Great point about Mannarino, he has mastered the art of using racquet tech to his advantage, and no doubt the energy conservation from his swing adds up over the course of a match
Biggest problem with me going over 335g and 330sw is the serve. When you lose your whip you lose power and accuracy, otherwise of course it feels so much better griding from the baseline, slicing, voleing etc with a heavier racket at least for the first hour then the second issue arises as when you get tired that power starts shooting the balls to the fence as you struggle the complete the swing.
For me a light racquet is great on returns and volleys when the opponent is supplying the pace. When I am generating my own pace on groundstrokes and serves, a heavier one is better. LOL so almost (but not quite) opposite of your experience
that's an easy fix: your hand should move up the racquect handle a little bit, which will restrict your wreist flex a little bit during serve. This is how you handle heavy racquets for serve.
Really the serve? I think that was almost he only thing I was wopping with my heavyiest raquet at 347gram and 337gram swingweight. To heavy for baseline strokes. Have to be super agressive and Iam way more tired if the rally is 7 hits back and forth and oppoent need to run. I play with much lighter and less swing weight now. But waow those kickserves!! wopping spin!
Try adding most of the weight in the handle instead of the hoop (using silicone or a leather grip). Then you'll get a head light racquet that feels easy to swing. I have 355g racquet that's at least 10 points head light and it feels super easy to swing. My previous racquet was 366g and just as easy to swing because of the headlight balance.
In my opinion, for all the recreational players or for those that are not training since kids and do not have the muscle memory, should play with max 305g racket and a swing weight of unstrung racket lower than 325. The reason behind is that if you play with a heavier racket, you will be fine in the first 30/40 minutes, but after that your arm will become tired and you will unconsciously start being late for shots - eventually over time - ending up with elbow/shoulder pain etc. When it comes to strings it depends on your technique and game style and intensity. I personally love the hybrid of Natural Gut (main) and Poly on the cross. I have been playing 6/7 for the past 3.5 years. If I change to full bed poly and play 6/7 days per week I definitely start feeling discomfort. I forgot to mention that tennis balls also play a key role as well and with some of them you might also feel arm tension. Another example from my experience is that if you play with 280/290g racket but you face a tournament player (recreational) that is playing with 305+ and giving you extremely powerful shots your 290 might cause discomfort because it can't handle the power of the shots coming at you. Hence evolve gradually but if you want to play long enough without issues do not go above 305g, choose your strings while trying out what works best for you and pick up the right tennis balls :)
Great point. I'm a UTR 9+ and I've messed around with adding weight and it was a disaster. I hurt my arm and wrist. I've been playing with a relatively lighter racket my whole life (2022 vcore 98 now) and I'm sticking with it. All of my muscle memory and experience is used to it and it's not worth messing with it (for me) at this point. Be very careful with adding weight....
yeah u right, i play with heavy 340+ its ask me a lot of body fitness, its make me tired, and sometimes injury on shoulder. I had try 300, its so fun, so easy, i will try to buy 300 around . But when u feel good about the fitness, the heavy racket is a weapon. and the sound is different
in addition when playing against real good players it is difficult to keep up . when just rallying all is fine but as soon as the heat goes on it is becoming more and more demanding to hit a clean ball with a heavy racket as it moves not that easy.
I must disagree with this. As they point out, it's really effortless to swing a high-static, low-swing weight racquet, but obviously you must move around the court. Certainly, it will take a while to build up the strength endurance to swing it continuously as well as the movement and footwork to a level where that's possible. But that's kind of what you should do anyway. Also, if you buy a 300ish g racquet in the beginning and start learning with that, you can add weight gradually (there is a special racquet-weighting putty that remains flexible so you can add weight little by little... it's called Blu-Tack). If you're still iffy about it, think about the alternative. The only other alternative is to not move properly, not prepare or time your strokes properly, and then slap rather than swing at the ball. In reality, that's what beginners do, but it's also something beginners should be learning away from. And we're not really talking about beginners, but people who have played one or two or five or fifteen years. FWIW, I started with a regular 300-ish g, sub-320 SW racquet and after a year I'm playing with just under 320g (unstrung, so about 335 strung) and 330ish SW (strung - no point of stating the unstrung SW, right?). Making the change made a huge, positive change in the way I play - in both technique and results. Prior to adding weight I was focusing more on swinging fast and hard, now I'm focusing on a clean and controlled swing and more on laying the groundwork, like movement, footwork, and preparation. I actually had developed tennis elbow just prior to playing tennis, but played through it with a strap, and haven't had any problems since.
When you are playing third set and if your arms are tired and it feels like you are running around with a hammer, then you are probably using much too heavier racquet than you need. It does not matter whether the racquet feels "lighter" or "comfortable" for the first 30 mins of you hitting. You will only truly know whether the racquet is light or heavy for your playing style and body type in the third hour of match play.
Yes. In my younger day, I had no problem playing single with the Wilson prostaff 6.1 for 3 sets, sometimes even more, but at 58, my forearm muscle started to feel sore half way through the 2nd set, and that's playing double.
@@tomsd8656 I´m 56. I´m using my Pure Aeros (2017) since 2022, weighted to 360g (at 3 and 9 and at the handle)/balance 32mm. It´s a beast of a racket. I´m not a big guy, so I had to get used to the weight for a month or so. Everything in my game improved. The racket is so stable, even against big hitters.
@miguelbarahona6636 Maybe you have strong arm. But everyone is different. If you can handle a heavy racquet without problem in the later stage of a match, then that racquet is for you. It's always best to play with as heavy a racquet as you can handle without sacrificing maneuverability. I also would prefer heavy racquets, but I just can't wield the same weight now for long. I can still handle my 359g old racquet for a set of double. But I'd prefer to play longer than that.
I have using the Wilson Profile 95 and it weighs 13 ounces and over 377 grams. The racquet is handled heavy and great for serving and volleys, and you can crush the ball on the ground strokes. Great job on the video and great advice my friend.
For me being a string breaker, I noticed if I add lead tape to increase swing weight, I tend to break the strings even faster, so I just stick with stock. I’m using a head speed pro 18x20 and it still breaks easily, but my specs are good enough for my 4.5 rec level. Strung weight: 332g Swing Weight: 324 Only downside I’ve experienced with using this stock spec is on windy 15+ mph days sometimes my racket will feel flimsy in my hand like I can’t hold it straight without feeling the wind resistance.
Thank you guys for the great video! Watching this channel has become an addiction for me as it’s definitely made me a tennis gear head! Thanks for all the awesome insights. I especially like the part about how beginners should learn with a bit higher swing weights as my girlfriend wants to learn to play but I had a feeling in my gut light racquets weren’t the way to go. I’ve tried them and definitely get what you’re saying about feeling slappy and my technique going bad.
This is essentially the racquet specs I ended up with; Pure Aero 98 with a grip build up (increase 4 to 5 which nobody makes off the shelf 🙄), and on that alone it's 353 static strung, but extremely head light because everything is in the handle. With a OHBH having played most of my tennis in the 90s and early norties it helped me develop the ability to spin I didn't learn as a kid and still 'feels' right on my ground strokes and great on volleys. I should probably also point out I have a 26/27 BMI but a body fat % around 11 so I don't have a strength or endurance issue throwing the frame around for a 2 hour match. Strings I hybrid mains gut (Babolat Touch VS) or Multi (Technifibre x-one bi-phase) because we get a lot of wet and humid conditions here, with poly crosses (technifibre razor code white) because it's the best way I've been able to retain the pocketing and touch feel I like for drop volleys I remember from playing as a kid; perhaps one day I'll play a full bed of softer poly around 50lbs.
As someone who grew up and compete with 350g+ strungweight racquets (PS 6.0 85, Yonex RD-7) I really tried but struggled with lighter racquets (slapping the ball as you mentioned in interview), especially struggled with timing at the net, with smashes and of course the timing with one handed bh. After switching and testing many racquets I finally settled and now I am absolutely happy using my 315g Pro Staff 97 v13 :) Keep up with the great content.
Same, when I was like 12 I competed with 350 g+ strungweight Pros Pro. I have like 5 rackets of that weight. It was standard in the 90s and it was considered to be light. I have no idea why there is so much fuzz about the weight of the rackets nowdays. Even significantly much lighter rackets are considered to be heaavy...
