Is your racquet too heavy?

[@movdqa]

I have a pair of Berdych's frames and I'd estimate the swingweight at 390-395. I think that they weigh about 12.7 ounces. His tennis game makes complete sense with the racquet he used. He was said to have "easy power". It came from hitting with a sledgehammer and the strength and timing to get the racquet moving. He had more flattish strokes than the players coming up today.

[@ThorD4602]

Yeah, his one-dimensional game was a very limiting factor in his success. Sweet strokes, but flat hard and linear is a losing formula against the best players. I think he actually was an overachiever given his playing style, not very creative or improvisational on court, nice flat strokes and athleticism though.

[@tnuyx9405]

Wawrinka also has 390g. I miss these absolute physical units swinging anvils and generating unreal power

[@movdqa]

@@tnuyx9405 I thought that he was more like 360-370 back when he was playing with Head. The amount of lead tape didn't seem like it was 390g. He had it at 6/9 from recollection. It's possible that he had some hidden under the bumper too. I have a pair of Berdych's frames and those are 12.7 ounces, 390+ swingweight. It is possible to get headlight, high swingweight and keep it to traditional static weights.

[@tnuyx9405]

@@movdqa hmm i thought the frame + strings was 360 then he had tape over it, maybe im misremembering

[@movdqa]

@@tnuyx9405 Pro stocks usually start out with superlight hairpins and then add stuff over that. Stock racquets are usually a lot heavier. You have to add silicone in the handle and lead in the hope to get to high static weight and swingweight. I looked it up and Tennisnerd has it at 372 grams, 360 swingweight.

[@peterbedford2610]

I started playing higher level players that hit a very heavy ball and serve pretty hard. Higher weight really helps handle these balls.

[@zbighugh9193]

Same with me. In a tournament, I got to play higher level players and I couldn't handle the heaviness of their balls with my 295 g. unstrung racket. I shifted to a 330 g. racket and played a lot better. But I did notice, after the first set, if it was long and tiring, during the second set, I lost power and speed trying to swing the 330 g. racket. So now, I play first with the 330 g. racket. Then when I notice I'm losing power, I shift to the 295 g. racket (which I added lead tape to the 9/3 and 12 positions to up the weight by 12 g to 307 g. But when I start losing control, especially against big hitters, with the lighter racket, then I shift back to the heavier one.

[@wallclock4648]

Lol handle these balls

[@goldencalf5144]

​@@zbighugh9193Try adding more weight to the handle. It can make heavy racquet feel easier to swing.

[@thanhtran-rz6zq]

I can generate heavy slide with the RF like no other stick. It's stability provide no pain on my shoulder. Lighter racket vibrates, translate vibration and forces to the arm.

[@HanzSygnal]

The "rattle" at impact of sub 310 gram raquets is more bothersome than heavy sticks for me

[@MrWhitianga]

Hey that’s interesting, I just changed from a blade 98 to a lighter clash 100 and the first thing I noticed was the rattle at impact. Do you know what causes it

[@fluffy_skye]

@@MrWhitianga less mass to absorb the impact

[@bcccangel]

Same

[@akio2730]

Sorry what do you mean with rattle? A sound or a vibration.

[@trungmaster]

@@akio2730 it’s the racquet itself rattling. On impact, the racquet shakes because it’s too light to handle the shot

[@ludwigslughole9403]

I grew up playing with 370g + frames with 85sq in heads, as that was what was around in the late 80's/early 90's so I find that I simply can't play with these new lighter frames around 300g. I have tried and they just feel like balsa wood in my hands! I was playing Volkl V Feel 10 320, that was specced up at 353g, but last year I changed to the Wilson PS 97 v13 which comes in fully specced at 343g and I have found that small drop combined with the enhanced stability of the PS frame to have made a huge change. I've lost some pop on serve, but my overall game is steadier.

[@skylaxx]

Same here, agree with you 100% got elbow issues once when I tried lighter racquets.

[@andrewfinkelsteintennis1915]

Good info as ever Jonas. The real problem regular players have is access to demos. Manufacturers need to do more product days at clubs so that rec players can compare different models side by side and get info from informed sales reps. Otherwise it can take weeks/months to try all the models you might be considering. In golf they have club fittings. Something similar in tennis would be great.

[@iambs11]

They lose on sales hard by not doing this. theres wayy too many options for rec players

[@davidm.crispjr.9683]

I have just started playing around with weight recently. Currently NTRP 4.0 and play doubles, exclusively, about 4-5 times per week. I had noticed the tip of my racket was getting too quick and early on forehand ground strokes and service returns. I have three Babolat Pure Strike Gen 3's (16x19) I play with (rotate during match). Stock strung weight is 323g with 327 swing weight. I added some tungsten tape to the tips of the hoop and this has helped. With overgrip and other accessories I'm at 345g, 343g and 341g on each racket (static weight). I do not know what my swing weights are (wish I did for curiosity purposes). I've been playing tennis for 9.5 years and have been stringing my own rackets the last four years. It's fun tinkering with customization and trying to dial in the right feel.

