Is it me or is it Yonex?

[stapletonj]

Wow. I have now broken my FOURTH yonex frame in 3 years. I've had Wilsons, Princes, Babolats, no breaks. I love Yonex frames, but this is getting ridiculous.

2 RQIS2's and 2 VCore 100s's. all breaks are between 3 o'clock and 5 o'clock on the frame.

Not throwing them, banging them around in luggage, leaving in hot or cold cars, or any of the "abuse" that might cause a racket to break. I do play doubles and scrape the head on low volleys, but that is about it. I guess you could say that I am not very talented because I also hit more than my fair share of off center and framed balls when I am at the net and the other guys nail one at me.

2 of the broken rackets have occurred within the last 12 months (both V100s) both occurred in hitting sessions with certified pros. (one of whom plays yonex herself)

all breaks have occurred on forehand groundstrokes or volleys, none on serves or overheads.

If I recall, the string jobs were done by at least two and possibly even 3 stringers, the last one on one of those top of the line electronic machines, all USRSA stringers. tensions were all at the upper half of the recc. tension, but below top recc. tension. all strung full bed poly.

I sent one back last summer (v100s) that was less than 1 year old to yonex and they returned it to me with a one word response "abuse". (bull****, but, whatever)

Other than just venting, I am curious if anyone else has such a problem with breaking yonex rackets? Since all the breaks are at about the 5 o'clock position on the racket face, do you think there is some clue in that?

 

[Irvin]

It could be lots of things but as the rackets are strung at high tension and pressure builds up the direction of the crosses maybe the higher tensions are creating too much pressure on the bottom sides of the frame. Do you have the crosses strung at the same tensions as your mains?

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=454859

 

[ollinger]

I posted a day or two ago in a thread about Yonex quality that they had a reputation for cracking about a decade ago, especially the Ultimum 1700 and 1500 frames. Also, the Yonex V-Con racquets apparently had to be re-engineered after release because of some cracking, as I recall. Seems like it may still be a problem.

 

[bobtodd]

I had a bad experience with a Yonex Cyborg 2300 in the 90's. I baby my racquets so I was surprised when it broke just above the handle. Haven't bought a Yonex since.

 

[MarcusInKensington]

Surprising. I've used Yonex for ages and have always found them to be bulletproof. Have always strung pretty tightly too.

 

[Uncoil]

I guess you could say that I am not very talented because I also hit more than my fair share of off center and framed balls when I am at the net and the other guys nail one at me.

tensions were all at the upper half of the recc. tension, but below top recc. tension. all strung full bed poly.

It is you. For sure.

 

[KYHacker]

Well, it's probably you, but that doesn't mean that you are responsible. A local pro that I know breaks frames around that area about every 6-8 weeks-- regardless of manufacturer. He's broken over 6 Pro-Kennex Qtours and Princes and others before that. Whatever it is about his stringing preferences and technique cracks frames.

 

[Irvin]

...I sent one back last summer (v100s) that was less than 1 year old to yonex and they returned it to me with a one word response "abuse". (bull****, but, whatever)

Other than just venting, I am curious if anyone else has such a problem with breaking yonex rackets? Since all the breaks are at about the 5 o'clock position on the racket face, do you think there is some clue in that?

Not sure if you sent it back or had the frame sent back from the authorized dealer you used to purchase the racket. The warranty is for defects in materials and workmanship to the original purchasers. If they can't see an obvious defect or the frame was not returned by an authorized dealer you chances of getting the racket replaced is somewhere between slim and none.

Racket will break sooner or later so the best you can do is have your strung according to the manufacturers recommendations and hope for the best. If one brand of racket does not hold up well for you switch.

 

[FEDERERNADAL13]

My yonex's have been the most sturdy I've had. I had a few wilsons and Babolats crack on me on low balls, but the yonex's have been strong so far *knocks on wood*.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

Well, it's probably you, but that doesn't mean that you are responsible. A local pro that I know breaks frames around that area about every 6-8 weeks-- regardless of manufacturer. He's broken over 6 Pro-Kennex Qtours and Princes and others before that. Whatever it is about his stringing preferences and technique cracks frames.

