Strings
May 28, 2008
May 21, 2008
Tennis Equipment Q & A - What string tension should I use?
Q. What string tension should I use?
A: Are you looking for more distance on your shots or more control over them? Generally, if you string at the lower end of your racquet's recommended tension range, the same stroke will make the ball fly farther. Adjust string tension according to desired effect. Low tension = deeper shots. High tension = shorter shots.
At any given swing speed, higher string tensions improve control. High tension = better control. Low tension = less control.
Do It Tennis
May 20, 2008
May 18, 2008
AG 602F Tabletop Racquet Stringer w/ Floating Clamps
Last week we covered the AG 601F Tabletop Stringer, so we thought it might be useful to see just a slightly more advanced version, the AG 602F as well.
The 602F has a professional mounting and clamping system (the same that AG provides on its floor models), a 6-point mounting system, universal v-shaped side supports, an adjustable head and throat mounting posts. They are throwing in free AG string with this machine as well. with the AG 601F Tabletop Stringer it was $50 worth, with the 602F its $70. Not bad.
Check out the AG 602F Tabletop here.
May 14, 2008
Tennis Equipment Q & A - How do you rate the best tennis racket strings?
Q. How do you rate the best tennis racket string?
A: With over 450 different types of string on the market, the average tennis player doesn't know where or how to begin the search for the best tennis racket string. Choosing the wrong string type and inappropriate tension can make a $250 racket feel like a wooden club even to the most skilled of players. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of strings available:
Natural Gut: The undisputed champion of tennis strings. Gives both power and feel. Good choice for injury prevention and vibration dampening. Retains performance as it wears though is vulnerable to the ill effects of moisture.
Synthetic String with Solid Core: Offers a wide range of playability, power, or control. Its low cost is an attractive feature to players who go through lots of string.
Synthetic String with Multifilament Construction: Offers the most performance for the money. Aims to replicate natural gut at a much lower cost. Natural vibration dampening is a characteristic as it minimizes arm and wrist fatigue. Use these with textured surfaces for increased spin capability.
Polyester and Polyester Hybrid String: Excellent durability and power. Can be hard on the arm, however. Frequently used as the mains in a hybrid set-up.
Do It Tennis
May 12, 2008
AG 601F Tabletop Racquet Stringing Machine
This is a minimalist stringer - if you want your own stringing machine but don't want to spend too much money or take up your whole garage, this is a good option.
It has a 2-point mounting system, universal v-shaped side supports which allow it to handle all racquet types and prevents frame damage, adjustable head and throat mounting posts (so you don't need any adaptors), 2 Le Clamps included, 360 degree roation, and a linear ball gripper.
Bonus: You get $50.00 in AG String and an awl automatically included if you get it through Amazon. Check out the AG 601F.
April 28, 2008
Tecnifibre TF 7000 Stringing Machine
No matter what style you prefer, we don't think you can go wrong with a stringing machine that looks and performs as well as the Tecnifibre TF 7000. Tension-pull speed, allowing you to modify the tension head and guarantees you the correct speed, regardless of the tension you have chosen. Allows you also to reduce the speed when you tie knots. Its dual-clamp system enables fast and accurate stringing.
Some more specs:
weight - 40kg
length - 1000mm
width - 550mm
height - 300mm
See more stringing machines at the What's All The Racquet store.
April 22, 2008
Hybrid Stringing Saves Money and Improves Performance
Or so says Ashaway's Steve Crandall. "Chronic string breakers and young and upcoming tennis players would do well to consider hybrid stringing," he says.
Why? Because "hybrid stringing...can not only improve a player's performance, it can also save them money. Hybrid stringing involves using one type of string for the racquet mains and another type for the crosses...Hybrid stringing has since become very popular among top players as a way to tailor racquet performance to their individual style of play."
Interesting money-saving point: "...younger players on tight budgets, as well as chronic string breakers, can use the technique to save money on string...The trick...is to buy string in bulk reels instead of individual sets."
Read more
Check out Ashaway strings here.
April 20, 2008
Tecnifibre TF 8000 Stringing Machine
This is one of the "Big Kahunas" in the tennis racquet stringing world. It is used all over Europe and throughout the ATP Tour, including the French Open, Paris-Bercy, Berlin, Doha, and Marseille.
Why do many of the pro tournaments count on the Tecnifibre TF 8000? There are several reasons. One, the clutchable tension head allows you to pull a very short string. Two, it pre-stretches the string during tensioning - which is something professional stringing services look for.
