Monthly Archives: February 2015
Going Down?
From the very beginning of polyester based string(s) the manufacturers advised stringers to reduce tensions by 5 to 10 percent, and some still do. You would be correct if you thought nobody did this back then! It was just too much to consider that kind of “softness”!
The 10% Solution
Today, however, tensions are going down and going down significantly! I pulled up some data of a pro tournament I did in 1992 and found that then Polystar users were still requesting 60 to 65 as their preferred tension setting, even in Head Prestige Mid 18×20 racquets! Now it is perfectly reasonable to use tensions settings as low as 40 pounds (18.14kg).
My recent experience is 44 to 54 pounds, depending on the racquet and what polyester based sting is being installed, is typical. But why?
One reason is we have been brought up on “reference tension” instead of “string bed stiffness” which can be different numbers. Another reason is that polyester based string was, and in some case still, not very stable. This means tension loss is quick. Of course polyester based string can be an arm, wrist, and shoulder irritant at high tensions.
Even at lower tensions some polyester based string exhibits a “stiffing up” as the ball impact force increases. That is, the harder the ball is hit the stiffer the string becomes. Here is the dichotomy…because polyester based string have low elongation, therefore, low power potential, the swing, and impact, must be harder to get the ball to go as far as you want, especially when freshly strung.
Lower tensions, (SBS), can help in the production of “spin” through compliance of the string to the ball. String movement and “snap back” may contribute a little to “spin” but it is difficult to quantify. To get the ball to spin the “slippage” of the ball on the string must be minimized, so reducing SBS is one way to achieve this.
The bottom line is that reference tension should be dependent on string, string pattern, player arm issues, and, of course, durability issues. A 16 x 16 string pattern will be better at a higher reference tension than a 18 x 20 string pattern. I have been working on a string that is much better at higher tensions!
So there!
Ashaway Monogut ZX…Redux
If you are familiar with what we do at Racquet Quest you are, then, familiar with Ashaway Monogut ZX. Monogut ZX and ZX Pro are mono-filament strings and are, incorrectly, assumed to be polyester. They are not polyester strings! Monogut ZX and ZX Pro have elongations in the 15% range compared to 5% for polyester based string. Much more forgiving and powerful, therefore.
Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro 1.22
Monogut ZX is one in a series of polyetheretherkeytone or PEEK, or Zyex™ string and is quite possibly one of the best materials for tennis racquet string that has come to market in the last five (5) years. Why, then, isn’t every racquet in the world strung with PEEK strings?
Just as with any product there may be bad applications. With PEEK it is known that it does not respond well to shear loads. Those would be hits very close to the frame, and, typically, at the top of the string bed. PEEK is not the only material that does not like this kind of “impulse” loading and it can happen to any string material, however, PEEK needs to be properly applied.
Shear Fail!
So, when I discuss string for a junior tournament player I find it helpful to ask about hitting history, current learning processes, and arm issues. I like to know this history so I can get a feel for how many hours the player expects the string to last. By knowing current learning status I can find out if the player is learning a new service motion or other stroke. In a new learning situation it is more likely the string is going to be subjected to “mis-hits” and, therefore, premature failure. If Monogut ZX is not a good fit for a full string bed, i.e. main strings, it is quite good for the cross string in a hybrid format. I have not seen one mis-hit failure on a Monogut ZX cross string!
Monogut ZX and ZX Pro are very arm friendly strings, as is natural gut, and that is why I recommend them. Monogut ZX is available in black and compliments any racquet. Tan, as seen above is available as well for a more “natural” look.
So, if I ask about the “mis-hit” history it is not because I am being critical it is because I want to be certain the application is going to be a successful one.
Monogut ZX and AX Pro are not for juniors only! Any player can benefit from the properties of this material but it is very important for juniors to protect the wrist, elbow and shoulder as they are growing and trying new things.
Head (RED) Special Edition Bag & Back Pack
There are very few of these bags available and we have only two (2) of each remaining! These Special Edition bags reflect the ongoing support of special programs. A portion of the sales are committed to “social causes” through Head Tennis.
Head (RED) Combi Six Pack
Head Back Pack, Red, Special
Both of these bags offer great space plus many extra features such as bottle holder and shoe, or wet items, compartment. The “Combi” offers the “back pack” option with changeable straps. These are really great bags!
Where did my Swing Weight Go?
It seems like I am talking about where things have gone a lot recently but it is important, I think, to recognize what differences disappearing things make!
The mention of Swing Weight (inertia) causes many reactions from “who cares” to it “is the most important thing about my racquet”! So to be clear swing weight is the most important dynamic characteristic of a racquet while leading up to contact with the ball.
OK, that is out of the way but what contributes to swing weight? The weight distribution of a racquet determines swing weight and it can be changed (increased) by adding weight strategically on the racquet. The best possible use of added weight occurs around the mid point of the racquet face. This is sort of 3 and 9 o’clock. Obviously adding weight to the very tip of the racquet will add more swing weight with less overall weight but this location does not have the benefit of added torsional stability.
Here is the genesis of this post: I received four (4) racquets from a manufacturer to put together for a client. This includes cutting to length installing pallets, butt cap, grip, and any other customization that is required. Before I do anything I take data from each racquet in the “raw” form.
In this particular case there was a slight variation in swing weight. That is not an issue but what happens next is. I will be very brief.
Three (3) of the four (4) racquets had a Poly/Gut (1.27mm and 1.30mm) hybrid format and the third had a all polyester format. The all polyester format was 1.11mm! Very thin string, hence, disappearing weight. So, you know what is coming now…the swing weight of this racquet was much lower than the others.
So, you can have several racquets in your bag but unless they are strung with very similar string the swing weight may be different. Most players can feel the difference in a few units so it helps to know “where did my swing weight go?”
I always match the racquets. If the player switches to a different string modify the swing weight suit it!
Racquet Quest, LLC
