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[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?

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.

Thank you sir. 

[racketwiz]

It was a great privilege and pleasure to be among the PTO/TPOrg family during last Sunday’s GEB.  Watching you guys play alongside the Thunder Squad clinic, stray balls notwithstanding  just goes to show how far we’ve come from the first time I visited Citadella a couple of years ago.  I’m very encouraged about the future of our organization.

Some of you were able to catch my brief ball-bouncing demonstration showing where the sweetspots were. Hopefully, this short demo helped demystify the nature of sweetspots.

A lot of you also had their racket’s stringbed stiffness checked.  We found that those with poly strings experienced a faster rate of tension loss than those with regular synthetics. There were a couple of rackets with zombie strings, these were rackets with stringbed stiffness way too low for the device to get a reading from.  There were also a couple of rackets with low stiffness where the device indicated that it was time to re-string.  There were also quite a few issues with inadequate tie-off knots and sloppy stringjobs.

The rule of thumb is to re-string as many times in a year as you play in a week.  For instance, a player who plays 4x a week should re-string at least every 3 months (4x a year).  At the minimum, one should re-string at least every 6 months (2x a year).  Just because the string is intact doesn’t mean to say it’s still good. Oftentimes, playing with fresh strings after having played with zombie strings for months can alter your feel and/or your strokes.  This doesn’t help especially if you’re trying to develop stroke consistency and feel.

As I advised, check your racket before and after the stringjob. I showed some of you how to check the racket for hidden cracks by tapping it on the ground and listening to the sound. Check around the outside of the rim for overlapping strings. For those with Wilson rackets, pay attention to the warping of the grommet strip located toward the bottom part of the head. Make sure the stringer uses the opposite side of the plastic divider to move the grommet strip back into place. Make sure the tie-off grommet is not damaged. If it is, have the stringer use the opposite undamaged tie-off grommet.  Also make sure that the tie-off knots are secure.

Do not accept stringjobs where the strings near the frame are clearly pinched. This happens when the strings are clamped too tightly, leaving “teeth marks” or indentations. Polys are smooth and some stringers apply too much clamp pressure to keep it from sliding while under tension, thus leaving pinch indentations.

I think it’s unfair business practice to require a customer to sign a damage waiver in order to have a racket restrung.  It’s pure blackmail.  That being the case, a customer can fight back by rejecting shoddy workmanship and demanding proper re-strings.  In due time, most of those going to the local sports shops for a re-string will be PTO/TPOrg members.  Our organization will have the clout to demand consistent quality stringjobs from these shops and/or work with shop owners to change their practices and be more fair towards its customers. This advocacy, I believe, is not only for the benefit of our members but also an impetus to improve the services of the local tennis industry.

To our stringers and players, please continue to post your questions or PM me for recommendations.

[Addie_56ers]

Thank you Ricky!!

[gingging27]

OT : Maraming maraming salamat po sir Racketwiz! Madami po akong natutunan...

[LitoGarcia]

Maraming salamat sir racketwiz

[Pudaymon]

hi RW, thanks for the additional knowledge that you have given us last feb 1, I realy learned a lot that day about the "science of tennis". I saw the racket that you used...I'm checking out the web site of vantage right now( www.vantagetennis.com ). I never knew that there is a company that does this kind of thing(custom made rackets). How much did your racket cost? If it's within my budget I think I will try vantage's customs made racket.

[racketwiz]

hi RW, thanks for the additional knowledge that you have given us last feb 1, I realy learned a lot that day about the "science of tennis". I saw the racket that you used...I'm checking out the web site of vantage right now( www.vantagetennis.com ). I never knew that there is a company that does this kind of thing(custom made rackets). How much did your racket cost? If it's within my budget I think I will try vantage's customs made racket.

Vantage will be having their anniversary sale on Feb 7 & 8 only. I don't know how much of a discount they will offer this year, but it has always been 50%. I plan on getting additional custom sticks, maybe this time in the red color.

The only thing with Vantage custom-made is that you have to have a pretty good idea of what specs you're looking for, and understand what the effect of each spec is on your game. It's nice to have a custom racket, but once the racket is custom-made for you, it's pretty much a hassle to have it replaced or reconfigured if the specs and/or feel is not up to par or not what you expected. On the upside, the Vantage people are pretty good in helping the player get the right combination of specs. If you need any help in figuring what the best specs are for you, I would suggest communicating with them now since the anniversary sale is just a couple of days away.

