Gear Q&A: Elbow out the competition with these arm-friendly tennis racquets

Jon Levey answers your Gear Q&A. Email your question to tennis.comproshop@gmail.com.

I am in the market for a more elbow-friendly racquet after using a Babolat Pure Aero Rafa. Can you recommend your top picks?—Mike G.

Mike,

The Pure Aero Rafa is great for hitting with big power and spin, but not so great if you’ve got a sore elbow. It’s designed to replicate many of the traits of Rafael Nadal’s own frame. Which means it’s rather stiff in flex and limited in the way of technology and dampening features. This provides raw and unfiltered feedback, so you get good connection to the ball when it’s on the strings, but you also experience more shock when contact is off-center.

Before getting into more arm-friendly options, a public service reminder about strings. Recreational players with arm pain should refrain from using polyester strings. At least until the pain subsides. Polys are inherently stiff and can potentially do more damage to a tender joint. Whatever perceived benefits in performance are not worth the cost to the arm. At the bare minimum, use the poly in a hybrid with a soft multifilament. That will provide more cushion at contact and be kinder to the injured area.

That said, here’s an alphabetized list of some recent racquet releases from different manufacturers that don’t stray too far from the Pure Aero’s playability, but beat it in terms of comfort. It’s clearly not definitive; just the ones I have personally found to be easier on the arm while still holding their own between the lines.

Babolat Pure Strike 100 (16x20) ($259)

Since you’re a Babolat player, I want to give you an option if you’re brand loyal. Most of their frames are on the starchy side, but this brand-new member of the Strike family is anything but. Admittedly, it’s probably the biggest stretch for your game on this list. The PS 100 isn’t a huge hitter or natural spin producer. But it’s quick, controllable, and—thanks to its high flexibility—has a very soft, plush feel at contact. If you can adjust to its more tempered approach, your arm will thank you for it.

Dunlop CX 400 Tour ($199)

Don’t let the “Tour” label fool you. This member of the CX clan checks all the user-friendly boxes: large sweet spot, easy pace and depth, plenty of spin potential. However, it scores extra credit when it comes to touch and control. And even though its RA rating is only a few points lower than the Pure Aero, it has a more cushioned and comfortable response. It’s an under-the-radar sleeper that should appeal to a wide range of players and styles.

Head Speed MP 2024 ($259)

The top-selling frame in Head’s arsenal is a solid performer from all areas of the court. It produces a lively ball with plenty of pace and spin without going overboard in either direction. Unlike a lot of competitors in its category, the Speed MP does it all with a very flexible beam. One caveat: it does have a relatively high swingweight. That shouldn’t cause any undue elbow pain, but it could be fatiguing for a damaged joint. In which case, you could try the Speed MP L, which has both lower static and swingweight, but the same comfortable response.

Wilson Clash 100 v3 ($259)

The Clash blends extreme flexibility with high-end stability. The traits are usually diametrically opposed—hence the racquet’s name—but the frame’s unique bending properties not only give it a sturdy backbone, it provides plenty of power as well. It’s definitely a unique feel that’s an acquired taste, but there’s no doubting its forgiving nature—both on imperfect contact and on the arm. This third version was just released at the start of the year. It’s intended to bring back more of the original Clash feel, but with enhanced stability. Judging from early returns it has lived up to that objective, but check back in the coming weeks for a more detailed review.

Yonex Percept 100 ($279)

The VCORE is Yonex’s spin franchise that would most compare to the Pure Aero, and it’s certainly worth a try. However, the Percept has a slightly thinner, constant beam that provides a clean, comfortable response. The 100 is firmer than the 97s in the lineup, but it still has the new Silvo Filter vibration filtering system which contributes the frame’s arm-friendly appeal. It doesn’t pack the same punch as an Aero, yet has enough of a power streak to be bossy. And it raises the bar in terms of control when compared to most offerings in its category. It’s a solid, all-around performer that gives your game a boost without getting in the way.