[@spiritualdeath101]

Heavier racquets require more time on the ball and therefore faster footwork & better reaction times. Lighter racquets enable you to get away with poor footwork & off-centre shots. A 10oz racquet gave me tennis elbow - because my footwork had become lazy. A 12oz (335g) racquet forces me to get my body in the right position & play through the ball. A compromise is 11ounces - the head prestige pro seems ok - it will reward good footwork & still gives you access to spin. [Anything under 11oz really is for those looking for tennis elbow]

[@iceman1125]

heavy swingweight rackets is how you can control powerful groundstrokes. Guys on tour all play with high swingweight upwards of 350+, I started tweaking my racket for sw and it's literally a game changer. Once you get used to the weight its not much of a problem.

[@sig2552]

I use Head Pto Tour 630 (pt57a in stock code). I bought several pieces and i ve noticed the one that i feel best with is the heaviest one at 360 grams. I had elbow issues...they are all gone. Amazing tennis racquet even if it is 25 years old

[@iansk8forlife]

gugas raquet???

[@sig2552]

@@iansk8forlife yup

[@pedropaivalemos]

@@sig2552 where did you find it ? and if u can tell how much.. ?

[@sig2552]

@@pedropaivalemos i bought them on Ebay. Around 400 eur a piece.

[@act4change_co]

Thanks!

[@Tennisnerd]

Thanks!

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

Playing with a wilson RF 97 V13. Did not liked it in the original form so add led tape. Ended up with adding 15 grams on the top of the frame. Helps me with power on my serve and length of my shots. I am tall (1,91m) and have long arms so I think that has a little to with it to.

[@stephenwoods1182]

Great video & explanation. I started playing about 5 years ago (late 30's) and used the Wilson Burn ULS (263g) as my first racquet, the upgraded to the Burn LS (280g) a couple of years later. I like the speed & spin (16/18 string pattern) of the racquets but always felt I was pushed around by opponents. I have since added 8g on lead (4g each side at 3 & 9) and found the plough through to be much better. Downside is I developed tennis elbow & aggravated an old shoulder issue (probably more due to my technique). Having watched this video it is certainly making me think about what type of racquet specs would suit my game (I like to have confidence in the racquet/string setup).

[@PY3TV]

I’m finally coming back around to these customization videos. I started a few years ago by playing around with changes to static weight and balance. After much experimenting I found and have happily played with racquets set to my preferred specs. Recently I made the decision to try out a slightly stiffer and longer racquet in hopes I could edge out my competition:-) I quickly realized that just trying to match my new extended length frames to my old specs didn’t translate exactly-the swing weight was considerably higher on the new, longer racquets and ultimately resulted in a different feel. I am now in the process of trying to determine the ideal swing weight for my current style of play and can only hope that I will land at a happy medium between the improvements to my serve and the cost of maneuverability at the net. The search for the “perfect” racquet continues!!!

[@anthonydabaco8407]

Thanks Jonas for covering this subject. Completely agree about playing with a frame that you can swing with the same gusto at the start of a session as at minute 90. Had to put away DR98+ as the 335SW made it hard to keep racquet head speed up late on into play. Could really feel the fatigue in my right arm. Enter TXT100 with a 325SW, far more manageable for much longer. Interestingly same static weight as DR98+ (310g) but significant difference in distribution making the TXT feel lighter. Considering demo-ing the 290g version which supposedly has similar SW.

[@tomsd8656]

I wonder what the effect is when you have heavy racquet but lower string tension. I used the same racquet which I felt a bit too heavy for me, but dropping string tension helped quite a bit with the fatigue. My racquet head speed is not great, not as fast as when I was younger, but lower string tension makes up for that a little bit, keeping the speed of my balls still decent.

[@juan2thepaab]

I disagree... Ppl tell me I hit with a lot of spin, I use a 340+ gram racket. I also don't think heavy rackets tire you - to me it feels opposite. A heavy racket does the work for you, you don't have to hit as hard. My first coach was very against light rackets because they allow you to use your arm too much, you can develop bad technique. A heavy racket forces you to swing properly

[@juan2thepaab]

But it is harder to time a heavy racket, which is a drawback if you don't play often. But if you play often it's fine

[@tannerbrinton9808]

Agreed. Well said

[@sjjapp]

A lighter, more polarised setup will help a player with technique more towards high rpms generate more rpms. The racket speed increases basically, getting more ball rotation. The polarised setup, with the lighter static weight, heavier balance, and decent swing weight will bring the racket around extremely fast, with the right technique. This is not to say you can't generate a lot of spin with a heavier setup. On the opposite side, with the right technique, yes, a heavier frame will essentially do more of the work for you. This can make it less demanding physically than swinging a lighter one. That said, a lighter setup gives you more time on the ball, which is well worth highlighting. Basically it's all down to the individual, and it's not always about level. Heavier isn't necessarily better or worse. It can only be better or worse for you specifically.

[@bournejason66]

A heavy racket is not suitable for players who are still developing swing techniques. You can get away with bad technique much easier with heavy racket because the ball might still travel fast. You get the false impression that your technique is good. That’s why many club players stuck at 3.0 or 3.5 for years.

[@tannerbrinton9808]

@@bournejason66 What racquets do juniors play with? Their racquets have very heavy swing weights

[@TheSmartodd]

I really like the smoothness of your ground strokes!

[@otogigamer]

I play with a Pure drive team that's 11.5 oz / 326 grams strung with a balance of 12.9 in. very head light.

