always like "how is your arm not falling off". Guess I'm just built different. Lol

    • @telquel7843
      @telquel7843 2 роки тому

      @@Eliath1984 Yeah, I think to a degree we tend to like what our games developed on.

    • @germanslice
      @germanslice Рік тому +1

      @@telquel7843 I have the Team Pure Drive Version of Roddick's Racquet, and I use that. 300 Grams.

  • @kugelblitz2001
    @kugelblitz2001 2 роки тому +5

    I had been suffering from pretty bad tennis elbow for about a year, which forced me to examine different parts of my game, from technique to strings to raquet. I think strings and technique are the most important factors, but what i found also helped was ADDING weight via lead tape, to both the handle and head.
    I agree this is not a great idea for a beginner or someone who doesn't have too much arm strength, as it definitely can produce injuries, but for me the added weight is not a problem, and the added stability and reduced vibration when hitting that the added weight brings (along with technique and string improvements) really helped reduce pain and get me to where I am now - no more tennis elbow!
    I say this only to give my personal experience. It's worth trying different options and seeing what works for you.

  • @christianolsson834
    @christianolsson834 2 роки тому +5

    Best video on racquet guide ever. No bs. Just tell it like it is. 🙏

  • @gillesderais834
    @gillesderais834 2 роки тому +10

    very interesting lecture, Nik, thanks a lot

  • @georgezheng8142
    @georgezheng8142 2 роки тому +49

    Brilliant video Nick! As a researcher in the field of management / psychology, I know there is a term for "oh i missed the backhand, that has to be the racket / string / grip", called Attribution Error: people always attribute mistakes to others (e.g. equipment, court, weather), instead of looking to their circumstances (fundamentals and techniques). Indeed it is mental / psychology! You have explained it very intuitively!

    • @IntuitiveTennis
      @IntuitiveTennis  2 роки тому +5

      Thank you George

    • @maxsonthonax1020
      @maxsonthonax1020 2 роки тому

      Thankfully we have the corroboration of an expert now.

    • @thecapitalistmf7994
      @thecapitalistmf7994 2 роки тому

      Yeah I agree, let’s say you forget your racquet and borrowed some random racquet that you’ve never used, you miss a couple of shots and all of the sudden you just blame it on the racquet and use that as an excuse and lose

    • @maxsonthonax1020
      @maxsonthonax1020 2 роки тому

      You know what they say: excuse & lose. Think I read that in a business self-help book some time.

    • @peterparahuz7094
      @peterparahuz7094 2 роки тому

      hmmm. I've never blamed my racquet for a missed shot. i suppose that if your string breaks, you can pin that on the equipment. but otherwise, it seems illogical.

  • @ShaunSweeney71
    @ShaunSweeney71 11 місяців тому +3

    I have been playing with the Wilson profile 2.7 90. I also play with the Prince Graphic, and the Wilson Pro Staff. I am looking for a modern racquets. I use a eastern/ semi western grip, and I have a lot of control over the ball. I love your story my friend. Great video! Thank you

  • @georgebraue4739
    @georgebraue4739 2 роки тому +2

    Excellent racket advice, Nick. Especially where you say that you will immediately know whether your demo will work for you. For me, there is no point in switching rackets unless the new racket provides some real advantage over the racket I have been using, and I should be able to tell that immediately.

  • @Breadfan00
    @Breadfan00 2 роки тому +8

    A friend used to have a Hyper Hammer from his Dad, and I also loved it! It was so easy to hit great Baseline Shots.
    Wish I had bought one.

    • @justanaveragejoe9416
      @justanaveragejoe9416 2 роки тому

      I'm with you. I broke the racquet I've played with a couple years ago , tried several other racquets, but keep coming back to my 5.3 hyper hammer midplus..

  • @davidostermanngartner
    @davidostermanngartner 2 роки тому +3

    Niko, I completely agree with everything you said in this video! Well done.

  • @keith6032
    @keith6032 2 роки тому +7

    I just switched from the 285g Babolat Pure Aero Team to the heavier Rafa Pure Aero version (300g) and i LOVE IT!!!! 3.5 player here 👍

  • @rohitnagraj58
    @rohitnagraj58 2 роки тому +2

    I really needed to hear everything you said. Thanks a lot!

  • @dleewk
    @dleewk 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks for your honesty , in world of social media ppl endorsing and pushing products you are a breathe of fresh air

  • @alanwilliams8528
    @alanwilliams8528 Рік тому +6

    Hi. Having played tennis for over 40 years, and having coached tennis - thanks for your experience and common sense. One of the few truly worthwhile online resources for the truth about racquets etc. Again, thanks for your content

  • @TrentG23
    @TrentG23 Рік тому +3

    agreed, I still play with the Original AeroPro Drive from 2004 and no plans on switching.

  • @erickrodrigues5255
    @erickrodrigues5255 2 роки тому +9

    Hi Nik!
    Just wanted to say that I've never played tennis before and I've been learning a lot from your videos!
    Keep up the great work you've been doing on your channel!

