Racquet tech: what really works vs. bull gimmicks

[GoudX]

Very nice post!
Just small additions:
O ports are the same concept as EXO ports, so they fall in the same category. They work.
String dampener mgiht make the strings move slightly less, depending on the type, but they do work in another department - reducing the string vibration/sound.

When they brought out the O-ports they claimed that it reduced the cross section of the racquet and made it east to swing ue to reduced air resistance. In reality this effect is probably negligible, but drag may actually have been increased by increasing turbulance.

I don't remember any such claims with EXO, and I think they market it around the idea that extra space for the string to move = bigger sweetspot and more stringbed flex.

 

[kalic]

Woofer grommets and O3 ports do works, but I personally don't like it. I didn't play with kinetic, just shake it around, and I think it works too. My favorite "tech" is twaron in old Head racquets, there is something about vibration control and feel...

 

[danotje]

The technology added to a racket (vs. changing to graphite) that makes the biggest difference is the ProKennex Kinetic system with the little balls in tubes that reduce tennis elbow.

I agree, the PK Kinetic system works very well. My 7G is extremely stable and solid. I think it's the resistance to twisting that helps the elbow, but it really shores up your game, too. Volleys, in particular, become very controllable.

 

[GBplayer]

Racquet tech that definitely works:

Graphite frames - Lighter and more power than wood, more feel and greater durability than steel.

Synthetic strings - Cheaper than dead sheep.

Midsize frames - More power and forgiveness than a standard size

Midplus frames - Even more power and forgiveness

Oversize frames - EVEN MORE POWER AND FORGIVENESS!

Synthetic grips/Overgrips - More tacky and absorbant than dead cow.

Extra weight - More stability and power

Wider beam - Extra power

Open string patterns - More spin and power

Closed string patterns - More control

Composite/Layup changes - Adding kevlar/basalt/etc... changes the stiffness of the frame changing power and feel.

Frame Shape/mass distribution - Changes dynamic flexibility, impact response and swing characteristics

String dampener - makes strings move less

Spaghetti Strings - Too much spin

Extended length - More reach, potentially more spin and power if you have the strength and skill.

Others that probably work: Crossbar, double bridge, bigger grommets, swiss cheese (EXO), Spin Effect, PWS, CAP grommets.

Others that probably don't (at least in the context of tennis): Magical nanomaterials (Graphene, microgel, k-factor), Aerodynamic assists (babolat aero frames, dunlop aeroskin, O ports), Technologies that nobody will explain (cortex).

Synthetic grips are not more tacky than leather. I sweat profusely and have to use leather to stop the grip getting slippery.

 

[BlueB]

I don't remember any such claims with EXO, and I think they market it around the idea that extra space for the string to move = bigger sweetspot and more stringbed flex.

That's the exact department where the O3 ports work too.

Both do another thing, that gets overseen. It is the reinforceing the cross section of the frame, turning it into a 3d structure. Traditional drilled grommet is the weak spot on the frame.

 

[mikeler]

I agree, the PK Kinetic system works very well. My 7G is extremely stable and solid. I think it's the resistance to twisting that helps the elbow, but it really shores up your game, too. Volleys, in particular, become very controllable.

The kinetic system works great. I also agree that ports and double bridge technology are winners.

 

[davidl7]

You really don't have to look that deep into it. Just look at what the Pro's are really playing with. This guys are hitting thousands of balls every day, they know and feel what works and gives them the best heavy ball required to be at top. If these "gimmicks" are so good than why aren't any of the pros using them. Its because these are just that gimmicks.

These gimmicks work for club level players, they think it gives them an edge, when its really they went from 90 head to 100 head, not the snake skin frame with rocket booster grommets.

 

[lima]

Funny thing is that good players are not so bothered with their racquets and string setup. It is the lower level players that constantly search for new racquet or new string...

 

[BlueB]

The kinetic system works great. I also agree that ports and double bridge technology are winners.

Hey Mikeler, just interested in your take on the double bridge. I had a Prince Precission 770, one of the early double bridges. That elastomer in the bridge didn't do much for the dampening of the strings, I had to put an extra dampener. Now, it could be that the elastomer hardened over the years... It shouldn't be the case with PU based ones, though...

 

[mikeler]

Hey Mikeler, just interested in your take on the double bridge. I had a Prince Precission 770, one of the early double bridges. That elastomer in the bridge didn't do much for the dampening of the strings, I had to put an extra dampener. Now, it could be that the elastomer hardened over the years... It shouldn't be the case with PU based ones, though...

I never used the double bridge before the Tour 100T ESP. It works great in that racket.

 

[BlueB]

I never used the double bridge before the Tour 100T ESP. It works great in that racket.

What does it do in your opinion?

 

[mikeler]

What does it do in your opinion?

It seems to allow almost no vibration of the frame.

 

[BlueB]

How does the elastomer feel when you press it with a finger? Hard or gives in a bit?

 

[mikeler]

How does the elastomer feel when you press it with a finger? Hard or gives in a bit?

I don't think you can touch it. I'll look in a few minutes when I hit the courts.

