Guts and Glory Tennis is pleased to announce a NEW blog site which is now live.  The new site features added functionality that includes a discussion forum.  Because it is now hosted on our servers there will no longer be generic advertisements to muddle the posts.

Please bookmark the new site.  http://www.gutsandglorytennis.com/blog

This site will remain for a while longer before we close it down.  Most all of the content has been transferred the new site.

One area that did not transfer was the email subscription.  We do apologize for the inconvenience.  We know many of you opted to have the blog entries sent directly to your email.

Currently we do NOT have a subscription setup for the new site.  We are hoping to add one and we hope when we do that you will continue to subscribe to our posts.

In the interim we hope you will make the new blog and discussion forum a frequent stop on your weekly internet travels!

http://www.gutsandglorytennis.com/blog

Our goal with the new blog is to up the ante.  We will transfer over most of the existing articles, but the host site and direct URLs for these will change.  The current blog will be shut down in due time and all traffic will be directed to the new blog site.

Our new blog will be called GGT Extra!.   We think the new layout is vibrant and exciting.  Our desire is for it to be easy to use and navigate.  Based on traffic, we have chosen to highlight many of our most popular topics by giving direct links to them in menu bars.  We have also provided many methods for readers to find recent and archived postings. (Afterall, no one really wants to forget the classic Brooklyn Decker guest editorial from August 2009, do they?)

While the glitzy changes will professionalize the site and dazzle some readers, it is not the most exciting new feature.  For us, there is a HUGE addition.  We have created and added a discussion board to the site.  The board is unique in design with an emphasis on providing a public forum for discussions on stringing and strings for all levels of stringers.  It is unlike any current message board in terms of how it is structured.  However, in order to be successful it will require the participation of our readers.  It is our hope that you will like it, use it and enjoy it.  We hope you will participate and make it a frequent stop on your daily internet travels.  It open for all to read and posting requires a wordpress login and password.

The “go live” date is not currently set in stone, but it looks like the week of August 7th would be a safe bet.

Thanks for your support of the current blog and we hope you will enjoy GGT Extra!

While we have some significant changes in the works in regard to new products we plan to introduce to our internet customers, this particular change will influence the way we interact with our local customers.

At some point in August, Guts and Glory Tennis will move operations to downtown Suwanee.  Situated just across from Town Center Park and in front of the Suwanee Library at 333 Main Street, this convenient location should allow us more flexibility in interacting with our customers.  While our offices will still be set up to process internet orders, this location will allow us to open a showroom area where many of our online products can be viewed in person.  Local customers will have the option of picking up their online orders at our new location.  Also we will open a workshop where local customers can bring their racquets for precision stringing that we refer to as “racquet vitalization.”

We believe it is not only desirable, but VITAL,  for the core equipment (racquet frame and strings) to compliment and enhance the on-court experience for players of all levels. What we strive to accomplish is to work with you to find the ideal set-up to allow you to raise your game on the court.  We are interested in vitalizing your equipment to give you an exhilarating end result.  With our unique selection of state-of-the-art strings, our knowledge of blending strings (called hybridding), as well as our JET stringing process, precision stringing machines and racquet diagnostic equipment, we are prepared to offer customers a stringing experience so unique and totally different that it demands to stand out.   This is why we refer to what we do as “racquet vitalization.”  We don’t just string racquets, we vitalize them with a focus on end results.

Because we have gone and made ourselves all “brick and mortar-y” we will no longer be providing pickup and drop off service.  However, our central location, in the heart of our service area should make us very convenient for our customers.  We plan to have hours where we are open early each morning (approx. 7:00 – 7:30) to make dropping off a racquet on the way to work convenient.  We will also try to have some late hours on Thursdays and Fridays which tend to be heavy stringing days in our area.  Our hours will vary from week to week so they will be posted at the Shoppe and online via our facebook page.  We will NOT be a traditional retail facility.  We do not carry traditional products such as clothes and shoes.  We specialize in tennis gift products and tennis strings.  That’s who we are.  That’s what we do.  We hope our customers will think of us as an online business with the convenience of a local showroom and the best darn stringing services on the planet.  Put all of this together and we are referring to our physical location as the Guts and Glory Tennis Shoppe.

We are excited about this change and look forward to having our local customers visit us in our new location in the very near future.  Oh yah, did we mention that we intend to have homemade cookies and treats to share with our customers from time to time?  (Could we possibly get any more Mom and Pop-ish???)

