How many racquets do you need?

[Deleted member 756272]

I'm almost afraid to ask this question on TTW... but here goes.

How many racquets do you need for an adult 4.5 weekend tournament or weekend on-site clinic (like tennis camp for adults)? How many racquets do you carry in your bag for competitions (not regularly)?

During my junior years, I carried 3 racquets to HS games and tournaments - 2 nCode 90s and 1 Hyper PS Tour 90. I don't recall many occasions when I had to go to my 3rd racquet despite being a frequent string breaker. On the other hand, my little brother carried his main racquet and the one he had previously used (diff brand/model), but he broke strings infrequently.

Synth guts usually last 4-9 hours for me depending on full synth gut or multi/synth hybrid. Switching strings isn't an option (wrist injury, old school, never played with polys), but I string my own racquets.

I'm close to committing to either the RF97A or Vcore Pro 330, but have extra PS90s and PS 6.0 OG 95s lying around.

Do I need 1 more or 2 more matched sticks as an adult player?

Can I survive with 2 current sticks and a classic frame? What do you think?

 

[styksnstryngs]

I'd go with 3 for syn guy, just to be safe. If that extra insurance over a few years is worth the extra money to you.

 

[J011yroger]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/how-many-racquets-do-you-need.127992/

I wrote this 10 years ago when I gave a crap what you morons thought.

J

 

[Pete Player]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/how-many-racquets-do-you-need.127992/

I wrote this 10 years ago when I gave a crap what you morons thought.

J

Keeping it respectfull does seem to have different meaning now than 10 years ago to somebody, when matured, which I would have thought of being the other way around. Aging sucks every so many ways, it seems.

Anyway, I have 3, yet usually only carry the exact same 2 rackets, cause the third is old gen of the same racket and not customed to feel the same as the two newer.

Going with full poly bed and basically never cut a string, which arises the question, who are the ones, breaking strings and why.


——————————
On pain meds - all contributed matter and anti-matter subject to disclaimer

 

[J011yroger]

Keeping it respectfull does seem to have different meaning now than 10 years ago to somebody, when matured, which I would have thought of being the other way around. Aging sucks every so many ways, it seems.

Anyway, I have 3, yet usually only carry the exact same 2 rackets, cause the third is old gen of the same racket and not customed to feel the same as the two newer.

Going with full poly bed and basically never cut a string, which arises the question, who are the ones, breaking strings and why.


——————————
On pain meds - all contributed matter and anti-matter subject to disclaimer

You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

J

 

[styksnstryngs]

You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

J

...or die a villain, ig...

 

[nvr2old]

How many do I usually need. 1. Although to a match I take 3. 2 of gen same make up and 1 similar but slightly lighter usually as my main sticks are over 12 oz and sometimes need lighter iteration in late sets if it goes that far. If I’m practicing and trying things out I take sometimes 8 for giggles and fun.

 

[snvplayer]

At least 2 identical ones so that you have a back up. Personally, three identical ones are ideal. Third one at slightly lower tension.

 

[Saul Goode]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/how-many-racquets-do-you-need.127992/

I wrote this 10 years ago when I gave a crap what you morons thought.

J

My personal experience has been that I’ve never needed more than 4 sticks, so long as they are relatively freshly strung. I’m a gear ho, but not to your extent!

 

[J011yroger]

My personal experience has been that I’ve never needed more than 4 sticks, so long as they are relatively freshly strung. I’m a gear ho, but not to your extent!

Well I have a mental illness, so I shouldn't count.

J

 

[r2473]

I change mine after every 2 games.

So typically I need 6 racquets. But I often bring a 7th just in case.

 

[esgee48]

Physically need 2 that are matched. Emotionally need 4 that are matched because they're my security blanket! My body feels there is something wrong when I carry only 2 frames in the bag. It starts to have an anxiety attack and it unnerves your opponents when you begin to suck your thumb between points.

 

[FiReFTW]

I think 2 are enough in most cases, specially using poly strings, it sounds nearly impossible to break 2 racquets strung with poly strings in 2-3 days, and even if 1 breaks you can restring it if you have extra strings and use the other one meanwhile.