    • @IntuitiveTennis
      @IntuitiveTennis  2 роки тому +3

      Glad you picked up the game. Keep going and thanks for the support 🙌

  • @michaelloomisiii3475
    @michaelloomisiii3475 Рік тому

    Thanks for the advice and the video.
    I just recently switched from my arsenal of Wilson Profile 2.7si from 1989 to the HEAD Speed MP500. I was able to demo a handful of racquets and finally settled on this particular model. I actually played best with the Boom MP but I couldn't get past the Tiffany blue color...lol. Next thing is to find my optimal string tension. Currently the Speed is strung at 52lbs, which is a bit too tight me.
    I still have a whole tub full of Wilson Ultra, Ultra 2, Head Director and some Max 200Gs and old Prince racquets in the garage.

  • @SrJFK
    @SrJFK 2 роки тому +38

    Nick, all I can say is you have single-handedly improved my game with your amazing lessons. I took a few years off and recently took tennis again. Your feedback is spot on and well-articulated. I have struggled to find a coach that I can really understand and connect with but your videos are literally everything I can hope for. I'm now even stringing my racquet at 47 lbs and loving it. Keep up the great work and I'll keep watching.

    • @IntuitiveTennis
      @IntuitiveTennis  2 роки тому +6

      Thank You & Keep Going

    • @stevlehr
      @stevlehr 2 роки тому +6

      I like Nick's videos and have watched many of them. Especially the aesthetically pleasing Anna series,

  • @simonsmith7251
    @simonsmith7251 7 місяців тому +1

    This guy is great so helpful and knowledgeable and totally straightforward, thanks, I always learn something new when I watch his videos 😊

  • @dmitryprivate6558
    @dmitryprivate6558 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Nikola, Thank you very much for a very comprehensive racket guide. Especially I like your suggestions about the weight of the rackets.

  • @alexlackner1945
    @alexlackner1945 Рік тому

    Yup i remember falling in love with the Pure Drive pretty quick - its light weight made my swing faster, it was easy on the arm, the sweetspot was bigger and it really enhanced my slice and volley game. Downside was it brought too much topspin into my game, but that was also my fault because i experimented with thinner poly strings. Went back to synthetics eventually also because of my arm.

  • @faridddddd
    @faridddddd 2 роки тому +4

    What an honest video. Telling anecdotes. Well done

  • @M-Rezavahidi
    @M-Rezavahidi 2 роки тому +4

    Awesome, I got many tips to select an appropriate rocket and grip too.
    Thank you Nik

  • @glennjohnston8749
    @glennjohnston8749 2 роки тому +1

    Interesting what you said about older frames degrading and possibly creating arm problems. I hadn't played in 20 years and last year started lightly hitting with my 1989 Prince CTS Blast Midplus. This spring I started hitting more seriously and I had so many control problems, and after hitting three times in one week I developed golfer's elbow from my service motion. I thought it was from my years of not hitting and never considered it could be at least in part due to an old racket.

  • @kyrikyriakou283
    @kyrikyriakou283 2 роки тому +2

    Brilliant video’s.keep up the great work.

  • @propgee
    @propgee 2 роки тому +2

    You are one of the best Nick. Thanks for all the tips

  • @stevenhowie4219
    @stevenhowie4219 2 роки тому +37

    Racket stiffness is definitely a big factor for injury rather than static weight, some rackets at 300g are super stiff to be able to give more power add in stiff polyester strings is a recipe for tennis elbow. Higher static weight but low stiffness e.g RA rating is a good way of getting best of both worlds, the higher static weight can absorb big serves, volleys against big players, low stiffness doesn't lead to injury

    • @vladyslavkhokhlov349
      @vladyslavkhokhlov349 2 роки тому

      Bravo

    • @tennnis498
      @tennnis498 Рік тому

      He’s also a proponent of stiff poly strings and stiff rackets. Go figure. Everything you said checks out with my experience. The only problem is that he is in another realm. His game is. I play with 345 grams. If he plays with 300g, I should probably be playing with 280g or less.

    • @tomsd8656
      @tomsd8656 20 днів тому

      In my experience, it's not so much the weight and stiffness (as long as it's not too light) that is the problem. The Babolat Pure Drive is great if you don't miss the sweet spot too much. Also, the recipe for tennis elbow is hitting late. You have to meet the ball in front, not parallel to the body, or with some players, even slightly behind. The physics is self explanatory. When your racquet meets the ball in front of the body, you have the body behind the hitting arm to help with stability. When you're late, the arm has no help from the body. Sometimes you see players being pushed on the forehand side and they do a whip, finishing above the head. With such whipping swing, they could get the body to help with the swing.
      On the backhand side, that's not possible, so you'd have to try to time the bounce and take it on the rise, or in the air. The worst is you miss the shot, but it's better than hitting late and mess up your elbow.

  • @johnwhoissavedbygrace9975
    @johnwhoissavedbygrace9975 2 роки тому

    The most honest tennis video ever, and much appreciated! The only main difference that isn’t due to strings would be a drastic change in weight, otherwise I agree completely!