Interesting discussion. Personally I need a racquet that is whippy, and for that a swing weight that is not that high is crucial. But there is an important trade off with stability ; the heavier the more stable. I am in the search still of the perfect racquet (which I will probably never find), but for now my vcore pro 97 from 2017 has been the best racquet that I have had, which fulfill these two aspects the best. And I have tried more than 60 racquets in the last 3 years. Un abrazo Jonas
excellent discussion, thanks! this is what i try to explain to all my mates. i mod all my racquets (old and new ones, player racquets and tweeners) to get sw between 325 and 335 (the main parameter to consider), enough mass (340-355g total), and headlight (below 320mm final). usually player racquets (prestige pro 600, pro tour 630, prince series 90 & phantom 93p & others, yonex rd-7 and vcore pro 97hd, prokennex redondo and black ace, volkl pb 10 mid, wilson blade 98...), but found that these parameters also work with higher beam racquets, like aero pro drive or old adidas delta club 2 or 3, where you trade off some control for extra power and forgiveness, while keeping stability and maneuverability thanks to mass and balance, so i hear Daniel's racquet evolution
Thanks for this video TN! For younger players, will definitely take some getting used to. But, I think all of us elder, "wood racket juniors " are simply accustomed to the solid-feel and "plow- through." I'm in my 60s, suffered every-injury-in-the-book and my frames are still around 360g 14-16ptsHL. I block back BIG serves hit by 20 somethings that I wouldn't be able to do with a light/modern frame. BTW, the extreme HL came about after rehabbing a torn rotator cuff. I have not been able to shake it!
I'm 53 years old, and I have a POG 107, which when strung is over 350g. I love it to death from the baseline, you never feel like you are going to get pushed around, and even at the net I enjoy it as it still feels manoeuvrable enough. Then I have to serve, and all that mass makes it so hard to get the racquet moving, I really feel it on the second where I am always over hitting the kick serve, as I cannot consistently generate enough racquet head speed to pull the ball back in court. It's probably my favourite racquet of all time as it all feels so great, but unlike in my 20s and 30s I'm not athletic enough to use it the way I could. It was hard to change, but I'm using racquets around 305g unstrung, although I do play around with heavier racquets for fun.
I have the exact same issue, agree 100%. The heavy racquet can be good if you are fresh but once you get a little tired its very hard to generate racquet head speed over your head when serving, 2nd serve suffers.
I used to play with the Prostaff Rok 93 15 years ago. My then transition to the Babolat aero control +. Now playing with Solinco Blackout XTD weighted up to 340g. I like the heavier build on modern racquets. IMO feels much better than 305-310g racquets
I recently started playing with Head Prestige 18/20 20kg at 360-370g, I like the control and stability. I never liked my spinny unstable Pure Drive, to play proper tennis you need more control.
Hi Jonas, super interesting vídeo, we where discussing with friends the "heavy racquets creates injuries" myth, that is something that merits conversation also. Because the conclusion was that in the end what ends up injuring players is that they force them selfs on long matches (think 7-5, 4-6 plus super tie break) and trying to use the heavy racquet with a tired body is what end up generating the injuries. Food for thought.
Thanks! Good point, yes a heavy racquet is not for everyone. I think you need to balance weight with how much you play, your level, what you want from your tennis, etc. There is no one size fits all.
I play with Max 200G daily. It is an addictive racket and made me get rid of all my babalot aero pro and drive ones :) But then I don't compete at any serious level.
takes me back to the graphene radical pro i had. i think it had them weighted up to 365g unstrung. absolutely loved it. kind of regret snapping them now.
@@Tennisnerd Great topic! I have been using the EZ 100 (2022) since then, and I'm loving it. But recently I have faced some problems with the strokes, I'm thinking of changing my string, but also conflicted about whether I should add some weight to the racket. I'm not a particular "Jacked" guy, but I go to the gym pretty often, sometimes it just feels like 300g might be a little underweight for me? My playstyle is a bit like Sinner (Obviously a far inferior version😅)I like to hit it flat and clean on both ends, but I've been struggling with the consistency of quality. Some days when I'm feeling it I can really hit the ball with enough penetration and plow through, but sometimes (More than often recently)my strokes feel "Weaker", it's like playing under extremely humid conditions, and yeah the weather is annoyingly humid in my country, especially during the season. I wonder if adding more weight to the EZ100 might help with the problem, or if it's more of a tech issue on my part?
I am playing with Wilson Clash 98 V1 due to my elbow and wrist issues. I put lead-tape many places to make it to 362g and strung 38lbs. I works fine for me but I adjust my game by moving back one step back both at the baseline and the net (compared to when I used Wilsons BLX 95 18x16). It works fine for me. However, sometimes, I missed the accuracy of the BLX 95 though. The control of the new setup is not as good as the old one.
This is fabulous content, thank you so much. I saw the lead at 3 & 9 but I'm assuming you need at 12 as well to reach the modified spec on the Aero 98?
My 1990 Prince Graphite 107 weighs 360 grams - Thor Hammer, my prostaff 88 weighs 355 Grams Both rackets head light Now playing with 2018 prestige mp weighs 330 grams, rackets going lighter and stiffer
I'm a decent hitter & used the Pro Staff 97F for about 5 yrs before going to the Blade. The Pro Staff pays more dividends when everything is perfect but if you're late forget about it ! The Blade is more forgivable in those moments.
Mine is 318g but 380 swing weight Babolat Rafa Origin. Real beast, the best racket ever, I didn't like that pink detail in beginning but now I don't care. It's fantastic racket on all shots and no any injury ever till now. I give it 10 out 10
Agreed! It's a beast of a racquet when you find your preferred string + balance setup! Currently using the yellow 2019 version which is slightly stiffer than its previous editions.
@@Cramble21 I have the mainly black version that is slightly older. Mine came strung with Volkl classic syn gut. I liked it so much I've only ever restrung it with the same string. It's the only racket I'd use a full bed of syn gut in.
@@James-qv1dr Very interesting! In general I too find that quite flexible frames play better with a syngut or multi. Sometimes a poly can "destroy" some of the feel/sensation you get from using the frame. The last couple of c10 pros - although stiffer - seem to work well with most polys. It all comes down to preferences and testing new setups.
C10 Pro, 2020 version, 48 lbs, Forten Sweet Sixteen (don’t laugh). Just love the sensation it sends from my hand, through my arm, into my cerebral cortex. Very addicting.
I read an article a few years ago and it said the French Tennis Federation suggested a SW of 320 or higher. I am 67 and my rackets for last 3+ years have been 325-329 SW. When I was younger the SW was in the 330-339 range. Even my petite wife used a SW around 325. Lower than 325 and it doesn't feel stable and it also feels low powered.
In 90s we all had 350+ g strung rackets as kids and they were considered light. I competed with one and never had any issue. Actually I have like 5 rackets from 90s and noone of them is lighter than 340+ g strung.
Fun stuff! Try a 2023 Head Gravity Pro at 21/20 Alu power and add 4 grams total at 3&9. SW around 333 and it’s the most control racket for sale today…and it’s the closest to my Head PT10 and PT57A’s. I’m so happy with the new gravity pro and my easy specs customised. Love your channel ❤️🎾🏆
@@LL-kz1qe no weight added in the handle or elsewhere. Having it a bit heavier in the head makes all of the difference. It’s only heavier a bit above 32.3 cm balance
@@LL-kz1qe why add weight in the handle? I think thats often made when you trying to balance 4 raquets the same spec. Did you choose the right starting frame if you want to add 10 gram in the handle?
This is really insightful content. I think a lot of players, men in particular, need to honestly consider their fitness level before getting too excited about going to a heavier frame. If you're watching UA-cam tennis, you're likely a casual player. If you're casual, your fitness is likely casual. As the match goes on you're going to get to the ball late and that heavier racquet is going to come through late. Everything feels possible for 15 minutes if the guy isn't dragging you around the court. I say go lighter, get to everything as early as possible and impart your best stroke. You can't hit driver on every shot for 18 holes, so to speak.
Excellent discussion! I’ve been thinking the same thoughts lately as I’m adding weights around my aero 98 frame. It’s definitely helped me swing through my shots more and now I feel there’s no way Alcaraz can use the commercial Aero 98, it’s too light! 😂
yes, alcaraz play with the stock version 305g.. there's some videos when he left his rackets to get strung.. and it didnt have any weight added. he changed the string recently to avoid elbow pain..
My problem with heavy tennis rackets is the one-handed backhand. When your strength drops, it's almost impossible to escape from the defensive. If you're perfectly positioned in relation to the ball, everything's fine, but that's not always the case.
@@Tennisnerd I generally believe that you can play with heavier rackets with a two-handed backhand. Especially if you are not a professional and only play tennis in your spare time. This is less of a problem with the forehand.
If lighter rackets are better, then try to use a badminton racket and see how that goes :) In my city, I am the only one I know who uses a heavy racket (350g+). (But then, I am a math nerd and know the concepts of inertia and momentum). Playing with a heavy racket got rid of my tennis elbow.
@@The4.0Guy its not so much which racket. All the recent rackets are light around 300g. Its the weights I added inside the handle. About 50g of added weight. I added them near the tip of the handle, but I now think this is incorrect. I think the weights should be added at the middle.
Very interesting discussion, thanks Jonas and Daniel! Going up and down with weight and SW is probably the way of almost all tennis nerds 😎 By the way, how was this Blade customised considering the foam in the handle? Was it just digged out from the handle and than the chambers were filled with silicone?
