Tensioning mains: Variance on accepted practices discovered!

According to the United States Racquet Stringer’s Association, it is acceptable to pull tension 2 – 3 ahead on the main strings.  Stringer’s who follow this practice regularly are able to achieve CRT and MRT status.  While considered acceptable industry practice, we are not convinced this technique creates the most consistent stringbed possible.  As a result of this belief we have altered our technique to one where we pull tension on each alternate main as a matter of routine.

With the use of a Stringmeter and ERT we have been testing this premise in our shop.  While tensioning mains 2 or 3 ahead before alternating sides we are able to achieve consistent ERT (stringbed stiffness) readings.  However, we have discovered that when measuring individual strings with a Stringmeter that an interesting phenomena exists.  It seems that parrallel strings (i.e. main #4 on each half of frame) offer identical readings when strings are tensioned using a strict alternating method of tensioning. (Alternating tension on each side going no more than 1 ahead).  However, when using a method of pulling tension 2 or 3 ahead the reading on parrallel strings can vary by 3 – 10 pounds!  The amount of variance is not consistent, or at least with our limited testing we can not identify a pattern or formula.  What we can identify is that a technique consisting of tensioning 2 -3 main strings before alternating sides creates a level of variance that can be measured with a Stringmeter, but does not register on an ERT.

Of course this raises some key questions for stringers.  Can players perceive this variance or is it insignificant if the overall stringbed stiffness is consistent?  What causes this variance?

Our response to the later, is that this variance could very likely be caused by frame flex.  In spite of secure 6 point mounting systems of today’s advanced machines, the racquet will experience some degree of flex while being strung in any machine (with the possible exception of True Tension machines).  We hypothesize that the uneven tensioning creates a flex situation that leads to results with undesired variances.

At this point in time we are unclear as to how or if this variance can alter the play of the racquet.  What we have been able to do is to identify it as an area that needs additional study.  We will need to call on the industry physicists, engineers and the USRSA to explore this further and determine if it is a factor that is or is not important for generating a stringbed that produces ultimate playability.

Until more information is generated, our customers can be assured that all racquets strung by us will be done focusing on the most consistent outcome, even if it extends the time to complete the stringjob by a few minutes.

Stringway Cross Stringing Tool – Some Thoughts and Questions

We have been experimenting with this new and clever tool from Stringway for the past several weeks.  The basic purpose of the tool is to assist with installing the cross strings.

The tool comes in two sizes, one designed for dense patterned stringbeds and the other for open stringbeds.  The build quality of the tools is high quality and properly used they should last a very long time.

Here’s how this tool works.  Once mains are installed the tool is affixed to the stringbed.  The lever is tightened and alternate strings are raised, much like the weaving looms of days gone by.  The cross string is then threaded through a channel on the tool.  Once threaded, it is pulled through (100% friction free) and the tool is released. The top tool housing is shifted and the lever is tightened again.  This time the alternate strings are raised and you are ready to continue the process.  Once you get the hang of it, it is pretty easy to use.

In our opinion there are advantages, disadvantages and questions that still need to be answered. Let’s begin with the advantages.

We love using this tool to save wear and tear on our fingers.  It is especially useful when you have a textured poly-based main with any type of poly-based cross string.  We also project a swift and fast proliferation in the new twisted poly-based strings.  (It’ll hit full force next year.) With the coil memory and friction in pulling crosses, the twist strings can prove to be unpleasant to work with.  Using this tool makes the installation of these strings easier on the fingers, which is most appreciated if you are doing a number of these racquets.  The same principle applies to installing the dreaded Gamma Ruff, the stuff is not nearly as dreadful using this tool.

Another advantage can be found when stringing natural gut.  Having no friction when pulling crosses reduces the unraveling of the natural gut and makes for a fairly pleasant experience.

There are, however, some disadvantages.  The tool adds quite a bit of time to the stringing process for those who are experienced and fast.  Constantly moving it, readjusting it and properly setting it is clunky and difficult to streamline.

We also do not like the fact that it can not be used for the final crosses (sometimes the last 2 – 4 depending on racquet head size and shape).  These are where it would be most useful, but it is too large to get into the smaller area of the head.

The tools fit better and thus work easier on some racquets than others.  We understand it is difficult to engineer to fit all racquets perfectly, a feat that would likely require several different sized tools.  As a tool designed to fit a large percentage of sticks, the two available are acceptable, if you can accept that there are a small percentage of frames where it will not work.

Marking the string.  In some cases the process of pushing the mains downward can cause some marks (not really notches, but more like indentions) to occur.  This is most likely to happen toward the end of the stringjob or when the tool is placed close to previous cross string.