  • @anjalivarma6267
    @anjalivarma6267 2 роки тому +2

    I totally endorse your ways of explaining about tennis 🎾. Thank you

  • @DonYang73
    @DonYang73 2 роки тому +1

    Going back memory lane, had the opportunity to use the Dunlop and the Prince in the 80s as a teenager. At high levels, the equipment makes a difference. Not to mention the psychological impact it gives the player.

  • @greenbeard_26
    @greenbeard_26 Рік тому +2

    thanks this was really informative, ive had a babalot pure drive for over 10+ years (was a fan of Roddick growing up haha), but good to know that might be effecting me game because of the age of the frame!

  • @gurvijaybecker
    @gurvijaybecker 2 роки тому +332

    Somebody erase those pickle ball lines !

    • @emjay2045
      @emjay2045 Рік тому +7

      🙏🏻 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

    • @tyrone-tydavis5858
      @tyrone-tydavis5858 Рік тому +34

      @@emjay2045
      Pickleball, the golf version of putt putt for people not skilled enough to play tennis.

    • @clash1469
      @clash1469 Рік тому +15

      Live and let live. We like tennis, others like pickle ball. One is not better than the other.

    • @FriskyBearGaming
      @FriskyBearGaming Рік тому +19

      @@tyrone-tydavis5858 lol I play both. High level doubles pickleball is an amazing sport. Totally different than tennis. I love tennis for tennis. Pickleball for pickleball.

    • @tyrone-tydavis5858
      @tyrone-tydavis5858 Рік тому +12

      @@FriskyBearGaming
      Pickleball is not different than tennis. Pickleball comprises about 10% of the skill set needed for tennis. Stand at the service line in tennis and dink the ball back-and-forth and you've got 100% of "skills" needed for pickleball.
      You sound like a putt putt fan trying to rationalize its equivalency to golf based on the amazing scenery like windmills, waterfalls and dancing bears you never get to see at the country club.

  • @BobInKC
    @BobInKC 2 роки тому +46

    A light, head heavy, stiff racquet is a recipe for tennis elbow. Best to start with a standard sized 27 inch racquet with the weight that Nick recommended.

    • @stevlehr
      @stevlehr 2 роки тому +2

      Racket construction is important. Technique matters, too. Around age 40, starting to play tournaments, I overhit the slicing motion in my one handed backhand and developed a painful elbow. I cleaned up and moderated my swing, reducing and then eliminating elbow pain. I later switched to a two handed backhand for other reasons.

    • @peter130476
      @peter130476 2 роки тому

      Absolutely not. I am very sensitive to equipment and I tell you the racket is not very important but the string is! For example, this year, a Head Xtreme 105 inch head 275 grams almost broke my elbow in three matches with the original string, Head Lynx Tour. I cut the string and put MSV Focus Hex Plus 38 and my elbow healed and I am able to play much harder now. I am 45 years old. Out of scientific curiosity I tried that Head Lynx Tour string on my Pure Drive and it also broke my elbow. But other SOFTER strings are working just fine on that (rigid) Pure Drive. There is no such thing as a bad rigid racket if you choose from the best Babolats or Heads or Wilsons, there is only a poor choice of strings.

    • @BobInKC
      @BobInKC 2 роки тому

      @@peter130476 you’re right strings are important and forgot to mention those. I’d still recommend a standard 27 inch racquet that is head light with a low string tension. If a person can afford I would advise them to string with natural gut.

    • @justinkong6906
      @justinkong6906 2 роки тому

      Wouldn’t it therefore be right to try and add weight to the handle of light, stiff and hh racket? Just to try and reduce the vibration?

    • @BobInKC
      @BobInKC 2 роки тому

      @@justinkong6906 if someone wants to experiment with lead tape on the handle I’d say go for it if they don’t want to try a new racquet. Multifilament strings are also worth checking out.

  • @Jackripster69
    @Jackripster69 2 роки тому +6

    So the lesson is, Rec racquets dont break strings as easy ;)
    Joking of course, great video. I think you touch on an important aspect in the blame game. I personally dont like to switch racquets, i always buy 2 of the same. I want to get used to the one type and then know all blame rests with me.
    As a very late starter, late 40s now early 50s i started out with racquets in your suggested range but against some bigger hitters they vibrated like crazy and felt i lost control. I switched to a Blade98 which is meant to be 320g strung and love it. Ive never felt the weight is too much.

  • @shomurakamisan
    @shomurakamisan 2 роки тому +8

    Well said. I was thinking about the same thing. The fact is string on the racket is so much more important than racket frame.

  • @bruin4937
    @bruin4937 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks, Nik. I am a come back player. I stopped playing regularly when I started college 45 years ago. Since then I have played maybe a dozen times. I have a 2015 Babolat Pure Drive which I like a great deal, but on the other hand I also still love playing with my vintage Head Arthur Ashe Comp 1, 2, and 3 racquets strung with Prince 17 gauge synthetic gut strings.

  • @tahirb4518
    @tahirb4518 2 роки тому +1

    I use a Volkl C10 Pro that weighs 330g and I find it ploughs through the ball really well and it's very comfortable due to the flex making it comfortable and lower string tension usually at 46 to 48 pounds. With thinner frames you generally have a comfortable feel as they are not as stiff as thicker racquets.

