4.0+ - How long do rackets last you?
- Thread starter md3113
- Start date
A good pro shop can replace individual grommets for you quite easily. You could also do it yourself if you have some calipers to get the right measurements and to order the fittex replacements with. TW sells them.
There are plenty of threads where Shroud discusses his stringing adventures. Kevlar at 86lbs. isn't really that much different than Kevlar at 60lbs. since the Kevlar doesn't stretch. There's probably not that many strings like Kevlar that you could get away with doing that high of a tension.
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Probably
. Fwiw most ATP pros arent hitting with 110" sticks and well they are pros...But yes my biggest challenge in tennis is absolutism. I either hit at 100% or bunt. Better to hit at 100% for me. I don't seem to understand 70%.
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Not all kevlar can go to 86. Ashaway for sure but Forten broke on me.
Prince Tournament Poly, 4g, big banger, mosquitobite, Max Power, Ashaway monofire are all polys that can be strung at 86 at least as crosses...
Currently I am stringing my Blade 99 Team at 86/66 kev/max power rough.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Probably
But yes my biggest challenge in tennis is absolutism. I either hit at 100% or bunt. Better to hit at 100% for me. I don't seem to understand 70%.
You'd get along great with my wife. "All or nothing girl" I call her.
Probably why we only see you ever play tennis in a full track suit. Your only other state of dress is naked.
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Be glad I am too old to think that this post is a video request....
It comes down to spin. If I slow down its less spin. If I speed up its more pace. Balls go out either way
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Your 100% is pretty normal for a rec player. Based on your NYTA video.
Most 3.5 people with your swing speed string at 50-52
Most 3.5 people with your swing speed string at 50-52
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
I have said that that particular vid is not by any stretch indicative. That racquet was super low powered to begin with and I changed from the normally polarized sticks to a depolarized one. Thats a major difference. The first time I used it was on that vid, and you can here NYTA at one point mention how the racquet was messing up the serve.
Anyhow how think about it. How much power do you think I am losing because I am stringing kevlar/ poly at 86/66? TONS. You string your racquet with kevlar/poly at 86/66 and let me know how little the ball comes off the racquet. So sure they have to use such low tension to get similar speed because they are 3.5s.
Here is a more indicative vid, The guy in white is a 4.5:
Some unedited match play. Guy serving went to nationals and got bumped to 4.5:
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
I'm only talking about your swing speed, not your rating
It is preposterous that you string your racket higher than ATP pros.
Your swing speed is very average like a basic 3.5 club player
Nothing even remotely close to warranting anything above 55.
ATP pros swing twice as hard as you, and they string at 55-57.
It is preposterous that you string your racket higher than ATP pros.
Your swing speed is very average like a basic 3.5 club player
Nothing even remotely close to warranting anything above 55.
ATP pros swing twice as hard as you, and they string at 55-57.
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Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
It wasnt clear the way you wrote it.
Remember that I am using much heavier sticks in those vids than pretty much every rec player. And how many ATP pros are using such heavy sticks? Add the swing speed with the high swing weight and there is more power than a much lighter racquets like rec players use. So the high tension is needed to dissipate the extra power...
But what do I know I just play with those racquets, and don't have the power like you do to look at a vid and tell people what tensions they warrant. Lmao.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
What weight is your racket, and what weight do ATP pros use?
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
In those vids it was around 422g.
Fed is at 366g:
https://www.hdtennis.com/grs/pro_racquet_specs/federer-pro-staff-rf97-autograph
Nadal at 332g:
https://www.hdtennis.com/grs/pro_racquet_specs/200703nadal_babolat
Though those are somewhat dated and IIRC Nadal added some weight. Doubt there are any atp pros these days over 380G. And probably very few rec players if any. Think only a couple posters here have hit over 380g. A couple have gone higher than I have and I got up to 16.25 oz.
What weight are you using where are your vids?
Fed is at 366g:
https://www.hdtennis.com/grs/pro_racquet_specs/federer-pro-staff-rf97-autograph
Nadal at 332g:
https://www.hdtennis.com/grs/pro_racquet_specs/200703nadal_babolat
Though those are somewhat dated and IIRC Nadal added some weight. Doubt there are any atp pros these days over 380G. And probably very few rec players if any. Think only a couple posters here have hit over 380g. A couple have gone higher than I have and I got up to 16.25 oz.
