Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Racquet Selection Made Simple

Well, as simple as possible considering the ridiculous amount of frames that have glutted the market.

The first thing I would suggest is, determine how much you want to spend. Because the racquet companies dump the latest and greatest technologies every year, there are tons of excellent frames available at very low prices. The only reason to spend 180.00 or more on a frame is if you must have a current or "in line" model.
For example the Babolat Pure Storm GT is $179.00. The previous model, the Pure Storm is $129.00. Only very experienced, advanced players would detect any noticeable differences between the two frames. There are many frames at even lower prices.

Frames are generally divided into 3 catagories:

Game Improvement/Power: These frames are usually oversized 107 square inches or more, very light, very stiff, and head heavy. They also have very wide beams. They can also be up to 29" long but the normal length has come down in recent years.

Tweeners: These frames are usually mid plus 95-102 square inches and between 10 and 11 ounces. They are also more flexible and control oriented than power frames.

Players/Control
: These frames are for advanced players. With head sizes between 90-100 square inches, a weight of 11.5 ounces or more, a head light balance, and thin flexible beams, these racquets do not offer much in the way of power. The players that use these racquets can provide the power.

There are seemingly an unlimited amount of racquet technologies that transform mere racquets into magic light saber wand things. Go to the various racquet company websites and read what the idea is behind the different technologies. P.S. Don't believe everything you read.

Try a frame that you think is right in your range and one that is on either side of that range. You may be surprised by what you actually end up choosing as your racquet.

You should use the heaviest racquet that you can handle. A heavier frame is more stable; dampens more shock.

This is all general information. No matter what a racquet company or a coach tells you, nothing matters except how the racquet feels in your hand or hands. You are the only one that will be playing playoff matches and finals with it.

Good Luck!

Eric Burke
www.hardcoretennis.net