CONSISTENCY!!!  This is our biggest concern at this point.  When using this tool our stringbed stiffness readings are generally 2 – 4  DT points lower than when we string without the use of the tool.  This was a bit surprising to us as we surmised the use of the tool would create a stiffer stringbed.

Questions.  We are still learning how to best and most consistently use this tool.  Here are some of the questions we believe still need to be addressed.

What is the optimal way for the unit to be set when tension is applied to the cross string?  Optimal in terms of speed and consistency.

How much stringbed stiffness is lost when using the tool?  Seems to depend on string type.

What is the best way to compensate for this loss?  Should tension be adjusted upward to compensate or is the tool essentially stretching the strings and thus making the initial stringbed stiffness lower, but also reducing tension loss?

Twist strings installed with the tool vs without look different in the stringbed.  Without tool the twist is more pronounced and visible, while with the tool it is not as tightly wound.  Will this impact performance?  If so, to what degree?

What playability impact, if any,  will user experience because the mains are being stretched by the tool and the crosses are not being stretched?

Overall, we believe the tool is most beneficial for helping to prevent finger soreness associated with the installation of textured poly-based string products.  However, our greatest concern is consistency.  We need to develop a greater level of understanding on how the use of the tool may be impacting the performance of the stringjob.  We are looking forward to meeting and discussing these issues with the Stringway representatives at the upcoming Grand Slam Stringers Symposium in October.  In the meantime if you have any thoughts or questions, post them in the comments section below this blog entry and we will try to respond or get responses for you at the symposium.

Buy It and Try It!™

We would not have trademarked the name or created a fun logo if this new offer was not something special for our customers.

Over the course of the past several months we have been introducing several exciting new string offerings.  We have also had a significant increase in the number of private, club and school coaches contacting us with an interest in trying our string products.  We have found the conversion rate of those trying our products and then deciding to carry them for team or personal use to be incredibly high.  (Stratospheric, Baybee!) Because the MSV and WeissCANNON products are so universally appealing we want to make them easy and convenient for our customers to get first-hand experiences.  Thus, our “Buy It and Try It!”TM  program was born.

We have created a “Buy It and Try It!”TM web page where you can order a limited number of the strings we import and distribute from Germany at reasonable prices for the purpose of playtesting and comparing.  We are able to offer samples of our MSV and WeissCANNON string sets at 50% off the retail pricing, in essence splitting the costs with you.  Because we often field phone calls with customers curious about how they compare to other string offerings we carry, we are also offering these at a discounted one-time only sample price for our customers to playtest and compare.  Ultimately we are confident you will find our offerings SUPERIOR to all other poly-based string offerings.  We also have a growing catalog of high quality synthetics for you to test,  including some of the top performing multis on the market.

While we enjoy speaking with our customers and sharing our experience and observations of our string products, we must keep in mind that the context in which strings are used often determine the end-user experience.  We are very well versed in how our strings have performed in our playtests and for our local customers and we are also able to discuss most competing products from direct experiences as well.  Still, the context in which you choose to use the strings may be different than our experiences.  Because of this we are often asked to speculate when engaging customers in personal conversations.  Rather than speculate, we believe our new “Buy It and Try It!”TM program will allow customers to purchase our strings at amazing prices for the purpose of personal playtests.

We do have to place some limits on the program.  Each customer is allowed to make a ONE TIME purchase through this program and can purchase up to 4 different sets of strings in order to compare string types and/or gauges.  If you feel you have a special circumstance where more than 4 sets are needed, please contact us via email and we will see what we can do to assist with your request.

We are excited to bring this new and innovative program to you and hope you will take advantage of it!

Gauges – Our guide (The REAL Story)

There is much confusion about the gauges of tennis strings as well as current conventions. This blog entry seeks to clarify the standards used at Guts and Glory Tennis while providing a general overview of current status.

First off, the gauge of a tennis string refers to the diameter or thickness of the string. There are two main methods that tennis string thickness is communicated in the USA. The first is by a whole number. In tennis terms, the lower the number the thicker the gauge. The most commonly used gauges are 15, 16, 17 and 18 with 15 being the thickest and 18 being the thinnest. Because we Americas like to make things complicated and convoluted, we have added the letter “L” beside many of the gauges. Of course the “L” stands for “Light.” In our world a 15L is thinner or “lighter” than a 15 gauge, but not quite as thin as a 16. Likewise a 16L is thinner than a 16 but not quite as thin as a 17 and so forth.

The second method is what I will describe as “European” primarily because it makes use of the metric system…a system of measurements that has terrorized some Americans from childhood. Using this convention string gauges are given exact measurements using a unit called millimeters, (mm). While I find this method preferable, I do understand and appreciate that non-string geeks unfamiliar with the metric units may become even more confused by these measurements than the whole 15, 15L, 16…thing. Afterall, most Americans have an inkling of what 1/16th of an inch is, but what the heck is 1.23mm?

