Monday, February 23, 2009
Prince EX03 Rebel 95 & Rebel Team
Welcome to a new age of Prince Racquet Sports! The new line of EX03 racquets represents a return to the advance player focus that once made Prince the market powerhouse and equal of Wilson. This new series is constructed and designed with the tournament to tour level player in mind and is nothing short a success for the company that has languished in the mediocrity of the game improvement segment for the last decade.
Prince EX03 Rebel 95:
The Rebel 95 is a like the Prince Tour Diablo on steroids! I have been down on Prince for quite a while and I am not a fan of the O series of racquets. In spite of those personal feelings I found that while hitting with the Rebel 95 that I quite forgot that I was playing with a racquet that had gigantic holes in the side of it. The flexible response frame provides excellent control without sacrificing any of the power
necessary to compete in today's fast paced game. The updated O-ports are more squared than previous issues and boasts a string hole grommet system that, while still allowing the free string movement, reduces string vibration. The Rebel 95 still however, provides solid feedback for advanced player who like such things.While the Rebel 95 is the heaviest frame in the EX03 line (12.3 oz, strung) it plays deceptively light. Where you will notice, and appreciate the weight is on ground stroke against heavy pace. The girth of the Rebel 95 allows for solid response to any manner of shots and is surprisingly sturdy on off center hits. The head light balance on the other hand provides quick response at the net and allows you to generate terrific racquet head speed on serves.
The new Resi Pro grip is one of the features that grabbed my
notice immediately! It is both firm yet extremely absorbent! It also provides great tack without being 'sticky'. I also was astonished by the soft feel and ease with which I was able to generate spin despite the 18x20 string pattern. Players of every style will find this racquet well suited to their needs with the caveat that you are at least a 4.0 player. (Lower and Sub 4.0 players see the Rebel Team). The balance, heft, and traditional feel will score high marks with with baseliners for accuracy and power while serve and volleyers will appreciate the maneuverability and rock solid response.
notice immediately! It is both firm yet extremely absorbent! It also provides great tack without being 'sticky'. I also was astonished by the soft feel and ease with which I was able to generate spin despite the 18x20 string pattern. Players of every style will find this racquet well suited to their needs with the caveat that you are at least a 4.0 player. (Lower and Sub 4.0 players see the Rebel Team). The balance, heft, and traditional feel will score high marks with with baseliners for accuracy and power while serve and volleyers will appreciate the maneuverability and rock solid response. For the best combination of power and touch I suggest that the Rebel 95 be strung as a hybrid with any combination of the following:
Mains:
Technifibre Pro Red Code, Prince Poly EXP, Klip K-Boom, Babolat Pro Hurricane, Luxlion Big Banger Org. or Big Banger ALU.
Crosses:
Gamma TNT, TNT Fat Core, Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex, Prince Lightning XX, Wilson Stamina, Wilson Sensation, Babolat SuperFine Play, Babolat Excel Premium, or your choice of natural gut.
Comparisons:
Becker 11, Head MicroGel Prestige, Volkl Power Bridge 10, Dunlop AeroGel 200.
Final Analysis:
Players of every style will find many benefits to this extremely solid frame. This stick hearkens back to the 80's & early 90's when Prince was the only choice for players who eschewed the use of Wilson racquets. Good balance + Solid Feel + Superior Response = Terrific Racquet.
Frame Statistics:
Weight: 11.8 (unstrung)
Head Size: 95 sq. in.
Swing Weight: 337
Length: 27 in.
Balance: 9 pts Head Light
Beam Width: 20mm Straight Beam
Construction: 100% Graphite
Prince EX 03 Rebel 95 retails for $189 on the Internet or at your local Prince Dealer.
Prince EX03 Rebel Team:
While the Team version shares the Rebel name, head size, and cosmetic that is where most of the similarities end.While the Rebel 95 is targeted towards high level tournament players, the Rebel Team is designed for the recreational player and the up and coming young junior. The Rebel Team is significantly lighter and stiffer that the 95 version. Weighing in at 10.7 oz (strung) the Rebel Team is not nearly as solid as its heavier 95 brother it also lacks some of the maneuverability due to its head heavy balance (1pt head heavy).
