To TW Professor: Racquet Vibration Frequency

[ricardo]

Racquet Vibration Frequency

How exactly do I use this tool?

If I have arm problems for example, should I look for a racket that has the lowest vibration frequency?

I do not see strong correlation between VF and stiffness and VF and weight.

Stiffness
Rackets with the lowest VF range in stiffness from 19 to 73.

Weight
Rackets with the lowest VF range in weight from 272g to 342g.

Arm health
Is a racket with lower VF better for your arm than a racket with a higher VF?

My understanding is that racket vibration is an indication that the racket is absorbing the shock of the ball impact. So to me, it is better that the racket absorbs the shock of the ball impact rather than my arms absorbing it.

If the racket does not vibrate at ball impact, where does the shock go? Does it not go to my arms?

Thank you for your advice.

 

[TW Staff]

ricardo,

I will pass along your question to the TW Professor.

Thanks,

Brittany, TW

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

What an insanely tennis geeky question... I love it!

As an additional question... which racquet companies hold patents for specific tuned frequencies... I know Fischer/Pacific technology makes use of this for "Fischer Feel". Just curious if say Wilson PS85 ir the prestige line has a frequency patent... or any other frames for that matter? We all talk about feel and vibration, what about tuning?

Useless info: my GF plays racquets like harps when I have just the mains strung and its sitting on the stringer.

 

[esgee48]

I don't know if you can patent a feel based on how the frame is created. If there is any prior art (that means any earlier frame) having the same feel, but was not patented, then I believe it becomes part of the public domain. What Pacific/Fischer could do is trademark the name for how the frame feels, but that is it. A completely different issue is something like Head's Suspension Grip or Prince's O Ports.

BTW, a frame plays differently if you have different string types or tensions in them. That means their feel (Vibrational Frequency) are affected.

Your GF must be an 'angel.'

 

[Aussie-pro]

Racquet Vibration Frequency

How exactly do I use this tool?

If I have arm problems for example, should I look for a racket that has the lowest vibration frequency?

I do not see strong correlation between VF and stiffness and VF and weight.

Stiffness
Rackets with the lowest VF range in stiffness from 19 to 73.

Weight
Rackets with the lowest VF range in weight from 272g to 342g.

Arm health
Is a racket with lower VF better for your arm than a racket with a higher VF?

My understanding is that racket vibration is an indication that the racket is absorbing the shock of the ball impact. So to me, it is better that the racket absorbs the shock of the ball impact rather than my arms absorbing it.

If the racket does not vibrate at ball impact, where does the shock go? Does it not go to my arms?

Thank you for your advice.

Great questions. It seems as if your questions were never answered... TW?

 

[esgee48]

I believe there is no real answer. Strings, tension and player sensitivity are bigger factors. If you do not like the feel of the frame, i.e. vibration, change the string or tension and many times the vibration duration dampens very quickly.

 

[Irvin]

This tool only gives you the measured results, just like TW’s weight, balance, SW, etc…

If you’re looking for a response fro @TW Professor i would not hold my breath I’ve never seen a response from him in years.

 

[jonestim]

I find that there is a pretty strong correlation of vibration to when I feel it in my elbow - more than measured stiffness. 150ish is about my tolerance level. I don't think there is a racquet that has bothered my elbow - regardless of string - that has a frequency below 145. I have gotten elbow pain with just about every racquet I have tried that has a frequency above 155 - even with a muti in it. In the middle I may have to play with strings.

 

[mmazzinin1]

I have the same exact experience as jonestim...

 

[tennistiger]

You also can go to the upper side: The classic Kuebler Resonanz rackets (only distributed in Europe) in different variations had frequenzies above 200 and up to 280hz. They were measured with sensors as very easy on the arm! Objective and no subjektiv supposition! Same with the first Wilson Profile Hammer. I still play with a 1992 Kuebler Widebody Light. Such advanced rackets even today.
But as conclusion from this objective tests of the 90s is that there is no connection between RA, frequenzy and comfort of the racket!