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[Babolat3216]

Any questions to the great racketwiz will be answered here.
His discussions shall also be discussed here.
 

jong: title modified as requested

[LitoGarcia]

Any questions to the great racketwiz will be answered here.
His discussions shall also be discussed here.
 

Nice one Babolat3216. Post mo na question mo para masagot na ni racketwiz.

[tagpi33]

hi tnung ko lang kung may 18gauge ang babolat na polyester tnks

[Babolat3216]

hi tnung ko lang kung may 18gauge ang babolat na polyester tnks

wala po ata eh... prohurricane tour highest gauge is 17g...

[racketwiz]

I already put up the thread sir racketwiz and titled it your own.
 

babolat3216
Thanks for putting up this thread.  It's flattering to have my name on the title but I would like to humbly request if you can modify the title to "Equipment Discussion Thread" instead.  We need the input and perspective of renald and others with expertise. I feel that this thread will serve us better if it's inclusive rather than exclusive. We may not always agree, but I think different thoughts and perspectives on certain issues are always for the better.

As francis has suggested, you may pm me directly for any specific questions. Thanks again.

[Nadale]

I already put up the thread sir racketwiz and titled it your own.
 

babolat3216
Thanks for putting up this thread.  It's flattering to have my name on the title but I would like to humbly request if you can modify the title to "Equipment Discussion Thread" instead.  We need the input and perspective of renald and others with expertise. I feel that this thread will serve us better if it's inclusive rather than exclusive. We may not always agree, but I think different thoughts and perspectives on certain issues are always for the better.

As francis has suggested, you may pm me directly for any specific questions. Thanks again.

Yap, I like the suggestion of racks...... more heads are better than one.....

[racketwiz]

 

sir raketwiz, i know its a must to use the heaviest raket that u can handle, pero bakit po, lahat po ng magagaling na player ganun po advice sakin, i believe them but i really dont know the reason behind it, pki explain po sir, thanks so much!

In a technical sense, the power you give to the ball is largely a product of your swing and the racket’s mass. More mass, more power.  However, if the mass is more than you can handle, it becomes detrimental rather than beneficial.  Simply put, if it’s too heavy, it can be no good. Conversely, if the mass is lighter, there could also be detrimental effects like the ones I mentioned in the other thread and is quoted below.  The goal of the advice is to maximize a player’s power potential.  renald says “using right swing weight will only enhance power..”  True, but aside from enhancing power, there are other benefits such as better stability, better control and less shock, among others.  Bottom line, the advice makes good technical and practical sense.

Fatigue – the player has to keep hitting harder on every stroke to keep up the momentum.

Loss of control – the lack of mass increases the effect of parasitic forces like torque. When the player is stretched out or is not in an ideal position to return a shot, the lack of mass results in a weaker shot. The lack of mass also compromises racket stability. Even with a high swingspeed, the lack of mass inhibits the desired “plow-through” effect.  Plow-through is basically the racket’s ability to punch thru the ball and transfer as much momentum as the impact allows.  This becomes more evident when a player is up at net trying to hit a volley or returning a hard shot.

Less ball speed and injury potential – because of the lack of mass, the racket slows down or decelerates drastically on impact (little or no plow-through).  Thus, the impact force is not optimal and could result in a decrease in ball speed, especially when the player is not in an ideal hitting position. The effect of parasitic forces can also decrease ball speed because more energy is lost.  If a player decreases his swingspeed (because of fatigue, for example), the lack of mass results in a decrease in impact force, and thus ball speed.  The abrupt deceleration of the racket on impact results in more stress on the arm, which could cause arm problems later on. 

Altered feel or perception – this could compromise the player’s stroke.  The over-corrections in the player’s strokes can lead to low quality and inconsistent shots, and also cause arm problems.

[racketwiz]

…..There is no striking a right balance between swing speed and swing weight. Do you mean to say you have to reduce swing speed and increase swing weight or vice versa? Or when you optimize swing weight, swing speed will suffer? You have to maximize swing speed no matter what.

