How to choose a racquet - avoid the marketing hype!
Feb 28 '00
How important is the racquet selection based on the material for the frame construction? This seems to be a big deal in the consumers' eyes. Yet, in reality, the material itself is not that important. What is important is how the designers and manufacturer have combined the materials and construction process to yield a frame of certain characteristics in weight, stiffness, balance and ultimate tensile strength. Therefore, all the marketing hype using the hot, recognizable terms like titanium, carbon fibers, graphite, etc. is just that - hype. It doesn't matter what the material really is. How it feels, plays and reacts is the most important factor. Forget the marketing hype! Head lead the parade with the titanium TI S6 and S7 series. Then came Wilson with their Hyper Carbon. All the others followed suit and offered a titanium frame in their lines.
Again, I don't believe it matters what it's made of. The Head titaniums and the Wilson Hyper Carbons are fairly comparable in weight as are some Prince frames. These frames are very light and very stiff. They feel different from each other not because of their material construction but because of other factors - racquet shape, face shape, length, sweet spot and string pattern.
The Wilson Hyper Carbons use the fan shaped face. The squared off top and the narrow angle at the bottom of the throat with the main strings angling outward is an attempt to equalize the length of the main strings as much as possible and provides for longer main strings. This adds power. This, combined with "power holes" (same idea as Prince's "Sweet Holes") makes for a large sweet spot for this type of racket design with very lightweight.
Wilson also calls their head-heavy rackets Sledge Hammers. They simply design it to be heavier in the head, thus, adding a natural tendency for the kinetic energy and extra mass to provide more power. Yet, the total weight is still light.
Head, on the other hand, chooses to keep the conventional round frame shape. Their preference is to keep the balance relatively neutral. Combined with the total unit lightweight and high stiffness provides plenty of power in the TI S6. On the S7, they took out the bottom bridge on the throat to lengthen the main strings. this make it very powerful - too powerful. BTW, the S7 will be illegal for tournament play. The main strings exceed the legal limit for length.
BTW, head size adds to the power capability of the frame. A mid-sized of 110 sq. in. will be as much as 15% more powerful than a conventional 95 sq. in. And, in kind, a super large 133 sq. in. (like Weed) will be another 10% - 15% more powerful over the 110 sq. in. frame, if all other things were equal.
So, how do you look for a racquet of your choice? I suggest you go to your local pro shop or tennis shop and rent/borrow demo rackets. Play with them and get to know them. Play more than a couple of sets before you serious consider a purchase. See how it affects your game. If you are looking for power, lightweight, flexible or control features or benefits, ask the shop staff for recommendations on your specific traits.
Another good source for comments would be from experienced friends that know your game that have some analytical ability.
One more note - on extra long stretch rackets, this is best for serving. For normal play, you may want to try "choking" up on the handle just like a baseball bat. Just because it is longer does not require you to change your game. Just hold it an inch shorter from the butt end. It should behave just like your conventional-length frame.
Good luck and good hunting on your next new racquet.
Jim
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Member: James Quon
Location: Northern California
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About Me:
A retired Professional from 40 years in technical Sales & Marketing.
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