Shelton's Racket Setup: A Pro's Guide

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 38 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered what goes into setting up a tennis racket like a pro? Today, we're diving deep into the racket setup of none other than Ben Shelton, one of the rising stars in the tennis world. Understanding the nuances of a pro's racket can give you insights into optimizing your own game. So, let's get started and break down everything you need to know about Shelton's gear!

Unveiling Ben Shelton's Racket

Ben Shelton, known for his explosive game and powerful serve, trusts a specific racket model to deliver those match-winning shots. His choice of racket is a key element in his overall performance. Let's explore the make and model that helps him dominate the court.

Racket Model

Shelton endorses the Yonex EZONE 98. The Yonex EZONE 98 is designed for players who want a balance of power and control. It features a head size of 98 square inches, which provides a generous sweet spot while still offering precision for accurate shots. The racket's isometric head shape expands the sweet spot, making it more forgiving on off-center hits. This is crucial for maintaining consistency during long, grueling matches. Shelton's endorsement of this racket highlights its appeal to players who want to dictate play with both power and finesse.

Key Specifications

Head Size: 98 sq. in.
Weight (Unstrung): Approximately 305g (10.8 oz)
Balance: Approximately 315mm (9 pts HL)
Length: 27 inches
String Pattern: 16x19

The Yonex EZONE 98 is known for its blend of stability and maneuverability. The slightly head-light balance allows for quick racket head speed, which is essential for generating power and spin. The 16x19 string pattern offers a good balance between control and spin potential, making it versatile for various playing styles. Shelton's adaptation to this racket underscores its suitability for aggressive baseliners who also need precision for net play.

Strings: The Engine of Power and Control

Moving on to the strings, this is where things get really interesting. The type of strings, tension, and material can drastically affect how a racket performs. So, what does Shelton use to get that perfect blend of power, control, and feel?

String Type

Ben Shelton uses a hybrid string setup. He typically combines Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25mm in the mains with Yonex Rexispeed 1.30mm in the crosses. A hybrid setup allows players to combine the characteristics of two different strings to achieve a specific feel and performance. The Poly Tour Pro is a polyester string known for its durability and control, while the Rexispeed is a multifilament string that offers enhanced comfort and feel. This combination provides Shelton with the control he needs for aggressive hitting along with the comfort required for long matches.

The choice of a hybrid setup is common among professional players because it allows for customization based on individual preferences and playing styles. The polyester string in the mains enhances control and spin potential, while the multifilament string in the crosses adds comfort and reduces shock to the arm. This helps Shelton maintain high performance levels without sacrificing comfort.

String Tension

String tension is a critical factor that affects both power and control. Lower tension generally provides more power and a larger sweet spot, while higher tension offers more control and precision. While specific tension can vary, Shelton typically strings his rackets around 50-54 lbs (23-24.5 kg).

The tension range chosen by Shelton allows him to maximize both power and control. A slightly lower tension provides a larger sweet spot, making it easier to generate power on off-center hits. At the same time, the polyester string in the mains ensures that he maintains control over his shots, preventing the ball from flying long. This balanced approach to string tension is ideal for players who like to dictate play from the baseline with aggressive swings.

Grip and Overgrip

The grip is your direct connection to the racket. It's crucial for comfort, control, and preventing injuries. Let’s see what Shelton prefers in terms of grip and overgrip.

Grip Choice

Shelton uses a Yonex grip, likely the Yonex Super Grap. The grip size is also crucial; most players, including Shelton, use a grip size that allows them to comfortably hold the racket without excessive strain. His grip choice ensures he has a firm and comfortable hold, which is essential for maintaining control during intense rallies.

The Yonex Super Grap is a popular choice among professional and recreational players alike. It offers excellent tackiness and absorbs moisture effectively, preventing the racket from slipping in your hand. This is particularly important during long matches when your hands may become sweaty. Shelton's choice of the Yonex grip ensures that he has a reliable and comfortable connection to his racket at all times.

Overgrip

To further enhance his grip, Shelton uses an overgrip. Like many pros, he changes his overgrip frequently to maintain optimal tackiness and prevent slippage. The overgrip acts as a replaceable layer over the main grip, absorbing sweat and providing extra comfort. Regularly changing the overgrip is a simple but crucial step in maintaining racket control and preventing injuries.