For me it comes down to comfort. The only racquet sub 345gr which did not make my arm Hurt was the Wilson Blade, but it was not good for spin, slice or serve, and those things are important for me especially since all Courts here are clay. I have 3 Dunlop CX 200 I have modified to be above 350gr, and the 3 came with a higher SW of around 345 (quality control issues, not much I can do there). Its weird because I have played my best with lighter raquets, but I was getting arm pain. After moding my racquets the pain is gone, sure I sacrifice a bit of head speed, but I am confortable playing and my serves are a lot more powerful. Not sure about my tennis rating but a couple years ago when I was playing UTR Tournaments I was about a 9 UTR, for reference. Worst mistake I have made was selling my 3 RF 97 racquets T_T
I’ve been experimenting with lead tape in my racket. I’m not quite sure which way to apply the lead under the grip… do I apply the strips of lead from base of the grip going towards the head, or do I wrap the lead tape around the handle? Also is there a ratio to maintain the same balance? I find that adding 5g in head and 5g in the handle still results in a super head heavy racket. Any advice would be super appreciated! Thank you guys!! 😊
The younger pros seem to use lighter racquets which allows them to be super wristy on their shots, but for more traditional technique that most club players use - properly added weight can help.
As a racquet technician i became addicted to your channel man, many interesting points of view and it always make my passion for these issues resonates. Forward!
My recommendation for less professional amateur players is a Dunlop SX300 Tour (kind of similar to an Babolat Aero). Has 305 g unstrung, 320 g strung with overgrip and around 324 g swingweight. My coach added lead at 3 and 9 o'clock to raise the swingweight up to 332 g. Racquet is very plush und stable, much comfort and now it has good plough through. I adjust the swingweight of my racquets to the point, where I hit the ball by "automatic" at the right spot (time) without any change to my swing. Afterwards I watch the result the racquet brings into daylight. With the Dunlop SX 300 Tour it resulted in a modern crisp feeling stick but very comfortable at the same time and a nice more flat topspin arch so I can really go for the ball either high or flat. Slice is great, service and volley all fine. At least I must go for 60 % power, otherwise the ball may not clear the net. But the racquet swings by itself - helpful on higher incoming balls and very low balls on the stretch - which indeed saves a lot of energy by just letting it go. Use as string Dunlop Explosive (one) and Explosive Spin (the other) at 22-20 kg indoor on carpet (on clay maybe less). I am 62 years old, playing league tournaments in Germany, maybe a NTRP 3.5.
This is unexpected. But I don't mind the heavy Prestige tour for playing one set (12 oz SW 339 unmodified). But I didn't like it for playing multiple matches in a day; my shoulder would get tired. I am now playing w/ 11.2oz frame 325 SW and now can play till my legs are gone.
When I started to play, as an adult, for 3 months I played with a 270gr racquet. After that, I got myself a racquet 285gr (a Team racket), it works well for me and I’ve progressed a lot, I feel the ball and I get to hit the ball on time most of the time. It’s been 7 months playing for me, and I feel my feet and arms are ready for a 300gr. We’ll see.
When I was 15 my coach took my Wilson N blade and gave me his customized C10 pro so I couldnt physically go inflatable balloon man on my forehands Fell in love with it and never looked back+
I did try going down in weight with my racquet choice, wanting to add power to my serve. And my technique did suffer, slapping and wristing too much, now Im back to my old school 350 gms 31 balance frames, its nit perfect but its the kind of tennis I enjoy
Demo the 98. Really nice. Huge power, plenty of touch. I have both. For a flatter ball the Pure Drive 100’s All the Yonex’s, meh, they don’t do anything for me. For every like weight category the corresponding Babolats are mo better and they’re not red.
Head Still technic plus lower body strength with upper body looseness to generate an adequate amount of racket head swinging weight for a perfect ball rpm spin.
Hi Great Video. I would Like to See a Video about Rackets and quality control. Which rackets / Brands have the best quality control. Please make a Video. 🖖
I play with Babolat 335 g strung. And it's way better than to play with 305 g Fischer. With 335 g i can spin the ball very well and my serve is good too. It's easier to play with racket more than 300 g. U need some time to adapt to new racket then it goes perfect. I play switching right and left hand. Only forhand! First serve as a rule with left hand (because my right is too strong and i can break the frame or strings and because of tennis elbow). The second serve is always with right hand, spinny ball. I'm playing only with topspins and very very seldom i use the slice or short ball. Train ur muscles! And of course no weight (lead) in the head.
Hi Jonas, I want to know what changes does a company make to get a heavier spec version of a racket? Is the material more dense? is there more material? Do they add weight in sections of the frame? For instance I want to customise a lighter spec version of a racket with lead tape to be weighted slightly lighter than the heavier model. BUT I’m afraid the quality of the racket in the lighter spec version will be less because they are suited for beginner players. Thanks
my racket specs are 327 swing weight, 31,2cm balance and 355 gram static weight. It works fantastic. But i didn't just slap weight on my racket. I measured it and tried several different setups to hone in on the right polarisation of weight, the right swing weight and the right balance. The static weight of 355 gram was the result of all those other attrributes.
@@James-qv1dr few different ones: Head gravity pro (under spec) Pro staff 97rf (under spec) Head radical pro Angell react 96 mid 16x19 Yonex percept 97 310 Yonex vcore 95 ('21 en '23) Dunlop cx200 tour 95 18x20 Al customized to my spec
@@LarzB I feel like you'd like the Head Prestige MP-L with added weight. Mine comes in around 330g strung with a 325 sw. The sensation on impact is very nice. You have a nice collection of rackets there :)
@@James-qv1dr i would like the try the latest mp and mpL version with auxetic 2 sometime. I've got with several prestiges in the past, but never the 99 inch² head one.
For me there's a simple idea on how much SW you can handle. If you can make 20-30 consistent push-ups (not half, full move-set), u have enough strength for a SW around these parameters. If you're stronger than this u can easily go higher in SW....
@@amsd1231 Don't agree. More SW means there's more mass in the head of the frame. You need good strength in arms/shoulder/upper body to maneuver this mass effectively over a longer period... ,)
@@hybrid11theory75 Yeah which is why you need a good core and balance (aka upper body). Of course you need some strength in the arms are shoulders to hold the racket but most of the effort in "swinging"(SW) the racket comes from your core and moving the balance of your body.
Great point that people tends to forget, You dont have to be your best everyday, in the end tennis is just being better than the other person you are playing to. Almost impossible to play low percetage winner on every point you need a racket that give you stability even when you are not hitting your strides.
I am wondering if the babolat rafa origin racket hurts your wrist because it is so stiff - it is 70 according to tennis warehouse. I demoed and use rackets as heavy and anything flexier typically feels better. Just curious about reasoning for a stiffer racket
all true and believed in it for years but with heavy(too heavy) you could easily ruin your wrist. When you don´t play more than 1-2 times a week with not hitting the ball perfectly which happens especially on clay with all the bad bounces. Played 30 years the Prostaff and 10 years the RF now my wrist is gone and it will never come back. Now use Clash to just be able to play and keep pain below 5. - So if no perfect hitter be carefull.
Played the hefty Prestige MP 2021 18x19 and Prince Synergy 98. I could hit the flat forehands behind the baseline a la Murray - lots of loose - wristy action. Thing is, when I had to step in the mid-court and lift the ball up, I just couldn't do it. Headheavy rackets are just too demanding for me. Heavy static weight is not a huge factor for me, since I don't play long matches. Swingweigth and Balance are more definitive for me. I've played a Prestige Tour 600 and a Prince Tour 95 (2015) = super whippy, stable and top-spin oriented rackets. Not supposed to feel easy, but they did, despite the small head-size. My current prefered specs: 98 sq inches tight patterns Strung weight: 330 grams Swingweight: 320 Stiffness: 64 +/- Balance (strung): 6-8 points headlight
I have never found this to be the case. I keep trying a heavier racket but, no its not better unless one is just slogging the same shot form the base line playing a practice machine
I can tell you who the 300 gram racket is made for. It’s made for the majority of new racket buyers who are beginners. When they’re in a tennis shop they pick up two rackets, one 10.5 oz., one 12 oz. The majority of beginners are going to like the lighter racket that swings easier. Manufacturers main goal is to sell rackets. They’ll even deceive the public by touting a Pro is using a racket that you can buy in a shop but in reality the pro is using a racket that is completely different and only has the same paint job. Bait and switch at its finest.
I didnt know the rf97 was foam filled. I love it and although i have not added weight other than overgrip and bumper tape (3 grams). The weight is demanding but very rewarding on return of serve to just shorten my swing and let the racquet do the work. It feel very stable returning fast serves. I have a prestige mid which is 330g unstrung and i have added a leather grip plus overgrip but can see in some situations where i could go up in the weight like returning serve. Do the new blades feel as flexible as the older head prestige? The feel is kind of addictive to me right now as i have been using pro staffs for a long time and they are relatively stiff
I weighted both my old blade V7 and new ProStaff V14 to 350g. I serve better with the blade, ground strokes better with the Pro Staff ;( I may test the new blade v9 in hopes it bridges the gap. I LOVE both rackets so I'm hopeful on the new blade. GREAT video. I'm old school and prefer weightier sticks! I'll try the Dunlops CX 200 and 400 too, I like the specs of the 200.