[@Gabriel-MagicMusic]

Yonex Pro 97 ( 310) with 4 g lead at 3 and 9 a clock. Tecnifibre 4s ( 1.25) , tension 48 pounds

[@davidsim993]

I'm a flatter hitter, 5.0 NTRP, using a Blade Pro 18x20. Swingweight is 352g, and weight is 343g. Overall, really nice for my game. The only possible improvement I can think of is to lower the flex and headsize to 95 but no complaints

[@tophersuwita]

I am 4.0 with OHBH allcourt player, I switched from EZ Tour 2022 to BP 18x20 and found much more consistent groundstrokes and volleys, except serves. My serves were erratic and my flat aces were gone. Is it possible that I am used to a more HL racket? Do you have tips?

[@martybruno9548]

I am a 72 year old male, 5'9" and 130 lb. Friend recommended heavier rackets and for years I played exclusively with a Pro Kennex K5 PSE at 380 grams. Had no problem with the weight and love the racket. Hit a flat ball and love the depth of shots this racket provides. Have lots of other rackets I use at times for fun and change of pace. Recently have played some with my old Head Liquid Metal Radical weighted up to 350 grams and have enjoyed it. Also go to 27.5 inch racket at times and use a ProKennex Q5X Pro weighted to 345 grams. All of these rackets seem to provide easy power and the weight doesn't bother me. In fact I am so used to it I find it an advantage. All my rackets are strung at very low tension, 40 lbs. Enjoyed the video. To my way of thinking heavier is better even at my age.

[@monlewi1976]

Started tennis 4y ago with babolat aero pro drive 2012, (300g), then switched to pure drive 2015 which is 300g too, and also used Head Speed youtek S 285g which I really like cause of manoeuvrability . These babolat and Head felt really stiff on my elbow so I decided to try Wilson Pro Staff RF97 (340g unstrung) --- stick to this racket now. Still can manage this racket, super stable and very friendly to my elbow. Overall my game got better with pro staff dont look back.

[@goldencalf5144]

Yes, I tried to play with a Pure Drive and struggled to control the power. As a result, I wouldn't follow through properly on my shots. It also gave me a funny sensation in my shoulder when I served with it. I was much happier playing with heavier mid size frames that encouraged me to take full swings.

[@thanhtran-rz6zq]

Definitely the the RF, the racket do the work for me because of shoulder pain. WITH THE Yonex Regna, a lighter Rackers give me pain. I CAN ALSO GENERATE HEAVY SLIDE WITH THE RF.

[@kenharris7194]

I used to play with thin beam frames in the 90's that weighed 350-360 grams strung. Now that I am in my 50's 325 grams strung is my sweet spot with a swingweight in the low 320's. I now play with a customized Dunlop CX 200 OS and have the best of both worlds 🌎! I get the power, control, stability, spin, comfort that I need. For a while I was playing with the Prince Phantom 100P but the 330 SW was too demanding for me these days. It's best to play with the heaviest swingweight your arm can handle without causing fatigue and injuries.

[@PrecisionPointTennis]

Putting lots more weight on my 2023 Head Gravity Pro to get it working right. Don’t know my SW but I’ve added 4 grams total at 3&9 and 2 grams on top of hoop. Much much better now! Using Alu power at 23/22

[@iliannachev2882]

Great content in this video! I started experiencing problems with tennis racquets exactly when they started making them lighter back in the day. I really loved my Dunlop Max 200G that John McEnroe and Steffi Graf used.

[@BurnsTennis]

@tennisnerd No need to go lighter, stay true to what works for you.

[@twinwankel]

For me, I play with an intermediate racket Babalot 105, 10.5 oz and a Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13, 12.2 oz. The weight difference is 1.7 oz. If I play on consecutive days, the Pro Staff will definitely make my wrist sore. Also, I notice that even though I have more plow through with the Pro Staff, the swing weight prevents me from building as much racket head speed as the Babalot. So I can easily hit a more powerful shot with the Babalot. However, the Pro Staff is definitely more stable and better control but maneuverability can be an issue when tired.

[@michaelt8682]

hi man, how much do you think a heavier stick could potentially add to a serve?

[@vnishpt7036]

Head PT 2, only customization was replacing stock grip with Babolat Syntec Team Feel grip to allow for Wilson Pro overgrip add w/o increasing static weight, 17g Triax in the M's @ 48 lbs & 18g Solinco Revolution in the X's @ 42 lbs, 348g static weight, 335 swing weight. The racket actually plays better with a bit higher weight IMO but this setup feels about right for me. Still figuring out string tension some but currently on the shelf for past 60 days or so with a sprained knuckle from a recent running accident but hope to be back on the court before EOM. Thanks for the post as always interesting.

[@chrislockwood302]

I'm playing with Prestige MP Touch (leaded). Static weight strung is 360g, SW (measured with Babolat SW macine) is 380g. Balance is around 348 mm, so even to slightly head-heavy. Anyway, a week a go I accidentally picked up one of my old Prestige MP XT (all lead removed). I noticed straight away "something was wrong", but did not notice I picked the wrong racquet. After 20 minutes I finally noticed that I was playing with "wrong" racquet (I have 3 Prestige Touch, 2 Prestige XT and 2 Radical Mircogel, all MP, Touch and Microgel both "heavily" leaded, lead removed from the XT since my father played with them for a while...). As soon as I switched to my Prestige Touch it felt much better, less vibration, more power, more control etc etc. It was like night and day. Do I play with too heavy racquet? The answer is NO since I went past 360g static (365g) and then I could not generate as much "whip" and most of all I lost some power in the serve. So for me personally this weight/SW and balance is spot on. Besides this I never mess around with strings, always RPM Blast strung at 29 kg, played with this setup for over 5 years. Yes people have told me to go softer try other strings but my answer is always the same "I have no reason to change, it feels great and no issues with injuries, lets keep it that way"