  • @michaeloleary2259
    @michaeloleary2259 Рік тому +2

    Best advice and explanation I have viewed…thank you for reassuring me on my choice

  • @melfox215
    @melfox215 2 роки тому +3

    I am somewhere 4.0 NTRP, I guess. As you know German tennis, I am LK 16 here, but winning versus LK 13 to 15 range (the system has been dramatically transformed in October '20, so that it's much easier to progress if you're defeating higher ranked players, especially in the LK12 to LK23 range.
    I am using the Wilson Pro Staff 97 ULS due to a kind of accident: I had looked for a new racquet in 2019 and this one was the best offer out of 'tournament racquets'. It's very light at 270g and I really consider switching to a Pro Staff 97 L CV that is 290g. It's played by a club member and I tested it. I had the impression it allows more speed on serves and more stability on volleys plus a bit more power to my backhand.
    Side note: I'd never looked for a 320g+ racquet and I totally agree to your statement, adding that recreational players tend to hit more balls too late or just improvisational (mostly due to bad footwork) and then use the arm instead of the whole body to hit the ball. A heavy racquet makes it more difficult to hit the ball at the right time.

  • @K4R3N
    @K4R3N 2 роки тому +1

    Great topic, great advice

  • @tomsd8656
    @tomsd8656 2 роки тому +2

    For me I would say the overall weight and weight distribution of the racquet makes a difference. Obviously I lose a bit of serve speed with a lighter racquet, and weight distribution makes a difference at the net. My game would be the same from the baseline with either Wilson prostaff 6.1 or head pro tour 280, but it's easier for me at the net with the Wilson.

  • @kinglordandy
    @kinglordandy 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you! Well said!

  • @lindaplaylist9560
    @lindaplaylist9560 2 роки тому +2

    I love your sensible advice

  • @adnkhan
    @adnkhan 2 роки тому +1

    So I am in mid 50s and started around 7 y ago. Am probably now at least 4.5 to 5+ player. I started (merely by chance) with a Volkl Organix 3, which is pretty light at 292gm. As I have gotten better, I have added weights to bring it up by an additional 24gm. The part I love is that this actually expands the sweet spot. Been incredible for volleys and against big heavy hitters, where my racquet never wobbles.

  • @dammitol25mg19
    @dammitol25mg19 2 роки тому +2

    Good stories & good advice. Love ol' Mel Purcell!

  • @UltimateWarrior84
    @UltimateWarrior84 2 роки тому +2

    Great video. Thanks

  • @donho4109
    @donho4109 2 роки тому +5

    This was a really interesting conversation on rackets, Nick. I began playing competitive tennis with the Prince Graphite (POG) and have always stayed with rackets that maintain that feel. I cannot and will not play with anything that resembles a Wilson Pro Staff! Head Prestige is too similar to Pro Staff so I don’t like it but I can and have used Radical line. But only pro or tour level rackets with lead tape.

  • @ReidVV
    @ReidVV 2 роки тому +2

    Weight, balance, and even grip size do matter. They affect maneuverability and feel, so timing and shot placement/control. Another large factor is strings and tension. How the ball plays off the same racquet can vary GREATLY with different strings and tensions. Granted, racquets from different eras can be similar, but racquets with widely different specs (length, weight, balance, swing weight and stiffness) can play very differently. Later in your video, you acknowledge this. I also think your spec recommendations for different level playersare pretty spot on. Thanks for all you do on your channel.

    • @stevlehr
      @stevlehr 2 роки тому

      I knew a player who believed he could tell a difference changing string tension from 50 pounds to 51 pounds. I might notice a 5 pound change.
      I used to think all my racket handles had to be 4 and 5/8ths. A few years ago I talked with a younger player who tried dropping from 4 and 1/2 to 4 and 1/8. I had noticed he was making fewer errors before he told me that.
      My next racket purchase I dropped handle size to 4 and 1/4 and immediately benefitted. My hand and wrist felt more relaxed striking the ball.

  • @ekpedemendem7705
    @ekpedemendem7705 Рік тому +1

    Great lesson! I'm a beginner (6 months old). Started out with a very light Wilson racquet 225g, developed elbow problems last week. I just switched to Yvonex 270g racquet this week & it feels much better. I think the heavier racquet absorbs the heavy shots better.

  • @musicvisionz71030
    @musicvisionz71030 2 роки тому +12

    Hey Nick, I'm a big fan of your instructional videos with Shamir. I was wondering if you can consider posting a video on improving tennis play in the wind. I'm a 4.5 player and feel I lack the consistency to win most times. Thanks!

  • @tx3443
    @tx3443 Рік тому +2

    after seeing 50 videos about tennis racquet on youtube, this video makes more sense to me

  • @Pro-kesh
    @Pro-kesh 2 роки тому +14

    I would just recommend demoing stuff! I personally love the Head Speed MP

    • @franklyfrank123
      @franklyfrank123 2 роки тому

      I got a lot of joint pain from this racket (2021), and moved to 2022 ezone 100 with no more joint pain. I tested the same string and same tension on both racket, and the speed is still like a board even though it’s less stiff than the ezone. I think ezone has better dampening, and the head shape may help as well.

