RacquetTech europe Issue 3 - 2010 www.ersa-stringers.com
Kirschbaum Helix String Test Marketing Tips Future of Specialty Shops Industry News
New Products Strings, Racquets, Bags
Prince Has Discovered A New Source Of Energy. Plug Into It. And Turn On Your Game.
Gael Monfils plays the Rebel.
Introducing Puts More Energy Where You Want It — Into Your Shot. Available in four distinct models for different player types. Demo An Today.
princetennis.com
ENERGY WHERE IT MATTERS
ERSA_A4_cantlivewithout.ai
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CAN’T PLAY WITHOUT THEM ENERGIZE YOUR GAME TNT22TOUCH THE FIRST MULTIFILAMENT STRING ENERGIZED WITH THE GAMMA PATENTED TNT PROCESS.
Welcome New Customers! Contact Information Gamma Sports International Attention: Mr. David Kukleski Email: gsi@corp.gammasports.com Phone: +1 412 323 0335 Web: www.gammasports.com
AVAILABLE NOW! Netherlands: Zero 2 Zero +31 204 082 933
Germany: Stefan Kornhass +49 5371 89 7777
United Kingdom: Apollo Leisure +44 1202 81 2000
Czech Republic: Sport und Freizet +420 387 240 156
Racquet Tech Europe European Racquet Stringers Association DIRECTOR Mark Maslowski
A large number of our members are small retailers who have been getting a lot of pressure from the large internet sites, so we have put in an article on the state of small independent retailers and how they can survive in this market. TENNIS EUROPE has a great new study published which is interesting for all the European companies. It includes data from all the counties, such as number of tennis players, number of tournament and team players, indoor and outdoor court statistics, number of clubs, etc. This information can be valuable to any tennis manufacturer or distributor marketing throughout Europe. Contact TENNIS EUROPE for more information or how to purchase the study.
OFFICE MANAGER Sanda Maslowski AUSTRALIA MANAGER Anthony Aley UK MANAGER Sam Chan SPAIN MANAGER Richard Parnell GREECE MANAGER Petros Biris GREECE WORKSHOP MANAGER George Pahiakos
We have a large number of string tests coming up in the next months. In the August issue we will be running two tests for GAMMA comparing their new TNT Touch and TNT Tour. We are also testing GOSEN’s new FLAT GUT Series, along with several more tennis strings, and are testing a new badminton and squash string. These will be published in the Autumn issues of RacqetTech Europe.
Czech Republic & Slovakia Vaclav Smat
All of our past magazine issues will be available in digital format this month. The same high resolution magazine format that we have used for the past year for the e-Newsletter and for electronic member magazines. We have received many compliments since starting this format and have new members asking if we have back issues of the magazine they can read. Mark Maslowski
COPORATE MEMBERS Ashaway Head Prince Isospeed GAMMA Dunlop Slazenger Carlton
Eine große Anzahl unserer Mitglieder haben kleine Tennisshops, die viel Druck von großen Internetshops bekommen haben, deshalb haben wir einen Artikel veröffentlicht und wie sie in diesem Markt fortbestehen können. TENNIS EUROPE hat eine großartige neue Studie veröffentlicht, die für alle europäischen Firmen interessant sein sollten. Es beinhaltet Daten von allen
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FOUNDING MEMBERS Ashaway Babolat Head Isospeed Kirschbaum Luxilon Wilson Pacific
STRING SUPPLIER MEMBERS Apollo Leisure Bow Brand Kirschbaum GOSEN Signum Pro TOA Strings Technical Consultant Rod Cross CONTACT European Racquet Stringers Association Lenaustr. 38 40470 Düsseldorf, Germany Phone - +49-(0)211-87511548 Fax - +49-(0)211-87511549 www.ersa-stringers.com
Racquet Tech III -2010
Staaten, sowie die Anzahl an Tennisspielern, Anzahl an Turnieren und Turnierspieler, Indoor- und Outdoorplatz-Statistiken, Anzahl an Clubs, usw. Diese Informationen können für alle Tennismanufakturen oder Großhändlern in ganz Europa von Bedeutung sein. Wir haben eine große Anzahl an Bespannungstests, die in den nächsten Monaten erscheinen warden. In der Augustausgabe werden wir 2 Tests für GAMMA mit ihren neuen TNT Touch und TNT Tour durchführen. Wir testen GOSENs neue FLAT GUT Series ebenfalls, neben vielen anderen Tennisbespannungen and wir testen Badminton- und Squashbespannungen. Diese werden in der Herbstausgabe von RacquetTech Europe veröffentlicht. All unsere allten Magazinausgaben werden diesen Monat noch in Digitaformat verfügbar sein. Wir werden die gleiche hohe Auflösung verwenden, wie in unseren e-Newsletter und wie für unsere Elektronikmitglieder. Wir erhielten mehrere Komplimente seit wir dieses Auflösungsformat benutzen und wir haben viele Mitglieder, die fragen ob wir ältere Ausgaben von unseren Magazin haben, die sie lesen können.
