Changed my swingweight/balance. Have I gone too far?

[ChadW]

OK, so I have customized my Head Youtek Speed MP 16x19 with lead in the hoop and inside and around (with tape) the handle.

Here are my previous stats:
Mass: 363g (12.8oz) with 4g at both 10&2 (8g total in hoop) and 9g in handle
Balance pt: 31.7cm/9pts Head Light
Swing weight: 347

Then I went and cut some tape off the hoop and added it under the grip.

New/Current stats:
Mass: 366g (12.9oz) with 2g at both 10&2 (4g total in hoop) and 9g in handle with 7 wrapped under the grip (16g total near the butt cap)
Balance pt: 30cm/14pts Head Light
Swing weight: 325

I like the mass of the racquet when pushing 360+ grams. I thought that lowering the swingweight and moving the balance point even more head light would help with spin generation. Is 325 too light of a swing weight? Is 14pts head light too drastic?

What's your experience/expertise?

Thanks.

 

[LeeD]

Experience tells most of us that everyone is different, that one player's preference might be another's curse.
What works for Roddick doesn't work for Federer.
What works for Rochus doesn't work for Dr.Ivo.
Only YOU playing with that stick can give you an idea whether or not you have gone too far with handle weighting.

 

[Funbun]

OK, so I have customized my Head Youtek Speed MP 16x19 with lead in the hoop and inside and around (with tape) the handle.

Here are my previous stats:
Mass: 363g (12.8oz) with 4g at both 10&2 (8g total in hoop) and 9g in handle
Balance pt: 31.7cm/9pts Head Light
Swing weight: 347

Then I went and cut some tape off the hoop and added it under the grip.

New/Current stats:
Mass: 366g (12.9oz) with 2g at both 10&2 (4g total in hoop) and 9g in handle with 7 wrapped under the grip (16g total near the butt cap)
Balance pt: 30cm/14pts Head Light
Swing weight: 325

I like the mass of the racquet when pushing 360+ grams. I thought that lowering the swingweight and moving the balance point even more head light would help with spin generation. Is 325 too light of a swing weight? Is 14pts head light too drastic?

What's your experience/expertise?

Thanks.

I mean, it depends mostly on you. What kind of player are you? If you're a baseliner, you're better off having a higher swingweight, near-even balance.

14pts headlight is actually quite drastic. You're better off around 10 points or lower. A racquet that's too headlight can prevent you from getting the most power and spin from your racquet when you need it most. With the weight distribution more towards the head of the racquet, you are capable of getting heavier spin without trying. If too much weight is at the handle, you'll have to work too hard to get spin (i.e. messing up proper technique).

The static weight is your preference, but typically, most people will have static weights lower than their swingweight value. Nearly all professionals follow this trend nowadays.

The swingweight is really your choice. Higher swingweights tend to reinforce proper technique, because better form tends to translate to the racquet itself, making it easy to capably hit heavy, hard shots. Again, easy proof of this is from the pros; because pros have amazing execution and preparation, they are able to have their racquet with most of the mass in the head (i.e. high swingweight) put the leveraged force into the ball.

Think about it; will you the ball harder with a big hammer or a big conductor's baton?

 

[ChadW]

:wink:

The static weight is your preference, but typically, most people will have static weights lower than their swingweight value. Nearly all professionals follow this trend nowadays.

The swingweight is really your choice. Higher swingweights tend to reinforce proper technique, because better form tends to translate to the racquet itself, making it easy to capably hit heavy, hard shots. Again, easy proof of this is from the pros; because pros have amazing execution and preparation, they are able to have their racquet with most of the mass in the head (i.e. high swingweight) put the leveraged force into the ball.

I'm surprised by this. I thought Head Heavy was a naughty term for legitimate players. I see in your signature that you're only 3.2pts HL. Does that affect the racquet's mobility at the net? (Just something I've read about a benefit of a HL racquet.)

If you don't mind, how much lead do you have on yours? Where have you located it?

If I were to pull some of the fishing weights out of the handle (go from 9 to 4 grams), that might put me more toward the 5-7 pts HL.

Of course, improving my game and technique would make the biggest difference, but who has time for that?!?! :wink:

 

[Funbun]

I have around 45g around the hoop, from 10-2 o' clock. I don't remember placing any lead in the handle, and I don't want to check.