[mikki_blinkme]

sir racketwiz tatanong lang ako kung anong magandang string for me to try... i have a pair or prostaff 6 and pog. pero mainly ginagamit ko is ps 6. yung pog kasi ingat ingat ko precious yun e galing kay the great. yung pog ko pareho ng walang string plan ko pa-restring para magamit ko at least once a week. majority sa gorundstrokes ko is flat. minsan topspin para maiba lang ang bola at short angled shots. usually nasa net ako. i like touch volleys na may slice or drop volleys. anong string kaya maganda and tension for me. i dont know my skill rating maybe 2.5 or better of advance beginner. usually string ko sa ps 6 ko is 60lbs synthetic and i like "soft feel" or "natural gut feel". plan ko bumili ng mga multi for better feel. but i have to hybrid sa murang string para makatipid. ano po recommended nyo sir? yung mains ba yung mura na string or sa multi ko dapat nsa mains? tnx.

[racketwiz]

If you’re mostly a flat stroker, your strings will last longer compared to spinners.  Two things I would suggest:

Since the PS6 is what you use mainly, try full multi on this one.  There are several relatively inexpensive ones like Wilson Sensation or Supreme or Reaction, Dunlop M-Fil Tour or Max Comfort, Head Fibergel or Prince Synthetic Multi.

On the POG, try multi/regular synthetic hybrid, with multi on the mains.

Initially, use 57 lb on both.  This should add a little more depth to your shots.  If it feels like control is an issue, then go back to 60 lb on your next stringjob.

Compare the two string setups and see which one gives you better results.  I realize you're using 2 different kinds of rackets and it's not an apples-to-apples comparison but they're within the same racket category and you should be able to feel some differences that could help you decide.

If you prefer the hybrid setup but you need more durability, then place the regular synthetic on the mains, multi on the crosses. If you feel that your usual all-synthetic setup works better than any of these two options, then at least you know the old reliable is what works for you.

Maybe renald can offer an alternative recommendation.

[mikki_blinkme]

owow! tnk u very much racketwiz! try ko yan. sir renald ano pong namang pwede nyong irecommend sakin?

[pigstermd]

is anyone using a Babolat reflex 105 or a Prince Exo3 red 105?  reviews are much appreciated. thanks! 

[renald]

owow! tnk u very much racketwiz! try ko yan. sir renald ano pong namang pwede nyong irecommend sakin?

I suggest you get a 16g for your mains and 17g or 18g for your crosses. Give me you budget range for more specific models. Thicker mains for more string life and thinner crosses for feel. Multi and single wrap syn, no poly or kevlar

[supahdende]

Sino po ang nakakaalam ng nilalagay sa head ng racket para hindi po magasgas pag tumama sa ground pag pumapalo?!

[jov]

Sino po ang nakakaalam ng nilalagay sa head ng racket para hindi po magasgas pag tumama sa ground pag pumapalo?!

bro bumper guard tawag dun, pero meron sa chris sports, parang tape ang dating nya, wilson yata brand, si fabs nakabili sya nun for his wilson raket, hope this helps

[Fabs]

Sino po ang nakakaalam ng nilalagay sa head ng racket para hindi po magasgas pag tumama sa ground pag pumapalo?!

oo tma si jov parang tape nga yun gamma yung brand na nabili ko.

[supahdende]

Thanks mga tol! Nakakaadik talaga ang tennis! hahahaha Mamaya tingin ako Chris Sports.

[jov]

Thanks mga tol! Nakakaadik talaga ang tennis! hahahaha Mamaya tingin ako Chris Sports.

yes! nakakaadik talaga! 

[supahdende]

Yehes nakabili na! Pano pala ito ilagay sa racket? Pwede bang buong racket ang lagyan (except the handle) para di na magasgas at pristine condition parati racket ko?

[jov]

Yehes nakabili na! Pano pala ito ilagay sa racket? Pwede bang buong racket ang lagyan (except the handle) para di na magasgas at pristine condition parati racket ko?

wow! bilis bro ah! uu pwede yata ilagay sa buong raket, pero better ask fabs sa proper na pag lagay nun, di ko pa kasi na try yun, 

[supahdende]

Boss Fabs help naman po! Thanks in advance 

[jov]

Boss Fabs help naman po! Thanks in advance 

bro pasok ka sa chatroom natin, andun lagi si fabs! eto link, http://122.55.79.84/pto/chat.asp, see yah there! 