HELIX
®
Built like nature
The Kirschbaum HELIX monofilament is helically wound in a multistage twisting process, followed by an additional heat setting treatment. The twisting process provides increased string elasticity for excellent playability and lively hitting feel. The additional heat treatment stabilizes the polymeric properties of the tennis string for better control and higher tension maintenance. • excellent playability • optimum mixture of power and control • high tension maintenance Gauges: EUR 7,5/US 17, EUR 8/US 16 L, EUR 8,5/US 16 Units: 40 f and 660 f
NEW Kirschbaum Sportartikel GmbH · Schweerstraße 1 · D-58456 Witten phone: +49 (0) 23 02-9 70 50 · fax: +49 (0) 23 02-7 76 76 www.kirschbaum-strings.de · info@kirschbaum-strings.de
Contents issue 3 - 2010 FEATURES 3 7 14 18 22
My Serve New Products Industry News The Future of Tennis Shops Kirschbaum Helix Playtest
INDUSTRY NEWS Prince at Wimbledon Dunlop Official Ball in EU Fischer is Now Pacific Dunlop Scouting Tour 2010 Wilson Signs Lisicki
ctsss ct Ashaway UltraNick® 18 Squash String withZyex® Multifilament Fibers Ashaway has introduced UltraNick® 18, the first string in a new line of Zyex-based squash strings. Built on a new multifilament core, UltraNick 18 is designed to provide increased power and resilience, and reduced tension loss over the life of the string. The ultra-thin 18 gauge construction of UltraNick 18 softens impact and provides better feel, while the braided surface sharpens ball control. Recent advances in material technology have produced Zyex® filaments that are even finer and stronger than before, he said. “We’ve been experimenting with these in our R&D lab, developing ever thinner multifilament core packages with increased linear density and more cross-sectional strength. As a result, we’re now able to produce thinner, stronger, lighter-weight strings which provide superior feel, more power, and improved ball control, yet still offer the well-known Zyex playing characteristics and tension holding properties.” Bright blue in color, UltraNick 18 is available for all players in 30 ft sets and 360 ft reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 30 lbs. Ashaway suggests using 10– 20% less tension than normally used for standard nylon strings.
New Ashaway ZyMax® 67 Offers Lowest Tension Loss of Any Badminton String Ashaway Racket Strings has rounded out its family of ZyWeaVe-based ZyMax® strings with the introduction of ZyMax 67, a tournament gauge string with increased durability and strength. The 22 gauge (.67 mm) ZyMax 67 offers the lowest tension loss of any badminton string, ensuring consistent performance and repulsion power at all stringing tensions. ZyMax 67 has been rated superior to other leading competitive strings by professional test players in Asia and the UK. "ZyMax 67 is the perfect string for my game," said Ruilin Huang, the 2009 US Open Ladies Doubles Champion, and an early playtester of ZyMax strings. "This is excellent string for durability, feel and control, with no tension loss." Key to the performance of the ZyMax line is a combination of high-tech core and braid materials, and Ashaway's proprietary ZyWeaVe™ core process technology which allows the production of lighter, stronger badminton strings than any yet produced. The new ZyMax strings produce less elongation at professional stringing tensions and less creep. This means the strings maintain tension and consistent maximum performance throughout their playing life. In addition, ZyWeaVe technology allows Ashaway to make a string that can be strung at unusually high tensions. Recommended to be strung at up to 30 lbs, ZyMax 67 is very durable and responsive across a range of stringing tensions. The ZyWeaVe core allows less elongation at all stringing tensions. Available in sets of 10 m and 200 m reels, ZyMax 67 strings up tighter and plays firmer with maximum tension stability. It maintains string tension longer and displays consistent maximum performance throughout the life of the string. Other strings in the ZyMax family include ZyMax 62, the thinnest badminton string ever made, and ZyMax 70, the strongest .70 mm string ever made. ZyMax 62 is 25% lighter than standard .70 mm strings, allowing maximum repulsion on smashes and control on drop shots. ZyMax 70 has been strung at over 40 lbs in special high tension rackets.
www.ashawayusa.com
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Racquet Tech III -2010
cts ct tss The blue racquet dressed in red clay On the eve of the French Open, and with a nod to its 135th anniversary, Babolat redesigns the legendary racquet, the Pure Drive.
AN ANNIVERSARY RACQUET: THE 135th ANNIVERSARY PURE DRIVE Babolat is launching a special commemoraƟve version of the emblemaƟc racquet: the Pure Drive. As powerful and maneuverable as ever, the Pure Drive 135 has a new look: a red clay color for this already legendary racquet. The Pure Drive entered the limelight in 1998 when Carlos Moya won the French Open with his “blue” weapon. In 2010, Babolat is paying homage to the Spanish champion’s victory with that very first Babolat racquet. The anniversary edi on Pure Drive, totally ou i ed in red clay, will no doubt appeal to the most enthusias c tennis fans and collectors alike.
AN ANNIVERSARY BAG TO MATCH: TECHNICAL AND EXCLUSIVE To complete the commemora ve equipment offering, Babolat is introducing a special tennis bag to match the 135th anniversary racquet. Product designers coordinated this bag with the design of the racquet including its form as well as its specific red clay color. Featuring several compartments and other func onality, the anniversary tennis bag combines op mal protec on of material, technicality and design. www.babolat.com
Black String and White Double Line: A Babolat Revolution Babolat announces the launch of a new string: RPM Blast. Used since the Australian Open by three Team Babolat players: Rafael Nadal (SPA), Andy Roddick (USA) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA), the black string marked with the white “double-line” is already generating a lot of talk on and off the courts. RPM Blast (Revolutions Per Minute) is a monofilament stringdesigned give players more spin, more power and a unique feel at ball impact. “The advice and recommendations of Tour players have been decisive in the development of the string,” adds Cécile Gindre, String Products Manager at Babolat. “The tests have allowed us to identify their needs in order to develop the characteristics of the new RPM Blast. The combination of the high-density material and a specific coating gives it both power and spin.” Available in 12m sets and 200 meter reels in 125 and 130 gauge.
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Racquet Tech III -2010
cts Head launches the YouTek™ Star Series introducing three different racquets for recreational players: YouTek™ Three Star, YouTek™ Five Star and YouTek™ Six Star. The series features four different technologies - individually adapted in every racquet. The YouTek™ Star Series, which was developed in cooperation with Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, offers great playability and superior comfort. Besides d3o™, which is already incorporated in all Youtek™ racquets, Head introduces three pioneering technologies that are brand new and innovative: QuadFace, Control Ring and Multizone Grip. Four innovative technologies
The frame-inlay, d3o™, is a “smart material” that currently exists in Youtek™ racquets. The molecules of the inlay stay soft during slow hits and lock together on hard hits. d3o™ to offer more power and conntrol.
QuadFace extends the string bed at the key points of the frame providing longer strings and an enlarged sweet spot resulting in maximum power.
As the play gets harder and faster, the Control Ring makes sure the player keeps a grip on his game.