I have V9 16x19 and PS v14. V14 - 340 total weight V9 - 349 total At first, the v 9 is not doing it for me when it was on stock form. But after adding weights it becomes a good one. But I still hit better and move better with the pro staff. Also I know what youre saying, blade on swrve and pro staff on strokes. I really want to match my v14 specs(SW, balance, etc.) to my v9 to actually see what I prefer.
I started using the Pure Aero 98 and Pure Aero VS. i added a leather grip and 4 inches of lead to each. I tend to get more power with the Pure Aero 98 but doesnt hit as solid due to the lower stiffness level. Did Daniel add lead to the 12 position on the VS?
I put lead tape on my racket in my late 20s and ended up with a shoulder injury. Amatuers need lighter rackets period. From 2.0 to 5.0. Anyone over 5.0 may be built for heavier rackets. We are not all gifted
❓❓I've added a heat shrink wrap to increase my grip size. How does this affect swing weight and balance? The manufacturer spec of my racquet was 6pt HH prior to the wrap. It added ~20g to the overall weight.
I need to complement my racquets with a new one. But these light racquets they sell for a lot of money make me sick. My favourite racquet is still my Estusa Power Beam Braided. I also have two Head Prestige Flexpoints. I am stuck not sure what to get next. The Babolat sounds interesting, I always use Babolat strings anyway.
very interesting! would you give some advice about how you'd approach weighting up a spin-friendly racket to replicate what he discusses in this video? (e.g. blade 100, ezone 98, pure drive...). I don't have a way to measure swing weight.
@@CH-yp5by No! you should see how little the swing weight change even when adding 5 grams in the handle. Its about swingweight. I think a 360gram 350 swingweight raquet is easier to play with then a 325gram 350 swingweight raquet. 340 swing weight as standard raquet is in the long run quite massive.
Hi Jonas, looking forward to the follow up videos on this topic. I'm looking to do something similar with a PD, but love to learn more about how this PA98 was modified and where/methods
I always thought it's strange that people say increasing swing weight by 10-20% is such a crazy thing to do, as if it requires insane levels of strength. We're talking abour pretty marginal increases, you can get used to them if you want to.
Weighted up Prestige Pro to 340g. Strung VS & NXT tight. Arm was a bit sore for only a week, but produces great, flat power in a control racquet. I see top ATP players have increased their weight as well. Many will say "But that's the pros, not for the average player"...dumheter! Pros are on the cutting edge of the sport, and do things because they work.
@ What a stupid ,, ignorant comment ! Pros didn’t started off pros dude ! They began their journey as regular folks ! That’s like saying a Steinway is for professional pianist ! Steinway doesn’t care if you’re a pro; the tennis manufacturer doesn’t care if you’re a pro either !
people in the comments really saying "Alcaraz/Sinner, hur dur" and completely missing the points being discussed in the video. Pros that have been playing since childhood have different priorities in terms of racquet change and using them as a counterargument is just disingenuous. Also, heavy does not mean 340g+, its all relative to the player's level. 315g might already be heavy for you and that's fine. Unless you're constantly competing like a pro and can't afford an adjustment period or have injury issues, experimenting in a sport you enjoy is all part of the fun.
What's your take on how much SW should one try going up while customising? I've been recently adding +3 or 4 kg-cm^2 to the SW with each increase and I try that setup for about 1-2 months. It plays better every time indeed, but it's also taking a while to find my limit I guess. Started with underspec rackets with 323-324 kg-cm^2, and currently at 334 SW. Would it be too much adding 10 SW or more in one go?
Yes, take it slow, I don’t recommend 330+ SW unless you are a strong player. This is very personal, I like it, but it can maybe lead to issues for some…my main point is that I don’t quite understand 300-310 SW strung racquets
@@Tennisnerd Thanks Jonas. You're absolutely right on going carefully with it, so I'll patiently keep the approach. As it's going I'm eyeing somewhere around 335-340. But curious to just do a test with 350 or even 360 on one session to find out hehe On the physical side my PT 2.0 makes my body workout every time 😂, and I can relate with Daniel when he pointed that it's hard to grind points with these old school rackets.. they're amazing when going for it, but it's so challenging and ineffective to maintain that play mode throughout competitive matches - for my level at least. But the old frames feel soo good.. Thanks again, and for the great content 🎾👍
few year ago i customized 360+ prestige mp to 330grams,30,5cm balance 300sw unstrung. Strung it was almost 360grams. Good racket but 98,18x20 20MMbeam :D not good idea this type of customization for this type of racket. But i can understand that similar customization with racket with more power and spin as pure aero vs its really good idea. Btw agree heavy rackets are good,cant play with rackets lighter as 310grams. Now i switched from gravity pro to extreme pro :D samespecs, thicker beam, more spin more power tight string pattern. Exactly thing what i missed from gravity pro :D
@@chevy4x466 true.. in Argentina demos doesn't exist.. you must read a LOT to find your racquet.. i played with a wilson kfactor 6.1 95 16x18 332g unstrung when i was 15.. 20 years later i comeback to tenis and i tried SO MANY racquets.. pure drive gt roddick 315g, pro staff v12 315g, head speed IG youtek 300g, pure aero 300g, head speed mp 315g.. then i tried the RF97 (340g unstrung) and fall in love.. i use it like 1 year BUT is a very heavy racquet and after 2 hours of serious playing the arm cant keep the ritm... mostly my 1HB (367g strung + dampner).. so NOW i discover what it seems the holy grial and that is the PRESTIGE 18x20 98 320g unstrung... beautiful feel, control and stability.. it lacks a bit of power but if you are a big hitter it wont be a big problem with the correct string.
Great point about Mannarino, he has mastered the art of using racquet tech to his advantage, and no doubt the energy conservation from his swing adds up over the course of a match
Biggest problem with me going over 335g and 330sw is the serve. When you lose your whip you lose power and accuracy, otherwise of course it feels so much better griding from the baseline, slicing, voleing etc with a heavier racket at least for the first hour then the second issue arises as when you get tired that power starts shooting the balls to the fence as you struggle the complete the swing.
For me a light racquet is great on returns and volleys when the opponent is supplying the pace. When I am generating my own pace on groundstrokes and serves, a heavier one is better. LOL so almost (but not quite) opposite of your experience
that's an easy fix: your hand should move up the racquect handle a little bit, which will restrict your wreist flex a little bit during serve. This is how you handle heavy racquets for serve.
Really the serve? I think that was almost he only thing I was wopping with my heavyiest raquet at 347gram and 337gram swingweight. To heavy for baseline strokes. Have to be super agressive and Iam way more tired if the rally is 7 hits back and forth and oppoent need to run. I play with much lighter and less swing weight now. But waow those kickserves!! wopping spin!
Well this is the problem, my serve is very wristy with lots of pronation and drop the racket very low, tried several ways, can't seem get around it.
Try adding most of the weight in the handle instead of the hoop (using silicone or a leather grip). Then you'll get a head light racquet that feels easy to swing. I have 355g racquet that's at least 10 points head light and it feels super easy to swing. My previous racquet was 366g and just as easy to swing because of the headlight balance.
In my opinion, for all the recreational players or for those that are not training since kids and do not have the muscle memory, should play with max 305g racket and a swing weight of unstrung racket lower than 325. The reason behind is that if you play with a heavier racket, you will be fine in the first 30/40 minutes, but after that your arm will become tired and you will unconsciously start being late for shots - eventually over time - ending up with elbow/shoulder pain etc. When it comes to strings it depends on your technique and game style and intensity. I personally love the hybrid of Natural Gut (main) and Poly on the cross. I have been playing 6/7 for the past 3.5 years. If I change to full bed poly and play 6/7 days per week I definitely start feeling discomfort. I forgot to mention that tennis balls also play a key role as well and with some of them you might also feel arm tension. Another example from my experience is that if you play with 280/290g racket but you face a tournament player (recreational) that is playing with 305+ and giving you extremely powerful shots your 290 might cause discomfort because it can't handle the power of the shots coming at you. Hence evolve gradually but if you want to play long enough without issues do not go above 305g, choose your strings while trying out what works best for you and pick up the right tennis balls :)
Great point. I'm a UTR 9+ and I've messed around with adding weight and it was a disaster. I hurt my arm and wrist. I've been playing with a relatively lighter racket my whole life (2022 vcore 98 now) and I'm sticking with it. All of my muscle memory and experience is used to it and it's not worth messing with it (for me) at this point. Be very careful with adding weight....
yeah u right, i play with heavy 340+ its ask me a lot of body fitness, its make me tired, and sometimes injury on shoulder. I had try 300, its so fun, so easy, i will try to buy 300 around . But when u feel good about the fitness, the heavy racket is a weapon. and the sound is different
Nah I'm using 320g unstrung static weight and 330swingweight no problems.
in addition when playing against real good players it is difficult to keep up . when just rallying all is fine but as soon as the heat goes on it is becoming more and more demanding to hit a clean ball with a heavy racket as it moves not that easy.
