Manually Measuring Swingweight

[TennisLogic]

Is there a way to manually measure the swingweight of an unstrung racquet?

I know TWU does an amazing job showing how to measure the swingweight for strung racquets here: http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/howto_swingweight.php

Wondering if the same can be done for an unstrung frame.

 

[Angelface]

I tried the same, just hanging the frame on the grommet but it didn't seem to work, I didn't find any resources on if it should be calculated differently or so.

 

[GravitysElbow]

I would have thought if you just hang the racquet from the inside of the frame and measure the hang distance from there it ought to work.

Try it with a strung racquet: measure the SW the usual way, then try measuring the same racquet by hanging it from the frame rather than the strings, measuring the hang distance from the inside of the frame, and see if you get the same result, near enough (it's a pretty approximate method anyway I guess).

I guess it's only going to work if there's sufficient space between the grommets not to snag.

 

[Irvin]

 

[Irvin]

The lowest cost SW measuring machine is the Briffidi SW1. It provides a very fast and accurate reading For about the price of a tennis racket. The SW1 measures inertia independent of the racket weight and balance, whether strung or unstrung.

EDIT: You can not only measure SW but TW too. The SW1 is very portable and requires no power. You could easily take it anywhere and measure inertia. There is no other SW machine I know of that’s available for this price let alone as accurate as this one. It comes with a calibration rod and simple instructions for calibration.

 

[tim-ay]

The lowest cost SW measuring machine is the Briffidi SW1. It provides a very fast and accurate reading For about the price of a tennis racket. The SW1 measures inertia independent of the racket weight and balance, whether strung or unstrung.

EDIT: You can not only measure SW but TW too. The SW1 is very portable and requires no power. You could easily take it anywhere and measure inertia. There is no other SW machine I know of that’s available for this price let alone as accurate as this one. It comes with a calibration rod and simple instructions for calibration.

This is pretty sweet and seems decently accurate. How do the measurements compare to the swingtool app? The Briffidi seems more repeatable and consistent.

 

[Dragy]

I measured unstrung SW using knitting needle borrowed from my Mom. Picked one that allowed to hang the racquet off the grommets (acted as a cross string of strung racquet), then used SW app.

 

[Irvin]

This is pretty sweet and seems decently accurate. How do the measurements compare to the swingtool app? The Briffidi seems more repeatable and consistent.

Decently? LOL SwingTool is only as accurate and the measurements you put into it. If your hang point or your balance measurements are off by 1 mm your SW is off. If you’re using SwingTool, measure the SW on 2 different cross strings and tell me which one you feel is the more accurate. They won’t be the same because of the error in your measurements, there’s no comparison.

if you want the SW1 to give you the same results you can measure the SW on any other SW machine and match the results you get on that machine to the SW1. But why would you want to do that?

Now for the inevitable question. No the app is not available for android devices yet.

EDIT: This device was developed by a mechanical engineer that for some reason wanted a better way to measure SW. so he made a better SW machine. Only took him a year and a half. And no it wasn’t me. LMAO

 

[Irvin]

I measured unstrung SW using knitting needle borrowed from my Mom. Picked one that allowed to hang the racquet off the grommets (acted as a cross string of strung racquet), then used SW app.

It takes about 10 seconds to measure the SW using the SW1. It takes you that long to measure the weight of the racket before you ever open SwingTool. Then you have to contend with other errors in measurements you will be taking. But if you’re just measuring SW on your racket in the ball park is good enough.

EDIT: You could buy a Head, Alpha, Prince, or Gamma SW machine, if you can find them, used for more than the cost of a SW1, but why would you want an inferior product in a pretty package that cost more?

 

[Dragy]

It takes about 10 seconds to measure the SW using the SW1. It takes you that long to measure the weight of the racket before you ever open SwingTool. Then you have to contend with other errors in measurements you will be taking. But if you’re just measuring SW on your racket in the ball park is good enough.

EDIT: You could buy a Head, Alpha, Prince, or Gamma SW machine, if you can find them, used for more than the cost of a SW1, but why would you want an inferior product in a pretty package that cost more?

The SW1 looks cool. Dunno how can I get one

 

[esgee48]

briffidi.com

 

[Irvin]

The SW1 looks cool. Dunno how can I get one

Do a Google search ‘Briffidi SW1’

 

[SonRK]

Thank you guys. I almost bought a Head 3 in 1 but this looks amazing. Now I have $1000+ for more strings and experimental racquets haha

Just placed an order for it

 

[esm]

It takes about 10 seconds to measure the SW using the SW1. It takes you that long to measure the weight of the racket before you ever open SwingTool. Then you have to contend with other errors in measurements you will be taking. But if you’re just measuring SW on your racket in the ball park is good enough.

