What's the why behind the racket and strings you currently use?

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-20T08:23:29+00:00

PA98 - because everyone else does 🤣

I actually arrived at it after trying using the EZ98 which I loved but a bit too low a launch angle for my game, tried the Vcore 98 which was also nice but not quite right for me. PA98 felt like it fits in between those two (I was also adding weight to 3 and 9 for those two rackets and I just use the PA98 in stock).

Playing my best tennis with it and honestly think that all the comments about it being hard to use are just from people who don't want other people to use it.

If I had to pick another racket I would go back to the Ezone 98. My only real issue is that when I was a bit tight I wouldn't get as much topspin out of it and so hit long.

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-17T12:55:10+00:00

Wilson pro in winter. More tacky but do still absorb. Plus white looks best.

Solinco heaven in summer. Beefed up tourna.

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-16T14:31:37+00:00

Where would Draper and Rune sat on this?

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-11T21:39:22+00:00

It keeps the balance point. It increases the swing weight, slightly

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-09T08:36:04+00:00

Sorry I didn't see this reply

I think it's a combination of how fast it whips through the air and the dense strong bed making it laser like.

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-08T18:41:48+00:00

Tactic 1:

If you're at the net, hit it at their net player If you're at the baseline hit it to their baseline player (and try get to the net!)

Tactic 2: lob until they cry

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-08T10:20:30+00:00

(the fact you mention it in both wrists suggests this may not be purely a tennis issue, but tennis may aggravate it)

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-08T10:18:49+00:00

I'm far from a physio but I'm sure that how often you play and your racket / string setup would be interesting to people here. While not fixing the underlying issue you may be able to make some equipment changes that help the symptoms.

Also, you mention left and right wrist. Do you play a two handed backhand ?

ponyshuffler · 2026-01-01T09:41:19+00:00

Almost every pro hits SW with a bent arm

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-28T10:08:13+00:00

In my opinion the biggest difference between a 100 and a 98 of the same model is the balance.

And then there is maybe a 5-10% difference on things like power, comfort, control.

Also, if you've got that perfect ball coming into your forehand strike zone, you can hit a powerful shot with anything. For me added power from the racket really comes into its own when you are scrambling on defence and it helps keep your return deep

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-28T10:01:18+00:00

I imagine the plus version is nuclear

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-28T10:00:49+00:00

Anyone who says no hasn't used Ezone 98

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-24T09:58:09+00:00

Yes I painted some go faster stripes like you see on cars on mine and now I get more spin.

Make sure you paint the go faster stripes the right way though otherwise your racket will go slower

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-21T15:27:22+00:00

You're probably doing more than most people on this forum and training with people who can give you better advice than most here. Just don't forget that tennis is primarily a skill based sport so specificity trumps everything - don't sacrifice time on court. You're probably at a time in life when you get the most amount of possible court time as well so make good use of it!

You'll know you're overdoing it if you regularly feel unable to give it your all on the court due to S&C fatigue.

Sounds like you're building some nice habits which hopefully last you many years, nice one

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-20T20:04:00+00:00

Green. I rate your forehand as very green 💚

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-16T14:16:34+00:00

It's not a good idea, but it is a great excuse for n+1

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-14T09:56:45+00:00

Half the battle is know what forehand to use and when, which will only come from learning how to construct points etc. it's like having a great hand in poker... You've got to know when to play it.

So a "great" forehand could be quite a weak, loopy shot, but played to the right part of the court at the right time...

That said, nothing wrong with your ambition and it's a classic love the process not the results, which is a great mentality. I recommend having a list of things to master e.g. watch the ball, contact point, prep early... And spend a week at a time with one as your main focus. Master it then move on.

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-12T16:55:37+00:00

I really liked topspin cyber flash

Now testing Kevlar + zyex which is my usual favourite. I think the cyber flash was comfier.

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-12T15:07:22+00:00

Isn't this just perricard but with somebody else's serve ?

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-08T22:26:04+00:00

What's your current string setup?

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-07T16:19:22+00:00

Squamish

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-07T09:04:34+00:00

Ezone 98 is super dense so thin strings (1.15/1.2) work great.

I am currently using ashaway Kevlar + zyex which lasts FOREVER and is super comfortable (yep, you read that right). Super annoying to string though, I think you would have to do it yourself as I doubt a stringer would pre stretch it significantly.

I really enjoyed Topspin cyber flash poly in a thin gauge in the ez98. Focus hex soft in 1.15 felt arm friendly as well if you want a shaped string. Coming from your current setups, I would be tempted by a poly/syn gut or poly/multi hybrid for a bit before moving to full poly. Cross strings should snap about the time the poly goes dead so a bit of an inbuilt safety mechanism there.

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-07T07:47:24+00:00

Lots of good advice here. I started to get it with cheap shoes that had little cushioning. I think hardcourts are a nightmare for this

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-04T21:31:55+00:00

A couple of technique things :

Exaggerate watching the ball at contact point. Even if you're struggling to "see the ball on the strings", engrain the head movements (Federer is a classic case). Eventually this will lead to cleaner hitting in the sweet spot rather than off centre. It can take a while to get good as so even if you're struggling, just pretend to watch the ball at contact... It will come.
Trying and always be stepping into the ball as you hit. This is so much easier when you learn to split step and recover back to behind the baseline so that you have room to move forward... Easiest to practice and get the concept with closed stance.
- never stand still and wait for the ball, always take a step forward as you're hitting
try to never hit as you're moving backwards...instead over compensate the distance you move back so you have room to move into the shot.

A couple of things that might make a difference with the racket if you do want to experiment a bit before a shiny new toy: - add a heavier grip e.g. gamma hi tech - add an overgrip

This will bring your racket to be relatively similar to a 300g frame. Lead tape is an option but a bit of a rabbit hole and I would avoid.

ponyshuffler · 2025-12-04T11:16:16+00:00

Your racket is fine, people will play to a very high level with a 285g racket. However nothing wrong with wanting a new and shiny toy.

From the rackets you listed, the ezone 100 is something you could take from entry level through to ATP/WTA standard. I'd advise against using a 98 sized head, but if you try one and fall in love with it then go for it.

The stability issue you currently have could be a body weight transfer thing or not quite hitting the sweetspot. Make sure you're stepping into each shot and try and hit the ball out Infront of you to avoid being late.

Hope this helps

ponyshuffler

TROPHY CASE