Category Archives: String Patterns

Head Graphene 360+ Speed PWR

Mar 15

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I suppose you have a pretty good idea what PWR means, right?  Well, you would be correct!  The Head Graphene 360+ Speed PWR is just that at a calculated power value of 2297.5!  Compare that to the calculated power value for the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Lite of 1838.3!  Twenty percent (20%) more powerful than the Lite!

This is what a 115 square inch head size can do for a racquet!  The strings are quite a bit longer and more widely spaced which contributes to power, and comfort.

This head size is normally referred to as a “game improvement” racquet and relegated to those players that were not too athletic and/or didn’t want to exert too much energy on each stroke.  In other words slow and short swings.

I am not sure that is the case with this racquet!  Sure it has a big head and a thick beam but it sure does feel good when picked up (first moment)!

If we were going to recommend this racquet I would suggest some weight added to the rear end.  The head does not need any additional weight.

Head Graphene 360+ Speed PWR

As I am working on this post I realize how much trouble it is to switch between racquet reviews for comparison so I am including a link to the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Series Comparison.

ManufacturerHead
Racquet ModelHead Graphene 360+ Speed PWR
Reference Tension56 lbs - 25.4 kg
String
Victrex PEEK fiber Experimental 7718
Machine UsedTrue Tension Professional
Static
ASPS, RDC48
ASPS, FlexFour59
Racquet Flex, RDC64 - After stringing
Racquet Flex, FlexFour59
Weight, Grams276
Weight, Ounces9.74
Balance, mm352
Balance, Inch13.86
Length, Cm69.4
Length, Inch27.32
Head Width10.50
Head Length13.81
Head Area, cm2734.8
Head Area, Sq. Inch113.9
Beam Width, mm, Shaft, Center, Tip26, 26, 28
In Plane Stiffness, Pounds/In550.5 Lbs/In.
In Plane Stiffness, Kg/cm 249.7 Kg/cm
Number of Main Strings16
Number of Cross Strings19
Ratio Cross/Mains.640
Main String Grid8.56
Cross String Grid11.15
Density (% of head filled with string).759
Average Cross String Space.532
Average Main String Space.535
Dynamic
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT33
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in184.57
First Moment, Nm.764
Polar Moment324
Torsional Stability18
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2306
Swing Weight, Ounces10.79
Swing Weight Calculated342.0
Power, RDC49
Control, RDC52
Manueverability, RDC83
Power, Calculated 2297.5
Head Points-1.57 (negative = head heavy)
Head Weight, %50.7%
Center of Percussion21.3
Dwell Time, ms, No Swing9.18
Efective Stiffness - lbs27.4
K, Lb/In (SBS) RDC153.85
Recoil Weight132.95
Twist Weight225.40
End Weight 92.6
Tip Weight 184.4
9 O'Clock91.1
3 O'Clock90.6
Butt Cap94.2

 

Posted in 360+, Customization!, Demo, Graphene, Graphene 360, Graphene Touch, head, Kinesiology, Patterns, PEEK, Racquets, Racquets - New, Speed, String Patterns, True Tension

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Head Graphene 360+ Speed Lite

Mar 14

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As you probably guessed, this is the lightest of the Speed Series, 100 square inch head size, at a weight of 281 grams (9.91 ounces)!

There are several positive features in this racquet and one is the reasonable flex (stiffness) of 63 RDC, plus the uniform string pattern that provides a consistent hitting experience needed by developing players.  This pattern should contribute to extended string life as well.

Head Graphene 360+ Speed Lite

As with all light racquets, this one can be customized as the need or desire arises, and I think that will happen more quickly than most other racquets.

This is just too light, in my opinion, for players wanting to improve all aspects of their game.  Remember, weight is your friend!  However, if you prefer a light racquet for any reason this is a top choice!

As I am working on this post I realize how much trouble it is to switch between racquet reviews for comparison so here is a link to the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Series Comparison.

