Racquet Advice

Count Zero · Tennis legend

Racquet Advice

johnnylad · Tennis legend

Its not an answer!

But just to give everyone a laugh!

I still play with a jaguar racket from 1992

Sheddie · administrator

I suggest you get Babolat, one of the lightest rackets out there. You can hit with controlled power with it and get a lot of feel. Good for hitting kick serves. I play with Duraflex strings, thinking of changing as though they're incredibly durable after a long while, it becomes a bit like a trampoline. Thinking of changing to these red Dunlop (?) ones which while just as durable, don't lose their tension.

I play with Babolat contest lite, cost me 60 quid.

I also use Wilson nvision, slightly larger racket head and gives you more power but less control.

The only one I'd say to avoid from past experience is Yonex, that was horrible to play with

Count Zero · Tennis legend

hi david, what about this one:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/Product_arborescence/racket-sports-a/tennis-equipmen/tennis-racket--/ad-advan-racket/product_6128143/index.html

i cant find it on the babolat webist tho.
I see the one you mention is £67 at pwp, or £80 at a shop much nearer me called wigmore.

how do i find out what grip size i am?

my current racquet is 320-330 grams and i have a bit of lead tape too on the top. so yours would be quite a bit lighter.

how do you know what strings to use? i think mine is strung both big banger and has never been changed, but still holding up ok. when you get a new racquet should you always get it re-strung?

Sheddie · administrator

That link doesn't work Count ?

Yeah I got it at pwp..you could also try the babolat pure drive which Roddick and Slabba use. I've hit with it and it's a really nice racket, didn't get it because it was too expensive.

I just found my grip size by testing out a few swings and seeing which size felt comfortable for me

There's probably a better method, if you ask the people who run the shop, they should be able to help.

Wow, that racket is heavy ! Why lead tape ?

Heavy rackets enable you to get a lot more power but less control and as you say it's unforgiving. My Wilson racket is heavier than the Babolat, I get more power but less spin (though that could be down to the strings too).

I generally use the factory strings till they break (takes about 1-2 months) and then get them restrung. I have to use very durable strings because I hit pretty hard off the ground, I've asked around at my club for advice. Some people told me that you get a lot less feel with duraflex but I disagree. I haven't encountered the "trampoline" problem with the string yet, but have only had it since last August. I hit a lot with a guy my age who's a real power hitter, he absolutely goes all-out power-wise on every single shot..particularly the forehand, goes for big winners every single time. I asked him about strings for my (currently broken) wilson racket, he suggested the red ones.

Count Zero · Tennis legend

The tape was to try and get more power as i felt i was lacking, i guess it moves the weight balance further up the head. boggo use the pure team control, i wonder what thats like?
I like the grip on my current racquet, but as it was just given to me i dont know what it is, my hand is about 7 1/2 inches (about 19cm) from tip forefinger to bottom of palm,

btw have you seen:

http://www.londontennis.co.uk/index.php

i have signed up, but havent used it really yet, might be of interest to you, but not sure if it covers your area.

johnnylad · Tennis legend

I have always been impressed by Prince rackets when I've played with other people

SOsala · Newbie

Hi!

Im in the market for a new racket, I'm looking for a higher quality racket than the one I currently use... The Shedman suggested a Babolat racket, is anyone familiar with their Y Line?

spud · Challenger qualifying

Anyone had a hit with the newest model of slazenger series( I know, lol, does anyone use slazenger anymore) being the : Slazenger Quad Flex 305. Its what Henman started using after his career and i recall Dan Evans using it at Queens when he lost to Malisse. (He now uses the dunlop series of aerogel)
I currently use the Slazenger NX1- restrung with very good long lasting strings. But would like to know if anyone could say anything about this new model and if its worth it?