Category Archives: Patterns
Cross String Tension…Yikes!
Cross-string tensions, or actually reference tensions, are the topic of this brief post.
First, every tennis racquet has a “natural” ratio, that is, if the reference tension (and machine setting ) is 50 for both the main string and cross string when the racquet is removed from the stringing machine, the tensions remaining will be in the area of around 50 for the mains and 37 for the cross.
The resultant tension is the natural ratio of that specific racquet.
The issue with changing cross-string tension either higher or lower than the main is that the racquet has changed shape. That is why we test for In-Plane stiffness for every racquet. The higher the In-Plane stiffness, the higher the cross-string tension will remain upon removal from the machine.
If the racquet has very low In-Plane stiffness, it has expanded in width with only the main string installed, so the cross strings need to pull the racquet back into a better (hopefully original) shape.
So, when deciding how much variation you want between the main and cross strings, please consider the racquet! In most cases, we suggest using the same string tension setting for both the main and the cross, since the cross string tension will naturally be lower.
Our True Tension Professional stringing equipment supports the racquet in such a way that we install the main string and cross string at the natural ratio, so the racquet does not change shape and the string bed is consistent.
If you are curious about In-Plane stiffness for a specific tennis racquet, please leave a comment below.
Launch Angle…what is it and how do we use it?
In the simplest terms, “launch angle” is the angle the ball leaves the tennis racquet relative to the court. That does seem simple enough, but how do we, or can we, contribute to it?
We are getting more and more calls asking what to do to reduce launch angle, as the game is changing to a flatter style, which generates a little more energy.
- Racquet Trajectory plays an important role in launch angle. That is why we hear “low to high” so often.
- A flat stroke can generate more ball speed but less spin.
- String Bed Stiffness is another property that contributes to launch angle.
- A stiffer string bed can reduce launch angle.
Many, many factors contribute to this, so we think this way:
As a player, you do not want to change too many things about your stroke; you want the racquet to do the changing for you!
OK, then! The first, and maybe the only thing you would do is pick up a racquet with an 18 x 19 string pattern! In most cases, you do not even need to change your reference tension(s).
We believe the 18 x 19 pattern is slightly more compatible than an 18 x 20, but either would work to help keep your launch angle under your control!
Nordic Dots
A friend is visiting from the UK and was kind enough to bring along a Nordic Dots Model 99 tennis racquet.
Nordicdots 99
We don’t see many of these here. I was delighted to have the opportunity to go through the specs!
The first thing you will notice is the incredible gloss black finish! The only adornment is the silver name, Noricdots, and model 99… that’s all!
Next comes the head shape, which is not dramatically different but is notable with the broad top portion.
Then the string pattern is 16 x 20 with a twist (little). The pattern is really dense through the 13th cross string, then begins to open up as it nears the throat
The expanded string spacing around the periphery is not unusual, but the density at the upper portion is “tight”.
This model 99 is foam-filled and uses a standard foam grip pallet. The butt cap has an access door for those who want to mess around back there!
Model 99
Nordicdots
| Manufacturer | Nordicdots |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Model 99 |
| Reference Tension | 46 |
| String | MonoGut ZX Pro Black |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| String Bed Stiffness - RDC | 43 |
| String Bed Stiffness -FlexFour | 52.9 |
| Strig Bed Stiffness - SBS | 44.7 |
| String Bed Stiffness - ERT | 30 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 62 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 38.3 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 423 |
| Weight, Grams | 325 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.46 |
| Balance, mm | 323 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.72 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.0 |
| Head Width | 9.59 |
| Head Length | 12.904 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 614.8 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 95.3 |
| Beam Height @ Grip, mm | 23.8 |
| Beam Height @ Mid, mm | 23.2 |
| Beam Height @ Tip | 23.2 |
| Beam Width @ Grip, mm | 11.5 |
| Beam Width @ Throat, mm | 10.5 |
| Beam Width @ Mid, mm | 10.5 |
| Beam Width @ Tip, mm | 12.9 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
| Ratio | .583 |
| Main String Grid Inch/mm | 7.31/185.6 |
| Cross String Grid Inch/mm | 9.93/252.2 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .762 |
| Average Cross String Space | .497 |
| Average Main String Space | .457 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 30 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 167.8 |
| First Moment, Nm | .807 |
| Polar Moment | 337 |
| Torsional Stability | 16 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm^2 | 321 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.32 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 339.1 |
| Power, RDC | 51 |
| Control, RDC | 47 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 73 |
| Power, Calculated | 1915.4 |
| Head Points | 6.30 |
| Head Weight, % | 47% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.37 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 7.14 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 25.39 |
| K, Lb/In | 137.82 |
| Recoil Weight | 161.7 |
| Twist Weight | 216.1 |
| End Weight | 132.7 |
| Tip Weight | 191.2 |
| 9 O'Clock | 90.6 |
| 3 O'Clock | 90.6 |
| Butt End | 143.5 |
| COF, Main | .358 |
| COF, Cross | .311 |
Tennis and Tariffs
If we thought tennis would sneak under the “tariff” radar we were wrong, wrong, wrong!
Every new new racquet we receive has a new line item on the Invoice. That line item is “Tariff”
However, there is a really good way to skip the tariff and still get a fanastic tennis racquet. As a “technical” shop, Racquet Quest, LLC has the advantage of recognizing extraordinary tennis racquets and having them in stock. While others may think this is not a good business model, we think othewise!
The Head Prestige, for example is well represented with our new Prestige SMU in an 18 x 19 string pattern that we believe is going to be experiencing a surge in popularity. We may discuss our belief in a future post.
Head Prestige SMU. 407.491.4755
This is a quick, and small, portion of the Head Prestige SMU. We call these “Special Make Up”
racquets, meaning they will need to be specially made for you! Some would call them “Pro Stock” but whatever you call them they are very special.
These racquets are
uncut”meaning we can create a tennis racquet that is 28 inches long, however, we do not recommend that length for most players, although we have made several.
If you wold like to have more information just send us a text.
Racquet Quest, LLC