The hoop construction is the same as that of the Rebel 95 and they vibration dampening effect is also quite effective in creating a comfortable feel. The lighter construction of the Rebel Team will allow junior players who are still developing physically to use a control oriented racquet without dealing with the 11.5+ oz girth of most racquets of that progeny. Recreational & junior players alike will also find the Rebel Team more forgiving than the 95 on off center hits and more powerful from the baseline.
The head heavy balance is most notable at the net where the Team seems somewhat sluggish. Volleying also gives away the difference in the weight and solidity between the the Team & 95. While volleying is still effective, experienced serve and volleyers will feel a definitive difference. The missing weight can also be felt against big hitting baseliners where the racquet is just not as stable against extreme power. The head heavy balance was designed to compensate for this but is not entirely effective. I would suggest a similar stringing pattern for the Rebel Team as I do for the Rebel 95:
Mains:
Technifibre Pro Red Code, Prince Poly EXP, Klip K-Boom, Babolat Pro Hurricane, Luxlion Big Banger Org. or Big Banger ALU.
Crosses:
Gamma TNT, TNT Fat Core, Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex, Prince Lightning XX Wilson Stamina, Wilson Sensation, Babolat SuperFine Play, Babolat Excel Pemium, or your choice of natural gut.
Comparisons:
Head MicroGel Radical, Volkl Power Bridge 8, Babolat Pure Storm, Wilson K Surge or Wilson K Tour.
Final Analysis:
For the top level tournament player this racquet is a pass. However is you are a USTA League All-Star or a young up and coming junior looking for a control racquet that still provides solid power for all court play the Rebel Team is a solid bet. Players who are upper level 3.0-4.0 are in the ideal range for this stick as are 9-15 year old junior who are not quite at the elite or tournament level.
Technifibre Pro Red Code, Prince Poly EXP, Klip K-Boom, Babolat Pro Hurricane, Luxlion Big Banger Org. or Big Banger ALU.
Crosses:
Gamma TNT, TNT Fat Core, Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex, Prince Lightning XX Wilson Stamina, Wilson Sensation, Babolat SuperFine Play, Babolat Excel Pemium, or your choice of natural gut.
Comparisons:
Head MicroGel Radical, Volkl Power Bridge 8, Babolat Pure Storm, Wilson K Surge or Wilson K Tour.
Final Analysis:
For the top level tournament player this racquet is a pass. However is you are a USTA League All-Star or a young up and coming junior looking for a control racquet that still provides solid power for all court play the Rebel Team is a solid bet. Players who are upper level 3.0-4.0 are in the ideal range for this stick as are 9-15 year old junior who are not quite at the elite or tournament level.
Frame Statistics:
Weight: 10.2 (unstrung)
Head Size: 95 sq. in.
Swing Weight: 329
Length: 27 in.
Balance: 1 pt Head Heavy
Beam Width: 20mm Straight Beam
Construction: 100% Graphite
Prince EX 03 Rebel Team retails for $169 on the Internet or at your local Prince Dealer.
Prince EX 03 Rebel Team retails for $169 on the Internet or at your local Prince Dealer.
Jay Wiseman is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), a certification that is bestowed upon only the elite racquet and equipment service professionals. Additionally Jay is a certified P-1 Professional by the USPTA and has served as the Head Professional and Pro Shop manager at multiple clubs on the East Coast and Midwest. Jay has previously spent 3 years coaching Division I collegiate women's tennis and currently serves as a teaching professional at the largest tennis club in Toledo, Oh and is the Head Boy's & Girl's Tennis Coach at Sylvania Southview High School.
Wilson K Pro Staff 88
Wilson K Pro Staff 88:
It's Baaack!! Yes the return of king. If you were one of the few people on the planet who was able to handle the original Pro Staff 6.0 85 and still have the strength to wield on you will love this racquet. Mere mortals will probably want to just pass this one by. But if you are a tennis god, or if you just want to see what it was like to swing Pete Sampras' racquet, this stick is worth the test drive.
It's Baaack!! Yes the return of king. If you were one of the few people on the planet who was able to handle the original Pro Staff 6.0 85 and still have the strength to wield on you will love this racquet. Mere mortals will probably want to just pass this one by. But if you are a tennis god, or if you just want to see what it was like to swing Pete Sampras' racquet, this stick is worth the test drive.
