Category: Racquets

A painter wouldn’t start slapping his paint around with a cheap brush from the local DIY store. A violinist wouldn’t stick a few bits of twine on their instrument and try to knock out a classical concerto.

As a tennis player, you are no less of an artist and you should not step out onto the court unless you armed with a quality racquet.

One element of that is the strings you choose.

Some racquets come unstrung and you will need to decide which are the best tennis strings to get the most out of your game. For better or for worse, your choice of tennis string will affect the kind of game that you play.

Due to the numerous types and variations of different strings on the market, it can be difficult to find the ideal tennis string that suits your style of play. Here at TRC we are incredibly nice and helpful guys and we have put together a guide that highlights the top 6 tennis strings available looking at different materials and the pros and cons of each. Read the reviews to help you choose.

Read on to discover the secrets of string theory…

Tennis Strings for 2020 Compared

The Top 6

Best Multifilament Strings:

Wilson NXT

As stated previously, Multifilament tennis strings contain thousands of small microfibers that are woven together to construct a single string.

The main advantage of these tennis strings is that they provide premium playability as well as exceptional comfort and string tension. So if you are someone who is recovering from an injury, then it’s likely that you will appreciate the added comfort and security that Multifilament tennis strings can offer you.

There is no shortage of multifilament tennis strings on offer. However, Wilson NXT are widely considered the best multifilament strings on the market today, earning its number one spot on our list.

You can see some of the reasons why the WilsonNXT are a good choice below:

Power

The NXT tennis strings by Wilson are hard-hitting, which is due to the combined effort of 1,600 individual microfibers. The power you get from the NXT strings is strong, but not overwhelming. As a result, many users will find that the extra power is a welcome enhancement to their game without the fear of over hitting the ball.

Comfort

Wilson NXT is also known for its comfort. The rich string tension that can be found in the Wilson NXT makes it easy on your arms when hitting the ball, without trading the responsiveness and playability that good players demand in a tennis string.

Balance

Overall, Wilson NXT are considered the best overall multifilament strings and fantastic tennis strings in general. The strings deliver a solid, balanced playing style that can accommodate a variety of play styles and skill levels.

The only complaint that the NXT earned was due to its durability. Through extended use, you may see the strings wearing out faster than some of the sturdier models. To compensate for this, you can always purchase the Wilson NXT in heavier gauges as this can extend the string’s play time by more than 50%.

Best Polyester (Poly) Strings:

Luxilon ALU Power

Our rating: 

Within the last decade or so, Polyester tennis strings have made leaps and bounds in terms of their popularity. Famous players such as Rafael Nadal have taken credit for popularizing this tennis string type, redefining our expectations of what’s possible with topspin.

The difference between Polyester tennis strings and other options is that Polyester strings contain a single filament instead of smaller microfibers.

Polyester tennis strings are the choice for many players as polyester is known for delivering a balanced mix of durability, control and spin.

There are some downsides to polyester tennis strings. Due to the solid construction of polyester strings, they can be harder on your arms when attempting to make powerful plays, which can be uncomfortable, and even lead to injuries over the long term.

The most recommended Polyester tennis strings for this season is Luxilon ALU power. ALU Power strings have seen use on the international stage, appearing in the ATP and WTA tour.

So what makes the Luxilon one of our top choices?

Control

The Luxilon tennis strings deliver an enormous amount of control, without skimping too much on power, which can be a drawback of polyester tennis strings.

Intermediate and advanced players will like the fact that you can take big swings at the ball in a controlled fashion.

Spin

The spin of the ALU power strings is arguably its strongest selling point. The lower power of the strings allows you to accelerate their racquet head faster for added spin.

Durability

Luxilon ALU tennis strings are sturdy and durable, which is common for polyester strings.

The Luxilon ALU Power strings stand out because the strings are hard to break and also do a great job at maintaining tension, which helps to increase the string’s play life.

Best Synthetic Gut Strings:

Prince Synthetic Gut Tennis Strings

Our rating: 

If you are buying tennis strings on the lower end of the pricing spectrum, you can still buy quality strings without the higher priced tag that is associated with natural gut, multifilament, and polyester strings.