I must disagree with this. As they point out, it's really effortless to swing a high-static, low-swing weight racquet, but obviously you must move around the court. Certainly, it will take a while to build up the strength endurance to swing it continuously as well as the movement and footwork to a level where that's possible. But that's kind of what you should do anyway. Also, if you buy a 300ish g racquet in the beginning and start learning with that, you can add weight gradually (there is a special racquet-weighting putty that remains flexible so you can add weight little by little... it's called Blu-Tack).
If you're still iffy about it, think about the alternative. The only other alternative is to not move properly, not prepare or time your strokes properly, and then slap rather than swing at the ball. In reality, that's what beginners do, but it's also something beginners should be learning away from. And we're not really talking about beginners, but people who have played one or two or five or fifteen years.
FWIW, I started with a regular 300-ish g, sub-320 SW racquet and after a year I'm playing with just under 320g (unstrung, so about 335 strung) and 330ish SW (strung - no point of stating the unstrung SW, right?). Making the change made a huge, positive change in the way I play - in both technique and results. Prior to adding weight I was focusing more on swinging fast and hard, now I'm focusing on a clean and controlled swing and more on laying the groundwork, like movement, footwork, and preparation. I actually had developed tennis elbow just prior to playing tennis, but played through it with a strap, and haven't had any problems since.
When you are playing third set and if your arms are tired and it feels like you are running around with a hammer, then you are probably using much too heavier racquet than you need. It does not matter whether the racquet feels "lighter" or "comfortable" for the first 30 mins of you hitting. You will only truly know whether the racquet is light or heavy for your playing style and body type in the third hour of match play.
Yes. In my younger day, I had no problem playing single with the Wilson prostaff 6.1 for 3 sets, sometimes even more, but at 58, my forearm muscle started to feel sore half way through the 2nd set, and that's playing double.
Agree 100%. That heavy racquet feeling deep in the 3rd set is a good sign your racquet is too heavy for practical match play.
@@tomsd8656 I´m 56. I´m using my Pure Aeros (2017) since 2022, weighted to 360g (at 3 and 9 and at the handle)/balance 32mm. It´s a beast of a racket. I´m not a big guy, so I had to get used to the weight for a month or so. Everything in my game improved. The racket is so stable, even against big hitters.
@miguelbarahona6636 Maybe you have strong arm. But everyone is different. If you can handle a heavy racquet without problem in the later stage of a match, then that racquet is for you. It's always best to play with as heavy a racquet as you can handle without sacrificing maneuverability. I also would prefer heavy racquets, but I just can't wield the same weight now for long. I can still handle my 359g old racquet for a set of double. But I'd prefer to play longer than that.
@@tomsd8656 I think, that if one feels the racket heavy after some time, it's not your arm that is weak, it's your legs and core.
I have using the Wilson Profile 95 and it weighs 13 ounces and over 377 grams. The racquet is handled heavy and great for serving and volleys, and you can crush the ball on the ground strokes. Great job on the video and great advice my friend.
For me being a string breaker, I noticed if I add lead tape to increase swing weight, I tend to break the strings even faster, so I just stick with stock. I’m using a head speed pro 18x20 and it still breaks easily, but my specs are good enough for my 4.5 rec level.
Strung weight: 332g
Swing Weight: 324
Only downside I’ve experienced with using this stock spec is on windy 15+ mph days sometimes my racket will feel flimsy in my hand like I can’t hold it straight without feeling the wind resistance.
Thank you guys for the great video! Watching this channel has become an addiction for me as it’s definitely made me a tennis gear head! Thanks for all the awesome insights. I especially like the part about how beginners should learn with a bit higher swing weights as my girlfriend wants to learn to play but I had a feeling in my gut light racquets weren’t the way to go. I’ve tried them and definitely get what you’re saying about feeling slappy and my technique going bad.
Hey Justin, I played you in Asheville once before at Oakley! Funny seeing you here haha. -Jon
This is essentially the racquet specs I ended up with; Pure Aero 98 with a grip build up (increase 4 to 5 which nobody makes off the shelf 🙄), and on that alone it's 353 static strung, but extremely head light because everything is in the handle. With a OHBH having played most of my tennis in the 90s and early norties it helped me develop the ability to spin I didn't learn as a kid and still 'feels' right on my ground strokes and great on volleys. I should probably also point out I have a 26/27 BMI but a body fat % around 11 so I don't have a strength or endurance issue throwing the frame around for a 2 hour match.
Strings I hybrid mains gut (Babolat Touch VS) or Multi (Technifibre x-one bi-phase) because we get a lot of wet and humid conditions here, with poly crosses (technifibre razor code white) because it's the best way I've been able to retain the pocketing and touch feel I like for drop volleys I remember from playing as a kid; perhaps one day I'll play a full bed of softer poly around 50lbs.
As someone who grew up and compete with 350g+ strungweight racquets (PS 6.0 85, Yonex RD-7) I really tried but struggled with lighter racquets (slapping the ball as you mentioned in interview), especially struggled with timing at the net, with smashes and of course the timing with one handed bh. After switching and testing many racquets I finally settled and now I am absolutely happy using my 315g Pro Staff 97 v13 :) Keep up with the great content.
Same, when I was like 12 I competed with 350 g+ strungweight Pros Pro. I have like 5 rackets of that weight. It was standard in the 90s and it was considered to be light. I have no idea why there is so much fuzz about the weight of the rackets nowdays. Even significantly much lighter rackets are considered to be heaavy...
Interesting discussion. Personally I need a racquet that is whippy, and for that a swing weight that is not that high is crucial. But there is an important trade off with stability ; the heavier the more stable. I am in the search still of the perfect racquet (which I will probably never find), but for now my vcore pro 97 from 2017 has been the best racquet that I have had, which fulfill these two aspects the best. And I have tried more than 60 racquets in the last 3 years. Un abrazo Jonas
Gracias, Juan. Yeah, sadly, there are no perfect racquets.
excellent discussion, thanks! this is what i try to explain to all my mates. i mod all my racquets (old and new ones, player racquets and tweeners) to get sw between 325 and 335 (the main parameter to consider), enough mass (340-355g total), and headlight (below 320mm final). usually player racquets (prestige pro 600, pro tour 630, prince series 90 & phantom 93p & others, yonex rd-7 and vcore pro 97hd, prokennex redondo and black ace, volkl pb 10 mid, wilson blade 98...), but found that these parameters also work with higher beam racquets, like aero pro drive or old adidas delta club 2 or 3, where you trade off some control for extra power and forgiveness, while keeping stability and maneuverability thanks to mass and balance, so i hear Daniel's racquet evolution
Thanks for this video TN! For younger players, will definitely take some getting used to. But, I think all of us elder, "wood racket juniors " are simply accustomed to the solid-feel and "plow- through." I'm in my 60s, suffered every-injury-in-the-book and my frames are still around 360g 14-16ptsHL. I block back BIG serves hit by 20 somethings that I wouldn't be able to do with a light/modern frame. BTW, the extreme HL came about after rehabbing a torn rotator cuff. I have not been able to shake it!
I'm 53 years old, and I have a POG 107, which when strung is over 350g. I love it to death from the baseline, you never feel like you are going to get pushed around, and even at the net I enjoy it as it still feels manoeuvrable enough. Then I have to serve, and all that mass makes it so hard to get the racquet moving, I really feel it on the second where I am always over hitting the kick serve, as I cannot consistently generate enough racquet head speed to pull the ball back in court. It's probably my favourite racquet of all time as it all feels so great, but unlike in my 20s and 30s I'm not athletic enough to use it the way I could. It was hard to change, but I'm using racquets around 305g unstrung, although I do play around with heavier racquets for fun.
I have the exact same issue, agree 100%. The heavy racquet can be good if you are fresh but once you get a little tired its very hard to generate racquet head speed over your head when serving, 2nd serve suffers.
I used to play with the Prostaff Rok 93 15 years ago. My then transition to the Babolat aero control +. Now playing with Solinco Blackout XTD weighted up to 340g. I like the heavier build on modern racquets. IMO feels much better than 305-310g racquets
I still like my Pro Staff 6.1 Classic. It's about 342g unstrung and the 16X18 string pattern gives it enough spin.
My 1st Gen Prince Graphite with over-grip is 380g. Great for return of serve and volley.
I recently started playing with Head Prestige 18/20 20kg at 360-370g, I like the control and stability. I never liked my spinny unstable Pure Drive, to play proper tennis you need more control.
