Every Beginner Tennis Question ANSWERED ft. Winners Only

Unsure what to look for in a new tennis racquet as a beginner? Overwhelmed by all the tennis string options on the market? Beckett works with Jake from Winners Only to answer every beginner tennis racquet and string question you can think of.
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[@nolanfitzgerald5485]

Thanks Beckett! I have never tried racquet sports before and I just picked up a RF Pro Staff 97 with alu power at 60lbs! It's a little light but a great beginner racquet for me!

[@TennCom]

Yeah I’m concerned you went too light with your first racquet but that’s fine. It’s more important that you have fun in the court. Worst case you could just stop eating so you get weaker, making the racquet a better fit for your game.

[@nolanfitzgerald5485]

@@TennCom great - ill start fasting to improve my swing speed, cheers.

[@tennisteuton]

@@nolanfitzgerald5485 You got it right! And believe me, once you faint during a match because of your hypoglycemic status, you'll have epic stories to tell

[@where-we-roam]

RF Pro Staff too light for a beginner racquet? LOL...

[@brandomaxwell]

Yeah, @whereweroam4, I was thinking the same. At 12.6 oz, that's one of the heaviest sticks made. Are you and I missing an inside joke?

[@lemon9925]

This is a great series idea: "live" racket consultations. I would assume there's a spectrum of recreational level players that are subscribed and I do feel like a lot of the journey is playing out tons of hours and learning what jargon racket nerds take for granted, and how they calibrate/integrate those metrics into their journey and/or day-to-day game (flex, materials, tension, control, spin, pocketing, snapback, bite, hybrid stringing, pricing structures, etc.) It feels like a great platform to begin to understand what things matter to different types of players. Huge fan from Korea and can't wait to order my reel of Grapplesnake m8 when I visit my family in the states in a couple weeks!

[@TennCom]

thanks for the positive feedback! I've been thinking about doing viewer submissions for a while, nice to know that there is some appeal out there!

[@Nadu16]

I discovered your channel today and wow, this is so helpful and explained in the simplest way. Thank you!

[@TennCom]

thanks for watching! glad you are enjoying

[@b.lakeberg7456]

Did he trial a traditional gromett frame vs the O3 ports on his current Prince frame? That would be interesting to get his feelings between the two. Great video! This is an excellent idea to highlight the process of choosing a frame and string.

[@bramatias]

Always good advice!

[@TennCom]

Thanks Matias

[@romainth3]

Another great video!

[@TennCom]

thanks Romain!

[@ByongSun]

Not sure what the demo programs are like in Austin Texas but my local PGA Superstore has a pretty lax return policy. I would heavily encourage somebody at this level to spend a lot of time demoing different racquets and strings. Great recommendations!

[@TennCom]

Thanks Baking Soda! lol epic name

[@derekpappas1556]

Stringing in long Island and NYC costs $25.00 and could go up to $40.00 by one stringer in PA . If the gentleman wants to get a second Prince Beast racquet ,then it should be out soon in North America . Isner already uses the racquet and it was out in japan last year .

[@Winners-Only]

Beckett is the Goat! Wouldn't go to anyone else for gear advice!

[@TennCom]

Can’t wait to see you crush Trey with the new setup!

[@Nessaj87]

Ezone 100 is the way to go. Quality control from Yonex is miles ahead of it's competitors, and it's a very forgiving racket. I know Beckett is really into Grapplesnake strings, but I would recommend giving Head Lynx Tour in Orange a try in that Ezone 100 (or Babolat Pure Drive/Aero - Head Extreme - Dunlop FX500 whichever you end up with)

[@jorgetirado3201]

This is good and needed! Only feedback would be if he’s using a multifilament or synthetic gut, he could probably use it till it breaks or at least two weeks if he’s playing 8 hrs/week. Also tnt makes great synthetic guts 👍🏼

[@TennCom]

Good point. Agreed.

[@Javi_C]

What a night and day difference new stringing would do for Jake! Good recommendation on the string, I would also say other multifillaments would work great as well, since they tend to hold tension longer than polyester strings. I would imagine that stringing labor would be at least $20 in retail tennis shops down in Austin, and a good price to pay a home stringer would be $15 (I string in in North Texas, so it shouldn’t be that way off). Just make sure they know how to string that Prince O port racquet, since many stringers don’t know how to install the crosses the right way.

[@TennCom]

good point I totally forgot how painful it can be to deal with O-ports. it also really helps to have a locking machine!

[@ivanhannel]

This is terrific. I'm new to tennis. Playtesters often describe the "launch angle" as being higher or lower based on the racket/string. First, is there a method for testing that metric, like swing weight or is this an unmeasured attribute? Second, what is the apportionment between the racket and the strings in general for launch angle and, separately, spin? Third, how do you tell whether your stroke is more flat or more topspin by the mechanics of the stroke itself, as opposed to simply looking at the flight path of the ball? I guess I can't predict based on seeing a person's swing to what extent they hit flat or topspin, which means it's hard to mimic a swing to develop more topspin because I can't discern what makes the difference in the swing itself (other than "low to high"). Tennis is complicated.