Synthetic gut tennis strings are an economical choice while being fairly well-rounded in terms of durability, responsiveness, and power. Although you do sacrifice on some of the added features that come with other types.

Synthetic gut tennis strings are seen as more durable than other tennis string types, which again makes the strings an affordable option because they will last the distance.

The best synthetic gut strings to purchase are the Prince Synthetic Gut. These strings provide durability and comfort at a competitive price.

Value

While you won’t get some of the more premium features associated with other brands, you should find that Synthetic gut strings are high performers for their price point.

Best Hybrid Strings:

Wilson Champions Choice Tennis Strings

Our rating: 

One of the problems that many players face is tossing up between the pros and cons of different tennis string types. An example of this is that many players find that multifilament strings to be too powerful, and also lack spin, while polyester strings can be particularly harsh on the user’s arm.

To find a middle ground between strength and flexibility, many players combine different string types into one.

The most popular hybrid string pattern can is found in the Wilson Champions choice.

For Topspin:

Babolat RPM Blast Tennis Strings

Popular players such as Rafel Nadal have done their job in popularizing the Babolat RPM Blast, as these tennis strings are known to generate massive topspin on a serve.

If you are looking to imitate the playing style of some of the greats, there is no doubt that polyester tennis strings make for a fantastic choice. The slick surface of the strings and its ability to snap back into place makes for a dynamic combination to help you dominate the courts.

The Babolat RPM Blast stands out as one of the best strings on the market. The unique octagonal shape of the strings helps to capture the ball for maximum spin potential, while the polyester surface snaps the ball back into place.

The most remarkable feature of these Babolat tennis strings is that they are surprisingly easy to play with, which means they can take anyone’s topspin to the next level.

For Comfort / Injury:

Prince Premier Touch Tennis Strings

If you are recovering from a common tennis injury such as tennis elbow, you will know how painful and debilitating it can be to your game.

The good news is that manufacturers have developed products that aim to reduce the likelihood of injury, which is done by minimizing harmful string vibration.

The strings that provide next-level comfort are the multifilament Prince Premier touch. These soft strings have a construction that minimizes string vibration, as well as providing optimal power and control.

Different Types Explained

The type of string you choose will have a huge impact on your game and there is a wealth of products to choose from when it comes to selecting your tennis strings. Aside from price, you can choose from different tensions, materials, and brands and each different type of tennis string will help shape the kind of tennis game that you play.

Below you can find the most common and popular tennis string types, as well as their relative strengths and weaknesses.

Natural Gut

Natural gut tennis strings are a very popular choice. They are literally made from the strands of certain animals’ intestines, which help to make them some of the most expensive on the market. Many professional and club players choose the Natural Gut strings due to their flexibility and resilience, although they can be sensitive to water, so make sure you keep the strings out of the rain.

Multifilament

Multifilament strings are a combination of numerous individual string filaments braised into one. As such, they generally produce more power and comfort than synthetic or gut strings. These tennis strings are designed to be perfect for players who are recovering from arm injuries. Multifilament strings give you all the power that Natural Gut strings provide but without the higher price tag.

Monofilament

Monofilament strings are more durable than the synthetic or multifilament variants, even if the strings are using the same material. Although they are more durable, they can lack the power, feel, and comfort of the more premium solutions on the market. The most common Monofilament strings are made from polyester, as this material is long-lasting and provides a great amount of control and spin. To get the most out of these strings, you should play with full, faster swings to maximize their performance.

Nylon / Synthetic Gut

Synthetic gut strings are the most affordable of all. The strings are nylon-based but with a solid monofilament core. The unique construction of these strings improves the tension of the strings, while also improving the feel and playability. Synthetic Gut strings have enjoyed many improvements to its performance and construction over the last few years, providing an inexpensive solution to tennis players of various levels but most suited to beginners to intermediate players.

Hybrid

Hybrid tennis strings are the result of combining different types and gauges of a single string. Although rare, Hybrid strings have started to be considered very highly recently due to the introduction of polyester-based strings. Polyester strings are known to be extremely powerful yet a little stiff, so many players opt to combine the polyester with something more flexible, such as synthetic or gut strings to make for a more balanced string bed.