With a unique, smooth and sweat-absorbent non-slip surface, the new Multizone Grip offers greater comfort and control during game play. It enables for the first time to integrate the racquet design in the grip
The Youtek™ Star Series: The combination of these technologies was designed to fit the needs of recreational players who are looking for high quality at very attractive price points, summarized by the new slogan of the Youtek™ star series: “Performance amplified – More Power. More Control. More Comfort”. YouTek™ Three Star – This racquet combines the d3o™ with the inner QuadFace technology, and perfectly matches the needs of all occasional players aiming for higher ball speed. YouTek™ Five Star – This racquet offers the perfect swing for more frequent players, as it incorporates d3o, QuadFace and two control rings. Furthermore, a Multizone Grip offers superior handling; the racquet offers not only more control, but also incomparable comfort. YouTek™ Six Star – The YouTek Six Star series provides extra stability and swing to suit hard hitters who are still interested in maintaining comfort and control. It comes along with the brand new Multizone Grip, includes the d3o™ and QuadFace technologies, and stands out through four integrated Control Rings. HEAD STAR SERIES PROMOTION The launch of the Youtek™ star series will be supported by Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, co-creators of the racquets. Steffi and Andre will appear in four short viral films explaining the different technologies and their advantages to the consumer. A sweepstake will be offered at head.com, giving consumers the possibility to win a “match of their life” with the two tennis legends. Steffi and Andy will mingle with the chosen winner and give him or her the chance to beat them on court.
YouTek™ Three Star
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YouTek™ Five Star
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YouTek™ Six Star
Racquet Tech III -2010
cts Mantis Sports, a new racquet sports brand was started one year ago in the UK by Martin Aldridge, former Dunlop Global Head of Products. They already signed up with Sport Source International in the USA to distribute their products in the USA. They are looking for international distributors around the world. They have launched several strings and grips this year and will be expanding their product line. They now have four strings and two grips. They are offering a special trial for ERSA readers if you go on their website. COMFORT SYNTHETIC is a 1.30mm multifilament string with a double coating to increase durability. It is available in 12 meter sets and 200 meter reels. POWER SYNTHETIC is a 1.25mm designed with a highly compressed monofiliament center core and twisted multifilament fibers in the outer wrap. Coated with an elastic resin bonding process for increased power. Excellent tension retention. Available in 12 meter sets and 200 meter reels. COMFORT POLYESTER is a 1.30mm monofilament designed for comfort, power and minimal loss of tension. It was designed to give a soft feel and excellent durability. It is available is 12 meter sets and 200 meter reels. POWER POLYESTER is a 1.25mm polyester co-polymer desigend for power.. A unique chemical treatment creates a highly elastic string that helps to optimise power whilst still providing excellent durability, even in a thinner gauge. It is available in 12 meter sets and 200 meter reels. The MANTIS Performa Perforated overgrip, 0.60mm, has been specially formulated to provide a dry yet tacky feel during play. Perforations on the surface of the grip assist moisture elimination and provide for better absorbency. This is complemented by the application of a nano powder on the surface which helps provide a better grip in even the most demanding of conditions. The MANTIS Performa Tac overgrip, 0.50mm, has been specially formulated to provide a tacky feel during play. This is complemented by a unique substrate layer underneath that offers outstanding absorbency and moisture elimination: Martin Aldridge +44 (0) 7983 343 069 ma@mantis-sport.com www.mantis-sport.com
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Racquet Tech III -2010
cts Kirschbaum, one of the leading manufacturers in
monofilament strings, has introduced their popular Pro Line II in black. The Pro line III Red string is one of the most popular strings among our members. It was also one of the highest rated strings in our play tests. The advantages of this string, shown in our playtest are numerous. Pro Line III Black is available in a wide range of gauges, 1.15mm, 1.20mm, 1.25mm and 1.30 mm. You can combine different gauges to increase durability on the mains while using a thinner gauge on the crosses to improve playability. Pro Line III offers durability even with thinner gauges, low tension loss and minimal string movement. Kirschbaum has 25 years of experience in developing and manufacturing co-polymer monofilament strings. Available in 12 meter sets and 200 meter reels. www.kirschbaum-strings.de
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cts
In 2009 Prince introduced co-extruded technology to Polyester strings, this allows them the ability to combine different density polyester materials together in any density or percentage which allows Prince to customize the playability of the string. This technology has brought the industry some great playing polyester strings that hold tension better and have significantly less shock on the players arm. In 2010 they take this technology to a new level by not just customizing the density of the string for more control and feel but positioning three streams strategically along the edge creating a new string shape that will help players generate more spin, which will in turn help players generate more angles and keep more balls in play. This new string is named Poly Spin 3D and Hybrid Spin 3D these new strings will give you the edge need to take your game to a new level. Poly Spin 3D is a full set of string and the Hybrid Spin 3D is a half set of Poly Spin 3D and a 1/2 set of Syn Gut Multi. The full set will give you the most durability and control and the Hybrids will give you a little more power and focus you on spin. www.princetennis.com
Three strategically placed high density polyester streams align to create a new three dimensional shape with edges that grip the ball generating amazing spin.
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cts
Tour Team Collection: These signature bags are carried by Prince’s top touring pros around the world. They have carefully constructed the bags with the highest quality materials, function and durability that pro’s demand. Prince understands how much time these players carry and live out of these bags so they wanted to do everything possible to make them the best. This bag collection has many built in features like the clip system where you can clip the sack pack to the 6pk or 12 pk bag to free up your hands or if you are a traveling player the 6pk and 12pk also attach to the top of the rolling duffle to free up your shoulders when rolling your bags thru the airport. Other features include footwear pocket, longer shoulder straps, cooler compartment, Quick Zip Zippers and accessory pocket with internal organization compartments. Available in 12pack, 6pack, Triple, Backpack, Pro Duffle, Wheeled Duffle and Briefcase.