I would think you need more than 2 probably if you use very fragile strings and thin gauges where you can sometimes break them in 2-3 hours.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

I'm almost afraid to ask this question on TTW... but here goes.

How many racquets do you need for an adult 4.5 weekend tournament or weekend on-site clinic (like tennis camp for adults)? How many racquets do you carry in your bag for competitions (not regularly)?

During my junior years, I carried 3 racquets to HS games and tournaments - 2 nCode 90s and 1 Hyper PS Tour 90. I don't recall many occasions when I had to go to my 3rd racquet despite being a frequent string breaker. On the other hand, my little brother carried his main racquet and the one he had previously used (diff brand/model), but he broke strings infrequently.

Synth guts usually last 4-9 hours for me depending on full synth gut or multi/synth hybrid. Switching strings isn't an option (wrist injury, old school, never played with polys), but I string my own racquets.

I'm close to committing to either the RF97A or Vcore Pro 330, but have extra PS90s and PS 6.0 OG 95s lying around.

Do I need 1 more or 2 more matched sticks as an adult player?

Can I survive with 2 current sticks and a classic frame? What do you think?

2 minimum, even if fresh... thwart murphy.
3 ideally, easily broken 3... 2 from wear, and 1 from bad string or string job (by me)... presumes i can go home between days, and string up any that break
4+ if you think you might go deep, and can't string yourself asap (even on prem 3rd party stringers might have a delay you need to account for)... ie. like on vac

if on a vac clinic thing, i ususally bring 3, and presume stringing will take at least a day, maybe 2...
if i'm on my last racquet, i also change my game style to only s&v and c&c to make sure the string lasts

 

[Traffic]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/how-many-racquets-do-you-need.127992/

I wrote this 10 years ago when I gave a crap what you morons thought.

J

Nice.

"Josh is a 14 year old. He plays USTA tournaments, and for his school team. Josh breaks strings weekly, and makes weekly trips to the stringer. He plays every day after school, and on the weekends. Josh takes weekly lessons, and really wants to improve, his goal is to play in college. Josh should have 4-6 racquets"

So what if Josh only plays 4x a week and isn't planning to play in college? My boy did break two strings during a match once. Had to finish with a borrowed racquet. That was agonizing to watch. Hm, maybe he needs a 3rd...

I have 2 almost matched racquets. One has my goto strings. The other has slight experimental strings in it. Broke both strings within 3 days of each other (both from miss-hits). Luckily I tossed an emergency back-up racquet that was totally different so I could play out the set. But it sucked playing with an unfamiliar racquet. Maybe I need a 3rd...

 

[J011yroger]

Nice.

"Josh is a 14 year old. He plays USTA tournaments, and for his school team. Josh breaks strings weekly, and makes weekly trips to the stringer. He plays every day after school, and on the weekends. Josh takes weekly lessons, and really wants to improve, his goal is to play in college. Josh should have 4-6 racquets"

So what if Josh only plays 4x a week and isn't planning to play in college? My boy did break two strings during a match once. Had to finish with a borrowed racquet. That was agonizing to watch. Hm, maybe he needs a 3rd...

I have 2 almost matched racquets. One has my goto strings. The other has slight experimental strings in it. Broke both strings within 3 days of each other (both from miss-hits). Luckily I tossed an emergency back-up racquet that was totally different so I could play out the set. But it sucked playing with an unfamiliar racquet. Maybe I need a 3rd...

I'd say 4 so that when one breaks it's not urgent to get it strung. Break one and you are still good with three in your bag, no urgency to get it strung. If you string at home or at your club where it's fast and convenient, three is ok.

J

 

[Saul Goode]

Well I have a mental illness, so I shouldn't count.

J

Racquets are sexy. You’re only human.

 

[J011yroger]

Racquets are sexy. You’re only human.

At least I'm not hurting anybody or drinking and gambling my money away. Having too much tennis paraphernalia isn't such a bad thing.