[@uhaltuamarsahala2436]

Can you tell me why you leaded Touch Prestige MP? The reason why asked is that because I recently bought it, played for an hour, but having problem arcing the ball over the net. I had Head RIP control 16 G strung at 47. My grip style is full semi western. My go to racquet is Head Youtek graphene speed pro 18x20, 315 gram, 328 SW. Also, Did you need some adjustment time for the low trajectory of the prestige touch mp? And what kind of string and tension did you have on your prestige touch MP? *sorry for bunch of questions since I am truly confused if it's the right racquet for me, thank you in advance" 🙏

[@kubolkudesai]

Good video. Swingweight and forgiveness (being late for instance) are often forgotten aspects. My heaviest racquet Yonex Rdis 100, 93 Sq In (350 g strung) was great and the most arm friendly for me. It always felt almost light but really stable, even after 3h of game. I do not know the swingweight of it, but i assume it is not high, but this stick is not forgiving.Unfortunately I have to say goodbye to this frame - grommets are used (cannot find the replacement) and my string is broken very quickly, too quickly. I am searching for a new one, probably Yonex. I do not know yet.

[@matteo4413]

I like a 340-350g static weight and around a 320-330 swingweight, since play fairly flat. I also want to experiment with lighter racquets so I can add more spin to my shots

[@ludwigslughole9403]

I play with these exact specs myself and hit heavy spin most of the time. It's all about your technique and preferences.

[@feralonmu]

Interesting video! Do you have any video on the influence of a heavy racquet in producing a heavy ball? A friend of mine claims that a heavy racquet does not produce a heavy ball, but it seems logical that at equal acceleration the heavy racquet will produce a heavier ball. Thanks and best regards!

[@Tennisnerd]

Good idea! Will make one

[@feralonmu]

@@Tennisnerd Thanks! We will be looking forward to it :)

[@matistysk79]

I love the Vcore pro 97 ❤❤ Earlier played the Dunlop Max200g and Wilson 6.1 for some years. I always had problems with light and stff frames, always felt uncomfortable.

[@luisreis3202]

I am far from the average poster here but for old (age) beginners/intermediate players with arm issues I recommend the Prince Textreme tour 100T (290g unstrung ). I am 69 years old that begun to play 5 years ago, a thin guy (68 kg for 1.78cm) and this racquet is excellent to maneuver. The swingweight at Tennis Warehouse University is 325 but at the racquet itself is written 285 !!!!! How to explain this? (note - I have seen now that the Prince TwistPower is very similar to my 100T ) I begun with Yonex ezone dr98 (305) but I was feeling tired after half an hour. Tried after the Prince the Wilson RF 97ls and the Head Gravity Pro light but I comeback always to the Prince racquet. I am trying now the Yonex VCORE 98L 2021 and it seems ok also but I need more time to evaluate it.

[@userhsu]

What’s the difference between a tense racket and a heavy racket?

[@vqdriver]

Nice couple of videos about weight and tension! I have a Berasategui or Sock style forehand grip and have been using the previous generation discontinued Prestige MP for over a year. I added a leather grip and extended the handle by 0.5 inch. I remembered it weighed well over 360g. Strings used are Hyper G and Tourna Big Hitter silver 16g at 38 and 40lbs respectively. My previous racquet was a 1st gen Aeropro Drive+

[@thomasferval4955]

One of your best video , perhaps the best for me . Incredible explication of tennis racket , you have my award , truely .

[@Tennisnerd]

Wow, thanks!

[@anielloliguori6312]

Bought Wilson blx 95" team 290g unstrung 2hl (sw 320 strung according to specs) added a over grip + dampener + 2g at tip. Static weight with strings 309g. its a scalpel, nice feel & touch.

[@pookievanderbilt6889]

What shoes are those greenish yellows you’re wearing? I love them

[@billpoulakis1741]

I find when i play occasionally I like a frame around 11.6 oz, like a blade, but when I play a lot and very regularly, especially during the summer season I usually end up around 12.6 oz 6pts HL. I find as I play a lot I look for more plow through and the solid feel that only a heavier frame can deliver.

[@shomurakamisan]

Thanks for the beneficial info. I have 95sq in Mantis 300g+ racket. I was going to string spin string but I changed my mind after watching your vid and I should stick with flat and power string. The larger head and lighter racket is good for the spin that makes perfect sense. I tried to topspin serve with a heavy racket around 400g and found It's difficult to swing fast enough to create the high bouncing topspin. Heavy racket is meant for flat. I get it.

[@melgueta1]

Very good information. Do you have some information about what tension I should use for lightweight VS heavy tennis racquets?

[@andyv6299]

Does it depend more on having head heavy more than total weight because my friend 285g feels way more heavier than my 300g racket which lighter rackets seem to be very head heavy, so maybe it's swing weight that matters the most

[@somaku4511]

Yeah it does more head heavy feel heavy because when you swing the racquet it feels like your arm has to do more work.compare to a even racquet it feels the same amount of weight so it feels like nothing

[@damon123jones]

balance is a preference but as light as possible and getting power and stable

[@PeterDMayr]

Wta must have lighter rackets on average. Right? (Great video. Thanks.)

