Ben Shelton's Racquet: Model And String Setup

Hey tennis enthusiasts! Ever wondered about the secrets behind Ben Shelton's powerful game? A big part of it comes down to his racquet and string setup. Let's dive deep into the equipment that helps him unleash those incredible serves and groundstrokes.

Ben Shelton's Racquet of Choice

The Yonex EZONE 98: So, what racquet does Ben Shelton actually use? He swings with the Yonex EZONE 98. This racquet is known for its blend of power and control, making it a favorite among many professional and advanced players. The EZONE 98 has a 98 square inch head size, which offers a great balance between a generous sweet spot and precision. It allows Shelton to really dictate play, hitting those sharp angles and deep shots we often see him produce on the court. The racquet weighs around 11.5 ounces unstrung, giving it substantial heft for stability and power. With a head light balance, it's maneuverable enough for quick reactions at the net and whippy serves. The frame's stiffness is rated around 64 RA, which provides a crisp feel and enhances the transfer of energy to the ball, resulting in more powerful shots. Yonex has incorporated technologies like Isometric Expansion within the racquet's frame, which enlarges the sweet spot by optimizing the intersection points of the main and cross strings. This means even off-center hits can still pack a punch. Moreover, the use of Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM) filters out unwanted vibrations, providing a cleaner feel and helping to reduce the risk of arm fatigue. For a player like Shelton, who relies heavily on both power and precision, the Yonex EZONE 98 is a perfect match, allowing him to execute his aggressive style of play effectively. The racquet's design and technology complement his strengths, offering the control needed for accurate shot placement and the power required to dominate opponents. The EZONE series, in general, is designed to provide players with a blend of comfort and performance, making it a popular choice on the professional tour and among club players alike.

Diving Into Ben Shelton's String Setup

A Hybrid Combination: Now let's talk strings! Ben Shelton uses a hybrid string setup. This means he uses two different types of strings for the mains (vertical strings) and crosses (horizontal strings). Typically, pros do this to get the best of both worlds – power, control, feel, and durability. Shelton's hybrid setup features Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 in the mains for control and spin, paired with Yonex Rexispeed 130 in the crosses for added feel and power. This combination allows Shelton to generate massive spin on his groundstrokes, helping him control the ball and keep his opponents on the defensive. The Poly Tour Pro string is a popular choice among tour players for its durability and consistent performance. It offers excellent control, enabling players to hit precise shots even during intense rallies. The Rexispeed string, on the other hand, provides enhanced feel and power. Its flexible construction allows for greater ball pocketing, giving Shelton a softer touch and more control over the ball. The combination of these two strings creates a balanced setup that complements his aggressive playing style. String tension is another crucial factor. Ben Shelton strings his racquets at around 50-55 lbs. This tension range provides a good balance of power and control. Lower tensions generally offer more power and a larger sweet spot, while higher tensions offer more control and feel. By stringing his racquets in this mid-range tension, Shelton can effectively blend power and precision. The specific tension may vary slightly depending on the conditions, such as the court surface and weather. During warmer conditions, he might slightly increase the tension to maintain control, while in cooler conditions, he might lower it to gain extra power. Ultimately, the goal is to find the optimal tension that allows him to execute his shots with maximum effectiveness and consistency.

Why This Setup Works for Ben Shelton

Power and Control Synergy: So, why does this racquet and string combination work so well for Ben Shelton? It's all about complementing his playing style. Ben is known for his aggressive baseline game, characterized by powerful groundstrokes and a booming serve. The Yonex EZONE 98 racquet provides the stability and control he needs to hit those shots with precision. The hybrid string setup enhances his ability to generate spin and control the ball, allowing him to dictate play from the baseline. The Yonex Poly Tour Pro strings in the mains give him the control and durability he needs for consistent performance, while the Yonex Rexispeed strings in the crosses provide added feel and power. This combination allows him to hit with both aggression and finesse. The racquet's balance and weight distribution also play a crucial role. With a head-light balance, the racquet is easy to maneuver, allowing him to react quickly to shots and generate fast racquet head speed. This is particularly important for his serve, where he needs to generate maximum power and spin. The racquet's weight provides stability and helps absorb the impact of the ball, reducing the risk of arm fatigue. Overall, the racquet and string setup is carefully tailored to meet the demands of his aggressive playing style. It provides the perfect blend of power, control, feel, and durability, allowing him to perform at his best on the court. As a young and rising star, Ben Shelton's equipment choices reflect his dedication to maximizing his potential and achieving success in professional tennis. Guys, you can tell that the equipment is really complimentary and allows him to play with such skill.

Could This Setup Work for You?

Experimentation is Key: Thinking of trying out Ben Shelton's setup? While it works wonders for him, remember that everyone's game is different. The best way to find the right setup for you is to experiment. Demo different racquets and try out various string combinations and tensions. The Yonex EZONE 98 is a great racquet for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a balance of power and control. If you have a similar playing style to Ben Shelton, with an emphasis on aggressive baseline play, this racquet could be a good fit for you. However, if you prefer a more traditional racquet with a smaller head size or a more flexible frame, you might want to consider other options. When it comes to strings, the hybrid setup used by Ben Shelton is worth trying if you're looking to enhance your spin and control. The Yonex Poly Tour Pro strings are a popular choice among tour players for their durability and consistent performance. The Yonex Rexispeed strings offer added feel and power, making them a good complement to the Poly Tour Pro. Experimenting with different tensions can also help you fine-tune your setup. Start with a tension in the mid-range (50-55 lbs) and adjust from there based on your preferences and playing style. Keep in mind that string tension can affect both the power and control of your shots, so it's important to find the right balance. Ultimately, the key is to find a setup that feels comfortable and allows you to play your best tennis. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find the perfect combination. Remember, what works for Ben Shelton might not necessarily work for you, but it's definitely worth exploring to see if it can help you improve your game.

Final Thoughts

The Importance of Gear: Ultimately, Ben Shelton's racquet and string setup is a testament to how important equipment is in professional tennis. The Yonex EZONE 98 and his hybrid string choice are carefully selected to maximize his strengths and allow him to compete at the highest level. While having the same gear won't automatically make you a pro, understanding the choices that top players make can definitely help you make informed decisions about your own equipment. So, experiment, find what works best for you, and keep grinding! Remember, guys, at the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the game and striving to improve. Use this knowledge to help improve your equipment knowledge!