Today’s blog topic comes from a frequently asked question received via email and telephone from our customers.  We are often asked about prestretching poly-based strings.  While there are varying opinions on the topic, our position is resoundingly firm.  “Poly-based strings should NOT be prestretched.”

Because poly-based strings offer excellent durability from friction wear, the perception is that they are a macho product.

Impervious to beatings…
Strong like a bull…
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound…
(You get the picture)

In reality, poly-based strings are more delicate and fragile than most strngers and players realize.  They need to be handled very carefully during the installation process…Especially many of today’s new poly-based strings that include chemicals and additives designed to make them softer. Poly-based strings should be treated as carefully, or moreso, than natural gut during the stringing process.  Failure to treat them properly can result in premature breakage and cause the string not to perform  to its potential.

For poly-based strings elasticity, (the ability to stretch out and return to original form), is supremely important.  Stringing at too high of a tension sucks much of the elasticity out of poly-based strings and prestretching has the same effect.

Proponents argue that tension loss can be reduced by prestretching.  They argue that the 13% – 20% initial tension loss can be reduced/better managed with a prestretch.  This may be true.  However, there is a HUGE FALSE ASSUMPTION lingering around the stringing universe that loss of tension = loss of playability.  In some cases, this can be true, but in most cases it is not.  I believe the perceived relationship between loss of tension and loss of playability is overblown and misunderstood.  In fact, Cross and Lindsey in The Physics and Technology of Tennis found that strings maintained their energy, resiliency and elascity even after experiencing tension loss.  “We found that the energy loss was not zero, but close enough to zero to make no significant difference in the calculations.” (Chapter 30)

Tension loss can easily be measured with many of today’s tools.  It is perceived to be evil.  While there is no denying that it is a factor that can alter playability of a racquet, we would argue in the world of poly-based strings that tension loss is not as critical of a factor as loss of elasticity.  It is the ELASTICITY of poly-based strings that allow them to offer the desired performance.  PRESTRETCHING can damage/reduce this elasticity which is the main reason we do not advocate prestretching poly-based strings.

As our blog readers know, we could ramble onward ad nauseum.  Our goal was to keep this entry short while providing some context/support for our response.

“No, poly-based strings should not be prestretched.”

Please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments in the designated section below.

Last week the tennis world was dealt an unexpected surprise as Andre Agassi’s publisher released a disturbing preview of Agassi’s autobiography.  It seems that one of the world’s most beloved players was a frequent user of crystal methamphetamine in the late 1990’s.

Our crack research staff has uncovered a source who claims to have met a person who is the cousin of a friend of a pizza delivery guy who has read an early draft of the autobiography.  This source reports to the mighty RACQUETY-YAK blog team that the usage of illegal drugs and subsequent weave of lies is just the tip of the iceberg.

If our source is accurate, on November 9th, when the autobiography “Open” goes on sale, we may learn more shocking revelations that promise to keep an army of ATP tour PR professionals busy for weeks.  In a rare move, the code of silence is broken and dirt is dished on many of Agassi’s contemporaries.   We have an exclusive preview of these revelations for our blog readers.

- In Chapter 3 we learn  Jim Courier was a poker buddy of Bruno Rebeu (Famous French Tennis Umpire).  Jim and Bruno regularly yukked it up at private monthly poker parties.  Bruno would introduce a disguised Courier to participants as “Harvey…Carrot top’s older brother.”

- In Chapter 5 it is unveiled that  Pat Cash  smuggled Cuban cigars to many major tournament executives in exchange for favorable draws, start times and court assignments.  He also enjoyed playing tennis in the buff.

- Chapter 7 supposedly reveals that  Stefan Edberg tortured kittens.  Who’d have thought?

- In Chapter 8 we learn Boris Becker listened to Shania Twain songs repeatedly on his walkman to mentally prepare for matches.

- Chapter 10 details  Michael Chang as a reputed ladies man.

