Best Tennis Racquets for Tennis Elbow
7/1/2021 - Jay Nussel - Racquets & Paddles
There is good news, bad news and more good news about tennis elbow. The good news is that you are getting out and playing a lot of tennis. The bad news is you have developed some pain in your elbow just like many players. So you are asking on behalf of your tennis elbow, what is the best tennis racquet for tennis elbow? Since, you know, your elbow can't really ask by itself.
The more good news is there is a very good selection of arm friendly tennis rackets out there. Knowing a few basic causes of this form of tendonitis will help you get the right racquet for your arm.
Tennis Elbow Causes
We're not your doctor here, but we do know there are some common causes of tennis elbow.
Tennis Racquet Weight
If you play with a lighter racquet, you might have vibrations from when your swing contacts the ball. Lighter weight racquets may not have the shock absorption you need.
Moving up to somewhat heavier tennis racquets might also help you generate more power and spin too. Just don't overdo it. Advanced players can see real benefit here but if the racket is too heavy it could create other problems.
Grip Size
Yes, it is possible you've outgrown your tennis racquet. If your grip is too small, it can definitely stress your arm muscles. See our Guide to make sure you have the right size for your hand.
Strings
Tension
If you have strung your racquet at the high end or above the high end of the recommended tension for your racquet, it is not ideal. Some players who want an especially hard string surface for their game, play with strings that can cause tennis arm pain.
It is always best to have your strings within the arm friendly range provided by the maker.
String Types
The softest strings that are easiest on the arm are natural gut or multifilament. These types are known for being able to generate power and control for the intermediate or advanced player. See our Guide for selecting strings for some great tips.
Be prepared to pay just a bit more to get your racket strung with these types of string. But it is well worth it to improve arm comfort.
Arm Friendly Head Size
A midsize or oversize head size may help reduce tennis elbow. If you find the optimum weight, a larger head size should have a larger sweet spot.
A larger sweet spot should mean less vibration from the frame when the ball hits the string. Overall control and balance in shot making is easily possible with a frame larger than average.
Poor Technique
If your swing is causing the problem, it may be difficult for you to see that. A qualified tennis professional can evaluate your game and offer improvement techniques.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, a pro is better positioned to evaluate your arm motion than you are. Players who want the fastest route to more power and spin in an arm friendly environment will usually find it with the guidance of a pro.
Flex
Flex is what happens when the ball strikes the string and the frame "gives" to some degree. A flexible frame can help with shock absorption but hurt control. Trying to find the right balance is the key here.
A flex rating over 70 is a stiff racquet and may cause some issues for some players. Many times a flex rating will not tell the entire story. Other features in a tennis racket may impact its arm friendly status too.
Do Stiff Racquets Cause Tennis Elbow?
Not necessarily. Stiffness can contribute to the problem but, as described above, there can be a whole host of causes to sort through
Arm Friendly Tennis Racquets
Listed in no particular order.
Yonex EZONE 98 Tour
One of the most advanced as far as technology is concerned, the Yonex EZONE 98 is more flexible than many. It uses graphite mesh to control its weight while still providing ample power.
For an intermediate or above, this racket solves the age old dilemma of how to generate power yet maintain control. Their technology has created outstanding results.
Wilson Clash 100
The popularity of this tennis racquet is no accident. As one of the most flexible, least stiff racquets this line of racquets is able to still generate decent power with reasonable stability.
A solid offering for an intermediate, its lighter weight may not be for the most advanced players. Since it comes unstrung, you can put some multifilament strings in it and have as comfortable a racquet as you can find. Your arm will say thank you for buying this racquet.
Wilson Blade 98 16/19 v7
You'll have company using this very popular racquet. Easy to use and very arm friendly. Wilson has a clean winner in this model.
Very easy to hit spin shots with this equipment. That means control is its middle name. This is a racquet for an intermediate or someone who aspires to become one.
Head Graphene 360+ Prestige MP
Even advanced players can develop arm issues. For this crowd, this racquet, part of the Prestige series, is the answer. Their unique Graphene 360 material makes a huge difference.
The player that wants this racquet generates their own power and spin. With a bit more flex than average, the advanced player will find this to be among the best tennis racquets to invest in.
Volkl V-Feel 7
This brand takes great pride in the comfortable feel in all their tennis rackets. The V-Feel 7 has an oversized head with a gigantic sweet spot.
If you don't need the oversize, check out their other models in this line up. For an intermediate or advanced player that wants the pain in the arm to go away, Volkl has several arm friendly models each with a different weight for you to swing.
Using either a multifilament or natural gut string will really enhance this racquet's strengths.
ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour
When someone is looking for a special niche racquet, ProKennex will do very nicely. Their niche is arm friendly, value priced rackets. With a flex rating perfect for arm protection, the control they have is simply amazing.
With technology packed into every inch of the ProKennex line, consumers should have them on their must shop list.
Tennisracquets.com is the place to shop for what tennis racket is best for tennis elbow. There is selection galore and very competitive prices. Don't forget to check out our apparel for both men and women. You can find the best of the best - all in one place. And don't forget to check out our sales too!
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