Category Archives: Good News!
Big Bag Blowout…Again!
This seems to be a semi-annual event but that’s OK!
This event is a little different though!
Every bag regardless of size is only $60.00! This is extraordinary but I need the room.
Big Bag Blowout! Again!
Most bags are Head or Wilson, some are 6 racquet bags some are 12 racquet bags. It makes no difference!
Walk in with three (3) 20’s and walk out with a bag worth twice that much!
Hurry because this event is for in-stock bags only and the supply while taking up a lot of room, is limited!
This picture is not representative of all the bags. Call for a quick update on available bags!
Dr. Zarda Granted Patent!
Congratulations to Rich Zarda, Ph.D., for being granted a patent on a new and unique tennis racquet!
Dr. Zarda and The ZSCS Prototype
Rich is a master of simulation and FEM, so the racquet is based on solid science which is confirmed by on court and laboratory data. The premise is a racquet that can be “tuned” to allow the ball and string to move as one and return “spin” energy to the ball. This eliminates the need to hit so hard each time and can contribute to less pain and injury.
This was no easy journey, however, and assistance was required and received from Ron and his incredible team of “doers”!
This first discussion was in May 2013! After that came many iterations of testing equipment, high-speed photography, (and projectiles), and on-court testing!
Congratulations to Rich and Brett on this accomplishment that required immense persistence! I am glad I was able to help in the effort!
By the way, yours will come without the “tie wraps”!
What is Pointy?
Briefly, Pointy is a program that allows shoppers to enter a barcode, or Google product search online, to see if that product is available locally.
As a long time user of Square as the POS in the shop, we engaged with Pointy as a service through Square so our clients can quickly see what we have in stock. A link to our Pointy shop is below so you can take a look around and let me know what it needs to be a valuable resource for you.
Every product you see on the page was input by Racquet Quest so it is in stock at the time the shop was opened, however, the images are supplied by the software so some may not be exactly updated packaging.
Just click here and browse the store!
If you have any questions or would like to hear about any “special offers” please call or text!
New Head MXG 7
Head is introducing two (2) new racquets to the MXG Series, and this is an excellent thing in my opinion! It is not that we need a bunch of new racquets, but this signals a commitment to the MXG concept.
In case you don’t know, the MXG Series racquets incorporate a “string suspension system” (my words) into the throat of the racquet. The most notable of this system is the bright silver paint. However, the most important functions are the increase in main string length across the entire throat area and torsional stability that contributes to control of this 115 square inch racquet. We now have ten (10) main strings that are the same length in the throat. These 15.0 inch long main strings do contribute to “power”.
The Head MXG 7 has a slightly “fanned” pattern for the 16 x 18 string format and a built-in vibration damper in the throat. The MXG 7 will accept the Head Tennis Sensor.
The Head MXG 7 is a 115 +/- square inch head with a variable beam (28, 29, 26mm) that puts it in the “game improvement” category. You will see all the specifications below. If you are considering a new racquet and prefer power,”. this is a “must see.” Head has always done a good job in the game improvement category, and this adds a new dimension to the series.
Head MXG 7
The MXG 7 demo is here so call to reserve your spot!
The MXG 7 is available for pre-order and will be available May 11.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head MXG 7 |
| Reference Tension | 57 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 43.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 55.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 67 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 50 |
| Weight, Grams | 282 |
| Weight, Ounces | 9.95 |
| Balance, mm | 370.0 |
| Balance, Inch | 14.57 |
| Length, Cm | 69.7 |
| Length, Inch | 27.44 |
| Head Width | 10.13 |
| Head Length | 14.75 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 756.7 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 118.8 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 18 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .610 |
| Main String Grid | 8.56 |
| Cross String Grid | 11.31 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .793 |
| Average Cross String Space | .622 |
| Average Main String Space | .519 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 32 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 178.98 |
| First Moment, Nm | .830 |
| Polar Moment | 340.0 |
| Torsional Stability | 18 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 322 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.36 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 386.1 |
| Power, RDC | 59 |
| Control, RDC | 42 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 72 |
| Power, Calculated | 2631.7 (compare to 1996.9 for the MXG 1) |
| Head Points | -6.77 (negative = head heavy. See % below) |
| Head Weight, % | 53.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.6 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.70 |
| Effective Stiffness | 26.2 |
| K, Lb/In | 137.82 |
| Recoil Weight | 118.85 |
| Twist Weight | 215.2 |
What is “Best Overall Performance”?
In our “Recommended Stringing Frequency” calculator we state that this frequency is to get the best possible performance from your racquet. But, what exactly is “best performance”?
To establish this we need to take you, the player, out of the picture for a moment and concentrate on the racquet and string setup. the reason is simple: no two players strike the ball the same way.
We start with “Swing Weight” which is the most important dynamic property of a racquet. So a higher swing weight will contribute to power and stability, thus performance.
Overall weight is important because you need to be able to get the racquet to the court and out of your bag! Heavier racquets contribute to energy, stability, and comfort.
Effective Stiffness is important because it represents the stiffness of the string bed (SBS) and the racquet stiffness (xxRA, or something like that). This number represents the impact each time you strike the ball. The higher the number, the stiffer, of course.
Of the four (4) things mentioned above we can control the string bed stiffness with ease. One of the easiest methods is to string your racquet regularly to maintain the effectiveness of the elongation of the string being used. Elongation relates to energy return in a string and while strings will stay resilient for a long time a well-worn string takes a while to return energy to the ball.