It works also like low lazers shots
Yes, powerful racquets great on the practice court but at most.levels of tennis you need to get the ball in the court more than your opponent
Hi Jonas, super interesting vídeo, we where discussing with friends the "heavy racquets creates injuries" myth, that is something that merits conversation also. Because the conclusion was that in the end what ends up injuring players is that they force them selfs on long matches (think 7-5, 4-6 plus super tie break) and trying to use the heavy racquet with a tired body is what end up generating the injuries. Food for thought.
Thanks! Good point, yes a heavy racquet is not for everyone. I think you need to balance weight with how much you play, your level, what you want from your tennis, etc. There is no one size fits all.
GREAT content!!!
Thanks for the feedback, I will do more of this
I play with Max 200G daily. It is an addictive racket and made me get rid of all my babalot aero pro and drive ones :) But then I don't compete at any serious level.
Really interesting discussion
takes me back to the graphene radical pro i had. i think it had them weighted up to 365g unstrung. absolutely loved it. kind of regret snapping them now.
This is fantastic insight! Truly appreciate your dedication to tennis 🙌🏽
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@Tennisnerd Great topic! I have been using the EZ 100 (2022) since then, and I'm loving it.
But recently I have faced some problems with the strokes, I'm thinking of changing my string,
but also conflicted about whether I should add some weight to the racket.
I'm not a particular "Jacked" guy, but I go to the gym pretty often, sometimes it just
feels like 300g might be a little underweight for me? My playstyle is a bit like Sinner
(Obviously a far inferior version😅)I like to hit it flat and clean on both ends, but I've
been struggling with the consistency of quality. Some days when I'm feeling it I
can really hit the ball with enough penetration and plow through, but sometimes
(More than often recently)my strokes feel "Weaker", it's like playing under extremely
humid conditions, and yeah the weather is annoyingly humid in my country, especially during
the season.
I wonder if adding more weight to the EZ100 might help with the problem, or if it's
more of a tech issue on my part?
I am playing with Wilson Clash 98 V1 due to my elbow and wrist issues. I put lead-tape many places to make it to 362g and strung 38lbs. I works fine for me but I adjust my game by moving back one step back both at the baseline and the net (compared to when I used Wilsons BLX 95 18x16). It works fine for me. However, sometimes, I missed the accuracy of the BLX 95 though. The control of the new setup is not as good as the old one.
This is fabulous content, thank you so much. I saw the lead at 3 & 9 but I'm assuming you need at 12 as well to reach the modified spec on the Aero 98?
My 1990 Prince Graphite 107 weighs 360 grams - Thor Hammer, my prostaff 88 weighs 355 Grams
Both rackets head light
Now playing with 2018 prestige mp weighs 330 grams, rackets going lighter and stiffer
I'm a decent hitter & used the Pro Staff 97F for about 5 yrs before going to the Blade. The Pro Staff pays more dividends when everything is perfect but if you're late forget about it ! The Blade is more forgivable in those moments.
How about a video on why you chose to move from your homeland to Malta, and then after some years move to Spain? Why did you choose Marbella?
Mine is 318g but 380 swing weight Babolat Rafa Origin. Real beast, the best racket ever, I didn't like that pink detail in beginning but now I don't care. It's fantastic racket on all shots and no any injury ever till now. I give it 10 out 10
The Volkl c10 pro is my GOAT racket. Unfortunately I had to stop using it due to a shoulder injury (not caused by the c10). Great feel and power.
Agreed! It's a beast of a racquet when you find your preferred string + balance setup! Currently using the yellow 2019 version which is slightly stiffer than its previous editions.
@@Cramble21 I have the mainly black version that is slightly older. Mine came strung with Volkl classic syn gut. I liked it so much I've only ever restrung it with the same string. It's the only racket I'd use a full bed of syn gut in.
@@James-qv1dr Very interesting! In general I too find that quite flexible frames play better with a syngut or multi. Sometimes a poly can "destroy" some of the feel/sensation you get from using the frame. The last couple of c10 pros - although stiffer - seem to work well with most polys. It all comes down to preferences and testing new setups.
@@Cramble21 Agreed. I use a poly in all my other frames, but string at 43/40lbs to get a plush feeling.
C10 Pro, 2020 version, 48 lbs, Forten Sweet Sixteen (don’t laugh). Just love the sensation it sends from my hand, through my arm, into my cerebral cortex. Very addicting.
I read an article a few years ago and it said the French Tennis Federation suggested a SW of 320 or higher. I am 67 and my rackets for last 3+ years have been 325-329 SW. When I was younger the SW was in the 330-339 range. Even my petite wife used a SW around 325. Lower than 325 and it doesn't feel stable and it also feels low powered.
In 90s we all had 350+ g strung rackets as kids and they were considered light. I competed with one and never had any issue. Actually I have like 5 rackets from 90s and noone of them is lighter than 340+ g strung.
Fun stuff! Try a 2023 Head Gravity Pro at 21/20 Alu power and add 4 grams total at 3&9. SW around 333 and it’s the most control racket for sale today…and it’s the closest to my Head PT10 and PT57A’s. I’m so happy with the new gravity pro and my easy specs customised. Love your channel ❤️🎾🏆
Not weight on the handle?
@@LL-kz1qe no weight added in the handle or elsewhere. Having it a bit heavier in the head makes all of the difference. It’s only heavier a bit above 32.3 cm balance
Thanks
@@LL-kz1qe why add weight in the handle? I think thats often made when you trying to balance 4 raquets the same spec. Did you choose the right starting frame if you want to add 10 gram in the handle?
4:01 So so so true!!! I still want to play like Federer though, even if it takes away from my consistency 😂😂
oh wow same. i left tennis from 18 to 28 (roughly) also. Uni, work, life etc.
Great content! I'm not crazy after all - I've been weighing up my Volkl V1 Pro to 356g w/ a bal. of 31.25cm
This is really insightful content. I think a lot of players, men in particular, need to honestly consider their fitness level before getting too excited about going to a heavier frame. If you're watching UA-cam tennis, you're likely a casual player. If you're casual, your fitness is likely casual. As the match goes on you're going to get to the ball late and that heavier racquet is going to come through late. Everything feels possible for 15 minutes if the guy isn't dragging you around the court. I say go lighter, get to everything as early as possible and impart your best stroke. You can't hit driver on every shot for 18 holes, so to speak.
Excellent discussion! I’ve been thinking the same thoughts lately as I’m adding weights around my aero 98 frame. It’s definitely helped me swing through my shots more and now I feel there’s no way Alcaraz can use the commercial Aero 98, it’s too light! 😂
Well he currently can't he is jnjured
@@CH-yp5by 🫢 …touché to that!
yes, alcaraz play with the stock version 305g.. there's some videos when he left his rackets to get strung.. and it didnt have any weight added. he changed the string recently to avoid elbow pain..
My problem with heavy tennis rackets is the one-handed backhand. When your strength drops, it's almost impossible to escape from the defensive. If you're perfectly positioned in relation to the ball, everything's fine, but that's not always the case.
I know what you mean here. That is why it has to be a personal decision and you need to find your own spec.
@@Tennisnerd I generally believe that you can play with heavier rackets with a two-handed backhand. Especially if you are not a professional and only play tennis in your spare time. This is less of a problem with the forehand.
Yep, my one-hander has a firm weight limit Those prostyle,
RF and Prestige racquets are too heavy.
If lighter rackets are better, then try to use a badminton racket and see how that goes :) In my city, I am the only one I know who uses a heavy racket (350g+). (But then, I am a math nerd and know the concepts of inertia and momentum). Playing with a heavy racket got rid of my tennis elbow.
What racquet do you use and what string/tension?
@@The4.0Guy its not so much which racket. All the recent rackets are light around 300g. Its the weights I added inside the handle. About 50g of added weight. I added them near the tip of the handle, but I now think this is incorrect. I think the weights should be added at the middle.
Very interesting discussion, thanks Jonas and Daniel! Going up and down with weight and SW is probably the way of almost all tennis nerds 😎 By the way, how was this Blade customised considering the foam in the handle? Was it just digged out from the handle and than the chambers were filled with silicone?
the key to adding weight is to keep most of it lower in the handle because the more you add to the tip area the harder the weight is to handle.
For me it comes down to comfort. The only racquet sub 345gr which did not make my arm Hurt was the Wilson Blade, but it was not good for spin, slice or serve, and those things are important for me especially since all Courts here are clay. I have 3 Dunlop CX 200 I have modified to be above 350gr, and the 3 came with a higher SW of around 345 (quality control issues, not much I can do there). Its weird because I have played my best with lighter raquets, but I was getting arm pain. After moding my racquets the pain is gone, sure I sacrifice a bit of head speed, but I am confortable playing and my serves are a lot more powerful. Not sure about my tennis rating but a couple years ago when I was playing UTR Tournaments I was about a 9 UTR, for reference. Worst mistake I have made was selling my 3 RF 97 racquets T_T
I’ve been experimenting with lead tape in my racket. I’m not quite sure which way to apply the lead under the grip… do I apply the strips of lead from base of the grip going towards the head, or do I wrap the lead tape around the handle? Also is there a ratio to maintain the same balance? I find that adding 5g in head and 5g in the handle still results in a super head heavy racket. Any advice would be super appreciated! Thank you guys!! 😊
The younger pros seem to use lighter racquets which allows them to be super wristy on their shots, but for more traditional technique that most club players use - properly added weight can help.
