Everything gets in the way of a bad dancer, implying that a good dancer will be good no matter what. This can be translated to sports too. You would think that a good player, can play with any type of racquet and any type of shoes.
However, science and technology can change our lives. Whether we are talking about swim suits or tennis racquets,technology advances at an astronomical pace.
Tennis racquets are justified in their variety. Just think back to the wooden racquet era, and even a decade ago there were the 85 square inch models compared to todays 90 inch models. Picking up that old heavy Wilson today will give anyone tennis elbow after several minutes of heavy swinging. Just as game styles vary, so do racquets, and this all around evolution is at the center of progress in the tennis world.
You can just imagine, hidden away in laboratories, are teams of women and men in goggles, white coats, rubber gloves, playing around with beakers, metals and laws of gravity to come up with the best weapon for the modern day tennis players. Some frames have more power, some have more control, some feel stiff, others feel loose. No wonder all these wonderful tennis equipment websites offer trials before you make up your mind.
Ultimately, the racquet doesn't make the player, although some players like, McEnroe would disagree. He often says how players post results today, not because of more talent, but because of better technology. But then again, if that were entirely true, we wouldn't have had Sampras and Graf to compare to Nadal and Sharapova.
No one will argue that technology certainly helps. Lets not forget that pros have their frames custom made, and altough, we see them hitting with the same color racquets that we see at our local tennis shop, these racquets are different. They probably are a lot heavier and the paint conceals several differences.
No manufacturer is blacklisted and players find their fit with all kinds of racquets. One reason for choosing a certain racquet could be potential sponsorship deals, but another reason has to be function and comfort. There is a right frame for everyone.
Wilson, Babolat, Yonex, Head, and Prince are popular. But it really comes down to evaluating your game and trying a couple of racquets out to see what feels good, and what gives you the ultimate balance between power, spin, and control.
Here is a list of some improvements for the weapons of 2009, and by the sound of them, they do sound like military code names:
Head MicroGel Extreme with Teflon
Price: $200
New aspect: The Teflon coating around the grommets reduces the friction and allows the strings to move more freely during contact which in turn gives you more power and a cleaner stroke. Recommended for all courters with a lot of spin.
Prince EXO3 Graphite
Price: $220
New Aspect: Addition of O-ports and large grommetless string holes which reduce the space going against the wind, this provides more stability but because of the graphite it remains low on power. You can add your own grommets to it if you want to control the frame better. Recommended for people that want a lot more control and less power.
Prince EXO3 Rebel
Price: $210
New Aspect: This model has a large frame, 95 sq.in and a dense pattern for strings. It is a lot heavier and while it takes away spin it adds to the power. Recommended for serious tennis players who have developed techniques as it is not very forgiving.
Prince EXO3 Red
Price: $260
New Aspect: Has an Energy Bridge made of carbon fiber strips that run through the middle of the frame to increase the sweet spot and enhance the feel of the ball on the strings. Recommended for pretty good players but also those that are getting up there in age, its very forgiving and pretty long.
Technifibre T-Fight 320 VO2 MaX
Price: $199
New Aspect: Places carbon fiber at 5 and 7 o'clock positions on the frame to stop it from twisting on the shot. Players wish it had some more power, but like the spin. Recommended for high level players who can create their own power, otherwise you will feel like a pusher.
Volkl Power Bridge 4
Price: $225
New Aspect: It is half an inch longer than most. It is very light and makes for an easy fast swing. The carbon fibers are at the bottom here. Recommended for those that like to be at the net, and also have trouble with racquet acceleration, but it is not the most forgiving thing off center.
Volkl Power Bridge 6 Attiva
Price: $200
New Aspect: Carbon fibers at 6 o'clock to add power and stability. Softer, rounder grip. Recommended for very aggressive players and doubles players. Geared towards women.
Wilson Kobra Team.FX
Price: $230
New Aspect: Large cutouts in the racquets throat to evenly distribute its weight between four sections rather than the usual 2. Gives more power than spin. Recommended for all court tournament players as it is pretty subservient.
Yonex RQiS1 Tour XL 95
Price: $230
New Aspect: Usually Yonex gives you more control and feed than power, but this one gives more pop. Gotta find the sweet spot on it to drive the ball. Recommended for players that like to go for their shots and create their own power.
Babolat has also just unveiled their Y line, motto: to win
Price: $229
New Aspect: It is the first oversize racquet to combine power with precision. It was developed specifically for club players in the US to give that comfort and forgiveness most recreational players are looking for.
Now as you noticed, racquets are not cheap. If your child has a high ranking it is worth contacting some of these manufacturers to see if you can work out a deal or a sponsorship of a sort. It is also worth looking around online for some good deals or at your local pro shop for seasonal discounts.
If you are just a beginner and can afford a frame, it is not necessary to buy four to six racquets right away; that is for more serious players who need several frames because of the frequency of popped strings, different conditions requiring different tensions, etc.
Most importantly if you are struggling, don't lose hope and desire to let your kid learn tennis, contact tennisracquetsforkids.com and we will do our best to provide those in need with their first frame and put a smile on that kids face. Tennis is Great!
Source: April 2009 Tennis.com magazine
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