[@TimG--]

Yes I have a Yonex 330g . But I’m old school and I like it !! Nice video mate 🎾

[@caseymcclain8097]

Have you ever hit with the Prince Graphite Pro 90 from 1986? I find it really enjoyable

[@harryp3804]

Blade 100UL V8 is perfection for intermediate/semi advance 😍, even works for beginners but not total newbies

[@CH-yp5by]

One simple thing to do is get rid of your dampener, they are usually 5grams a rubber band is 1g. 4g less in the head does make difference, especially if you have already added lead tape and the feel is more responsive!

[@wongjefx980]

I wonder if my racquets are too light... I am a stocky 200lbs guy, and use older Yonnex DR Lite which strung is 280g... I tried added lead tape to add weight to lighter Vcore racket, but beware playing with the balance of your stick... I experienced pain in the wrist and elbow joint right away...

[@CS-qc7np]

Originally had a heavy racket. Then I started playing with my daughter and started feeling a drag when swinging. Moved to a lighter racket and the swing is better and arm pains have lessened.

[@PeterDMayr]

5'7", 140 lbs, fit 60 y., aerogel Dunlop 270 g. unstrung. Stiff at 69. Balance is 350. I am a 4.5 player. Tennis elbow is definitely caused by poor technique which I had. But an awkward off-center frame volley could do it too as 5.5 players I know had it. I string this 105 sq at 55.

[@tennisisphysical]

I love a 95 about 11.7 oz. with Black Code 17 at 31/30 tension. But after an hour I will tire now at age 52. So, I recently switched to a 98 about 10.8 oz. with Tour Bite Soft 16 at 32/31 tension. It's taking a while to get used to the 98 but long term I think it's what I need to do. String can make a huge difference. Type and tension. I used Black Code for 10 years and had to switch to Tour Bite Soft for my arm.

[@vectorthurm]

Great content! Appreciate your exploration and sharing with us!

[@garymitten]

Just changed from prestige mp - came in at 351g strung, swing weight 330g. It gave me golfers elbow. Now use a speed mo 322g strung - much better for me.

[@winniecarl]

Sampras 384g

[@ScottDreyfus]

I wish he made that switch earlier.

[@bsinghgill]

Thanks Jonas, great video and good info. I switched from a Prostaff 97 v13 to the Vcore Pro 97 2021. I added weight at 3 and 9 and weight in the handle. Static weight strung is 350g, swing weight is 287g unstrung, so with strings it’s about 310g, so a little under spec. I also play with a stock VCP97D, but find myself gravitating towards the lighter(weighted) VCP97. I haven’t played with the VCP97H, but would love to demo it. Hoping the new line of V Core Pros out later this year are still good, but closer to stated swing weight 🤞

[@Nopanop]

I am an amateur , i use yonex vcore 320g , with polyster strings and 3 tourna overgrips. I get wrist issues persistently but nothing too much , can still play 8-9 hours a week. Any comments :-P?

[@RobManser77]

I've recently bought two Wilson Blade 100s. Factory standard with the same grips, no dampers, and with identical stringing; one is 315g and the other 320g, so that's a 5g difference! Having played with weighting recently, even at my lowly ability I could instantly tell a 2g difference, so 5g is huge.

[@tomsd8656]

I knew my racquet had become too heavy for me when I could play well with it for one set, then I started to feel it and my game degraded from there. In my younger days I had no problem playing for 3 hrs straight with it. But now in my late 50's that weight no longer works. I used to play with the Wilson Prostaff classic 6.1, so very happy to see that there is a 305g Wilson Prostaff 100. I had played with it a bit but couldn't check it out. But it plays very similar to the prostaff line, just more forgiving.

[@zbighugh9193]

Like you, as I got older (now 60), I noticed my Yonex VCore Pro97H (330 g) would have less power after an hour. I didn't want to completely shift to a lighter racket 'cuz I noticed I couldn't handle big hitters. So I compromised, for 1st hour or until I noticed my shots weakening, I'd use the VCore Pro97H. Then when I lost power, I'd shift to Yonex Regna 100 (295 g. w/ added lead to 3, 9, 12 upping weight to 307g). It was like I was still playing with the VCore Pro! With my fatigue and tired arms, I played the Regna slow enough to have control, while letting the racket add the needed power and speed.

[@tomsd8656]

@zbighugh9193 When you added lead like that, wouldn't that change the balance, making the head more heavy? I have a Head Radical MP at 295g and I did the same, but I added to the 12 o'clock and the throat to try to maintain the head light balance, as now I play almost exclusively double and need HL for net play.

[@zbighugh9193]

@@tomsd8656 I fortunately found the grip too small, so I balanced the racket out by adding a thin overgrip plus a thick overgrip, which kept the headlight balance.

[@samsnell7895]

Just bought a couple VCore 95's. Had them matched to the manufacturer spec. I think they came out 309g unstrung with about a 285 SW. Threw a tourna leather grip on each of them and a white solinco overgrip along with a full bed of Pro's Pro Eruption at about 48 lbs. I think it plays very similar to Hyper G. Messing with the amount of lead tape in the hoop still, but so far 6g feels pretty great with 2g at 12 o'clock and 2g at each of 10 and 2 o'clock. Love these racquets.