Many years ago when tennis was a prominent part of the Sports Supershow in the USA, representatives from professional tennis associations such as the USRSA and major manufacturers would gather to share knowledge and resources. In one of the meetings an agenda item existed that seemed to make a lot of sense. It was proposed that a standard be established to make sure all strings labeled a certain gauge would fall within a parameter of millimeters. In other words all 16ga strings fall in the range of say 1.28mm – 1.33mm. Seems to make perfect sense, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately some of the manufacturers would not agree on the parameters. (The big “G” among others, I am told.) At the time they were producing strings that did not fall into the proposed categories where they wanted them to fall. It was believed that the gauge standardization had the potential to harm sales and thus the concept was harshly rebuked. Manufacturers essentially decided to stick with their non-uniform naming conventions even if it was not consistent within their own product lines. Absolute zaniness if you ask us. The lack of ability to come to consensus has created a great deal of confusion when it comes to the average tennis player being able to understand the difference between gauges.

Today it is not uncommon to find strings with just a gauge indicated on the packaging. It may say 17ga, but what does that really mean? Because there is no universally agreed upon standard, it means the manufacturer wants to label it a 17ga. It usually falls into a broad range of diameters that can vary widely. While one company may call a 1.18mm string 18 ga, another may call it 17L while a third may even call it 17. It’s like the wild, wild west..lawless and chaotic.

The USRSA has attempted to publish a broad standard, but in reality it is not universally accepted and does little to reign in the lawlessness. (See chart at bottom of page.) The range is simply too broad with overlapping measurements to reflect the current desires of the manufacturers to whom many believe the USRSA caters. In reality it is time for it to be tightened up. It is too loosey-goosey and has no real meaning. Thus we propose a convention that we believe reflects the interests of the TENNIS PLAYER, not the manufacturer who is afraid of having a number associated with the real diameter of the string. Below is our totally awesome gauge naming convention. We hope you use it and enjoy. We believe it should become the standard. No messy overlap here. Just hardcore, label it as it is stuff that is not driven by the special/selfish interests of the major string manufacturers.

The Official Guts and Glory Tennis String Gauge Guide!

1.34mm – 1.40mm – 15L
1.33mm – 1.29mm – 16
1.28mm – 1.26mm – 16L
1.25mm – 1.23mm- 17
1.22mm – 1.19mm – 17L
1.18mm – 1.13mm – 18
1.12mm – 1.08mm – 18L
1.07mm -1.02mm – 19

Note: For those not into “L’s” a 16ga is 1.26mm – 1.33mm, a 17ga is 1.19mm – 1.25mm and an 18ga is 1.08mm – 1.18mm.

USRSA DEFINITIONS (We believe these are simply too broad with too much overlap and need to be refined and brought up to date. There should not be overlap.)

U.S.		Diameter
15		1.41-1.49 mm
15L		1.33-1.41 mm
16		1.26-1.34 mm
16L		1.22-1.30 mm
17		1.16-1.24 mm
18		1.06-1.16 mm

Reducing and Eliminating Tennis String Movement

Broccoli. A newlywed’s cooking. The swine flu. Serena after a loss. A root canal. Potholes. Jelena on a bad hair day. String movement. The Jimmy Fallon Show.

What do each of the above have in common? They are all things that many of us dislike and strive to avoid. While each of us can manage the above annoyances with varying degrees of success, the second to last requires us to work with our stringer. In some instances we need to be prepared to partake in a big slice of “reality pie.”

String movement is the most interesting phenomena that the world of stringing presents. What is described by some as completely unacceptable and excessive, is barely noticeable to others. In most cases it is a matter of personal perception. While the movement may seem minimal to me, it may be driving a customer stark raving mad. It can lead to an on-court distraction which can cause them to lose concentration, points and possibly the match. Worse yet, readjusting the strings can completely ruin perfectly good manicures, eeeghads!!!

So, what can be done? We offer the following options.

1. Learn to straighten strings between points and use the time to focus on game plan. Did you ever watch Maria Sharapova? She is forever adjusting her strings. It is a routine and a routine that serves her well.

2. Ask your stringer to make a tension differential of 4 – 5 pounds between the mains and the crosses. Tighter cross strings tend to reduce string movement. Let’s say you string at 58 pounds. Next time try stringing your mains at 56 and the crosses and 60 and see if this reduces movement for you. For some it may be the answer, while others will still wail…”my strings are moving!”

