Posted by admin | Posted in Racquets | Posted on 08-02-2011
Tags: gifts, jack_kramer, kristin-peter, racket, tennis, wood tennis racket ebay, wood tennis racket press, wood tennis racket reviews, wood tennis rackets, wood tennis rackets a collector's guide
Wood Tennis Racket
is it worth getting a composite stick?
basically i'm 5'3", 94 lbs, and have tiny wrists. off ice, i play tennis, and i use a generally lighter racket (it's a wilson ncode) cause it's easier on my wrists when i hit and i have better mobility. on ice for hockey, i use a ccm wood stick but it feels heavy on my wrists and my wrists feel like they're going to fall off when i stick handle. i tried out my friend's composite stick and it was so much lighter and it felt more comfortable when i tried to stick handle. people tell me though that beginners shouldn't buy composite sticks cause they don't need to spend that much on a stick yet, but does anyone else have an opinion on this? should i look into a getting a composite stick and if so, what sticks out there are good?
There are definitely pros and cons to both types of sticks (wooden and composite), many of which have already been pointed out. It depends whether or not a person needs a composite; most don't. How old are you, and at what level do you play? At 5'3", 94lbs I can understand wanting a lighter stick, but the length of your stick will be relative and therefore the same general weight as a larger stick to a larger player. However, it may be that you haven't found the right stick yet. Beginners really don't need composites, and most people (even great players) competing at anything but the highest levels really don't need composites, and using a wooden stick can actually benefit some players.
For you it sounds like stick weight might be an issue, but there are other options and variables to consider; composites really are very expensive, and it adds up quickly. When you break one, it isn't a quick $30 replacement, but hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars at a time. And when it happens, it happens, and you need another stick, so it's usually best to have at least two if you are playing competitively, so double the price of a composite stick on your first purchase.
One of the big things about durability is where and how each type of stick breaks. Composites often break at the shaft, whereas wood sticks are more likely to have a shattered blade. Composites have stronger blades, but sometimes all it takes is a small defect or damage to the shaft and it will be more likely to splinter on impact. When a composite (which is one piece) breaks, it's done; depending on how a wood stick (which may be multiple pieces) breaks, a new parts can be attached. Regarding your problem, blades and shafts can sometimes be mixed so you can find the perfect balance and weight combos.
There are a lot of other things you can do rather than commit yourself to composites at this stage. Go to a good sports/hockey shop and ask about their range of wooden sticks, accessories and special order options. Check out a few places (including online shops, especially if you don't have any stores near you) and find a really light stick, and try it out (you can buy a few wood sticks will be the same cost as a composite). [NOTE: Bear in mind most places work on commission, so don't get talked into a composite unless you WANT to] If you can't find a good wooden stick after a few tries, try an inexpensive composite, or something in a price range you think will be affordable for you or your family over the long term. Try that out, see what kinds of differences there are and how often they break, and decide if it is worth it overall to stick with composite. Remember though, if you get too adapted to the lighter composites and then are forced to go back to wood, the wood will feel heavier than it really is. Don't get hooked!! 
Maybe you can ask for a composite stick as a gift; then you can get a real feel for what YOU get out of it on a longer term, and will be able to make the always personal choice of equipment selection after experience. At the least you will have a chance to try out an expensive stick! Otherwise, try to strengthen your wrist muscles with wrist rolls and practice...it'll be worth it.
If/when you do get a composite, remember there are other differences; some people find the blade more bouncy and have a harder time controlling the puck, or find it too light and move incorrectly. Get used to it gently before putting it through the risk of breaking it. Use things like BladeTape to absorb the impact and improve puck control, and remember that there are lots of different models and special-order models in both wood and composite; try until you find the right fit.
Here are some links to a few sites with good tips on stick selection:
http://www.cbc.ca/streetcents/guide/2003/10/s03_01.html (Independent tests and review of both types)
http://shop.nhl.com/sm-hockey-stick-buyers-guide--bg-222796.html (The NHL's guide to hockey stick choices)
http://www.prohockeystuff.com/hockey-sticks/faq.aspx (Frequently asked questions about stick purchases)
http://www99.epinions.com/content_3839271044 (A long but very detailed source with info on all the available options, and information of some of the lightest wooden stick available)
If you want the NHLer opinion, here it is: NHL players have made composites fashionable, as there are obvious performance enhancing benefits. But NHLers can afford to break two or three sticks every game. Adrian Aucoin, an NHL player who still uses a wood stick (and has recorded the hardest shot at the NHL All-Star Game); at a team skill-test, after recording another hardest-shot, he held up his wooden stick to the crowd and said to the parents of all the young players: "Wooden stick, $30!"