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Racquet Tech III -2010
Prince Returns As Stringing Machine Supplier at Legendary Wimbledon Championships Tennis Equipment Leader to Again Provide Machines at World’s Most Recognizable Tennis Tournament Prince Machines to String Nearly 2,500 Racquets for World’s Elite Players During Fortnight
In addition to its 40th Anniversary, Prince, global leader in performance tennis equipment, is proud to celebrate another milestone in 2010 - the Company’s return as the on-site partner of Apollo Leisure at The Wimbledon Championships. The most recognizable, legendary tennis tournament on the planet, Wimbledon has invited Apollo Leisure in partnership with Prince to organize the on-site stringing facility. Prince machines and product will help the stringing team handle approximately 2,500 stringing and customization jobs for the worlds’ most discerning ATP and WTA touring pros throughout the fortnight. As part of the partnership with Apollo Leisure, Prince will supply ten new Prince 6000 stringing machines and one Prince PTC (Precision Tuning Center) machine designed to measure down to the exact gram, racquet weight and balance. A hand-selected team of the world’s finest string technicians will operate these machines around the clock in order to perfect each and every racquet that goes out the door and into the players’ racquet bag for match play. “Prince has always been widely recognized throughout the industry, around the world, as delivering exceptional stringing equipment,” said Dave Bone, President of United States Racquet Stringers Association and editor for Racquet Sports Industry – a leading trade publication in the United States. “The company already has very strong tour player support for its products and more-than-solid industry and grassroots partnerships – to be selected as the stringing machine to be used at Wimbledon is certainly another very nice feather in their cap.” “This is a very important partnership for Prince and reinforces with the tennis playing community the global acknowledgment of Prince’s top level equipment,” said Mark Maslowski, President of the European Racquet Stringers Association. “We expect this will result in many more retail outlets and commercial stringers choosing to operate off of the Prince machines.” Supplying the stringing equipment for Wimbledon extends an already strong partnership between the two leading entities. Prince is also the official licensed partner of the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) for all Wimbledon® by Prince branded equipment sold at the event and globally including the Wimbledon® by Prince tennis racquets, racquet bags, and accessories.
Sabine Lisicki joins Wilson Team Sabine Lisicki has signed a long-term agreement with Wilson Sporting Goods Co. To kick off the new partnership, Lisicki was at the ATP Tour tournament in Munich, Germany to sign autographs and meet tennis fans. “Wilson has a great tennis tradition and I look forward to having my best results with my Blade tennis racket,” said Lisicki. In 2009, Lisicki reached a career high #22 on the WTA Tour after defeating Venus Williams to win her 1st WTA Tour event in Charleston and then went on to reach the quarterfinals of Wimbledon later in the year. “Sabine is one of the Germany’s top athletes,” said Christian Singer, Wilson Sporting Goods Racquets Business Director Europe. “Sabine’s personality and enjoyment for the game is a great asset to our brand. She has just started to realize her potential on court and we look forward to watching her continue to climb atop the WTA Tour ranks.” 20 year old Lisicki will use the Wilson Blade 98 tennis racket when she takes the court in a few weeks.
www.wilson.com
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Racquet Tech III -2010
NICOLAS ALMAGRO TRIFFT DUNLOP D SQUAD TEAM Anläßlich der BMW Open by FWU 2010 gab DUNLOP Vertragsprofi Nicolas Almagro – aktuelle Nr. 21 der ATP Rangliste – ein exklusives Training für talentierte Nachwuchsspieler. Im Rahmen des BMW Junior Campus by DUNLOP SPORT, das bereits zum dritten Mal stattfand, erhielten neun Spieler die Möglichkeit, ein Tie-Break Doppel mit dem Weltklassespieler auszuspielen. Auch der später einsetzende Regen hinderte die Akteure nicht daran, alle Tie Breaks zu Ende zu spielen. Ab und an beschleunigte Almagro sein Tempo und deutete an, mit welcher Geschwindigkeit und Präzision er die Bälle über das Netz prügeln kann.
DUNLOP SCOUTING TOUR 2010 in neuer Auflage Hanau. DUNLOP Sport setzt weiterhin auf intensive Jugendarbeit. Neben seinem Nachwuchs-Förderprogramm D SQUAD und seinen beiden Jugend-Events DUNLOP Junior Series und DUNLOP Club Trophy, wird intensiv nach neuen Talenten Ausschau gehalten. In Kooperation mit Udo Riglewski wird in 2010 bereits zum zweiten Mal die DUNLOP Scouting Tour durchgeführt. „Von der großen Nachfrage an den einzelnen Standorten im vergangenen Jahr waren wir positiv überrascht. Die Anzahl von über 200 Teilnehmern an fünf Standorten zeigt das große Interesse an unserer Aktion. Wir haben 2009 zwanzig Talente ausgewählt, denen wir unsere weitere Unterstützung anbieten. In 2010 haben wir die Standorte der DUNLOP Scouting Tour auf sieben erhöht“, so Torsten Bonacker, Marketing Communications Manager im Hause DUNLOP Sport.
DUNLOP startete sein Sponsorship als Offizieller Ball-Lieferant bei den führenden Sandplatzturnieren in Europa vorvergangene Woche bei den Monte Carlo Masters und bei den Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rom diese Woche. Außerdem beginnen diese Woche die BMW Open by FWU in München, wo ebenfalls der DUNLOP Ball zum Einsatz kommt. Zusätzlich zur starken DUNLOP Dominanz vor Ort, stieß der neue DUNLOP-Pro Fernando Verdasco bis ins Finale vor, verlor dort aber gegen die Nr. 3 der Weltrangliste Rafael Nadal. Neben den drei führenden europäischen Sandplatzturnieren – den Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, den Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rom und den Mutua Madrid Open, wird der DUNLOP Ball außerdem bei den ATP-Turnieren in Estoril, Nizza, München, Düsseldorf, Halle und Hamburg gespielt.