[@TennCom]

Thanks! Tennis Warehouse University has a tool that looks at launch angle, but its not really that useful because the launch angle can be greatly impacted by so many uncontrollable variables. Ball type, incoming ball speed, incoming ball spin, incoming ball angle, racquet, string, tension, swing path, racquet face angle etc. No human is likely to encounter this type of controlled environment on court. I've also disagreed with lots of people on what racquets have a high or low launch angles. In general, most of the major reviews will share similar opinions because we've all tested so many racquets, but people on forums will have very different experiences which form different opinions. Spin and launch angle should be seen as independent factors. Most racquets and strings with higher launch angles have higher spin potentials, but its up to the players to realize those potentials. For example, I can't hit that much spin with very open string patterns because I fear the ball will fly out so I reduce my racquet head speed. Pure spin potential and actual spin potential may be more accurate ways to think about it. You can predict the ball flight/ball spin by analyzing a player's swing. I'm currently working on a system for my reviews that will better match certain racquets to certain swing types. This only way to impart spin on the ball is by adding vertical movement to your swing path. At the top level, this usually just happens with the wrist and the legs. At more recreation levels and with older school technique, you could see the vertical swings more obviously because the wrist is typically more locked, so the whole arm had to swing vertically to impart spin. Being new to tennis, this is probably more than you really need to worry about. But if you are having fun with it, I highly recommend you look into some threads on Tennis Warehouse that discuss recoil weight and mrg/i. Specifically "Demystifying Recoil Weight" and "who even cares about recoil weight" by the user Brando.

[@ivanhannel]

@@TennCom You are awesome, thanks for the great response. I will that out.

[@user-bx6or9bm5i]

Good day... How about the HEAD RADICAL TEAM. Is it good for an begginer to intermediate in player?. I would like to change my racket.. thank you

[@Kaddikt]

Hi! Beginner player here and your new fan and subscriber. Love love love your content! I’m currently using a pro staff v13 97L, which I regret buying just because of its sleek aesthetics. I understand now why pro staff is wilson’s most difficult line to use and more catered towards intermediate-advanced players. I can still play with it but I find it too unforgiving and low-powered when I dont hit the sweetspot (and the PS97L has a small sweetspot). I’m thinking of switching to something that’s a bit easier to use with a more forgiving feel. I’m torn between the yonex ezone 98L/100/100L and head gravity MP. I don’t want a true beginner racket, so something that a low intermediate player can also use. Which one would you recommend? Some info about me I’m a 5’8” asian male who doesn’t do any other sports so I’m not exactly the fittest but I’m generally not too weak (in terms of strength/power). Because I dont have a playstyle yet (baseliner, counterpuncher, etc), I’m looking for a racquet that has a good balance between power, control and spin potential. Oh I’m also still figuring out whether I’m more of a two-hander or a one-hander (so far I’m leaning more towards 1-h backhand)

[@Kaddikt]

Currently watching your video about which ezone 98 vs 100 is right for you…

[@TennCom]

Hi thanks so much for watching! I would say that it doesn't matter that much what racquet you buy until you've made enough strides with your game to have developed a playstyle, as well as some goals for what you want to improve. If the EZONE 100 excited you, that'd be a great choice, but so would almost any other 100 square inch power racquet, whether is be the VCORE 100, Dunlop FX500 or whatever. I think it would also be 100% fine to stick with the 97L. If anything, you might improve faster with the less forgiving racquet because the need to improve your footwork will be more obvious.

[@LarzB]

A beginner who plays 8 hours a week doesn't have to restring every week. Once every 4 months is more than enough. Even every 6 months. Of he's a bit further then one every 3 months. But every week is ridiculous

[@TennCom]

Perhaps need was too strong a word. I think a beginner at Jake’s level would still notice increase performed from weekly string jobs given the amount he’s playing.

[@LarzB]

@@TennCom i think in usta levels that I'm a 4.0 or a 4.5 (trying not to overestimate my level), i also play like 8 hours a week but restring my polyester strings about every 16 hours without much degradation. I never break strings, but cut them out when they start to feel like they don't have any elasticity anymore. I hit my first serves which hit the back fence before it bounces twice and train with a ball machine every 2 weeks. If you suggest a player to string weekly, even 2 weekly or even monthly, then better suggest them to buy a second hand stringing machine for around 100 usd/euro as they will break even within the first year easily.

[@TennCom]

I don’t think those 2 point drop weights are the right move. They are hard on the racquet and it takes so much time and patience to get a good job out of them. Since they take at least an hour to do, if you make $20/h or more, it’s worth it to get it strung by a professional.

[@LarzB]

@@TennCom Oh I agree on 2 point. But I bought 2 times a drop weight machine which has a 6 point system with fixed clamps for around 100 euros. The 6 point fixed clamp drop weight machines cost about 400 new and can be found for in between 80 and 140 second hand. Stringing with a 6 point fixed clamp drop weight is about 30 minutes and can be done in front of the tv with chrome cast while watching TennCom ;-)

[@TennCom]

Wow you have amazing prices in Europe. I couldn’t find any used ones so had to spend $1000CAD on a 6 point drop weight after the “TennCom” discount lol.

