4 posts categorized "May 2010"
TENNIS.com gear editor Bill Gray and his technical advisors will answer your equipment questions every Friday. Click here to send one of your own.
 What are some good racquets for aggressive baseliners at the 3.5–4.0 level?—B.H.
Take a hard look at the hybrids, which combine the control attributes of tournament-player frames with some of the power of game-improvement sticks, says TENNIS.com racquet adviser Bruce Levine. The hybrids deliver mid-level aggressive baseliners the control they need to yank their opponents from side to side and the pop they need to hit the backcourt kill shot. Levine’s top hybrid picks for baseline boomers, depending on which brand you prefer, are: Babolat’s AeroPro Drive GT, Boris Becker’s Delta Core Pro, Dunlop’s AeroGel 4D 500, Head’s YouTek Speed Elite, Prince’s EX03 Black, Tecnifibre’s T-Flash 300 SpeedFlex, Völkl’s Power Bridge V1 Midplus, Wilson’s BLX Pro Open and Yonex’s RDS 002.
What’s the worst racquet you’ve ever played with?—John S.
Any racquets made from trees make my short list of all-time bad frames, but my personal worst of the worst was the Wilson T-2000, circa 1963, which somehow regularly makes others’ greatest-of-all-time lists. Apparently, that’s because it was (1) made out of tubular steel rather than the conventional wood construction of the day, and (2) Jimmy Connors used it, which made it soar in popularity (frankly, this reminds me of the Hans Christian Andersen fable about the emperor and his invisible clothes). This “breakthrough” racquet almost broke my arm at first swing, sending what seemed like an electric current from my hitting hand to my shoulder. The head seemed to be the size of a serving spoon, and the sweet spot was, for me, no bigger than a cough drop, if it existed at all. They just don’t make them like that anymore—they make them a whole lot better.
I string my own racquets with Tecnifibre NRG (multifilament) in the cross strings at 57 pounds (which is in the middle tension range for my racquet) and Luxilon Big Banger in the main strings at 53 pounds (because Luxilon recommends reducing the tension at least 10 percent). Now I want to try out a different co-polyester in the mains, like the Red and Black Tecnifibres or the new Babolat RPM Blast. Do you recommend that I string them at the lower tension as well?—Mark
It’s best to use the same 53-pound tension, otherwise you won’t know if it’s the new string or the new tension you prefer, according to our string guru, Bob Patterson. After you’ve made your string choice, then you can experiment with making it tighter and looser. You’ll probably find the RPM Blast to be a little softer and give you more bite on the ball, but the Tecnifibres are more economical co-polys.
I love my 9.3-ounce Wilson nCode, but I need some extra weight on the frame to stabilize my shots against hard-hitting opponents, so I’m looking for a stick that’s about 9.9 to 10.2 ounces. What are some good, reliable frames in that weight range?—Jose Cirisco
It doesn’t sound like you really want to give up your trusty nCode, and there’s really no reason why you should. Instead, to get it up to the weight you want, place two equally weighted strips of lead tape on the insides of the throat nearest the handle. That will increase the stability of the racquet without changing the racquet’s balance (like it would if you applied tape in the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on the head).
I’m trying to replace an old Head Intelligence iS4 that my daughter took with her to college. I’ve playtested several of the new racquets and so far haven’t found anything that seems comparable. I need the lighter weight of the iS4 because I’m a senior with diminishing muscle mass and swing speed. I’m a patient, control-oriented all-courter who thrives on producing consistent depth with good (but not spectacular) pace. What would you recommend?—Colin Jones
Good news, Colin. Head just released two new frames similar to the iS4, but with better control and power, the YouTek Five Star and Six Star. You sound like a prime playtest candidate. Click here for our review, which we posted last week.
TENNIS.com gear editor Bill Gray and his technical advisers will answer your equipment questions every Friday. Click here to send one of your own.
 Will there be a flood of new racquets hitting the stores around U.S. Open time?
—Paul
Sorry Paul, but the days when the gear brands debuted a bunch of new frames to coincide with the Open are pretty much gone. Instead, they now stagger their releases throughout the year. So between now and September, you’ll be seeing our reviews of new offerings from Dunlop, Head, Pacific, Prince, Völkl/Becker and Yonex on TENNIS.com as they hit the stores this spring and summer.
If you’re looking for a big gear buzz at the Open, keep your eyes on Rafael Nadal’s feet. He’ll be wearing glow-in-the-dark Nike Air Max Courtballistec shoes, injected with a potent dose of reflective matter—think orange construction worker vests—into the polyurethane midsoles, according to a Nike source. The shoes, when placed under a fluorescent light, are supposed to give off a glow that lasts up to five minutes. The idea is to have Nadal enter a darkened Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first men’s night match with his shoes all aglow, according to the Nike source and the owners of Mason’s Tennis Mart and the Grand Central Racquet/NYC Racquet chain (who have the co-exclusive rights to stock and sell Nadal's Open shoes at their Manhattan stores during the Open). Meanwhile, a spokesman for the USTA, which runs the Open, says it hasn’t committed to “anything at all like that.”