Swingspeed has to be increased in order to compensate for a lower swingweight.  This is true.  However, this can have undesirable effects, including the alteration of a player’s stroke. (see previous post)

Some people believe that a low swingweight increases swingspeed, thus increasing power.  This is a myth on two counts:

First, in tests involving two identical rackets but with different mass, it was shown that increasing swingspeed on the racket with lower swingweight can equal but not exceed the power output of a normal swingspeed and swingweight.  In this case, swinging a lightweight racket faster in order to equal the power output doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

Second, players have “grooved” strokes; meaning, players maintain swingspeeds they’re most comfortable with and that the corresponding length of stroke is pretty much fixed.  Just because a player is physically able to swing faster or harder, it doesn’t mean that the player will want to.  Players may swing his fastest or hit his hardest on certain shots but revert back to their comfort zone under normal conditions.  Even if a player is capable, too much swingspeed can cause loss of control and feel for the shot.  Players also have their own timing mechanism for hitting the ball.  If they swing any faster, it could put off their timing and put out a bad shot.  At the tour level, how many times have we seen pros overhit a shot, intending to “kill” the ball but ended up hitting out or into the net instead?

When we talk about striking a balance between swingspeed and swingweight, or optimizing swingweight relative to swingspeed, we are talking about maximizing swingweight (and the benefits that come with it) without compromising swingspeed.  Again, the advice comes to mind: “Use the heaviest racket you can handle.”  As the players’ skill level rise, the more “grooved” their strokes become: from a beginner’s short, choppy strokes to an advanced player’s long, fast strokes.  Racket requirements and specifications will usually change to accommodate the improved strokes.  Better players and pros frequently use weight customizations to optimize swingweight relative to their swingspeed.

Understanding the relationship of a player’s swingspeed to his racket’s swingweight is very crucial to a racket technician or to those who customize rackets.  “Maximizing swingspeed no matter what”, as you say, is not enough to yield optimal results. Taking into account the player’s swingspeed or grooved stroke, a racket customizer has the job of finding the swingweight that would maximize the racket’s performance potential while keeping the player’s swingspeed within his comfort zone.  Too much or not enough swingweight may not be good enough, especially at the top levels of the game.  This is what striking a balance between swingspeed and swingweight means. 

[racketwiz]

-- optimizing swingweight relative to a player's swingspeed--
Swingweight is relative to players strength not swingspeed. Two players can have the same max swing speed but would react differently to added weight. One players swingspeed may be affected by the added weight but the other may maintain the same swing speed.

I can understand how you can say that swingweight is relative to a player’s strength, not swingspeed.  I can’t say that you’re wrong, but I can’t say I agree with you either.

Two players may have the same maximum swingspeed, but they may not have the same grooved stroke or length of stroke.  They may have the same strength, but they may react differently to the added weight because player perception is different.  There are skinny players who can handle a 350 RDC swingweight and whack the ball harder than muscled guys. There are strong guys whose swingspeeds are slower than my neighbor’s grandma. There are strong guys who swing so fast that they need a bit more weight than they can handle in order to tone down their swingspeed.  Muscles don’t tell me a whole lot about how a player hits the ball.  A player’s stroke, on the other hand, provides me with better and useful information that I can work with.  Until a player swings that racket, we can only assume.  Assuming that a strong player deserves a higher swingweight can be a mistake.

Players may be strong enough to handle a racket with a higher swingweight, but they will not swing faster or harder beyond what they’re comfortable with.  So, optimizing swingweight has to be relative to their swingspeed.  This is the approach on the pro tour, and this is the approach I take with my clients.  You may have a different approach, and if it works for your clients, then there is nothing wrong with that.

[racketwiz]

I miss a lot....

In terms of control(directional) during 1st serve,  which is better, hitting it on the Dead Spot or on the COP? 

Kung directional control ang issue, it may have something to do with your serve delivery.

[racketwiz]

So that's is the dead spot i'm hitting when i have my first serve which is a flat ball. my experience is that when i hit my first server and hit the middel of my racket, the ball always go to the net.
I'm just sharing this as my experience of a club player.

And when the balls on play, when i hit the ball on the deadspot too i feel the power is not there.

Thanks racketwiz for the explanation.

Pros regularly hit the dead spot on their 1st serves. The good news is that even us regular players are capable of doing it too. Our member here has great form. Straight line from shoulders, grip and racket tip on impact, just like the photos of pro players I posted in the other thread.