Kevlar

These strings are crafted from highly durable, heat-resistant synthetic fiber. They’re made from the same reinforcing agent that’s used in the production of tires and other rubber products, which has led to them being named ‘the most durable tennis string on the market’.

Typically, Kevlar tennis strings are combined with synthetic gut. The strings are very rigid and offer excellent spin potential, although their stiffness can be a negative for some players as playing with such strings increases the tension on your arm, which doesn’t work for everyone. However, if you play with extreme power and often break strings, Kevlar may be ideal for you as it’s difficult to break, reducing your expenditure on strings. Also, these strings will not require you to change how you play.

Not convinced why choosing your strings carefully is important? Let Babolat’s expert convince you in this informative YouTube video.

What to look for when making your choice

There are various features to look for when choosing tennis strings to ensure they benefit you, but playability and durability are possible the two most important factors.

Playability

Features to look for when looking for strings with excellent playability include:

• How quickly the string snaps back upon ball impact: A string that’s considered ‘playable’ should snap back almost instantly upon ball impact, ensuring that your play isn’t compromised for the next shot.
• How the string is made: What the string is made from, how it’s constructed, and the thickness of the string all affect how playable the string is; each string type has different characteristics, so it’s usually best to try out a few to see which is the most effective for your style of play.

Natural gut strings, which are made from beef intestines, are still considered the great for playability. Right behind them are multifilament strings, which are more durable than natural gut.

Durability

Features to look for when buy strings with optimum durability include:

• Thickness: The thicker the gauge of string you have, the more durable it will be.
• Material: Abrasion-resistant materials such as Kevlar are more durable than natural gut and nylon strings, for example. However, they also have less elasticity.
• Power: If you’re always breaking strings, before switching up your strings entirely, dry switching to a lower gauge. For example, if you’re always breaking your 16-gauge strings, try 15 gauge instead.

Strings made from polyester or Kevlar are usually the best for durability, ensuring your tennis strings last.

How can I compromise? 

As with everything, compromise is always required, even in tennis. You can’t have playable strings that are also highly durable, and you can’t have durable strings that have all the benefits of the most playable strings, either. That’s why you need to compromise and choose the ideal tennis strings for your specific needs.

Typically, synthetic and soft polyester strings are a fantastic in-between string if you’re not sure which you’d prefer or need. They are both somewhat durable and also highly playable, offering you a balance of flexibility, spin, snapback, and quality.

If your play style is all about power, soft polyester strings are a good bet; they provide the power and durability of polyester strings but without the harshness on your arm.

You can also pair two types of strings together, such as Kevlar and poly. Here’s a quick tutorial for how to weave poly strings through Kevlar for maximum effect:

Gauges

Tennis strings come in a variety of thicknesses, also known as the gauge. They range from 15 gauge, which is the thickest, to 18 gauge, which is the thinnest. You can also get half-gauge strings which manufacturers mark with an ‘L’, which means ‘light’. You can get ‘light’ strings for all gauges, 15 through 18.

Here’s a rundown of the different gauge types and how they differ:

• 15 gauge:35mm thick and the standard for tennis
• 16 gauge:30mm thick and offer the best balance of durability and power; the most popular for both hobbyists and professionals
• 17 gauge:25mm thick, which is thinner than usual for tennis and therefore typically used for squash instead, which requires a thinner string
• 18 gauge:20 thick, which is the thinnest and will break easily during standard tennis play

If you’re a tennis beginner, try out both 15 and 16 gauge to see how you get on. For most tennis players, they’re suitable for everyday play.

For more information on string gauges, watch Top Speed Tennis’s guide to string gauge on YouTube, in which they discuss how string gauge affects spin and power.

How tension affects your play

It’s not just the material or gauge of your string you need to worry about, but also the tension. Like when you tune a guitar, how tight the strings are will change how you use the instrument or the racquet in this case you are choosing between more power with a lower tension or more control with a higher tension.

Every racquet you buy has its own ‘suggested tension’, just check the packaging and look for the ‘technical specification’ box. Most racquets will state ‘mid-tension’ as their optimum tension; however, many professionals believe that adding a pound (lb) or two to the suggested tension is best, as most racquets lose tension rapidly.

If you’re not sure how find out how to change the tension of your tennis strings before proceeding.