At any rate, good luck. Don't get bogged down by the details...find what you need, but more importantly find a way to play the game with what you have...that's what the greats all did, with their second-hand gear! Good Luck!
| Vintage all wood Spalding Herald tennis racket racquet | |
 |
$9.98 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 37m Buy It Now for only: $9.98 |
| Vintage wood wooden JACK KRAMER Wilson Tennis Racket Racquet FLIGHT model | |
 |
$7.59 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 33m |
| SPALDING CHAMPIONSHIP Wood Racket DOUBLE WELDED FIBRE Wooden Tennis Racquet WW | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 2h 6m |
| Vintage Wright Ditson Championship Wood Tennis Racquet Racket 1900s | |
 |
$14.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 1h 4m |
| Vintage Spalding Doris Heart Tennis Racquet Racket wood laminate | |
 |
$4.99 Time Remaining: 26d 12h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
| 1925 NARRAGANSETT FOURTY TENNIS RACKET LIVE WOOD NARRAGANSET MACHINE CO CLEAN | |
 |
$9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 6m |
| Wilson Jack Kramer Flight Wood Frame Tennis Racket Weingartner Lansdale PA USA | |
 |
$10.00 Time Remaining: 3h 7m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 |
| Vintage TAD Davis ClassicTennis Racquet Racket 3L wood cage Clasiden laminate | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 26d 12h 34m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
| Vintage Wood Wilson Jack Kramer Tennis Racket Racquet Used condition MI USA | |
 |
$24.45 Time Remaining: 3h 24m |
| Vintage Wood Spalding Pancho Gonzales Tennis Racket Racquet Lightly Used cond | |
 |
$24.45 Time Remaining: 3h 24m |
| VTG Vintage Slazenger Wood Racquet M 4 5 8 Beautiful No 1705 Super Racket | |
 |
$39.95 Time Remaining: 26d 19h 12m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
| 3 Vintage Wood Tennis Rackets Spalding Dunlop 2 Press Frame | |
 |
$9.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 6m |
| Vintage Wood Slazenger Eclipse Tennis Racket Racquet Used condition | |
 |
$24.45 Time Remaining: 3h 24m |
| VINTAGE 30s RHODE ISLAND WOOD TENNIS RACQUET NARRAGANSET SEVENTY RACKET | |
 |
$45.00 Time Remaining: 8d 17h 16m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 |
| VINTAGE CHEMOLD ROD LAVER MONTE CARLO TENNIS RACKET WOOD RACQUET MADE IN ITALY | |
 |
$20.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 56m |
| vintage 40s wilson phantom don budge wood tennis racket racquet | |
 |
$9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 23h 28m |
| TAD DAVIS IMPERIAL DELUXE TENNIS RACKET RACQUET 4 5 8 MOST BEAUTIFUL WOOD | |
 |
$84.50 Time Remaining: 3d 6h 13m Buy It Now for only: $84.50 |
| VINTAGE WILSON STAN SMITH SUPER RALLY WOOD TENNIS RACKET RACQUET 4 5 8 | |
 |
$40.00 Time Remaining: 8h 1m |
| VINTAGE WILSON PROFESSIONAL CHAMP WOOD TENNIS RACQUET RACKET COVER 4 1 2 GRIP | |
 |
$29.95 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 11m |
| Vintage Dunlop Evonne Goolagong tennis racket w wood racket guard | |
 |
$29.99 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 23m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
| Wilson Slazenders JC Higgins Wood Tennis Rackets Collection | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 45m |
| Vintage Wood Tennis Rackets Hammer Trophy | |
 |
$14.99 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 37m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
| VTG ANTIQUE SPALDING 1907 GOLD MEDAL MODEL B WOOD TENNIS RACQUET RACKET CASE | |
 |
$48.00 Time Remaining: 24d 21h 10m Buy It Now for only: $48.00 |
| VINTAGE LOT OF 3 WOOD TENNIS RACKETS DAVIS 2 Imperials 1 Classic II Beautiful | |
 |
$19.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 17h 47m |
| DUNLOP MAXPLY FORT Wood Tennis Racket John McEnroe 1981 | |
 |
$10.50 Time Remaining: 6h 28m Buy It Now for only: $65.00 |
| VINTAGE CHEMOLD WOOD MARGARARET COURT TOURNAMENT STAR TENNIS RACKET CLASSIC | |
 |
$12.34 Time Remaining: 9d 16h 50m Buy It Now for only: $12.34 |
| Tad Davis Custom Wood Tennis Racket Racquet Hi Point 4 3 8 grip | |