[Fabs]

Boss Fabs help naman po! Thanks in advance 

ill post a close up pick kung pano ko nilagay sa racket ko. so you'll have an idea.

[supahdende]

Thanks sir fabs. Hintayin ko yan.

[renald]

Yehes nakabili na! Pano pala ito ilagay sa racket? Pwede bang buong racket ang lagyan (except the handle) para di na magasgas at pristine condition parati racket ko?

Please remember that putting too much tape will affect your racket's weight and balance. A little added weight particularly sa head is noticeable. Besides, your racket should be used for you to enjoy the game and not for collection.

[supahdende]

Thanks sir sa advice. Gusto ko lang din iprolong at hindi agad malaspag yung racket. I'll remember that.

[Fabs]

yup same reason that i have. sorry cant find time to hold my racket to take some pictures, kung nde nde ko ito mabibitawan kagad sayang sa oras hehehe.

[mikki_blinkme]

miss ko na sina racketwiz and sir renald. UP ko lang to.

[reboj]

sir Racketwiz, i have a midplus 98 racket with 18/20 string pattern. If I have a reel of string, ilang feet lang ba dapat ang putol para maka save sa string, usually 40ft ang cut para sa isang racket pero sobra sya. Thanks

[mikki_blinkme]

ako din. how about the pog midplus ang prostaff 6.0 85?

[racketwiz]

sir Racketwiz, i have a midplus 98 racket with 18/20 string pattern. If I have a reel of string, ilang feet lang ba dapat ang putol para maka save sa string, usually 40ft ang cut para sa isang racket pero sobra sya. Thanks

I can’t give you an exact length of string to use because there are other factors to consider, such as the length of slack between the mounted frame and the tension head of the machine, tension, stringing technique and stringing method, among other things.

Dunlop Dynamite is a poly so it doesn’t stretch that much.  What I would suggest is to initially use a 38-ft length.  After the stringing is done, the lengths of the scrap strings should be a good indicator if you can do with less than 38 feet.  With stiff poly, maybe the best you can do will be an extra 8-10 inches less. 

Strings that stretch more, i.e. softer synthetics or multifilaments, are better candidates for shorter lengths.

[reboj]

sir Racketwiz, i have a midplus 98 racket with 18/20 string pattern. If I have a reel of string, ilang feet lang ba dapat ang putol para maka save sa string, usually 40ft ang cut para sa isang racket pero sobra sya. Thanks

I can’t give you an exact length of string to use because there are other factors to consider, such as the length of slack between the mounted frame and the tension head of the machine, tension, stringing technique and stringing method, among other things.

Dunlop Dynamite is a poly so it doesn’t stretch that much.  What I would suggest is to initially use a 38-ft length.  After the stringing is done, the lengths of the scrap strings should be a good indicator if you can do with less than 38 feet.  With stiff poly, maybe the best you can do will be an extra 8-10 inches less. 

Strings that stretch more, i.e. softer synthetics or multifilaments, are better candidates for shorter lengths.

sir Racketwiz, thanks for the advice.

[wulf reyes]

Very informative...

Thanks Racketwiz

[samuraijack]

last weekend nagdemo ako ng mga rackets:
1-babolat aero cortex 100, 27"
1-babolat aero pro drive plus cortex 100, 27.5
1-babolat aerostorm 2008 98,27
1-head microgel extreme pro 100, 27
1-wilson ksix one tour 90,27

matagal na kaci akong di gumagamit ng
27 inch na racket kaya di ko alam ang power
ng standard size at ung longer racquet. ang na
find out ko ung standard na 27" racquet ay maneuvarable,
pero less powerful sa 27.50

nagustuhan ko lahat ay ung babolat aero pro drive cortex 100- 27.50",
mahaba cya, mas powerful cya sa 27", pero less powerful cya sa 110" head,
pero more controllable ung shot dahil nga 100" size ung head.

ang analysis ko:
kung mas mahaba at malaki ang head size nung racquet ay mas mapower.
kung standard ang size twenty seven ay less powerful kesa sa longer racquet.

karamihan sa mga pro gamit ay standard size na racket twenty seven inches.
kaci mapower ung mahaba, kaya kung ginagamit nila ay twenty seven and half inches
ay bibigyan sila lalong mapower na bola. ung bola madalas lalabas, o kaya
lalampas ng line kung pinalo nila ung bola lalo na sa mga mens. so pro tour
karamihan ay prefer nila ung 27" racket.

and suitable sa akin ay ung mga 110" head size and 27.50,kaci di naman
ako mataas at malakas na tao, kaya kailang ko ung power para magkompensate ung taas
at ung medium power ko sa pagtira.
 
share ko lang sa mga gustong bumili ng rackets.
kung ung choice nyo ay control ang suitable ay ung 27",
atsaka anything below 100" size heads.

kung choice nyo ay power,ang suitable ay ung longer rackets,
at least 27.25 to 27.50, atsaka ung sizes anything over 100" head.