- The 11th Chapter features claims that James Scott Connors secretly enjoyed bubble baths and pedicures the evening before big matches.

- Chapter 12 gives the lurid details of Ivan Lendl’s private hell.    He was stalked and referred to as “Man Candy” by supermodels Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Cheryl Tiegs.  They pursued him relentlessly. (Apparently Chang wasn’t their type).

- Chapter 15 describes Gilbert as a hell of a coach in spite of his twisted hobbies.  We learn Gilbert was a serial peeper who documented his peeps on film.  Agassi describes Gilbert’s collection of images as quite “eclectic” but is most disturbed by his extensive collection of former Oakland Raider players and executives.

Assuming our source is correct, this autobiography is going to sizzle.  We can’t wait for November 9th and hope you enjoyed this exclusive preview of what may be coming.

With racquet manufacturers announcing new models for 2010, now could be the best time to score a terrific deal on a current model racquet.  Technology that just a few short months ago was being touted as the most advanced in the world is either currently on sale or will be soon.  If you are in the market for a new stick, this may be the ideal time to find yourself a steal of a deal!

Now is also the time if you have a current model racquet that you enjoy hitting with to purchase a backup or two.  Due to being discontinued, they will become very difficult to find in the near future so grab one or two and stick them in your closet until needed.  By doing this now you will get them for a good price and there is a good chance you will be able to locate them with your preferred grip size.

Also, now is the time to purchase replacement grommet sets for your current racquet.  Hold onto them, because they may soon too be discontinued.  If you intend to stay with your current racquet for a few more years, make preparations to do so now.

As always we strongly encourage you to purchase racquets with healthy racquet specifications. Unfortunately racquet manufacturers produce many models that are not arm-friendly and it is essential for your uniterrupted play and enjoyment that these be avoided.  As a service to our customers we are including the following information to aid you as you select a racquet that is arm-friendly.  Note, the following suggestions are based on our observations and experience.

Stiffness: An RDC flex rating in the mid 60’s or lower.  Try to avoid any flex rating above 68.  This is the only aspect of the frame that can not be modified. We believe lower is better.  60 and lower is our ideal range.

Weight: Racquets weighing in at 11 oz  or greater tend to be healthiest.  Try to avoid racquets falling in the sub 10 oz range.  Weight can be modified.

Balance: Racquets with a headlight balance are preferred.  Even balance is acceptable.  The racquet’s balance can be modified.

Length: 27″ – 27 1/4″ is ideal.  Longer can create issues.  Length can be modified.

Wondering if your frame is healthy?  Curious about the specs of a new frame you are considering purchasing?  Ask us in the comments section of this blog and we will attempt to respond with our perception of the racquet you are considering.

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.

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.

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…

September 28  is a milestone in the life of the new WeissCANNON TurboTwist.  Today marks the 4th month that this product has been available in the USA and we continue to have trouble keeping it in stock due to high customer demand.

For all the strings we have playtested and introduced through the years, none offers the unique playing characteristics of the TurboTwist.  It is truly exceptional, extraordinary and without any peer in the world of string products.  Our customers agree and refuse to stop raving about this fantastic product.

What makes it unique?  Well it is constructed out of a poly-based blend of elements and chemicals that are coaxially twisted.  It is heated, cooled, reheated through a complex and patented manufacturing process.  It uses a special blend of chemical additives unique to only WeissCANNON, meaning knock-offs will be hard pressed to ever replicate the performance.  And what a performance it is.    While it is not unusual to receive email messages from customers who have been delighted to discover some of the string products we offer, none has generated as much insanely positive feedback, as quickly as the TurboTwist.

So, we ask again in a rhetorical kind of way, what are the characteristics that make it so unique?  It is in the poly-based family, but it is a rebel.  The level of comfort, the power level and the feel will make the user swear s/he is hitting with a crisp synthetic.  In fact, because of the high level of elasticity, the manufacturer suggests stringing at the same tension as multis.  No need to drop tension like you do with firmer poly-based strings.  These strings, like natural gut, need a bit higher tension in order to tame the inherent power.

