I stand at 5'5" and weigh 115 pounds. Currently, I am using MP99 (3U) and AT700 (4U), but neither are providing me with the power that I need. I've tried restringing both racquets, and so far the MP99 strung with BG85 at 21lbs seem to be giving me better results, but I know I'm able to smash faster. Control doesn't seem to be much of an issue as I adapt really quickly to the tensions, its just the lack of power that's bothering me. Can anyone suggest a racquet for someone my size? PS I'm pretty sure it's not my technique.
Hi, you are not exactly small. I'm about the same as you are. maybe you can try stringing at 23lbs with ur current racquet, or get a more flexible racquet and string it at 21lbs if you have a slow swing speed.
nano8k? i weigh a bit more and am a bit taller then you. nano8k gives you good power if you know how to use it. but i don't think your body size + racquet combo should affect your power that much. mp99 and at700 are state of the art racquets already, smashing power can't get much better then those.
Don't want to sound rude, if I do, please excuse me 1. How you know that "I know I'm able to smash faster"? Do you mean previously, your strokes were more powerful with the same racket(s)? Or, do you mean by using other rackets (e.g. different weight, balance, stiffness)? 2. Somehow, I still think technique plays a key factor in this issue. Maybe a better position / contact point can improve your strokes. 3. 5'5 is not really small. There are local female players who are barely over 5 ft, but can generate quite powerful smashes over guys.
Thanks for all the replies guys! Well, back about 4-5 months ago, my smashes were great, but since I tried out for my team, I stopped jumpsmashing and focused on my netplay. Since then, I've not been able to produce ANY power at all, so I guess it's most likely my technique...but I guess it would help somewhat if I knew what I was doing wrong.
Well I am 1.43m small and have tried serveral rackets from armortec and nanospeed series. I can assure you that the NS8000 is by far the best racket I ever bought. It is so fast and still got more than enough power. I guess in most cases if you are small you dont have much power in your forearms which does apply in my case. So a headlight rackets suits me best ! Try to borrow a nano8k from friends and give it a try.
Sorry Lol i meant ns9000x.. or ns8000 My friend's ns8000 is pretty good strung at 22lbs with bg68ti. Give it a try ^^
well, i dont' think it's your racquet, or your skills. I think the tension is simply too low for you. this may bring up lots of arguments, but a 21lbs tension for a fairly good player often will lose power, especially if it has lost tension by now. I suggest stringing at ~25lbs and I guarantee you will get your power back. You may also want to try different strings. Power strings like yonex Bg66 and bg68ti, or ashaway microlegend or powergut66. if you're unhappy with that, I'd be glad to take your at700 off you! if you want power, i got a mp100 2U.
4U & the like kind of of light rackets generally suite players with very fast swing / wrist power. Heavy handed players tend to prefer heavier rackets to generate power. Which 1 is u?