3. Change string type. In general synthetic gut string users tend to experience more string movement than natural gut and poly-based string users. Some strings begin moving more as tension is lost, thus an attempt to find a synthetic gut that holds tension well may help. Another cause is coating. Some strings use a final coating (like pearlized and titanium) that tend to be more prone to movement. Perhaps your stringer can help you find a synthetic with a coating that does not move as much. Unfortunately the reality is with most synthetics you are going to experience some movement regardless. The question is how much can you tolerate without being driven to the point of distraction?

If the answer to the above question is “none” then you need to consider one of the following. Prince has designed a string called Recoil. It is a premium priced string because it features a special coating that allows the strings to return to alignment after they are struck. The disadvantage is that it offers inconsistent durability levels.  For flat hitters the durability generally exceeds expectations, but those who hit with a lot of power and spin may find the durability less than satisfying.  Retailing at approx. $25.00 – $28.00 per set, (not counting installation), it is an expensive solution. The other solution is moving to a poly-based string offering. While we offer a fine selection of technologically advanced poly-based strings, you must always keep in mind these strings are stiff. They are extremely durable and much less expensive than Recoil but must be replaced frequently. Unfortunately they do not always play nicely with today’s ultra light frames, (leading to arm pain), but in the correct context and possibly paired with a hybrid string, may be the answer you are seeking.

4. Get a new racquet. In many instances string movement is a product of a player using an open string pattern while hitting with moderate to significant spin. Many racquets have 16 mains (the strings that run up and down) while some have 14. These racquets are much more likely to have string movement perceived as intolerable than a racquet with a denser string pattern, 18 mains. If you have not played with a racquet with 18 mains, we suggest giving one a demo. Not only will string movement be greatly reduced or eliminated, but you may find yourself experiencing more control that you ever realized playing with a racquet that only has 16 mains.

Is it possible to eliminate all string movement? Technically, not really, but the extent to which it is noticed can be managed using some of the strategies mentioned above. We invite local players to give us a call as we offer professional stringing services with insight, understanding and a level of professionalism that is not easily found. Guts and Glory Tennis will work with you to solve your unique stringing needs and find a setup that compliments your game. If you are outside of our area, we hope you will use some of the information presented here and let us know how it works for you. Thanks for visiting our blog!

String Stiffness and Tension Loss

In what could very well become our most blasphemous and controversial blog entry to date, we finally respond in a public way to one of the most common questions we receive. “Why doesn’t the USRSA include the MSV and WeissCANNON strings in their annual String Selector Map?” The short and direct response is because we do not believe the data is representative of actual string performance and we choose not to provide samples for testing. Let’s use the remainder of this entry to explain our position.

First of all, we believe the USRSA does a commendable job in offering data, resources and information for all levels of stringers. We are a proud member of this organization and regularly use the tools and information provided because it adds value to our services. At the same time we do not agree with everything the USRSA does. There are three areas where we have significant differences of opinion. The first lies in the certification process used for Certified Stringers (CS) and Master Racquet Technicians (MRT’s). The second is the process used for collecting and measuring data for the String Selector Map. The third is the annual string survey. We will set aside the first and third issues for another day and focus on issue #2 in this blog entry.

The process the USRSA uses to collect the data involves testing a single swatch of string, less than 1′ in length. This single strand is tensioned and then allowed to sit for 200 seconds. (That is approximately 3.5 minutes), It is then impacted 5 times with a test hammer to approximate the impact of a 120mph serve. Deflection is measured to determine the stiffness of the string. Tension loss is measured using a process that in not clear to us, but it is clear that the string is not likely tensioned for 5 minutes before the measurement is taken.

While the data these tests produces is indeed interesting, we do not believe it clearly represents the performance of the string in the context of a full stringbed. In fact, there are many examples where the data indicates strings are stiffer or softer than they actually perform. For example, it would be difficult to find any player who will tell you that Prince Synthetic Gut plays stiffer than Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex, yet this is precisely what the test data published by the USRSA indicates. (There are numerous examples such as this.) In terms of tension loss, the data collected from a full stringbed over a 24 hour or longer period (such as those measurements used in the blind string tests) is clearly more representative of how the string actually performs in a real-world context as opposed to how a 1′ piece of string performs in a laboratory setting.

Again, we believe the lab data is interesting, but NOT truly representative of how strings actually perform in the context of a full stringbed. The trouble is many dualistic thinkers view, digest and take this data to heart. They believe that because a perceived authority, the USRSA, has published this data it must be 100% accurate. The CONTEXT of data is not understood or considered. The results are perceived as ABSOLUTE even when the lab data may not truly reflect how the string will perform in actual playing situations.