Once you’ve set the tension of your racquet, you need to try it out. Get on the court and see how you fair. If you feel that your arm is taking the brunt of your play, you need to loosen your strings. However, if your strings are failing to bounce back very quickly, which is also why you need to choose the right material, you may need to tighten your strings so that the racquet has a firmer body.

The higher the tension, the more control you have; however, this also means less power. If you lower the tension, you will have more power but less control, which means your accuracy will take a hit.

Some strings, like polyester, have no flexibility, or ‘give’, in them, which means you should reduce the tension to ensure you don’t damage your arm. Generally, we recommend loosening the strings by up to 10% depending on how you play.

The effect of weather

There are a few ways in which the weather and temperature may affect your tennis strings, including:

Cold weather

In cold weather or when playing with dry air, such as in Northern Europe, your tennis strings will be adversely affected. For example, when playing in temperatures less than 10 degree Celsius, your strings will stiffen. In this case, most professionals recommend scaling up your tension to 2-3lbs to make up for the change.

Hot weather

You should protect your racquet from high temperatures to prevent lasting damage. Like water, when they warm up, your tennis strings expand. If you frequently play in hot temperatures, your strings may expand beyond reverse, which means you’ll then need to re-string.

It’s good practice to avoid leaving your racquet in your car or other hot areas when it’s not being used to ensure it retains its durability.

Find out more about how your tennis strings may be affected by temperature and weather in this research conducted by Lindsey Crawford at the University of Sydney, Australia.

Conclusion

There we have it, the top 6 best tennis strings of 2020. If you are still unsure about what strings are right for you, then you are encouraged to check into your nearest sports center. Most sports stores will have racquets and strings that you can use at no cost or obligation to you. By experimenting with different string types, you can get a first-hand experience of the different racquets and how they can fit into your play style.

As always, your choice of strings will be determined by your expectations, requirements, and point of view. For this reason, it can be hard to say for sure what tennis string will be the best overall option for you. You are encouraged to do your own research about the different models available, even though we have done our best to deliver the best strings that are on the market today.

And remember, your choice of tennis stings can make you a better player, so choose wisely!

Tennis is enjoyed by people of all ages. The best thing about the sport is that there’s always a way to improve, regardless of your ability or age bracket.

The dynamic range of movement causes your joints to work through the motions and moving around the court is a great form of cardio.

This makes the exercise ideal for seniors.

Senior leagues allow you to compete against people of a similar age and ability. With many tennis clubs now offering these, it’s easier than ever for seniors to get into the sport.

When it comes to choosing a tennis racquet, go for something that suits the senior game. Unfortunately, the heavy racquet you used in your twenties may not be suitable now, so it’s best to upgrade to something that suits your needs.

So, what tennis racquet is best for older players? In this article, we explore the best tennis racquets for seniors to help you decide.

Head Ti. S6 Strung Tennis Racquet

Head size: 115 square inches

Weight: 252g

Balance: Head heavy

String Pattern: 16×19

Length: 27.75 inches

The Head Ti. S6 is a lightweight racquet with an oversized head. The combination of the large head and super lightweight make the racquet head heavy, resulting in plenty of power without the added weight. This makes it ideal for seniors looking for a lighter tennis racquet without a loss of power.

The racquet benefits from Ti technology. By weaving titanium into the graphite construction, Head have created a lightweight racquet without compromising the stiffness or power. This makes the racquet easy to maneuver on the court.

The S6 is also extra-long, measuring 27.75 inches. This provides even more power to compensate for its light weight. This Head racquet is one of the fastest, lightest, and most comfortable on the market, making it suitable for older players looking for maximum power and comfort.

Wilson Burn 100LS Tennis Racquet

Head size: 100 square inches

Weight: 297g

Balance: Neutral

String Pattern: 16×19

Length: 27 inches

The Wilson Burn 100LS is another lightweight racquet with a standard 27-inch length. The medium-sized head makes it ideal for players looking for a standard racquet, without the heavyweight. The balance is neutral, and it comes pre-strung with Wilson Sensation multifilament strings.

While the length of the racquet is the standard 27 inches, it features an extra-long handle to provide comfortable two-handed shots. It also benefits from Spin Effect Technology, which increases the rotation of the ball without changing your swing.