[hiromi oka]

wow nice one kaido! just like a pro!

[reboj]

huwaw naman Kaido!   

[gingging27]

What a shoT!

Ganda ng shot ni kuya kaido! ganda ng form! kainggit...

[jov]

ayos yun kaido ah 

[jeje]

huwaw!!!! kaido featured player ng thread na to....lupit talaga serve nyan 

[mikki_blinkme]

hanep ang kumuha nito a.

[HunKie]

pede pde tohh....

[LEO_56ers]

PICTURE PERFECT SIR KAIDO..... PANG POSTER SHOT KUNG TAWAGIN... SHOT BA YUNG SERVE? JOWKE... 

[LitoGarcia]

PICTURE PERFECT SIR KAIDO..... PANG POSTER SHOT KUNG TAWAGIN... SHOT BA YUNG SERVE? JOWKE... 

Sa porma, malamang Kiss My Ace! yan....

[edreams11]

This topic is great! Regular ko na bibisitahin tong threads kc there are some technical explanations from the group especially from racketwiz where most of my weaknesses are answered. Galing! Mamaya magtatanong ako hehehe

[Babolat3216]

I already put up the thread sir racketwiz and titled it your own.
 

babolat3216
Thanks for putting up this thread.  It's flattering to have my name on the title but I would like to humbly request if you can modify the title to "Equipment Discussion Thread" instead.  We need the input and perspective of renald and others with expertise. I feel that this thread will serve us better if it's inclusive rather than exclusive. We may not always agree, but I think different thoughts and perspectives on certain issues are always for the better.

As francis has suggested, you may pm me directly for any specific questions. Thanks again.

uh.... problem is... i dont know where to click to edit the title...

[Francis]

uh.... problem is... i dont know where to click to edit the title...

if you click modify, you can not only edit the message but the subject as well. let us know if that does it.

[mojo]

Off-topic muna.
Pre RacketWiz, naglalaro ba kayo ng indoor ngayon? tama yan, practice lang ng practice para naman hinde mawala ang palo at parang partida ko na rin yan 5 months head start.(nyahaha)
napagawa na pala ni johnny ang ilaw sa court dahil sya ang super-alalay ng mayor ngayon dito, o baka sumuot sa ilalim ng table ang loko para lang mag-release ang budget para sa ilaw.(hehehe)

Kita na lang tayo sa spring(april)

[LitoGarcia]

I have asked our admin to change the thread name.

[Admin_Jong]

I have asked our admin to change the thread name.

done...

[racketwiz]

Many thanks, Admin Jong.

[racketwiz]

What physics are you talking about? I know that in physics, certain things are constant. Like how much energy is returned on a particular spot regardless of weather the ball is moving or not. Like the sweet spot should give more energy than the dead spot, regardless of ground stroke or serve.  Anyway I will get some confirmation from Babolat people as to confirm if physics really change as what you claim.
The only advantage of the dead spot is that it is further from the fulcrum. But as to the energy return, sweetspot is more efficient than the deadspot. Its like comparing high and low tension. Lower tension would give more power. There is no question that the sweetspot is softer than the deadspot. Although you might feel that dead spot results in booming power because of the added vibration it causes 

Would you mind sharing with us what the Babolat people had to say on this issue?

[Tecnifibre_Guy]

I don't think anyone purposely prepares for their serve thinking, "i'm going to hit my serve on the dead spot or the sweet spot".  In my opinion most players hit their serves on the dead spot because of its position on racket(it's placed high on the racket).  And since ideally, your supposed to hit your serve at the highest point you can comfortably reach with your racket.  And with the angle of the racket head going down it would be awkward to hit it on the sweetspot which is on the bottom of the racket head.  I think its only possible to hit the sweet spot if you have an unorthodox motion on your serve or if you have a racket with a huge sweet spot but for most pros who have rackets with small sweet spots i dont think its possible at all.  I wish I can illustrate this but i'm too lazy to fiddle with photoshop... so I hope you guys can picture what i'm saying... well just wanted to share my thoughts.