Rather than have players draw inaccurate perceptions based on data that may or may not reflect actual performance, we prefer to encourage players to playtest the strings for themselves so they can take their own measurements and draw their own conclusions about stiffness and tension loss. We playtest each of the strings we carry. We measure their tension maintenance. We try to make this information readily available to our customers. We make every effort to objectively provide comparisons to other strings when approached by our customers. We do not believe that accurate conclusions about how a string will perform can be drawn by solely using the USRSA lab data, yet this is precisely what too many do. The number of inquiries we get that say “X string has a stiffness of 202 in the USRSA data, what is the stiffness of Y string?” is staggering. When probing those who submit such inquiries we learn they are trying to draw hard and fast conclusions about strings using this data. We do not believe this is an effective or accurate use of the USRSA data.

The bottom line is we strongly believe many strings will perform differently in the context of a full stringbed than they will as a single tensioned strand in a laboratory setting. Because of this belief, we choose not to include the strings we represent in the current testing. If the USRSA changes their methods and uses a process by which a full stringbed becomes the baseline for testing, we will be happy to consider having the strings we represent included.

So there you have it. Please feel free to comment. I’ll start by adding a closing comment to myself…

John, you have just blown to bits any chance, however small it may have been, of being named as a USRSA retailer or stringer of the year, WTG goofy!

Seriously???

Earlier this year we posted a blog entry suggesting that our method for stringing the Prince “port style” racquets was a superior approach to that used by most stringers. (Click Here for Blog Entry) Above you will find an image of a racquet that came into our shop yesterday. The customer had it strung elsewhere and claimed “it didn’t feel right.” Uhh, no wonder. The stringing of this racquet goes well beyond that of routine negligence. In fact, I would have to label it as the Granddaddy of incompetence.

For those not familiar with this racquet. You will note from the image above that the stringer of this racquet inserted the piece that Prince intends to be the bridge support randomly into the throat. In this position it serves no purpose other than to possibly add some dampening properties. Speaking of dampeners, the DAMPENER, has been inserted into the bridge to presumably hold the strings. Brilliant! What in God’s green Earth was this stringer thinking? How could this well known area tennis specialty chain have allowed this racquet to go out like this??? It truly boggles the mind.

In this case, the racquet was strung by a local tennis shop. Not a high school kid in the basement, not an exercise facility, not a big-box retailer, but rather a TENNIS specialty shop that is part of a small chain of shops. The type of place that attempts to attract customers with their superior knowledge of tennis. A place where customers supposedly pay a little more for experienced service. Seriously?

Anyway, we invite those local customers using the Prince port-style racquets to use our stringing service where you will get the most consistent, accurate and professional string job possible. For those reading the blog who are not local, we suggest you carefully research and locate a professional stringer who is intimately familiar with the Prince port-style racquets to string your stick. To those associated with the tennis shop that performed this service, thank you for helping our business continue to grow and thrive.

UPDATE: Earlier today a blog reader sent us an email and requested an image be posted of the racquet as it “should appear.” After restringing we took a quick shot and included it below. It is perfectly strung with WeissCANNON Explosiv! and our new customer is going to LOVE IT!!!

Who’s Stringing Your Prince “Port-Style” Racquet?

Prince tennis has long been an innovator in racquet design. Tennis players throughout the world have flocked to the new design that Prince refers to as O Ports and Speed Ports. What most tennis players do not know is that ALL of the new Prince “port” frames that have ports located on the 3 and 9 o’clock side of the frame present special stringing challenges. If not properly addressed, these challenges can lead to an inconsistent stringbed which negatively impacts overall on-court performance.

When investing in a Prince Port-Style racquet you are paying for innovative engineering to enhance overall performance, but if the racquet is not properly strung the full performance potential may never be realized. Who’s stringing your racquet? Do they know how to optimize the process so that the stringbed will be consistent and you will get the optimal performance? We do!

While the engineers of the Prince racquets are to be commended for thinking way outside of the box, the design does present stringing challenges that I suspect only a small percentage of stringers are addressing in a manner to allow the frame to provide the user with premium performance.

The first and greatest of these challenges involves the side ports. Because the ports are open, with no grommet system to secure the string in place against the frame, the top portion of the cross strings pull at a very awkward angle when tensioning. The severity of the angle varies according to location of string and size of port. This angle must be eliminated to produce a consistent string job.

Prince has attempted to address this issue by providing a special stringing tool which is an adequate alternative, but not as effective as the method we use. Prince also recommends that stringers use a turntable break to hold the racquet in place or that the stringer use brute force to keep the string in proper position while tensioning. Some reputable stringers use the later suggestion and actually refer to it as the “Hip Method.” ALL of these suggestions/ solutions lead to inconsistencies and in some instances can actually cause damage to the stringing machine or possibly the frame itself. With all due respect to my colleagues, “The Hip Method” is not a proper or consistent solution.

