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Play-Testing
and Selecting the Proper Racquet
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If
you are like many tennis players, you may already have an idea of what
type of racquet you want. You may be seeking
more power, more control, lighter, more comfort … or most likely
a combination of these. Maybe it is simply time for a change. Whatever
the reason(s) for purchasing a new racquet, you most likely have some
basis on which to make your decision.
However, there are players who do not have a clue as to which racquet
to demo or which racquet would be best for them. Keeping up with the racquet
market seems like an insurmountable task. There is a whole universe of
racquets out there, with each manufacturer touting their technology and
performance superiority. There are different shapes, head sizes, lengths,
flexes, widths, weights, and claims about each racquet and can be mind-boggling.
We realize that most of you do not spend lots of time thinking about racquets.
To make this process a little easier, we have put together this primer
on racquet characteristics and how they affect performance, hopefully
this will help you wade through the quagmire.
Racquet Categories
There are three major racquet categories; Game Improvement,
Player, and ‘Tweener.
Game
Improvement
Game
Improvement is the term, used by most manufacturers, for power-oriented
racquets. In most cases, these racquets have an oversize
to super oversize head (105– 135 square inches), are very light
(8.5 – 9.5 ounces), longer (27.25 – 28.5 inches), are stiffer
with a even to head heavy balance. These racquets are designed for players
with shorter, slower strokes and players looking for additional power
from the racquet.
Listed below are some of our better playing Game Improvement Racquets:
- Babolat
NCT Power
-
Head Liquid Metal 8
-
Prince More 1150
-
Völkl Catapult 1
- Yonex
V-Con 30+
Player’s
These
models are typically heavier (11.5 – 13+ ounces), with smaller heads
(85 – 100 square inches), with thinner beams and usually more flexible
with an even or head light balance. This type of racquet is low-powered,
designed for players who provide their own power and need or want a racquet
that offers more control. These racquets are usually standard or slightly
longer.
Listed below are some of our better playing Player’s Racquets:
-
Babolat Pure Control Team
-
Head LM Prestige
-
Prince NXG Graphite
-
Wilson nCode 6.1
-
Völkl Tour 9 V-Engine
‘Tweener’s
‘Tweener
racquets offer a blend of features borrowed from Game Improvement and
Player’s type of racquets. This type of racquet represents the fasting
growing segment in the racquet market. They are usually lighter (9.5 –
11.5 ounces), mostly midplus head size (95 – 105 square inches),
with a balance that ranges from slightly head-light to slightly head-heavy.
They are usually longer (27-27.6 inches). ‘Tweener's offer moderate
power and are appealing to intermediate through advanced players, looking
for a lighter, more maneuverable yet controllable racquet.
Listed below are some of our better playing ‘Tweener Racquets:
- Babolat
Pure Drive
- Head
LM Instinct
-
Prince TT Attack
- Völkl
Tour 8 V-Engine
-
Yonex RDX 300
When Play-Testing a racquet, you should consider the following features:
There
are many variables to consider when selecting a racquet.
Grip size, head size, racquet stiffness, balance, string pattern, and
length are some of the more talked about variables. Other none racquets
factors include your ability, age, type of play, and health. However,
most of the variables act in conjunction with the others and cannot be
considered independently. The only reasonable way is to play-test each
racquet to determine which racquet is best for you and your game.
Head Size >index
Head size is the area of the hitting plane inside the head
of the racquet and is measured in square inches or centimeters
squared. Power is directly related to head size. A larger head offers
a larger hitting area, more power, and a larger sweetspot while providing
more forgiveness on off-center shots. Smaller head sizes offer more control
and less power. Head size is personal preference.