This lightweight racquet contains carbon fibers for added shock absorption. This dampens the vibrations and minimizes pressure on the joints, making the Wilson Burn 100LS ideal for senior tennis players.

Wilson Federer Tennis Racquet

Head size: 110 square inches

Weight: 309g

Balance: Head light

String Pattern: 16×19

Length: 27.3 inches

When it comes to tennis racquets, Wilson is one of the most renowned brands. Most people have heard of them before – even those that don’t play tennis! This Wilson racquet is named after one of the most iconic players of all time, Roger Federer.

The racquet is equipped with Volcanic Frame technology for stability and power, stop shock pads for increased comfort, and power strings for an aggressive hit.

It has an aluminum construction and benefits from an oversized head of 110 square inches. This provides an increased sweet spot, making it ideal for players who struggle to hit the ball. Weighing 309g, it’s slightly heavier than other racquets on the list. This makes is best suited to larger and more experienced seniors hoping to generate serious power.

The Wilson Federer is a great all-rounder for seniors. The innovative features, combined with the timeless red design, make it popular amongst older tennis players of all sorts.

What Makes a Good Racquet for Seniors?

When choosing a racquet, you need to know what specs to look out for. There are certain things to consider when choosing the weight, racquet head, and the material. Below, we explore these in more detail.

Head Size

The first thing to consider is head size. The racquet head is measured as a total surface area, including the strings and frame.

A rule of thumb says that the larger the head size, the easier it is to hit the ball. However, hitting the ball isn’t normally the hardest thing in tennis, particularly if you’re a regular player. The most important thing is what happens when you hit it.

Generally speaking, a larger head will create a greater trampoline effect and generate more power to the ball. With this in mind, most seniors find a larger head of >100 square inches work best. If you’re a strong or more advanced player, you can reduce this to >96.

A larger head will also allow for faster rebounds, better accuracy, and more power with less effort when it comes to hitting the ball.

Weight

The weight of a tennis racquet is measured in grams. The weight is important for older players because strength and stamina naturally decline as we age. This means that the lighter the racquet, the easier it is to use.

With advanced manufacturing methods and new technologies like carbon fiber polymers, the average weight of a tennis racquet has reduced significantly in recent years. Typically, a lighter racquet will be more maneuverable while a heavier racquet will generate more power. Heavier racquets may also absorb shock better, dampening the vibrations of each hit.

The average tennis racquet weighs around 300g, so anything below 290g is considered light. While the difference may seem minimal, you’ll feel it when using the racquet on the court. So, what is the best racquet weight for older players? There are two things to consider. We tend to lose strength as we age, so the heavier the racquet, the harder it will be to maneuver.

On the other hand, aging affects the joints and makes them more prone to inflammation and injury. As we touched on a moment ago, a heavier racquet will dampen the vibrations so a super light model may irritate your joints. The shock absorption can also provide more control on the court.

With this in mind, the best option for seniors is a lighter racquet with shock-absorbing technology. That being said, a heavier racquet may be fine for seasoned tennis athletes. If your joints are used to the game, the heavier weight won’t affect them in the same way.

If you’re an experienced and active player in your 70s, you can likely handle a heavier racquet better than if you are an older player trying out tennis for the first time. So, the best racquet weight for seniors really depends on you.

Length

The next thing to consider is the racquet length. The length of a tennis racquet is measured in centimeters or inches. Most racquets on the market are 27 inches in length, but there are some longer or shorter models available.

Generally speaking, a longer racquet will create a higher impact velocity on the ball, adding power to the hit with the same force applied by the player. However, the same effect creates a longer moment arm and makes the racquet harder to control.

With this in mind, most seniors go for a standard-length racquet. However, if you’re a seasoned player with good racquet control, you may benefit from a longer frame if you want to generate more power.

Balance and Beam

The final consideration is balance and beam. The balance of a tennis racquet tells how the weight is distributed between the handle and the head. A racquet can either be head-heavy, head-light, or perfectly balanced.

Just like a heavier racket, a heavier head will generate more power. However, a lighter head will make the racquet easier to move around. With this in mind, many older players prefer a perfectly balanced model. However, feel free to play around with different models to see which feels best.