We hope to see you soon at 333 Main Street, Suite 500.

One of the few criticisms of this impressive machine is that the tool storage was limited.  Yesterday, as a complete surprise, a package from Wilson arrived.  In it was a nice note explaining that they have created two new tool trays to provide ample storage space.  The first tool tray is easily installed on the underside of the existing tool tray.  All it takes is an allen wrench and two screws that Wilson also sent.  We immediately installed ours, (see image to left) and we placed our beloved Stringway flying clamps in there to show the spaciousness of this tray.  We were initially concerned that it may need a lip for when the machine tilts foward, but so far there is no issue with tools slipping out.

The second tray clips into the existing cell phone holder on the side of the Baiardo.  No tools needed for installation.  It is divided into three sections (see image to left) which have enough depth to easily store awls, cutters and even grommet grinders.

We want to acknowledge Wilson and the excellent customer service for sending these extra trays to Baiardo owners at no cost.  It was a pleasant surprise.  The trays are made solidly and are extremely functional.  Kudos to WILSON Tennis!!!!  (Thanks Ryan and Ron!)

While we are on the topic of the Baiardo, I wanted to point out another feature this machine offers that is useful to us when stringing poly-based strings.  At the base of the tension pulling mechanism Wilson has installed a bristle-filled slot to prevent assorted stringing shrapnel from gunking up the puller.  In an earlier post when we talked about methods to install poly-based strings, we mentioned that the strings could benefit from being pulled at the slowest speed (30%) and waiting approx. 10 seconds before clamping off.  If you watch the bristles after the machine tells you it has reached full tension with a beep, you can see how the string continues to elongate by the movement of the bristles.  It is a cool visual aid that allows you to easily see the slow elongation and know when it has reached a point where it is ready to clamp off.

In a previous entry on this topic we referred to the mess that is the top of this racquet.  With grommet insets barely deep enough to protect the strings, it creates some issues.  These issues are amplified when the racquets are strung using a two-piece method which happens to be the only way to install a hybrid.

Due to the design of the port-style frames, stringers have virtually no options but to tie off where indicated.  The trouble is when tying off the mains, the cross strings are then forced into slots/positions and crossovers that are not desirable.  In short it can get very messy.  Prince engineers have installed string guides that really only amplify the problem with crossovers and strings not being able to be manipulated where needed.

In our shop we have a fairly simple solution that we use in order to keep the top clean and professional.  It is probable that many of our blog readers already follow this process, but for those who might be frustrated by these blasted frames, here’s a look at our solution.

After you pull tension on the outer mains, go ahead and clamp them off, but DO NOT tie off at this point.  Instead take your cross string and insert it in the space for the top cross and weave it through.  We advise to install it from the opposite side as where it is going to tie-off.  This will give you less to pull through. Go ahead and insert the end into the grommet where you will eventually tie off.  Give yourself plenty in order to tie a starting knot.  (Note, this will most likely be in the same grommet where the last main is still clamped off.  Makes it kind of busy in there, but all is fine…I promise!)

Now go ahead and take the opposite end of the cross string and weave it through, leaving a loop large enough to pull tension on the first cross. No other action is needed with this string at this point.  It is just going to wait for a few minutes for you to get back to it.

Now go back to the mains which remain clamped, but are untied.  With all strings in the channel you can now see how they are going to lineup when tensioned.  If any adjustments need to be made to avoid crossovers or to keep things running in alignment, go ahead and maneuver the main.  Since no tension is yet applied manipulating the strings should be relatively easy.  Once everything is aligned properly, go ahead and tie off your main string.

Next repeat the process on the opposite side.  Align the strings.  Once aligned, tie off the main.

Now it is time to pay attention to your cross string.  Go ahead and tie a starting knot.  Next take the loop you left and pull tension on the first main.  Clamp off and you are ready to continue with your crosses.

Those that have read our previous entry will immediately note we have abandoned the 50/50 method.  While the 50/50 method is clearly acceptable, we prefer this method because it is much easier to manage the flow of strings in the top trenches.

In order to be comfortable with this method, we string these racquets on our Baiardo that has a killer braking system.  More importantly we follow a tip we read in a fairly recent RSI issue where it was suggested to mount the port-style racquets as low on the machine as possible.  (This means adjusting the machine to hold it as far down by the handle as can be managed).  By mounting using this method, there are only 2 or 3 crosses that fight trying to pull the string to the top of the port when tensioning.