What weight are you using where are your vids?
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Why do you use such heavy rackets?
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Its a long story, but mostly because of my handle. My handle is huge and weighs about 40g. You can't just add 40g to the handle of a racquet and go play. So you need to add weight to the hoop of most sticks to adjust for the handle. I usually add 50-80g to most sticks and the market doesnt really make light racquets that aren't oversize. And I need stiff racquets. Very few sticks that are super light, 100" and ultra stiff. The ones that are stiff like the Profile are stock like 357g so they end up at 422g or so after I add the handle and tune it to swing right. Benefit though is that you can get the weight where you want it and make it super solid. Ground strokes are amazing. But the serve suffers and probably the return too.
Anyhow I have found a stick where I can get the feel I want and be a somewhat sane weight of 351g. Played my first set yesterday with it and am looking forward to the improved serve.
And for the handle it gives me the advantage of customizing the shape and because its so big there is not the need to squeeze tight, so elbow doesnt hurt. The squarish shape is also optimized for the 2 grips I use: SW and Conti. Also it keeps people from hitting with my racquets...
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
ITs a good point. My Profiles are probably 30 years old and I string the crap out of them and no issues..
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Why do you have a heady handle?
What is so different about your game that you need such an outlier configuration?
What is so different about your game that you need such an outlier configuration?
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Its not the weight so much as the size. The size adds weight. Its 5 1/2" and to get there I start with a 3/8th and wrap it with a shock shield replacement grip. Then I cut four 1/4" strips and put them down the even number bevels to make it more square. Then I wrap 2 over grips. Its squarish and fairly spongy when when done.
It just feels right. The shape is perfect for the the SW grip. What is different about my game is that I don't switch grips between FH and BH and can hit topspin from both wings with the SW grip. Also with such a large grip I NEVER EVER get blisters.
It simplifies things too in that I only really have 4 bevels to keep track of.
I had one case of TE that was bad and the handle is a reaction to that and well I liked it! And now I think its a big part of protecting the elbow from the other crazy stuff I do.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Do you have huge hands or something ?
Ok, I figured it was some kind of injury thing.
Heavy racket is good for TE?
The blister thing is probably a non-issue, if you're playing regularly.
I only got a blister after taking 5 months off.
Ok, I figured it was some kind of injury thing.
Heavy racket is good for TE?
The blister thing is probably a non-issue, if you're playing regularly.
I only got a blister after taking 5 months off.
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Yes. High swing weights help a ton to protect the arm, so does not squeezing tight on the handle.
Yes the non blisters are just some icing on the cake. Normal sized hands though the big handle is easier to hold for me than "normal" sized grips.
Anyhow here is a vid that shows the handle. Don't get so wrapped up in the content it was to explain things to another poster.
Hopefully the OPs racquets are lasting longer than this interrogation...
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
When did you get TE ?
When is the last time you played with a normal handle?
When is the last time you played with a normal handle?
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
About 5-6 years ago
In feb of 18 i hit with some demo prince stick. It was my buddies and he basically had it stock and it was light and noodly and strung loose. It was dreadful
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Add why he thinks he is doing a great string job@Shroud
Ask TTPS why he’s the only one who can’t figure out how to use a 6 point mount stringing machine.
Ask him why it took weeks to figure out how to properly tie a Parnell knot after watching instructional videos on YouTube.
Fwiw i had several posts about knots and how hard they were when i first started but TTPS is a league above me fo sho
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Yeah, but you didn’t insult people when they tried to help or tell them they were stupid because you didn’t understand their correct explanation.
RVAtennisaddict
Professional
I think that if you are playing with your old frames, it is hard to comment on how they compare to new versions of your old frames.
I.e. shoes that are broken in and feel very comfortable, when I switch to new ones (about 4 mos into play) are clearly not performing well. But I was "used" to the broken in shoes.