 

[Disgruntled Worker]

The Xenecore stuff from Donnay definitely works. Especially the original X-Series. It's just foam-filling the inside part of the racquet that most companies leave hollow. But it's still "technology".

 

[BreakPoint]

Funny thing is that good players are not so bothered with their racquets and string setup. It is the lower level players that constantly search for new racquet or new string...

That's because good players are already good. They know that a new racquet is not going to make them better, but rather more practice and conditioning and hard work will make them better. Lower level players, OTOH, think that a new racquet is the panacea to all their problems and will miraculously make them into a better player without having to put in all the hard work. Racquet companies' marketing take full advantage of this thinking and get people to buy more and more racquets.

 

[corners]

The Xenecore stuff from Donnay definitely works. Especially the original X-Series. It's just foam-filling the inside part of the racquet that most companies leave hollow. But it's still "technology".

It's a little more than that. The foam they use serves as part of the structure, rather than just a light and fluffy filling that changes the feel. It allows Donnay to use less graphite than is usually required and/or to make thinner-beamed racquets. This is explained in their original patent.

My concern with Donnay is how long their special foam (Xene) holds its structure over time. We know how graphite/epoxy composites age - very well! But how about these fancy foams? I would think they will "flex out" much more quickly, but I could be totally wrong.

 

[BreakPoint]

I agree, the PK Kinetic system works very well. My 7G is extremely stable and solid. I think it's the resistance to twisting that helps the elbow, but it really shores up your game, too. Volleys, in particular, become very controllable.

The PK Kinetic system works because it puts the weight in the right place at the right time when you need it most. When hitting groundstrokes, the centrifugal force of your swing makes the pellets inside move towards the head of the racquet, which gives you more mass at the impact area for more stability and power. However, the racquet remains light and maneuverable because the overall weight of the racquet has not changed. On volleys, as you hold the racquet with the head vertically up, the pellets inside fall downwards towards the handle due to gravity. This makes the racquet more headlight so it's more maneuverable at the net but still gives you a solid feel due to the increased weight near the handle. It's really the best of both worlds - mass where and when you need it without increasing the overall weight of the racquet. It's like a racquet that adjusts it's balance, weight distribution, and swingweight dynamically to give you the max benefit when you need it. It's really ingenious technology.

 

[jonestim]

The PK Kinetic system works because it puts the weight in the right place at the right time when you need it most. When hitting groundstrokes, the centrifugal force of your swing makes the pellets inside move towards the head of the racquet, which gives you more mass at the impact area for more stability and power. However, the racquet remains light and maneuverable because the overall weight of the racquet has not changed. On volleys, as you hold the racquet with the head vertically up, the pellets inside fall downwards towards the handle due to gravity. This makes the racquet more headlight so it's more maneuverable at the net but still gives you a solid feel due to the increased weight near the handle. It's really the best of both worlds - mass where and when you need it without increasing the overall weight of the racquet. It's like a racquet that adjusts it's balance, weight distribution, and swingweight dynamically to give you the max benefit when you need it. It's really ingenious technology.

Not even close to correct.

http://www.pro-kennex.com/technology/kinetic.html

The balls only move back and forth, not up and down. Up and down would not be legal because of Rule 4(d) of tennis. http://www.winchestermass.org/rules.html#R4

 

[BreakPoint]

Not even close to correct.

http://www.pro-kennex.com/technology/kinetic.html

The balls only move back and forth, not up and down. Up and down would not be legal because of Rule 4(d) of tennis. http://www.winchestermass.org/rules.html#R4

Well, then it looks like I just invented an even more ingenious technology! I'd better start working on the patent application right now!

BTW, I also meant to mention that the pellets also serve to reduce shock and vibration by absorbing and dispersing the energy of the impact through the movement of the pellets.

 

[jonestim]

Well, then it looks like I just invented an even more ingenious technology! I'd better start working on the patent application right now!

Way too late. And it is illegal for competition.

 

[BlueB]

My concern with Donnay is how long their special foam (Xene) holds its structure over time. We know how graphite/epoxy composites age - very well! But how about these fancy foams? I would think they will "flex out" much more quickly, but I could be totally wrong.

Yes, this used to be a big problem with foam cored skis and foam cored offshore racing boats. Foam would soften, or even internally crumble or break.
However, the foam cores have improved a lot over the last decade or 2...
I have no idea which type Donnay uses in their frames...

 

[GBplayer]

"Originally Posted by lima" Funny thing is that good players are not so bothered with their racquets and string setup. It is the lower level players that constantly search for new racquet or new string..."

That's because good players are already good. They know that a new racquet is not going to make them better, but rather more practice and conditioning and hard work will make them better. Lower level players, OTOH, think that a new racquet is the panacea to all their problems and will miraculously make them into a better player without having to put in all the hark work. Racquet companies' marketing take full advantage of this thinking and get people to buy more and more racquets.

Presumably before they were good players, they would have had to develop their style and decide what equipment they prefer.

The reason they are good is they know their preferences and limitations. This is presumably why professional players will play with paint jobs on their racquets. If my career was on the line, I would require a very good reason to change my setup as well!