Yup some people are just racquet breakers... just like some are string breakers.

 

[volusiano]

Wonder how the manufacturer can determine whether a racket is abused or due to defect, except for obvious breakage sign from outside in. But if it's just a crack, how would they know?

 

[LapsedNoob]

Yup some people are just racquet breakers... just like some are string breakers.

This is true.

OP, do you hit offcenter on a regular basis? Hitting extra close to the frame regulalry in one spot can stress it more.

 

[stapletonj]

That's what's funny. I've had many frames over the years of many brands and no cracking issues at all.

As far as framing too many, I might have been a little too humble. I don't hit THAT many off center.

They gave me an RMA as the racket was a gift when I sent the one back.

 

[Rysty]

Strange, I still play with RDX 500 Mids from years ago. Are you sure the crosses have been strung from head to throat?

 

[topspn]

I have always found yonex to be outstanding. Don't know what to say

 

[tom4ny]

Wow. I have now broken my FOURTH yonex frame in 3 years. I've had Wilsons, Princes, Babolats, no breaks. I love Yonex frames, but this is getting ridiculous.

2 RQIS2's and 2 VCore 100s's. all breaks are between 3 o'clock and 5 o'clock on the frame.

Not throwing them, banging them around in luggage, leaving in hot or cold cars, or any of the "abuse" that might cause a racket to break. I do play doubles and scrape the head on low volleys, but that is about it. I guess you could say that I am not very talented because I also hit more than my fair share of off center and framed balls when I am at the net and the other guys nail one at me.

2 of the broken rackets have occurred within the last 12 months (both V100s) both occurred in hitting sessions with certified pros. (one of whom plays yonex herself)

all breaks have occurred on forehand groundstrokes or volleys, none on serves or overheads.

If I recall, the string jobs were done by at least two and possibly even 3 stringers, the last one on one of those top of the line electronic machines, all USRSA stringers. tensions were all at the upper half of the recc. tension, but below top recc. tension. all strung full bed poly.

I sent one back last summer (v100s) that was less than 1 year old to yonex and they returned it to me with a one word response "abuse". (bull****, but, whatever)

Other than just venting, I am curious if anyone else has such a problem with breaking yonex rackets? Since all the breaks are at about the 5 o'clock position on the racket face, do you think there is some clue in that?

could be from stress applied when the rackets are strung especially if it is where the are where the clamps are applied. it may not be visible after the string job but then the force of ball striking eventually causes the frame to pop.

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

Yonex for the most part are well-built frames.

No offense intended but maybe consider taking a lesson for the purpose of having your 'teaching pro' next to you (with the 'hitter' on the opposite baseline) taking a close look at your particular swing path to see if there's possibly a hitch--or whatever--in your swing path that's subjecting your particular 'Yonex shaped frame' to engaging the ball in a manner that results in mishits.

Again, just a thought - Yonex QC is usually right up ther with the best of them.

 

[A_Instead]

Without seeing them , but based on your comments... I bet its a result of the stringing technique.

 

[stapletonj]

that is what is so freaking bizarre.

the last two times, It cracked while I was hitting with 2 different teaching pros.

All four cracks have been with different stringers on different machines. This last one was strung at a well known major marketer while I was at the Cincinnati tournament. How could it be the stringer?

 

[Pmasterfunk]

Racquets are "supposed" to be strung from the tip of the head to the throat. If your racquet is strung in one piece and the mains tie near the throat, the string has to be wrapped "around the world". You can get more info about it here:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=234636

I honestly don't know if that has anything to do with your racquet breaking situation, but I think it's worth considering.

 

[donquijote]

Where do you buy them from? Check the source of these racquets.

 

[Steve Huff]

I broke several R 22's back in the 90s. Yonex was always good about replacing them. I switched to another brand. I'm guessing that stringing might be an issue here also. Make sure they are being strung 2 piece, and just for safety, string the crosses 5% lower than the mains.

 

[Big_Dangerous]

Yup some people are just racquet breakers... just like some are string breakers.

