Thoughts on this new OS players frame

[Mten]

Looking for thoughts on this racket I've designed. I've been looking into why there isn't an offering for a proper OS players racket these days and what it would look like for the modern topspin dominated game. In the end I decided to design this frame myself and get a test batch of 10 made up.

It's only oversized in the width of the head at 11" wide. Length of the stringbed is regular. I did this as players tend to aggressively go up the ball across the stringbed for spin so this is the part of the racket I felt needed the biggest margin for error (wider sweet spot). To add more control I added more strings to keep the spacing the same as a regular 95-98" dense pattern frame.

Result was:

115" headsize
20x21 string pattern
21mm beam
Weight 315g
Balance 310mm
Flex 65RA

So far it plays well. Honestly feels like a regular control racket but with a hugely forgiving sweet spot.

So I'm looking for thoughts on the idea? I've got some people testing it currently so if all positive I may try a Kickstarter campaign

 

[Crocodile]

If you were to produce it, what colour would it be and what name would it have ?

 

[NicoMK]

Interesting, it's a great idea. I'm interested in the development process too. And how the hell did you manage to have a batch of 10 rackets made and for how much? Just curious

 

[Mten]

If you were to produce it, what colour would it be and what name would it have ?

Haven't got this far yet! Ideas very welcome!

 

[Mten]

Interesting, it's a great idea. I'm interested in the development process too. And how the hell did you manage to have a batch of 10 rackets made and for how much? Just curious

So I'd actually contacted a few factories for samples of standard OS rackets but undrilled so I could test the idea of a tighter string pattern controlling it. I then drilled the pattern myself. The same factory then actually offered to make a batch of 10 of my design (still no drill holes though to keep their costs down). So I drew it and did the CAD design. Then they made the mold and made me ten. I think they are banking on it being successful to order more I guess. No grommet stripe either etc so just mold. Cost £1500. Took some persuasion though

 

[happyandbob]

Is it 315g before or after all of that lead tape?

You could call it the BBC

Big Black…. Custom

 

[NicoMK]

So I'd actually contacted a few factories for samples of standard OS rackets but undrilled so I could test the idea of a tighter string pattern controlling it. I then drilled the pattern myself. The same factory then actually offered to make a batch of 10 of my design (still no drill holes though to keep their costs down). So I drew it and did the CAD design. Then they made the mold and made me ten. I think they are banking on it being successful to order more I guess. No grommet stripe either etc so just mold. Cost £1500. Took some persuasion though

Great! Are you in China?

 

[Mten]

Is it 315g before or after all of that lead tape?

You could call it the BBC

Big Black…. Custom

After, I got them at 295g unstrung as that's pretty middle of the road and I could custom a bit from there. I plan to try one lighter to see how it plays too.

 

[Mten]

Great! Are you in China?

I'm based in the UK. It was a Chinese factory so had to put quite a bit of faith in them!

 

[Curtennis]

I’d imagine this can’t get strung with the traditional 40’ pack correct? That might be a turnoff to the same market you’re trying to work with.

Either way this is super great and I wish you a load of success.

 

[Mten]

I’d imagine this can’t get strung with the traditional 40’ pack correct? That might be a turnoff to the same market you’re trying to work with.

Either way this is super great and I wish you a load of success.

I've been cutting 6.5m for both mains and crosses. You definitely wouldn't get it done with a single set so correct it needs to be strung off a reel really. That is probably the main draw back for some I agree

 

[michael valek]

I’d certainly try it - email me if you have time Mvalek@live.co.uk

 

[kabrac]

In terms of grip shape....what brand is it most similar to? Love the dense pattern and possible extended would be awesome.

 

[esgee48]

Suspect 2 40’ packs or from reel. Also did you use Fittex tubes in the samples?

 

[kabrac]

Also, what strung swingweight are we talkin?

 

[Mten]

In terms of grip shape....what brand is it most similar to? Love the dense pattern and possible extended would be awesome.

I'd say head. I actually got them at 27.5" so I could cut it down, and also account for any shortening of the head during such a wide racket. But decided on 27" as I was worried it would be slow extended and large. Could try it though one one as I've not finished all 10 yet

 

[Mten]

Also, what strung swingweight are we talkin?

Before I added any lead they came in around 310 swingweight strung. I've got mine at 330 now as that's what I like

 

[kabrac]

Before I added any lead they came in around 310 swingweight strung. I've got mine at 330 now as that's what I like

I'd love to try one

 

[kabrac]

Can understand if you don't want to throw out numbers, but just to have 10 made as opposed to mass quantities must have been pretty expensive, even if it's a Chinese manufacturer.....

 

[Mten]

Suspect 2 40’ packs or from reel. Also did you use Fittex tubes in the samples?

Yes, about 43 foot of string roughly. And I used individual replacement grommets for each hole

 

[Mten]

Can understand if you don't want to throw out numbers, but just to have 10 made as opposed to mass quantities must have been pretty expensive, even if it's a Chinese manufacturer.....