If you’re used to using a heavy, perfectly balanced tennis racquet but you’re looking to change to a lighter model, you could opt for a head-heavy racquet to retain some of your hitting power.

The final thing to consider is the beamwidth of the racquet. The frame of a racquet is never totally straight. The beamwidth tells the width of the handle, shoulders, and head relative to each other. Typically, racquets with a wider beam have more material, resulting in more power and stability on the court.

So, there you have it – the best tennis racquets for seniors. Whether you’re a seasoned tennis athlete or a total newbie, check out the racquets above to find something that suits you.

Nothing sucks the fun out of tennis quite like tennis elbow – It’s painful, hurts your performance, and can take weeks to heal.

It seems almost inevitable, though – close to half of tennis players get it at some point in their lives.

Tennis elbow, scientifically known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is an injury to the outer part of the elbow due to overuse.

Common symptoms include persistent pain and tenderness in the elbow and weakened grip. It can happen to anyone, but tennis players – who, by nature of the sport, use the same kind of motion repetitively during games or practice – are more vulnerable.

Tennis elbow isn’t difficult to treat; most cases just require weeks of rest. However, since we use our elbows so much in our everyday lives – opening doors, cooking, even just using our phones – it makes recovery a lot more challenging. As with any kind of sickness or injury, prevention is always better than the cure.

One of the biggest contributing factors to tennis elbow is the wrong racquet. The wrong racquet will not only affect your game performance, but it can also put a major strain on your arm.

What To Look For in a Good Arm-friendly Racquet

Every tennis player has a personal racquet preference. Some like powerful and heavy hard-hitting racquets, while others prefer racquets that give them more speed and flexibility.

There’s no one, single “best racquet,” even for those affected by tennis elbow. In general, however, there are a few things to look at when choosing the right racquet to prevent tennis elbow

• Weight – A lot of people think that using a lighter racquet would prevent tennis elbow, on the logic that a lighter racquet puts less strain on your arms while playing. While this makes sense in theory, in reality, it’s the exact opposite. Heavier racquets, while more difficult to swing, are designed to absorb more of the force of the ball, so that your arm doesn’t take most of the impact. This doesn’t mean you should spring for the heaviest racquet on the market, though. Too heavy, and you will sacrifice your technique and speed. Too light, and the racquet won’t be stable or absorb the impact. Find the heaviest one that is still comfortable for you to carry.
• Balance – Balance is the weight ratio between the head and the handle. The more weight in the handle, the easier and faster it is to move the racquet. Light racquet heads do have the downside of being more susceptible to vibration and shock. Get the ideal balance with a handle heavy enough for speed and stability, but with the strength of a larger head size.
• Length – Because longer racquets have a contact point that is farther away, they can put more stress on your arm and elbow. The standard racquet is around 27 inches in length.
• Flex – Flex measures the racquet’s flexibility or stiffness – basically, its ability to bend when it comes into contact with the ball. A more flexible racquet is easier able to absorb impact compared to a stiff one.
• Strings – Tension and string pattern play a role in how much shock your racquet can absorb. More open patterns are softer and can take in more force, while a dense pattern will be more likely to distribute the energy to your arm.

Whether you are already experiencing some symptoms or you just want to make sure you don’t get it in the future, you want a racquet engineered for preventing tennis elbow. We detail the 3 best options below:

Our Top Picks For Sufferers Of Tennis Elbow

1. Wilson Blade 98 Countervail

How do you make an already amazing racquet better? Ask Wilson. Their Blade 98 racquet was heavily praised by pro and amateur players alike for its aggressive, big hits and impressive stability on the court.

The Countervail model retains many of the features that made the Blade 98 an instant classic but with one significant improvement.

The Countervail technology was designed to reduce shock and cancel vibrations, protecting your wrist and elbow from injury even during intense volleys.

Players will enjoy the extremely precise head/handle balance and big 98-inch sweet spot.

Another plus?

The Wilson Blade 98 CV comes in three different string pattern options, allowing you more control over how you want to play.

