Tidbit from the Grand Slam Stringer’s Symposium

Earlier this month we had the opportunity to interact with some of the top professionals in the world of racquet stringing and customization.  One particular session we found facinating was facilitated by Mr. John Elliott who flew in from France to share some of his observations and thoughts on world of poly-based strings.  During his presentation we noted the following observations he has made through his years of working with polyester strings.

- Polyester strings are sensitive to the cold.

- Basic polys offer less than 2 hours of string life.

- Luxilon ALU strings are a very high quality offering.  Similar to formula one performance racing tires in that they perform well for a short period of time and then need to be replaced.  (Optimal performance time is very limited, usually less than a match)

- Tension determines the length of the ball.  2 pounds of tension equates to 1 yard of ball length.  Increase 2 pounds to reduce length by one yard, decrease 2 pounds to increase one yard.

- Stringmeter tool is more accurate than most people give credit for.  The reason the readings vary from string to string is due to either the stringing machine or the stringer.  A number of variables can lead to inconsistency. Ideally the tension of all main (except outer most mains) strings should measure the same with this tool.

- The best playing racquet set-up for recreational and league players is a hybrid with a poly-based main and synthetic gut cross string (not a multi).

- Racquet tuning is not the same as racquet stringing.  Racquet tuning is working toward an end result…the desired stringbed stiffness.

- To tune racquet, find desired stringbed stiffness.  Ask customer to let you know when racquet is performing optimally.  Using stringmeter, measure string tension.  Increase +4 pounds for polys and +10 pounds for nylon at next stringing.  Also use Dynamic Tension readings to confirm.

- Stringing is most consistent and best when stringer uses a FLUID and REPEATABLE motion.

- With friction tension in crosses ends up measuring approx. 1/3 less in crosses than mains when strung at same reference tension.

Obviously Mr. Elliott provides much food for thought and future discussion.  We will likely find some of these very themes emerging as future individual blog entries.  As always we thank you for visiting our blog and invite you to participate by leaving your comments and questions below.

Elbow Pain B-Gone!

Guts and Glory Tennis spent last weekend attending the Grand Slam Stringer’s Symposium in FL.  We had the opportunity to speak directly with major racquet company product deisgners and product development specialists.  We came to the unfortunate conclusion that all the whining and complaining about unhealthy racquet specifications in the world is not going to change their thinking.  They deny the specs are unhealthy, preferring to blame the mechanics of the player.  They intend to continue producing lightweight, stiff frames until the public or retailers stop purchasing them.

While we will definitely try to rally support for a grassroot boycot of these products, it seems unlikely that enough support will be gathered in the short-term.  A boycott certainly does not help those currently suffering from tennis elbow.

Guts and Glory Tennis is coming to the rescue.  We will begin to offer a racquet modification service for our local stringing customers suffering from racquet related arm and shoulder pain.  We are in the process of securing the equipment to make the necessary alterations to help make your racquet more arm friendly.  The only specification of the racquet that can not be altered is the stiffness.  So, in this regard, if you are planning on purchasing a new racquet in the future, we STRONGLY encourage you to ask about the flex/stiffness rating.  We suggest an ideal range of 50’s – 60.  Measurements of 61 – 65 should also be acceptable, though not as good.  We would strongly discourage stiffness ratings above 68.

Grand Slam Stringers Symposium – a preview

Stringers  from all over the world will convene in Orlando this weekend.  World class seminar leaders will be on hand to share first hand knowledge and insights.  We will be attending for our second consecutive year and we are filled with high expectations and excitement.

We of course are looking forward to several formal sessions we will be attending, who wouldn’t with the wonderful presenters???  However, perhaps even more interesting, is the format change.  Sessions will allow for discussion afterward as well as discussion groups each evening.  These informal networking and information sharing sessions will allow for optimal interaction and learning.  We hope to both learn and share by taking advantage of these.

We plan to seek out responses to tough questions.  Why do racquet manufacturers continue to produce racquets with unhealthy specifications?  We’ll be all over this one.  Unethical behavior by online resellers?  We will seek out answers to questions about some sketchy behaviors.  Why can’t professional stringers in the USA have access to Head pallets?  Hoping to find some answers and perhaps lead a charge for change.  Does the USRSA really believe the data it provides is objective and accurate?  We’ll see how far we can get with this one, but not expecting much on that front.  Topspin tennis; what in the world are they thinking?  We hope to talk to the owner and founder who will be in attendance.

We will also be tweeting LIVE from the conference.  Be sure to follow us on Twitter for up to the minute action.  Our Twitter site will be a great source for breaking information and updates from the Grand Slam Stringers Symposium.  We will use this blog to summarize afterward and may come back with some fun surprises to share with our readers.  Stay tuned…