Back then 50's to early 70's wood rackets were it played by Pro's and amateurs. From 1956 (17 yrs old, after HS grad, summer picked up tennis) to 1972 I played with the Jack Kramer Autograph, 68" head, 4 1/2" grip, light, 14 G & 15 G Nylon, 58 lbs, 2 knots and sometimes natural gut too (costly). My style of play, All Court player. Loved the JK autograph, great racket.
1973, I switch to metal, aluminum, Head Master (Blue), 4 1/2" grip, 73" head, 15 G strings, same 58 lbs tension. The racket gave me more power with good control which help my All Court style. Loved the racket.
1983 switch to the Wilson Pro Staff, Kevlar/Graphite, 4 1/2" grip, light, 85 head, synthetic gut, 60 lbs, 2 knots. Again, my game had more power and spin, but yet good control. Killer racket.
1991 to present. 1991 tried and played with Head Prestige Pro 600, 93" head, 4 1/2" grip, light, synthetic gut or Polyester stirngs, at 60 lbs mains and 58 lbs crosses, 4 knots. Strung it tight for more control. Liked it even better than the Wilson Pro Staff. I've been playing and buying the various new models Head Prestige Pro or Tour, 95" head or 98" head, 4 1/2" grip, light, same tension but with the Hybrid strings (more power and spin), but yet good enough control for my All Court style. Loved this racket.
After my tournament days and getting older, I've lower my string tension to 52 lbs mains/50 lbs crosses, 4 knots., went back to synthetic gut (softer feel and better for my arm). My swing gotten slower, so I needed more power from the lower string tension.
The evloution in technology of equipment & strings were and are good for tennis and players. I liked how my game improved with each racket change + improved advanced strings change over the years/decades.
Also, over the years my forehand grip and swing changed as well. Began with the Eastern grip, then to an abreviated Eastern, to now semi Western. All along, I've used the onehand backhand classic grip. I found, the semi Western grip and modern swing are a killer combo. The evolution of tennis and what it has become now is amazing stuff. I've experienced and seen it all. Shaka one time...
Bruddah Ballss, asked you in another thread. Again, who is Grocery sticks?