Category Archives: Grips
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.
Head Boom Team 2022…BOOM!
It is here, and I bet you heard another big BOOM recently!
The Head Boom Team 2022 has arrived and is ready for you to try! The Boom Team is a valuable addition to the Head lineup.
For years players have been asking for a 102 square inch racquet that has the “player” characteristics they wanted.
Player characteristics can mean different things to different players, but here is what the Head Boom Team 2022 has:
A fairly thin beam
A thin head cross-section
A modified box beam shaft cross-section
This racquet continues with Graphene and fresh Auxetic material that has been popular in the Boom Pro and Boom MP!
All specifications are in the chart below but suffice to say; this is a significant step in the right direction!
Looking at the inside of the shaft, you will notice the transitional shape from a thin box beam into a slightly thicker trapezoidal beam.
The head shape also continues with the broader upper section like the Boom Pro and Boom MP. Most “aggressive” shots are hitting the string bed in this area, so giving it more energy makes sense!
The density of the string in that area should contribute to good string life.
The first thing you notice upon pickup (first moment) is the weight distribution. While this is still a “headlight” model (see the specs below), the weight is toward the tip of the racquet.
We have had great results with the Boom Pro and Boom MP in both “retail” and full custom racquets, so, If you are considering a racquet upgrade, this one should be on your list!
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Boom Team 2022 |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Head Reflex MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 48.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 64 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 61 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 45.0 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 389.6 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 300 |
| Weight, Ounces | 10.58 |
| Balance, mm | 337 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.27 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.97 |
| Head Length | 13.065 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 659.7 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 102.3 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .642 |
| Main String Grid | 7.80 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.80 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .845 |
| Average Cross String Space | .568 |
| Average Main String Space | .500 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 33 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 184.57 |
| First Moment, Nm | .786 |
| Polar Moment | 320 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 305 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.76 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 340.7 |
| Power, RDC | 46 |
| Control, RDC | 54 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1921.4 |
| Head Points | 1.89 |
| Head Weight, % | 49.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.8 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.18 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 26.9 |
| K, Lb/In | 153.85 |
| Recoil Weight | 138.76 |
| Twist Weight | 222.21 |
| End Weight | 114.3 |
| Tip Weight | 187.8 |
| 9 O'Clock | 91.5 |
| 3 O'Clock | 93.6 |
| Butt Cap | 114.8 |
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