jace112
Semi-Pro
According to some guys here, and especially Travlerajm, most manufacturers are not providing us the most efficient racquets.
Usually, most "players" frames are roughly about : (stock versions)
- weight (strung): 325 to 345 g (~ 11.5 oz to 12.2 oz)
- swingweight (strung): 315 to 330 kg.cm²
- balance (strung): 320 to 330 mm (~ -7 pts HL to -4 pts HL)
=> I'll use WSB for weight / SW / balance
A better frame design would lead to a much higher SW, let's say 350 to maximize power, or more than 365 to get into the heavy ball zone. Even for recreational players...
It looks like SW can be THE secret. Ok, now it's time to do some lead experiments!
You can maximize SW and minimize the added mass by putting lead under the bumper at the top of the hoop.
1/ stock version : 325 / 315 / 320
2/ max power / min mass : 335 / 350 / 331
3/ max spin / min mass : 342 / 372 / 338
- How many of you have tested these setups?
- What are your thoughts about them?
- Are you able to generate enough head speed and acceleration to get into the heavy ball zone?
- Don't you think the more head heavy balance and high SW finally lead to a huge decrease in maneuvrability?
- How much should you have raised your tension to counterbalance the extra power?
- Does anyone (except JHH) use some kind of 300 / 390 / 350, WSB setup? Successfully?
I'm only curious about all that stuff. I've played with a 350 / 370 / 330 (some kind of) setup, and I wasn't able to generate enough head acceleration. Returns were awfull, and so were volleys. No maneuvrability at all. But power on groundstrokes and on serves was terrific if I had the time to prepare the very long and loopy swing. And I think HH frames are tricky to deal with. I don't have much feedback.
So basically I don't understand why high SW (range > 350) are *better* for *everybody*. I believe the usual range (315 to 330 kg.cm²) is much more versatile if you don't only rely on huge serve and big groundstrokes on clay. Even balanced frames let you be more reactive on volleys, returns and quick short swings. For most of us.
I was looking at some specs : Yonex RDX500 MP, I guess it's a player frame. 325 / 315 / 317. So, 340 / 365 / 333 or 335 / 350 / 328 would be much better. Is Yonex stupid? Do you think 10 g added on the RDX500 would scare anyone?
Is the time for the Hammer lineage again?
PS: my usual stick is a DNX9 with lead at 3&9 and on top (331 / 330 / 328). BTW, thanks to Travlerajm for having initiated such a long and interesting debate
jace
Usually, most "players" frames are roughly about : (stock versions)
- weight (strung): 325 to 345 g (~ 11.5 oz to 12.2 oz)
- swingweight (strung): 315 to 330 kg.cm²
- balance (strung): 320 to 330 mm (~ -7 pts HL to -4 pts HL)
=> I'll use WSB for weight / SW / balance
A better frame design would lead to a much higher SW, let's say 350 to maximize power, or more than 365 to get into the heavy ball zone. Even for recreational players...
It looks like SW can be THE secret. Ok, now it's time to do some lead experiments!
You can maximize SW and minimize the added mass by putting lead under the bumper at the top of the hoop.
1/ stock version : 325 / 315 / 320
2/ max power / min mass : 335 / 350 / 331
3/ max spin / min mass : 342 / 372 / 338
- How many of you have tested these setups?
- What are your thoughts about them?
- Are you able to generate enough head speed and acceleration to get into the heavy ball zone?
- Don't you think the more head heavy balance and high SW finally lead to a huge decrease in maneuvrability?
- How much should you have raised your tension to counterbalance the extra power?
- Does anyone (except JHH) use some kind of 300 / 390 / 350, WSB setup? Successfully?
I'm only curious about all that stuff. I've played with a 350 / 370 / 330 (some kind of) setup, and I wasn't able to generate enough head acceleration. Returns were awfull, and so were volleys. No maneuvrability at all. But power on groundstrokes and on serves was terrific if I had the time to prepare the very long and loopy swing. And I think HH frames are tricky to deal with. I don't have much feedback.
So basically I don't understand why high SW (range > 350) are *better* for *everybody*. I believe the usual range (315 to 330 kg.cm²) is much more versatile if you don't only rely on huge serve and big groundstrokes on clay. Even balanced frames let you be more reactive on volleys, returns and quick short swings. For most of us.
I was looking at some specs : Yonex RDX500 MP, I guess it's a player frame. 325 / 315 / 317. So, 340 / 365 / 333 or 335 / 350 / 328 would be much better. Is Yonex stupid? Do you think 10 g added on the RDX500 would scare anyone?
Is the time for the Hammer lineage again?
PS: my usual stick is a DNX9 with lead at 3&9 and on top (331 / 330 / 328). BTW, thanks to Travlerajm for having initiated such a long and interesting debate
jace
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