Actually, I learned to play better by leading up my racquet so much! The racquet forced me to improve my footwork, my timing, my preparation, everything. I learned to hold a high swingweight racquet for 3 hours of practice without getting tired (...in my upper body; my legs were definitely sore!) It's all about looking at Youtube videos of pros.

And of course, 3.2 points HL will affect the racquet's mobility at the net! I've gotten used to it, though, and I've taught myself to put away volleys. Again, it's all a matter of technique and preparation. How do you expect that Murray, Nadal, and Djokovic volley so well?? Their racquet balances are pretty close to mine, but they don't have any problems at all.

What is your playing style? What do you want your style to be? You'll be surprised how a racquet can change the way you play.

And yeah, maybe take some fishing weights out. It's all really up to you. If you're going to play doubles very often or you like to come to the net often, then I think 5-7 points headlight is perfectly reasonable.

If you're wondering, I practically copied Andy Murray's racquet specs and used them for mine. If I'm going to copy a professional, I might as well take his racquet stats, too. I guessed the swingweight based on the delay of Murray's forward swing after his unit turn. I'd say I'm pretty close.

 

[ChadW]

WOW, 45g is a lot of tape!

As I mentioned in the inital post, I'm looking to have my racquet help me produce more topspin. My swing does so pretty well, but through the reading I've done I thought a lighter swingweight (more HL) would help with racquet head speed. Maybe I've misunderstood (over read) the information.

I think I liked the higher swingweight (see before stats), so I may just go back to that. I did take some mass off the hoop, so maybe I'll add some back...

My focus at this point is to become a better volleyer. But a lot of my deficiency is technique. The 360+ gram mass has helped me feel like I'm putting balls away (when I hit correctly, that is). I thought the lighter SW would make it feel more manuverable (but I can't say I really noticed much of a difference in tonight's doubles match).

Thanks for the input, and any additional direction is appreciated.

I have around 45g around the hoop, from 10-2 o' clock. I don't remember placing any lead in the handle, and I don't want to check.

Actually, I learned to play better by leading up my racquet so much! The racquet forced me to improve my footwork, my timing, my preparation, everything. I learned to hold a high swingweight racquet for 3 hours of practice without getting tired (...in my upper body; my legs were definitely sore!) It's all about looking at Youtube videos of pros.

And of course, 3.2 points HL will affect the racquet's mobility at the net! I've gotten used to it, though, and I've taught myself to put away volleys. Again, it's all a matter of technique and preparation. How do you expect that Murray, Nadal, and Djokovic volley so well?? Their racquet balances are pretty close to mine, but they don't have any problems at all.

What is your playing style? What do you want your style to be? You'll be surprised how a racquet can change the way you play.

And yeah, maybe take some fishing weights out. It's all really up to you. If you're going to play doubles very often or you like to come to the net often, then I think 5-7 points headlight is perfectly reasonable.

If you're wondering, I practically copied Andy Murray's racquet specs and used them for mine. If I'm going to copy a professional, I might as well take his racquet stats, too. I guessed the swingweight based on the delay Murray hits the ball, though.

 

[Funbun]

WOW, 45g is a lot of tape!

As I mentioned in the inital post, I'm looking to have my racquet help me produce more topspin. My swing does so pretty well, but through the reading I've done I thought a lighter swingweight (more HL) would help with racquet head speed. Maybe I've misunderstood (over read) the information.

I think I liked the higher swingweight (see before stats), so I may just go back to that. I did take some mass off the hoop, so maybe I'll add some back...

My focus at this point is to become a better volleyer. But a lot of my deficiency is technique. The 360+ gram mass has helped me feel like I'm putting balls away (when I hit correctly, that is). I thought the lighter SW would make it feel more manuverable (but I can't say I really noticed much of a difference in tonight's doubles match).

Thanks for the input, and any additional direction is appreciated.

A racquet with a higher swingweight nor a more headlight racquet will truly help with volleys. You're only circumventing the need for earlier preparation.

What do you think you're doing wrong? Are you hitting volleys long? Into the net? You're not fast enough? For me, a lot of times, I'm sometimes not hitting forward, not punching the ball. In fact, I lost a lot of points during high school because I screwed up a volley by not hitting through it, thereby landing it down into the net. Otherwise, I would have won all of them no matter where I placed the ball.