    • @franklyfrank123
      @franklyfrank123 2 роки тому

      Both of the rackets are 300g unstrung and around 326g strung.

  • @TheSuperDmyers
    @TheSuperDmyers 2 роки тому +20

    In my experience playing with a heavier frame actually reduces chances of tennis elbow. I’m only a 4.0 but a 300 gram pure drive feels like it’s transmitting all the shock of impact directly into my arm. I play with a weighted up Head speed pro (345gr). Zero issues.

    • @SweetOrangO
      @SweetOrangO 2 роки тому +2

      Racket weight is not the issue of your tennis elbow. Its the stiffness of the racket, type of strings and string tension. IMO, that 3 factors combined with your technique and how you increase the intensity of practice and play matches, is the reason you got tennis elbow.

    • @TheSuperDmyers
      @TheSuperDmyers 2 роки тому +2

      @@SweetOrangO Strings and racket stiffness have a bit of effect on transmitting shock but the weight of the racket is the main factor in how much shock will be transmitted into your arm. Its not really up for debate or a matter of opinion. It’s just physics. Imagine hitting a tennis ball with a badminton racket. Or a baseball with a wiffle ball bat vs a heavy wooden bat.

    • @SweetOrangO
      @SweetOrangO 2 роки тому +1

      @@TheSuperDmyers sorry for the lack of words. I mean racket weight sometimes is not the main issue and there are other things/reasons to consider. For example, if a non muscular man use a 250gr racket and totally fine. Then that same racket borrowed by a muscular man and he get tennis elbow, yes its high possibility of the racket weight. Btw my exp is i had radical tour MP (1998 racket 340gr), K tour team and hyper hammer (270-280gr) for years and zero issue with my arm. Then i change to speed pro (330gr) for 6 years after i get better skills and getting tennis elbow too. Recently i change to clash 100 (300gr) and now the tennis elbow is gone. I strung that 2 racket with alu power rough 52lbs. And i am a "unofficial consultant" for few of my friends for arm issue because of that exp 😄. As i know, the pure drive stiffness is about 71 and speed pro about 62. Thats why my point is mostly tennis elbow because of the racket stiffness and wrong tension. CMIIW.

    • @Tennis_Fan2022
      @Tennis_Fan2022 2 роки тому

      Heavier racket helps with my arm as well. I started with a 9 Oz Babolat Aero Team and I could feel vibrations go right up my arm against heavy shots.

    • @SweetOrangO
      @SweetOrangO 2 роки тому +2

      @@Tennis_Fan2022 never use 9 oz (255gr) if you are a 20+ yo man. The shock to your arm will be terrible especially against a heavy shot. 255gr for teen boy or beginner man is okay. for 18+ yo man i'm recommend minimum 9.5oz (270gr) racket.

  • @10tenman10
    @10tenman10 2 роки тому +1

    Nice review. Thanks.

  • @anw9485
    @anw9485 2 місяці тому +2

    Great video! Last weekend, I picked up a racket for the first time in over 20 years and have been watching your channel. Athletes are superstitious in general, regardless of the sport. Everything needs to be perfect and as-is to repeat past successes. Very much mental I believe.

  • @quinby123
    @quinby123 2 роки тому +5

    Been playing with different versions of the Head Prestige Pro for over 10yrs. Really enjoy those rackets.

    • @benjaminskovbo3936
      @benjaminskovbo3936 2 роки тому

      Same herre! How are you finding the new version? I feel it’s way to flexible and doesn’t seem like a prestige at all 😅

    • @quinby123
      @quinby123 2 роки тому

      @@benjaminskovbo3936 Tempted but have not tried this year's version. My current one is about 3yrs old.

  • @dkrawk8309
    @dkrawk8309 Рік тому +3

    Honestly, my game changes big time between the rackets that I own.
    Speed elite, babolat aero pro, prestige youtek mp 18x20....
    Huge difference in swing between all of them.
    Speed elite is good for warming up, babolat is for just hitting the lights of the ball and prestige is for precision.
    When I play with prestige, its like taking tennis to an absolute next level in everything, your brain has to work way more in order for prestige to be the best thing in the world

  • @maxsonthonax1020
    @maxsonthonax1020 2 роки тому +4

    Hmm. As someone who took this sport up in middle age, I can state for a fact that the tweaking the small margins of racquets' (& other specs') variables make a true difference. I started with the same Pure Drive ^ (regular) with all polyester strings. Though I learned quickly with it, achieved good top spin early, the stiffness of this combo was murder on my arm. I accidentally found a way out via two Pure Strikes I picked up cheap (mk 1 & 2): the Mk. 1 was much more suitable. More progress came (via a Tecnifibre with similar specs) trialling multifilament cross-strings (at a higher tension!). An accidental purchase led me to own two different Head Gravity's (Pro & MP). I had reached my final destination, a racquet odyssey navigated unaided & despite macho posturings of racquet chauvinism from locals. I now have weighted the Pro to 370g total (warming up with the MP, with some lateral tape for stability, total 330g). Despite reviving the Babolats (same strings, tension, & adding similar weight), they don't play as well for my game. The advantages I gained from examining small margins gave true & undeniable benefit. I encourage others to invest in experimenting to find their optimal racquet & other specs. I can hit harder, play more feel, & for much longer, yet the impact on my elbow & muscles is now greatly minimised. SMALL MARGINS MATTER when you're body forces narrowed parameters on you.

