Why HEAVY racquets are better?! 

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.

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.

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.

Gracias, Juan. Yeah, sadly, there are no perfect racquets.

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?

Thanks for the feedback, I will do more of this

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.

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...

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

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+

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?

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.

Happy to hear!

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..

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

Sounds good, thanks for the comment

@@Tennisnerd Cheers Tn, I think it is a similar receipe to what is introduced by the video.

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.

Our pleasure!

Thanks! More to come

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.

Yes

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.

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.

Stock VC95?

Yes, will dive deeper into the topic in future videos.

i have the same feeling, i used to play with heavier raquets (+320 unstrung), now i feel good with my vcore 100l, no lack of power, great manuverability and better timing on any shots and more fun in the end. i understand benefits from heavier raquets, but it is also hard job to play with on the daily bases

@@marcink5 Exactly! Go light, go fun, that is the feeling of anyone that take the red pill and goes off the Matrix of heavy rackets world. Of course I’m talking about the average guy, no big athleticism, thin arms, very young or middle age that is returning to tennis after years, historic of injuries, etc. The head heavy characteristics of a proper lite racket compensate the static mass and high swingweight of heavy frames, it feels more heavy maintaining a very good maneuverability and speed thru the air, easier to spin, serve and one handed backhand. A lot of reviewers get shocked to how good a lite racket can be. Here is a exemple, see the statement at minute 2:56: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xRVQYirjoZM.htmlsi=dYIc90OZF2dA8mYz

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

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.

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.

I find the Aero 98/VS provides a much higher launch angle. But that is not for everyone

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 🎾👍

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.

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