Specifications:
Weight - 110 lbs/47kg
Length - 1050mm
Width - 560mm
Height - 360mm (adjustable)
Check out the Tecnifibre TF 8000 Stringing Machine.
April 14, 2008
Tecnifibre TF 6000 Stringing Machine
Besides being an aesthetically attractive stringing machine that isn't an eyesore in your pro shop, garage or living room, the Tecnifibre TF 6000 sports a dual-clamp system that guarantees a fast and efficient stringing experience, and an adjustable stand so you can adjust the height to fit your situation.
The other specs:
- Weight - 36kg
- Length - 1050mm
- Width - 530mm
- Height - 350mm
Check out the Tecnifibre TF 6000 Stringing Machine
April 11, 2008
It's a Spring String Thing
Spring is in the air, we're all getting the kinks worked out of our games (unless you were good and played a lot indoors), which means our frequency of playing is increasing. More playing equals more broken strings, so you better stock up now. Here are some great options:
Dunlop
Dunlop Explosive Polyester 16g
Dunlop Explosive Polyester 17g
Fischer
Fischer Poly Pro 17g
Klip Atomic (Kevlar) 16g Reel (330 ft/100 m)
Klip Hardcore 16Lg
Klip KBoom 16g
Klip Kicker 17g
Prince
Prince Syn Gut Original 16g
Prince Syn Gut with Duraflex 17g Reel
Prince Lightning XX 16g Reel
Technifibre
Tecnifibre NRG2 17g Reel
Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 16g
Tecnifibre Polyspin 16g
March 4, 2008
Luxilon and The Sony Ericsson Open Extended Their Partnership on a Multi-Year Basis
Luxilon Extends Contract as Official Racket Stringing Service and Official String of Sony Ericsson Open
Luxilon has extended its contract as the official racket stringing service and string of the Sony Ericsson Open. Luxilon has been the official stringing service and string since the 2004 tournament, and is pleased to announce their continued commitment to the event with a new multi-year agreement. The Luxilon stringing team, consisting of 10 world class stringers from 5 different countries, will be on site stringing for the worlds elite tennis players for the entire two weeks the tournament is held.
"We are extremely pleased that Luxilon has extended its partnership with the Sony Ericsson Open and will remain the tournament's official string and stringer." stated Butch Buchholz, the tournament Chairman and Founder. Buchholz also added that "The Sony Ericsson Open is committed to offering the best in customer service to its players, guests and sponsors, and over the past four years Luxilon has consistently provided the highest level of service to our world class clientele. We would like to thank Luxilon for their participation at the Sony Ericsson Open. We value their partnership and look forward to their continued support of our event."
For more information visit the Luxilon website.
Check out Luxilon products here.
From TennisWire
February 8, 2008
Prince, Gamma & Technifibre Stringing Machines
Whether you're buying a stringing machine for personal or professional use, it is a sizable investment, so you should check out your options. Below are three solid machines, from three great brands, at three price points.
And although these are not cheap, David Bone at Tennis Magazine, lays out the return on that investment very well.
"For anyone who believes that buying a stringing machine is too expensive a proposition, consider this: If you string two racquets per month at a savings of $20 each (a conservative estimate), that's $480 a year. It's an investment serious players can't afford to miss...."
Gamma 5003
This is a manual machine, meaning it uses a hand crank. So it doesn't need electricity. This not only saves energy and money, it also means you don't have to be near an outlet to use it. If speed is a priority, get the two-point option (there's also a 6-point option). At around $900, this is a solid value. Check it out here.
Prince Neos 1000
This is a workhorse stringing machine. Like the Gamma, it's a manual machine, so you have to pull the tension yourself. Unlike the Gamma, it has a four-point mounting system that allows you to secure the frame with two pulls of the lever. An interesting and unique feature - the string clamps attach to the machine on movable glide bars, making them slightly faster. A great machine that runs about $1100 and has been used by pro stringers for many years. Check it out here.
Tecnifibre TF-7000
This is one of the big daddies of the stringing world, and runs $5,000+. But, it will definitely fill the bill for any stringer. It has very sophisticated stringing technology, an adjustable stand, and an optional cabinet for supplies. Its all electric - its all about pushing buttons not twisting and pulling. But check this out, it has a knot-tensioning function. Ever notice that when you tie a knot at the end of a piece of string, there's a section at the very end that doesn't get tension? Well, this puppy has a button that puts extra tension on the last string to compensate for the knot for a more consistent string job. Check it out here.
February 7, 2008
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