Do Power Pads help reduce breaks?

W

Wikky

Rookie
I've been stringing for a player on the ferris team for the past 4 months. He's a big hitter a before a month ago has been has always broken the mains in the center of the racquet in a Black Magic / Babolat Nvy hybrid in a Yonex RDIS. However over the past 3 weeks he's been playing some big servers and frequently has been framing a lot of returns, breaking the mains on the top of the frame in the same place almost everytime.

I've carefully looked at the grommets and can see no damage or sharp edges that would cause these breaks. I wanted to know if using power pads could help reduce these breaks without changing the way the frame plays to much? Any other suggestions besides tubing would be great (Already tried it broke where the tube was).
 
esgee48

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
You can try it, but I wouldn't hold out much hope. Shanks near the frame put so much extra stress on the string that they 'just plain old break.' I see that you already tried tubing and that tubes did not help either.

Have you considered using a different poly or a thicker gauge of BM?
 
W

Wikky

Rookie
Unfortunately he's already using 16 and this is the only string the team carries besides NVY. Obviously the player is perfectly fine with breaking them since he is happy with the string's performance and when there is an endless supply of string to go through from the coach.

However in my case I prefer to actually watch the matches rather than string a new racquet every set. He only carries 3 racquets and with the set up he is using could easily break all of them in a 3 set match.
 
B

Buddy

New User
where can you typically by tubing for grommet replacements? and what size is best?
sorry a little off topic.
 
Last edited:
W

Wikky

Rookie
No problem, There's two gauges of tubing i know of that we have at my club but i'm not sure of their exact measurements. The larger gauge is used for tieoff holes while the smaller gauge is used for regular grommets. As for where to buy it I know its on TW for cheap, like 3-4 bucks. You might be able to find it at a hardware store but i'm not sure what it would be used for.
 
S

Steve Huff

G.O.A.T.
If he's breaking them in the center of the racket, power pads aren't going to decrease that. Actually, probably nothing will except a different string, maybe string savers (probably not in this case), or lower tension.
 
mad dog1

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
stringing the top 2 or 3 crosses +4#s higher will provide a bit more protection against shearing.
 
W

Wikky

Rookie
fortun8son said:
No doubt!
Hey, it's a mental game. He can lure the guy into overconfidence and get him on second serve when he starts to fault. He's not winning those points anyway.:twisted:
Click to expand...

I suppose... Guess I should start looking for cheap durable poly, God knows where to start for that search :?
 
brownbearfalling

brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
It does sound like there is not much you can do about the string breakage except switching strings or racquets.

But:
You might consider re-evaluating your stringing technique and stringing equipment. Not to say that it is your fault or you have poor technique but it might be a probable cause. Over tightening clamps can cause damage to the strings, resulting in premature breakage. Some grippers of machines damage strings. Kinks in strings while measuring out strings is sometimes hard to avoid.
 
fortun8son

fortun8son

Hall of Fame
Many polys (and natgut) are susceptable to shearing.
Take a shot at fullbed Red Alert. Synguts are more resistant to this stress.
 
zapvor

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
Wikky said:
Unfortunately he's already using 16 and this is the only string the team carries besides NVY. Obviously the player is perfectly fine with breaking them since he is happy with the string's performance and when there is an endless supply of string to go through from the coach.

However in my case I prefer to actually watch the matches rather than string a new racquet every set. He only carries 3 racquets and with the set up he is using could easily break all of them in a 3 set match.
Click to expand...

this is a perfect example where a player needs 5-6 rackets in his bag
 
W

Wikky

Rookie
zapvor said:
this is a perfect example where a player needs 5-6 rackets in his bag
Click to expand...

He had 4 but lost his grip on one when serving, to lazy to replace his O/G. I'd take my machine or technique into account but have not had any problems with other players i string for.

I appreciate all the advice and am looking into purchasing a more durable poly for the team to play with that has a similar price point. Dunlop explosive is looking tempting but is definitely not as soft as the black magic.
 
zapvor

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
!!!!!! i hate people who dont change their overgrip.....this especially for a good caliber player....

so you string for the team?
 
W

Wikky

Rookie
Yeah I created a program for PTM students to string for the team for credit hours for our ongoing internship. Hopefully getting my MRT at the end of the month! kinda nervous about the written portion though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Power pads and tubing for grommet-less POG
Replies
17
Views
868
Irvin
Irvin
SPMoney
Disintegrated grommets, old racquet, now what?
Replies
34
Views
4K
Ultra 2
U
mikeler
Thoughts on reducing shear breaks at the top of the frame?
Replies
43
Views
5K
mikeler
mikeler
G
What are these small pads between the string and frame at throat?
Replies
1
Views
219
Soundbyte
S
Pete.Sampras.
Crosses that reduce power...
Replies
5
Views
501
Bud
Bud
Top