Category Archives: Good News!
Comfort is the new Soft!
Over the years descriptive terms for tennis strings have endured many mythical, and even wrong, definitions.
One of the terms we continue to hear is “Synthetic Gut”. First of all, in terms of tennis string if the material is not from a once living animal it is “synthetic!” The term “synthetic gut” was responsible for relegating “nylon™” to the very lowest of low end tennis string, however, even today Nylon™ makes up a substantial percent of the tennis string material!
Now comes “Comfort” trying to relegate “Soft” to the scrap heap!
What difference does it make? A lot. Seasoned players know what works for them and they don’t care what anyone calls it. On the other hand those just beginning or wanting to improve their game do care.
With our in-house testing device, Questron, we test every string that goes into a racquet, and every string that comes into the World Headquarters . The graphs have been posted on this site a few times but just in case you missed them here is a graph:
This graph represents two (2) polyester strings and one (1) natural string because it was handy.
In the simplest terms the quicker (shorter deflection) the string reaches 50 pounds the “stiffer” or less “soft” it is. Neither of the polyester stings are “soft” compared to the natural string, however, one polyester string is “softer” than the other polyester string but not by much.
We have tested many strings that are now available in a “soft” version and the “standard” (not soft) version.
Whatever string version you choose use it because it works for you whether is it marketed as Comfort or Soft!
Is this a cost effective alternative?
Everyone loves natural gut but not everyone loves the price, even though it is very much worth it!
You may think ” I will just use synthetic gut it must be about as good”. Nope, not even close. However there is string that may be close enough to consider as an alternative.
One such string is IsoSpeed Professional. Because we know “a picture is worth a thousand words” here is a picture:
IsoSpeed v VS Touch
If you are serious about playing tennis at a high level for a long time please consider an alternative to a string that does not help that effort.
This is one, however there are others that we will highlight in future posts.
Racquet Support
What do we mean when we talk about racquet support?
Before we do any more talking lets look at a picture which I hear is “worth a thousand words”, however, we are going to add a few more words to help understand everything that is going on with this system.
True Tension Pro Racquet Support System
This most important component of the system is the top plate which is solid metal with the glide bar rods mounted very close to the plate to minimize “leverage”. This top plate will not bend under the stringing load. Maybe can look at that later because it is important.
The top plate has a bunch of holes around the edge to assure the string is exiting the grommet barrels at the proper angle (O!). This minimizes friction and creates a more consistent result.
The Racquet Locator Pads are designed to assure every racquet is in the same location every time. These pads are moveable and removable for odd racquet sizes and shapes.
The Side supports, twelve in this case, are brought into contact with the racquet with no pressure and secured to create solid support. Each side support includes a non-compressive protective pad. The side supports at the head of the racquet (black) are in contact with the bumper guard so do not need additional protection.
Racquet Quest, LLC has four (4) of these machines and one (1) totally original with none of our “pro model” modifications.
Madrid Stringing Team!
Say “Hello” to my friends on the Babolat Stringing Team now working the Madrid tournament!
Babolat Stringing Team
Madrid 2025
The team has strung over 3000 racquets so far! The first few days of a major tournament are very busy and while the later days may not as busy it is never boring!
As you can see, Eric, the man in the front is very excited about this team!
Eric and Carine, the lady peaking around the left corner of the picture, enjoy visiting the World Headquarters of Racquet Quest when they can and have been very helpful with new ideas. We use their incredibly accurate testing system several times every day for measuring “tip”and “end” weight of incoming racquets.
FYI, the Wine Map of France is in the World Headquarters of Racquet Quest, LLC, not the Madrid stringing room!
Racquet Quest, LLC