Let me first qualify my review by pointing out that I am a 4.5 singles/5.0 doubles player, I play with a 13 oz. racquet, and am a serve and volleyer. That being said I had some difficulty handling this monster. If you aren't at least a 4.5+ you will most likely find this racquet to be too heavy with too small a sweet spot and not enough power. The K Pro Staff 88 requires a long, fast swing and fine upper body strength. As with the its predecessor it is ideally suited for those with flatter swings (Easter, Hybrid, Semi-Western grips) players with Full-Western grips will mostly find that the frame is just a bit too small for their swings. Players of all styles can find attractive benefits to this frame, but the benefits will be most valuable to the serve and volleyer.
The K Pro Staff weighs in at a staggering (by modern day standards) 12.8 ounces (strung) making it a the heaviest racquet on the market, the 17mm width of the frame belies its stability and head light balance (6pts. HL) makes surprisingly maneuverable for such a weighty stick. The benefit of such a heavy frame is that there is very little vibration even on off center hits. The downside of off center hits however, is that the head is so small that you'll probably frame the ball if hit it off center! The classic leather grip is a throwback to the golden days of tennis where racquet control and sturdy grip superseded grip comfort and perspiration absorbency. If you like a firm grip and have solid calluses the grip won't bother you, and if you don't, you can always re-grip it!
Along with the tiny head (88 sq. in.) it has an equally small sweetspot. The return of the PWS (Perimeter Weighting System) helps keep the racquet head stable and firm. In the event that you are able to find the sweetspot with this baby watch out! You will see exactly why the greats such as Sampras, Edberg, and Federer swore by this frame. Precision control with surprising power! Flat serves jump from the strings with explosive power, returns and ground strokes land with great depth and pinpoint accuracy, and volleys land with superior depth and speed in the exact place you intended. That being said, I only found the sweetspot about 20-25% of the time!The string pattern is 16x19 and due to the small head size seems relatively tight. Since most players who actually use this racquet will have flatter swings, string life should be on the higher end. Because of the weight and response of the racquet I would caution even top level players in using a hybrid stringing and absolutely advise against using polyester in both mains and crosses and I would advise for all players to use a softer synthetic gut or natural gut. I personally suggest:
Elite players:
If you must use a Hybrid:
Technifibre Pro Red Code 17 or Klip K-Boom 17 in the mains & Wilson Sensation, Prince Syn. Gut w/Duraflex, Prince Softflex 16/17, or Gamma Syn. w/Wearguard. (or for those of you Natural gut people, the gut of your choice) in the crosses.
If you take my advice and go softer:
Gamma TNT 16 or Fat Core, Wilson Sensation, Prince Premier Softflex 16, PrinceLighting XX 16, Babolat Excel Premium 16, or Babolat VS Natural Gut
USTA League Players:
Just Don't Bother!!
If you take my advice and go softer:
Gamma TNT 16 or Fat Core, Wilson Sensation, Prince Premier Softflex 16, PrinceLighting XX 16, Babolat Excel Premium 16, or Babolat VS Natural Gut
USTA League Players:
Just Don't Bother!!
Comparisons:
The original Pro Staff 6.0 and other racquets of the early 80's. KSix-One Tour 90.
Final Analysis:
Serve and volleyers will appreciate the pinpoint accuracy of serves, net maneuverability, and solid response on volleys. Exceptional baseliners will appreciate the solid feel and accuracy. Basically if you aren't elite, or a precision racquet snob this racquet isn't for you! But if you are the ATP tour may await!
Frame Statistics 
Weight: 12.3 (unstrung)
Head Size: 88 sq. in.
Swing Weight: 345
Length: 27 in.
Balance: 6 pts Head Light
Beam Width: 17mm Straight Beam
Construction: 100% K-arophite Black
The K Factor Pro Staff 88 retails for $199.00 and can be found at most online retailers or your local Wilson authorized dealer.
Jay Wiseman is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), a certification that is bestowed upon only the elite racquet and equipment service professionals. Additionally Jay is a certified P-1 Professional by the USPTA and has served as the Head Professional and Pro Shop manager at multiple clubs on the East Coast and Midwest. Jay has previously spent 3 years coaching Division I collegiate women's tennis and currently serves as a teaching professional at the largest tennis club in Toledo, Oh and is the Head Boy's & Girl's Tennis Coach at Sylvania Southview High School.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Update: New Babolat Y Racquets
Today was the first day of the semi annual Mid Atlantic Tennis Buying Show here in the Washington DC area. While I have seen, and in most cases played with the new racquets for 2009, one new line has spiked a lot of interest in the last few days. Today would be my first chance to get to see - in person - Babolat's new Y line.