So there you have it.  Give it a try.  The results look very nice and avoid many of the issues these frames create.  That said, if tomorrow all port-style frames in the universe were to miraculously disappear, we would not miss them.

As many of our blog followers realize we have been undergoing a period of discovery as we question everything we know/believe about strings and stringing.  Much of our thinking has been influenced by the work of French-based tennis stringer and string designer John Elliot.  The art of creating full-poly hybrids that offer terrific playability is no exception as John was creating hybrids back when no one ever heard of them back in the early 1980′s.

One of the new concepts introduced to us was the blending of full poly-based strings.  While many stringers and players have experienced hybrids consisting of poly-based strings with natural gut or synthetic gut, we suspect the number who have created full hybrids of poly-based strings is much more limited.  We’re going to keep this blog entry focused on the basics as blending differently profiled poly-based strings adds an element of complexity that go beyond the scope of today’s entry.

Today’s basic message is that blending poly-based strings of different gauges will produce a stringbed with a consistency and feel that is best described as “balanced.”  The performance may surprise even the most skeptical of testers. Here’s how it works.

The player will select poly-based strings of two differing gauges with one being thicker than the other.  The thicker string will be used as the main, while the thinner string will be used as the cross string.  Both are best installed at the same tension (optimally in the mid 30′s to upper 40′s) using the method described in our March 17, 2011 blog entry.

Why in the world would poly-based strings of differing gauges create any different effect than a full poly-based setup of strings of the same gauge?  We are glad you asked!  If you use a Stringmeter to measure your mains and your crosses you will no doubt realize that the cross strings end up being installed at approximately 20% – 30% lower than the mains.  This is largely due to the effect of friction.  Do not be alarmed, this is nothing new and has been the reality since the advent of tennis stringing.

The hybrid of thicker poly-based mains and thinner poly-based crosses is an ideal marriage.  The thinner strings, when tensioned, create a crisper sensation than their thicker counterparts.  This serves to balance/compliment the 20% – 30% difference in tension between the mains and crosses quite nicely.  On top of that the thinner strings typically bring a little more life to the party, giving the stringbed a bit more liveliness while tweaking the responsiveness and feel just enough for the hitting sensation to be heightened.

We have found that our stable of poly-based strings performs remarkably well when blending two differing gauges.  The MSV Focus Hex, which continues to be our best-selling product, is an excellent example.  We have found that our local customers who have been using the MSV strings have really enjoyed the hybrid of different gauges as we introduced it to them.  Not only does it create a desirable feel, but the blending of colors with these strings has also been a popular bi-product.

Perhaps the most interesting results we have had have been with the new and extremely popular Black5Edge from WeissCANNON.  When using this as a main string we have blended it with the new WC Mosquito Bite to a chorus of hallelujah’s.  Seems like the gauge differential of 1.24mm to 1.16mm combined with the makeup of these string resonates strongly with those who have tested it.

Yes, co-mingling brands works as well as we have observed the formula of thicker poly-based mains with thinner poly-based crosses working with a variety of setups with mains from one brand of string and crosses from another.  It also creates very interesting effects when you start introducing differently shaped profiles into the mix.

For those considering experimenting with your own version of a full poly-based hybrid we invite you to do so and share your findings with us.  We have found success with 16 ga mains and 17 ga crosses on racquets with open patterns and larger head sizes.  For mid sized racquets as well as racquets with denser patterns, a blend of 17ga mains with 18ga crosses works nicely.  Also note that for those who are digging ultra-thin setups that the MSV Hex offers a gauge of 1.10mm that is especially interesting in full poly-based hybrids.

And for those who can’t get enough of full poly-based hybrid action there is a new line of premium strings designed by John Elliot that will be launched later this summer.  One of the unique features of these strings will be the blending of full poly offerings of differing profiles for some incredibly interesting and remarkably playable setups.  We plan to create future blog entries to introduce these string offerings as well as to go more in-depth on the blending of differently profiled poly-based strings.

Stay tuned!

(Please click You Tube link below to activate Superman theme song.  It serves as the appropriate background music to enrich your reading pleasure for the rest of this blog entry.)

Enter “The String Thing”– your complete antidote/antibody/cure for DSS – - Discombobulated String Syndrome.