 |
$7.99 Time Remaining: 23h 33m |
| Rare Vintage WILSON DON BUDGE SIGNATURE WOOD TENNIS RACQUET RACKET ANTIQUE | |
 |
$19.95 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 13m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
| VINTAGE CHEMOLD ROD LAVER MONTE CARLO TENNIS RACKET WOOD RACQUET MADE IN ITALY | |
 |
$25.00 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 40m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
| Vintage Slazenger Windsor Tennis Racket Racquet Wood Medium 2 England | |
 |
$29.90 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 23m Buy It Now for only: $49.90 |
| VINTAGE HAND CRAFTED WOOD BANCROFT TENNIS RACQUET 70s PRESTIGE RACKET | |
 |
$19.95 Time Remaining: 1d 37m Buy It Now for only: $29.25 |
| VINTAGE WILSON STAN SMITH SUPER RALLY WOOD TENNIS RACKET RACQUET 4 5 8 | |
 |
$40.00 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 26m |
| VTG ANTIQUE WOOD TENNIS RACKET BY WRIGHT DITSON CIRCA 1930s racket case | |
 |
$38.00 Time Remaining: 13d 17h 53m Buy It Now for only: $38.00 |
| Slazenger Selfridges Meteor England Tennis Racket Racquet Wood | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 49m |
| 2 LADIES Vintage Wilson Billie Jean King Chris Evert Tennis Racquet Rackets Wood | |
 |
$29.95 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 14m Buy It Now for only: $35.95 |
| VTG ANTIQUE WRIGHT DITSON BOSTON MA circa1929 WOOD TENNIS RACQUET RACKET | |
 |
$48.00 Time Remaining: 20d 23h 16m Buy It Now for only: $48.00 |
| 2 Vtg WILSON 40s SUPER STROKE Wood TENNIS RACKETS PRESS COVERS Bracket Holder | |
 |
$14.88 Time Remaining: 4d 6m |
| Vintage Spalding Wood Tennis Racket John Alexander | |
 |
$20.00 Time Remaining: 23h 45m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
| Vintage Wilson Wood Tennis Racket Alice Marble Famous Player Series w Press | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 22m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
| Vintage Spalding Wood Tennis Racket John Alexander | |
 |
$20.00 Time Remaining: 23h 45m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
| Wilson Chris Everett American wood tennis racket with squaring brace vintage | |
 |
$16.95 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 4m |
| Snauwaert Tennis Racquet Brian Gottfried Wood Wooden Belgium Racket | |
 |
$29.95 Time Remaining: 27d 23h 43m Buy It Now for only: $29.95 |
| Vintage Spalding Wood Tennis Racket Racquet Doris Hart With Stretcher Good Shape | |
 |
$25.00 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 34m |
| 1970s 26 3 4 Inch Pro Line Markwort Wooden Tennis Racquet Wood Racket | |
 |
$19.95 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 49m |
| VINTAGE WOOD JIMMY CONNORS BASELINE TENNIS RACKET | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 27d 13h 23m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
| Vintage Wood Wright Ditson Trophy Tennis Racket Racquet Lightly Used condition | |
 |
$27.45 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 49m |
| Vintage TG FLIGHT Wood TENNIS RACKET Racquet | |
 |
$5.00 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 51m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 |
| VTG ANTIQUE WRIGHT DITSON WOOD TENNIS RACQUET 1928 RACKET COVER BALL | |
 |
$125.00 Time Remaining: 14d 20h 26m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 |
| Spalding Doris Hart Monogram Wood Tennis Racket Racquet | |
 |
$6.99 Time Remaining: 3d 23h 8m |
| SLAZENGER BLUE KNIGHT WOOD TENNIS RACKET WITH COVER | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 33m |
| Vintage Spalding WoodStar Wood Tennis Racket Rosemary Casals Belgium | |
 |
$34.99 Time Remaining: 27d 13h 16m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
| VINTAGE TENNIS RACQUET CHAMPIONSHIP IMPACT 500 WOOD RACKET | |
 |
$29.99 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 42m |
| Spalding Pancho Gonzales Prize Cup Wood Tennis Racket Racquet 4 5 8 w cover | |
 |
$6.99 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 9m |
| New Old Stock Futabaya Wood Tennis Racket NOS | |
 |
$39.96 Time Remaining: 28d 5h 26m Buy It Now for only: $39.96 |