Wow I must not be in either one of those categories, (*knocks on wood*) because I've only snapped a string one time and never broken a racket. And I'm ashamed to admit that I've thrown my rackets a few times too. Definitely damage, but never had a racket crack or basically become unplayable.

 

[Big_Dangerous]

I broke several R 22's back in the 90s. Yonex was always good about replacing them. I switched to another brand. I'm guessing that stringing might be an issue here also. Make sure they are being strung 2 piece, and just for safety, string the crosses 5% lower than the mains.

I always string 2 piece, but I usually go 2-3 lbs tighter in the crosses. That's just me though.

 

[vegasgt3]

I just had a two week old Ai100 crack on a ground stroke. It was replaced, but wow, only happened once before to me in 45 years of playing, the other was a Fischer on a service return.

 

[goldenset]

Racquets are "supposed" to be strung from the tip of the head to the throat. If your racquet is strung in one piece and the mains tie near the throat, the string has to be wrapped "around the world". You can get more info about it here:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=234636

I honestly don't know if that has anything to do with your racquet breaking situation, but I think it's worth considering.

good post above. might be good to check out how the string job is being done. i used to break pro-staff 85's near the throat around 730pm/530pm. i used to string 1pc to maximize the reel (poor student here!). once i moved to 2 pc, and i start the crosses at the head, never happened ever since.

 

[brianb76]

Ive cracked 3. One Ezone 100, and two Xi's.
One of the main reasons I switched to Head. (Other being square head and hitting too much off the bottom of the hoop)

I want to try the Ai but am afraid gonna have the same issues.

 

[ultradr]

Corners of the square shape might get extra stress...

 

[BreakPoint]

Corners of the square shape might get extra stress...

True, the stress is not distributed as evenly as with a normal oval shaped hoop. The "corners" of the square would experience higher stress as all four sides of the square are pulled inwards by the string tension.

 

[GBplayer]

True, the stress is not distributed as evenly as with a normal oval shaped hoop. The "corners" of the square would experience higher stress as all four sides of the square are pulled inwards by the string tension.

We have seen no proof that it is cracking on the " square " section of the racquet, which is not square at all !

Please can we see a photo?

I have a pair of vcore tour 97 s. They have many scrapes and bangs taking low shots in doubles with over two years of use, and are strung fairly high at 59/57. No problems.

Where are the photos?

 

[stapletonj]

Well, it happened again .... Yonex DR 100, under 6 months of use. never thrown, not even once, not even dropped in exasperation.
strung high end of recc. tension by a certain major supplier in the "*******", just to be sure.
Go to Hilton Head (Van Der Meer's) college player hitting some hard serves to me after drills session.

frame breaks on one side half way up the yoke. Just to be sure Yonex has no excuse, I had them write up a note on VDM stationery. Who wants to bet they will find an excuse to deny a replacement?

 

[n8dawg6]

my frames never get a chance to break on their own, i smash them first. one of these days they will learn their lesson.

 

[GBplayer]

Still no photos ?

 

[Jorge Reis]

Well, it happened again .... Yonex DR 100, under 6 months of use. never thrown, not even once, not even dropped in exasperation.
strung high end of recc. tension by a certain major supplier in the "*******", just to be sure.
Go to Hilton Head (Van Der Meer's) college player hitting some hard serves to me after drills session.

frame breaks on one side half way up the yoke. Just to be sure Yonex has no excuse, I had them write up a note on VDM stationery. Who wants to bet they will find an excuse to deny a replacement?

Hi, im going for a demo and DR100 is included. Please let me know the developments you have there.

 

[n8dawg6]

Hi, im going for a demo and DR100 is included. Please let me know the developments you have there.

you will be fine. the racquet will not fall apart in your hands.

 

[mawashi]

It's very unfortunate that it happened but it's very rare imo.

No manufacturer is immune to freak accidents

 

[kreatinko]

My buddy's AI98 has the same problem, he never hit it onto the ground or anything similar, but it cracked a few weeks ago...No high tensions !

 

[DrumWizOHBD]

If you are taking your racquets to be strung on the same machine, it's quite possible they are not being mounted properly. I've seen all kinds of improper stringing techniques, that I've said "Are you sure you should do it that way?" to a response "I've been doing this for years!" Even if someone's been stringing for years, they may be consistently doing something that affects the integrity of your frames.