If you feel you're not quick enough, that's occasionally your feet's problem. I'm sure you do multiple split steps at the net?

What you read is correct, faster racquet speed will get you more topspin. Placing more weight at the handle WILL give you more topspin if you swing fast enough. However, higher level players don't do this because placing more weight at the tip and hoop of the racquet allows heavier topspin (i.e., more spin and pace).

Pros hit hard because they let their heavy racquets clobber the ball. Their body is only facilitating the leverage like a hammer wrapped to a wet noodle.


My personal suggestion is to try to get your swingweight to 355ish. Try that on. If you plan on becoming a better singles player, you may want to try an even heavier swingweight. Study Youtube videos, ask a local pro, whatever. You learn a lot from slow motion practice videos!

 

[ChicagoJack]

What you read is correct, faster racquet speed will get you more topspin. Placing more weight at the handle WILL give you more topspin if you swing fast enough. However higher level players don't do this because placing more weight at the tip and hoop of the racquet allows heavier topspin (i.e., more spin and pace).

Hey cool, it's awesome you are taking the time to help somebody out, but I gotta double check you on a couple a things.

1 - How does placing weight at the handle give you more topspin if you swing fast enough?

2 - How exactly does placing weight in the tip and hoop allow for more topspin?

3 - What is is your reasoning/assumption/mental model/evidence... that heavier is associated with spinnier? Yup,"Heavy Ball" = Pace + Spin. Yes, moving a heavier mass at the same speed = more power. Agreed, moving the same (racquet) mass faster = more power + more spin. But what is your specific connection btwn increased mass and increased spin?

Thanks!

Jack

 

[BlueB]

I'd just ignore the most of the stuff found online and experiment until you found what feels/playes rigth for YOU. It's easy and cheap enough to play with lead.

 

[anubis]

Why would anyone reduce the swingweight? Doesn't make sense to me.

If I were you, I'd remove all the tape and re-take your measurements. Then, I'd fool around with this tool WITHOUT touching your racquet. Play around with different amounts of lead in different areas of the racquet until you achieve what you're looking for.

I used it to balance all three of my Radical MPs to be 1 to 2 points HL with a swingweight of 340. Static weight only changed by 0.15 ounces. Now I get just enough extra power to get the shots deeper into the court.

 

[TennisCJC]

Seems a bit extreme to me but as others have said "to each their own".

I don't necessary agree with your basic assumption that a lighter SW and more HL balance will assist with spin generation. Nadal and Moya use moderately high swing weight with less HL balance (I think Moya was near even or HH with big SW - Nadal is 4 or less HL with reported SW ranging from 340ish to 355ish) and they both generate loads of spin.

My personal experience is I find higher swing weights assist with spin.

 

[ChadW]

Why would anyone reduce the swingweight? Doesn't make sense to me.

If I were you, I'd remove all the tape and re-take your measurements. Then, I'd fool around with this tool WITHOUT touching your racquet. Play around with different amounts of lead in different areas of the racquet until you achieve what you're looking for.

I used it to balance all three of my Radical MPs to be 1 to 2 points HL with a swingweight of 340. Static weight only changed by 0.15 ounces. Now I get just enough extra power to get the shots deeper into the court.

I've thought about going back to the stock then adjusting again.

However, I really like the extra mass since I've added lead. My racquet starts with 335g mass. I have added about 30g and am now trying to figure out just where that additional mass would help me most. The added mass gives me a feeling of hitting a harder ball. I don't know that I'm getting more spin, but the spin feels more effective because the ball penetrates and then kicks really well.

I'm hoping to find a point where my volleys will have a solid feel (though that would require my hitting the strings instead of frame...). And I misunderstood that adding mass to the handle would improve volleying (that actually is intended to improve manuverability, not 'plow through'.)

I may try it a little lighter (removing weights from the handle), and putting some additional tape back on the hoop.

 

[Funbun]

Hey cool, it's awesome you are taking the time to help somebody out, but I gotta double check you on a couple a things.

1 - How does placing weight at the handle give you more topspin if you swing fast enough?

2 - How exactly does placing weight in the tip and hoop allow for more topspin?