| VINTAGE WILSON CHRIS EVERT WOOD TENNIS RACKET | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 33m |
| RARE DAVIS RED IMPERIAL WOOD TENNIS RACKET | |
 |
$49.99 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 33m |
| Vintage Topflight Spalding Bros Open Throat Wood Tennis Racket CIRCA 1928 | |
 |
$29.99 Time Remaining: 11d 17h 49m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
| VINTAGE WILSON JACK KRAMER STAFF WOOD TENNIS RACKET | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 4d 2h 38m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
| Spalding Award Wood Tennis Racket | |
 |
$15.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 31m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 |
| Vintage Wilson Capri Maureen Connolly Tennis Racket w Plaid Cover Wood Press | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 29m |
| Vintage Wood Tennis Racket Racquet Arista Court Age Sport Decor | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 17d 6h 15m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
| Vintage Made in BELGIUM SPALDING ROSEMARY CASALS SIGNATURE Wood Tennis Racket | |
 |
$29.99 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 21m Buy It Now for only: $33.00 |
| WILSON YOUNG CHAMP TENNIS RACKET WOOD COVER | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10m |
| 4 piece Lot Wood Vintage Tennis Rackets Trophy Wilson Speedshaft Rosie Casal | |
 |
$39.99 Time Remaining: 6d 23h 15m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
| WILSON LANCER WOOD TENNIS RACKET | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 2m |
| WILSON CHRIS EVERT AUTOGRAPH WOOD TENNIS RACKET | |
 |
$9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 5h |
| VTG Rare Donnay Allwood Wood Wooden 4 1 4 Tennis Racquet Racket + Cover | |
 |
$49.99 Time Remaining: 20d 15h 33m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
| BANCROFT BOMBAY DRY GIN WOOD TENNIS RACKET WITH COVER | |
 |
$5.99 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 2m |
| Vintage WoodMacGregor Carrousel Tennis Sports Racket RACQUET | |
 |
$14.00 Time Remaining: 4d 4h 37m |
| BANCROFT WOOD TENNIS RACKET RACQUET BILLY JEAN KING WIMBLEDON 4 1 2L | |
 |
$14.99 Time Remaining: 9d 20h 46m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
| Vintage Wilson Sport Wood Tennis Racket | |
 |
$7.99 Time Remaining: 5d 22m |
| PENN Court Royal RR100 TENNIS PADDLE RACQUET racket vintage WOOD junior 175 | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 31m |
| VINTAGE WILSON 1960s TONY TRABERTpicture STYLIST WOOD TENNIS RACQUET RACKET | |
 |
$38.00 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 56m Buy It Now for only: $38.00 |
| XIOM ARIA LITE NOVUS SPEED WOOD Table Tennis Racket ST FL | |
 |
$80.00 Time Remaining: 2h 10m |
| XIOM AIGIS TOUR WOOD Table Tennis Racket FL ST | |
 |
$75.00 Time Remaining: 2h 10m |
| AG Spalding Bros Kro Bat Wood Tennis Racket Racquet With Press Old Vintage | |
 |
$29.99 Time Remaining: 26d 4h 52m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
| XIOM FUGA SPEED WOOD Table Tennis Racket ST CS | |
 |
$85.00 Time Remaining: 2h 10m |
| OLD WOOD WILSON AUTOGRAPHED TENNIS RACKET HOLDER BUTCH BUCHHOLZ SIGNED | |
 |
$15.00 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 15m |
| Vintage wood Davis IMPERIAL Tennis Racket Raquet | |
 |
$16.99 Time Remaining: 16d 2h 51m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
| WILSON CHRIS EVERT AUTOGRAPH WOOD TENNIS RACKET | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 2h 6m |
| WILSON CHRIS EVERT AUTOGRAPH WOOD TENNIS RACKET | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 2h 6m |
| VINTAGE BANCROFT WOOD TENNIS RACQUET 1967 1969 PLAYERS SPECIAL regno RACKET | |
 |
$35.00 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 41m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
| WILSON vintage CHRIS EVERT AUTOGRAPH WOOD TENNIS RACQUET racket w ZEPHYR PRESS | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 31m |
| VINTAGE TAD DAVIS PROFESSIONAL MODEL WOOD TENNIS RACQUET WITH RACKET COVER | |
 |
$24.95 Time Remaining: 5d 2h 52m |