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12:43 pm
March 11, 2011
Offline
What a racket!
One area I am uncertain relates to the correct choice of racket, and there
is a plethora to choose from.
I am a very large person at the wrong side of my 40's, but surprisingly
agile; however, what type (traditional / new style), weight, manufacturer and
string tension should I be looking for.
Is price a real factor here for an enthusiastic club player?
Has anyone else struggled with this issue?
1:06 pm
October 25, 2010
Offline Unfortunately Chris, there is no right or wrong answer to this, what works for one person wont necessarily work for another.
over time you will develop an idea of which type of racket suits you best, and the string tension etc.
(Regarding string tensions look back through Paul's blog, there are some cracking articles relating to this.)
Price isn't always an indicator of how “good” a racket is either, i.e. an expensive racket may not suit your style of play, and may even work against you in some instances.
I like Yonex rackets, but I have always felt they're expensive and also break easily, recently I've gone more towards Charlton, but at present I'm using a Head racket.
There are a few key points for which I'm sure paul can be a little more precise in answering, i.e. are you a defensive or attacking player, do you play singles or doubles, etc etc, these sorts of questions can aim you towards a certain type of racket, but ultimately its about trying them out, and sometimes simply getting used to one.
7:56 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Hi Chris, Term is right but if you give us some more info the guys here are incredibly helpful.
What's your budget ? (probably the most important question)
What are you using now ?
What are your strengths and weaknesses ?
I think most people will agree that footwork is the most important thing, you're halfway there with good agility but no racket in the world will compensate for poor technique.
The guys here are way more qualified than me to give advice but these are the questions they asked me and I've done nothing but improve from using their help so this may save a bit of time.
11:52 am
March 1, 2010
Offline LCW looks like he's using the Voltirc 80 in the AE, think paul will know for sure which one he's using.
8:18 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
LCW is using Voltric 80. I’m pleased to say I have one in my bag so I’ll be reviewing it next week.
With regard to racquets in my opinion what you need to do first is identify the characteristics of a racquet you like
1) even balance, head light or head heavy
2) flexible shaft, medium flex or stiff
3) grip size – if you have a choice although not the most important criteria
4) price
Notice, I’m not interested in brand at this point. However, if you understand your preferences in 1 and 2 you should be able to nail your ideal racquet.
However, even though you’ve done all of this, it doesn’t mean it you’ll like the racquet – it may not feel right to you. But, you have to start somewhere.
Paul
11:11 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline I had a quick hold of the voltric 80… oh my goodness! it feels so light and yet, sturdy! Heres hoping paul will have a demo at lilleshall in 2 weeks!
8:29 am
February 15, 2011
Offline Matthew
It’s already in my bag!!!!! Can’t wait for Wednesday for my coaching session. I’ll make sure to have a good play on Wednesday and write my review by Thursday night.
I think Yonex have got a tremendous series of racquets in Voltric. They really are that good – shame about the price.
Paul
9:14 am
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline Paul,
even at that price… so very tempting. You couldn't get us ALL sponsored for yonex rackets could you? Pretty please?
Haha
Matt
12:28 pm
April 15, 2010
Offline I can't help wonder if we're all over-thinking this topic a bit, especially at the lower price ranges, ie. £30 and below. I spent ages trying to figure out what racket I wanted, I had it all set out in my head as to what flex and head balance I wanted. Then I went to a shop and bought something totally different as it just felt right in my hand.
I think the psychological element to buying a racket ends up being the most important. I had it in my head that my old racket was holding me back, it somehow wasn't responsive enough for me. This was no doubt total rubbish, but if I am on court thinking this then it will transfer into my play. I play with a NS4500 now, which is a med-high end Yonex racket, so there is no way that racket is holding me back. Consequently I never blame my racket now. ( It's usually the lights 
)
I just feel when buying a racket we need to remember a racket is an extension of what we as players can do, not a magic wand.
7:03 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Rob
I’ve always said the racquet is an extension of your hand. You’ve got to like the way it feels and plays and that’s why I don’t advise players which racquet they should use (despite the 3 emails a day I get asking the question).
I’ve held many top-of-the-range racquets which to me played really poorly. Likewise I’ve tried some budget models I’d gladly carry in my bag.
Sometimes players make decisions based on who uses which racquet. That’s not a good strategy. Neither is buying the most expensive. After all, there’s a lot of players who struggle to play with stiff shafted racquets. My advice is to think before you buy. As Rob says, the racquet is not a magic wand. You’ve got to like it, feel it and play with it.
Nice one Rob.
Paul
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