3 - What is is your reasoning/assumption/mental model/evidence... that heavier is associated with spinnier? Yup,"Heavy Ball" = Pace + Spin. Yes, moving a heavier mass at the same speed = more power. Agreed, moving the same (racquet) mass faster = more power + more spin. But what is your specific connection btwn increased mass and increased spin?

Thanks!

Jack

1 - Faster racquet head speed, combined with proper technique, correlates with more topspin. If you swing faster, correctly, you'll naturally get more spin. There are actually too many factors to consider if placing weight at the handle allows one to swing faster. One would have to consider gravity, angular momentum, your body's acceleration/velocity, your execution of technique, the static weight of the racquet, the swingweight, the balance, the overall weight distribution, twistweight, swingpath, etc.

I would say what I said earlier is pretty rash. However, I would definitely say that, if one were to disregard several other properties like momentum, then you can swing faster because there is more weight concentrated towards the axis of rotation. However, racquets tend to bi-polar weight distributions, so this observation is rather inapplicable. This observation probably only applies most to super-light, stock racquets. I stubbornly assumed the OP's racquet was such.

2- This is not necessarily true. In reality, your technique is what truly will determine how much topspin is put on the ball. However, in complement to proper technique, more mass at the hoop/tip will allow the racquet to impact more force on the ball, when your body's rotation amplifies that energy into the incoming ball. In essence, you get a heavier shot. I would say my quote is misguided; I meant to say "heavier in general".

3- The more important matter, here, not just mass, but the distribution of mass. Placing weight at the buttcap increases swingweight by a negligible amount of units because that weight isn't going to be leveraged into the ball. However, by placing mass at the hoop... (see response #2).

Heavier does not mean spinnier. In this context, heavy simply means a subjective description of "lots of pace and spin". it's my mistake to use the phrase "heavier topspin"; heaviness already acknowledges "lots of topspin" in its working definition.

 

[Funbun]

I've thought about going back to the stock then adjusting again.

However, I really like the extra mass since I've added lead. My racquet starts with 335g mass. I have added about 30g and am now trying to figure out just where that additional mass would help me most. The added mass gives me a feeling of hitting a harder ball. I don't know that I'm getting more spin, but the spin feels more effective because the ball penetrates and then kicks really well.

I'm hoping to find a point where my volleys will have a solid feel (though that would require my hitting the strings instead of frame...). And I misunderstood that adding mass to the handle would improve volleying (that actually is intended to improve manuverability, not 'plow through'.)

I may try it a little lighter (removing weights from the handle), and putting some additional tape back on the hoop.

If you want more solid feel, add some weight to the hoop, simple as that. You can certainly add weight to 3 and 9, but I think that concentrating weight at those locations will only be detrimental to getting that heavy ball. Your racquet is 27 inches for a reason, so just take advantage of that and place weight closer to the tip! More leverage to you!

Where have you added the 30g, btw?

More importantly, what kind of style of play do you like the most? Do you play singles just as often as you do doubles?
These are important queries; you need a racquet that fits a playstyle.


...I just double posted.... oops.

 

[ChicagoJack]

I'm hoping to find a point where my volleys will have a solid feel (though that would require my hitting the strings instead of frame...). And I misunderstood that adding mass to the handle would improve volleying (that actually is intended to improve manuverability, not 'plow through'.)

Hi Chad,

I think there's a few flavors of wacky going on with some of these replies, but rather than focus those comments, I can make this very simple and straight forward for you.

1. You would like your volleys to have a more solid feel.

2. Customizing racquets for volleys is about two things, stability and maneuverability. Stability is extra important with volleys because the racquet is moving much more slowly, the ball is beating up on the racquet much more than in a groundie, where the racquet is beating up on the ball.

3. Want you want to do is place your lead in a location where you get the most amount of stability benefit, while paying the lowest cost in decreased maneuverability. Ie the most bang for your buck.

4. Placing lead at the tip is the absolute worst location for getting the most stability bang for your buck. Even tiny amounts of lead at 12 dramatically increase SW. You will get some recoil weight, (resistance to recoil around the balance point in the throat) but you will add a big fat zero to your twist weight. (resistance to the racquet twisting in your hand around the long axis).

5. Placing lead at precisely 3:00 and 9:00 is the correct location for maximizing twist weight. It also comes with the added bennies of keep your SW much lower than adding lead at 12.

