Tension differences 98 vs 100 and also sweet spot

[sbmackie]

Got a couple questions for you racquet techno types. 98 vs 100 sq inch, same frame family, same strings, strung at same tension...will one be tighter, firmer, harder, call it what you will, then the other? Specifically, the Pure Strike 98 vs 100.

Sweet spot, same question: TWU sweet spot tool shows the 98 having a significantly bigger in percentage and actual sweet spot then the 100. Same when I compare the Pure Aero VS with the PS 100 (and my 2012 Pure Drive).

This also doesn't compute in my pea brain. Should not the (marginally) larger head have a larger sweet spot and more power?

 

[CopolyX]

You would think, but not all the time. sweet spot is just not solely based on real estate or head size.
But it some cases, oversize heads can have some large sweet spots.
The larger and "sweeter" the area of the zone, the less the racquet is twisting, rotating and recoiling.
Remember, with great power ( say large sweet spot) comes great responsibility.
When selecting a frame, don't be blinded or overlay bias on it's specs. The quest for max power!
Most of the time, it is finding the right frame for you that falls in a balanced zone of your game.
Not too powerful, not to weak.....a nice mid point for consistency and confidence...
Also not to complex this.
But don't forget about the strings. They also can play a major role in the sweet spot (or also called the comfort zone).
They can open it up some, on trim it down...

Here is another thread with more info:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/understanding-tw-sweet-zone.432137/

 

[TennisCJC]

In general, you must string a 100" head slightly tighter than a 98" head assuming same string type to account for the longer strings. Longer strings are livelier than shorter stings. 2" difference is not much so I would increase tension in 2lb increments until you get a similar feel. The frame stiffness will also impact how stiff it plays.

Sweet spot size is not just a function of head size. Swing weight and twist weight also have a very big influence on sweet spot size. Years ago TW had a Boris Becker 98" frame with a 375SW. It had one of the largest sweet spots of all the rackets TW sold. Even bigger than 110" oversize frames. The old Federer pro staff 90" with SW 337 had a bigger sweet spot than than most 98" and 100" frames with lower SW.

 

[pfrischmann]

I find the tampoline effect to be the biggest difference between 98 and 100. I get a little to much pop on reflex volleys and flatter shots with a 100 if all other things are equal. It's great if I'm on the offensive but if I''m on D like deflecting an overhead directed at me, I prefer something with less....boing.

 

[Irvin]

Got a couple questions for you racquet techno types. 98 vs 100 sq inch, same frame family, same strings, strung at same tension...will one be tighter, firmer, harder, call it what you will, then the other? Specifically, the Pure Strike 98 vs 100.

Sweet spot, same question: TWU sweet spot tool shows the 98 having a significantly bigger in percentage and actual sweet spot then the 100. Same when I compare the Pure Aero VS with the PS 100 (and my 2012 Pure Drive).

This also doesn't compute in my pea brain. Should not the (marginally) larger head have a larger sweet spot and more power?

There is a lot more you have to compare than just the size of the head. Such as the pattern, both frame could be 16x19 but it is entirely possible the pattern of crossed string is smaller for the larger head size. Frame stiffness, weight, Swing Weight, Twist Weight, and balance all go into determining the sweet spot of a racket.

 

[sbmackie]

I've been looking at the TW University sweet spot size comparing tool. Also playing with the 3 rackets. Those being Pure Drive 2012, Pure Aero VS, and a 2016 Pure Strike 100. Biggest sweet spot per the too both gross area and perenctage of racquet head l is the PA VS, next is the PD, and last is the PS. It feels that way as well, although because of a thicker beam and stiffer frame I get more pop on hard swings with the PD. My assumption going in would be order of finish PD, PS, PAVS. Love the feel of the PAVS but as I start to tire, lose concentration, etc...not so good things start happening. More shanking, more ducks, more flyers. All within .1 of an ounce, all 4-5 points head light, all strung with the same strings at higher tensions. I'm going to loosen the PAVS a bit. Looking around for a 2016 PS 16x19 to compare as well.