[andok17]

mga pafs maganda ba ang makapal ang grip o hindi

[mikki_blinkme]

mga pafs maganda ba ang makapal ang grip o hindi

depende sayo kung ano mas trip mo. pag makapal original grip kelangan manipis na OG para di masyodong malaki... pero yung iba gusto makapal.. yung iba manipis.. depende.

[andok17]

ahhh kala ko kasi may epekto sa palo ko yun lalo palo ko ay windshield wiper forehand try ko mag experiment ako kung ano ok

[mikki_blinkme]

ahhh kala ko kasi may epekto sa palo ko yun lalo palo ko ay windshield wiper forehand try ko mag experiment ako kung ano ok

yep. i know tagal ka na tennis... practically speaking lang a. hahaha! pero sabi DAW mas gusto daw ng mga spinner(not all) na medyo maliit ang grip than normal. Sabi nga daw si nadal wala daw yung original grip. 2 patong lang ata na overgrip sa kanya... Again... not sure... DAW.

[andok17]

sige try ko bawasan ang grip ko din... nag try try na ako mag windshiled forehand para nextlevel naman ang forehand ko pero experiment paren

[Fabs]

thats the spirit try everything sarap makasubok ng mga bagong moves hehe tapos maganda dun mauulit mo pa hehe.

[andok17]

uwu mukang maganda kasi ang tama ng bola sa windshield forehand porma mo pa yun din uso sa mga pro

[renald]

mga pafs maganda ba ang makapal ang grip o hindi

Depende sa style ng swing and grip. Modern western or semi western who hits with so much spin, small grip. eastern grip(less spin) and for volley bigger grip

[Babolat3216]

mga pafs maganda ba ang makapal ang grip o hindi

Depende sa style ng swing and grip. Modern western or semi western who hits with so much spin, small grip. eastern grip(less spin) and for volley bigger grip

Western grip po ako 4 and 1/2 ung grip size ko wala po ako replacement grip 2 overgrips lng po nilalagay ko. Pag gnun po ba grip size, un po ba reason kung bakit umiikli ung bola ko? Un po kasi problem ko sa forehand ko umiikli po kaya naaatake...

[mikki_blinkme]

mga pafs maganda ba ang makapal ang grip o hindi

Depende sa style ng swing and grip. Modern western or semi western who hits with so much spin, small grip. eastern grip(less spin) and for volley bigger grip

Western grip po ako 4 and 1/2 ung grip size ko wala po ako replacement grip 2 overgrips lng po nilalagay ko. Pag gnun po ba grip size, un po ba reason kung bakit umiikli ung bola ko? Un po kasi problem ko sa forehand ko umiikli po kaya naaatake...

walang duda. idol mo si rafa pati replacement tinanggal mo. 

[jov]

mga pafs maganda ba ang makapal ang grip o hindi

Depende sa style ng swing and grip. Modern western or semi western who hits with so much spin, small grip. eastern grip(less spin) and for volley bigger grip

Western grip po ako 4 and 1/2 ung grip size ko wala po ako replacement grip 2 overgrips lng po nilalagay ko. Pag gnun po ba grip size, un po ba reason kung bakit umiikli ung bola ko? Un po kasi problem ko sa forehand ko umiikli po kaya naaatake...

walang duda. idol mo si rafa pati replacement tinanggal mo. 

uu nga, maliliit grip ng mga pro eh 

[degie]

Guys:

maybe a nice article for reference url and contents below.

http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/gear/general/general.aspx?id=187464



So many racquets and strings, so many choices. And so many player types. To help you cut through some of the gear clutter, we presented Nate Ferguson, founder of  Priority One Tennis in Tampa and stringer and racquet customizer to the top pros like Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, with 10 common player identities and asked him for some gear tips for each type. See if you find yourself in one of these 10 and, if not, please give us your personal player type including your level (based on the NTRP scale), the current racquet and string type you use, and what you need to improve your game. We’d like to create a database that covers the basic player types to help us provide more specific information in future equipment reviews in TENNIS magazine and on TENNIS.com. Just click on the "Contact" tab at the top of my blog to send me an email, or post a comment to let us know.
1. The Club Contenders

This 3.5-4.0 doubles team is always in contention for the club championship. They play two-up at net and cut off most passing shots and can retrieve lobs, but they never get past the semis, mainly because they sky or mishit their volleys instead of angling winners at net.
 