  • @kubolkudesai
    @kubolkudesai 2 роки тому

    So true, so true. I had many racquets (advanced recreational level) - with the most of them I could play a good tennis, but the funny thing is - the heaviest one Yonex Rdis 100, 93 Sq In (350 g strung) was the most arm friendly for me. It always felt almost light but really stable, even after 3h of game. Unfortunately I have to say goodbye to this stick - grommets are used (cannot find the replacement) and my string is broken very quickly, too quickly. I am searching for a new one, probably Yonex, but as you said - it is in most of the cases, that thought in our head about racquets. Thanks for your videos!

  • @hqs9585
    @hqs9585 2 роки тому +2

    Brutaly honest! Great video.

  • @hansolsson3409
    @hansolsson3409 Рік тому +1

    Hi Nick. I bought two used pure drive plus racquets and will be testing them out.

  • @nolanballew741
    @nolanballew741 5 місяців тому +1

    I finally decided to take your advice, I bought a Wilson Blade Team. It's basically a Pure Drive Lite with a 16 x 18 pattern, 99 sq inches and a high stiffness rating...so not really a Blade at all. I string it with gut mains and whichever decent poly I can find on sale for the crosses. My game has improved some but more importantly I can play as well in set three of doubles as I can in set one. Twenty five grams does not seem like much but to a recreational player, it's a lot. Thanks!

  • @satyu131089
    @satyu131089 2 роки тому +12

    Light racquets are awesome! I used to be snobbish towards them, but had injuries with heavy racquets and switched to something lighter, flexible, mid plus racquet and it suits my game so much better than any of the heavier ones did

    • @hermeneut
      @hermeneut 2 роки тому +4

      The truth ist: heavier rackets are more arm-frindley becaus a) they absorb more energie and b) they teach you to swing. Good swing-tecnic is the best against arm-problems! I switched from 295 to 315 gr. and my shoulder problems and my tecnic gets much better!

    • @Superdave333
      @Superdave333 2 роки тому +3

      @@hermeneut I totally agree with you Tim. Light rackets almost always gave me tennis elbow, as did small grips. The heavier the racket, the more power it puts into the ball. You do have to find a balance, as not everyone can handle a 12.5 oz racket like I use, although I am by no means a big guy and age 72 to boot. My rackets are also head light, about 8 or 9 points, which helps. I found that the largest grip I can handle (4 and 5/8), also was easiest on my arm and shoulder.

  • @Alexander-dt2eq
    @Alexander-dt2eq 2 роки тому +8

    I'd consider different guidelines for the raquet weight. Back in the 80/90s all raquets were heavier and people had to develop good technique in order to play well. So for an aspiring player I would choose a slightly heavier raquet so s(he) can a) train his/her body and b) get used playing a good style c) some serves I cannot return with a 300g raquet.. how about returning 200km/h serves with such a raquet or even huge kick serves on clay that are not that fast. I love to have a raquet that can bring in some stability and the 250-300g raquets cannot offer that. So an intermediate player might get stuck in terms of technique and body development and even fun with tennis while playing with those lofty raquets. But generally I found your advise about raquet weight very sound. I play a 310g raquet and it suits me perfectly. I can also play with a 280g which feels like playing table tennis but makes it difficult to block the serve. It hugely depends on your style of play too. Djokovic playing a heavy raquet tells you a lot about it. He is not the strongest guy, but he loves to block the serve and has huge feel doing so. For that style you need a heavy raquet. Same with Andy Murray

    • @galahad2000
      @galahad2000 2 роки тому +1

      Novak does not block back his returns. Ever...takes full swings, every time. Murray does rarely....Stan blocks his returns all the time

  • @imranesmail23
    @imranesmail23 Рік тому +2

    amazing! Thank you!

  • @vitocasoni4664
    @vitocasoni4664 2 роки тому

    Great video Nick. The weight you suggest: strung or unstrung? Thanks

  • @mvmcali6900
    @mvmcali6900 2 роки тому +6

    Nick. you are funny! i laughed out loud when you said that tennis players have to find something to blame when they miss a shot

    • @davidc9256
      @davidc9256 2 роки тому

      Me too and it's 100% true.

  • @Editor_Hound
    @Editor_Hound 2 роки тому

    I'm not that sensitive about which racquet I use, I've grown with the motto "if you're a good player, you can even play with a wooden spoon", but there are some things that I notice when changing racquets. It's mostly the stiffness and the string type/tension. Those I really my own 2 pet peeves. I string between 22-26 kg with RPM Blast. I had multiple racquets, borrowed a lot, but I've stuck with only 2 and that's about it, I'm going to use them for probably the rest of my playing time. And they're not from the same brand. Spec wise they're pretty much the same, with a slight difference in stiffness. Yonex Ezone DR98 and the 1st generation Babolat Pure Strike.