[racketwiz]

I don't think anyone purposely prepares for their serve thinking, "i'm going to hit my serve on the dead spot or the sweet spot".  In my opinion most players hit their serves on the dead spot because of its position on racket(it's placed high on the racket).  And since ideally, your supposed to hit your serve at the highest point you can comfortably reach with your racket.  And with the angle of the racket head going down it would be awkward to hit it on the sweetspot which is on the bottom of the racket head.  I think its only possible to hit the sweet spot if you have an unorthodox motion on your serve or if you have a racket with a huge sweet spot but for most pros who have rackets with small sweet spots i dont think its possible at all.  I wish I can illustrate this but i'm too lazy to fiddle with photoshop... so I hope you guys can picture what i'm saying... well just wanted to share my thoughts.

You’re right.  If a player does everything right on the serve, he will most likely hit the ball on the upper half of the stringbed, i.e., closer to the dead spot.

The discussion came up on the subject of sweetspots, where technically, the stringbed has 4.  It was just interesting to note that paradoxically the dead spot was the best place to hit a serve and I corroborated that with visual references.  It is also for the benefit of those who are trying to improve their serves and thinking that they should be hitting around the middle of the stringbed, which is commonly known as THE sweetspot.

[LitoGarcia]

I don't think anyone purposely prepares for their serve thinking, "i'm going to hit my serve on the dead spot or the sweet spot".  In my opinion most players hit their serves on the dead spot because of its position on racket(it's placed high on the racket).  And since ideally, your supposed to hit your serve at the highest point you can comfortably reach with your racket.  And with the angle of the racket head going down it would be awkward to hit it on the sweetspot which is on the bottom of the racket head.  I think its only possible to hit the sweet spot if you have an unorthodox motion on your serve or if you have a racket with a huge sweet spot but for most pros who have rackets with small sweet spots i dont think its possible at all.  I wish I can illustrate this but i'm too lazy to fiddle with photoshop... so I hope you guys can picture what i'm saying... well just wanted to share my thoughts.

You’re right.  If a player does everything right on the serve, he will most likely hit the ball on the upper half of the stringbed, i.e., closer to the dead spot.

The discussion came up on the subject of sweetspots, where technically, the stringbed has 4.  It was just interesting to note that paradoxically the dead spot was the best place to hit a serve and I corroborated that with visual references.  It is also for the benefit of those who are trying to improve their serves and thinking that they should be hitting around the middle of the stringbed, which is commonly known as THE sweetspot.

Sir racketwiz is this sweetspots is also what claimed by other tennis rackets saying bigger sweetspot?

[pedrolabasulo]

Bro Rackz

While stringing, is it necessary to increase tension on outer mains or crosses to compenste for tension lost during tie-offs ?

If ever there is a need to increase tension, what is the standard ? 2 pounds increase or 5 pounds?

thanks

pedro

[racketwiz]

Sir racketwiz is this sweetspots is also what claimed by other tennis rackets saying bigger sweetspot?

Sweetspots are commonly associated with groundstrokes, and the industry description of sweetspot is usually made in the context of groundstrokes.  Except for the serve, the dead spot is not an ideal place to hit the ball on a groundstroke because the ball is, well, “dead” in that area.

The concept of sweetspots was brought to the tennis-playing public’s awareness when Prince came out with the original oversize.  Each manufacturer has a different way of defining a sweetspot.  Some manufacturers use the sweetspot located at the bottom of the stringbed as a basis while others use the center of the stringbed where the center of percussion or vibration node is located.

In general terms, longer strings and/or larger headsizes create a larger stringbed, hence a larger sweetspot.  With technologies such as the Prince O-ports, Volkl Big Grommet or Wilson Power Holes, smaller headsizes can have relatively longer strings, resulting in a relatively larger stringbed with a larger sweetspot.

Given the chance, I will gladly illustrate this to the group when we get together next week at Citadella.

[racketwiz]

Bro Rackz

While stringing, is it necessary to increase tension on outer mains or crosses to compenste for tension lost during tie-offs ?

If ever there is a need to increase tension, what is the standard ? 2 pounds increase or 5 pounds?

thanks

pedro

Some stringers find it necessary to increase outer string tension on tie-offs. In fact, a few electronic machines offer this tie-off tension option.  For this practice, the norm is to increase tension no more than 5 lb.