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Racquet Tech III -2010
gauge: 1,20 mm/17 | color: peet etrol troll | le len len en ngggttth h: 12 h: 12 m/40 feett
gau ga auug uge gee:: 11,2 ,20 mm/117 | color: petrol | length: 12 m/40 feett ,2
A xons, t he b o d y ’s pr imar y ner v o u s systee m f ibre s, c onduc t imp ul s e s f rom t he br a in to th he mu s c l e s . A XON – t he ne w s t r ing f rom I S OSPEED – re l ay s t he s e imp ul s e s d ire c t ly t o th he ball, gu ar an t e e ing pre c is ion pl ay and c om fort. Feel t he game and ke ep t he b al l and y o ur oppponee nt under c on t rol . A XO N – T h e u l t im a t e u n ion o f p l a y e r an d b al l !
www.isospeed.com
Are Tennis Specialists a Dying Breed? A large number of our members are small independent retailers. They are very concerned about the future of small specialty shops. We have seen a couple of our members closing their doors every year, but wonder what the real numbers are. One German manufacturer said that around one third of retail specialty shops have closed down since the beginning of this decade. Their major concern is not about the future of tennis, but about the increasing number of large internet shops. We have seen in the last few years the opening of Tennis Warehouse in Germany, a multi-million euro advertising campaign by Tennis-Point.de along with many eBay shops selling tennis rackets for ten euros more than their cost including shipping. This means they are making nothing for their time and around six euros per rackets. A lot of these “shops” are only garage or basement businesses with no physical shop and receiving preferred prices from the company representatives as “Mail Order” businesses. A physical shop cannot exist with these prices unless they increase their volume by several times. Another concern we have seen in the last several years is with order time. Many shops have told us they have to wait months for orders when they used to receive the goods within 2-3 days. This is because the companies are reducing their stock to save on costs with the slow economy at this time. This is causing many consumers to go to the online shops with large inventories. They guarantee delivery in 2-3 days and often with no shipping costs. How can you stay in business? In today’s market you need to be an expert in many areas. You have to promote yourself as an expert in your field, offering great service, competitive pricing, having very good employees and a good website. Here are some thoughts to help you or get your creative juices flowing and thinking up ideas that will help your business. 1. Volume Buying – The large internet shops get the maximum discounts from the manufacturers by pre-ordering a large stock. As a small retailer this can lead to your closing down if you cannot sell the products. Some possibilities are joining a buyers group such as Intersport, Sport 2000, or the RTSG to receive maximum discounts. This will enable you to sell more product lines. 2. With a group of shops you can often get “rush” orders quicker by getting one from another shop member in the area. This will keep your customers buying from you. 3. Affiliate yourself with one or more clubs. If possible it is best to be “in” a large club or facility as the customers do not have to travel to you. Otherwise you need to advertise and build up a customer base over time. 4. If you are opening a shop, make sure you are located in an area easy to get to, with parking spaces. This is an important factor if your customers have to drive around for a long time looking for somewhere to park. Too many people play or teach tennis and decide to open a shop up because
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If Tennis is your Racket MEMBERSHIP BRINGS: x Free entry in The Tennis Book x Reduced rates at the London Golf & Tennis Show and in Tennis Outlook x Sales opportunities via The Tennis Shop at selected events x Wimbledon ground pass entry x TIA UK Insurance x Access to TennisWire PR services x Networking and industry contacts
www.tiauk.org
Then the TIA UK is the trade body for you. We provide a range of benefits and resources to boost your business and can help to raise your profile.
Tennis Industry Association UK FOR MORE INFO CONTACT OUR ADMIN OFFICE AT: c/o Sport Wins, PO Box 238 Tadworth KT20 5WT, UK Phone +44 (0)1737 831 707 Email: gilly@tiauk.org
Over 60 companies already enjoy membership!
tennis is their hobby. The shop is in the wrong area, hard to get to, bad selection of inventory and many other mistakes. 5. Turnover – Make sure your goods are out of the shop by the end of the season. Put them on sale and the end of the season and get them out of your shop. There is a club shop near us where they have clothes from over 10 years ago. Members of the club told us they have seen these clothes for 10 years and would never buy them. When they are there too long, it is almost impossible to sell them the next season. The longer they sit, the more difficult it is to sell them, even at reduced prices to recover your cost. 6. Use “Experts” to help you if you are having problems with your assortment, inventory control, etc. Ask the sales reps from the companies you deal with for advice. They would be happy if you are successful and purchase more goods from them. They also know which products sell in other shops with the same cliental, which products to offer more of and which are difficult to sell. 7. Have a professional website. Even though this article is attacking web-shops, every shop needs a website today. Many people will “Google” search tennis shops in the area. If you have a presentable site they will be interested in coming to the shop. It is easy to gather e-mail addresses from the site offering “special offers” mailed to them regularly. 8. Advertise – Have a professional looking price list or brochure. If you are large enough, you can publish a catalogue once or twice a year. These can distributed locally to clubs and at tournaments. Take an ad out in a local tennis magazine. The costs are not very high. 9. Inventory – For more reasons than just keeping track of goods in stock. A large problem today is theft of money and goods in small retail businesses. This can be from customers and employees. I know of several shops who got into financial difficulties because of missing inventory and money missing out of the cash register. Learn and set up secure systems to monitor this problem.
News Flash - Dunlop has signed Span Spanish star Fernando Velasco for Rackets, Strings and Accessories.
- Mark Phillipousis won his first Champions Series Tournament in May defeating John McEnore in the final.
- Nickolay Davydenko has also signed with Dunlop for rackets. bags and accessories.
- Excellent prognosis for Martina Navratilova. The 55 year old was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. After operating - iPhone App to Test String and radiation therepy the diagTension. RacquetTune uses the sound of hitting your strings nosis is excellent. with a racquet to analyze the - The PTR has expanded it’s frequecy of the string and member benefits to include Tenconverts it into tension. Demo nis World Magazine, available video on racquetTune.com online free to PTR members.
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- Babolat’s Pure Drive GT and Aero Pro Drive GT took first and second place in racket sales the first quarter in the USA according to the TIA. - 2010 International Tennis Hall of Fame is inducting doubles teams Mark Woodforde/Mark Woodbridge and GigiFernadez/Natasha Zvereva, along with Owen Davidson, wheelchair pioneer Brad Parks and former LTA Chairman Derick Hardwick.
