Racquet Expiry Date?

jman

jman

Semi-Pro
Just want to know how long most racquets last? Only asking, because recently my favourite racquet, has started to feel differently. Differently as in, there seems to be a lot of vibration after every ball I hit (this is with a vibration dampener), and it actually feels like I'm hitting with a broken string, which I'm not.

I actually thought it started to feel different after I had it re-strung at 22kgs (49lbs), so I put it in for my normal tension at 24kgs (53lbs), and it still doesn't feel like it used too. I even put 2 Pete Sampras dampeners to counter the vibration, but still no avail.

I purchased my racquet 4 years ago, brand new, and from my view, I have taken quite good care of it. As for rating, I would say I'm a 4.0 player. I play comp 3-4 times a week, division 1. So I hit a fair bit.

So what could be the problem? I've checked for cracks in the frame, which there isn't? The pro shop guy, said it could be the fibres internally which have deteriorated over time? But I've only had the racquet for 4 years? Is there any truth to this? Keen for your opinions =)
 
It might be the fibres assuming no structural damage. Nothing lasts forever. Perhaps try using a different string to get the same feel as before?
 
jman said:
Just want to know how long most racquets last? Only asking, because recently my favourite racquet, has started to feel differently. Differently as in, there seems to be a lot of vibration after every ball I hit (this is with a vibration dampener), and it actually feels like I'm hitting with a broken string, which I'm not.

I actually thought it started to feel different after I had it re-strung at 22kgs (49lbs), so I put it in for my normal tension at 24kgs (53lbs), and it still doesn't feel like it used too. I even put 2 Pete Sampras dampeners to counter the vibration, but still no avail.

I purchased my racquet 4 years ago, brand new, and from my view, I have taken quite good care of it. As for rating, I would say I'm a 4.0 player. I play comp 3-4 times a week, division 1. So I hit a fair bit.

So what could be the problem? I've checked for cracks in the frame, which there isn't? The pro shop guy, said it could be the fibres internally which have deteriorated over time? But I've only had the racquet for 4 years? Is there any truth to this? Keen for your opinions =)
Click to expand...

4 years is a long time.
When I was a 4.0 player my rackets only lasted me 2 years. I played 4 times a week and restrung every other week. I didn't abuse them but because of all the usage and restringing, the fibers went bad. I think it's time for you to get a set of new sticks.
 
Heres a little secret for you. Racquets only last until the next version comes out with a new paint job. At which time the time released resin will begin to turn to dust. Every time you miss a shot useing an older racquet this is the reason. Its not you its the racquets fault. Go buy a new one.
 
I think there is some truth in what the OP says; I noticed the same thing when I payed with an old Prestige 600, not so much that the racket vibrated, but that it was difficult to control my shots. A friend of mine also has this same issue; he is still using his swirly-patterned PD for the past 10 years at least, and when he plays, his balls go all over the place ( and mind you, he is a very good player).
I think if one plays and strings regularly, rackets should be changed around every 3-4 years.
 
hey thnx guys for the confirmation there. You've put my mind into ease, and I've already ordered two brand new sticks of the same model. Can't wait to start playing proper tennis again =)
 
magnut said:
Heres a little secret for you. Racquets only last until the next version comes out with a new paint job. At which time the time released resin will begin to turn to dust. Every time you miss a shot useing an older racquet this is the reason. Its not you its the racquets fault. Go buy a new one.
Click to expand...

So true must have shiny new frame, lest this occurs......
 
jman said:
hey thnx guys for the confirmation there. You've put my mind into ease, and I've already ordered two brand new sticks of the same model. Can't wait to start playing proper tennis again =)
Click to expand...

Just curious, which ones did you order?
 
Wasn´t there a rule of thumb that racquet characteristics change significantly (go downhill) after about 200 string jobs?
 
Hasn't Delpo been playing his for years?
I am sure his racquets are getting more abuse than ours.
 
Good luck with your new frames, but I think the notion of frames "expiring" is a bit of hogwash. The technology involved with braided graphite is designed to withstand considerable stress.

Of course, the racquet manufacturers won't promote this as they NEED new sales of their most recent model.
 
I had this happen to me when I started tying off my knots differently. The poly tip was just touching the frame and would vibrate on each hit. Since it was the tip after the knot a dampener wouldn't do anything. Bending the tip away from the frame solved it.

Worth a check.
 
I hoping to get 10-15 years out of mine, I think I got the new racquet thing out of my system unless I buy used and can resell for a few bucks less. Once a week player here.
 
jonestim said:
I had this happen to me when I started tying off my knots differently. The poly tip was just touching the frame and would vibrate on each hit. Since it was the tip after the knot a dampener wouldn't do anything. Bending the tip away from the frame solved it.

Worth a check.
Click to expand...

Interesting! Will check this too. thnx for that tip.
 
sortof said:
Wasn´t there a rule of thumb that racquet characteristics change significantly (go downhill) after about 200 string jobs?
Click to expand...
I seem to recall that number is 30. I wish it was 200!

Dawson_Crying.gif
 
OP - did you try replacing the grommets on your old frames? It's more likely that those got worn out rather than your frame given the symptoms you described.
 
KFwinds said:
OP - did you try replacing the grommets on your old frames? It's more likely that those got worn out rather than your frame given the symptoms you described.
Click to expand...

I never thought of that. do you really think that would resolve the issues? is this more viable reason than the racquet fibers breaking? because initially I thought 4 years was still relatively new?
 
KFwinds said:
OP - did you try replacing the grommets on your old frames? It's more likely that those got worn out rather than your frame given the symptoms you described.
Click to expand...

I second that thought. A teamate of mine kept complaining about one of her rackets how it sounded different than the rest. turns out one of her grommets were worn straight through and the string was actually sitting on the frame.

Its worth the 10 dollar check rather than buying a new racket
 
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