Category Archives: Juniors
The Elephant in the Room!
I suspect we all have heard that expression!
It means there is something that everyone tries to ignore, but it is too large to do so!
I recently read an article in Racquet Sports Industries authored by Georgetta L. Morque. The title is “Tackling Tennis Elbow.” Tennis elbow is an important topic and deserves much attention. Georgetta is writing about ways to mitigate tennis elbow after the fact.
Let’s try to prevent tennis elbow, so it does not need to be treated!
When we say stiff, it means a string with less than 4% elongation at 60 pounds which is our testing parameter. Most strings, and for this discussion, strings exhibiting that property will be monofilament PET-based (polyester).
Fully understanding this required a lot of testing, both lab and play, for many playing styles and racquets. To make a long story short, as a racquet technologies business, we decided not to promote polyester strings for most players. That sounds silly, but why take a chance when you don’t have to!
Our success is based on helping you, the player, perform the best you can, so it does not make sense to promote something contrary to that philosophy. Probably 75% of our clients have come to us for something different, so we have a “head start.”
So why do so many players use it or want to use it?
We believe it is because they have not been exposed to alternative string materials. Some outstanding players at the pro level use it, so it must be good, and it is for about 10-11 games. Of course, manufacturers and marketers of polyester string stand to make a nice profit! It is in their best interest to promote products by adding some terminology and material to make the string less stiff.
A polyester string is deficient in power and needs to be walloped, and the harder it is hit, the stiffer it becomes, which is the problem. Developing bodies can’t tolerate that level of impact for long.
Head Boom Team L 2022
Like the Head Boom Team 2022, the Head Team L 2022 has been much anticipated!
Finally, a 107 square inch head without the ridiculous thick beam and ultra-lightweight, a legitimate “tweener”!
The Boom Team L has the highest power level assigned to recent Head racquets coming in at “900”, compared to the Boom Team at 800 and the Boom Pro at 400. If a power racquet is what you are looking for, this may be a good choice!
The Boom Team L is a slightly longer racquet at 27.35 inches. This increase in length increases the swing weight without adding weight. You can think of swing weight as “leverage.”
The Boom Team L incorporates all the newest materials and design chops of the viral Boom Pro and Boom MP.
The specifications will give you a better idea of where this racquet may fit your game.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Boom Team L 2022 |
| Reference Tension | 56 lbs - 25.4 kg |
| String | Head Reflex MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 45.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 55.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 63 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 46.0 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 339.8 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 290 |
| Weight, Ounces | 10.23 |
| Balance, mm | 353 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.90 |
| Length, Cm | 69.5 |
| Length, Inch | 27.362 |
| Head Width | 10.15 |
| Head Length | 13.25 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 679.5 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 105.6 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .643 |
| Main String Grid | 7.90 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.56 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .792 |
| Average Cross String Space | .556 |
| Average Main String Space | .494 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 31 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 173.39 |
| First Moment, Nm | .805 |
| Polar Moment | 331 |
| Torsional Stability | 18 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 313 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.04 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 361.4 |
| Power, RDC | 53 |
| Control, RDC | 48 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 78 |
| Power, Calculated | 2139.2 |
| Head Points | -1.73 |
| Head Weight, % | 50.8% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.48 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 26.3 |
| K, Lb/In | 144.23 |
| Recoil Weight | 129.71 |
| Twist Weight | 221.11 |
| End Weight | 97.7 |
| Tip Weight | 192.3 |
| 9 O'Clock | 93.0 |
| 3 O'Clock | 92.8 |
| Butt Cap | 103.8 |
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 |
SBS…what is it and why should we care?
We have made several posts regarding SBS, which is “String Bed Stiffness” and this is another one!
If you read this post we really need your comment(s), really!
String bed stiffness is the “feeling” when the ball hits the string on a tennis racquet. Due to the various string materials there will be “soft” and “hard” feelings. But wait, there’s more!