Racquet Tech III -2010
Court Tips from Joe Dinoffer – Oncourt Offcourt www.oncourtoffcourt.com Grow your Tennis Pro Shop
Here are a few winning ideas to help grow business in a tennis pro shop. First, how about working with charities to stay ahead of your competition. Homeless charities conduct food drives in practically every part of the country. How about offering a 10% discount on any purchase when the customer brings in a can of food? Another idea is to give a local charity the opportunity to conduct a bake sale at your facility. It’s a great way to gain local recognition, increase your customer base, and help a needy cause, all at the same time. Yet another win – win is to develop a special relationship with the high school and college teams in your area. To accomplish this, how about offering a 20% or even 30 % discount on racquet stringing.
Offer Programs For All Ages
One stop shopping is one of the reasons that shopping malls have been so successful around the world. Literally three generations of family members can go to a mall and see products specifically designed for and age appropriate for each person. Make your tennis program the same way by offering a full range of activities and services for small children all the way through seniors. In an ideal world, you want to say “good morning” to an entire family of three generations coming through your doors at the same time. And, remember, that customizing programs to these varied groups can often set your program apart from your competition.
Marketing Tennis to Juniors
On marketing tennis to juniors, here is a tip from a great tennis club marketer, Lenny Schloss. Lenny advocates breaking down programs into five levels. Each level is identified with a certain number of balls which participants will presumably hit during the lesson program. As closely as I can calculate the assumption is that each player will hit 3-400 balls per hour in their group lessons. Level One is called the 5,000 Ball Academy. In this level, the program and hours are arranged so that participants will end up hitting at least 5,000 balls upon completion of the program. Level Two is the 10,000 Ball Academy. Level Three is the 15,000 Ball Academy. Level Four is the 20,000 Ball Academy. And, Level Five is the 25,000 Ball Academy. Lenny suggests to guarantee participants at each level to achieve certain levels of competency, enjoyment, and fitness. For example, at Level Three, he recommends promising players to expect accuracy within 10 feet of their targets and the ability to control shots and make adjustments hitting up to 40 miles per hour. Additionally, his promotional material motivationally compares the fitness benefits of each level to familiar exercise programs. For example, at Level Three, the weekly exercise received is compared to jogging briskly eight miles per week, a high impact 45-minute aerobics class three times per week, or a 45-minute stationary bike workout three times per week. With so much emphasis on health and fitness, Lenny’s concept taps into the mindset of his audience and encourages them to see tennis as an enjoyable alternative to what many people perceive as the drudgery of jogging or aerobics classes.
Competitive Edge Training System
Now we’d like to share a common marketing practice to all successful businesses, namely to create a unique identity for yourself which is one step ahead of your competition. USPTA and PTR Master Professional Ken DeHart does just that. Ken has designed a complete series of pamphlets and flyers as part of what he calls his “Competitive Edge Training System.” The flyers include the following: 1. Five steps to recognizing what Ken calls the “monsters of the mind.” 2. Five steps to defeating the same monsters. 3. The return of serve – easy as 1-2-3-4. 4. Serving as simple as A-B-C. 5. Ten Tips for strategy.
Continued Page 28
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Test
Kirschbaum Helix String Test Kirschbaum Helix is a new co-polymer monofilament made in Germany by one of the industry leaders in monofilaments. The string is helically wound in a multistage twisting process, followed by an additional heat setting treatment, According to Kirschbaum, the twisting process provides increased string elasticity for better playabilityand a lively feel. The extra heating process offers better tension maintenance and more control. Kirschbaum has over 20 years experience in producing quality monofilaments. This is the newest generation from Kirschbaum, first introducing Polys like Super Smash and Spiky 20 years ago, then followed by Touch Turbo and Competition and Pro Line I & II, one of the top rated co-polymer strings by our members and other tests done aound the world. Helix is available in three gauges, 17, 16L and 16 gauges. It comes in 12 meter sets and 200 reels in White. www.kirschbaum-strings.de
In the lab
The set measured 12 meters. The diameter measured 1.23-1.27 mm prior to stringing, and 1.21-1.25 mm after stringing. We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 38 kilo/cm² immediately after stringing at 25 kilos in a Volkl DNX 8 (16 × 18 pattern) on a electric constant-pull machine, a Tecnifibre TF 7000. Tension was measured on a Beers ERT 300. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 36 kilo/cm², representing a 5.5% percent tension loss, the lowest ever for a monofilament. We received tension loss readings from our testers from 6-8%. The string was tested for five weeks by 30 ERSA playtesters, with playing levels from intermediate to nationally ranked seniors. These are blind tests, with playtesters receiving unmarked strings in unmarked packages. Average number of hours play tested was 11.1.
Stringing
Kirschbaum Helix was rated a much better than other polyesters in terms of stiffness and coil memory. Some testers stated it twists up a little when doing the crosses, typical for a monofilament with an uneven surface, like the new multisided strings that are twisted. No playtester broke his sample during stringing, only a few reported problems with twisting, none reported problems tying knots, and none reported friction burn, although they said they had to pull the crosses a little slower than with a smooth string.
On the court
Kirschbaum Helix rated very high in Playability, Touch, Tension Maintenance and Power for a monofilament. We
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Test specifically ask our testers to compare the strings to other strings in the same category, not just to the strings they use. Control and Durability were rated about the same as other “Spin Polys” while Spin Potential and Resistence to Movement were all rated good. For a monofiliament it rated well for Power and Comfort also, giving it very high average marks for a monofilament in 10 years of testing. For the testers who used monofilaments normally, they rated it as good or better than their normal string. Four playtesters broke the string after 6-15 hours.
Conclusion
Kirschbaum Helix has a great blend of power and comfort for a poly string. The highest rating we have had for a monofilament. Many of the testers want to start using the string immediately. The testers found the string easy to work with and no negative comments. We had no comments on shear breakage, although the string does not last quite as long as some other polys. Everyone said they would put it in their string sortment.