Head Shape >index
Today, racquets are offered in a variety of head shapes
with the most common being Elliptical, Tear-drop and Square. By far the
elliptical is the most common. Tear-drop shaped racquets have the longest
main string length, when compared to other head shapes of the same surface
area. Longer main strings length increase power. Additionally, a tear-drop
shape racquet has the widest point of the hoop closer to the 12 o’clock
position which moves the sweetspot higher in the hoop. Square head shapes
are designed to have the center 4 to 6 main strings the same length and
the center 4 – 6 cross strings the same length. This centers the
sweetspot and increases the overall size. An elliptical shaped racquet…
Racquet Length >index
Racquets come in a variety of lengths with 27
– 29 inch racquets being legal for sanctioned tournament and league
play. Standard or conventional length racquets are 27 inches long. A longer
racquet provides more reach for groundstrokes, additional leverage on
serves, and more power than standard length frames, with all other variables
being the same. Most longer length racquets are slightly lighter than
standard length frames to keep the maneuverable. As length increases so
does swingweight (racquet glossary). Many players have found the increase
in length to be a benefit. Some players adapt to longer length frames
in a matter of games other take weeks or months.
Weight
and Balance >index
These two characteristics most influence how a racquet feels
when your first pick it up and then swing it. These characteristics should
not be considered separately, as both influences each other heavily.
Static
Weight refers to the actual weight of the racquet either
strung or unstrung. It is most often given in grams or ounces.
Balance refers to where the majority of the weight racquet
lies. It is usually measured as the distance between the midpoint of the
racquet’s length and the point at which the racquet would balance
itself, if it were supported at a single point. If it is above the midpoint
of the racquet, closer to the head it is said to be head-heavy. If the
weight is below the midpoint, closer to the handle it is referred to as
head-light. Racquets are even-balanced when the balance point and midpoint
are the same. Balance, in the US, is most often listed in points head-light
or head heavy. One point equals 1/8 of an inch. For example a racquet
that is 4 points head-light is .5 inch head light.
Generalizing; heavier racquets are more stable
and powerful and transmits less vibration than lighter racquets. Lighter
racquets are more maneuverable and allow the player to swing faster. Racquet
weight has dropped steadily dropped resulting in racquets that weigh-in
at less than 9 ounces. As weight dropped so did power until Wilson introduced
their Hammer Technology. This technology reduced the overall weight but
distributed the more mass in the head, resulting in a head-heavy balance.
The idea was to improve maneuverability without sacrificing power by keep
the weight in the “hitting-zone.”
There
are two main types of racquets currently in vogue, lighter,
head-heavy or heavier, head-light racquets. Lighter, head-heavy racquets
make it possible for a racquet to be more powerful, more maneuverable
without reducing the weight in the head. Reducing weight in the handle
keeps the overall static weight down, while retaining enough mass in the
upper hoop where most recreational players contact the ball. The main
advantage of this type of racquet is an increase in maneuverability without
sacrificing power. The major disadvantage is the reducing of the weight
increase the amount and severity of shock transferred to the wrist, elbow,
and shoulder. Heavier, head-light racquets are usually much heavier and
designed for maneuverability and control.
So
the next question is obvious, do you want a head-heavy lighter
weight racquet or a head-light heavier racquet? Chances are you will not
know until you have hit with them in a real world situation. Once again
play-testing is the ultimate answer and remember to get other on your
court involved by seeking the observations and opinions.
Grip
>index
Selecting the proper grip sounds simple but
many players buy a racquet with the wrong grip size. Grip sizes can make
a substantial difference in how a racquet feels. An incorrect grip size
can really hinder your game and/or cause arm problems. This is a serious
component in the racquet selection process that is often overlooked by
most players. There are several ways to determine your proper grip size.
The first way is to hold the racquet with an eastern grip and slide your
opposite index finger between your ring finger and the base of your thumb
/ palm. The grip size is correct if there is just enough room for your
index finger to slide into that space. If there is wiggle room on either
side of the index finger, then the grip is too large. An alternative way
is to measure, with a rule or tape, the distance from your ring finger
to the middle palm line.
Once
your proper grip size has been determined, try one grip
size above and below to ensure your have made a correct choice. Many of
today’s pros use a semi-western forehand and this grip favors a
smaller circumference because it’s whippy nature. A too small a
grip, for most recreational players, causes the player to squeeze the
racquet handle more tightly than necessary to maintain racquet control
on impact. The tighter you squeeze the racquet the more fixed your hand
and the greater the transmission of force from the racquet to the hand,
wrist, forehand, and elbow.
If you are undecided about the proper grip size or are in between sizes,
opt for the smaller size as most of today’s racquet grips cannot
be reduced but can be enlarged. Remember that increasing the grip size
also changes the weight and balance of that racquet.