At Guts and Glory Tennis we were the first to share reports with fellow stringers (and Prince itself for that matter!) of a solution we found to these issues. By using a stringing technique known as 50/50 we effectively negate all of the negative issues that surround the above mentioned methods of getting the crosses installed. Our method results in the most consistent stringbed possible and allows our customers to experience optimal performance from their racquets.

We caution those not using our services that it is IMPORTANT to make sure your stringer is well versed in the 50/50 method if they are using it. This method involves starting the cross strings in the center of the frame and the starting process is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. If not properly started, the center cross strings will be installed several pounds lower that the rest of the strings and the overall result of this in terms of on-court performance is as bad or even potentially worse than the inconsistencies the ports can produce.

The second issue we have observed is that the Prince engineers have not designed string channels in the top of the frame that are deep enough to provide adequate protection to the strings. When stringing with a two-piece method, (which 50/50 is), this issue is magnified. (We have not yet seen the new EXO3 frames and hope this issue is now addressed). We have developed a stringing process whereby we have reduced the length of string in these channels to help provide extra protection until Prince sees fit to properly address this issue. (For those with Speedport racquets, look at 10 and 11 o’clock and you will see raised ridges on the headguard. This represents Prince’s very WEAK attempt to address this issue!)

The final issue we will address is the bottom ports on some of the Speedport racquets. The bottom port presents the most severe angle of all. This is one where we have not identified any better solution than the one that Prince offers. However, we do make sure to use the “loop over” method which Prince suggests and have found this yields much better and more consistent results than can be achieved without using it.

So, if you are using one of these newer, high-tech Prince racquets, you will obviously want to get the most out of it. In order to achieve this goal the racquet must be strung to optimize performance. I am suggesting in this blog that it is probable your stringer is either not aware or not addressing some of these issues and the result is an inconsistent stringbed and inconsistent results with each new stringing.

To get the best possible stringing job for your Prince Port-Style racquet we suggest using our services or find a professional stringer who is well versed in the issues. Local customers can simply give us a call 404-246-1062 to make use of our convenient racquet pick-up and delivery service. For those at a distance, we offer a mail order stringing service. Details can be found at our web site, under our Racquet Stringing From Afar section.

Bottom Line: We understand the challenges these frames present and are eager to show you that our methods to address these challenges result in the best-playing, most consistent stringbed for your Prince port-style racquet.

What Tension??? Grumble…grumble…grumble…

Normally mild-mannered and benevolent, even the most patient of us have our pressure points. While I truly enjoy helping customers via our blog, message boards, direct email communication and telephone calls, there is one question that makes me grumpy. One question that is difficult to wrestle with. In short, it’s a bear of a question because it is infinitely more complicated to answer than one might expect. The question that is the bane of my internet existence…”What tension should I use?”

AAARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While it is clearly a legitimate question that many tennis players should ask, it is not one that I am always in the best position to answer. Simply there are too many variables to consider. What type of tension have you used in the past? What string type was this tension used? What racquet? What worked or could be improved based on this setup? The list goes on and on and on…

While I am in a position to advise and work with local stringing customers, I am not always able to be as precise with others. Simply put, many of the answers are instinctual based on what I have observed and what I know about the player. While I tend to know my local stringing customers, I do not have the same knowledge/experience on which to draw when trying to advise those who fire random emails at me with this question.

String choice and tension is intensely personal and what works for Player A, may not be as effective for Player B. Finding the ideal string and tension is a process. One that requires some experimentation and PATIENCE! Please remember that the same string strung at differing tensions can produce wildly different results. To dismiss the playability or lack thereof that a string displays without altering tensions is not truly giving it a fair chance.

That said, here is a process and some general advice to assist with identifying optimal tension.

1. When switching string brands/gauges/types, it is BEST to keep tension the same as where you have been playing. In other words, do not alter too many variables at a time. This way you can compare the setups on a more level playing field. IF YOUR QUESTION IS ABOUT TENSION FOR A NEW STRING, THE RECOMMENDATION IS KEEP IT THE SAME AS YOUR CURRENT TENSION.

2. Once you hit with the string take notes, either mental or written. Note how the string PERFORMS AND FEELS the first time out as well as subsequent sessions. Based on this information, you may find a need to add or reduce tension.

3. Adjust tension appropriately. ie If string is too stiff or not powerful enough, try lowering tension. If too springy or soft add some tension. The amount of tension added or dropped will vary according to the desired change. In general we are probably talking in the range of 3 – 7 pounds for most recreational and league players. Higher level players will have lower tolerance levels.

So, please take this as general advice. While I would love to be able to provide you with an exact tension for your new string, I simply can not do it with accuracy. You must understand it is process and my best advice is to start where you are currently stringing. Are there exceptions to this advice? Of course, but in general this is the best advice that can be given in terms of a starting point.