This is an all new venture for the French racquet manufacturer. For years they have tried to get their foot in the door of the game improvemnet area. In the past they have filled holes with racquets that they were lacking. But this their first all new line and technology for game improvement frames.
Thursday I gave you the general info... A total of five Y racquets, all under 10 ounces. Now I am going to fill in some of the holes.
- These are good looking racquets. They did a good job with the cosmetics. For The Y 112 and Y 118 there are two color options, a more masculine color scheme, and a lighter more feminine color scheme for the racquets that come with the Smart Grip.
- The Y 112 Limited is the heaviest of the frames weighing in at 9.7 ounces unstrung. All of the other Y frames all weigh 9 ounces flat.
- The 112 Limited is even balanced, while the 112 and 118 are 1 pt head heavy.
- The extended yoke of the racquet (halfway up the head) is called the Side Drivers and is made of high modulus graphite, and the rest of the head has Crystal Graphite.
- Crystal Graphite is so new and high tech that they haven't even told the reps what it is!
- The frames that come shipped with Smart Grip handles can be changed to traditional grips, and Babolat now sells kits to change traditional grips into Smart Grips. This is a great idea!
- All Y demos will be shipped strung with VS Touch natural gut!
- Ship dates are mid to late March.
If you are in the market for a light weight game improvement frame. I think that these will be worth a serious look. When I first saw the release video for these frames I predicted that they would be very expensive in the $280-$300 range, but they have kept the prices in check and the will run between $230-$250. I hope to have some photos for you soon!
There are also some bags and backpack slings to go with the new racquets. In addition, Babolat will be introducing a new Synthetic Gut to replace Super Fine Play, which will also be in a new Hybrid with VS Touch 16.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Babolat Introduces New "Y" Racquets
As I wrote about a few days ago, today was the big online launch of Babolat's new racquets for 2009.I had thought that this would be the time that they introduced the new Pure Drive and GT+ line, but alas I was wrong...
One of the major criticisms of Babolat as a company is that they focus too narrowly on juust advanced player racquets. To put this criticism to rest they decided to use their online launch today to introduce their new Y racquets.
Yeah that is the name, simply Y. There are five different Y racquets, the Y 112 Limited, Y 112 with a standard and smart grip, and the Y 118 in both standard and smart grips. As you might expect the numbers correspond to the head size of each frame. These are light (sub 10 ounce) big power, game improvement racquets, and feature some new features like a shaft similar to the new Wilson FX frames, and something called Crystal Graphite.
Dates for release were not mentioned, but I will see my rep this weekend and get more specifics, which I will share later. There is a lot more to learn about these Y racquets... Stay tuned for more!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Coming this Thursday...
It looks like Babolat has a big announcement coming up this Thursday...Last week Babolat sent me a huge postcard labeled with the phrase...
"You won't get it out of your mind until you get it in your hands."
This was their way of inviting me to an online product launch this Thursday February 19th at www.babolat.com/obsession.
Is this the unveiling of the new Pure Drive? I'm sure that will be a part of it, but it sounds like a whole new line is going to be introduced. I tried to get some information from my local representative, but he was unable to provide any details except that it would be worth my time. Needless to say I am getting pretty excited as the day draws near. I just hope that my anticipation doesn't make it impossible for Babolat to deliver something that will live up to the hype...
Of course I will be sharing with you any information that I can after the event, so be sure to check back here Thursday late afternoon for all of the juicy details!
Jeremy Plumley is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association, a designation that is only given to service professionals who demonstrate superior technical competence and product knowledge in racquet sports. In addition he is also a certified teaching professional at one of the most prestigious country clubs in the United States, where he also is the pro shop manager for racquets, shoes and accessories. His knowledge of tennis equipment and teaching background give him the ability to recommend the proper equipment for the type of player he is working with.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Volkl Power Bridge 10 Review
Volkl Power Bridge 10
The PB 10 is the
latest in evolution of the 10 series from the German company. And as they say in the Sham Wow commercials, "you know those Germans make good stuff!" The PB 10 is no exception. For those who are not familiar with the Volkl name and product line you can read about the company's history at http://www.voelkl-tennis.com/cms/front_content.php?idcat=36. Those tennis aficionados who are familiar with the name know that Volkl is known for two things, High End-High Performance tournament level racquets and arm/elbow friendly racquets.