You, the player, of course, determine performance so when using the SFR you can enter a high UTR or Style rating or a low UTR or style rating if maximum performance is not required.
New Head MXG 1
Head is introducing two (2) new racquets to the MXG Series, and this is an excellent thing in my opinion! It is not that we need a bunch of new racquets, but this signals a commitment to the MXG concept.
In case you don’t know, the MXG Series racquets incorporate a “string suspension system” (my words) into the throat of the racquet. The most notable of this system is the bright silver paint. However, the most important function(s) is the increase in main string length across the entire throat area and torsional stiffness for control. We now have ten (10) main strings that are the same length in the throat, and this does contribute to “power.”
The Head MXG 1 is a 98 square inch head with a thin beam (22mm) that puts it in the “player” category, but it may need additional weight for big hitters. You will see all the specifications below. If you are a player and have shied away from the MXG for head size reasons, this is for you!
Head MXG 1
The MXG 1 demo is available now. Call to reserve it!
The new MXG 1 is available for pre-order and will available May 11, 2018.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head MXG 1 |
| Reference Tension | 53 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 50.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 59.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 65 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 48 |
| Weight, Grams | 312 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.01 |
| Balance, mm | 319.0 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.56 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.986 |
| Head Width | 9.51 |
| Head Length | 13.50 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 649.9 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.7 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .593 |
| Main String Grid | 7.20 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.37 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .658 |
| Average Cross String Space | .490 |
| Average Main String Space | .445 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 34 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 190.16 |
| First Moment, Nm | .762 |
| Polar Moment | 320.0 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 305 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.76 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 317.5 |
| Power, RDC | 51 |
| Control, RDC | 51 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1996.9 |
| Head Points | 7.40 |
| Head Weight, % | 46.6% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.5 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.00 |
| Effective Stiffness | 28.3 |
| K, Lb/In | 160.26 |
| Recoil Weight | 157.54 |
| Twist Weight | 211.48 |
WPRC Member Guest 2018
Jack Anthrop teamed with Chris Granville to play in the 2018 version of the Winter Park Racquet Club Member-Guest Tournament this weekend. This highly anticipated event brings most of the best tennis players from around the area, and beyond, to compete for beer as nearly as I can tell.
Jack, at age 14, does not drink beer so he is playing for the experience and fun of competition as if he doesn’t get enough during the week at the USTA Center in Orlando, daily training, and other tournaments around the country.
“Quiet in the Stands” does not apply for this family-friendly event managed by Rich, Robert, Nancy and the entire WPRC Staff. Well Done!
Congratulations Sophie!
A huge congratulations go out to Sophie Williams for her terrific run at the recent Easter Bowl in Indian Wells, Ca.!
Sophie played the finals against the number 3 seed Elena Yu…
Having the experience of making the Girls’ 12s final last year, Eleana Yu of Mason, Ohio, said she only had to fight a moderate case of nerves as the No. 3 seed won the Girls’ 14s USTA gold ball and her first Adidas Easter Bowl national title with a 6-1, 6-0 win over No. 7-seeded Sophia Williams of Charleston, S.C.
“Having been in the final before really did help,” said the 13-year-old Yu. “I did feel a little nervous at the start, but once I found my rhythm it was fine and I just felt really confident. I think my opponent was more nervous, but the match was definitely closer than the score indicated.”
Sophie’s great result at the Easter Bowl continues her recent extraordinary results at tournaments around the country. Below is Sophie holding the first place trophy of a previous tournament.
Sophie, the Winner, again!
If you have been to Racquet Quest in the past several years, you have probably seen some of Sophie’s forty-five (45) racquets either in “process” or being prepared to ship to her. Sophie is left-handed, so all the leather grips and overgrip is wrapped left-handed, and each racquet is “sequenced”. All of the racquets are “matched.” so the only thing that is different is the string bed stiffness (SBS).
Even racquets that are done on the same day may have slightly different string bed stiffness numbers due to the time between racquet number one and racquet number eight. Sequencing indicates in what order the racquets can be used.
That may seem like a lot of racquets, but if you play as many tournaments as Sophie you need a few!
When Sophie is in town, she is either at the USTA Center or training with Robert Kendrick at the Winter Park Racquet Club.
Congratulations, Sophie!
What Keeps Us Going?
Have you ever wondered what keeps the Racquet Quest World Headquarters going? I can’t imagine why you would, but here it is anyway!
Power!
These are made in France, of course, so they are good for you, and after work, they pair up nicely with a good Bordeaux!
String Failure (continued)
In a previous post, we saw string failure(s) for the same string, i.e., not a “hybrid” format.
In this post, we will see the typical failure of a “hybrid” format using polyester for the main string and a multifilament for the cross string.
The polyester string shows very little wear whereas the multifilament cross string has completely come apart. This is exactly what one would expect, and frankly, hope for.
This failure indicates the main string is moving across the cross strings which allows the ball to “catch” the main string and begin to “rotate.”
Players may decide on a hybrid format in the belief that the multifilament cross string will significantly mitigate the stiffness of the polyester main string. Depending on what strings are used this, may or may not be true.
For comparison purposes, this racquet has about seven (7) hours of hitting while training, That probably relates to about twenty (20) hours of “normal play” for this person.
The caption of this post is “String Failure” but while this string is definitely failed it is not a “failure”. This setup did exactly what it is intended to do for this player.
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