Ferguson: “I recommend they use mid-size standard-length (27-inch) and narrow-beam racquets which will make it easiest to control the angles on volleys. They could also beef up the frames with lead tape at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on the sides of the hoop and on top of the handle for extra stability to help them on those off-center hits at net. Larger grip sizes will give them a better feel of where the face of the racquet is on contact. To maximize that feel, they should string with gut—the big three brands are Babolat, Wilson and Prince—strung in the middle of the recommended range for an even balance of power and control.”


   
                Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty Images
Novice players should avoid the temptation of swinging the same stick as their favorite pro.
 
2. The Rookie
Biggest challenge right now is just to keep the ball in play in order to discover the joy of rallying. Hasn’t decided yet on whether to focus on singles or doubles, but aspires to play competitively at the public park or club level. Figures the racquet to buy is the one they saw their favorite pro use on TV.

Ferguson: “Trying to use a tour player’s racquet for a rookie is like getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 Ferrari the day after you get your learner’s permit. A game-improvement racquet is the right call for most rookies, characterized by a big sweet spot (which means at least a 100-square inch head), an open string pattern that will help get the ball deep into the court, and a light weight for easy handling. String can be a good soft synthetic multifilament like Prince Premier Softflex or Technifibre NRG2 in the mid-tension range, then eventually adjusted it up for control or down for power depending on how the Rookie’s game develops.”
 
3. The Wild Thang

This aggressive 3.5 all-court singles player hits like Godzilla with out-of-control boomers that hit the back fence on the fly. The Thang has no arm or elbow issues. The goal is to play with the 4.0s, who right now aren’t returning calls.

Ferguson: “The Thang needs an even-balanced mid-plus standard-length stick with some significant weight and a dense string pattern (18 mainstrings) that will help curb those chronic out-ball problems. Since the Thang has a healthy hitting arm, he or she might also try a polyester string to deaden the stringbed. Luxilon Big Banger Original and Babolat Hurricane are the toughest and most durable.”           

4. The Run ‘n’ Gunner

This 4.5 veteran has lived to rush and crush, but his serve-and-volley style is going the way of wood racquets, so he needs to raise his or her level from the baseline to keep up with the baseline boomers. The Gunner has heard that most of the top pros play with polyester strings for better control and to generate more spin, but is wary that using them could lead to arm and elbow problems which he or she has so far avoided.
       
Ferguson: “The Gunner doesn’t have to go all the way with polyester. He or she should consider a hybrid mix of the newer softer versions of polyester like Luxilon M2 Pro and Prince Poly EXP in the mainstrings for control and bite, and gut in the crosses to cushion the blow. Both should be strung at low tension for comfort. A lot of tour players, including my top three clients—Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic—use this hybrid combination because it gives them the best of both worlds.”


   
                             Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images
Murray's Head YouTek Radical racquet is a modern improvement on Agassi's older, oversized frame.
 
5. The Agassi Idolizer 
A 5.0-5.5. player, he shaped his game and gear after his childhood idol, Andre Agassi, right down to the oversized Head Radical racquet strung with Kevlar mainstrings. He’s looking to win the state title this year.

Ferguson: “Oversized racquets are great for beginners and some mid-level players, but they went out with Andre and Michael Chang for tournament level players. Smaller-faced racquets like the mid-plus version of the Radical Andy Murray uses are better for control and they’re more maneuverable and faster through the air on serves. Andre used Kevlar mainstrings to tone down the power of his oversized frame (with gut or nylon in the crosses), but it’s as dead as steel wire and he eventually went to polyester that was almost as durable and a lot more playable. The Idolizer should follow suit.”

6. The Wounded Warrior

First, it was a rotator cuff. Then tennis elbow. Now the Warrior also feels soreness in the wrist. Not looking to improve, just wants to keep from being sidelined. Needs the most comfortable string and tension combination available. Doesn’t care how much it costs, how often it breaks.