 

 

 

ManufacturerHead
Racquet ModelHead Graphene 360+ Speed Lite
Reference Tension56 lbs - 25.4 kg
String
Victrex PEEK fiber Experimental 7718
Machine UsedTrue Tension Professional
Static
ASPS, RDC56
ASPS, FlexFour68.5
Racquet Flex, RDC63 - After stringing
Racquet Flex, FlexFour43
Weight, Grams281
Weight, Ounces9.91
Balance, mm345
Balance, Inch13.58
Length, Cm68.5
Length, Inch26.97
Head Width9.71
Head Length13.06
Head Area, cm2640.8
Head Area, Sq. Inch99.6
Beam Width, mm, Shaft, Center, Tip25, 25, 25
In Plane Stiffness, Pounds/In422.5 Lbs/In.
In Plane Stiffness, Kg/cm 191.6 Kg/cm
Number of Main Strings16
Number of Cross Strings19
Ratio Cross/Mains.626
Main String Grid7.30
Cross String Grid9.53
Density (% of head filled with string).710
Average Cross String Space.503
Average Main String Space.463
Dynamic
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT36
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in201.4
First Moment, Nm.758
Polar Moment311
Torsional Stability18
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2293
Swing Weight, Ounces10.34
Swing Weight Calculated334.5
Power, RDC42
Control, RDC61
Manueverability, RDC91
Power, Calculated 1838.3
Head Points-0.79 (negative = head heavy)
Head Weight, %50.4%
Center of Percussion20.7
Dwell Time, ms, No Swing8.50
Efective Stiffness - lbs29.6
K, Lb/In (SBS) RDC198.31
Recoil Weight126.53
Twist Weight198.31
End Weight 98.6
Tip Weight 182.3
9 O'Clock90.5
3 O'Clock91.2
Butt Cap98.3

 

 

Posted in 360+, Customization!, Demo, Graphene, Graphene 360, Graphene Touch, head, Juniors, News!, Patterns, PEEK, Racquet Demo, Racquets, Racquets - New, Speed, String, String - New, String Patterns, True Tension

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Head Graphene 360+ Speed S

Mar 12

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I think we all know what “Pro and MP” mean but what about “S”?  I am not sure, so we are going to call it “Special”!

The Speed S is indeed special and probably one of the best all-around racquets for 2020!  You will see by the specs why this may be the case but a couple of things stand out.  A 100 square inch head size.  A uniform 16×19 string pattern and 25mm beam producing the stiffness of RDC 64!

The overall weight and swing weight are just right for most advancing players and can be modified when the need arises!  This is really a “players” racquet in disguise!

Head Graphene 360+ Speed S

While I was doing this post I realized how difficult it is to switch between racquet reviews to see a comparison so here is a link to the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Series Comparison.

 

ManufacturerHead
Racquet ModelHead Graphene 360+ Speed S
Reference Tension56 lbs - 25.4 kg
String
Victrex PEEK fiber Experimental 7718
Machine UsedTrue Tension Professional
Static
ASPS, RDC54
ASPS, FlexFour67.5
Racquet Flex, RDC64 - After stringing
Racquet Flex, FlexFour40
Weight, Grams302
Weight, Ounces10.44
Balance, mm328
Balance, Inch12.91
Length, Cm68.5
Length, Inch26.97
Head Width9.68
Head Length13.06
Head Area, cm2641.2
Head Area, Sq. Inch99.3
Beam Width, mm, Shaft, Center, Tip25, 25, 25
In Plane Stiffness, Pounds/In425.2 Lbs/In.
In Plane Stiffness, Kg/cm 192.8 Kg/cm
Number of Main Strings16
Number of Cross Strings19
Ratio Cross/Mains.624
Main String Grid7.35
Cross String Grid9.40
Density (% of head filled with string).749
Average Cross String Space.539
Average Main String Space.453
Dynamic
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT37
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in206.94
First Moment, Nm.764
Polar Moment312
Torsional Stability16
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2296
Swing Weight, Ounces10.44
Swing Weight Calculated324.9
Power, RDC45
Control, RDC57
Manueverability, RDC89
Power, Calculated 1880.4
Head Points4.57 (negative = head heavy
Head Weight, %47.9%
Center of Percussion20.9
Dwell Time, ms, No Swing8.66
Efective Stiffness - lbs29.3
K, Lb/In (SBS) RDC173.08
Recoil Weight141.20
Twist Weight211.83
End Weight 119.7
Tip Weight 182.9
9 O'Clock94.2
3 O'Clock94.2
Butt Cap113.0

Posted in 360+, Accuracy, Demo, Graphene, Graphene 360, Graphene Touch, head, Inspiration, Juniors, Patterns, PEEK, Racquet Demo, Racquets, Racquets - New, Speed, String Patterns

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Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro

Mar 9

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This is the “PRO est” of the new Speed series because it says so right on the tip of the racquet and it carries an 18×20 string pattern, so there!