[@samu5045]

I did the same but with stock grip + overgrip, 3g at both at 3 and 9 (6g) and 6g at 12. SW has increased substantially but the frame is much more stable and power/spin is way more accessible.

[@tonydaysog9164]

Does quoted weight include strings?

[@TheEriclikeseatin]

Whenever I see an opponent who uses an RF97, I inwardly smile because I have never lost to an opponent who uses that racquet :) I think it is too heavy for most people at my level and using it puts them at an automatic equipment disadvantage. My racquet is 305 g when strung, which is definitely on the lighter side. I like the racquet head speed I can get with it, and my timing has improved after switching from something that was heavier.

[@TennisPro4686289]

I use one, mine is weighted to 366g. Definitely not a racket to use if you can’t handle the weight.

[@mwu365]

yeah I know what you mean, definitely see a lot of people using an rf when they would probably benefit from just switching to the standard pro staff. lots of people think "being able to handle the weight" just means being able to keep a rally going and win a couple of points

[@johnsonpeng6997]

I play highschool and I play doubles, so having a heavy racket puts more on my volleys and makes my off center hits less punishing because of the weight on it

[@nominal]

Exact same reaction, unless they are a 5.0, then I know I'm in for a long day. That's extremely rare though, 90% of RF users are getting no benefit from them. They can still be "good" players, but they don't realize that stick is holding them back and not offering anything in return.

[@nominal]

@Demetrius I've experienced that, because of lazy technique I switched from a Vcore 95 (310 ish) to Vcore pro D (320)

[@ScottDreyfus]

The last racquets I played at university were old dunlop 200g 85 frames. I was breaking 3 to 4 sets aof strings a week playing Jr tennis. They don't really make anything like that anymore but I'm currently play testing Dunlop cx 200 tour 16/9 and head radical pro. I love a thin heavy frame but the serve amd volley game is so different now. I've also got some Radical pro sticks that are really sweet. I've come down to 57 from 72 lbs. Still strung the dunlopsat 65 and it is crisp. I added some lead and dropped some grip weight.these all check in at 335 after mods and that seems to be right where I like it.

[@ben4190]

I have some Graphene Radical Pros, then later had to move to the XT generation, I played with it as stock for a good 6 months, they were 310g, unstrung, with no over grip. I had come from an IG Radical Lite, 250g, I got sick of feeling like I was being pushed around! I later added the optional Pro Player Cap Grommet set to the Pros, I did it mainly for protection against court wear, they now weigh around 350g (No idea what the swing weight is) Against those better players, they're just the best in everyway, however, I sometimes feel it's right on the limit of what I can handle, as I've grown as a player it's gotten much easier, but occasionally when I'm having an off day, I'm tired, those times when you're not seeing very clearly, those off centre balls, I do start to struggle... and it makes me wonder. =)

[@0773422]

Just a Tip that works for me regarding Swing weight! As most of us can't measure SW what I do is lay my racket down horizontally with the top of the hoop resting on a set of digital scales. then lift the butt of the handle up and support it on something so the racket is perfectly level. You should get a weight measurement somewhere between 150g to 170g depending on the racket. I always modify my rackets to weight 158g when measuring like this (total racket weight about 340g). This measurement of 158g equates to a SW of about 320g which is my preferred SW for doubles. :)

[@iannmiller]

Yonex vcore… add weight to the handle.. gripped up to size 6. About 400g … the weight tames the speed

[@paddlepower888]

For all the $$ we spend on racquets, it would be an easy layup to get an affordable swing weight machine and know what we’re hurling at the ball. The new kid on the block is the Briffidi SW1 for about $250-about 1/4 off the cost of the other SW machine and about the price of a racquet.

[@rainbowracquets2670]

I play with Ezone 98 tour 315g unstrung/tecnifibre razor code blue 1.30/52lb fantastic racquet but not the easiest to start playing with however as soon you learn to play with it when the fun starts.

[@Twoothless]

I definitely agree that swingweight is the most important, but it's so difficult to measure it yourself!

[@christiansantfournier2794]

I have been using a monstrously over spec Pure Strike 16x19, 305g version. I estimate it is 11 grams over weight. With an overgrip and Solinco Confidential 1.30 it weighs 343 grams. The balance as it is with these strings and overgrip is 32.3. I am intermediate level but a big guy. At first i felt it too slow and heavy but super precise and stable compared with my Pure Drive. Now i love it. This Strike is even heavier than the one you reviewed. Maybe you can try it when you are here in Malta.

[@devpatel7154]

Is that the 10.8 Oz one?

[@christiansantfournier2794]

@@devpatel7154 yes the regular 305 gram one not the tour.

[@devpatel7154]

@@christiansantfournier2794 so ur telling me, my racket, which is the same as urs but second gen is around 343 grams?? It’s diff strings than urs but 😂😂 and I’m a light 134 lb 5’5 dude. At first it was a bit heavy but I love the stability and control with it. It barely feels heavy now. Only on serves it’s still slightly heavy but that’s about it. I love it but like once every 2 weeks it can feel a lil heavy. Nothing too much and Still not enough to hurt or make me sore. And I don’t have the biggest arms. So I should be good then? I’m really shocked I’m using one of the heavier rackets then 😂

[@christiansantfournier2794]

@@devpatel7154 You probably are not. I use a gen 2 and love it. My gen 2 is some 2-3 grams over. The Pure Strike i was talking about was a gen 3 which was 10 grams heavier than my gen 2. At least the balance was slightly to the grip. Sure my gen 3 was lovely to use and super accurate but the point i'm making is that it was only 2 grams lighter than the Tour and the Tour is designed to be head lighter to compensate.