Ferguson: “When arm concerns are all-encompassing, you’ve got to think gut at a loose tension for ultimate arm protection or at least a comfort synthetic like a Tecnifibre NRG2 or Technifibre X-1 Biphase. The Warrior should also think about a larger handle to prevent the racquet from twisting which adds stress to the arm. He or she should also consider a soft cushioned replacement grip—Gamma Hi Tech, Prince Duratac, Babolat Syntec, Wilson Cushion Aire Perforated are three—combined with a tacky overgrip to keep from squeezing the racquet tightly at contact. An oversized head is going to reduce shock. Also look at racquets that have an open string pattern (16 mainstrings) that will soften up the stringbed.”
 


   
                         Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Synethetic multifilament strings are a good investment for players who want durability.
 
7. The Pro Tour Wannabe 
Aspiration: To get to “The Show,” and she’s willing to practice until she drops. Plays in the zone from the backcourt with bullet passing shots off either side, and is working on rushing to net. Her idols are the Williams sisters and she uses the same Wilson K Factor KBlade Team racquet and strings at their 66-pound tension with gut. But mom and dad are already spending their fortune on lessons and have told her the expensive and highly breakable gut has to go. So she’s looking for a more cost-effective string that will blend durability while maintaining some playability.

Ferguson: “A good synthetic multifilament string with good feel is the best way to go. She should try Prince Lightning or Technifibre X-1 Biphase. If she’s a hard hitter like Venus and Serena, she should string tight at the top of the range for control; if not, in the middle of the range for a blend of control and power.”   

8. The Baseline Retriever

A classically trained and grooved 4.0-4.5 player with all the right moves who can trade ground strokes all day and counts unforced errors on one hand. But the Retriever has trouble ending the point with an outright winner and needs strings to supply some added power to defend the club title. Also plans on playing more doubles for social reasons, but that means going to net, which to this baseliner is the twilight zone.

Ferguson: “Gut strung at a lower tension will give the Retriever a cupping feel at net and more power from the baseline. Some lead tape—about three grams placed at the top of the grip and three more grams at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on the hoop—will provide more authority on ground strokes and give the Retriever more confidence that the racquet face will stay still when he or she ventures to net.”   

9.  The Fun & Fitness Combo

This 3.0 doubles team will tell you tennis is mostly a great way to stay in shape, and a lot more fun than “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” with Richard Simmons. They enter the club tournament every year just to support the program, but don’t go home and kick the dog when they lose in the first round. Their racquets are pre-strung Wal-Mart specials.

Ferguson: “They may not care about winning, but they’ll get a lot more fun and exercise out of tennis if they can prolong their rallies. They should start by looking at premium game-improvement high-tech racquets with light weights, head-heavy balances, thick beams and oversized heads that will provide more depth and help keep them in the point longer. They don’t need to use expensive gut, but a good playable synthetic string like Babolat Excell or Prince Synthetic Gut should do nicely, strung in the middle of the tension range for a blend of power and control.”

10. The Spin Doctor

This 3.5-4.0 gives “junk” a good name. In singles, the Doc slices and dices the ball from the baseline to draw opponents to the net and then floats lobs over their heads. The Doc just turned 60 and doesn’t get around quite like before, but wants to maintain the reputation of being the Saturday morning group’s biggest nightmare with topspins, backspins and even sidespins.

Ferguson: “The Doc can accentuate spins with a thin-gauge multifilament like Gamma Pro 18 gauge at low tension. An oversized racquet with a little extra-length is also going to put more slice on the ball for this style player and minimize mishits. The Doc might also downsize the grip to get more wrist into the shots and create even more spin.”

[mikki_blinkme]

"2. The Rookie
Biggest challenge right now is just to keep the ball in play in order to discover the joy of rallying. Hasn’t decided yet on whether to focus on singles or doubles, but aspires to play competitively at the public park or club level. Figures the racquet to buy is the one they saw their favorite pro use on TV.

Ferguson: “Trying to use a tour player’s racquet for a rookie is like getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 Ferrari the day after you get your learner’s permit. A game-improvement racquet is the right call for most rookies, characterized by a big sweet spot (which means at least a 100-square inch head), an open string pattern that will help get the ball deep into the court, and a light weight for easy handling. String can be a good soft synthetic multifilament like Prince Premier Softflex or Technifibre NRG2 in the mid-tension range, then eventually adjusted it up for control or down for power depending on how the Rookie’s game develops.”


  dito pinakamarami nyan! 