It was about £1500 total. So actually not that bad. But they didn't include grommets or any drilling of the string pattern at all, so I had to do both of these. Otherwise it would have been more like £5000. The most important expensive part to make a mold for is actually the grommet strips not the frames. They did also do it as a favour for me to make a test batch and samples for the project, I suspect if it was with no possibility for future business they would have said no or charged a lot more

 

[kabrac]

Man I find this fascinating! You could really be onto something. Kinda like Angell. Hope it works for you and please keep us updated.

 

[3loudboys]

Nice job, would be interesting to hit with one.

 

[Mten]

Update: Jonas at tennis nerd did a review of my racket. Here is a teaser, the full one is only available on his patreons currently but he said he will post a free one on his site soon. It was a pretty positive review! I'm now working on finalising numbers before starting a Kickstarter under the name "Zenath Tennis". If anyone wants to go on my mail list for updates email me at zenathtennis@gmail.com.

 

[georgeyew]

The round head reminds me of the Spaulding Orbi-tech from the 90's. With the wide face, I was able to put a lot of spin on the ball. But I remember that it was pretty awkward to swing.

 

[Automatix]

Update: Jonas at tennis nerd did a review of my racket. Here is a teaser, the full one is only available on his patreons currently but he said he will post a free one on his site soon. It was a pretty positive review! I'm now working on finalising numbers before starting a Kickstarter under the name "Zenath Tennis". If anyone wants to go on my mail list for updates email me at zenathtennis@gmail.com.

Good luck!
If I may advise a couple of things:
- think about grommets with a bumper guard instead of a "Fittex" solution;
- think about spare grommet sets;
- also try to incorporate a machine drilled pattern instead of a do-it yourself solution.

It will be tough to gather enough funds since this is a very niche item but it doesn't have any competition on the market today so for people looking for an OS players frame this might be something to consider, however they will need to know about it first. Talk Tennis is a good place to start. TennisNerd could also help spread the information so you get more backers.

 

[Mten]

Good luck!
If I may advise a couple of things:
- think about grommets with a bumper guard instead of a "Fittex" solution;
- think about spare grommet sets;
- also try to incorporate a machine drilled pattern instead of a do-it yourself solution.

It will be tough to gather enough funds since this is a very niche item but it doesn't have any competition on the market today so for people looking for an OS players frame this might be something to consider, however they will need to know about it first. Talk Tennis is a good place to start. TennisNerd could also help spread the information so you get more backers.

Don't worry, the 'DIY' was just for the prototype so I could test some things. Final product will have full grommet set, bumper guard and spares for both available and obviously be factory drilled! That's sorted with a factory already.

 

[Mten]

Full review now free here if anyone is interested

 

[Mten]

Hi everyone. I'm pleased to say I've got to the stage where a small production batch of these rackets are being made, fully finished complete with bumper guard, grommets and paintjob (not the DIY one you saw above in the review). If you like my story so far you can follow me on Instagram under Zenathtennis. I'm also trying to create a mailing list on my website too. It's been a really exciting project so far and I'd love it to continue!

 

[BumElbow]

I wish more oversize racquets had similar dense string patterns. Even with my Eastern grips, the 16x19 string patterns on most oversize racquets result in string sliding very soon after being restrung. Perhaps that's why I am playing with a Head Gravity Team with a 16x20 string pattern. The strings don't slide and the added control enables me to hit flatter serves and to hit them with improved placement.

 

[TennisHound]

Looking for thoughts on this racket I've designed. I've been looking into why there isn't an offering for a proper OS players racket these days and what it would look like for the modern topspin dominated game. In the end I decided to design this frame myself and get a test batch of 10 made up.

It's only oversized in the width of the head at 11" wide. Length of the stringbed is regular. I did this as players tend to aggressively go up the ball across the stringbed for spin so this is the part of the racket I felt needed the biggest margin for error (wider sweet spot). To add more control I added more strings to keep the spacing the same as a regular 95-98" dense pattern frame.

Result was:

115" headsize
20x21 string pattern
21mm beam
Weight 315g
Balance 310mm
Flex 65RA

So far it plays well. Honestly feels like a regular control racket but with a hugely forgiving sweet spot.

So I'm looking for thoughts on the idea? I've got some people testing it currently so if all positive I may try a Kickstarter campaign

Welcome to the antiquated picture posting Achilles heal of this forum.

 

[Mten]

I wish more oversize racquets had similar dense string patterns. Even with my Eastern grips, the 16x19 string patterns on most oversize racquets result in string sliding very soon after being restrung. Perhaps that's why I am playing with a Head Gravity Team with a 16x20 string pattern. The strings don't slide and the added control enables me to hit flatter serves and to hit them with improved placement.

This was why I wanted to do it, there really isn't any option like it. I feel anything over 105" needs to have 18 mains minimum unless it's going to be completely for power. I do like the gravity series as they do try and control bigger heads with more strings. The big part of my design for me was to make the racket head wider not longer. Given we all hit lots of spin these days it seems strange that most oversized frames have their extra headsize down by the throat. Mine is all in the width of the head. Obviously I'd be so pleased if it really succeeded, but just to have made something a little different has the main thing for me