Recent content by dnelsen

Agreed, thanks. Light grip, and don't swing for the fences.

This ended up not being true. The Dotec AR is much lighter at 157 (a couple grams more now, with some edge tape), and it makes a very noticeable difference. Easier to control whilst being really focused on a controlled, compact swing and a very light grip. I can tell it's helping, and when I...

Thanks The elbow is in a steady state... it's always a little bit sore, and I'm playing at a mellow pace. I definitely can't do my 2+ hour league nights, but at least I can play. I'm doing stretching and exercises, and lots of ibuprofen. The Dotec AR does not have the buttery feel of my OSP...

My elbow has been feeling a bit better, although still slightly sore, so I played for a few minutes the other day. I'm trying to reach a balance between "don't play thru it" and "I'm in my 50's and being athletic. Of course I'm going to have some aches and pains". Since playing the elbow doesn't...

Yes I’m definitely excited about the handle, and that I might be able to grip it more loosely. What I fear is the feedback. I’m used to all wood blades with spectacular feedback, such as Yasaka Sweden Extra and OSP Virtuoso. Surely the cork will feel dull in comparison. But whatever… all I...

I just assembled the Donic Dotec AR with Nittaku Factive 2.0FH and 1.8BH. The grip feels incredible in my large hand. Not just the bulk and shape, but how it's positioned relative to the blade face. It just wants to rip forehands. Hopefully the Factive keeps it slow enough, by all accounts it's...

Nice to hear about some success with a lighter setup. Thanks

Thanks everyone. What an awesome place this forum is. Carl you are an absolute treasure in this sport. Thanks again for your thoughts. I'm stopping play until it stops hurting for at least a few days. Playing thru it is stupid. Roger that. I just ordered a Donic Dotec AR (70 grams) and two...

And which would those be? If I can find a balsa blade that loops well I might give it a whirl. The weight savings is huge with some of them.

How do you like the Sanwei Feather Carbon? Reviews of balsa blades are all over the place. Many say they are terrible for an offensive looping game and is really only for defensive players. Others claim that balsa blades are actually just fine for an offensive player, albeit lighter and they...

The Virtuoso AC is really well balanced and not at all head heavy. It's the small 157 head size, the rubbers are soft and light. and the handle is very solid feeling. The handle is of very high quality wood with a dense grain, probably heavier than most handles. I'm not finding any blades that...

What about “playing thru it”… today I played for about 30 minutes, not too hard, and tried to focus on keeping my swing compact. Still a bit sore but I didn’t make it any worse. Is it better to really let it stop hurting before playing? I’m super hooked right now can’t help myself

Does anyone have a recommendation for a very light OFF rated blade? I would probably want inner carbon, given how great the Virtuoso AC has been. The way it crackles on a solid hit is magic. Like stepping on a saltine cracker. The sound alone is so addictive. Still has tons of feel, honestly...

Great stuff everyone, thank you!!! I have a session with my coach this weekend, we will work on techniques for avoiding the pain

I'm an offensive two-wing looper. Lots of big forehand swings. I'm quite tall at 6'4", which means long arms and high racket speed. I'm 195 lbs, so quite slender. Not very muscular but in good shape. Lately my elbow is getting very sore, particularly after sessions over an hour. Whatever the...