Category Archives: Grips
Is your butt cap squeaking?
In the last few weeks, we have had an unusually high number of squeaky butt caps come in for repair.
In a couple of cases, we received a text message asking if we could fix a squeaky butt cap. In most cases, the answer is yes, but we need to know which racquet is squeaking and which version it is.
What causes the butt cap to squeak?
Destroyed Butt Caps
In almost every case, the staples holding the butt cap in place are the cause.
Ruined grip pallet
This stapling method has been used for many years, but the staples seem to be becoming more aggressive and fracturing the foam molded on the pallet.
So how do we fix it?
Our method requires removing the shattered section of the pallet. In this case, we remove 18mm of the racquet pallet.
Printed Pallet Section
We design a model to fit the racquet and print it using a special filament that weighs the same as the removed foam.
Clearing the way for a new butt cap.
You can see the holes the staples created in the carbon fiber shaft.
We use a chemical bond to secure the printed section to the racquet shaft.
Although the chemical bond sets quickly, we like to let it “cure” overnight, if possible, before installing the butt cap and grip.
So, if your butt cap squeaks, we can fix it!
Wilson Defyer Pro 98 v1.0
Wilson Defyer Pro 98 v1
The Wilson Defyer product release is one of the most unusual and talked-about releases in a long time!
The initial prototypes were “Python”; the next iteration was “Redline”; and the newly released, and final, version is the “Defyer”.
The Defyer is available in 98 and 100 square inch head sizes. The string pattern is 16×20 with spacing that allows for a broad range of string bed stiffnesses to suit most play styles.
The head shape and geometry are familiar; however, there is some “sculpting” going on that adds something to the overall appearance.
While appearance is important, the real stuff is in the numbers, and we have those right here…
After you go through the numbers, stick around for some additional highlights that may go unnoticed.
| Manufacturer | Wilson |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Defyer Pro 98 v1 |
| Reference Tension | 56 |
| String | MonoGut ZX Pro |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| String Bed Stiffness - RDC | 47 |
| String Bed Stiffness -FlexFour | 61 |
| Strig Bed Stiffness - SBS | 51.7 |
| String Bed Stiffness - ERT | 33 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 65 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 51.5 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 474.4 |
| Weight, Grams | 325 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.46 |
| Balance, mm | 327 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.87 |
| Length, Cm | 68.7 |
| Length, Inch | 27.047 |
| Head Width | 9.80 |
| Head Length | 12.76 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 633.7 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 98.2 |
| Beam Height @ Grip, mm | 22.5 |
| Beam Height @ Mid, mm | 23.8 |
| Beam Height @ Tip | 22.5 |
| Beam Width @ Grip, mm | 18 |
| Beam Width @ Throat, mm | 13.8 |
| Beam Width @ Mid, mm | 11 |
| Beam Width @ Tip, mm | 13.6 (w/Bumper Guard) |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
| Ratio | .614 |
| Main String Grid Inch/mm | 7.56/192.2 |
| Cross String Grid Inch/mm | 10.41/264.4 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .768 |
| Average Cross String Space | .520 |
| Average Main String Space | .453 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 33 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 184.57 |
| First Moment, Nm | .819 |
| Polar Moment | 333.0 |
| Torsional Stability | 16 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 317 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.18 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 347.5 |
| Power, RDC | 54 |
| Control, RDC | 44 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 74 |
| Power, Calculated | 2044.1 |
| Head Points | 5.20 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.6% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.9 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 6.83 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 27.3 |
| K, Lb/In | 150.64 |
| Recoil Weight | 151.88 |
| Twist Weight | 233.42 |
| End Weight | 134.4 |
| Tip Weight | 194.4 |
| 9 O'Clock | 97.4 |
| 3 O'Clock | 94.8 |
| Butt End | 137.4 |
| COF, Main | .382 |
| COF, Cross | .315 |
Something with tennis racquets that is important to us is “serviceability”. The Defyer, like most Wilson racquets, has a nice grommet system that protects the string from “court contact” damage, and is “aerodynamic” in shape.
The grip pallet system is another matter, however, and makes grip size and shape modifications difficult, if not impossible. So, when you are making a purchasing decision, be sure you are choosing the correct grip size. This pallet system is not unique to the Defyer, but the Defyer is in the category of “customizable” racquets. Don’t plan on much grip customization!
Get a Grip!
One of the first things we do when a racquet comes in for work is remove the overgrip!
If you are wondering why, look at some of the beauties that have come in recently.
Time for a New Over Gr
I think you understand, but there is more to this than dirt! It is obvious that the overgrip material can not do its intended job, which is to provide a better grip on the racquet.
But there is more! If you look below the red tape (yes, those are exam gloves), you will see the “base” grip or what is left. The base grip comes from the factory and is the interface between you and the racquet. This is important!
In addition to changing your overgrip frequently, the base grip must also be changed. The best way to see if it needs to be changed is to look at it, but you may be afraid. That is where we come in. Our many medical professionals happen to have exam gloves handy, but if you don’t, we do, and we are not afraid to use them.
Here are our recommendations for getting and keeping your grip:
Replace the overgrip after each match or every month, whichever comes first. For several years, Racquet Quest has used Head Prime Tour overgrip if you need a recommendation.
Replace the base grip every six (6) months. The next time you change your base grip, consider leather grips, which are less compressive than synthetic material and last longer.
Finally, if you need assistance with over-grips or base grips, stop by the Racquet Quest World Headquarters. We will install either one for you—you can even bring your own!
Please do not wait until your racquets look like these. Get a Grip!
Comparing Racquets (for real)
The Racquet Quest podcast recently aired a session on comparing racquets, so, to be fair I wanted to post that same data here. If you listened to the podcast this will sound familiar.
These racquets are not random. These racquets are owned by a client that is seeking an upgrade without going overboard!
Here is what Jess has to say:
“Hey, John –
Jess definitely likes the VS more than the Rafa. She said that she gets more easy power and stability with the Rafa but she’s able to accelerate faster on the forehand side with the VS.
She also felt like the VS was more maneuverable at the net. She said that if she’s in control of the point that she can really whip her forehand for a winner. She definitely noticed the lighter swing weight and liked that.
However, she also said that sometimes it feels a little unstable – like the VS is getting pushed around a bit. For example, she noticed that the head of the racquet can twist sometimes if her opponent nails a hard ball at her.
She has more control for sure with the VS – felt like she blasted more balls out with the Rafa. Overall, she likes the racquet- just would like a little more stability.”
By the way, Jess had not seen the racquet data prior to her hitting. So, there you have it. I believe you can see how much numbers help us find the right performance characteristics for a racquet.
Racquet Quest, LLC
