RPM Blast Problem

[BoomstickTPH]

Ive been recently playing with a Head Monster(MicroGel) with Rpm blast 16 gauge strings. Everytime its warm I get that pop with my strings and the power I need but, when its cold outside and I hit its very stiff feeling and doesn't feel very good when I hit. Is it just me or does my Strings have some sort of weather adjustment. Thanks

[Andyroo10567]

Manufacturers always insist that racquets be stored in a temperate climate, so you should heed their advice. Drastic changes in temperature can have an effect on strings and string tensions. Cold weather can make them harder and more brittle and hot weather can make them softer and more “stretchy.” To combat these effects, you should always keep your racquet(s) in a cover or, and this is more popular, inside of a padded racquet bag.

Thanks to the USTA website FAQ.

[scotus]

Originally Posted by BoomstickTPH

Ive been recently playing with a Head Monster(MicroGel) with Rpm blast 16 gauge strings. Everytime its warm I get that pop with my strings and the power I need but, when its cold outside and I hit its very stiff feeling and doesn't feel very good when I hit. Is it just me or does my Strings have some sort of weather adjustment. Thanks

For optimum play, tension needs to be adjusted according to temperature and pressure.

For example, I string my racquets at lower tensions in the winter and higher tensions in the summer.

[Radicalized]

BoomstickTPH:

"Hot" and "Cold" are relative terms. Generally, poly does change its characteristics like that in my experience. The temperature varies, but I will, for an example, say that to me, below 60, polys feel quite a bitter stiffer. At higher temps, the effect is less. You can compensate by modifying tension. This isn't always practical for the average user. Also, you could do a hybrid, or simply, keep a stick with a softer type of string. When I "attempt" to play in the dead of winter to just get outdoors (when possible), I switch to synthetic gut.

Also, some might tell you that RPM, and a thicker gauge at that, may not be your best choice if you have these concerns.

You should probably note your playing level and the tension at which the racquet is strung, along with the approximate temperatures to which you speak. Also, the length of time the string has been played and the like is a major factor, especially with a string that can drop tension quickly.

[TimothyO]

Originally Posted by BoomstickTPH

Ive been recently playing with a Head Monster(MicroGel) with Rpm blast 16 gauge strings. Everytime its warm I get that pop with my strings and the power I need but, when its cold outside and I hit its very stiff feeling and doesn't feel very good when I hit. Is it just me or does my Strings have some sort of weather adjustment. Thanks

At the height of summer in Atlanta (Hotlanta) I noticed how strings could change from stepping on to the court to a few minutes later. Going from our air conditioned house to the air conditioned car to the 100+ degree court the strings started out stiff and a little lifeless. After several minutes I could feel a huge change as they warmed (heated!) up.

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by BoomstickTPH

Ive been recently playing with a Head Monster(MicroGel) with Rpm blast 16 gauge strings. Everytime its warm I get that pop with my strings and the power I need but, when its cold outside and I hit its very stiff feeling and doesn't feel very good when I hit. Is it just me or does my Strings have some sort of weather adjustment. Thanks

yea it sucks. when it is cold, it is very stiff and when it is hot, it becomes real mushy and very difficult to control.

[BoomstickTPH]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll need to expand my racquet knowledge to get my best game play.

[schap02]

Also note RPM 16 is a stiff string anayways....I have some guys that hate having racquets at different tensions for the weather so they switched to a thinner gauge and they claim it plays more consistent. I havent tried so Im just passing off clients thoughts