BACK TO THE FUTURE (THE TREND TOWARD HEAVIER FRAMES) {2005}
By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo
Did you ever find it odd that even though all the major racquet companies are touting their “latest technologies”, they always seem to have a few heavier and less technologically advanced frames in their line? There’s a good reason for that. In general, the more advanced a player becomes, the less he wants the bells and whistles that make racquets easier to play with. A person who hits the sweetspot 99 times out of 100 doesn’t need a frame that is especially forgiving on off-center shots or any of the other “advances” that help the novice, or lower level player get the ball over the net. He also wants a heavier racquet, so he can put some weight behind his shots. As I’ve been saying for years, a lighter racquet is not necessarily better for a number of reasons.
One of our Florida guys, teaching pro, Tom Avery from Naples, puts it this way. ”Is a lightweight racquet a good idea? The touring pros know better. They’ll stick to what works, they’ll add weight when they customize their racquets. Consider this: If you were in a car accident which would you rather be driving, a compact or a truck? … the collision of a racquet and ball is similar; the heavier racquet will crush through the ball instead of bouncing off, which makes it more comfortable on impact and more accurate. In fact, a heavier racquet is a ‘must’ for those with arm problems. Weight in a racquet takes the stress off the arm. You need weight to return a ”heavy” ball (lots of pace and spin). Pete Sampras used a racquet that is 14 oz; Andre Agassi uses one that is 13.2 oz. …the racquet that is better at Center Court is also better at the recreational level.”
Those of you who are right now saying, “This guy is nuts,” have bought into the advertisers’ hype that the latest must be the greatest.
As a result of his philosophy, Avery has come out with a racquet called appropriately enough, the AVERY M3. After several years and several models, he has what he believes to be an excellent playing racquet for those players who share his philosophy. Its weight is 12.4 oz. It is extremely head light, with a thin beam and medium flexibility.
I know that many players will ask, “If having a head light racquet is better, why do I see so many pro players with lead tape all over the TOP of their racquets”. The quick answer is because they put so much weight under the GRIP, they need extra weight at the top so the balance won’t be affected.
The Ultimate Racquet is not coming tomorrow. It was here yesterday, and many of us just haven’t recognized it yet. Those interested in trying the AVERY can give Tom a call at (800) 758 WINS or, if you are local to us give us a shout.
COPYRIGHT 2005
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Editor's note pertaining to all articles presented.
All articles are presented as they were written and published. Some information contained in these articles may have changed over the years. Please be cognizant of this as you read. Additionally, since these articles go back as far as 1994, some of the technology may have changed, and new methods and advancements may have come about. Please contact us if you have any questions.