I believe the greatest strain on a frame is stringing (high tension across one point) and to be honest accidents during stringing. So the more you re-string, the sooner you need to replace to keep the frame fresh. On the other hand, playing with the frame that you are comfortable with and plays consistently for you, is probably fine. In addition the microfractures in the frame probably help soften it and protect your arm vs newer frames - until there is too much damage (I guess, more vibrations).
For me, frames seem to last about 2 to 3 years before obvious frame failure and need to replace (cracks in the throat or through grommets typically). I have typically played 3 frames at a time, but currently am just using 2.
I personally have found that playing with old dead poly is more of an issue than the frame, and typically restring every 10-15 hours of play based on how they feel (about every 2 weeks).
I.e. shoes that are broken in and feel very comfortable, when I switch to new ones (about 4 mos into play) are clearly not performing well. But I was "used" to the broken in shoes.
I believe the greatest strain on a frame is stringing (high tension across one point) and to be honest accidents during stringing. So the more you re-string, the sooner you need to replace to keep the frame fresh. On the other hand, playing with the frame that you are comfortable with and plays consistently for you, is probably fine. In addition the microfractures in the frame probably help soften it and protect your arm vs newer frames - until there is too much damage (I guess, more vibrations).
For me, frames seem to last about 2 to 3 years before obvious frame failure and need to replace (cracks in the throat or through grommets typically). I have typically played 3 frames at a time, but currently am just using 2.
I personally have found that playing with old dead poly is more of an issue than the frame, and typically restring every 10-15 hours of play based on how they feel (about every 2 weeks).
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
You don't think you're overreacting with the massive grip and added weight ?
I guess it makes sense that you're afraid of getting TE again.
How often where you hitting when you got TE ?
NastyWinners
Hall of Fame
Nice videos, when you get your body set on the FH you really crack it. Interesting racket set up but if it works for you then great! Glad to read you’ve beaten the tennis elbow issues.
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Fwiw the te was classic overuse. I took a week off, played 4 times in 5 days and did a week long spray painting project. I am guessing that there wouldnt have been any issues if i had t done the painting.
And you think i was 4 3/8 and suddenly went up to 5 1/2. But truth is i was at 4 5/8 iirc when i got the te.
Actually i am not afraid of Te. I will never get it from playing tennis. I radically changed my technique while changing gear and its not going to happen to me.
Takeaway is squeezing tight and hitting with low swing weight is a recipe for disaster. The handle helps a ton with not over squeezing
I could go back to a normal handle but see little advantage to that and many cons.
Weird but you dont seem like much of a conformist so why try to make me conform to some arbitrary standard.
Shroud
Talk Tennis Guru
Thanks man. You are right about getting setup. Shroud has footwork and prep issues for sure.
volleymaster2
New User
I played with a Taiwan PS85, switched to the Pro Staff Tour 90 which felt really similar. Got the 90s in early/mid 2000s and used them all the time for 10 years. Hit with them this year after years away from tennis and they don't feel the same at all. They have a flexy feel now. Also, bought a St Vincent model last year and hit loads with it for a year. Even that has become more flexible, only restrung it twice. Racquets definitely lose their stiffness, but as someone correctly pointed out, it depends on how you feel playing with the tool in your hands.
Greg Raven has some specs of Sampras Pro Staff. The RA was 63 which is well below the RA of a new St Vincent model. Sampras hoarded the remaining stock so that he had enough replacement frames to last his career.
On a personal note, I loved the feel of the St Vincent when I first received it. It had hardly been used and felt sublime. That made me understand why Sampras used that frame for his entire career. When I hit with it now, something is definitely missing. It is a shadow of the frame it once was. All this within a year, so I can understand why pros change their frames several times a year.
Greg Raven has some specs of Sampras Pro Staff. The RA was 63 which is well below the RA of a new St Vincent model. Sampras hoarded the remaining stock so that he had enough replacement frames to last his career.
On a personal note, I loved the feel of the St Vincent when I first received it. It had hardly been used and felt sublime. That made me understand why Sampras used that frame for his entire career. When I hit with it now, something is definitely missing. It is a shadow of the frame it once was. All this within a year, so I can understand why pros change their frames several times a year.
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