The Quintessential Guide to Copoly Tennis Strings

This is the first part of a series of blog entries designed to share thoughts about the new equipment paradigm that is radically shaping the tennis landscape. There are many myths that need to be addressed and we will attempt to provide a through overview and address many issues, myths and questions concerning these strings.

Chapter 1: Copoly Strings: The New Tennis Equipment Frontier

Fasten your seatbelts tennis fans! Our beloved sport is in the midst of a significant paradigm shift. In the late 1970’s Howard Head’s oversize racquet, (The Prince Classic), revolutionized racquet design and set in motion a paradigm shift away from wooden, standard-sized head racquets. Along the way there were many detractors and those that scoffed at the notion of such a radical equipment change. However, racquet companies did not shy away from the change. Engineers from all racquet companies began designing mid, midplus and oversize frames. The resulting technology took these frames to dizzying new performance heights. Today standard-sized heads are a thing of yesteryear. Thirty years after the introduction of the Prince Oversize Classic, the racquet landscape has changed dramatically. The high-tech frame technology has been embraced by recreational and professional players alike. The reason is simple, easy to understand, and can be summarized in 2 words: “Superior Performance.”

Likewise, near the turn of the century we began to see innovations in string design and composition. Polyester strings had been around for many years. They never gained popularity because the performance characteristics were quite frankly god-awful. They were stiff and lost their playing properties rapidly. A company called Luxilon was among the first to begin revising the performance characteristics of polyester strings with powerful chemical and element additives. As a result of this extreme makeover, “copoly strings” were introduced to the world of tennis.

The additives provided the Luxilon strings, specifically Big Banger ALU, with better feel than traditional polyesters while simultaneously offering improved performance characteristics. The string was amply named. It was originally intended for heavy hitters (aka “big bangers”) because it allowed players to take massive swings and generate tons of power while offering phenomenal levels of control.

As racquet technology increased the inherent power of a frame, all players, professionals included, searched for ways to tame the power. The answer for many, (before copolymers), was to string these new wondersticks at high tensions to gain control. However, when Luxilon introduced new copoly strings, a handful of professionals discovered the string provided plenty of control for the powerful frames.

Copoly strings are a lower powered string that serves as a near perfect compliment to the newer high-powered frames. Professionals found they could generate a nearly insane amount of topspin that allowed for control, precision and angles that heretofore had not been available. The new copoly strings and the new frames were meant for one another as if they were soul-mates!

Credit goes to the dirt-ballers for introducing these strings to the ranks of the professionals. Clay court specialists are the ones who introduced the “Extreme Makeover Polys,” known as copolys, to the professional tour. The best claycourter of the day, Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten, was the first top 10 rated in the Luxilon stable of professionals to use and endorse the string.

Soon many of the top-tier players were experimenting with Guga’s copoly strings and discovering an entirely new level of control and performance. It really wasn’t until Andre Agassi began using and endorsing Luxilon strings that they were even on the radar screens of many recreational players in the USA. Today the top echelon of players, Federer, Nadal, Roddick etcetera all use copoly or copoly hybrids to produce some of the highest quality tennis the world has ever seen. As a result more recreational players, wanting to emulate their favorite professionals, are requesting Luxilon strings for their racquets.

But should league and recreational players be using these strings? What are the pros and the cons? Are any strings as good as Luxilon ALU? Is Luxilon ALU as good for league players as professionals? All of these questions and more will be addressed in “CHAPTER 2: Contextual Thinking: Copolymer, thy name is Luxilon…or is it?” Be watching this blog for further updates!

Copoly Hybrids – How to Choose a Cross String

Each week we receive questions from customers seeking advice about hybrid string setups, specifically with poly-based strings. This post seeks to provide a general guide to those who are considering a poly-based hybrid.

Generally the first decision to make is whether to use the poly-based strings as the main or the cross. The answer to this will depend on what the player is seeking to accomplish. If s/he is seeking greater durability, in most cases the mains will be the poly-based string with a synthetic gut cross string. (This can vary according to hitting style, but the majority of players we serve break the mains before the crosses.) If the player is seeking to add additional control to an existing synthetic gut or natural gut setup, then the poly-based string is sometimes used as a cross string.

Many who approach us already know where they want to use the poly-based string. The more important question to them, is what to use as a complimentary string? One advantage of using a hybrid over a full poly based string setup is a softer partner in the stringbed can result in greater comfort. Because the goal is often adding increased comfort, the thought is to use an ultra-comfortable multifilament string. The question is which one is most durable?

We believe the concept of using a multifilament string in hybrid with a poly-based string is flawed thinking. There are two primary reasons behind this belief.

1. Multifilament strings do not hold up well at all in a hybrid with a poly-based string. Either as a main or a cross, the poly-based string, being infinitely stiffer, will act like a saw, cutting through the multifilament in a relatively short period of time.