[commander ians]

Guys:

maybe a nice article for reference url and contents below.

http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/gear/general/general.aspx?id=187464



So many racquets and strings, so many choices. And so many player types. To help you cut through some of the gear clutter, we presented Nate Ferguson, founder of  Priority One Tennis in Tampa and stringer and racquet customizer to the top pros like Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, with 10 common player identities and asked him for some gear tips for each type. See if you find yourself in one of these 10 and, if not, please give us your personal player type including your level (based on the NTRP scale), the current racquet and string type you use, and what you need to improve your game. We’d like to create a database that covers the basic player types to help us provide more specific information in future equipment reviews in TENNIS magazine and on TENNIS.com. Just click on the "Contact" tab at the top of my blog to send me an email, or post a comment to let us know.
1. The Club Contenders

This 3.5-4.0 doubles team is always in contention for the club championship. They play two-up at net and cut off most passing shots and can retrieve lobs, but they never get past the semis, mainly because they sky or mishit their volleys instead of angling winners at net.
 
Ferguson: “I recommend they use mid-size standard-length (27-inch) and narrow-beam racquets which will make it easiest to control the angles on volleys. They could also beef up the frames with lead tape at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on the sides of the hoop and on top of the handle for extra stability to help them on those off-center hits at net. Larger grip sizes will give them a better feel of where the face of the racquet is on contact. To maximize that feel, they should string with gut—the big three brands are Babolat, Wilson and Prince—strung in the middle of the recommended range for an even balance of power and control.”


   
                Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty Images
Novice players should avoid the temptation of swinging the same stick as their favorite pro.
 
2. The Rookie
Biggest challenge right now is just to keep the ball in play in order to discover the joy of rallying. Hasn’t decided yet on whether to focus on singles or doubles, but aspires to play competitively at the public park or club level. Figures the racquet to buy is the one they saw their favorite pro use on TV.

Ferguson: “Trying to use a tour player’s racquet for a rookie is like getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 Ferrari the day after you get your learner’s permit. A game-improvement racquet is the right call for most rookies, characterized by a big sweet spot (which means at least a 100-square inch head), an open string pattern that will help get the ball deep into the court, and a light weight for easy handling. String can be a good soft synthetic multifilament like Prince Premier Softflex or Technifibre NRG2 in the mid-tension range, then eventually adjusted it up for control or down for power depending on how the Rookie’s game develops.”
 
3. The Wild Thang

This aggressive 3.5 all-court singles player hits like Godzilla with out-of-control boomers that hit the back fence on the fly. The Thang has no arm or elbow issues. The goal is to play with the 4.0s, who right now aren’t returning calls.

Ferguson: “The Thang needs an even-balanced mid-plus standard-length stick with some significant weight and a dense string pattern (18 mainstrings) that will help curb those chronic out-ball problems. Since the Thang has a healthy hitting arm, he or she might also try a polyester string to deaden the stringbed. Luxilon Big Banger Original and Babolat Hurricane are the toughest and most durable.”           

4. The Run ‘n’ Gunner

This 4.5 veteran has lived to rush and crush, but his serve-and-volley style is going the way of wood racquets, so he needs to raise his or her level from the baseline to keep up with the baseline boomers. The Gunner has heard that most of the top pros play with polyester strings for better control and to generate more spin, but is wary that using them could lead to arm and elbow problems which he or she has so far avoided.
       
Ferguson: “The Gunner doesn’t have to go all the way with polyester. He or she should consider a hybrid mix of the newer softer versions of polyester like Luxilon M2 Pro and Prince Poly EXP in the mainstrings for control and bite, and gut in the crosses to cushion the blow. Both should be strung at low tension for comfort. A lot of tour players, including my top three clients—Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic—use this hybrid combination because it gives them the best of both worlds.”


   
                             Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images
Murray's Head YouTek Radical racquet is a modern improvement on Agassi's older, oversized frame.
 
5. The Agassi Idolizer 
A 5.0-5.5. player, he shaped his game and gear after his childhood idol, Andre Agassi, right down to the oversized Head Radical racquet strung with Kevlar mainstrings. He’s looking to win the state title this year.

Ferguson: “Oversized racquets are great for beginners and some mid-level players, but they went out with Andre and Michael Chang for tournament level players. Smaller-faced racquets like the mid-plus version of the Radical Andy Murray uses are better for control and they’re more maneuverable and faster through the air on serves. Andre used Kevlar mainstrings to tone down the power of his oversized frame (with gut or nylon in the crosses), but it’s as dead as steel wire and he eventually went to polyester that was almost as durable and a lot more playable. The Idolizer should follow suit.”