EDIT: You could buy a Head, Alpha, Prince, or Gamma SW machine, if you can find them, used for more than the cost of a SW1, but why would you want an inferior product in a pretty package that cost more?

to be fair - prior to the SW1, the other 3 options are either the expensive models you have mentioned, the Swingapp or the other method of using a stopwatch.....

genuine question though - how did you come up with your comment/thoughts on that your above mentioned branded devices are inferior than the SW1?

The SW1 looks cool. Dunno how can I get one

you are out of luck if you live outside the US... (cos i asked...)

 

[Dragy]

you are out of luck if you live outside the US... (cos i asked...)

This. No “go google it”.

 

[topspn]

Very nice!

 

[topspn]

Just bought one

 

[esm]

Just bought one

lucky you!!!!!!!

 

[Irvin]

genuine question though - how did you come up with your comment/thoughts on that your above mentioned branded devices are inferior than the SW1?

The other devices will not measure to 0.01 accuracy and the SW1 will do it consistently +/- 0.05 kgcm^2

you are out of luck if you live outside the US... (cos i asked...)

Ask again, when first offered it was just the continental US and the price included shipping.

EDIT: Time, supply, and demand have a tendency to change things.

 

[esm]

The other devices will not measure to 0.01 accuracy and the SW1 will do it consistently +/- 0.05 kgcm^2

to be fair, how many people/players do you think will really care to the 0.01 accuracy?
i'd happy if i can get a whole number of the measured swing weight.... 330SW or 330.01SW don't matter to be, to be honest..... lol

Ask again, when first offered it was just the continental US and the price included shipping.

i think i should, but i asked Brian about 2 weeks ago and he said he still need to look into international shipping and the regulations around it...

 

[tim-ay]

Just bought one

Hahaha, i did earlier. We both have issues man

Edit: There were 8 when I bought mine, now 5. So 2 have been purchased by Doppio wielding racketaholics

 

[topspn]

Hahaha, i did earlier. We both have issues man

Edit: There were 8 when I bought mine, now 5. So 2 have been purchased by Doppio wielding racketaholics

Ha! Some gadgets just have to be tried! I have wanted a SW machine for a while

 

[kblades]

The lowest cost SW measuring machine is the Briffidi SW1. It provides a very fast and accurate reading For about the price of a tennis racket. The SW1 measures inertia independent of the racket weight and balance, whether strung or unstrung.

EDIT: You can not only measure SW but TW too. The SW1 is very portable and requires no power. You could easily take it anywhere and measure inertia. There is no other SW machine I know of that’s available for this price let alone as accurate as this one. It comes with a calibration rod and simple instructions for calibration.

Since your YT video says it includes a paid promotion, I’m assuming you got yours either free or at a significantly reduced cost in exchange for your positive review and promotion of the machine. I’m not discrediting you or your review by any means, I am just hesitant anytime I see paid reviews. I have been on the fence since you posted your YT video, but I think I’ll remain on the sidelines for awhile until I see some additional reviews from people that purchased them and also to see if he continues to manufacture/support these devices over time.

 

[Irvin]

Hahaha, i did earlier. We both have issues man

Edit: There were 8 when I bought mine, now 5. So 2 have been purchased by Doppio wielding racketaholics

Not sure what you mean. Are you having issues with the SW1? Or do you just have issues? LOL I see a new thread starting soon about gadget-a-holics.

 

[tim-ay]

Since your YT video says it includes a paid promotion, I’m assuming you got yours either free or at a significantly reduced cost in exchange for your positive review and promotion of the machine. I’m not discrediting you or your review by any means, I am just hesitant anytime I see paid reviews. I have been on the fence since you posted your YT video, but I think I’ll remain on the sidelines for awhile until I see some additional reviews from people that purchased them and also to see if he continues to manufacture/support these devices over time.

I watched the videos from the guy who came up with this on YouTube also. Dude puts 1 gram on a calibration bar and it nails it. This is legit.

Kudo’s to Irvin for making us aware and I don’t care if he got a free machine. Texas boys hang out together , no problem.

Edit: besides, it’s all basic physics. The mechanical design elements are the complication along with the app making it easy. You can’t fake physics, so this is going to be as accurate as you can get as long as the spring K is known and there isn’t a ton of friction.

 

[Nollid]

Purchased. I've been wanting a SW machine forever.

