Great doubles racket too!
Written: Oct 11 '00 (Updated Oct 11 '00)
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Pros: Lightweight and powerful
Cons: None noted
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| dbonds's Full Review: Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Stretch |
For the last two years I played with the Titanium Hammer 7.0 oversize stretch which I think is a great doubles racket. My wife hits the 4.3 Hyper Carbon oversize and I tried it out one day. After feeling the power of a stiffer racket, I came to the conclusion that maybe my swing wasn't so long and fast after all and the 7.0 wasn't the way to go (higher number means you generate the power/fast long swing, lower number means the racket supplies the power/medium shorter swing). However the 4.3 had too much head weight for me and didn't handle well at the net.
I tried a few rackets out and ran into the 5.3 Hyper Carbon oversize. I liked it immediately. The head weight is a couple of points heavier than the 7.0, but surprisingly quick at the net. When I served with the 5.3 and the 4.3, my serves were faster with the 5.3 (using same strings at same tension). The only thing I can figure is the lighter 5.3 allowed me to generate more racket speed than the stiffness advantage given the 4.3.
I experimented with strings and tensions and found that the Technifiber NRG2 18 gauge($13.00 a set) strung at the top(65M/63C) worked best for me. There is so much power in this racket that stringing it at the top(less power/more control) still gives me far more power than I had before. Of course the above mentioned strings supply some of that power not to mention the feel they give even though they are strung at the top. Because I hit the 18 gauge strings, I use the string savers(also called string a lings) that you can order from Tennis Warehouse or Holabird. I personally like the Babolat Elastocross that Tennis Warehouse sells (I have tried four types). They are the most expensive($5.99 and will do three rackets), but don't wear or pop out as easily as the other brands.
If you play doubles and have a medium paced swing, you should consider trying this racket. If you do, play with it for three or four times before you decide. Very few people can lay down their old racket and like a different one instantly. Give the new racket a chance.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dbonds
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Member: Douglas Bonds
Location: Greenville, N.C.
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 2 members
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