The string bed is made up of several strings, some longer called the Main string (M)and some shorter called the Cross string(X). Using “reference” tension each of the sets of string will be pulled at the same machine setting! It the machine is set at 50 pounds the tension head will stop pulling when it feels 50 pounds of resistance, regardless of what he tension inside the racquet head may be.
Let’s say you come into the world headquarters and we ask you what SBS you would like to have? Would you know? Probably not and not many would! We have grown up using the term “reference tension”, not SBS.
Reference tension is “number” you would ask your racquet technician to set the stringing machine tension system on. That number will probably be between 30 and 60 pounds (≈13 to 26 Kilo).
So, depending on many other variables, such as string material, string pattern, stringing machine, stringer technique, etc., you can end up with may different versions of the same “reference tension”.
A better way, and one we have been using for over thirty (30) years, is SBS but not everyone has bought into the concept, even though a qualified racquet technician will have a way to measure SBS! Maybe because it is too much trouble to figure out what your desired SBS from machine X would be from machine A! It is not!
There have been several really good SBS data collection devices but they have been difficult to use, and pricy! Not to mention gigantic!
Would you purchase a SBS data collection device?
How much would you pay for such a device?
Would you prefer a mechanical device or an electronic device?
The device must be portable, that is easily carried in a racquet bag or backpack
Yes or It doesn’t matter
It must be easy to use.
If you use an SBS device would you use a racquet technician that did not know what SBS is or how to measure it?
Thank you for adding your comments to this discussion! It is important stuff!
Tecnifibre TF40 305/16M
Tecnifibre has introduced the new TF40 series in a very much appreciated 16 x 19 string pattern! The 18 x 20 pattern is a good one but we think it may intimidate some potential buyers.
This initial review is for the 305 series, with 305 being the gram weight of the unstrung racquet, in case you didn’t know!
As with all the Tecnifibre racquets we have been in contact with this new one looks to be very well done with some subtle details that are interesting.
One is the textured decal on the “Tecnifibre” side of the shaft. It is obvious to the touch and we think it adds to the overall aesthetic of the racquet. Another one is the slightly asymmetrical terminus of the shaft at the grip top. It is barely noticeable but I like it!
One of the additions to the series is the “Foam Inside” component. Some players really like the “feel” of foam-filled racquets and this one is filled to the brim! Since it is filled with foam Tecnifibre does not see the need for a “trap door” on the butt cap, so if any work needs to be done back there the butt cap needs to come off. I don’t think there will be much needed so the solid butt cap eliminates the potential for “buzzing” which has plagued some racquet models.
The TF40 305 is a thin beam, 22mm all the way from the grip top to the very tip of the racquet. with a box shaft and an elliptical head cross-section.
Tecnifibre TF40 305 16×19
Foam Inside
Tecnifibre TF40 305
| Manufacturer | Tecnifibre |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Tecnifibre TF40 305/16M |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 55.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 65.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 64 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 54.0 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 378.2 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 328 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.57 |
| Balance, mm | 330 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.99 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.59 |
| Head Length | 12.82 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 622.9 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 96.5 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .630 |
| Main String Grid | 7.125 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.75 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .669 |
| Average Cross String Space | .496 |
| Average Main String Space | .429 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .837 |
| Polar Moment | 334 |
| Torsional Stability | 14 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 320 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.29 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 357.2 |
| Power, RDC | 48 |
| Control, RDC | 53 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 73 |
| Power, Calculated | 1997.1 |
| Head Points | 4.09 |
| Head Weight, % | 48.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.6 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.58 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 29.6 |
| K, Lb/In | 195.76 |
| Recoil Weight | 146.89 |
| Twist Weight | 228.20 |
| End Weight | 128.8 |
| Tip Weight | 199.2 |
| 9 O'Clock | 99.1 |
| 3 O'Clock | 99.2 |
| Butt Cap | 128.9 |
Racquet Quest, LLC