 

[Irvin]

Since your YT video says it includes a paid promotion, I’m assuming you got yours either free or at a significantly reduced cost in exchange for your positive review and promotion of the machine. I’m not discrediting you or your review by any means, I am just hesitant anytime I see paid reviews. I have been on the fence since you posted your YT video, but I think I’ll remain on the sidelines for awhile until I see some additional reviews from people that purchased them and also to see if he continues to manufacture/support these devices over time.

To be honest I got mine free but if I did not feel it was a good product I would not have given it a positive review. i gave it my honest opinion and I checked that it was a paid promotion because I wanted to be fair to the viewers and the product. Had I not been given the SW1 I believe I still probably would have bought it. In my honest opinion it is worth every penny. If I had to choice between a Babolat RDC and a Briffidi SW1, having now used both, I would take the SW1.

 

[tim-ay]

Not sure what you mean. Are you having issues with the SW1? Or do you just have issues? LOL I see a new thread starting soon about gadget-a-holics.

We’re just suckers for toys. I’ve thought about making one a few times but always had projects on the house or my xsr900 or my miata or my MG or……. This is next level with the app and better than what I would have come up with.

 

[Irvin]

I watched the videos from the guy who came up with this on YouTube also. Dude puts 1 gram on a calibration bar and it nails it. This is legit.

Kudo’s to Irvin for making us aware and I don’t care if he got a free machine. Texas boys hang out together , no problem.

Edit: besides, it’s all basic physics. The mechanical design elements are the complication along with the app making it easy. You can’t fake physics, so this is going to be as accurate as you can get as long as the spring K is known and there isn’t a ton of friction.

I made an experiment walking a 0.49 g of lead tape from the bottom cross to the top cross using every 3rd cross on a 16x19 racket. I was never more than 0.11 kgcm^2 off on any measurement. I tried to use a 0.09 g piece of lead but my fingers are too old and fat and I kept dropping the lead. 0.09 g of lead tape is less than 5 mm long when you fold it over.

 

[Irvin]

We’re just suckers for toys. I’ve thought about making one a few times but always had projects on the house or my xsr900 or my miata or my MG or……. This is next level with the app and better than what I would have come up with.

Guilty as charged. LOL I bought a Toyozuki (Yonex) starting clamp just because I wanted to try it. They’re about the same price and I would recommend either.

 

[Irvin]

FYI just talked to the developer and he is down to 1 in stock. My guess is they will be on back order before lunch.

 

[topspn]

Purchased. I've been wanting a SW machine forever.

Oh boy, when the holics go and holic

 

[nohandedbackhand]

I just bought one too lol… he’s probably thinking wtf??

 

[Power Player]

Irwin, I have put my faith in your review and grabbed this device.

This is hilarious. He probably just sold out.

 

[Irvin]

I just bought one too lol… he’s probably thinking wtf??

I certainly hope so

 

[Power Player]

It says he has 2 left. I wonder if that cart is accurate.

 

[Power Player]

FYI just talked to the developer and he is down to 1 in stock. My guess is they will be on back order before lunch.

How long does it take him to make these?

 

[Irvin]

Let’s talk about accuracy for a minute. Assume you have racket and you want to match the weight of another racket to it. You weigh the racket at 336.47 g as jewelry scale and get the same reading time after time. As long as both rackets weigh 336.47 g it does not matter if you 10 g off or not they both weigh the same. 336.47 is just a number

If a racket has a SW of 350.00 kgcm^2 and you modify another racket with the same inertia of 350.00 they are the same. The trick is to match weight, balance, and SW all at the same time. It’s not that difficult with the right tools.

 

[Irvin]

How long does it take him to make these?

He prints them on 3D printers in about 4 or 5 hours right now

 

[Power Player]

He prints them on 3D printers in about 4 or 5 hours right now

That's great. I hope this takes off for him. To be able to measure TW and SW and not have to spend over $1k is a huge help for a lot of us.

 

[bfroxen]

Hey all. Thanks for the orders!

Stock on the website is correct for assembled machines, but I have more parts to assemble. Print time is actually over 24 hours, but I have more than one printer.

I'm still looking into international shipping. I did some research over the weekend but still have more to do.

I'm happy to answer any questions, but it won't be real time. I have a day job, tennis plans, and a bunch of orders to ship.

 

[Irvin]

That's great. I hope this takes off for him. To be able to measure TW and SW and not have to spend over $1k is a huge help for a lot of us.

It will take off when more people start buying it and give their reviews. I can imagine a group of 10 players getting together and buying one. That comes to about $27 each. Not bad for a SW machine.

 

[Power Player]

Hey all. Thanks for the orders!

Stock on the website is correct for assembled machines, but I have more parts to assemble. Print time is actually over 24 hours, but I have more than one printer.

