I started using a Babolat racket last year and I'm starting to notice some arm issues like many others on here. My question is, what rackets do y'all suggest to help with that? I was thinking of switching to a Yonex or the Wilson Pro Staff but honestly I have no clue which ones are good for arm issues.
I started using a Babolat racket last year and I'm starting to notice some arm issues like many others on here. My question is, what rackets do y'all suggest to help with that? I was thinking of switching to a Yonex or the Wilson Pro Staff but honestly I have no clue which ones are good for arm issues.
I have both a Yonex Vcore 95 (2018 version) and a Wilson Pro Staff V13 that came out about 3.5 years ago (they since have released a V14). I don't think you can go wrong with either stick, I think the latest Vcore 95 is even softer than the 2018 version and the Pro Staff might be a tad stiffer but still very comfortable.
Some people think a 95 square inch head size is too small these days, but with the isometric head shape, it makes it feel like a 97 or 98 square inch head size. I think either one would be a fine choice, it just comes down to personal preference and which one feels better to you.
The Following User Says Thank You to dash_pinched For This Useful Post:
I started using a Babolat racket last year and I'm starting to notice some arm issues like many others on here. My question is, what rackets do y'all suggest to help with that? I was thinking of switching to a Yonex or the Wilson Pro Staff but honestly I have no clue which ones are good for arm issues.
What string and tension is on it? Have you tried with or without a dampener?
I started using a Babolat racket last year and I'm starting to notice some arm issues like many others on here. My question is, what rackets do y'all suggest to help with that? I was thinking of switching to a Yonex or the Wilson Pro Staff but honestly I have no clue which ones are good for arm issues.
The new Pure Aero is a little more arm friendly than the last gen but the Pure Drive is an arm wrecker. In general Babolat racquets aren't the best for people with arm issues. Even Alcaraz has had arm issues and he's young.
To answer the question it would be better to know which Babolat racquet you are using. You probably want to go to a stick that's got a lower RA. I don't consider Pro Staff's arm friendly as it's a player's stick as the Blade would be a better choice or even the Clash if you like it after demo. The Head Gravity MP and Speed MP are both easy to play with and have lower RA's. As for Yonex the new Percept would be their most arm friendly line. The new VCORE's are supposed to be more arm friendly but I hit with a 23 VCORE 100 and it hurt my arm worse than any Babolat frame has so sometimes it comes down to different strokes for different folks.
Also strings matter. If you are using a full bed of poly you may want to consider trying a multifilament. Really only advanced players should be using poly strings as they are not very forgiving nor do they produce much power.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Erick Estrada For This Useful Post:
Also strings matter. If you are using a full bed of poly you may want to consider trying a multifilament. Really only advanced players should be using poly strings as they are not very forgiving nor do they produce much power.
Just want to highlight this point by EE as it is very important (along with Jack mentioning string tension). If you want to go the poly route, I would string in the low to mid 40's as I find it expands the sweet spot, gives you a little more power while at the same time being more comfortable. If you like a higher tension, then go with a multifilament like Tecnifibre X-One Bi-phase or Triax. They are pricier strings, however.
I like both Yonex Poly Tour Pro and Ytex Quadro Twist, both are softer poly strings. Of course, if money is no issue, you can always go with gut, but then you probably want a hybrid setup with a poly string on the crosses (gut on the mains). Then everyone will call you Fed
The Following User Says Thank You to dash_pinched For This Useful Post:
Just want to highlight this point by EE as it is very important (along with Jack mentioning string tension). If you want to go the poly route, I would string in the low to mid 40's as I find it expands the sweet spot, gives you a little more power while at the same time being more comfortable. If you like a higher tension, then go with a multifilament like Tecnifibre X-One Bi-phase or Triax. They are pricier strings, however.
I like both Yonex Poly Tour Pro and Ytex Quadro Twist, both are softer poly strings. Of course, if money is no issue, you can always go with gut, but then you probably want a hybrid setup with a poly string on the crosses (gut on the mains). Then everyone will call you Fed
When I use Poly (Hyper G Soft I quite like) I always string below 45 lbs but with arm issues creeping in my string of choice right now is X-One BiPhase as it has near gut comfort and a lot of power potential requiring tensions of at least 54 lbs. It's just unfortunate that it's also one of the priciest strings out there with below average longevity. Head Velocity MLT is probably the best value Multi string out there and I dabble in that as well for cost savings.
Another issue with Poly strings is that for average players they will last a very long time before breaking and that means a lot of people play with them long after they are dead and bad for your arm. You should gauge how many hours you have played on the string and consider re-stringing after 8-15 hours of play with poly strings.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Erick Estrada For This Useful Post:
Thanks everyone for the information I really appreciate it! To add some more information I'm currently using a 2020 Babolat Pure Aero with synthetic gut and multifiliment cross strung at 52lbs. Sporting Life at Market Mall let's you demo rackets for a week for $5 so I will probably stop by and pick a few to test drive.
That string combo should be fine. It's likely the frame causing you issues. The 2023 PA is a little more arm friendly than the 2020 but it's not as comfortable as some of the other frames discussed. Racquet Central was letting my brother demo frames for free last year. You may want to look them up.
The Following User Says Thank You to Erick Estrada For This Useful Post:
ADF all over Mackenzie McDonald 6-4 6-2 just now. Hawk-Eye is reporting that ADF has the fastest forehand speed of all the quarter-finalists in Toronto.
