Matching tension on two different racquets for demo purposes?

[ghostwind]

I’m about to demo a Wilson Blade 100 V9 vs. a Head Speed MP 2024, and I’d like to take strings out of the equation as much as possible.

I will string them both with Prince Synthetic Gut 16 because it’s cheap and fine for demo purposes. Regarding tension, this is where I’m not sure how to go.

The Blade has a recommended tension of 50-60lbs and the Speed 48-57lbs. Should I string them both in the middle of their ranges (55 for Blade and 53 for Speed) or both at the same number? Which is the better way?

 

[struggle]

A couple pounds is mostly unnoticeable for most (as is several pounds..).

I'd string them both at your normal tension and forget about it.

also, don't worry about the "recommended tension:" stamped on a racquet....
do what feels right to YOU. You can go much lower and a good bit higher as you desire.

If you are stringing for yourself and using PSG then you can even afford to try a few different tensions...

 

[ghostwind]

A couple pounds is mostly unnoticeable for most (as is several pounds..).

I'd string them both at your normal tension and forget about it.

also, don't worry about the "recommended tension:" stamped on a racquet....
do what feels right to YOU. You can go much lower and a good bit higher as you desire.

If you are stringing for yourself and using PSG then you can even afford to try a few different tensions...

Wil do - thanks. About the recommended tension - I would imagine it's OK to go lower, but higher? Couldn't that possibly damage the frame? I assume the recommendations are there for a reason, no?

 

[AmericanTwist]

Are both string patterns the same? String spacing on a Wilson 100 won't be the same as a Head 100 frame, however. Speed MP might be a bit more elongated and the Wilson more round (comparatively). I would try mid range suggested tension on both so a higher tension for the Wilson would be appropriate. As you are hitting just know there may be a difference in tension and figure out whether adjusting the tension would make the frames perform better (or more equal) or not.

 

[Irvin]

I’d use the Stringway online tension advisor to determine the tension you needed for a specific DT. You’ll have to measure the inside length and width of the head for each racket then select the same DT for each. The advisor will then give you, for each racket, the recommended tension for mains and crosses +/- 0.1 lb or kg. Then it’s just a matter of getting them strung.

 

[Shroud]

Wil do - thanks. About the recommended tension - I would imagine it's OK to go lower, but higher? Couldn't that possibly damage the frame? I assume the recommendations are there for a reason, no?

Fwiw modern racquets are super strong. I routinely exceed tension “limits” by 20-30lbs

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-you cold try, but i don tthink it will be as good as you think
-do as you implied, example: h.speed at 50, and w,blade at 52, thats 2lbs above manufacturer bottom recommendation; or what ever more or less tension you were thinking of

-but as long as both racquets have similar string and similar string date, that will be a better base criteria for you!
-while demoing, i would try to not focus so much on the string, but put my focus on the "feel" of the weight of the racquet in hand!
-the swing weight, the balance, etc!

-anyway, enjoy the demos!!

 

[fritzhimself]

Fwiw modern racquets are super strong. I routinely exceed tension “limits” by 20-30lbs

Yes, but only because you are a unique unicorn.
Any other tennis player would immediately throw your racket over the fence - not everyone can play with such a specialised instrument.

 

[Shroud]

Yes, but only because you are a unique unicorn.
Any other tennis player would immediately throw your racket over the fence - not everyone can play with such a specialised instrument.

Actually one fella hit pretty well with it and posted on this bored. Imho anyone could swing these sticks.

Btw i had a buddy who wanted to play tennis. Showed up with the walmart federer stick. Poor guy was athletic but was having trouble hitting over the net. We swapped racquets and man I was struggling to hit over the net and he was over powering me…

 

[fritzhimself]

Hitting balls is one thing - but a real match is where the wheat is separated from the chaff.
I play with a grip 2- your grip is as thick as a beer can. Ivo Karlovic would love that.
Your frame would be unplayable for me.

 

[Shaolin]

I’m about to demo a Wilson Blade 100 V9 vs. a Head Speed MP 2024, and I’d like to take strings out of the equation as much as possible.

I will string them both with Prince Synthetic Gut 16 because it’s cheap and fine for demo purposes. Regarding tension, this is where I’m not sure how to go.

The Blade has a recommended tension of 50-60lbs and the Speed 48-57lbs. Should I string them both in the middle of their ranges (55 for Blade and 53 for Speed) or both at the same number? Which is the better way?

Save yourself the hassle and just buy the Speed MP

 

[ghostwind]

Save yourself the hassle and just buy the Speed MP

Ha, why do you say that? So far, I've played two matches with both, and I find the Blade a bit crisper and more responsive. The Head has a bit more power and is a bit more forgiving, but feels a bit "dampened" if that's a good adjective. Both are pretty good and very equal otherwise TBH.

 

[Shroud]

Hitting balls is one thing - but a real match is where the wheat is separated from the chaff.
I play with a grip 2- your grip is as thick as a beer can. Ivo Karlovic would love that.
Your frame would be unplayable for me.

Well I manage to do it and am old and out of shape…. But sure. I would struggle with your frame for sure