With or without the Rafa’s illuminated grand opening, for a whopping $189 a pair, maybe the shoes should not only glow in the dark, but also get up and dance on their own.
I’m a highly competitive high school player who plays a lot of tournaments. I have been playing with the Fischer M Pro 105 for a year and a half and love the way it feels. I’m worried, though, that this outdated racquet is holding me back. I’ve seen two collegiate players using my racquet, so I assume it’s still a decent stick. I hit with a lot of spin on everything—groundstrokes, serves, slices, volleys. Do you think this outdated oversize racquet is compromising my potential?
—Stuart
Actually, we’re playtesting a new batch of Pacific racquets (formerly Fischer) this week and TENNIS.com will have a full report for you at the end of this month, when they’ll be available in stores. In the meantime, racquet adviser Bruce Levine suggests a couple of sticks for you to playtest: Babolat’s AeroPro Drive GT and Head’s Extreme Pro. Both have slightly smaller head sizes that should enhance stability and both will generate a lot more spin than your old Fischer.
I've been using Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 racquets for the longest time. I play three to four times a week and break so many strings that my two Pro Staffs are often at the shop being restrung at the same time, leaving me without a racquet. I’m thinking a third might be necessary. What comes closest to my old favorite, the Pro Staff?
—Etienne Brossard
The BLX Six.One 95 is the latest incarnation of the Pro Staff 6.1. It’s a great racquet for accomplished players, but it will feel a little different because it has karophite and basalt in its material mix, which will feel a little softer and more dampened on contact than what you’re used to. I think it’s for the better. And since you’re a chronic string-breaker, you might want to try the Six.One 95 18-by-20 version (it also comes in 16-by-20). The closed pattern should prolong string life.
My long-discontinued racquet, the Prince Bandit Mid, is becoming difficult to find, so it's time to move along to something new. I still play the flat game I learned in the ’70s, and am not really interested in "going Nadal." That said, I would like to get more depth on my shots and maybe use a bit more topspin. I'm a weak 4.0 (more like a 3.75) in my mid-50s, and I don’t want to spend a lot of money on my sticks. I'm half tempted to go to the mall sporting goods store and buy whatever $40 racquet they're pushing to beginners. What do you recommend?
Those Wal-Mart Wilsons and Princes are strictly for beginners who aren’t sure they really want to take up the game in earnest, not for players of your skill level and commitment. You need to stay with a premium racquet to get the most out of your game. Since you have a loyalty to Prince, we recommend trying the White EXO3 100 and Black EXO3 100. They have smaller head sizes than your old Bandit, but much bigger sweet spots that can help you produce crazy spins.
TENNIS.com gear editor Bill Gray and his technical advisors will answer your equipment questions every Friday. Click here to send one of your own.
 Hey Bill, I need a set-up on my racquet for maximum control since I sometimes my launch shots. So far, just cranking up the strings to max tension hasn't helped. Any ideas?
—Tom Cieslinski
I want to become a spin doc. Do some racquets provide more spin than others?
—Nadal Fan
Neither of you mentioned your playing level or style or the racquet you’re currently using, but let’s assume you play at a 3.5-to-4.0 NTRP level and have at least a medium stroke (meaning you’re not “bunters”), and take the racquet back at least as far back as where the sideline and baseline intersect when you prepare to hit. A high string tension using a thin co-polyester is a good start, because it will help harness and control your shots; it will also help you put maximum “loop” on the ball to get it deep in the court, forcing your opponent to take it at the awkward shoulder level. Hybrid racquets that have an open string pattern (16x19) will help you put more spin on the ball, along with a middle-of-the-road stationary weight (in the 10.5-11 ounce range) and beams in the low- to mid-20s. The balance should be slightly head light for maneuverability.
We find that for most players, the best head size for spin is around 100 square inches. Take these racquets for a spin: the standard-length Babolat Aero Pro Drive GT, Head YouTek Extreme MP, Prince EX03 White 100, Technifibre T-Flash 300 and 315, Volkl Powerbridge 5 and the Wilson Pro Open BLX (not to be confused with its closed string-pattern look-alike player stick, the Wilson Pro Tour BLX). If you’re a tournament-level player who wants to improve topspin, take a serious look at the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 2Hundred Tour.
The rest is up to you. Hitting a tennis ball with maximum topspin requires an open stance and a semi-western or western forehand. The hitter needs to brush up against the ball from low to high with the racquet face somewhere between 60 and 90 degrees relatively to the ground.
I’m wondering if I should trade in my well-worn three-year-old Babolat AeroPro Drive for the latest version, the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT. Is it fundamentally different or is it just a different color scheme?