The PB 10 is the
latest in evolution of the 10 series from the German company. And as they say in the Sham Wow commercials, "you know those Germans make good stuff!" The PB 10 is no exception. For those who are not familiar with the Volkl name and product line you can read about the company's history at http://www.voelkl-tennis.com/cms/front_content.php?idcat=36. Those tennis aficionados who are familiar with the name know that Volkl is known for two things, High End-High Performance tournament level racquets and arm/elbow friendly racquets.The PB 10 is both. However, Light weights need not apply! If you don't bring your own power the PB 10 won't provide it for you. If however you are a big hitting 4.0+ who is looking for excellent control for pinpoint shot making, then line up and take your shot. The PB 10 is ideal for players with long, fast swings and little trouble creating spin. Players of all styles will find attractive benefits to the this all around solid frame.
The PB 10 weighs in at 12.0 ounces (strung) making it a hefty racquet, however the thin frame (19mm) and head light balance (7pts. HL) make it extremely maneuverable negates the usual heavy racquet feel found in many racquets of this weight. The dual shock absorbing Sensor handle does its job in dampening frame vibration. However, it might do too good of a job; for those players who like a lot of feedback on their shots will find that the racquet has a 'dead' feel (much like the old Wilson 6.1 classics with its foam injected frame). If however you have a sensitive elbow, shoulder or forearm you won't find a more comfortable racquet in this genre.
The PB 10 weighs in at 12.0 ounces (strung) making it a hefty racquet, however the thin frame (19mm) and head light balance (7pts. HL) make it extremely maneuverable negates the usual heavy racquet feel found in many racquets of this weight. The dual shock absorbing Sensor handle does its job in dampening frame vibration. However, it might do too good of a job; for those players who like a lot of feedback on their shots will find that the racquet has a 'dead' feel (much like the old Wilson 6.1 classics with its foam injected frame). If however you have a sensitive elbow, shoulder or forearm you won't find a more comfortable racquet in this genre. Despite the frame's larger head size (98 sq. in.) it boasts a relatively small sweet spot and can be somewhat unstable on off center hits. However in this regard the PB 10 is superior to its 10 series predecessors due to the DNX fibers placed at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock on the hoop. The DNX technology is a tubular carbon fiber section that strengthens the frame and helps to stabilize the hoop. 
If you are good enough to be using this type of racquet you know that slight instability on off center hits is to be expected in all racquets at this level. That being said the PB 10 is like a brick house on return of serves, no matter how fast the serve comes at you; you'll never feel like you don't have enough behind the ball. The racquet's weight, dense string pattern, and shock absorbing handle make is feel like you can handle anything. Serve and volley enthusiasts will find the experience is the same when you get to the net.
If you are good enough to be using this type of racquet you know that slight instability on off center hits is to be expected in all racquets at this level. That being said the PB 10 is like a brick house on return of serves, no matter how fast the serve comes at you; you'll never feel like you don't have enough behind the ball. The racquet's weight, dense string pattern, and shock absorbing handle make is feel like you can handle anything. Serve and volley enthusiasts will find the experience is the same when you get to the net.The string pattern is an 18x20 which helps in controlling the ball and will increase string life; but sacrifices some spin potential. Unlike most 18x20 pattern racquets the PB 10 provides significant ‘pop’ on serves while still providing superior accuracy. Top level players will want to use a hybrid stringing rather than using polyester in both mains and crosses and 4.0-4.5 will want to use a softer synthetic gut. While you will give up some durability, it is negligible while the playability increases dramatically with a softer string. I personally suggest:
Elite players:
Technifibre Pro Red Code or Klip K-Boom in the mains & Klip Venom, Prince Syn. Gut w/Duraflex, or Gamma Syn. w/Wearguard. (or for those of you Natural gut people, the gut of your choice) in the crosses.
Technifibre Pro Red Code or Klip K-Boom in the mains & Klip Venom, Prince Syn. Gut w/Duraflex, or Gamma Syn. w/Wearguard. (or for those of you Natural gut people, the gut of your choice) in the crosses.
USTA League Players:
Gamma TNT 16 or Fat Core, Wilson Sensation, Prince Premier Softflex 16, PrinceLighting XX 16, Babolat Excel Premium 16, or Natural Gut
Comparisons:
The PB 10 compares with the Wilson KSix-One 95 (18x20), Babolat Aero Storm Tour, Technifbre Tfight 325, Head Microgel Prestige, and Prince O3 Speed Port Tour.