[@mingdeity]

I'm a new player who wants to play just like my idol Rafa, so I bought a Pure Aero Rafa and weighted it up with lead tape at 1 through 12 to get it to Rafa's spec of 340g and 375 SW. I want Rafa-like spin too and strung it up with Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable 17 at 40 lbs. Sometimes my balls fly over the fence and my wrist doesn't straighten out, but it sure feels good to channel the GOAT Nadal!!

[@topbanana3413]

Great tipps! HOWEVER: Man, everyone is overthinking it right now! Find something that feels good and go with it... Also, I let my friend, three weeks into tennis, but very, very sporty, try my Prestige and Radical. He liked the Prestige so much more.

[@lsfire3489]

Tough one to start with though

[@Javi_C]

I started with a Prestige as a beginner years ago, and it made me learn the strokes. I don’t use a Prestige anymore, but I wouldn’t say it’s a wrong racquet to start out with. It will be harder than other racquets for sure, but if you stick with it, it shouldn’t be a problem.

[@TennCom]

Jake is now at the level where he should be putting in more thought regarding his racquet setup. But in general, I agree, there's no need to get too worked up about certain things like tension when half of the fun lies in trying out new combinations.

[@topbanana3413]

@@Javi_C I even know a female player, never played anything Prestiges. Prestiges are great rackets!

[@K4R3N]

Give him a Speed MP Auxetic with some Technifibre HDX

[@ryansolomon4178]

Didn’t realize you are in the Peg. Is George your coach? I use Hyper G 16L but have you also tried Restring Zero. I’ve been seeing great reviews.

[@TennCom]

I’ve got a couple sets in my drawer begging for a review. George and I go way back! I just moved here again so am looking for new hitting partners.

[@ryansolomon4178]

@@TennCom I play at Taylor in George’s league and the Taylor league. I enjoy your reviews and so If you want to hit, would be happy to.

[@ryansolomon4178]

I would love to know what you think of those strings as well.

[@2033rabbit]

Every tennis channel recommends velocity mlt and says all the stuff about it. As a stringer I’ve never used velocity mlt and it been slick. It’s always very sticky and doesn’t do what everyone says. I’ve strung probably 50 packs of it and all the same.

[@TennCom]

What colour are you using? I find the black colour to be insane slippery and its probably the easiest string to string in my experience. Have gone through multiple reels when I worked at Courtside. It was our most popular string by far.

[@Dasato123]

Instead of launch angles you should have told Jake about the general rule: lower tension = more power, generally softer feeling impact. Higher tension = more control, generally harder/firmer feel. Even though the age of wood rackets is over it’s still a good practice to cut the strings off the racket as soon as possible. Alternate cutting cross and main strings to relieve the stress on the frame as evenly as possibly. Frankly a guy at Jakes level wouldn’t really benefit from once a week restringing. Once a month with a quality multifilament nylon would be more than enough. I’d have him experiment on tension by stringing a few pounds higher or lower each restring so he can get a general idea of how different string tensions affect the performance and feel of his frame.

[@TennCom]

Why do you think it’s better to use terms like power or control when they are more vague? Imo being specific and clear is a better approach, regardless of level.

[@Dasato123]

Your making the argument that a Rocket Scientist should use terms like , Thrust to weight ratio, Specific impulse or Mass Ratio when explaining how a bottle rocket works to a seven year old child. Jake is the tennis equivalent of a kindergartner. A month ago he had no idea what a split step or unit turn was. He still can barely do either. To a beginner tennis player the terms, more or less power, more or less control and harder or softer feel are far more clearly understandable terms than “Launch Angle.” For a player that can’t consistently control the racket face Launch Angle is a almost meaningless term. But knowing that a lower string tension will make the ball go faster compared to a higher tension, that’s information he can use and more easily understand. You may be a little out of touch with the non nerd tennis community. A sizable percentage of tennis players are lucky if they restring once a year. And these aren’t just beginners. I’ve known several USTA 4.5 women that restring once a a year. If you told them that their racket had a low swing weight, they might respond “Thanks, I’ve been dieting.”

[@TennCom]

The reason I use launch angle is because tension does not affect spin or ball speed. That’s why I don’t like to use the term power. I believe in the ability of the everyday person to understand these concepts.

[@EdgewoodTennis]

PGA store - stringing costs $15 and takes 5 days

[@K4R3N]

Dude's been hitting same strings since Obama administration. Jesus

[@tennisteuton]

apparently, back then people made things that last

[@wongjefx980]

So, the crop of the art-painting in the background, with the wrong imagination...is a little disturbing..ha ha. Seriously, I love my Yonex Ezone, but got it in a light. Wasn't sure if a 300g unstrung would feel right for me, so got a inexpensive Prince Warrior at 300g and now a lite racket feels off. Love to move to a Yonex Vcore Pro 100, but the cost...

[@TennCom]

Hahaha my sister painted that! She will pleased to know you’ve been creeped out hahaha