J

 

[WildVolley]

I've been taking 3 racquets with me to USTA matches. So far, I haven't needed more than one, but then I've mostly been playing doubles and hitting volleys puts much less wear on string than grinding from the baseline.

Two of my frames match and then third is my old radical, used to have two more matching. I'd be happy with two matching sticks if they had both been fairly freshly strung, even if I were playing singles matches.

 

[J011yroger]

I've been taking 3 racquets with me to USTA matches. So far, I haven't needed more than one, but then I've mostly been playing doubles and hitting volleys puts much less wear on string than grinding from the baseline.

Two of my frames match and then third is my old radical, used to have two more matching. I'd be happy with two matching sticks if they had both been fairly freshly strung, even if I were playing singles matches.

I don't use up strings in matches. It's practice that melts them.

I brought three frames to mixed nationals and four to men's, I think used 1 for mixed and 2 for men's. In sectionals I played 4 tough matches and one easy one and used 2 frames I think?

I like fresh strings for matches so I'll use a new one for a singles match or two if the opposition isn't tough or maybe three doubles matches then it goes into the practice pile.

J

 

[WildVolley]

I don't use up strings in matches. It's practice that melts them.

J

That makes sense. Especially if you hit with someone who puts pace on the ball and does cooperative hitting.

Hitting against better players sometimes a main will break. Otherwise, I normally cut the strings out before they break.

I've been getting about two weeks, say playing 3 to 4x a week, out of a set of TS Cyberflash 16g. I string my own sticks, so usually I can find time to put in a fresh set before a match. But then I've only been playing one USTA match a week.

 

[J011yroger]

That makes sense. Especially if you hit with someone who puts pace on the ball and does cooperative hitting.

Hitting against better players sometimes a main will break. Otherwise, I normally cut the strings out before they break.

I've been getting about two weeks, say playing 3 to 4x a week, out of a set of TS Cyberflash 16g. I string my own sticks, so usually I can find time to put in a fresh set before a match. But then I've only been playing one USTA match a week.

I haven't played a real match in months.

I used to hate playing matches and now I miss it.

What's wrong with me?

J

 

[Shroud]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/how-many-racquets-do-you-need.127992/

I wrote this 10 years ago when I gave a crap what you morons thought.

J

If you are sending this kind of sentiment towards your strings no wonder they are breaking in 20 min. Maybe put some effort into hitting the sweetspot...

 

[J011yroger]

If you are sending this kind of sentiment towards your strings no wonder they are breaking in 20 min. Maybe put some effort into hitting the sweetspot...

How many TTPS threads could be avoided if he read my guide to string?

J

 

[MyFearHand]

I'm an open tournament player and I almost always keep 3 identical rackets strung in my bag. I've broken two rackets in a session before and I string for myself.

 

[Deleted member 756272]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/how-many-racquets-do-you-need.127992/

Thanks J! I didn't search the Racquets forum, bc the recent posts all seem to be focused on brands and models. I used to be a Josh, but there isn't a comparable adult description. Somewhere between Merv and Hank.

And...

I wrote this 10 years ago when I gave a crap what you morons thought.

Are you ok? Did something happen? I'm new here so I dont have your whole back story, but this seemed more aggressive than sarcastic.

And thanks everyone! It seems the consensus is >2. I'll recycle the sales money back into a matched set.

 

[J011yroger]

Thanks J! I didn't search the Racquets forum, bc the recent posts all seem to be focused on brands and models. I used to be a Josh, but there isn't a comparable adult description. Somewhere between Merv and Hank.

And...

Are you ok? Did something happen? I'm new here so I dont have your whole back story, but this seemed more aggressive than sarcastic.

And thanks everyone! It seems the consensus is >2. I'll recycle the sales money back into a matched set.

I'm ok. I just used to put much more effort into trying to help others. Now I come on here to BS and joke around.

I'm not being hostile, we are all morons I still love you guys.