6. Most players feel (subjectively) that placing lead in the handle at the buttcap helps with maneuverability. But it also has the added bennie of adding some recoil weight. (resistance to the racquet rotating backwards during ball impact.)... all while adding no swingweight at all. None. Zero. Zilch, Nada.

7. What this all boils down to, is that there are three lead locations that are ideal for maximizing stability, while keeping maneuverability high. Those are 3-9 and at the buttcap.

I'm not making this up. All of this information can be found in the MRT handbook, or in just about any book published on Racquet Physics in the last 20 years. It's just the basics.

-Jack

 

[ChadW]

If you want more solid feel, add some weight to the hoop, simple as that. You can certainly add weight to 3 and 9, but I think that concentrating weight at those locations will only be detrimental to getting that heavy ball. Your racquet is 27 inches for a reason, so just take advantage of that and place weight closer to the tip! More leverage to you!

Where have you added the 30g, btw?

More importantly, what kind of style of play do you like the most? Do you play singles just as often as you do doubles?
These are important queries; you need a racquet that fits a playstyle.


...I just double posted.... oops.

Thanks for the continued advice.

My 30g now is: 4g in hoop (9.5&2.5); 9g in handle (fishing weights); remainder around the handle (lead tape)-5g of which is my overgrip.

I play an equal amount of singles and doubles. My forehand is my strongest 'weapon' with strong topspin and good penetration. I hit a good (though inconsistent) flat first serve, and spin in a kicker on my second serve. My hands are relatively quick (for my skill level), but I mishit a lot of volleys and they end up all over the place when my technique sucks. Sometimes I get the technique right and, using body momentum, push a good volley deep. I play a 2 handed backhand with strong topspin as well as a a 1 handed slice backhand on occassion.

I'd like to get better at volleying (my initial reason for moving the lead tape around), but know that it has a lot more to do with my lacking technique than anything else. But, if adding some more mass to get a better response frrom my racquet could help, I'm all about it.

At this point, I'm going to take some of the weight out of the handle (fishing weights) and add some more to the hoop. I'm still interested in staying on the head light side of things, but maybe just 4-5pts will do it.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

 

[Funbun]

Thanks for the continued advice.

My 30g now is: 4g in hoop (9.5&2.5); 9g in handle (fishing weights); remainder around the handle (lead tape)-5g of which is my overgrip.

I play an equal amount of singles and doubles. My forehand is my strongest 'weapon' with strong topspin and good penetration. I hit a good (though inconsistent) flat first serve, and spin in a kicker on my second serve. My hands are relatively quick (for my skill level), but I mishit a lot of volleys and they end up all over the place when my technique sucks. Sometimes I get the technique right and, using body momentum, push a good volley deep. I play a 2 handed backhand with strong topspin as well as a a 1 handed slice backhand on occassion.

I'd like to get better at volleying (my initial reason for moving the lead tape around), but know that it has a lot more to do with my lacking technique than anything else. But, if adding some more mass to get a better response frrom my racquet could help, I'm all about it.

At this point, I'm going to take some of the weight out of the handle (fishing weights) and add some more to the hoop. I'm still interested in staying on the head light side of things, but maybe just 4-5pts will do it.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Would you say you prefer to finish points from the baseline or finish points with approach shots and net play?

The typical trend on the ATP tour, interestingly enough, is that those who tend to prefer baseline play will have more even balances (3-4 points HL) and those who prefer all-court play will be around 4-9 points HL. Consider this based on your style.

I'm not sure about the Youtek Speed MP, but I think it has pretty good stock stability. That being said, weight around the tip, probably 10-2, is your best bet to getting more punch and slice to your volleys. Doing this will allow you get have a gain in both twistweight and swingweight, benefiting both your groundstrokes and volleys subtly.

If you've read what ChicagoJack said, he is absolutely correct. Thus, placing lead at 10-2 o'clock will probably give you a bit of both worlds. Increasing your twistweight and swingweight will certainly make it easier to hit a heavier groundstroke, too.

Remember, though, that subpar racquet maneuverability and stability can be easily remedied by proper volleying technique and mechanics. Nadal can volley just as well as Federer can, yet they have somewhat different racquets.