 

[mawashi]

Agree, it's common knowledge that stringing causes the greatest stress on the racquet. A bad stringer can cause a lot of internal damage to any stick.

 

[GioV]

Yea.. Stringer is probably the problem.

Played with Yonex ever since the RD-7 with none of the issues presented here. Recently, I had 7 95Ds, used many seasons, strung countless amount of times, since March 2012 and none of them cracked. I did have to replace the grommets though. The bumper guards on those are terrible, but I had no issues with the frame.

Same with 5 VCore 100S I had for two seasons...

 

[Readers]

Well, it happened again .... Yonex DR 100, under 6 months of use. never thrown, not even once, not even dropped in exasperation.
strung high end of recc. tension by a certain major supplier in the "*******", just to be sure.
Go to Hilton Head (Van Der Meer's) college player hitting some hard serves to me after drills session.

frame breaks on one side half way up the yoke. Just to be sure Yonex has no excuse, I had them write up a note on VDM stationery. Who wants to bet they will find an excuse to deny a replacement?

Picture, we really need to see photo of this.

 

[stapletonj]

I will try to figure out how to do so (pics) later today.

PS, this is the 4th time in less than 3 years (maybe 2) that this has happened. different stringers 3 of the 4 times, this time is was one of the big 3 (not TW) not in California.
None of the rackets were thrown, all were Yonex, (I also have 2 babolats and a Donnay that I fool around with) 3 of the breaks were in the actual presence of three different
USPTA certified teaching pros and former Division I college players.... consequently, I really don't think it is 3 different bad stringers.

 

[mawashi]

I will try to figure out how to do so (pics) later today.

PS, this is the 4th time in less than 3 years (maybe 2) that this has happened. different stringers 3 of the 4 times, this time is was one of the big 3 (not TW) not in California.
None of the rackets were thrown, all were Yonex, (I also have 2 babolats and a Donnay that I fool around with) 3 of the breaks were in the actual presence of three different
USPTA certified teaching pros and former Division I college players.... consequently, I really don't think it is 3 different bad stringers.

That really sucks. Btw, what's your usual string/tension and how often do you restring?

 

[JBH]

It might be interesting to have posted this in the stringing forum. I use a Gamma with self-centering, a feature that pretty much all mid and higher models employ. Self-centering locks the tip and tail in place, and the stringer is then supposed to adjust the other supports to the shape of the racquet.
While a typical Yonex isn't square, it is a significantly different shape than most racquets, and the 'corners' are in the locations of the supports. If the stringer is in a hurry, they may not adjust the supports optimally (or at all) and over time cracking can occur.

Ironically, a lower-end machine, or a stringer who doesn't process a variety of frames would be less likely to have this happen.

 

[ThePhamster]

I will try to figure out how to do so (pics) later today.

PS, this is the 4th time in less than 3 years (maybe 2) that this has happened. different stringers 3 of the 4 times, this time is was one of the big 3 (not TW) not in California.
None of the rackets were thrown, all were Yonex, (I also have 2 babolats and a Donnay that I fool around with) 3 of the breaks were in the actual presence of three different
USPTA certified teaching pros and former Division I college players.... consequently, I really don't think it is 3 different bad stringers.

Use Imgur to post photos here.

 

[wsk429]

It's you. You either hit harder than the pros or you shank every ball. So, it's you.

 

[stapletonj]

And yet.... the babolats dont break, the princes dont break, and the Wilsons I used to play with didn't break, yeah, you're right, it must be me...........sigh...........

 

[ultradr]

I have had a Yonex broken on me due to my fault and it happened to be near the "squarish corner". I have sent it to Yonex and they replaced it for free.

 

[LeeD]

Fool me once, shame on me...
Fool me twice, well maybe I"m a slow learner....
Fool me thrice, maybe it's not all on me....
Fool me a FOURTH time? Maybe I'd better rethink my choices.

 

[stapletonj]

Yeah LeeD, that's kind of where I'm at. Any suggestions? Head? Prince? Babs?