[@devpatel7154]

@@christiansantfournier2794 ah I understand. Played today and it didn’t feel heavy at all again. I think it’s only when you stop for a week and have to adjust the first swings can feel a bit like that. But yeah love this pure strike gen 2. It was actually given to me by a teammate cus I didn’t know the difference between the premium(unstrung frames) vs the beginner one I was using

[@Ramenwithegg]

With how hard some of my buddies serves are there’s no way I can get away with using a 310 or lower frame. Currently using a v6 blade beefed up to 353g

[@jamesm6377]

Same. I use one about 345 (strung with overgrip)

[@WestCoastAce27]

Yes. Jonas mentioned ‘wobble’ - but didn’t expand on it; for those of us at advanced levels it’s from dealing with heavy balls - pace and spin - and taking the ball early.

[@andyv6299]

Does it depend more on having head heavy more than total weight because my friend 285g feels way more heavier than my 300g racket which lighter rackets seem to be very head heavy, so maybe it's swing weight that matters the most

[@nominal]

What kind of competition are these buddies involved in? I play 4.5 and 5.0, mix it up with Div 2 college kids in practice, no one plays with anything close to 353, many use stock Blades, Ezones, pure strikes, and Vcore 95s with no lead (so about 315). They get away with it even against the hardest serves at that level.

[@cks2020693]

@@nominal really depends on your playstyle. like the video stated, if you are not a net player, you don't need a headlight raquet and can get away with a lighter frame, Nadal is a prime example of it. same logic vice versa, Im a 4.5-5.0 player, I like to approach to the net whenever there is opportunity. I used to play with blade 98 which is 315g, but now I play with the prostaff 97 RF which is 340g unstrung which gives me much more control at the net, and it's a lot easier to return with the heavier frame.

[@SaqibSheikh]

How’s Wilson blade. U never talk about it

[@lucasoscar]

i lowered my raquet weight 2 times already (im 37 and went from 355grams to 340grams and now 328grams all strung) my criteria is swingspeed and power, you have to find the right balance between those 2 things

[@marcink5]

Now plays better?

[@robdavies4294]

I have a 2019 prestige mp, 95sq, 18/20 leather grip and overgrip. 253g all in, headlight. V nice feeling racket. Most people at my tennis club love hitting with it. Esp volleys, slice and serves

[@Tennisnerd]

The 2019 version is 98 sq inches. Great frame.

[@robdavies4294]

Fair play, may be earlier then, it's the graphene touch version

[@bournejason66]

Was hoping you mentioned Clash which is an interesting modern racket

[@oliverdesouza5741]

My normal rackets are the typical 320-330g strung set-up. Recently I bought an Ncode Nblade 98 for £30 from the charity Oxfam, which should've been similar weight. Turns out it was some sort of fake because it weighed 250g strung with overgrip! I.e. it was about 75g too light! The balance was 36cm strung! The weird thing is that it played ok. Outside of the sweetspot there was no power, but the sweetspot was big and had plenty of power. Weirdly, for a fake, it was the correct beam width (20.5mm) and was an 18x20. And if you calculate that 17.5g (average weight of strings) moves the balance by 1cm typically, then it would be 32cm balanced if I added 70g (!) to the handle area. Moreover, I noticed that the pallet wasn't foam, it was a cheap black plastic job. So I wonder if the frame is really graphite, and they just didn't complete the pallet because the paintjob wasn't perfect or something. Anyway, what I can say is that with such a light frame, rallying from the back is similar to when you have a half-court warm-up. You don't have to worry at all about preparing your strokes, and can more easily create angles. So far I can't find any downsides, and I've played against an advanced coach. Could this fake be a real racket with cheapo pallet? What are fake rackets made of anyway? How much does the foam pallet normally weigh? All suggestions appreciated!

[@96mcorsa]

Enjoying the channel! Which racquets have bumper guards with the most coverage around the hoop and would suit my game? I slice often and tend to wear down the frame at 10 and 2 alarmingly fast. I currently use the Gravity Tour w/ Confidential @48lbs, one handed backhand, all court game and play about 50/50 singles and doubles. About to hit 50, so next racquet I’m looking to go lighter with some added power. Was hoping to book a consult and hope you’ll reopen that service at some point! Thanks!

[@ivanvijaythygesen6437]

What about weight and WTA players? Do they prefer a racquet with the same weight as the men?

[@sjjapp]

He's already covered that, and the answer is generally, but obviously not always, no. This also goes for frame choice, with rackets like the vcore 100, ezone 100, pure drive, pure aero etc being quite dominant in general, with the average head size being 100.1 compared to 97 point something with the men currently. I think tennis nerd also made some valid points in some video about how non professional players, male or female, should probably learn something from WTA players and their setup choices.

[@davspa6]

I thought the swing weight had to do with how heavy it felt when you swung it. Like if you have even a light racket but most of the mass is near the head, it's going to have a higher swing weight than if you bring that mass down to the handle. But yet you seem to be using the words swing weight as just the mass of the racquet plus the strings? Like for instance I've been using the Volkl PB10, of course an old school racket. I think swing weight is around 320?,. But it is very headlight, easy to swing, even though the strung mass is over 12 oz. (I feel like I need to get a larger head size and one not quite so flexible. That's why I'm looking at these videos.)

