Ben Shelton's Racket: What He Uses (Updated!)

Alright, tennis fans! If you're anything like me, you've been watching Ben Shelton absolutely explode onto the scene. The power, the speed, the sheer athleticism – it's all incredibly exciting. And naturally, one of the first questions that pops into our heads is: what racket does Ben Shelton actually use to generate all that heat? It's a question that's been buzzing around the tennis community, and we're here to break it all down for you.

Unveiling Ben Shelton's Weapon of Choice: The Yonex EZONE 98

So, let's get straight to the point. Ben Shelton's racket of choice is the Yonex EZONE 98. But hold on, there's more to the story than just that. While he endorses the retail version of this racket, like many professional players, Shelton uses a customized version tailored to his specific needs and playing style. This is a crucial detail, guys. What you see on the shelves isn't exactly what he's swinging on the court.

The Yonex EZONE 98 is known for its blend of power, control, and feel. It's a popular choice among aggressive baseliners who like to dictate play with powerful groundstrokes, which perfectly describes Shelton's game, right? The EZONE series, in general, is designed to provide a larger sweet spot, making it more forgiving on off-center hits. This can be a huge advantage when you're swinging as hard as Shelton does! The racket's isometric head shape, a signature Yonex technology, also contributes to this larger sweet spot, expanding the area where you get the most power and control.

However, the modifications that Shelton makes to his racket are what truly make it his own. These customizations often involve adding weight to the frame, typically in the head and handle, to increase stability and power. Players like Shelton, who rely on generating massive racket head speed, often prefer a heavier racket because it helps them plow through the ball and maintain control even when hitting with maximum force. The added weight also helps to absorb some of the shock from those powerful shots, reducing the risk of injury. It's also likely that Shelton's racket has a different grip size and shape than the retail version, further tailoring it to his hand and playing style. Grip customization is essential for ensuring a comfortable and secure hold on the racket, which is crucial for generating power and maintaining control.

Beyond the frame itself, the strings that Shelton uses play a significant role in his overall performance. String type, tension, and pattern all affect how the ball comes off the racket. While the exact string setup that Shelton uses can vary, it's likely that he uses a hybrid setup, combining two different types of strings to achieve a specific blend of power, control, and feel. He may use a polyester string for the mains to provide durability and control, and a softer string, such as a multifilament or natural gut, for the crosses to enhance feel and comfort. The string tension he uses is also likely to be quite high, which further enhances control and allows him to hit with pinpoint accuracy, even when swinging for the fences.

Diving Deeper: Specs and Customizations

While Yonex doesn't publicly release the exact specifications of Shelton's customized racket, we can make some educated guesses based on common modifications made by professional players. Here's what we might expect:

• Weight: Likely significantly heavier than the retail version (around 11.5-12.5 ounces strung).
• Balance: Head-light balance to maintain maneuverability despite the added weight.
• Swingweight: Higher swingweight to increase power and stability.
• Grip Size: Customized to Shelton's hand for optimal comfort and control.

These subtle changes can make a world of difference for a player at Shelton's level. It allows him to fine-tune his racket to perfectly complement his game and maximize his performance. Remember, guys, pro players are incredibly meticulous about their equipment. They spend countless hours testing and tweaking their rackets to find the perfect setup.

Why the Yonex EZONE 98 is a Great Choice (Even for Us Mere Mortals)

Okay, so maybe you're not hitting serves at 140 mph like Ben Shelton (yet!). But that doesn't mean you can't benefit from using a similar racket. The Yonex EZONE 98 is a fantastic option for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a racket that offers a blend of power, control, and feel. It's particularly well-suited for players who like to take aggressive swings from the baseline and dictate play with their groundstrokes.

Here's why the EZONE 98 might be a good fit for your game:

• Power: The racket provides plenty of pop for generating deep, penetrating shots.
• Control: The 98 square inch head size offers excellent control and precision.
• Feel: The racket provides a comfortable and connected feel for the ball, allowing you to dial in your shots with confidence.
• Forgiveness: The isometric head shape and larger sweet spot make it more forgiving on off-center hits.

Of course, it's important to remember that the best racket for you is the one that feels most comfortable and allows you to play your best tennis. I highly recommend demoing the EZONE 98, along with other rackets that you're considering, before making a purchase. Head to your local tennis shop and try them out on the court. See how they feel in your hand and how they perform when you're hitting different types of shots. Don't be afraid to experiment with different string types and tensions as well. This can significantly impact the way a racket plays.

Beyond the Racket: Other Equipment Ben Shelton Uses

While the racket is arguably the most important piece of equipment for a tennis player, it's not the only thing that matters. Ben Shelton also relies on a variety of other gear to help him perform at his best. Let's take a quick look at some of the other equipment he uses:

• Shoes: Tennis shoes are crucial for providing support, stability, and traction on the court. Shelton likely wears a high-performance shoe designed specifically for tennis, such as the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion series or a similar model from another leading brand.
• Apparel: Comfortable and breathable clothing is essential for staying cool and dry during long matches. Shelton wears Yonex apparel, which is designed to wick away moisture and allow for a full range of motion.
• Strings: As we discussed earlier, strings play a vital role in a racket's performance. While the exact string setup that Shelton uses may vary, it's likely that he uses a hybrid setup with a polyester string for the mains and a softer string for the crosses.
• Grips: Overgrips are used to enhance grip and absorb moisture. Shelton likely uses a high-quality overgrip that provides a comfortable and secure hold on the racket.

All of these pieces of equipment work together to help Shelton perform at his peak. It's a testament to the fact that tennis is a sport where every detail matters. From the racket you use to the shoes you wear, everything can have an impact on your performance.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Racket for Your Game

So, there you have it. Ben Shelton wields a customized Yonex EZONE 98, a racket known for its blend of power and control. But remember, what works for a top professional like Shelton might not be the perfect fit for you.

The key takeaway here, guys, is that finding the right racket is a personal journey. It's about experimenting, trying different things, and ultimately choosing the racket that feels the best in your hand and allows you to play your best tennis. Don't be afraid to demo different rackets, experiment with different string setups, and seek advice from experienced tennis players or coaches. With a little bit of research and experimentation, you can find the perfect racket to help you take your game to the next level.

And who knows, maybe one day you'll be hitting serves just as big as Ben Shelton! Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun out on the court!