Comments “Great string! The first Poly I tested which I really like. A lot of power..” Coach using Tecnifibre XR3 “Stringing was not bad for a twisted string. I have had trouble with a few others. It is not as stiff with less coil memory as some other Topspin Monofilaments.” Ranked player using Alu Power. “The power and playability of the string is great. I will use it even though the durability is a little less than my poly. Better to win and string a little more often.” Tournament player using Pacific PolyForce. “The string plays like my Hybrid in feel and power. Best mono we have tested.” Intermediate player using Baboalt Pro Hurricane/ Tecnifibre Multifeel.
Kirschbaum
Deutsch
String Test
Kirschbaum Helix ist eine neue Co-Polymer Monofilamentsaite, die in Deutschland von einen Monoflilamentindustrieleiter hergestellt wird. Kirschbaum hat über 20 Jahre Erfahrung im Produzieren von qualitativen Monofilamentsaiten. Vor 20 Jahren gab es Polys wie z.B. Super Smash und Spiky und darauffolgend Touch Turbo,Competition und Pro Line. Helix ist die neueste Generation von Kirschbaum. Diese Saite ist verfügbar in den folgenden Durchmessern: 1,20mm, 1,25mm und 1,30mm. Kirschbaum Helix wurde hergestellt, um dem Spieler gutes Spinpotenzial, Kraft und Komfort zu bieten. Die Saite hat eine gute Haltbarkeit und sehr wenig Spannungsverlust. Helix ist in 12 Meter Sets und in 200 Meter Rollen in weiss zu erhalten.
Im Labor
Im Labor war die Länge der Saite 12 Meter. Der Durchmesser betrug 1.23-1.27 mm vor dem Bespannen und 1.21-
1.25 mm nach dem Besaitungsvorgang.
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Test Wir stellten eine Besaitungshärte von 38 Kilos/cm ² fest, unmittelbar nach dem Aufziehen mit 25 Kilos auf einer elektrischen Maschine mit konstantem Zug. Bespannt wurde auf einer Tecnifibre TF 7000. Der Schläger und die Spannung wurden auf dem Beers ERT 300 gemessen. Nach 24 Stunden, ohne dass mit der Saite gespielt wurde, war die Härte des Stringbeds 36 Kilos/cm ² ; dies entspricht einem 5.5-%-prozentigem Spannungsverlust. Von unseren Testern durchgeführte Spannungsmessungen ergaben Spannungsverluste in Höhe von 6-8%.
Tester
Die Seite wurde fünf Wochen von 30 ERSA-Spielertestern geprüft, deren Spielstärke von regionalen Niveau bis hin zu nationalen Spitzenspielern in allen Jahrgängen reicht. Diese Spieltests wurden in Form von sog. „Blind-Tests“ durchgeführt, das bedeutet, alle Testspieler erhielten die nicht markierten Seiten in nicht markierten Paketen. Die durchschnittliche Spieldauer betrug dabei 11,1 Stunden.
Bespannen
Während des Aufziehens war die Kirschbaum Helix etwas besser als andere Polyestersaiten in puncto Steifheit und Wiederaufrollen. Die Saite weist eine gedrehte Oberfläche auf, die es etwas schwerer macht, die Saite überkreuz zu weben und zu ziehen. Bei keinem Tester riss die Saite während des Bespannens. Einige bemängelten, dass sich die Saite zu stark gedreht hätte. Keine Probleme gab es beim Knoten. Niemand konnte Beschädigungen der Saite beim Besaiten feststellen, wie z.B. auftretende Reibung, aber mehrere Tester mussten sehr langsam die Quersaiten weben .
Spieltest
Die Kirschbaum Helix wurde in den Bereichen Power, Komfort und Verrutschbarkeit mit „sehr gut“ bewertet. Für eine Monofilamentsaite weist diese Saite auch einen guten Durchschnitt in Haltbarkeit und Kontolle auf, dies macht sie zu der besten bislang getesten Monofilamentsaiten. Die Tester, die auch sonst mit Monofilamentsaiten spielen, hatten keine Probleme mit der Saite, einige von Ihnen werden diese Saite demnächst sogar selbst verwenden. Die Saite ist bei vier Testspieler nach 6 -15 Spielstunden gerissen.
Zusammenfassung
Kirschbaum Helix bietet alles in der Kategorie Monofilament. Die 1.25mm Saite bietet gute Power, Komfort und Spin. Die Tester fanden die Bespannung relativ einfach zu benutzen ohne negative Kommentare. Es gab auch keine Beschwerden bezgl. des Abreißens am Rand (Shear Breakage). Die Tester benoten die Saite als sehr gut für eine Monofilementsaite und alle wollen die Saite in ihr Sortiment aufnehmen. www.kirschbaum-strings.de
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Racquet Tech III -2010
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STARS OF TOMORROW The Tennis Europe Junior Tour is the leading pan-European competitive forum for junior talent in any major sport. Jonathan Jobson reports
F
rom its earliest tournaments into the 1970s and its official creation in 1990, the Tennis Europe Junior Tour has come to be universally recognised as the best starting point for a successful career in tennis. A string of world #1s, from Ivan Lendl and Steffi Graf to Roger Federer and Justine Henin chose this path, alongside nonEuropeans such as Lindsay Davenport, Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian and Andy Roddick, all of who had an early taste of success on the courts of Europe’s premier junior events. The increasingly professional organisation of the tournaments has meant that the Tennis Europe Junior Tour effectively serves as a dress rehearsal for life as a professional tennis player, with
a cumulative ranking system, a seasonending Masters tournament, Player of the Year awards, online ranking information, calendars and the playing records of potential opponents. The Tour has expanded from 43 tournaments in its first year to over 300 annual events for players of age categories 12, 14 and 16 & under. Care is taken that the focus is not solely on performance, with sightseeing tours, players parties and educational events held in tandem, ensuring a social and informative aspect to tournaments which allows players to focus on more than just their tennis and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about anti-doping, nutrition and training patterns, to name just a few topics. Team events are some of the highlights of the season, as top players earn an early chance to
The Tennis Europe Junior Tour has proven to be a fruitful training ground for world-class players such as Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic.
represent their country at prestigious championships such as the Tennis Europe Winter Cups by HEAD, the European Summer Cups and the Tennis Europe Nations Challenge by HEAD. July’s European Junior Championships is without doubt the most soughtafter prize for individual players, as past champions such as Novak Djokovic, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Martina Hingis and Boris Becker can attest. As the tour goes from strength to strength, so does its appeal. Some 350,000 spectators attend Tennis Europe Junior Tour events each year to see around 10,000 young talents from over 100 countries take their first steps on the international tennis stage. Aside from extensive coverage at TennisEurope.org, reports about the Tour in over 780 newspapers and magazines and over 12,000 minutes of annual radio and TV airtime ensure that every day, people are learning about the latest players to follow in the footsteps of stars like Rafael Nadal, Andrew Murray, Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova in celebrating some of their earliest successes on the Tennis Europe Junior Tour.