Even though the feedback you receive will make you think you are hitting with a synthetic, properly strung you are going to realize the control you get with a poly-based string.  It truly is remarkable.  The spin potential with this string, in a full stringbed setup, is as good or better than any.  You will be hard-pressed to find a more spin friendly setup.

As an added bonus, over the past 4 months we have found the longevity of the string, (the amount of time it holds playing properties), has exceeded reasonable expectations.  In fact we pulled out a racquet orginally strung with it in mid April (5 months ago) and won a league tennis match last week.  The racquet played great.  When we got back to the shop and measured the stringbed stiffness, we were shocked to see it was still locked in at a DT reading of 38.  A representive loss of 12 – 13% which has locked in after approx. 3 hours of play.  This string does experience an initial tension loss on par with most synthetics, but after the initial loss, it locks in and holds properties for a prolonged period of time. In terms of durability, it is poly-based string like performance all the way.

The TurboTwist is an entirely new breed of string animal.  It does not fit into the poly-based string kingdom, nor does it fit into the world of synthetics.  Rather it is a class of it’s own.  In a word, it is INIMITABLE.

A new gauge, 1.24mm will soon be available to compliment the current 1.18mm version.  If the characteristics of this string sound appealing to you, we encourage you to give it a playtest and experience the completely unique sensation for yourself.

First, let us clearly state that shoulder injuries and possible causes are outside of our area of expertise.  We have studied and possess a solid understanding of tennis elbow, but shoulder issues are a different animal.

With that duly noted, Maria Sharapova is currently attempting to comeback from serious shoulder surgery (rotator cuff).  We have read reports that only now, AFTER the surgery, the Sharapova camp is examining her equipment.  The results will not be surprising to those who read our blog entries and tweets.

A review of Maria’s racquet has found the the Prince O3 and Speedport frames Maria was using have some undesirable specifications from a health perspective.  As a result, it has been reported that Maria has switched from her previous racquet to a different Prince racquet.  The report indicates the weapon Sharapova now weilds is less stiff than her previous frame and is a standard 27″ in length.  It is reported her previous racquet was 27 1/2″ in length.

We have whined long and hard about the high stiffness ratings of the frames Prince has been producing.  From our perspective, the majority of Prince’s newer frames offer undesirable specs from an arm health perspective.  We believe a healthy frame has a flex rating in the mid 60’s or lower, is a standard length (27″), weighs approx. 11oz or greater, and offers a head light balance.  The flex rating is the only specification that can not be modified through customization and thus we believe is the first spec to consider when evaluating racquets.

Team Sharapova is wisely reportedly reviewing her string setup as well.  Previously Maria was using the Babolat Hurricane  as her main strings with a natural gut cross.  The Hurricane is a stiff and unforgiving poly-based string, similar in that respect to the Luxilon ALU.  Her stringer has moved her to Luxilon M2 mains with a natural gut cross.  While we applaud the effort to review the equipment and make this change, we would suggest going with the natural gut in the mains and a newer generation soft poly-based string in the crosses for added control.

It is impossible to know the exact cause of Maria’s injury, but we do know that stiff strings and a stiff frame such as she was using do transmit extra shock to the body.  Over time, it is the shock that causes the body to break down and promotes injuries.

Look at the photo above.  Even the professionals do not strike the ball squarely on each hit.  In the shot above, Maria is striking the ball in the upper 1/3 rd of the hitting area.  Any shot not centered is going to create extra shock.  It is only wise to examine your equipment, (frame and strings), to determine if it helps to absorb this shock or if it promotes the transfer of the shock to the body.

It is possible that the cumulative effect of shock contributed to or possibly caused Maria’s injury.  It is wise of her team to now examine her equipment and switch her to a frame and string set up that will help prevent excessive shock from reaching her body.