Personally, I don’t use this technique.  First, the outer strings are already short to begin with, which means they will string up the tightest of all strings.  Second, you don’t hit balls on the outer part of the stringbed anyway.  If you do, it will be a mishit regardless.

In addition, my stringing technique does not use any main string as a tie-off, except on two-piece hybrid stringjobs.  But even on hybrids, I find it unnecessary to increase tension on the outer tie-off strings.  Bottomline, increasing tension is a matter of preference.

For stringers who string hybrids, you may want to consider the following technique:

String the mains as usual. Whether you increase tension on the outer mains for tie-offs is a matter of preference.

For the crosses, the common practice is to tie-off the first top cross by typically using a bulky starting knot, and then apply tension.  Doing this, however, puts an added stress on the tie-off grommet hole and the anchor string.  To avoid this extra stress, weave the top two crosses, leaving enough for the tie-off knot.  Clamp off the second top cross then pull tension on the first top cross.  Clamp off the tensioned top cross and tie-off as usual. You may use a regular tie-off knot instead of a bulky starting knot. Tension second top cross, release both clamps, then clamp off tensioned second top cross. Tension the rest of the crosses as usual.

If there are any stringers in the group, you are more than welcome to ask me some questions when I meet with you next week.

[Tecnifibre_Guy]

Bro Rackz

While stringing, is it necessary to increase tension on outer mains or crosses to compenste for tension lost during tie-offs ?

If ever there is a need to increase tension, what is the standard ? 2 pounds increase or 5 pounds?

thanks

pedro

Some stringers find it necessary to increase outer string tension on tie-offs. In fact, a few electronic machines offer this tie-off tension option.  For this practice, the norm is to increase tension no more than 5 lb.

Personally, I don’t use this technique.  First, the outer strings are already short to begin with, which means they will string up the tightest of all strings.  Second, you don’t hit balls on the outer part of the stringbed anyway.  If you do, it will be a mishit regardless.

In addition, my stringing technique does not use any main string as a tie-off, except on two-piece hybrid stringjobs.  But even on hybrids, I find it unnecessary to increase tension on the outer tie-off strings.  Bottomline, increasing tension is a matter of preference.

For stringers who string hybrids, you may want to consider the following technique:

String the mains as usual. Whether you increase tension on the outer mains for tie-offs is a matter of preference.

For the crosses, the common practice is to tie-off the first top cross by typically using a bulky starting knot, and then apply tension.  Doing this, however, puts an added stress on the tie-off grommet hole and the anchor string.  To avoid this extra stress, weave the top two crosses, leaving enough for the tie-off knot.  Clamp off the second top cross then pull tension on the first top cross.  Clamp off the tensioned top cross and tie-off as usual. You may use a regular tie-off knot instead of a bulky starting knot. Tension second top cross, release both clamps, then clamp off tensioned second top cross. Tension the rest of the crosses as usual.

If there are any stringers in the group, you are more than welcome to ask me some questions when I meet with you next week.

I think the bottom line here is if you increase tension on the outer mains then you will not have a consistent string tension on your whole racket.  A stringing job is a matter of preference.  For example a stringing job in the US where most machines are electric would be tighter than our machines here, but we as players here do not notice those things and I don't think that it affects our game at all.  Actually if we get to scientific with our stringing jobs it will be more complicated than that, we have to consider also our climate and the surface we will be playing in, that is precisely why pros always have fresh string jobs on their rackets in tournaments and most have their preffered stringers.  I think Sampras before travelled with his own stringer and his stringer would bring his own machine, not that his stringer is the best or his stringer's machine is the best, but this is a matter of his own preference.  I think the most important for us to know as players is that if you find a stringer you like, you should stick to him and most often than not you will always have a consistent feeling racket.  But talking about consistent tension on your racket is only important in my opinion, if you plan to play with a freshly strung racket each time you play.   Unless it's just for entertainment value

[racketwiz]