—Mark Greenburg
The color scheme is the same, but the new version represents a step up in stability which you’ll especially appreciate when you miss the sweetspot. The “GT” stands for the graphite-and-tungsten materials combo Babolat uses throughout the frame, with extra reinforcement at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on the head to help it from twisting in your hand on off-center hits. These enhancements don’t compromise the amazing spin potential which user Rafael Nadal made famous as he took the AeroPro Drive to the top of the sales charts.
I want to play with a smaller handle and was thinking about just removing the grip and replacing it with a thin overgrip. But will that have any adverse effects on my racquet’s weight or balance point? If so, is it okay to just sand down the handle myself?
—Paul Webber
Neither would be a good move, Paul. Replacing your grip with an overgrip may knock a quarter-inch off the size, but you’ll pay a heavy price, because even the thinnest leather grips provide essential cushioning. Without that grip, you’ll feel a sting similar to smacking a baseball in 40-degree weather without batting gloves. Ouch. You’d also be changing the characteristics of the racquet that made it appealing in the first place. The balance could dramatically shift toward the tip of the frame. Trying to sand down the existing grip won’t do the trick either, unless you’re an expert carpenter with sophisticated equipment, which would probably cost you more than buying a new racquet with a smaller handle. A do-it-yourself job with a sander is virtually impossible for the layman; it’s difficult to remove the material evenly and you’ll wind up with varying edges on the bevels, making it feel very weird in your hand.
TENNIS.com gear editor Bill Gray and his technical advisors will answer your equipment questions every Friday. Click here to send one of your own.
 “Every time I stencil the Head logo on my polyester strings, the ink wears off after a couple sessions of play and makes a mess of the balls in the process. I’ve never seen the pros have this problem. How do these guys make the ink stay on their racquets?
—Sam
We did some checking, Sam, and as it turns out those guys do have the same problem. Apparently, the polyester strings that most pros use don’t hold paint well because they’re as slippery and non-stick as Teflon. As you might suspect, the mounting cases of “disappearing ink” have serious business implications for their racquet sponsors, who pay big bucks to turn their signed players into running billboards for the TV cameras. They’ve tried to remedy the situation with an upgraded ink, which, “sticks a little better, but it still comes off pretty quickly,” says Head’s Roger Petersman.
So if you see your favorite player switching racquets during a match these days, it may not be a problem with the strings; it could just be from the wear-and-tear on the stencil, caused by the non-adhesive polys.
Also: We don’t know why you feel compelled to put racquet advertising on your strings, Sam—you could just leave the space blank, which is what the pros do when they’re between endorsement deals. But if you feel the need to stencil, our suggestion is to get creative. There’s nothing in the rules of tennis that prohibits players from making a personal statement with your strings. Radek Stepanek once put his initials on his strings (see picture above) and former South African tour player Christo van Rensburg stenciled a smiley face on his. We recommend racquetart.com, which sells custom racquet-face stencils, from smiley faces (the most popular among women, says owner Mike Waroff), to skull-and-crossbones (the men’s favorite). The most unusual request? A Chinese dragon stencil.
I’ve changed racquets recently and now I have a bunch of old sticks. Is there a more environmentally responsible way of disposing of them, other than bronzing them for posterity?
—Carlo
It’s tough, maybe even impossible, to make a biodegradable racquet that will stand up to millions of high-speed hits, which is why frames are made of durable carbon composites. Your best bet, according to the folks at greenslam.net, a sports environmental initiative led by Billie Jean King, is to recycle your old sticks. They suggest donating them to Boys and Girls Clubs, local schools and YMCAs.
I’m getting back into tennis after 25 years and am looking for a Dunlop racquet—I played competitively in high school with the Max 200G. But there are so many different Dunlop models today and the numbers confuse me. What do the 100, 200, 300 and 500 designations mean?
—Tommy Miller
Nobody, including the people at Dunlop in the U.S., seems to know why the brand designates its models by even hundreds, from 100 to 700. (To make things even more confusing, there is also a “550” racquet, but no “600.”) But it’s a numbering system Dunlop has been using for years. The best way to break down the Dunlop line is by head size, beam size and weight. The lower the number, the more demanding the racquet is in head size, beam width and stationary weight—which generally means it’s for the better player.
You probably need to hit like a tour pro to get the most out of the 100, which has the smallest head size (90 square inches), the heaviest stationary weight and the thinnest beam; it’s also very difficult to handle. From there, the next series in the line is the 200 (95 square-inch head size), the 300 (98 square inches), the 500 and the 550 (100 square inches) and the 700 (108 square inches). (There is also a 400 series, but it’s not sold in the U.S.). Since you haven’t played in 25 years, our guess the current 200 might be too much for you to handle. We suggest you use it as a benchmark, but playtest the 300 and 500. All the contemporary Dunlop racquets have Aerogel and 4D braiding technologies, which are quantum leaps in comfort and stability from your old 200. Let us know how you make out.
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