Tennis Europe Junior Tour 1 GAME 1 TOUR 1 CONTINENT 43 ORGANISING COUNTRIES 282 TOURNAMENTS 7320 VOLUNTEERS 10000 PLAYERS 25936 MATCHES 190000 TENNIS BALLS 354200 SPECTATORS
PARTNERS OF THE TENNIS EUROPE JUNIOR TOUR
RECOMMENDED BALL
tenniseurope.org
RECOMMENDED TRAINING COMPUTER
OFFICAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM
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12 & UNDER l 14 & UNDER l 16 & UNDER
Court 6. Doubles positions – 4 positions / 4 job descriptions. 7. A flyer Ken calls “Today” with 14 motivational mission statements.
Tennis not TV! Here’s a mild thought-provoker: In recent years the average adult in America has spent 12 minutes less per day at work. However, they spend 7 minutes more per day watching television and 9 minutes more sleeping. Statistics and surveys also reveal that time at work has simultaneously become more stressful. Perhaps a natural marketing tactic would be to emphasize the anti-stress features of our lifetime sport. Let’s try getting people to spend their extra time on the court to relieve stress instead of watching extra television and extra sleep. Tennis is a great alternative and solution. Offer a Free Lesson Offer a free 30-minute lesson to every person who expresses an interest in any of your programs. Benefits include bringing more people into the lesson program, developing an early rapport with new students, an increased customer base for programs beyond tennis lessons, as well as the added advantage of being able to accurately evaluate a new player’s game to place them in the right program.
Maximize Indoor Court Time Here’s a way to maximize indoor court time for instructional use. Simply divide the court in half. It takes a cooperative attitude from the pros and, as long as the player’s level doesn’t demand a full court, it can also be a little more fun for the student. The court can be used both lengthwise and crosscourt. This effectively doubles both the court availability and usage. Think about it. For beginning or intermediate juniors or beginning and most intermediate adults it would actually work out perfectly. Many indoor facilities simply don’t have enough court time during certain times of the week. Lesson rates, which include a court fee, could be lowered yet the overall income would increase.
ENTDECKE DIE WELT DER
WE MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
www.ersa-stringers.com
Die Int. Plattform für alle Trainer und Coaches die professionell unterrichten
INFO: PTR European Headquarters Leichtergasse 28 - 39012 MERAN Fon: +39 0473 230097 - www.ptrtennis.de - info@ptrtennis.de
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ERSA / GAMMA Workshops Grundkurs und Vorbereitung für ERSA/USRSA Certification 2010 - Kostenlos in Düsseldorf für neue ERSA Mitglieder ERSA Mitgliedschaft -89,€ Nichtmitglieder - 99,€ Samstag 9:00 - 17:00 ERSA / USRSA Certification Sonntag 9:00 bis 14:00 - 95,€ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name__________________________________________ Vorname________________________________________ Adresse________________________________________ PLZ___________Stadt____________________________ Fon__________________Fax______________________ e-mail_________________________________________ Bitte Senden oder Faxen an: European Racquet Stringers Association Lenaustr. 38 40470 Düsseldorf Fax +49(0)211-871549
BUYER’S GROUP FOR
RACQUET SPECIALISTS
The Racquet Tech Sports Group
offers many advantages to independent retailers in the racket sports industry.
offers Group Product Ordering, Marketing Concepts, Marketing Services, Management Consulting, Technical Educational Programs through the European Racquet Stringers Association, and Membership in the ERSA, the leader in racketsports information technology.
Group Buying
Marketing Concepts
Management Consulting
offers the independent racketsports dealer the possibility to compete with the large chains, mail-order businesses and internetshops.
promoting group members as experts in the retail racket sports industry, and the advantages of professional advice to the end consumer.
to help set up and run your business professionally and PROFITABLY.
Advertising and Design services are available for the members at great savings.
Educational Programs including topics such as Marketing, Management, Technologies, Stringing; racket repair and tuning are offered to the members. Training Seminars set up and run by Master Racquet Technicians and ProTour Stringers throughout Europe.
Membership in the
European Racquet Stringers Association Yearly membership is included as part of your Racquet Tech Sports Group membership, giving you all the technical information and new product information to run your shop successfully.
The Racquet Tech Sports Group
WIN AND PLAY WITH NOVAK DJOKOVIC How to participate: a) Find a code in a HEAD ATP ball can and check code at head.com b) Or simply play on head.com
1x Main Prize:
200x Weekly drawings:
900x Daily drawings:
Hit some balls with Novak in an exclusive training session; accompany Novak for a training day and watch an ATP World Tour Tournament live from your VIP seats (for 2 persons, incl. ights and players’ hotel).
of total 50 Head racquets, 50 pairs of HEAD shoes and 100 HEAD bags.
of total 750 Head ATP tennis ball cans, 100 HEAD grips and 50 HEAD strings.
The letters ATP and the tennis player design are registered trademarks of ATP Tour, Inc.
Participation without obligation to purchase: simply play on head.com or draw your favourite tennis ball on a post card and send post card to HEAD Sport GmbH, Wuhrkopfweg 1, A-6921 Kennelbach, Austria. Terms of participation on head.com, drawings of all prizes will be done randomly among all registered codes and sent-in post cards from all participating countries. End of participation: June, 30th 2010.