I think the bottom line here is if you increase tension on the outer mains then you will not have a consistent string tension on your whole racket.  A stringing job is a matter of preference.  For example a stringing job in the US where most machines are electric would be tighter than our machines here, but we as players here do not notice those things and I don't think that it affects our game at all.  Actually if we get to scientific with our stringing jobs it will be more complicated than that, we have to consider also our climate and the surface we will be playing in, that is precisely why pros always have fresh string jobs on their rackets in tournaments and most have their preffered stringers.  I think Sampras before travelled with his own stringer and his stringer would bring his own machine, not that his stringer is the best or his stringer's machine is the best, but this is a matter of his own preference.  I think the most important for us to know as players is that if you find a stringer you like, you should stick to him and most often than not you will always have a consistent feeling racket.  But talking about consistent tension on your racket is only important in my opinion, if you plan to play with a freshly strung racket each time you play.   Unless it's just for entertainment value

Increasing tension on the outer mains doesn’t really affect the quality and/or performance of the overall stringbed.  While a stringjob (specifically tension and the resulting stringbed stiffness) is a matter of preference, what’s more important is the consistency of the stringer himself.  It’s good advice to stick with a stringer that you’re comfortable with.

At the same reference tension, stringjobs done on electric machines will indeed string up tighter than one that is done on a manual machine.  Better players tend to notice the difference and may not like the resulting difference in feel and/or performance.  Better stringers usually ask new clients about the type of machine the racket was last strung with so that they can make the necessary tension adjustments.

Having a consistent stringbed is important from the time the racket is strung to the time the racket is restrung, no matter who the player is and how often the racket is re-strung.  Any stringer who is careless enough to ignore this is doing the player a disservice. While some players may not hold much importance to stringbed consistency, any self-respecting stringer should hold stringing consistency to the highest standard.

[Darkwing]

Greetings Rick:

Is it possible to customize my Head LM Radical to have the same feel and swing weight as my older model Head Intelligence iX5? Maybe a few lead tapes here and there perhaps? 

[mojo]

Pulling twice before tie up, does it have any advantage.

thank you Sir RacketWiz.

[racketwiz]

Greetings Rick:

Is it possible to customize my Head LM Radical to have the same feel and swing weight as my older model Head Intelligence iX5? Maybe a few lead tapes here and there perhaps? 

Not possible, sorry to say.  Different racket lengths, open vs. dense pattern, different flex, different static weight and balance, etc.  Specs are too far apart.

[racketwiz]

Pulling twice before tie up, does it have any advantage.

thank you Sir RacketWiz.

Huwaat! You like pulling your string twice? 

I don't think it makes a difference and I don't know what advantage it could possibly have. It's a tie-off string and it's away from the action, so....

Ngayon, sa katulad mong frame ang ginagamit sa pagtama ng bola, a tight tie-off string might be important, .

Sipot ka naman sa pa-indoor ni Douglas para makapalo tayo.

[whizzard]

hi racketwiz,

what are the tools needed for racquet matching?

[Darkwing]

Greetings Rick:

Is it possible to customize my Head LM Radical to have the same feel and swing weight as my older model Head Intelligence iX5? Maybe a few lead tapes here and there perhaps? 

Not possible, sorry to say.  Different racket lengths, open vs. dense pattern, different flex, different static weight and balance, etc.  Specs are too far apart.

I see. I just have to stick to my older racket then untill I find another one that suits me.

Thanks for the reply

[mojo]

Pulling twice before tie up, does it have any advantage.

thank you Sir RacketWiz.

Huwaat! You like pulling your string twice? 

I don't think it makes a difference and I don't know what advantage it could possibly have. It's a tie-off string and it's away from the action, so....

Ngayon, sa katulad mong frame ang ginagamit sa pagtama ng bola, a tight tie-off string might be important, .

Mahirap maging consistent na laging frame ang tama at pumapasok pa rin ang bola, isang advantage ay tipid sa string, Alam mo naman na ang gamit kung string ay yung pinakamura sa lahat at madaling malagot.


Sipot ka naman sa pa-indoor ni Douglas para makapalo tayo.

Malayo naman kase ang palaro nilang indoor sa new brunswick pa, kaya sa casino ako lagi napapapunta. Pag may palaro uli patawagin mo lang si Sonny baka available tayo.

[racketwiz]

Mahirap maging consistent na laging frame ang tama at pumapasok pa rin ang bola, isang advantage ay tipid sa string, Alam mo naman na ang gamit kung string ay yung pinakamura sa lahat at madaling malagot.


