Ben Shelton's Racket: Model And String Setup

Hey tennis enthusiasts! Ever wondered what racket and strings Ben Shelton, the rising American tennis star, uses to achieve those blistering serves and powerful groundstrokes? Well, you've come to the right place. In this article, we're going to break down everything you need to know about Ben Shelton's equipment, giving you an inside look at the tools he trusts on the court. Let's dive in!

Ben Shelton's Racket of Choice

Let's talk about Ben Shelton's racket. The Yonex Percept 97H is his weapon of choice. This racket isn't just any ordinary frame; it's designed for players who crave control and precision without sacrificing power. The Percept line from Yonex is known for its enhanced feel and stability, which allows players like Shelton to dictate play with confidence. The 97H model, in particular, offers a slightly heavier swingweight, providing extra heft behind each shot. This is crucial for Shelton, whose game revolves around explosive power and aggressive shot-making. It allows him to generate incredible racket head speed, resulting in those booming serves and penetrating groundstrokes we often see him unleash. The racket's head size of 97 square inches provides a sweet spot that rewards clean strikes, ensuring that Shelton's shots land deep in the court with consistency. Moreover, the balance and weight distribution of the Yonex Percept 97H complement Shelton's playing style perfectly, allowing him to maneuver the racket quickly and efficiently, whether he's at the baseline or charging the net. The grip size is also a critical factor, tailored to fit Shelton's hand for optimal control and feel. Overall, the Yonex Percept 97H is more than just a racket; it's an extension of Shelton's arm, enabling him to execute his game plan with precision and power. For aspiring players looking to emulate Shelton's success, understanding the specifications and characteristics of his racket is a great starting point. Keep in mind, however, that the racket is just one piece of the puzzle, and developing the necessary skills and physical conditioning is equally important.

Specs and Why They Matter

Delving deeper into the specifics of Ben Shelton's racket, the Yonex Percept 97H typically weighs around 12.3 ounces (350 grams) unstrung. This weight is significant because it provides the stability needed to handle powerful shots and maintain control during fast-paced rallies. A heavier racket generally offers more power and stability, but it can also be more challenging to swing quickly. Shelton's exceptional strength and technique allow him to manage the weight effectively, turning it into an advantage. The balance point of the racket, usually around 315mm, is another critical factor. This slightly head-light balance enhances maneuverability, allowing Shelton to react quickly at the net and generate racket head speed with ease. The swingweight, which measures the racket's resistance to being swung, is also on the higher side, contributing to the racket's power potential. The string pattern, typically 16x19, provides a good balance of control and spin potential. This open string pattern allows the strings to bite into the ball, generating the topspin necessary for aggressive baseline play. The grip size is customized to fit Shelton's hand perfectly, ensuring a comfortable and secure hold. The grip is the player's direct connection to the racket, so having the right size is crucial for control and feel. All these specifications work together to create a racket that complements Shelton's aggressive, all-court style of play. The Yonex Percept 97H is designed for advanced players who demand precision, power, and feel, and Shelton's success with this racket is a testament to its capabilities. Understanding these specs can help aspiring players choose a racket that suits their own playing style and physical attributes.

Unpacking Ben Shelton's String Setup

Now, let's dissect Ben Shelton's string setup. The strings are the engine of the racket, and Shelton's choice plays a massive role in his overall performance. He uses a hybrid setup, combining two different types of strings to maximize power, control, and feel. His main strings, the vertical ones, are Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125, known for their exceptional feel and control. These strings provide a solid, connected feel to the ball, allowing Shelton to dictate the pace and direction of his shots with precision. The cross strings, the horizontal ones, are Yonex Rexispeed 130, which are designed for enhanced power and repulsion. This combination creates a lively string bed that delivers explosive power on serves and groundstrokes, while still maintaining the necessary control for consistent shot-making. The hybrid setup is a popular choice among professional tennis players because it allows them to fine-tune their racket's performance to suit their individual playing styles and preferences. Shelton's hybrid setup is perfectly tailored to his aggressive, all-court game, providing him with the tools he needs to dominate on the court. The tension at which the strings are strung is also a crucial factor, affecting the racket's overall feel and performance. Shelton likely strings his rackets at a tension that balances power and control, allowing him to generate maximum racket head speed without sacrificing accuracy. Experimenting with different string types and tensions can help players find the perfect setup for their game.