However, do not be intimidated by the “Pro” label!  You will see by the specifications that this is a racquet that can be used by any player wanting to maximize their current skillset.

A couple of good reasons for this assessment is the wonderful flex of RDC 60!  The overall weight and swing weight are there as a good beginning but can be adjusted to suit any player.

Typically 18×20 string patterns are not considered spin-friendly but the dense pattern can be used to your advantage by reducing string bed stiffness, thus dwell time and therefore spin potential.  In other words, this pattern is highly customizable!

Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro

If you value string life the 18×20 pattern can reward you with some increased durability.

As we mentioned in the Graphene 360+ Speed MP review there didn’t need to be many changes from the previous version and probably the most noticeable change is going to be the color “flipping” and a little increase in swing weight.

The numbers will tell the story.  Click here to see the Graphene 360 Speed Pro data from last year.

 

ManufacturerHead
Racquet ModelHead Graphene 360+ Speed Pro
Reference Tension56 lbs - 25.4 kg
String
Victrex PEEK fiber Experimental 7718
Machine UsedTrue Tension Professional
Static
ASPS, RDC55
ASPS, FlexFour66.5
Racquet Flex, RDC60 - After stringing
Racquet Flex, FlexFour43
Weight, Grams327
Weight, Ounces11.53
Balance, mm323
Balance, Inch12.72
Length, Cm68.5
Length, Inch26.97
Head Width9.69
Head Length13.06
Head Area, cm2641.2
Head Area, Sq. Inch99.4
Beam Width, mm, Shaft, Center, Tip23, 23, 23
In Plane Stiffness, Pounds/In335.2 Lbs/In.
In Plane Stiffness, Kg/cm 152.0 Kg/cm
Number of Main Strings18
Number of Cross Strings20
Ratio Cross/Mains.668
Main String Grid7.62
Cross String Grid10.37
Density (% of head filled with string).768
Average Cross String Space.513
Average Main String Space.414
Dynamic
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT37
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in206.94
First Moment, Nm.812
Polar Moment336
Torsional Stability16
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2320
Swing Weight, Ounces11.29
Swing Weight Calculated341.2
Power, RDC45
Control, RDC57
Manueverability, RDC73
Power, Calculated 1908.2
Head Points6.14 (negative = head heavy
Head Weight, %47.2%
Center of Percussion21.2
Dwell Time, ms, No Swing8.58
Efective Stiffness - lbs28.7
K, Lb/In (SBS) RDC176.28
Recoil Weight159.71
Twist Weight229.85
End Weight 133.4
Tip Weight 192.8
9 O'Clock97.1
3 O'Clock97.5
Butt Cap131.0

 

Posted in 360+, Customization!, Demo, Graphene, Graphene 360, Graphene Touch, Patterns, PEEK, Racquets, Racquets - New, Speed, String Patterns, Technology

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By The Numbers

Feb 7

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Here we go with this numbers thing, again! 

Our Racquet reviews are a bunch of numbers, but what do these numbers mean to you?

We have put together this table with a brief explanation of how each number can be used by you to understand how that property can be helpful.

If you see terms such as typical or normal, ignore them! With tennis players, there is no such thing as “typical and normal”!

If you need to be convinced, take a look at a previous post!

Please let us know if there is a number that needs more clarification or a number we are missing!