J

 

[ChaelAZ]

I have 4 that I carry, but I have two others available. I actually had a match that I THOUGHT I was good to play the weekend tournament with some not-freshly-strung sticks like I normally do. 30 minutes into the first set, broke strings on one. Not another 10 minutes later, broke strings on another. In the second set, broke strings on the third. Had another older stick by chance and was able to play out the match, but went and got the three restrung that evening. So process is, three FRESHLY strung racquets with the two backups around...just in case.

 

[FiReFTW]

I have 4 that I carry, but I have two others available. I actually had a match that I THOUGHT I was good to play the weekend tournament with some not-freshly-strung sticks like I normally do. 30 minutes into the first set, broke strings on one. Not another 10 minutes later, broke strings on another. In the second set, broke strings on the third. Had another older stick by chance and was able to play out the match, but went and got the three restrung that evening. So process is, three FRESHLY strung racquets with the two backups around...just in case.

What the heck, what kind of strings do you use and what gauge lol, thats crazy.

 

[ChaelAZ]

What the heck, what kind of strings do you use and what gauge lol, thats crazy.

I realized later they strings were close to a month old - Full bed Lux Alu Spin 16 or 16L at 52lbs. This was also years back when I was pretty much a ball basher too. The guy I was playing offered me a stick if I was out and we kinda laughed about it. Most I have done recently is a few in a match.

 

[Chadillac]

I keep 4 (same frame, tension) in my bag now (12 pack), picked up my 5th on amazon and it came strung.. May as well use.

16*15 pattern so good dura (crosses usually break) with the poly main/syn cross.

 

[meltphace 6]

Only one because I mostly frame the ball.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

I'd say 4 so that when one breaks it's not urgent to get it strung. Break one and you are still good with three in your bag, no urgency to get it strung. If you string at home or at your club where it's fast and convenient, three is ok.

J

+1

alternatively, stay with 2, just bring the stringing machine with you...

i’ve done that (klippermate with travel box) for my tourneys back when i entered both singles and doubles draws... definitely came in handy, and killed time while waiting.

 

[Username_]

none because no one wants to play with me.

 

[nvr2old]

none because no one wants to play with me.

Me too. That's why I have a ball machine! It can't say no.

 

[PMChambers]

2 is good enough. Unless your a big string breaker or semi pro a racquet should last a match and restringing should be available

 

[Pete Player]

I realized later they strings were close to a month old - Full bed Lux Alu Spin 16 or 16L at 52lbs. This was also years back when I was pretty much a ball basher too. The guy I was playing offered me a stick if I was out and we kinda laughed about it. Most I have done recently is a few in a match.

The only time, by the way, on my ”new decade” tennis stint I’ve broken strings, they were Alu Power Feel 1.20. And strung at TWE.


——————————
On pain meds - all contributed matter and anti-matter subject to disclaimer

 

[LocNetMonster]

I have three distinct tennis personalities and to keep them all happy I carry two racquets for each, all six in the same bag

 

[Saul Goode]

I have three distinct tennis personalities and to keep them all happy I carry two racquets for each, all six in the same bag

Now you need to elaborate. What personalities, and what corresponding racquets?

 

[Raul_SJ]

What happens if you break a string and don't have a spare racquet?

Has this ever happened to anyone? Hope the opponent gives you one of theirs?

 

[FiReFTW]

What happens if you break a string and don't have a spare racquet?

Has this ever happened to anyone? Hope the opponent gives you one of theirs?

Play with a frying pan!

 

[Chadillac]

What happens if you break a string and don't have a spare racquet?

Has this ever happened to anyone? Hope the opponent gives you one of theirs?

In the juniors i broke 7 in one match. Old wilson profiles, i had to use a wilson sting and lost in 3. I broke my rackets and my parents (all use the same).

I never let people touch my rackets, hands are very dirty. For all i know nadal is their favorite player and shares a habit.

 

[FiReFTW]

I never let people touch my rackets, hands are very dirty. For all i know nadal is their favorite player and shares a habit.

You dont know what your missing.
Nadal is smart, using this secret weapon since forever, picking his butt and then applyng it to the racquet handle, it makes it nice and firm and provides good grip, but you need to wait 15seconds between then and starting the point so it dries out well.