Why Hybrid Strings?

So, why does Ben Shelton opt for a hybrid string configuration? The answer lies in the quest for the optimal balance between power, control, and durability. By combining Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 in the mains with Yonex Rexispeed 130 in the crosses, Shelton gets the best of both worlds. The Poly Tour Pro strings offer exceptional feel and control, allowing him to precisely place his shots and maintain a consistent level of accuracy. These strings are known for their ability to provide a solid, connected feel to the ball, which is crucial for players who like to dictate the pace and direction of play. On the other hand, the Rexispeed strings are designed for enhanced power and repulsion, delivering explosive energy on impact. This combination of power and control is perfectly suited to Shelton's aggressive, all-court style of play. The hybrid setup also helps to prolong the lifespan of the strings. Poly strings are generally more durable than synthetic gut or multifilament strings, but they can sometimes feel stiff and unforgiving. By using a softer, more flexible string in the crosses, Shelton can soften the overall feel of the string bed and reduce the risk of arm injuries. The tension at which the strings are strung is also a critical factor, affecting the racket's overall feel and performance. Shelton likely strings his rackets at a tension that balances power and control, allowing him to generate maximum racket head speed without sacrificing accuracy. Ultimately, the hybrid string setup is a testament to Shelton's attention to detail and his commitment to optimizing every aspect of his game. By carefully selecting the right combination of strings and tensions, he can fine-tune his racket's performance to suit his individual playing style and preferences, giving him a competitive edge on the court.

String Tension: The Key to Performance

String tension is a critical factor in any tennis player's game, and for someone like Ben Shelton, who relies on both power and precision, it's even more crucial. While the exact tension Shelton uses might vary slightly based on conditions and personal preference, it's generally in the range that allows him to maximize his strengths. A lower tension typically provides more power and a larger sweet spot, but it can also lead to less control. Conversely, a higher tension offers more control and precision, but it can reduce power and make the sweet spot smaller. Shelton likely finds a middle ground that allows him to generate explosive power while maintaining the necessary control for consistent shot-making. The specific tension he uses with his Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 and Yonex Rexispeed 130 hybrid setup is carefully calibrated to complement his playing style. Factors such as weather conditions (temperature and humidity) can also influence the ideal string tension. In warmer weather, strings tend to loosen up, so players might increase the tension slightly to compensate. In colder weather, strings tend to tighten, so a slightly lower tension might be preferable. Shelton and his support team likely make adjustments to his string tension based on these factors to ensure optimal performance in any given match. Experimenting with different string tensions is a key part of finding the perfect setup for any tennis player. It's a process that involves trial and error, as well as careful observation of how the racket performs under different conditions.

Can You Buy Ben Shelton's Racket?

Yes, absolutely! The Yonex Percept 97H is available for purchase at most major tennis retailers and online stores. However, keep in mind that the racket itself is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly emulate Ben Shelton's game, you'll also need to consider the strings and tension he uses, as well as your own skill level and playing style. The Yonex Percept 97H is designed for advanced players with strong technique and a fast swing speed. If you're a beginner or intermediate player, you might find it challenging to handle this racket effectively. It's essential to choose a racket that suits your current abilities and allows you to develop your game gradually. When purchasing the Yonex Percept 97H, you'll typically have the option to have it strung with your choice of strings and tension. If you're interested in trying Ben Shelton's setup, you can ask the retailer to string it with Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 in the mains and Yonex Rexispeed 130 in the crosses, at a tension that suits your preferences. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a qualified tennis professional or stringer to get personalized advice based on your individual needs. They can help you choose the right racket, strings, and tension to optimize your performance on the court. Remember, the most important thing is to find a setup that feels comfortable and allows you to play your best tennis.

Final Thoughts

Ben Shelton's racket and string setup is a testament to the importance of equipment in professional tennis. His choice of the Yonex Percept 97H and a hybrid string setup with Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 and Yonex Rexispeed 130 is carefully calibrated to maximize his power, control, and feel on the court. While emulating his equipment can be a good starting point, it's essential to remember that the racket is just one tool in the toolbox. Developing your skills, technique, and physical conditioning are equally important for achieving success in tennis. So, whether you're an aspiring pro or a recreational player, take the time to understand your equipment and how it can help you reach your full potential. And most importantly, have fun on the court! Cheers!