Ben Shelton's Racket: Specs And Playstyle Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey tennis enthusiasts! Ever wondered what kind of racket Ben Shelton uses to unleash those thunderous serves and powerful groundstrokes? You're in the right place! We're diving deep into Ben Shelton's racket specs, analyzing how they contribute to his explosive game, and exploring the gear that helps him compete at the highest level. Let's get started!

Decoding Ben Shelton's Racket

Ben Shelton endorses the Yonex EZONE 98, a racket known for its blend of power and control. However, like many professional players, Shelton's racket is customized to meet his specific needs and preferences. These customizations often involve adjusting the weight, balance, and swingweight to optimize performance. Understanding these tweaks can provide valuable insights into how a pro player tailors their equipment to suit their unique style.

Key Racket Specifications

While the retail version of the Yonex EZONE 98 provides a baseline, Shelton's actual racket likely differs in several key areas:

  • Head Size: 98 square inches - This provides a good balance between power and precision, allowing for controlled shots and ample spin.
  • Weight: Approximately 12.5-13 ounces (strung) - Shelton likely adds weight to his racket for increased stability and power. The added weight helps him handle the pace of professional-level tennis and generate more force behind his shots. Players often customize the weight by adding lead tape to specific areas of the racket frame.
  • Balance: Around 6-8 points HL (Head Light) - A head-light balance allows for quicker racket head speed, which is crucial for Shelton's fast serves and aggressive groundstrokes. This balance point enables him to maneuver the racket rapidly, generating the necessary spin and power for his shots.
  • Swingweight: 330-340 - This indicates how heavy the racket feels when swung. Shelton's swingweight is likely higher than the stock EZONE 98 to enhance stability and power. A higher swingweight contributes to the racket's ability to plow through the ball, resulting in more powerful and penetrating shots.
  • String Pattern: 16x19 - This open string pattern enhances spin potential, allowing Shelton to generate significant topspin on his groundstrokes and serves. The open pattern allows the strings to bite into the ball more effectively, imparting greater rotation.
  • Grip Size: Probably L4 (4 1/2 inches) - Choosing the right grip size is essential for comfort and control. A grip that is too small can lead to excessive gripping and potential injuries, while a grip that is too large can reduce feel and maneuverability. Shelton likely uses a grip size that allows him to maintain a secure and comfortable hold on the racket.

Customization Secrets

Professional players rarely use stock rackets straight off the shelf. Customization is key to optimizing performance and tailoring the racket to individual playing styles. Ben Shelton is no exception. Here's what we can speculate about his racket tweaks:

  • Lead Tape: Lead tape is a common way to add weight to a racket. Shelton likely uses lead tape at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions of the racket head to increase stability and enlarge the sweet spot. Adding weight in these areas can also improve the racket's resistance to twisting on off-center hits.
  • Silicone in Handle: Silicone can be injected into the handle to adjust the balance and add overall weight. This customization can help reduce vibrations and improve the feel of the racket.
  • Overgrip: Shelton definitely uses an overgrip to enhance comfort and absorb moisture. Overgrips provide a tacky surface that improves grip and prevents the racket from slipping during play. He might prefer a specific brand and texture of overgrip based on his personal preferences.
  • Strings: Pros are very particular about their strings. We will explore Shelton's string choice in detail later.

Ben Shelton's String Setup

The strings are the engine of the racket, greatly influencing feel, power, and control. Ben Shelton trusts Yonex strings for optimal performance. He uses a hybrid string setup, combining two different types of strings to achieve the desired blend of characteristics. A hybrid setup allows players to customize their string bed to emphasize specific attributes.

String Types and Tension

  • Main Strings: Shelton uses Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25mm in the mains for control and durability. This polyester string provides excellent control, allowing him to hit with precision and accuracy. It also offers good durability, which is essential for players who generate a lot of spin and hit with high intensity.
  • Cross Strings: In the crosses, Shelton uses Yonex Rexispeed 1.30mm for added feel and power. This multifilament string enhances comfort and provides a softer feel compared to polyester strings. It also adds a bit of power to his shots, complementing the control provided by the poly strings in the mains.
  • Tension: He strings his racket at around 53 lbs (24 kg). String tension significantly affects how the racket plays. Lower tensions generally provide more power and a larger sweet spot, while higher tensions offer more control and spin potential. Shelton's tension choice likely reflects a balance between these factors, optimized for his playing style.

How the Racket Enhances Ben Shelton's Playstyle

Ben Shelton's racket is perfectly suited to his aggressive, modern game. His equipment complements his strengths and helps him maximize his potential. Let's break down how his racket setup enhances his key playing characteristics:

Power and Serve

Shelton is known for his booming serve, and his racket plays a crucial role in generating that power. The customized weight and balance of his Yonex EZONE 98 allow him to swing fast and generate tremendous racket head speed. This, combined with the open string pattern, enables him to impart significant spin on his serves, making them difficult to return. The added weight in the racket head provides stability and helps him maintain control even when hitting with maximum force.

Groundstrokes and Spin

Shelton's aggressive baseline game is characterized by powerful groundstrokes with heavy topspin. The 16x19 string pattern allows him to generate massive spin, dipping the ball sharply and making it bounce high and awkwardly for his opponents. The combination of the Yonex Poly Tour Pro in the mains and the Yonex Rexispeed in the crosses provides a blend of control and feel, allowing him to hit with both power and precision. The added weight and swingweight of his customized racket contribute to its stability and ability to plow through the ball, resulting in more penetrating shots.

Stability and Control

At the professional level, stability is crucial for handling the pace and power of the game. Shelton's customized racket, with its added weight and balanced distribution, provides excellent stability, allowing him to maintain control even when facing hard-hit balls. The Yonex EZONE 98 frame itself is known for its stability and comfortable feel, which further enhances his ability to play consistently at a high level.

Alternatives for Players Seeking a Similar Experience

Inspired by Ben Shelton's setup but looking for alternatives? Here are some rackets and strings that offer a similar playing experience:

Rackets

  • Wilson Blade 98: Another popular choice among professional players, the Blade 98 offers a similar blend of control and feel to the Yonex EZONE 98.
  • Head Graphene 360+ Radical Pro: This racket provides a good balance of power and control, making it suitable for aggressive players who like to dictate play from the baseline.
  • Babolat Pure Strike 98: The Pure Strike 98 is designed for players who want to hit with power and precision, offering a similar feel to the EZONE 98.

Strings

  • Luxilon ALU Power: A popular polyester string known for its control and durability, similar to the Yonex Poly Tour Pro.
  • Wilson NXT: A multifilament string that offers excellent feel and comfort, similar to the Yonex Rexispeed.
  • Tecnifibre X-One Biphase: Another multifilament string that provides a soft and comfortable feel, enhancing the overall playing experience.

Final Thoughts

Ben Shelton's racket is a finely tuned instrument, customized to complement his explosive game and help him compete at the highest level of professional tennis. By understanding his racket specs and string setup, you can gain valuable insights into how professional players optimize their equipment for peak performance. While you might not be able to replicate his exact setup, exploring similar rackets and strings can help you find the perfect combination to enhance your own game. Keep experimenting and find what works best for you!