2. The playing characteristics of the poly-based string will dominate the stringbed. The poly-based strings possess very distinct playing properties and while they can be softened with a synthetic stringbed partner, they will still dominate the stringbed.

Because the poly-based string is dominant, we believe it is extremely difficult for even advanced recreational and league players to be able to distinguish a difference between a hybrid consisting of a soft solid core synthetic gut or a multifilament string. (NOTE: We do believe a hybrid does offer a more comfortable and different playing stringbed than a full poly-based setup.)

Since a stringbed consisting of a soft solid core synthetic gut and poly-based string will play nearly identical to a hybrid of a multifilament and poly-based, we believe the soft solid core synthetic is definitely the way to go. There are two key advantages:

A. The softer synthetic gut string will last longer.
B. The softer synthetic gut will cost less!

We are currently playtesting a variety of hybrid setups and will post results when there is enough data to be of interest. In the interim we will list some of the soft solid core synthetics that we recommend.

Klip Scorcher
Klip Kicker
Forten Sweet Synthetic Gut
Signum Pro Ultra Power SF
Yonex Tournament 80 Spin
Signum Pro Topspin SF
WeissCANNON SuperCable

Guts and Glory Tennis offers our customers another advantage. Our stringing professionals play and understand string products and how they relate with one another in different frames. We are uniquely positioned to make recommendations related to equipment (string choice) that others frankly can not match. Take advantage of our experience and realize that if we make a recommendation that you do not enjoy, we will replace it for you at no additional charge. Satisfaction is always guaranteed.

Fresh Strings = Superior Play

This past weekend was the semi-finals of the MxD playoffs for our local ALTA tennis league. I have a large number of customers who play for two local neighborhood teams that squared off this past Saturday. For grins and giggles I attended and made a curious observation.

Let me begin by stating it was fun to be among so many customers. The tennis was competitive and fun to watch. My proudest moments were when the line 3’s and 4’s took to the courts and all 8 racquets in play were strung by Guts and Glory Tennis!

Here’s the interesting observation. A number of players from each team had their racquets restrung before the match. What I found was that in every case, the player holding the most freshly strung racquet, (who did not have a partner fighting the flu), ended up winning his or her match. The conclusion, Watson, is elementary. “Freshly strung racquets are winning racquets.” The moral of the story is before your next must-win match, it may pay to have your racquet freshly restrung with the professionals at Guts and Glory Tennis.

Congratulations Morningview on your thrilling semifinal victory.  Good luck in the City Finals!

FREE Racquet Stringing!

For a limited time Guts and Glory Tennis is offering FREE racquet stringing for our local customers. (Yes, restrictions apply…please read on.)

You might be saying, “Geez, that does not seem like a very sound business plan.” You’d be incorrect. There is a method behind this madness.

As an industry leader in identifying and introducing new string products to the USA, we are constantly receiving and assessing new string products. We need to identify additional playtesters to assist us in weeding out the superior from the average. Toward this end we are willing to provide free string and stringing in exchange for your thoughts and feedback on the test string.

We are seeking experienced players of all levels. We prefer to have playtesters test strings for us in their area of expertise. In other words, if you play with solid core synthetic gut strings, we want you to playtest new solid core synthetic gut offerings. If you play with copolymer hybrids, we want you to playtest new copolymer hybrids. You get the picture.

Those strings receiving high marks will then be playtested by others and eventually our in-house staff. We will then decide whether the string possesses the necessary qualities for us to offer it to our local and national customers. We are very finicky and only offer strings that meet our high performance standards of excellence.

So, if you are seeking some free strings expertly installed and are open to new experiences why not give playtesting a try? We obviously can not guarantee the quality of test strings, but they will be installed by our most experienced technician. Some will be surprisingly good and others may just suck for air. We simply won’t know until they are tested.

If interested, please contact us. Obviously this is a limited offer. We can only select a few playtesters to participate with us. We do not offer pick-up and drop-off service for playtesters. You will need to get your racquet to us and pick it up from us. We also can not guarantee 24 hour service as our paying customers will receive first priority. However, if you have worked with us in the past, you will know that we will probably turn them around in 24 hours or faster, even though it can not be guaranteed. We can guarantee to turn it around faster than any of the Big Boxes.

ImPORTant Prince Stringing Info.

Prince O Port and Speedport Stringing

Stringing the new Prince O ports and Speedports has created a variety of headaches and challenges for many home based stringers. It is especially difficult to string these without the use of machine that has a locking turntable.

When stringing the crosses, a 50/50 method is an alternative that makes these challenges a little easier. So next time you are stringing one of these grommetless frames, try the 50/50 method and let us know what you think.