Elegantly simple, yet profoundly effective, The String Thing, whisks discombobulated strings back into proper playing position faster than a Mark Philippousis serve.  The virtually indestructible device easily fits into your tennis bag and with just a couple of swift strokes up and down the stringbed, your strings magically respond and align themselves into perfectly precise position…ready to spring back into action and help vanquish your foes without fear of misalignment causing an inaccurate shot.

The String Thing comes in two varieties, one for racquets with open patterns (16 main strings running vertically) and those with closed patterns (18 main strings running vertically).  It is inexpensive, easy to use and is guaranteed to save wear and tear on your finger tips, (simultaneously preserving manicures), while completely eradicating Discombobulated String Syndrome from your tennis life.

“The String Thing” is not a toy.  It is a serious device for serious players who understand the importance of keeping strings properly aligned for maximum performance.  The rumors of it making a “bitchin’ backscratcher” off the court, may contain some elements of truth, but it is designed for much more serious and practical matters…The total obliteration of Discombobulated String Syndrome from our planet.

As a professional stringer, I find The String Thing to be completely indispensable; a vital tool of the trade.  I also firmly believe that if string movement makes you nuts on the court, this tool will bring serenity and sanity to you.  Simply put, it works.  Every tennis player should have at least one String Thing at his or her disposal whenever they step onto a tennis court.  They are made in the USA and available from the Guts and Glory online store.  We hope you will get one for yourself as well as a few to give to your tennis playing friends and family.  It is pure Kryptonite to DSS!   (Not to mention one bitchin’ backscratcher.)

One key element to keep in mind is that there is going to be an adjustment period for those using this method.  Keeping a positive and open mind is absolutely essential.  It is also vital for you to give change a chance.  Unfortunately this sometimes takes more time than our “instant gratification” society prefers.

Remember, the racquet is going to feel different.  The sensations will be new and some adjustments may have to be made.  Going from co-polys at high tensions to low tensions offers significant differences and it is not reasonable to assume that within 10 minutes you are going to adjust perfectly.  We have known players who adjust in as little as 10 minutes, but for some (usually older, more established players) the adjustment can take several hitting sessions.  The sensations are remarkably different. Specifically the level of comfort, ease of power, access to spin on command and controlled depth of shot.

Many players who have been playing with polys at high tensions are routinely hitting the ball so that it clears the net at astonishing heights.  It is not uncommon to see baseline rallies clearing the net by 6 -10 feet  with heavy spin in order to drop it in and keep it deep.  The energy this type of tennis demands over the course of a match is quite high.

Stringing full polys at lower tensions allows the player to hit the ball so that it clears the net lower.  The depth is maintained, but the effect of the shot is amplified.  It gets to the opponent much quicker, reducing his/her reaction time. It also takes less energy to achieve more effective shots – - another huge advantage.

When playing full polys at low tensions your chief objective in hitting groundstrokes is focusing on the height at which the ball clears the net.  If you are clearing the net at a height of no more than 2′ – 3′ you are exactly where you want to be.  This is the ideal clearance height and is really where the vast majority of your attention needs to be placed when adjusting to full polys at low tensions.

We have gone so far as to create a training aid to use with locals.  It is constructed of two pieces of 1/2″ PVC pipe, red yarn and velcro straps.  Each PVC pipe is 6′ 6″ so that is rises 3′ over the net.  The top 3′ of each piece have been painted red.  The velcro straps are used to lash the pipes to the net posts.  The red yarn is then used to connect the two posts creating a “RED ZONE” in which players are instructed to hit.  We have found that players will report clearing the net at no more than 3′, but once the training aid is implemented some are amazed to see that they are actually clearing the net at 1′ – 3′ over the aid.

Once players begin to get the feel of keeping the ball in the red zone, they immediately begin to experience the true benefits of low tension co-polys.  Many begin hitting worry free because with co-polys at low tensions they can swing freely and be confident that their shots are going to land in the court.

The next issue becomes fine tuning.  Players need to pay attention to where the shots are landing when the ball is clearing the net in the red zone.  (Again, no more than 2′ – 3′ in height).  If the ball is not realizing the desired depth we suggest using the following formula to adjust the tension.  To increase ball length reduce 2 pounds of tension for every yard (3 feet) of added length.  If shots are too long, the reverse formula should be applied; increase tension 2 pounds for every yard you want to bring the shot in.  These are guidelines that tend to be remarkably accurate in adjusting the tension to achieve desired ball length.