Final Analysis:
Serve and volleyers will appreciate the pinpoint accuracy of serves, net maneuverability, and solid response on volleys. Baseliners will love the ease and consistency with which they can create angles and hit spots on the court and the solid feel on return of serves. The PB 10 is an excellent frame for the elite player looking to more accuracy, older teen tournament players looking for to step up their games, and higher level recreation players who demand precision response without sacrificing comfort.
Frame Statistics
Weight: 11.5 (unstrung)
Head Size: 98 sq. in.
Swing Weight: 320
Length: 27 in.
Balance: 7 pts Head Light
Beam Width: 19mm Straight Beam
Construction: Graphite/Fiberglass/DNX
The Power Bridge 10 retails for $189.00 and can be found in most online retailers or your local shop that is a Volkl authorized dealer.
Jay Wiseman is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), a certification that is bestowed upon only the elite racquet and equipment service professionals. Additionally Jay is a certified P-1 Professional by the USPTA and has served as the Head Professional and Pro Shop manager at multiple clubs on the East Coast and Midwest. Jay has previously spent 3 years coaching Division I collegiate women's tennis and currently serves as a teaching professional at the largest tennis club in Toledo, Oh and is the Head Boy's & Girl's Tennis Coach at Sylvania Southview High School.
Comparisons:
The PB 10 compares with the Wilson KSix-One 95 (18x20), Babolat Aero Storm Tour, Technifbre Tfight 325, Head Microgel Prestige, and Prince O3 Speed Port Tour.
Final Analysis:
Serve and volleyers will appreciate the pinpoint accuracy of serves, net maneuverability, and solid response on volleys. Baseliners will love the ease and consistency with which they can create angles and hit spots on the court and the solid feel on return of serves. The PB 10 is an excellent frame for the elite player looking to more accuracy, older teen tournament players looking for to step up their games, and higher level recreation players who demand precision response without sacrificing comfort.
Frame Statistics
Weight: 11.5 (unstrung)
Head Size: 98 sq. in.
Swing Weight: 320
Length: 27 in.
Balance: 7 pts Head Light
Beam Width: 19mm Straight Beam
Construction: Graphite/Fiberglass/DNX
The Power Bridge 10 retails for $189.00 and can be found in most online retailers or your local shop that is a Volkl authorized dealer.
Jay Wiseman is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), a certification that is bestowed upon only the elite racquet and equipment service professionals. Additionally Jay is a certified P-1 Professional by the USPTA and has served as the Head Professional and Pro Shop manager at multiple clubs on the East Coast and Midwest. Jay has previously spent 3 years coaching Division I collegiate women's tennis and currently serves as a teaching professional at the largest tennis club in Toledo, Oh and is the Head Boy's & Girl's Tennis Coach at Sylvania Southview High School.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Size Does Matter...
As a person who works in retail selling racquets, one of the biggest requests I get is for racquets that provide more power. This sounds like a good thing right? You buy a new racquet, and your serve magically gets faster, and you win more matches. Sounds like a win-win situation... Of course it is not that easy. That cannon of a racquet might not be the right racquet for your game. So how do you know what is right for you and your game. Lets talk racquet size... In the simplest of terms, a wider racquet is going to give you more power. This racquet is usually also stiffer and returns more energy to the ball, thus giving you more power with the same swing. A thinner racquet is usually going to be more flexible and not do as much of the work for you. This means that you have to swing harder to get more power. In addition to those factors we have head size. When all other things are equal, a larger headed racquet will provide more power than a smaller one. So after reading all of this you are probably thinking, "why shouldn't I go for the thick beamed, oversize racquet?" The answer is it might not fit your game or your swing.
The general rule of thumb is this... The longer and faster you swing, the more flexible racquet you should be using, and the shorter your swing the stiffer racquet you should be using. Flexible racquets normally have smaller head sizes (less than 100 square inches), while stiffer frames tend to have larger heads (greater than 100 sqare inches).
So if you are the type of player that takes a big, full swing at the ball, using a 9 ounce, 125 sq. inch racquet is probably not the best move. On the other side, if you punch the ball around from the baseline, you are not going to help your game by purchasing the new Wilson [K] Pro Staff.
So size does matter... At least as far as tennis racquets go...