All recreational players should pay attention and take a cue from this.  It is best to do so as a preventative measure.  Do not be like Maria and make the change AFTER surgery.  Analyze your equipment and make sure it is arm friendly.  The friendliest strings are natural gut and premium multis. It is wise to do this evaulation prior to experiencing any arm pain.

Good luck and stay healthy!

Dear friends and customers,

Several years ago we set out to introduce the best playing string offerings for you at the best prices.  When we started importing and distributing MSV and WeissCANNON string products the US dollar was trading to the Euro at 1.15.  Today the dollar is trading at 1.50 which represents an increase of approximately 25%.

Thanks to the popularity of these string products, we have been able to continue selling without increasing prices.  What we were losing in margins we were making up for in volume.  However, as the dollar continues to weaken against the Euro we are being forced to make a decision we have been resisting for a number of years.  Increasing the price of our strings.

I am sure many stringers have taken note that strings across the board have experienced a price increase this past year.  We have stood firm, resisting an increase.  Unfortunately this is not a stance we can continue to hold.  A price increase is on the horizon.

Our prices will remain very competitive and the price to performance ratio will continue to lead the industry.  We will also continue monitoring the power of the US dollar and as soon as it rebounds we will be among the first in the industry to readjust our pricing DOWNWARD.

We are proud of the products we have brought to the USA and will continue to work hard to make them available to you at reasonable and affordable prices.  We do regret having to implement a price increase but want you to understand why it is occurring.  Should you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them in the comments section of this blog entry.

The 2009 US Open came to a close yesterday.  Arguably the most dramatic and unpredictable event in tournament history.  The feel good story of Kim Clijsters was nearly eclipsed by the stunning upset of Roger Federer by Juan Martin Del Potro.  We will fondly remember the run of the upstart American, Melanie Oudin as well as the shocking win of the US Mixed Doubles pairing of Carly Gullickson and Travis Parrott.

However, our crack research staff has uncovered several riveting stories that have gone unreported.  Today we plan to blow the lid off the top untold stories of the US Open.

#1 Juan Martin Del Potro powered by secret crush on Kim Clijsters.  After the stunning upset of the world’s number one, Juan Martin confessed that he drew extra focus and motivation by visualizing himself dancing with the woman’s champion at the US Open Champion’s Ball.  “I just kept thinking how fabulous it would be to perform the Argentine Tango with Kim.  That vision was the power behind my forehand today.” When told that the US Open does not have a Champion’s Ball like Wimbledon, Del Potro lost it.  He threatened to stuff a bleeping tennis ball down the bleeping throat of whoever canceled the ball.

#2  Dolce files for emancipation from Maria Sharapova.  According to his PR reps, he senses the decline of Maria’s career and has begun negotiating to join the Wozniacki team.

#3  Serena’s outburst was a carefully orchestrated PR move to help her gain easier access to talk shows for promoting her new book, “On the Line.”  Her PR firm, Uncouth-R-Us, was also busy this weekend with another high profile client, Kanye West.

#4  Melanie Oudin inks a huge endorsement deal with a Florida based web development company based on advise of her 16 year old boyfriend and business manager.  Neither of them realize until it is too late the name of the company that will appear on her shirt sleeves for the next 2 years is “Flash-in-the-Panhandle.”

#5  Project Runway mentor  Timothy Gunn rushed to Mount Sinai Medical Center with a sudden onset heart arrhythmia after seeing what Clijsters was wearing in the finals.

#6 Disheartened by state of American Men’s Tennis, tennis fan George Steinbrenner issues memo to USTA urging them to  loosen purse strings and acquire a star free-agent.

#7  ESPN used stimulous money to hire the bevy of sideline and studio reporters to cover the US Open.

#8  Novak Djokavic considers changing name to “Rudy Jeeter” so NY crowds will get behind him next year.

#9  In spite of Clijsters success, Justin Henin decides to stay retired after realizing a comeback would severely curtail her access to jelly donuts.

#10.  US Open officials openly wonder if the money they save by switching to Geico might be enough to build a roof to cover Ashe Stadium?