6. The Wounded Warrior

First, it was a rotator cuff. Then tennis elbow. Now the Warrior also feels soreness in the wrist. Not looking to improve, just wants to keep from being sidelined. Needs the most comfortable string and tension combination available. Doesn’t care how much it costs, how often it breaks.

Ferguson: “When arm concerns are all-encompassing, you’ve got to think gut at a loose tension for ultimate arm protection or at least a comfort synthetic like a Tecnifibre NRG2 or Technifibre X-1 Biphase. The Warrior should also think about a larger handle to prevent the racquet from twisting which adds stress to the arm. He or she should also consider a soft cushioned replacement grip—Gamma Hi Tech, Prince Duratac, Babolat Syntec, Wilson Cushion Aire Perforated are three—combined with a tacky overgrip to keep from squeezing the racquet tightly at contact. An oversized head is going to reduce shock. Also look at racquets that have an open string pattern (16 mainstrings) that will soften up the stringbed.”
 


   
                         Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Synethetic multifilament strings are a good investment for players who want durability.
 
7. The Pro Tour Wannabe 
Aspiration: To get to “The Show,” and she’s willing to practice until she drops. Plays in the zone from the backcourt with bullet passing shots off either side, and is working on rushing to net. Her idols are the Williams sisters and she uses the same Wilson K Factor KBlade Team racquet and strings at their 66-pound tension with gut. But mom and dad are already spending their fortune on lessons and have told her the expensive and highly breakable gut has to go. So she’s looking for a more cost-effective string that will blend durability while maintaining some playability.

Ferguson: “A good synthetic multifilament string with good feel is the best way to go. She should try Prince Lightning or Technifibre X-1 Biphase. If she’s a hard hitter like Venus and Serena, she should string tight at the top of the range for control; if not, in the middle of the range for a blend of control and power.”   

8. The Baseline Retriever

A classically trained and grooved 4.0-4.5 player with all the right moves who can trade ground strokes all day and counts unforced errors on one hand. But the Retriever has trouble ending the point with an outright winner and needs strings to supply some added power to defend the club title. Also plans on playing more doubles for social reasons, but that means going to net, which to this baseliner is the twilight zone.

Ferguson: “Gut strung at a lower tension will give the Retriever a cupping feel at net and more power from the baseline. Some lead tape—about three grams placed at the top of the grip and three more grams at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on the hoop—will provide more authority on ground strokes and give the Retriever more confidence that the racquet face will stay still when he or she ventures to net.”   

9.  The Fun & Fitness Combo

This 3.0 doubles team will tell you tennis is mostly a great way to stay in shape, and a lot more fun than “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” with Richard Simmons. They enter the club tournament every year just to support the program, but don’t go home and kick the dog when they lose in the first round. Their racquets are pre-strung Wal-Mart specials.

Ferguson: “They may not care about winning, but they’ll get a lot more fun and exercise out of tennis if they can prolong their rallies. They should start by looking at premium game-improvement high-tech racquets with light weights, head-heavy balances, thick beams and oversized heads that will provide more depth and help keep them in the point longer. They don’t need to use expensive gut, but a good playable synthetic string like Babolat Excell or Prince Synthetic Gut should do nicely, strung in the middle of the tension range for a blend of power and control.”

10. The Spin Doctor

This 3.5-4.0 gives “junk” a good name. In singles, the Doc slices and dices the ball from the baseline to draw opponents to the net and then floats lobs over their heads. The Doc just turned 60 and doesn’t get around quite like before, but wants to maintain the reputation of being the Saturday morning group’s biggest nightmare with topspins, backspins and even sidespins.

Ferguson: “The Doc can accentuate spins with a thin-gauge multifilament like Gamma Pro 18 gauge at low tension. An oversized racquet with a little extra-length is also going to put more slice on the ball for this style player and minimize mishits. The Doc might also downsize the grip to get more wrist into the shots and create even more spin.”

nice. very informative.  

[Fabs]

sakto pala rackets ko for newbies hehe, pasok siya sa atleast 100 sq.in. head size buti na lang hehe.

[mikki_blinkme]

is there any rackets available sa market na may very low swingweight below 300 pero stable sya na parang 320gms overall weight yet lightweight din? lightweight racket na kasing stable ng mga tour rackets or kahit close man lang sa stability for more relax grip.

[degie]

mikki:

the one may be closest to what you're looking is Wilson KProTour: 96 sg in. sale sa tennis-warehouse.