  • @MontCoRealtor
    @MontCoRealtor Рік тому +2

    I respectfully disagree with the premise of equipment not being important. We all know that tennis is a HIGHLY mental game. If the equipment you use is safe, consistent, comfortable, and reliable, then you absolutely have a mental edge. However, while your technical shot itself may not have significant difference, the second you lose that reliable confidence and begin to question your equipment, you lose mental edge and focus. I also disagree on the racquet not making a difference because in the modern era hitting with different racquets not only gives a slightly different hit response, but also a significant difference in vibration back up into the arm and shoulder. Example, I hit with a technifibre for an hour a few days ago and my shoulder and hand/wrist have been sore as hell for a couple of days. The week before I played 2 sessions back to back, each an hour long, with a Volkl V1. I had NO PAIN at all. I couldn't even tell that I played! My point is, equipment matters. Maybe not to a few certain elites. But there are reasons the best Pro's customize and do not play with off the shelf sticks. Thank you for the great content and I hope you read this as an opinion and not a disrespectful response. Love your channel.

    • @IntuitiveTennis
      @IntuitiveTennis  Рік тому

      Thank you. No offense taken. I recently talked with tennis nerd about racquets 👉 ua-cam.com/video/-kclVGWgIVo/v-deo.html

  • @patrickmullen5124
    @patrickmullen5124 2 роки тому +3

    Great video. I have been retired from playing due to health issues but your videos are super inspirational. Maybe, I can make one more comeback. Thanks.

  • @feistybastard
    @feistybastard 2 роки тому +9

    I started a match using the Yonex VCore 98. Lost the first set 4-6. Hit a ton of errors. Mostly long. Switched to the VCore 95. Won the next two sets 6-1, 6-2. Control is #1. I didn't sacrifice much power and I gained a ton of control. Playing with overpowered rackets can be feast or famine. I've learned a lesson. Give me control over power any day.

    • @dlw2982
      @dlw2982 8 місяців тому

      Yea...this guy is bugging. Difference between a clash and a blade will make you (me) think you only imagined you knew how to play.

  • @daddyV88
    @daddyV88 2 роки тому +34

    Love the video - like you, I’m super sensitive to equipment. However, I had to use my girlfriends much lighter vcore 100 in a match due to snapped strings and actually played out of my mind. Form, technique, and timing are so much more important than equipment, and like you said, I think we psyche ourselves out and often blame the equipment instead of our focusing on the fundamentals

    • @stevlehr
      @stevlehr 2 роки тому +2

      We tennis players are to varying degrees are nuts. I played a better player in a tournament. At the end of the 2nd set, I had broken strings in both my rackets and resorted to an old racket I didn't like anymore. I easily cruised to a three set victory with the despised frame. Next round was the following morning and I somehow got my two frames restrung. It never occurred to me to play with the old frame, even when I realized my preferred rackets were strung much tighter than what I liked.

    • @trujr5295
      @trujr5295 2 роки тому +1

      funny you say that, I love my reg Vcore 100s but am 52 and my arm gets tired after 45min so I've took out a demo of the 100L and it just feels so much more comfortable. maybe a little lead here and there since it's 280g v 300g. I think I will carry the 100L in my bag and use it the last 45 min of my sessions and see how this goes.

  • @richardj8853
    @richardj8853 2 роки тому

    Totally agree with the reviewer .. I've played with dunlop, Yonex , tecnifibre and prince , both heavy (340gms ) to light racquets( 270gms) , small heads n big head and lost with them all and continue losing. Reason _ I rarely hit the court hence my shots are bad...my serve sucks and bh has no control ...Gotta just improve my basics and fundamentals of tennis ...It's just not the racquets.

  • @idoasraff8513
    @idoasraff8513 2 роки тому +5

    hey nick, can you make a video about diet and tennis diet in particular?

  • @albertoescobosa179
    @albertoescobosa179 2 роки тому

    For advanced level players , heavier more flexible raquets are more stable and absorb ball shock better, better for the arm, I use a Volkl VCELL 10 335gr strung 7 headlight 66 flex , works better than a previous 320 volkl VSENSE V1 Pro 3 headlight 67 flex strung raquet ...swing weight is similar, and you are right about being all in your head for different raquets , but there are small things to consider and stick to it 🍀🍀

  • @wongjefx980
    @wongjefx980 2 роки тому

    Right on. I wanted my Yonnex Vcore head to dip more, so added lead tape to the 12:00 and what a mistake...after 30 min I felt like my arm was going to tear off. It doesn't look like much, those strips of lead tape, but on the joints and connective tissue, arm felt horrible.

  • @Apanblod
    @Apanblod 8 днів тому

    This video helped me realise it's true, I have been playing with the wrong raquet. I've been playing with my buddy John's raquet for over a year now and he's been playing with mine! 🤷‍♂️

  • @king0vdarkness
    @king0vdarkness 2 роки тому

    I used the Dunlop 200g, was superb!

  • @SaqibSheikh
    @SaqibSheikh 8 місяців тому +4

    Great and honest video! Unfortunately many of us are victims or marketing by the racket companies.