As a racquet technician i became addicted to your channel man, many interesting points of view and it always make my passion for these issues resonates. Forward!
Happy to hear!
My recommendation for less professional amateur players is a Dunlop SX300 Tour (kind of similar to an Babolat Aero). Has 305 g unstrung, 320 g strung with overgrip and around 324 g swingweight. My coach added lead at 3 and 9 o'clock to raise the swingweight up to 332 g. Racquet is very plush und stable, much comfort and now it has good plough through.
I adjust the swingweight of my racquets to the point, where I hit the ball by "automatic" at the right spot (time) without any change to my swing. Afterwards I watch the result the racquet brings into daylight. With the Dunlop SX 300 Tour it resulted in a modern crisp feeling stick but very comfortable at the same time and a nice more flat topspin arch so I can really go for the ball either high or flat. Slice is great, service and volley all fine. At least I must go for 60 % power, otherwise the ball may not clear the net. But the racquet swings by itself - helpful on higher incoming balls and very low balls on the stretch - which indeed saves a lot of energy by just letting it go. Use as string Dunlop Explosive (one) and Explosive Spin (the other) at 22-20 kg indoor on carpet (on clay maybe less). I am 62 years old, playing league tournaments in Germany, maybe a NTRP 3.5.
Sounds good, thanks for the comment
@@Tennisnerd Cheers Tn, I think it is a similar receipe to what is introduced by the video.
This is unexpected. But I don't mind the heavy Prestige tour for playing one set (12 oz SW 339 unmodified). But I didn't like it for playing multiple matches in a day; my shoulder would get tired. I am now playing w/ 11.2oz frame 325 SW and now can play till my legs are gone.
When I started to play, as an adult, for 3 months I played with a 270gr racquet. After that, I got myself a racquet 285gr (a Team racket), it works well for me and I’ve progressed a lot, I feel the ball and I get to hit the ball on time most of the time. It’s been 7 months playing for me, and I feel my feet and arms are ready for a 300gr. We’ll see.
I swear by my Volkl C10 Pro. Love the weight, stability and plow through.
Need lead tape in the upper hoop, is dead without it😂😂
@@elkabras Nah. No tape for me.
@@elkabrasI love the feeling of the flexy upper hoop. Buttery smooth slices.
Same!
When I was 15 my coach took my Wilson N blade and gave me his customized C10 pro so I couldnt physically go inflatable balloon man on my forehands
Fell in love with it and never looked back+
I did try going down in weight with my racquet choice, wanting to add power to my serve. And my technique did suffer, slapping and wristing too much, now Im back to my old school 350 gms 31 balance frames, its nit perfect but its the kind of tennis I enjoy
Fab discussion on my favourite subject. But why choose Aero 98 (VS) rather than the 100?
More control than the 100 and with more spin than most control oriented racquets
Demo the 98.
Really nice.
Huge power, plenty of touch.
I have both.
For a flatter ball the Pure Drive 100’s
All the Yonex’s, meh, they don’t do anything for me. For every like weight category the corresponding Babolats are mo better and they’re not red.
Thanks! I think Daniel likes the control and raw feel that the VS provides
Super discussion Jonas. Enjoyed this conversation with Daniel. Nerding out 😊
Thanks! More to come
Head Still technic plus lower body strength with upper body looseness to generate an adequate amount of racket head swinging weight for a perfect ball rpm spin.
Hi Great Video. I would Like to See a Video about Rackets and quality control. Which rackets / Brands have the best quality control. Please make a Video. 🖖
So where exactly is the weight added? In the handle mainly and then some at 10-2? Can you give a diagram of exactly what and where
I play with Babolat 335 g strung. And it's way better than to play with 305 g Fischer.
With 335 g i can spin the ball very well and my serve is good too. It's easier to play with racket more than 300 g. U need some time to adapt to new racket then it goes perfect.
I play switching right and left hand. Only forhand! First serve as a rule with left hand (because my right is too strong and i can break the frame or strings and because of tennis elbow). The second serve is always with right hand, spinny ball. I'm playing only with topspins and very very seldom i use the slice or short ball. Train ur muscles! And of course no weight (lead) in the head.
How do you explain the playing characteristics in terms of physics?
Thanks guys!
Our pleasure!
Hi Jonas, I want to know what changes does a company make to get a heavier spec version of a racket? Is the material more dense? is there more material? Do they add weight in sections of the frame?
For instance I want to customise a lighter spec version of a racket with lead tape to be weighted slightly lighter than the heavier model. BUT I’m afraid the quality of the racket in the lighter spec version will be less because they are suited for beginner players.
Thanks
my racket specs are 327 swing weight, 31,2cm balance and 355 gram static weight. It works fantastic. But i didn't just slap weight on my racket. I measured it and tried several different setups to hone in on the right polarisation of weight, the right swing weight and the right balance. The static weight of 355 gram was the result of all those other attrributes.
Which racket do you play with?
@@James-qv1dr few different ones:
Head gravity pro (under spec)
Pro staff 97rf (under spec)
Head radical pro
Angell react 96 mid 16x19
Yonex percept 97 310
Yonex vcore 95 ('21 en '23)
Dunlop cx200 tour 95 18x20
Al customized to my spec
@@LarzB I feel like you'd like the Head Prestige MP-L with added weight.
Mine comes in around 330g strung with a 325 sw. The sensation on impact is very nice.
You have a nice collection of rackets there :)
@@James-qv1dr i would like the try the latest mp and mpL version with auxetic 2 sometime. I've got with several prestiges in the past, but never the 99 inch² head one.
Personally its a very heavy raquet but very little swing weight. A standard Blace 16/19 V8 is higher swing weight. Too little SW in my opinion.
335g unstrung 18/20 string pattern
Head light
Natural Gut 56lbs
That’s the setup that works for me
For me there's a simple idea on how much SW you can handle. If you can make 20-30 consistent push-ups (not half, full move-set), u have enough strength for a SW around these parameters. If you're stronger than this u can easily go higher in SW....
I think this is very much related to technique too. A swing that flows well conserve quite a bit of muscle energy.
I personally don't think SW has a whole lot to do with arm or shoulder strength and has a lot more to do with core and balance.
@@amsd1231 Don't agree. More SW means there's more mass in the head of the frame. You need good strength in arms/shoulder/upper body to maneuver this mass effectively over a longer period... ,)
@@caioprudente3279 It should only be a basic guidance, but I totally agree, higher SW shouldn't be used with a poor technique, that's for sure... ,)
@@hybrid11theory75 Yeah which is why you need a good core and balance (aka upper body). Of course you need some strength in the arms are shoulders to hold the racket but most of the effort in "swinging"(SW) the racket comes from your core and moving the balance of your body.
This court looks great, where is it located?
Great point that people tends to forget, You dont have to be your best everyday, in the end tennis is just being better than the other person you are playing to. Almost impossible to play low percetage winner on every point you need a racket that give you stability even when you are not hitting your strides.
I am wondering if the babolat rafa origin racket hurts your wrist because it is so stiff - it is 70 according to tennis warehouse. I demoed and use rackets as heavy and anything flexier typically feels better. Just curious about reasoning for a stiffer racket
all true and believed in it for years but with heavy(too heavy) you could easily ruin your wrist. When you don´t play more than 1-2 times a week with not hitting the ball perfectly which happens especially on clay with all the bad bounces. Played 30 years the Prostaff and 10 years the RF now my wrist is gone and it will never come back. Now use Clash to just be able to play and keep pain below 5. - So if no perfect hitter be carefull.
You gentlemen are gooooooorgeous!!!
Played the hefty Prestige MP 2021 18x19 and Prince Synergy 98. I could hit the flat forehands behind the baseline a la Murray - lots of loose - wristy action. Thing is, when I had to step in the mid-court and lift the ball up, I just couldn't do it.
Headheavy rackets are just too demanding for me.
Heavy static weight is not a huge factor for me, since I don't play long matches.
Swingweigth and Balance are more definitive for me.
I've played a Prestige Tour 600 and a Prince Tour 95 (2015) = super whippy, stable and top-spin oriented rackets. Not supposed to feel easy, but they did, despite the small head-size.
My current prefered specs:
98 sq inches
tight patterns
Strung weight: 330 grams
Swingweight: 320
Stiffness: 64 +/-
Balance (strung): 6-8 points headlight
Hi, 360g 31cm balance and 340sw are relative to strung raquet + overgrip right?