 

[Chadillac]

You dont know what your missing.
Nadal is smart, using this secret weapon since forever, picking his butt and then applyng it to the racquet handle, it makes it nice and firm and provides good grip, but you need to wait 15seconds between then and starting the point so it dries out well.

Probably why he uses such a small grip, plans on adding to it during the match

 

[LocNetMonster]

Now you need to elaborate. What personalities, and what corresponding racquets?

There's Doctor Spin who has two racquets strung with Tier One strings (Firewire, Tour Status or Strike Force) because favors slice serves and hits slice drop shots. He loses a lot of games and usually doesn't hang out for an entire match but he does relishes with great delight the facial expression of opponents after contorting them with nasty, unexpected ball breaks.

Tinker, is the mad scientist of the trio because he never plays with the same racquet setup. Every time he steps on the court he is trying some new hybrid (strings & tension), playing with a new racquet or fine-tuning balance or weight modification in an already proven setup. He doesn't care whether he wins or loses (so he would like to believe), constantly focused on equipment performance and aligning the corresponding technique to make the racquet work.

Wackka Flameout, at 55, thinks he is a 17y.o. junior with DI dreams and JV ability His sticks are strung at higher tension ranges, heavy (<12.5oz) and extremely head-light. Like most teens he is inconsistent, hard-headed and swings for the fences with every ball that comes into his wheelhouse. He lacks the discipline to minimize UFEs because he lives for low percentage highlight reel shots. Recently, Tinker introduced him to Kevlar, which now his string of choice for mains and Firewire to increase Magnus Effect on FH.

 

[esgee48]

You need to record a conversation among the 3 of you. I can see Tinker will be pestered by Doctor Spin because he wants a really spinny set up with triangular polys or shaped SG.

When Doctor Spin leaves the premises, who takes over? After the bath room break, does he have to get back in the queue before the other two let him play?

 

[gmatheis]

2 minimum, even if fresh... thwart murphy.
3 ideally, easily broken 3... 2 from wear, and 1 from bad string or string job (by me)... presumes i can go home between days, and string up any that break
4+ if you think you might go deep, and can't string yourself asap (even on prem 3rd party stringers might have a delay you need to account for)... ie. like on vac

if on a vac clinic thing, i ususally bring 3, and presume stringing will take at least a day, maybe 2...
if i'm on my last racquet, i also change my game style to only s&v and c&c to make sure the string lasts

This seems pretty reasonable.

Personally I have 2 frames (black RF97A) and 1 backup (red/black RF97A) but I string full poly.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I'm almost afraid to ask this question on TTW... but here goes.

How many racquets do you need for an adult 4.5 weekend tournament or weekend on-site clinic (like tennis camp for adults)? How many racquets do you carry in your bag for competitions (not regularly)?

During my junior years, I carried 3 racquets to HS games and tournaments - 2 nCode 90s and 1 Hyper PS Tour 90. I don't recall many occasions when I had to go to my 3rd racquet despite being a frequent string breaker. On the other hand, my little brother carried his main racquet and the one he had previously used (diff brand/model), but he broke strings infrequently.

Synth guts usually last 4-9 hours for me depending on full synth gut or multi/synth hybrid. Switching strings isn't an option (wrist injury, old school, never played with polys), but I string my own racquets.

I'm close to committing to either the RF97A or Vcore Pro 330, but have extra PS90s and PS 6.0 OG 95s lying around.

Do I need 1 more or 2 more matched sticks as an adult player?

Can I survive with 2 current sticks and a classic frame? What do you think?

If you use one until the strings break before you pick up #2, then 2 racquets ought to be fine. However, the "just in case" in me argues for 3.

If you alternate to keep tension differentials at a minimum, I'd suggest 3 because it's more likely you'll break more than one set of strings in a single session.

 

[Coolio]

I have two matched. Sometimes break strings and don't string it again for months so taking a risk. Open level and have played Futures.

 

[movdqa]

I have four. I typically carry two for practice or matches.