ManufacturerYonexWhat it Means
Racquet ModelYonex VCore Pro 97 HDRacquet being reviewed.
Reference Tension55 lbs - 24.9 kgStringing machine tension setting. Not, necessarily, the string bed stiffness.
String
Ashaway MonoGut ZX ProString brand name and gauge (Pro being 17Gauge)
Machine UsedTrue Tension ProfessionalStringing machine used.
Static
ASPS, RDC56The stiffness of all the strings as a unit. Normally between 30 and 65.
ASPS, FlexFour64.5The stiffness of the string bed as tested on this device.
Racquet Flex, RDC57 - After stringing50 is low (flexible) and 70 is high (very stiff). Clash 100 is 52 on this device. As is a Head Speed model.
Racquet Flex, FlexFour5035 is low (flexible) 70 is high (very stiff). Clash 100 is 26 on this device.
Racquet - In Plane Stiffness353.8 lbs/InchThis is how stiff the racquet head is across the middle. 300 is soft and 500 is very stiff. This affects the string bed stiffness.
Weight, Grams336285 is light and 360 is heavy.
315 is minimum target weight for performance.
Weight, Ounces11.85

The racquet weight in ounces, typically used in US.
Balance, mm322This is the center of gravity from the butt cap. If you put the racquet on a round rod this would be how much is hanging toward the butt cap.
Balance, Inch12.68This is the CG in ounces for US. Points head heavy or head light is part of this.
Length, Cm68.5This is the total length of the racquet and is the typical standard adult length.
Length, Inch26.968This is length in inches for the US.
Head Width, Inches9.57The inside width of the hitting area.
Head Length, Inches 12.54The inside length of the hitting area.
Head Area, cm2625.8The advertised hitting area in centimeters squared.
Head Area, Sq. Inch97.0The advertised hitting area in inches squared.
Number of Main Strings18The main strings are the vertical strings when looking at a standing racquet. Typically the longest strings.
Number of Cross Strings20The cross strings are the horizontal strings when looking at a standing
racquet. Typically shorter.
Ratio Cross/Mains.687The natural ratio of the string pattern (calculated).
Main String Grid7.25The total distance between right and left main string.
Cross String Grid10.18
The total distance between the first cross string and the last cross string.
Density (% of head filled with string).783
Average Cross String Space.509The higher this number the more the string will move. This number is used to help select the best string setup.
Average Main String Space.403The higher this number the more the string will move. This number is used to help select the best string setup.
Dynamic
Properties of a moving racquet.
Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT37This is the stiffness of a string bed in kilograms per centimeter based on a frequency.
Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in206.94This is the above converted to pounds per inch.
First Moment, Nm.831This is how heavy the racquet feels in the hand. The higher the number the heavier the racquet will feel.
Polar Moment340This is the resistance to rotating about the center of the racquet on, say a mimes-hit. The higher the better.
Torsional Stability16This is the derived stability number. The higher the better within reason. Anything below 14 would need some help.
Swing Weight, Kg/cm2324This is the "inertia" of the racquet and probably the most important number in the review! The higher the number the more momentum through the ball but less manueverability.
Swing Weight, Ounces11.43
Swing Weight Calculated348.4This number will be larger than the previous swing weight because it is calculated from the very end of the racquet as if there is no one holding it. A very important number.
Power, RDC42
Control, RDC59
Manueverability, RDC71
Power, Calculated 1740.5This number is calculated based on racquet properties.
Head Points6.46 (negative = head heavy)This number is how positive or negative the balance is. A "point" is ⅛ of an inch so this racquet is a little over ¾ of an inch head light.
Head Weight, %47.0%
Center of Percussion21.0This is the spot on the string bed that returns a solid hit.
Dwell Time, ms8.50This is how long the ball and string are in contact with no swing. A big swing will reduce this number by about half.
Efective Stiffness - lbs28.2This number is calculated from the string bed stiffness and the racquet stiffness. Anything under 30 will be "soft" feeling and over 35 will be "harsh".
K, Lb/In179.5
Recoil Weight160.8This number is the racquets resistance to rotating backward. The higher the number the better for volleys.
Twist Weight230.8This is the racquets resistance to twisting in your hand. The higher the better.
End Weight 139.8This weight is used to calculate the precise balance of the racquet.
Tip Weight 196.2This weight is used to calculate the precise balance of the racquet.
9 O'Clock100.4
This is the weight of that position on the racquet head and is used for precise customization.
3 O'Clock99.6This is the weight of that position on the racquet head and is used for precise customization.
Butt Cap135.6This is the weight of that position on the racquet and is used for precise customization.

 

 

Posted in Customization!, Inspiration, Juniors, Learning, PEEK, Players, Racquet Demo, Racquets - New, String, String Patterns, Technology, Tension, Testing Devices, True Tension

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