Some additional thoughts…

1.  We noted one player who had difficulty with WeissCANNON TurboTwist at lower tensions.  While we have not playtested this string at lower tensions, we do think it important to note that due to the elasticity/construction of that unique string, it is suggested by the manufacturer that it be strung at tensions comparable to synthetic guts.  We are not yet sure of how it performs at low tensions.  We’ve heard from one person and would be anxious to hear from others as well.  Bottom line is the stringing method is effective for the vast majority of copolys, but not all.

2. The stringing method we described in the earlier post is a cliff notes version of a more complicated method.  Even so, that version will take some practice in order to get it to nailed down and consistent.  Using it will definitely create better playing stringbeds with significantly increased stability, however, the polys can still lose playing properties so length of shot will have to be monitored as tension maintenance fades. As the stringer becomes more proficient with the method/practice, the performance for the player will extend.

3.  Please continue to check back with our blog.  We expect to have a major announcement about the launch of a new string brand very soon.  This brand will hold properties exceptionally well and is SPECIFICALLY designed to be strung/played and used at low tensions.  It is an amazing product and dealers will have the opportunity to be trained and certified in the intricacies of the optimal stringing method.

In short, as players who use them know, WeissCANNON strings are high quality offerings.  The founder of the company, Siegfried Weiss, has been involved in the tennis business for more than 45 years and holds an engineering degree in fibers technology.  The WeissCANNON string offerings which were introduced as a brand in 2006 are constructed/manufactured to his specifications.  They are tested and refined before being introduced to the marketplace under the WeissCANNON brand.  They are authentic WeissCANNON products.  Simply put, WeissCANNON strings are WeissCANNON strings.  No other strings are the same although given the reputation for quality it is easy to understand why lesser brands would want to claim to be of similar or equal quality.  If you truly believe that you can get the same string under a different brand name at a lower cost, we suggest you get it and try it for yourself.  We are confident after your affair with the lesser brand and the inevitable disappointment you will be back.

In message board jibber-jabber there are some anonymous sources who claim to have inside intimate knowledge about the origin of all strings.  While it is true that many string brands are produced in the same factories, it would not necessarily be accurate to claim that because they appear to have similarities that they are the same.  It is something akin to someone claiming that McDonalds Hamburgers are the same quality as you can get at Fuddruckers, only much cheaper.  Well, guess what?  They indeed are both hamburgers but they are definitely not same.

A better analogy might be cars. Chevy Camaros, for instance, are produced on the same assembly line.  The standard coupe comes equipped with a 3.6 liter, V6 engine, 18″ wheels and a standard sound system.  The SS version comes equipped with a 6.2 liter V8 engine, 20″ wheels and a Boston Acoustic Sound System.  Both cars are produced in the same factory.  They have some of the exact same components and they even look very much alike.  Yet, when it comes to performance and the pleasure you are going to get as a driver, they are very different.

Just because someone believes that “string x” comes from the same factory as “string y” it is quite a leap to claim they are the same.  Perhaps they are indeed rolled on the same reel…but what does that really suggest?  The Camaro Coupe and the Camaro SS both have the same body, yet they drive with distinct differences. The performance level is not the same and for that matter neither is the cost.

We just want our customers to be wary of the claims that they have seen on message boards.  Behind the scenes, the tennis string business is extremely competitive and cut-throat.  There are some bad eggs out there.  There is one brand in Europe that is notorious for aggressive guerrilla marketing and other non-flattering business practices. While we can not substantiate the validity of the complaints about this brand, we are aware they exist.  Could the speculation about lesser brands being equal to or the same as WeissCANNON be another product of these guerrilla marketing efforts?  Perhaps.  We don’t really want to go that far, but we would suggest it is a possibility.

The take home message from us is that WeissCANNON strings are WeissCANNON strings and are not another brand.  Period.  End of story.

If you believe you can get the same product under a different name at a lower price, by all means go for it.  Afterall, many people are very happy with the driving performance of the coupe.  They enjoy having a vehicle that resembles the SS and do not really care that the performance is not at the same level.  Others, who demand superior performance, are simply not content without the top of the line equipment and features.  You have to decide for yourself which camp you are in.  Can you do with accepatable performance or are you seeking the best of the best?

The content of this blog entry is the copyrighted property of Guts and Glory Tennis LLC.  It may not be copied or reproduced without our express written permission.  We invite those with comments to comment via our blog.