• Length: 27 inches
• Weight: 11.2oz (strung), 10.7oz (unstrung)
• Flex Rating: 62
• Balance: 6 points head light
• String Pattern: comes in 18×20, 16×19, and 18×16
• Swing Weight: 326

2. Yonex EZone DR 98

Considered one of the best racquets on the market today, the Yonex DR 98 boasts the perfect blend of stability, control, and power. The Quake Shut Gel is a particularly impressive feature which helps filter out unwanted vibrations going from the racquet and into your wrist and hand.

Many players say that it’s at a comfortable weight and flexibility, which makes it easier on the arms than most of its competitors. The Yonex DR 98 has a 16×19 open string pattern and comes already pre-strung.

• Length: 27 inches
• Weight: 11.4oz (strung)
• Flex Rating: 62
• Balance: 6 points head light
• String Pattern: 16×19
• Swing Weight: 324

3. Prince Textreme Tour 95

The Prince Textreme Tour 95 is a racquet with a classic feel and great control. This is the racket of choice of many players who want a heftier feel than today’s popular lightweight frames. It has a stable base that allows you to make high-powered shots with each stroke while maintaining easy maneuverability and spin.

Some people say it packs a little less punch than other racquets, but it is incredibly arm-friendly and won’t put too much stress on your arm.

Many players turn to this racquet while recovering from tennis elbow, and some of them have never looked back.

• Length: 27 inches
• Weight: 11.3oz (unstrung), 11.8oz (strung)
• Flex Rating: 60
• Balance: 12 points head light
• String Pattern: 16×19
• Swing Weight: 322

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow is most commonly found in tennis players—however, it can result from any repetitive motion of the wrist including gripping, twisting, pounding, hammering, hedge-clipping, painting, using a screwdriver, even excessive texting, you get the picture… anything you do over and over again with your arms!

It occurs from damaging the tendons of the arm and its medical name is Lateral Epicondylitis. At the end of the Humerus bone are the Lateral Epicondyle and the Medial Epicondyle which are connected to the forearm by tendons which can become damaged from overuse.

You’ll notice you have Tennis Elbow when your elbow starts swelling, your forearm tingles and you get an electric surge of pain when you pick up an object. The moment you spot the symptoms of tennis elbow you must take action straight away to try to treat it.

Symptoms

It might be called tennis “elbow” but if it’s not treated you can also experience ssymptoms in your hands, wrists, and forearms, both on and off the court.

The symptoms and inflammation start gradually and it’s usually best to start any treatment as early as possible before real pain strikes. It is possible, if you know how, to treat tennis elbow at home, and we have listed a couple of ways that will most definitely ease the pain.

Before the pain becomes unbearable there are some symptoms that present themselves in the beginning. These include:

• Pain in the elbow that gets worse gradually
• A striking pain in the back of the hand that travels up the elbow when making a grabbing or twisting motion
• A noticeable weakening in your grasp or grip

As it gets worse other signs might show up like the inability to move or bend your elbow, a misshapen looking elbow, or it starts to look and feel like there’s a fracture or broken bone. In this case, we suggest you speak to your medical advisor as a matter of urgency to avoid long-term and permanent damage.

If you have identified that what you believe to be tennis elbow, then there is some good news: tennis it is relatively easy to cure, and hopefully, you’ll be able to resume playing in just a few short weeks.

It should be noted that the below treatment methods are not designed to be used as a replacement for professional therapy.

If you are in severe pain, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor or physiotherapist.

Causes

Tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the elbow, which leads to a contracting of the muscles in the forearm. This causes stress in the tissue which eventually causes several tears in the outer muscle.

As time goes on the pain becomes more severe, and moves down to the arm and the wrist. Other than it being incredibly painful it can result in an inhibited use of the arm and permanent damage.

The most likely cause of tennis elbow for tennis players are:

• Playing tennis for too long, especially for people who are over the age of 35
• Not having the requisite arm strength or flexibility
• Poor technique
• Holding the racquet too tightly

The impact that you feel from the ball hitting the racquet causes vibrations that are transferred from your arm to the elbow. These repeated blows and contractions of the forearm muscles can lead to inflammation – and in the worst cases, degeneration of the delicate tissue outside of the elbow.

Conclusion

In summary, a good racquet for tennis elbow will traditionally sacrifice game performance for shock absorption. The two racquets we profiled do their best to mitigate this.