Old frame/string life

[rafazx10]

Could an old frame decrease string life?

I know it sounds dumb, but could a frame that has being used and abuse for lets say 6 years, loose some of its flexibility (from flexing so many times) and in its turn decrease string life?

[Bowtiesarecool]

If it's a modern, quality stick, no. If it's some cheap $35 racquet, I'd be surprised if it didn't break in a month so, probably.

[rafazx10]

It would be a ncode six one (or a few of them)

I am just wondering.... a couple of them are developing stress fractures inside the throat, not sure if it is just the paint or the actual frame underneath it.

[bugeyed]

Originally Posted by rafazx10

Could an old frame decrease string life?

I know it sounds dumb, but could a frame that has being used and abuse for lets say 6 years, loose some of its flexibility (from flexing so many times) and in its turn decrease string life?

If anything it would be more flexible. That would not affect string life. Check the grommets. Look for string touching the frame or string being exposed above the frame around the top.

Cheers,
kev

[rafazx10]

Usually materials become more brittle as you work them, not more flexible.
Must be something else though, its not breaking close to the grommet.

But thanks for the help.

[bugeyed]

Originally Posted by rafazx10

Usually materials become more brittle as you work them, not more flexible.
Must be something else though, its not breaking close to the grommet.

But thanks for the help.

I believe that with tennis racquets you gradually break the graphite/fiberglas fibers as it flexes repeatedly. The tiny fibers are what contribute to the stiffness. The epoxy matrix may break down too, not sure. If the string didn't break at the frame, it is from something else. Sometimes the ball can pick up debris & nick the string. A nick can be all that's needed to cause a break.

Cheers,
kev