 

[NLBwell]

It really is about a feel thing for you. You can put more weight in the head until the racket feels sluggish. You can put more weight in the grip until it feels "flippy" - where you feel like the racket head moves too quickly or you don't get a good sense of where the racket head is. Of course this also works in reverse for taking off weight.
I have my added weight more evenly distributed. 10 and 2, 4 and 8, some on the throat sometimes, and under the grip.
I've got MG Prestige Pros at around 385 g and 350-355 SW (used to be at 365 SW but dropped it a bit). Works well for me.

 

[ChadW]

Thank you.

As I play an equal amount of singles and doubles, the answer to your first question is a little difficult. In singles, I don't come to the net often (though I've been trying it out). Then, of course, in doubles I do.

I feel much more comfortable with my groundstrokes over my volleys, so my tendency is to stay back. But I'd like to improve on volleys so I can attack the net more.

I took half of the weights out of the handle and put some additional tape along the hoop (10&2) before my match last night. Can't say I really noticed a big difference, but I'm going to blame that on the competition (mixed doubles match)!! They were horrible, and my partner and I couldn't find any kind of rhythm. But when my partner and I were just hitting rallying shots to each other (warming up), it felt fine.

However, ignoring everything I was taught in science class growing up, I changed more than one variable in the equation last night as I went out with a racquet strung up with new (Black Gamma Gear Twisted) strings strung at only 43# whereas I usually play with my polys/hybrids in the high 50s.

So, I'll keep at it. I need to take measurements on the new set up. I know I'm more toward balanced, but not sure just where that balance point is, nor what the adjustment did to the swing weight.

Would you say you prefer to finish points from the baseline or finish points with approach shots and net play?

The typical trend on the ATP tour, interestingly enough, is that those who tend to prefer baseline play will have more even balances (3-4 points HL) and those who prefer all-court play will be around 4-9 points HL. Consider this based on your style.

I'm not sure about the Youtek Speed MP, but I think it has pretty good stock stability. That being said, weight around the tip, probably 10-2, is your best bet to getting more punch and slice to your volleys. Doing this will allow you get have a gain in both twistweight and swingweight, benefiting both your groundstrokes and volleys subtly.

If you've read what ChicagoJack said, he is absolutely correct. Thus, placing lead at 10-2 o'clock will probably give you a bit of both worlds. Increasing your twistweight and swingweight will certainly make it easier to hit a heavier groundstroke, too.

Remember, though, that subpar racquet maneuverability and stability can be easily remedied by proper volleying technique and mechanics. Nadal can volley just as well as Federer can, yet they have somewhat different racquets.

 

[Funbun]

Thank you.

As I play an equal amount of singles and doubles, the answer to your first question is a little difficult. In singles, I don't come to the net often (though I've been trying it out). Then, of course, in doubles I do.

I feel much more comfortable with my groundstrokes over my volleys, so my tendency is to stay back. But I'd like to improve on volleys so I can attack the net more.

I took half of the weights out of the handle and put some additional tape along the hoop (10&2) before my match last night. Can't say I really noticed a big difference, but I'm going to blame that on the competition (mixed doubles match)!! They were horrible, and my partner and I couldn't find any kind of rhythm. But when my partner and I were just hitting rallying shots to each other (warming up), it felt fine.

However, ignoring everything I was taught in science class growing up, I changed more than one variable in the equation last night as I went out with a racquet strung up with new (Black Gamma Gear Twisted) strings strung at only 43# whereas I usually play with my polys/hybrids in the high 50s.

So, I'll keep at it. I need to take measurements on the new set up. I know I'm more toward balanced, but not sure just where that balance point is, nor what the adjustment did to the swing weight.

I'm sure you already know of this procedure for finding the balance point and swingweight: http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/howto_swingweight.php

String tension should be simply a matter of adjustment. It's a variable that can be compromised quickly if you're capable of producing enough topspin to keep the ball in, anyway.

I would discourage placing lead in trial-and-error. I've been there, and it was a lot of wasted time and money for me. I encourage you, instead, to find a set of statistics to match your racquet to, and stick to it. Use what you know about racquets and make the perfect setup on paper. From there, the rest of what you do is on the court, practicing and studying better and more consistent technique.

That being said, why not get a partner to do some volleying practice with you after you get your perfect setup from paper to the racquet?

Also, I'm not sure if you do this, but taking multiple split steps before the actual split step on the volley really helps.

Good luck and keep all of us posted!