Sipot ka naman sa pa-indoor ni Douglas para makapalo tayo.

Malayo naman kase ang palaro nilang indoor sa new brunswick pa, kaya sa casino ako lagi napapapunta. Pag may palaro uli patawagin mo lang si Sonny baka available tayo.

Ibili mo kaya ng disenteng string yung dino-donate mo sa casino

[racketwiz]

hi racketwiz,

what are the tools needed for racquet matching?

--- Swingweight measuring device, such as the Babolat Racquet Diagnostic Center (RDC), Prince Precision Tuning Center (PTC) or Alpha Accuswing
--- precision weighing scale (swingweight measuring devices usually have built-in scale)
--- balance beam
--- lead tape

Prince PTC has built-in weighing scale and balance beam. The Babolat RDC also has these but also includes measurements for stringbed stiffness and racket flex. The Alpha Accuswing has a built-in weighing scale only. Balance beam must be purchased separately.

If swingweight measuring devices and balance beams are unavailable, I can show you how to get your racket's swingweight value manually when we meet. It's not a machine-precise value, but it's legit enough to work with. We can also make a homemade balance beam. A precision scale, however, is a must, one that measures in gram increments. You will also need a stopwatch that measures to 1/10th second increments if you're doing the manual method for swingweight.

[whizzard]

hi racketwiz,

what are the tools needed for racquet matching?

--- Swingweight measuring device, such as the Babolat Racquet Diagnostic Center (RDC), Prince Precision Tuning Center (PTC) or Alpha Accuswing
--- precision weighing scale (swingweight measuring devices usually have built-in scale)
--- balance beam
--- lead tape

Prince PTC has built-in weighing scale and balance beam. The Babolat RDC also has these but also includes measurements for stringbed stiffness and racket flex. The Alpha Accuswing has a built-in weighing scale only. Balance beam must be purchased separately.

If swingweight measuring devices and balance beams are unavailable, I can show you how to get your racket's swingweight value manually when we meet. It's not a machine-precise value, but it's legit enough to work with. We can also make a homemade balance beam. A precision scale, however, is a must, one that measures in gram increments. You will also need a stopwatch that measures to 1/10th second increments if you're doing the manual method for swingweight.

description pa lang eh, mind bogglin na     

i'll try to meet you on Feb 1 na lang.   

[racketwiz]

description pa lang eh, mind bogglin na     

i'll try to meet you on Feb 1 na lang.   

Swingweight is an important criteria in racket matching, that's why this value has to be known for the rackets that are being matched. This is obviously a lot easier with a diagnostic machine, but it's doable manually. And if we get a chance to meet, I'll show you how. It's not as mind-boggling as it sounds. 

Simply matching the rackets' weight and/or balance is NOT racket matching.

[ndrwrnr]

Sir Racketwiz, question po. 

For example pure poly ang stringbed, same string for mains and cross but differing in tension. To be specific, the crosses have higher tension in comparison to the mains. What would be the effects of this type of string configuration?

[racketwiz]

Sir Racketwiz, question po. 

For example pure poly ang stringbed, same string for mains and cross but differing in tension. To be specific, the crosses have higher tension in comparison to the mains. What would be the effects of this type of string configuration?

The effect is a stiffer stringbed thus more control, in comparison to the opposite (tighter mains/looser crosses). But crosses are shorter, and if strung tighter, there is also a tendency for more shock. This is not good if you are susceptible to arm problems most specially if you're using poly, which is a stiff string to begin with.

There was a discussion about this in the chatroom. There is nothing wrong with this setup and there are players who prefer this setup. In fact, one of our members indicated that he comes across this setup more often than not. In my case, however, it's a rare occurrence. Almost all of my players who use differential tension ask for tighter mains. Besides, tighter crosses may also contribute to higher than normal stresses on the racket head. In fact, Yonex recommends that crosses be strung at 5% lower tension than the mains.

[edreams11]

Sir RacketWiz, thanks for the free consultation during the "RacketWiz meetup" and "GEB" at citadella. Daming saket ng mga strings namin specially sa configurations neto. kaya lang yung ibang terms di ko na maintindihan.. eto nagreresearch na ko sa internet.. medyo clear na sa kin hehehe.

Salamat ulit sir and have a safe trip!