Ben Shelton's Racquet: Which One Does He Use?

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey tennis fans! Ever wondered what racquet Ben Shelton uses to unleash those powerful serves and groundstrokes? You're not alone! A player's racquet is like a wizard's wand – a crucial tool that can significantly impact their performance. For a rising star like Ben Shelton, the choice of racquet is a key element of his game. Let's dive into the details of Ben Shelton's racquet of choice and explore what makes it such a good fit for his playing style.

Unveiling Ben Shelton's Racquet: The Yonex EZONE 98

So, what's the magic wand in Ben Shelton's hands? It's the Yonex EZONE 98. This racquet is a popular choice among many professional tennis players, and for good reason. It's known for its blend of power, control, and feel, making it a versatile option for players with aggressive baseline games like Shelton. The EZONE 98 is designed with an isometric head shape, which expands the sweet spot, providing more forgiveness on off-center hits. This means even if Shelton doesn't strike the ball perfectly, he can still maintain a good level of power and control. The racquet's construction incorporates technologies like Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM) to reduce unwanted vibrations, giving Shelton a cleaner feel for the ball.

Furthermore, the Yonex EZONE 98 allows players to customize it to their own liking. You will see many pro players with different weights and balance points of the racquet. The Yonex EZONE 98 is a racquet that many players can pick up and play well with because it is such a well-rounded racquet. It is important to know that the racquet can only do so much. It is up to the player to make the adjustments needed to properly utilize the racquet. Ben Shelton is a very talented player and would likely be able to play well with many different types of racquets. However, the Yonex EZONE 98 is a great fit for him and his game.

Why the Yonex EZONE 98 Suits Ben Shelton's Game

Ben Shelton is known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game. He likes to dictate play with his forehand and isn't afraid to take risks. The Yonex EZONE 98 complements this style perfectly. Here's why:

  • Power: The EZONE 98 provides a solid platform for generating power. Shelton can swing big and confidently knowing the racquet will help him put some serious zip on the ball.
  • Control: Despite its power potential, the EZONE 98 also offers excellent control. This is crucial for Shelton, who needs to keep his aggressive shots within the lines. The racquet's 98 square inch head size provides a good balance between power and precision.
  • Feel: The EZONE 98 offers a good feel for the ball, allowing Shelton to execute drop shots, volleys, and other finesse shots with confidence. The feel also allows for better directional control so that Ben Shelton can move the ball around the court with ease.

Shelton's game relies heavily on his ability to hit with both power and precision, and the Yonex EZONE 98 helps him achieve that balance. It allows him to go for big shots without sacrificing control, making it the ideal racquet for his aggressive style of play. For a player that hits the ball as hard as Ben Shelton, it is important to have a racquet that can handle the pace of the ball and still allow the player to maintain control. The Yonex EZONE 98 is a great choice for players looking for a racquet that offers both power and control. Ben Shelton and many other professional players have had a lot of success using this racquet.

Ben Shelton's Racquet Specifications (Estimated)

While Ben Shelton likely customizes his racquet to some extent, here are the general specifications of the Yonex EZONE 98:

  • Head Size: 98 square inches
  • Weight: Around 11.5 ounces (unstrung)
  • Balance: Approximately 6 pts HL (head light)
  • Swingweight: In the low 320s
  • Stiffness: Around 64 RA

Keep in mind that these are just estimates. Professional players often add lead tape and other modifications to fine-tune their racquets to their exact preferences. These modifications can change the weight, balance, and swingweight of the racquet. Ben Shelton likely works closely with Yonex to ensure his racquet is perfectly dialed in to his game. It's important to remember that racquet specs are just a starting point. The best way to find the right racquet for you is to demo different models and see what feels best in your hand.

String and Tension: The Other Half of the Equation

It's not just the racquet frame that matters; the strings and tension also play a significant role in a racquet's performance. While the exact strings and tension Ben Shelton uses may vary, it's likely he uses a polyester string for its durability and control. Polyester strings are known for their ability to allow players to hit with a lot of spin. They are also very durable, which is important for players who hit the ball as hard as Ben Shelton. As for tension, professional players typically string their racquets tighter than recreational players. This provides more control and allows them to hit with more precision.

However, tighter strings can also reduce the size of the sweet spot and make the racquet feel less comfortable. Ben Shelton likely experiments with different string tensions to find the perfect balance of power, control, and comfort. His string tension is likely in the mid to high 50s. Ultimately, the best string and tension for you will depend on your individual playing style and preferences. It's always a good idea to experiment with different options to see what works best for you.

Can You Handle the EZONE 98?

Inspired by Ben Shelton's success, you might be tempted to pick up a Yonex EZONE 98 yourself. However, it's important to consider whether this racquet is a good fit for your game. The EZONE 98 is generally considered a racquet for intermediate to advanced players. It requires a decent level of swing speed and technical ability to fully utilize its potential. If you're a beginner or have a shorter, more compact swing, you might find the EZONE 98 to be too demanding. A lighter, more forgiving racquet with a larger head size might be a better option. However, if you're an experienced player with an aggressive game style, the EZONE 98 could be a great choice. It offers a fantastic blend of power, control, and feel, making it a versatile option for a variety of playing styles.

Before you rush out and buy an EZONE 98, I would recommend demoing the racquet first. Most tennis shops will allow you to try out different racquets before you buy them. This is a great way to see if the racquet is a good fit for your game. If you are not sure what racquet is right for you, I would recommend talking to a tennis professional. They can help you assess your game and recommend a racquet that is a good fit for your skill level and playing style. Remember, the best racquet for you is the one that feels the most comfortable and allows you to play your best tennis.

Beyond the Racquet: Other Gear Ben Shelton Uses

While the racquet is arguably the most important piece of equipment, Ben Shelton also relies on other gear to perform at his best. This includes:

  • Shoes: High-quality tennis shoes are essential for providing support, cushioning, and traction on the court. Ben Shelton likely wears shoes designed for aggressive movements and quick changes of direction.
  • Apparel: Comfortable and breathable clothing is important for staying cool and dry during matches. Ben Shelton is sponsored by a clothing brand that provides him with performance apparel.
  • Grips: Overgrips help improve grip and absorb sweat. Ben Shelton likely uses overgrips that provide a comfortable and secure feel.

These are just a few examples of the other gear that Ben Shelton uses. Every detail matters when you're competing at the highest level of tennis. Even the smallest things can make a difference in a match. It is not enough to just have a great racquet. You also need to have the right shoes, apparel, and grips. All of these things can help you perform at your best.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Racquet for You

Ultimately, the best racquet for you is a personal decision. What works for Ben Shelton might not work for you. It's important to consider your own playing style, skill level, and preferences when choosing a racquet. Don't be afraid to experiment with different models and find what feels best in your hand. And remember, the racquet is just one piece of the puzzle. It takes hard work, dedication, and a love for the game to truly excel at tennis. So, while knowing what racquet Ben Shelton uses is interesting, focus on developing your own game and finding the equipment that helps you play your best.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about Ben Shelton's racquet of choice. Now go out there and find the perfect racquet for your game!