Do You Really Need a 2nd Racquet???

Should you buy a backup racquet? Could your backup racquet be different for singles and doubles? Should your string your backup racquet with strings or at a different tension? Is it bad to play with multiple different racquets?

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[brandomaxwell]

A matched pair is key because I’m not smart enough to tell the differences between a new string I’m testing vs my regular setup unless I can compare them in real time. Same for adjusting customizations; I have to feel the different weightings side by side against the same opponent in the same weather or I get confused. ‘Love this topic; no one else is providing content like this.

[golpherguy]

For amateurs who are tennis nerds 3 of the same racquet is the magic number.

2 setup identically for match play.

A third racquet to tryout new combinations of strings and tensions.

[oscarterrazasrevilla]

I have been playing for 50 years, between three or four times a week and participating in ITF senior tournaments. I only remember one time using my second raquet because I broke the strings. When I decide to change my raquets I give or sell the old ones, always one of them is almost new.

[lancekaneshiro]

This is the 1st time I've seen anyone discuss this topic. Great video! Love your content and thorough, honest views. Keep it up!

[tafder]

Always had matched pairs myself, but never stopped tinkering with strings. I'd say having a spare is always a good shout, as an unlucky bad shank can kill new strings.

[arweiss]

nice tweener at 3:52!!!! i personally always have two identical racquets because I break my multifilament strings in about 6 hours (need them for arm comfort)

[Le-Chuck]

Sometimes, switching raquet in a match where all goes bad, erases all the other factors of distraction and let you return in the match. I made it so many times, as you could do now between the vcore 98 and the radical mp auxetic you want to switch to... Depending on your oponent, conditions (wind, court...), Balls etc... Just taking the other one can make the tricks and let your mind free from a lot of adjustement while points are fading.
I even saw a guy switching raquets when turning just to have more control or power when the wind is in front or back, letting him swingthe same... So yes, having 2 diff raquets you really know and made for diff senario can save your trust, consistency and so : the match !

[belowilbor]

For rec players that doesn't break strings there is no necessity to have 2 or more rackets, buuuut if have a second one with a little more tension it can helps to adjust to a different condition and might come in handy. I have 2 ezones 98 with 48 and 51 lbs. I always start playing with the lower tension.

[stephenchalmers]

These days I have three racquets in my bag when I go to the court. My main racquet (Pure Aero 2023), my backup racquet/previous main racquet (Pure Aero 2019), and my doubles racquet (Pure Strike 16x19 Gen 3). My two Pure Aeros are strung the same (RPM Blast 17 at 54), but there are certainly some differences in the frames. My Pure Strike (RPM Blast 17/VS Touch 16 Hybrid at 52/54) is obviously quite different, but it suits my game well when I’m going to be at the net a lot. Maybe that seems weird to some people, but rec players bringing multiple identical racquets to the court seems weird to me. Why spend that kind of money? Racquets aren’t cheap. Having said that, I’ll probably get a Gen 4 Pure Strike soon and start carrying four. I don’t play doubles very often, but those new Strikes look really nice and I have a shopping problem.

[b.lakeberg]

Aah, the joy of collecting and tinkering is music to my ears! My favorite racquets that I play the most with are the Diadem Elevate Tour, Prince Graphite 107, Wilson Prostaff 97, and the Volkl C10 pro. I have others, but 1 of those is always in the bag. The extra frames of these 5 are all matched and I usually string them consistently at 48lbs with volkl cyclone (maybe will be replaced with zero) or forten syn gut with gosen polynon. The second tier favorite is the 2019 Pure Aero Rafa version. It is so fun to have easy power and spin. Thank you for your content!

[lucg]

Great video! Love that golden hour lighting 😍 I find the best combo for me is having two racquets with the same string and tension. When I find my primary racquet’s strings becomes too loose or launchy then I switch to the racquet with new strings.

[LiamApilado]

Great info such as Murray stringing higher at night to force him to keep swinging through the shot. Something I never thought about doing

[DelMelo]

Haha! That poor “4.0 take a set off Nadal” guy will never be forgotten.

[returntotennis]

Great video. I have about 8 different racquets in my bag at any given time. I have others that I rotate in based on my mood. But I stick to 2-3 franes consistently for when I'm playing matches that count. Right now I'm really feeling the 2018 Vcore 95, but I'm extremely curious about the new model

[senhdang]

I didn't have a matched pair for the longest time but after snapping my strings mid session and having to use my backup racket that is completely different on many occassions, I gave in because it is too tough to suddenly adapt to a different racket.

[Morisdiver]

I used to string two rackets at slightly different tension (usually with a difference of 1kg) and switch them depending on what kind of player I played with. Worked pretty well for me

[dimitristzimis]

Well said! I prefer the fun of having different rackets. At the end of the day, i want to also have a softer and lighter racket when my arms feel stressed.

[thehiddenfamily]

I use two matched mp radicals
And two matched gravity pros
I alternate depending on how I’m feeling that day. If I feel like being lazy or playing doubles I use the mp since it’s lighter and the gravity for days where I’m playing more seriously and usually singles matches. Works for me 🤷🏾‍♂️

[cincotennisacademy]

Love your review content: I too enjoy to play test new models even old models I used to play with. Currently my racquet of choice is the V-Core 95 (2021) but I still carry in my bag my high school racquet Yamaha Secret-20 (mind you, I graduated high school in 1995) & when my students ask about the history of racquets/tennis. I pull out a wooden racquet 🎾 😂. I also have a small collection of ProStaff racquet dating back to the late 90s to the 2019 Roger RF.

[davidh.-realestatebroker]

I have 3 (all different). I just like to try new strings and tensions and also I think 3 is great because I can always invite someone to play even if they don’t have their Raquet handy and I still have a backup for myself if a string breaks etc.