Overgrips are available in various materials and textures, each offering different levels of tackiness and absorbency. Players often experiment with different overgrips to find the one that best suits their individual preferences. However, the key is to replace the overgrip regularly, as it can lose its effectiveness over time due to wear and tear. By using an overgrip and changing it frequently, Shelton ensures that he always has a secure and comfortable hold on his racket, allowing him to play at his best.

Customization and Weighting

Many professional players customize their rackets to fine-tune the weight and balance to their exact specifications. While specific details of Shelton's customization are not always public, it's common to add weight to certain areas of the racket to enhance stability and power.

Lead Tape

Lead tape is often used to add weight to the head of the racket, increasing its swing weight and stability. This can help players generate more power on their shots and improve the racket's resistance to twisting on off-center hits. While the exact placement and amount of lead tape Shelton uses are not publicly known, it's likely that he has customized his racket to optimize its performance for his playing style.

The placement of lead tape can significantly affect how the racket feels and performs. Adding weight to the head of the racket increases its power potential, while adding weight to the handle can improve its maneuverability. Players often experiment with different lead tape configurations to find the perfect balance for their game. While we may not know the specifics of Shelton's customization, it's clear that he has taken the time to fine-tune his racket to meet his individual needs.

Silicon in the Handle

Some players also inject silicon into the handle of their rackets to dampen vibrations and improve comfort. This can help reduce the risk of arm injuries and make the racket feel more solid and stable. Silicon dampening is a common customization technique among professional players who prioritize comfort and injury prevention.

The use of silicon in the handle can significantly reduce the amount of shock that is transmitted to the arm upon impact. This can be particularly beneficial for players who hit with a lot of power or who are prone to arm injuries. While it's not confirmed whether Shelton uses silicon in his handle, it's a customization option that is worth considering for players who are looking to improve the comfort and feel of their rackets.

Why This Setup Works for Shelton

Shelton's racket setup is tailored to complement his aggressive baseline game and powerful serve. The Yonex EZONE 98 provides the control and precision he needs to hit accurate shots, while the hybrid string setup offers a balance of power, control, and comfort. The grip and overgrip ensure a secure and comfortable hold, and any customizations are likely aimed at enhancing stability and power.

Complements His Playing Style

Shelton's playing style is characterized by aggressive hitting from the baseline and a powerful serve. His racket setup is designed to support these strengths, allowing him to dictate play and put pressure on his opponents. The Yonex EZONE 98 provides the necessary control for accurate shot placement, while the hybrid string setup offers the power and spin needed to hit penetrating groundstrokes. This combination allows Shelton to play with confidence and aggression, knowing that his racket is working with him every step of the way.

Enhances Power and Control

The key to Shelton's racket setup is the balance between power and control. The Yonex EZONE 98 and the hybrid string setup work together to provide the optimal blend of these two elements. The racket's head size and string pattern offer a generous sweet spot and spin potential, while the string tension and grip ensure that Shelton maintains control over his shots. This balanced approach allows him to hit with both power and precision, making him a formidable opponent on the court.

Replicating Shelton's Setup: Considerations for Your Game

While replicating Shelton's exact setup might not be necessary or even ideal for every player, there are valuable lessons to be learned from his choices. Consider the following when optimizing your own racket:

Assess Your Playing Style

Before making any changes to your racket setup, take the time to assess your playing style and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Are you an aggressive baseliner like Shelton, or do you prefer a more defensive or all-court style? Understanding your playing style will help you make informed decisions about racket model, string type, tension, and customization.

Experiment with Different Strings and Tensions

Experimenting with different strings and tensions is a great way to fine-tune your racket's performance to your liking. Try different string materials, gauges, and tensions to see how they affect your power, control, comfort, and spin potential. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find the perfect combination for your game.

Consider Customization

If you're serious about optimizing your racket's performance, consider adding weight to certain areas of the racket to enhance stability and power. Experiment with different lead tape configurations to see how they affect the racket's feel and performance. You may also want to consider using silicon in the handle to dampen vibrations and improve comfort.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! A comprehensive look into Ben Shelton's racket setup. Remember, the best racket setup is one that complements your individual playing style and helps you perform at your best. Take inspiration from the pros, but always tailor your gear to your unique needs and preferences. Now go out there and crush it! Cheers!