  • @Arkdark_lm
    @Arkdark_lm 2 роки тому

    I'm 37, my weight is 66kg and in 90th I played with aliminium italian racquet, light and with wooden racquet. It was great experience.
    Now for 4 years I play with racquet "Mayor", 395 gr strung, strings 25 kg, with a big thick handle. The racquet is stiff, produces low fast strokes with a great spin. The ball flows like bullet! I'm happy.
    My training racquet is 400 gr strung, the first carbon version from far 80th and it's nice for improving the strength and it's up to my muscles.
    I play, using forhand from both sides, and my elbows are good, no pain, perfect! I always win vs with different rivals!
    I can't switch to racquets 300 gr.
    My another racquet, Fischer version, "pacific" is about 340 gr strung and it's too light for me. May be in future I will return to light 340 gr racquet, but I have a doubt:)
    And Nick, you're awesome!

  • @williampaganucci1084
    @williampaganucci1084 2 роки тому +1

    I bought a great Wilson Racket at Costco a few months ago for $50. It was the only racket they had and they had only 1 grip size 3/8 which was good for me anyway.

  • @royalblue2324
    @royalblue2324 2 роки тому

    very helpfull my graphite head has somehow warped ! the flat plane of the head has bent one way about 4mm, so when you look down it from the side its curved ! im not sure how it happened i never throw it, i think maybe from the heat in a hot car, i will go for a heavier one this time as im quite strong but still a beginner, thanks for the tips

  • @telquel7843
    @telquel7843 2 роки тому

    I'm an intermediate who plays with a 2007 Roddick pure drive weighted at 336g.
    I don't get any arm pain and I like the stability for serve returns, volleys, and off sweet-spot hits on the fly.
    That said, I gave up some maneuverability at the net by adding the weight. And when I get tired in a match sometimes I can feel my swing getting lazy and "rolling over" but only if I'm gassed.
    The last thing I notice is that with the extra weight, serving sometimes puts too much force on my wrist from pronation with the heavy racquet. I've got reasonably strong arms but dainty wrists 😬
    I mostly find strings and weight/balance the crucial factors. I had super stiff tense polys for a while and volleys felt like I was using a paddle instead of a racquet 😕

  • @roberthale2268
    @roberthale2268 18 днів тому +1

    Glad to hear that a different racquet wouldn't hurt your game. Del Purcell popped the strings on all of his Head Professionals when he played in the finals of the Cape Open. He asked the crowd if anybody had a Head Professional he could use and I loaned him mine. He lost the final and I blamed myself for that.

  • @irisgo6448
    @irisgo6448 7 місяців тому +1

    Great videos! Im a beginner and your videos have helped me more than the group lesson i took! One question: are the weight recommendations prestrung or strung weight?

  • @brocanova
    @brocanova Рік тому +2

    I've been using the Pure Drive for 18 years now, all generations so far, and honestly: all the same for me, just different colors.

  • @chuckersthenut2097
    @chuckersthenut2097 Рік тому

    Man I've been using Dunlop 200g since high school. I have good power and great control. Deep down I feel this obsession with string tension, type of string, and other things like "this racket is good for speed, this one for power". I feel like that really gets into rec players heads.

  • @junkmail75034
    @junkmail75034 2 роки тому +3

    There was an engineer from Panama that beat me really bad in office tennis league. His racket is 20 dollars from Walmart. He said he hits so hard and break racket and strings too often, sick of spending money on racket.

  • @amitchugh08
    @amitchugh08 2 роки тому +3

    Hi!. I really like your videos and your suggestions are very useful.
    Plz suggest in this video racket weight suggestions is for strung or unstrung rackets. Thanks

  • @simon0yeung
    @simon0yeung 2 роки тому +1

    I grew up with playing heavy rackets (POG, Prostaff 6.1, Prince CTS series, etc.) and anything lower than 320 feels like a fly swatter to me. My favorite is leaded up to around 350, and I just let the racket do the work with slower smooth swings. (somehow the fast swings don't work for me). Unfortunately I do tire quickly which is my lack of conditioning problem. :(

  • @darrensurrey
    @darrensurrey 2 роки тому

    I guess you could also learn to adjust your style to suit the racket over time. I know it's a bit tail wagging the dog but if you're on a budget or frankly don't know what will work for you, learning to adjust how strongly you grip and how you use the racket will change how the ball behaves. I've got a control setup for the strings and even then I can ping a ball like it's set up for power when playing at the net if I grip the racket too firmly!

  • @marklapuz736
    @marklapuz736 2 роки тому

    Wow thank you.you save me because im about to change may racquet.

  • @abhishekvsm
    @abhishekvsm 2 роки тому

    Hi Nick, quick question - I heard you mention that sometimes playing with older rackets can lead to injuries. I haven't played tennis for about 5-6 years, and have just come back to it over the last couple of months. I'm using the racquet I purchased about 8-10 years ago, and in the last couple of months I've had a few elbow and forearm-related flare-ups while trying to serve aggressively. I'd played for about 4-5 years before I stopped, 3-4 years with this current racket, and I'd never had such an injury before. (This is a 320g Babolat Pure Storm btw). Is it likely that because of its age, the racket is responsible? Would you recommend that I switch, just in case? Thanks!