Yes
I have never found this to be the case. I keep trying a heavier racket but, no its not better unless one is just slogging the same shot form the base line playing a practice machine
I can tell you who the 300 gram racket is made for. It’s made for the majority of new racket buyers who are beginners. When they’re in a tennis shop they pick up two rackets, one 10.5 oz., one 12 oz. The majority of beginners are going to like the lighter racket that swings easier. Manufacturers main goal is to sell rackets. They’ll even deceive the public by touting a Pro is using a racket that you can buy in a shop but in reality the pro is using a racket that is completely different and only has the same paint job. Bait and switch at its finest.
Why would foam make a racket more sluggish?
You mentioned the Pro Staff but never really explained why it was not one of the rackets on the table. Any chance you can expand on that?
I didnt know the rf97 was foam filled. I love it and although i have not added weight other than overgrip and bumper tape (3 grams). The weight is demanding but very rewarding on return of serve to just shorten my swing and let the racquet do the work. It feel very stable returning fast serves. I have a prestige mid which is 330g unstrung and i have added a leather grip plus overgrip but can see in some situations where i could go up in the weight like returning serve. Do the new blades feel as flexible as the older head prestige? The feel is kind of addictive to me right now as i have been using pro staffs for a long time and they are relatively stiff
That's why I beefed up my PD first gen with lead at 12 to 338grs strung...but I still miss the touch of HM 300G custom😢
Could you do a video on how to add weight to the handle and also in general do what ur friend did to his aero vs
Yes, will dive deeper into the topic in future videos.
I weighted both my old blade V7 and new ProStaff V14 to 350g. I serve better with the blade, ground strokes better with the Pro Staff ;( I may test the new blade v9 in hopes it bridges the gap. I LOVE both rackets so I'm hopeful on the new blade. GREAT video. I'm old school and prefer weightier sticks! I'll try the Dunlops CX 200 and 400 too, I like the specs of the 200.
I have V9 16x19 and PS v14.
V14 - 340 total weight
V9 - 349 total
At first, the v 9 is not doing it for me when it was on stock form. But after adding weights it becomes a good one.
But I still hit better and move better with the pro staff.
Also I know what youre saying, blade on swrve and pro staff on strokes.
I really want to match my v14 specs(SW, balance, etc.) to my v9 to actually see what I prefer.
Any chance to get info on where he added the weight to get to those specs on the Aero vs?
I started using the Pure Aero 98 and Pure Aero VS. i added a leather grip and 4 inches of lead to each. I tend to get more power with the Pure Aero 98 but doesnt hit as solid due to the lower stiffness level. Did Daniel add lead to the 12 position on the VS?
slappy slap tennis 🤣 Excellent discussion!
I put lead tape on my racket in my late 20s and ended up with a shoulder injury. Amatuers need lighter rackets period. From 2.0 to 5.0. Anyone over 5.0 may be built for heavier rackets. We are not all gifted
C10 Pro with 18/19 gauge is the truth, rock solid w plentiful whip. Receiving 5.0+ serves w vcore 95 is flatly unpleasant and rattles my arm.
Stock VC95?
I use the Wilson RF97A. What am I to do now wilson have stopped production, as im used to the heavier weight (365g)?
Always from 17 onwards 13oz. 10 points head light.
❓❓I've added a heat shrink wrap to increase my grip size. How does this affect swing weight and balance? The manufacturer spec of my racquet was 6pt HH prior to the wrap. It added ~20g to the overall weight.
It depends by the original specs, but swingweight slightly higher (+5pts?) and balance much lower (even?). Does it perform better or not?
Any particular recommendation(s) for adding weight to my Yonex Vcore 100 (2021)? 4.0 player, middle aged, baseline grinder big forehand
What is the best modern equivalent to a head PT57a? Is it the new prestige pro 2023 or 2024?
I need to complement my racquets with a new one. But these light racquets they sell for a lot of money make me sick. My favourite racquet is still my Estusa Power Beam Braided. I also have two Head Prestige Flexpoints. I am stuck not sure what to get next. The Babolat sounds interesting, I always use Babolat strings anyway.
very interesting! would you give some advice about how you'd approach weighting up a spin-friendly racket to replicate what he discusses in this video? (e.g. blade 100, ezone 98, pure drive...). I don't have a way to measure swing weight.
Don't increase weight by adding lead in the hoop. Add the weight in the handle
Thanks! I will do follow-ups to this video.
@@CH-yp5by No! you should see how little the swing weight change even when adding 5 grams in the handle. Its about swingweight. I think a 360gram 350 swingweight raquet is easier to play with then a 325gram 350 swingweight raquet. 340 swing weight as standard raquet is in the long run quite massive.
Hi Jonas, looking forward to the follow up videos on this topic. I'm looking to do something similar with a PD, but love to learn more about how this PA98 was modified and where/methods
I always thought it's strange that people say increasing swing weight by 10-20% is such a crazy thing to do, as if it requires insane levels of strength. We're talking abour pretty marginal increases, you can get used to them if you want to.
Weighted up Prestige Pro to 340g. Strung VS & NXT tight. Arm was a bit sore for only a week, but produces great, flat power in a control racquet. I see top ATP players have increased their weight as well. Many will say "But that's the pros, not for the average player"...dumheter! Pros are on the cutting edge of the sport, and do things because they work.
What caused my tennis elbow and shoulder pain was the weight of the racquet and tension ! So , a light racquet is preferred.
Sorry to say but this specifications are for pros..not you
@
What a stupid ,, ignorant comment ! Pros didn’t started off pros dude ! They began their journey as regular folks ! That’s like saying a Steinway is for professional pianist ! Steinway doesn’t care if you’re a pro; the tennis manufacturer doesn’t care if you’re a pro either !
I assume you are talking about strung weight?
people in the comments really saying "Alcaraz/Sinner, hur dur" and completely missing the points being discussed in the video. Pros that have been playing since childhood have different priorities in terms of racquet change and using them as a counterargument is just disingenuous.
Also, heavy does not mean 340g+, its all relative to the player's level. 315g might already be heavy for you and that's fine. Unless you're constantly competing like a pro and can't afford an adjustment period or have injury issues, experimenting in a sport you enjoy is all part of the fun.
I have Babolat AeroPro Drive 2013, what should I do if a want more weight on it?
I’ve played with it for many years, you should definitely add weight to the handle(cuz it already has loads of power). Put a leather grip.
What's your take on how much SW should one try going up while customising? I've been recently adding +3 or 4 kg-cm^2 to the SW with each increase and I try that setup for about 1-2 months. It plays better every time indeed, but it's also taking a while to find my limit I guess.
Started with underspec rackets with 323-324 kg-cm^2, and currently at 334 SW. Would it be too much adding 10 SW or more in one go?
Yes, take it slow, I don’t recommend 330+ SW unless you are a strong player. This is very personal, I like it, but it can maybe lead to issues for some…my main point is that I don’t quite understand 300-310 SW strung racquets
@@Tennisnerd Thanks Jonas.
You're absolutely right on going carefully with it, so I'll patiently keep the approach. As it's going I'm eyeing somewhere around 335-340. But curious to just do a test with 350 or even 360 on one session to find out hehe
On the physical side my PT 2.0 makes my body workout every time 😂, and I can relate with Daniel when he pointed that it's hard to grind points with these old school rackets.. they're amazing when going for it, but it's so challenging and ineffective to maintain that play mode throughout competitive matches - for my level at least. But the old frames feel soo good..
Thanks again, and for the great content 🎾👍
few year ago i customized 360+ prestige mp to 330grams,30,5cm balance 300sw unstrung. Strung it was almost 360grams. Good racket but 98,18x20 20MMbeam :D not good idea this type of customization for this type of racket. But i can understand that similar customization with racket with more power and spin as pure aero vs its really good idea.
Btw agree heavy rackets are good,cant play with rackets lighter as 310grams. Now i switched from gravity pro to extreme pro :D samespecs, thicker beam, more spin more power tight string pattern. Exactly thing what i missed from gravity pro :D
It would make sense as well to switch to a customized heavy extreme mp have you tried?
@@LL-kz1qe no, as i said i dont like light rackets, 300grams its too light. But MP is similar as pro, i think beam is same just pattern in more open
A lot of players are facing this racket transition issue.
Most people don’t have access to demos. Every purchase is a gamble
@@chevy4x466 true.. in Argentina demos doesn't exist.. you must read a LOT to find your racquet.. i played with a wilson kfactor 6.1 95 16x18 332g unstrung when i was 15.. 20 years later i comeback to tenis and i tried SO MANY racquets.. pure drive gt roddick 315g, pro staff v12 315g, head speed IG youtek 300g, pure aero 300g, head speed mp 315g.. then i tried the RF97 (340g unstrung) and fall in love.. i use it like 1 year BUT is a very heavy racquet and after 2 hours of serious playing the arm cant keep the ritm... mostly my 1HB (367g strung + dampner).. so NOW i discover what it seems the holy grial and that is the PRESTIGE 18x20 98 320g unstrung... beautiful feel, control and stability.. it lacks a bit of power but if you are a big hitter it wont be a big problem with the correct string.
My sticks are 402g with a 469 sw…