[@matisms]

im now playing with my old k factor sixone 95 extended 332g unstrung 16x18, leathergrip+overgrip = 388g.. there is no racquet like this one nowadays

[@gabrielhidalgoa]

Hello Jonas, thank you for your video. I used to play with the Radical MP (300g) and wanted to add some more power, so recently (3 months ago) bought the new Radical but switched to the Pro version (315g). It seems that it was not a good idea, since I am now suffering from tennis elbow. So my question is, I saw your review on the new Boom, how do you think it compares to the radical, should I wait for its release (MP of course) o just go back to the Radical MP. Thank you much!!

[@kirbonite]

I'll play. I've used the Pro Kennex 7G for many years. I string it with cheapo synthetic gut.. normally Prince Duraflex between 57 and 60. I have added weight but found no advantage. I hit one handed backhands with it even though this racket was designed for two handed backhands. Pro Kennex wants to discontinue this model but the following has been too strong. They still manufacture it. Would love to see you try this racket.

[@kirbonite]

11.7 ounces strung

[@LebronJames-un6pd]

Hi Jonas, How would you compare the Babolat Pure Control Gt(295g) and the Head Microgel Radical Mp(295g)? Also what do you think is the right weight for an advanced 15 years old?

[@idna_firry]

Nice video (as usual!). I am using my Head Radical MP 2021 and I start thinking I could do better with a slightly lighter racket. Do you think I would notice a 5g difference or should I go 10g lower?

[@user1138]

Jonas you might enjoy a lighter spec 97H. I picked one out at my local shop and the SW came out at 335 strung. This is the top end of weight I can effectively handle, but I love the feel of this stick. If Yonex would remove the VDM it'd be just about perfect IMO.

[@WestCoastAce27]

Best line: “… punishes you…” So true; weekend hacks using their favorite pro’s stick then doubling down by adding lead to be more manly is just sad. Hurts their tennis; hurts their arm more.

[@joepalumbo5340]

Actually I remember a season long ago when super light racquets became the fashion ... 3 to 6 months later, tennis elbow became all the rage. That's what got me to go thereafter with heavier racquets. You're right, though, about the foolishness of a casual rec player trying to play with Stan's racquet.

[@tommykaira8775]

at least their ego remains intact.

[@shroud1390]

I got my RF97a up to 422g….

[@tommykaira8775]

@@shroud1390 when are you upgrading to 500g?

[@shaiarbel3204]

@tennisnerd Where would you rank the vcp 97d? Heavy racquet? Is it light enough for intermediate players? Thanks!

[@OldSkoolLegend]

I went from my life long POG to Phantom 100P and my slice totally got screwed. I switched to heavier 97P and instantly i could FEEL the slice again. similar thing for the serve.

[@BurnsTennis]

Can someone explain to me why it is not possible to hit a lot of topspin with a heavier frame? I don't buy this "lighter frame" for more whip stuff.

[@erikhagstrom5582]

It is possible if you are strong enough, the issue for me eg with the RF97 is not the first 30min of play which can be wonderful regarding the stability and plow-thru but try winning a longer match and the racket really becomes a burden as I get more tired. When one gets tired, and late in the shot preparation there is no way I can compensate with whipping the shot with the arm and wrist as the racket is too heavy.

[@ROrneli]

the technifiber fight 315 i found is a really good balance of weight and power

[@mantiskf2003]

good comments about tennis elbow, which until recently was occurring at a much lower rate than in the wooden racquet days up to the 70s. I still cannot believe the number of light, super head light and stiff racquets that must be manufactured on the premise that most recreational players have terrible technique, with many of the errors of pre 70s tennis.

[@albertoescobosa179]

VOLKL V CELL 10 335g STRUNG 7 POINTS HEADLIGHT ITS A GREAT MANEUVERABLE RAQUET , GOOD FOR THE ARM ..ARM FRIENDLY

[@conradodelima3286]

I use Head PT630 (355 g whith overgrip and vibration dampener), is veyy very heavy and fine!

[@Tennisnerd]

That is a nice choice

[@christianteves809]

Hopefully I didnt ask this already, but I was wondering what your film setup is for when you're at the courts. Also what do you use for editing your vids? Love your vids, please keep up the great work, I always look forward to your vids!!

[@crsantin]

I used to play with the RF Pro Staff. It’s too heavy for me now. I’m older. I’m using the Pro Staff 97 and that’s better but I am going to try a 300g Pro Staff 6.1 to see how I like it. Unless you are a 5.0 player and a player who trains in the gym as well then you don’t need a heavy racquet. Give up all the macho garbage guys. You aren’t as good as you think you are.

[@dapperfob6194]

I actually am

[@chuckersthenut2097]

I'm the best ever.

[@davidsim993]

I'm a 5.0 and I use a pretty heavy racquet. Totally agree with your statement. Players need the right technique to swing with a heavy racquet, or else they will hurt their arm.

[@PhilipFullerton]

Hey Jonas, great video I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was wondering what you use to prop your phone up to record the videos?

[@thanhtran-rz6zq]

I am playing with Wilson RF and loved it. Little heavy for me, but love the power and volleys. Tried the regular Prostaff. And not the same, different muscle memory?