I'm still looking into international shipping. I did some research over the weekend but still have more to do.

I'm happy to answer any questions, but it won't be real time. I have a day job, tennis plans, and a bunch of orders to ship.

Looking forward to getting mine. I am going to grab some BB's later today..haha.

 

[Irvin]

Since your YT video says it includes a paid promotion, I’m assuming you got yours either free or at a significantly reduced cost in exchange for your positive review and promotion of the machine. I’m not discrediting you or your review by any means, I am just hesitant anytime I see paid reviews. I have been on the fence since you posted your YT video, but I think I’ll remain on the sidelines for awhile until I see some additional reviews from people that purchased them and also to see if he continues to manufacture/support these devices over time.

This has been bothering me so I thought I’d reply again. Maybe I should not have said it was a promotional video. The developer contacted me and said he developed a SW machine and asked if I would try it out and provide feedback. That’s all he ever asked for feedback before he started marketing it. He never asked me for anything else and said I could keep the SW1. I was not asked to create a video and put it on YouTube but I did. I wasn’t asked to post a review on a Facebook group but I was happy to do it. And had I not have come across this thread I would not have mentioned it here. It is a great simple product and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to get one.

 

[tim-ay]

Looking forward to getting mine. I am going to grab some BB's later today..haha.

i ordered mine from Walmart - like 7 bucks. I also needed a cheap printer as mine crapped out so free delivery , lol. i hope they come in before the SW machine!

 

[tim-ay]

This has been bothering me so I though I reply again. Maybe I should not have said it was a promotional video. The developer contacted me and said he developed a SW machine and asked if I would try it out and provide feedback. That’s all he ever asked for feedback before he started marketing it. He never asked me for anything else and said I could keep the SW1. I was not asked to create a video and put it on YouTube but I did. I wasn’t asked to post a review on a Facebook group but I was happy to do it. And had I not have come across this thread I would not have mentioned it here. It is a great simple product and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to get one.

I think most of us realized that. don't worry..... your vid was honest. and a couple of quick searches, i watched the developers also.

 

[Curtennis]

The lowest cost SW measuring machine is the Briffidi SW1. It provides a very fast and accurate reading For about the price of a tennis racket. The SW1 measures inertia independent of the racket weight and balance, whether strung or unstrung.

EDIT: You can not only measure SW but TW too. The SW1 is very portable and requires no power. You could easily take it anywhere and measure inertia. There is no other SW machine I know of that’s available for this price let alone as accurate as this one. It comes with a calibration rod and simple instructions for calibration.

And I’m sold. Send me one.

 

[topspn]

Hey all. Thanks for the orders!

Stock on the website is correct for assembled machines, but I have more parts to assemble. Print time is actually over 24 hours, but I have more than one printer.

I'm still looking into international shipping. I did some research over the weekend but still have more to do.

I'm happy to answer any questions, but it won't be real time. I have a day job, tennis plans, and a bunch of orders to ship.

Looking forward to getting mine and will spread the word if the build quality is good.

 

[Power Player]

To Irvins credit I still use his Bead Trick to string crosses. I have been doing it for years and I got hooked. The same little pack of beads has lasted me that long as well. So I trust his judgement on this one, promotion or not.

This SW machine has a really nice YouTube walkthru for the setup, which I personally needed to see. I can about guarantee I'd do something wrong if I didn't have that nice vid as a guide. From there it seems like plug n play. And the ability to get the Twistweight as well is excellent. This will take away a ton of the guess work I deal with when I want to setup a frame, and it should also get me to the point where I find my ideal spec range.
It also should give the poor guys at the tennis shop with an RDC a break from me as well..lol.

 

[kblades]

This has been bothering me so I though I reply again. Maybe I should not have said it was a promotional video. The developer contacted me and said he developed a SW machine and asked if I would try it out and provide feedback. That’s all he ever asked for feedback before he started marketing it. He never asked me for anything else and said I could keep the SW1. I was not asked to create a video and put it on YouTube but I did. I wasn’t asked to post a review on a Facebook group but I was happy to do it. And had I not have come across this thread I would not have mentioned it here. It is a great simple product and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to get one.

Thanks for explaining, and please don’t take offense to it. I am very appreciative of all the time you’ve taken to post all the content on your YT channel. Your videos were a great resource for me when I took up stringing and for that I am sincerely grateful. In today’s world where paid advertisements have become the norm, it’s just gotten to the point where it’s hard to trust reviews in general. So when this new unheard of device showed up and the only information on it available outside of his website was your video, I couldn’t help but be skeptical…but thanks for taking the time to explain.