Frame
Stiffness >index
Stiffness refers to how much a frame deflects during ball
contact, on its longitudinal axis and affects its power
potential. A stiffer racquet flexes less resulting in less loss-of-energy
to the ball. A flexible racquet flexes more, resulting in more energy
loss, so to speak. Frame stiffness affects power but also control and
comfort. Power and control are opposite sides of the same coin. As you
lose power you gain control and the opposite is also true. Generally speaking
stiffer racquets have more power and less control. Also stiffer frames
transmit more shock and vibration to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder than
more flexible frames. Players with arm problems will generally benefit
from more flexible heavier frames. Lastly frame stiffness contributes
to spin potential, stiffer frames provide less spin than flexible frames
because the ball has less contact time since the frame deflects a smaller
amount.
String
Pattern >index
String pattern refers to the number of main (vertical) strings
and the number of cross (horizontal) strings. String pattern
influences fee and many aspects of the racquets overall performance. Most
racquets have 14 - 18 mains strings and 16 - 20 cross strings. The more
strings the more dense the string pattern is and the fewer the strings
the more open the string pattern. An open string pattern deflects more
on impact than a denser pattern providing more rebound. Spin potential
is greater with a more open pattern, all other factors being equal, than
a denser pattern, due to the wider spacing of the strings. Open string
pattern also feels less tight than the denser pattern at the same tension.
If you rarely break strings, are trying to increase spin, or wanting a
softer feel than you should lean more to an open string pattern.
A
denser string pattern offers less spin potential since the
ball does not “pocket” as much as a more open string pattern.
A dense string pattern offers more string durability that a open pattern,
once again with all other factors being the same. Player looking for increased
control or additional durability should consider a denser string pattern.
While there is no industry standard, listed below is a approximation of
string patterns.
String
Pattern
14
x 18 Open
16 x 18 Open
16 x 19 Moderately Open
16 x 20 Moderately Dense
18 x 19 Dense
18 x 20 Dense
Handle Systems >index
As racquets have become stiffer and lighter,
manufacturers have been placing greater emphasis on designing or improving
ways to increase the comfort without significantly increasing the weight
of the racquet. Most manufacturers now offer some type of vibration or
shock suppression or dampening system built into the handle of the racquet.
Manufacturers have incorporated many different approaches to this problem.
Dunlop’s ISIS system separates the handle into two distinct pieces
and then uses 2 graphite rods to hold the two-pieces together. This reduces
the amount of vibration or shock from reaching the arm of the player.
Prince’s Air Handle divides the handle into 4 separate air-filled
chambers reducing the shock by up to 25%, according to Prince. Volkl’s
Sensor Handle System uses a two part racquet shaft then wraps the racquet
shaft with EVA to provide shock and vibration dampening. Some players
complain that this technology reduces “feel” or feedback from
the racquet but it does provide additional dampening to a certain degree.
Beam
>index
Beam or width is the width of the head of the racquet when
viewed from the side. Racquets can have variable beams or
straight beams depending upon requirements. Wider beams usually make the
racquet stiffer, so it will flex less which contacting the ball. This
usually means an increase in power. This wider beam or wide frames are
designed for players needing or wanting more power. They are most effective
in the hands of players with shorter and slower strokes. Thinner beamed
racquet flex more on ball contact and offer less power. A thinner beam
is usually more flexible which benefits players with tender or sore arms.
Thinner beams racquets generally required longer faster strokes.
Racquet
Technologies >index
Manufacturers are constantly striving to increase power and
control without creating an overly stiff and unplayable
racquet. To this extend, many of the manufacturers have used innovative
technologies to increase the racquet performance without sacrificing comfort
or playability. Prince More Technology, Wilson Triad, Volkl Catapult,
Yonex V-Con, and Babolat Woofer System are examples of technologies that
are designed to maintain a higher static power level while increasing
racquet comfort by reducing shock and / or vibration. All of these technologies
work to more or less.
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Contact
Sandia
Racquet Services
Chip Brenn
3016 Camino de la Sierra NE
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-299-8052
Or
Email:
Chip@SandiaRacquetServices.com
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