ISSUE V
RACQUETTECH M A G A Z I N E 2010 GAMMA TNT² Touch Playtest ................................................ GAMMA TNT² Tour Playtest
................................................ Indoor Season New Products ................................................ ASHAWAY UltraNick 18 ................................................ ASHAWAY ZyMax 62 ................................................ INDUSTRY NEWS
Do the aerodynamics of tennis balls change with wear?
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MY SERVE
As I said in the previous issues, we are busy testing many new strings. We have two tennis strings, one badminton and one squash string in this issue. The tennis strings are a double test from GAMMA comparing their new TNT² TOUCH 17 with TNT² TOUR 16. We also have two tests from ASHAWAY, one badminton and one squash. The badminton string is their ZyMax62, the thinner version of the two strings we tested last year. As thin is in the last years with new strings, the ASHAWAY squash string is also a thin 1.15mm 18 gauge, UltraNick 18. We also have 2 really exciting new tennis string tests coming out in the next two issues of RacquetTech. Jamie Pethick, our new office manager has set out to get our website updated and running smoothly. All the tools are now working and the FORUM is working so everyone is encouraged to go on and communicate with other stringers, either seeking help or helping out beginner stringers. The Online Digest is up to date with all racquets with racquetball rackets now added. As racquetball is becoming more popular in the UK on squash courts, we have been asked to add racquetball in the 201011 Digest coming out next month. Jamie will be contacting everyone in the next weeks for membership renewals and trying to get everyone interested in a 2011 Annual Meeting /Symposium. We will be doing this in southern Spain together with members from the Japan Racquet Stringers Association at La Manga. The Annual Meeting and Symposium is free of charge to ERSA members. Best wishes Mark Maslowski
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4 Wie ich es in der vorherigen Ausgabe gesagt habe, sind wir sehr damit beschäftigt viele Saiten zu testen. Wir haben 2 Tennissaiten, 5 1 Badmintonsaite und eine Squashsaite in dieser Ausgabe. Die Tennissaiten haben einen Doppeltest von GAMMA, die den neuen TNT² TOUCH 17 und den TNT² TOUR 16 beinhalten. Wir haben auch 2 Tests von ASHAWAY, eine Badminton- und eine Squashsaite. Deren Badmintonsaite heißt ZyMax62, die dünnere Version von den beiden Saiten, die wir letztes Jahr getestet haben. Wiel „thin is in“ die letzten Jahre mit neuen Saiten, ist die ASHAWAY Squash-Saite auch dünn 1.15mm 18 gauge, Ultranick 18. Wir haben auch 2 Super ganz neue Tennissaiten, von denen in den nächsten beiden Ausgaben von RacquetTech ein Test erhalten ist. Jamie Pethick, der neue Manager vom ERSA-Büro, hat damit begonnen, unsere Website auf dem neuesten Stand zu halten und Sie flüssig weiterlaufen zu lassen. Alle Tools funktionieren nun sowie auch das FORUM, sodass alle angespornt sind online zu gehen und mit vielen anderen Bespannern zu kommunizieren, entweder um Hilfe zu suchen oder Anfängern zu helfen. Das Online Digest ist auf dem letzten Stand. Alle Schläger und Racquetball-Schläger sind ebenfalls hinzugefügt worden. Seit Racquetball im vereinten Königreich weitverbreitet ist haben wir einige Anfragen bekommen, dass wir Racquetball in dem 201011 Digest hinzufügen, das nächsten Monat herauskommt. Jamie wird im laufe der nächsten Wochen unsere Mitglieder kontaktieren und versucht Interesse an einem 2011-Symposium zu wecken. Wir werden dieses in Süd-Spanien, zusammen mit Mitgliedern der Japan Racquet Stringers Association, veranstalten. Das Symposium ist für ERSA-Mitglieder ganz kostenlos.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen Mark Maslowski
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CONTENTS
4 – My Serve 7 – New Porducts 10 – Industry News 14 – Tennis Ball Aerodynamics 17 – Flat Gut Stringing 20 – GAMMA TNT² Touch 17 Playtest 22 – GAMMA TNT² Tour 16 Playtest 24 – GAMMA TNT² Tests German 27 – Ashaway ZyMax 62 Badminton Test 28 – Ashaway UltraNick 18 Squash Test 10 – Industry News Prince Tour News - Wilson Tour News Dunlop Germany Talent Search HEAD Signs Three Year Extension for Shanghai Masters TIA UK Tennis State of the Game Tennis Industry Looses Warren Bosworth
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NEW PRODUCTS Ashaway Introduces Zyex-based UltraKill速 18 Racquetball String - Thinner 18 gauge construction enhances power and playability - Zyex速 multifilament core maintains tension for longer playing life
Ashaway Racket Strings has introduced UltraKill速 18, the latest in its new line of Zyex-based racquetball strings. Built on a new multifilament core, UltraKill 18 is designed to provide players at all levels with a thinner, more playable string that provides both power and control. The braided surface adds bite and increases spin while the Zyex速 multifilament core prevents tension loss for more consistent performance throughout the life of the string. "Thin is in for racquetball strings these days," said Steve Crandall, Ashaway Vice President of Marketing. "Players of all stripes want the added control and playability thinner strings provide. With UltraKill 18, we've combined the latest high tech Zyex materials with innovative core construction techniques to offer the thinnest, strongest, best playing string ever."
Dynamic blue in color, UltraKill 18 is available for all players in 40 ft sets and 360 ft reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 35 lbs. Ashaway suggests using 10-20% less tension than normally used for standard nylon strings. Website: http://www.ashawayusa.com
TECNIFIBRE
Tecnifibre introduces two new squash racquets this month, the Dynergy Tour 125 and the Dynergy Max. Both racquets use the new Kickstep design increasing stiffness up to 10%, along with the Dynamic String Pattern offering more power. Both racquets are constructed of Graphite and BlackWeave. The Dynergy Tour 125 comes strung with X-One Biphase string and a full ventilated cover. The Dynergy Max with Multifeel string and a ¾ cover. Both come with a Tec Dry Squash Grip. www.tecnifibre.com
Dynergy Tour125 Weight-125 grams / 4.70 ounces Balance -350mm Head Size -490 cm² / 76 in.²
Dynergy Max Weight -145 grams / 4.90 ounces Balance -365mm Head Size -500 cm² / 77.5 in.²
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Lukas Engelhardt und Valentin Hertweck erhalten DUNLOP-Förderung Im Rahmen der DUNLOP-Talentscouting Tour haben sich die beiden Spieler Lukas Engelhardt aus Augsburg (Bayerischer Tennis Verband / TSV/TC Haunstetten) und Valentin Hertweck aus Iffezheim (Badischer Tennisverband / TC GW Bühl) für eine umfassende DUNLOP-Förderung qualifiziert. Dabei haben sie sich gegenüber 147 anderen Bewerbern durchgesetzt. Die Förderung schließt einen finanziellen Zuschuss für den Heimtrainer sowie eine komplette Dunlop-Ausrüstung mit ein. . Insgesamt finden an acht Standorten die Sichtungen statt. Weitere Informationen auf www.teamdunlop.de. DUNLOP-Talentscouting 2010... Hier die Termine der DUNLOP Scouting Tour 2010: 22.05.2010 01.08.2010 07.08.2010 08.08.2010 19.09.2010 02.10.2010 03.10.2010
DÜSSELDORF (ausgebucht!) STUTTGART (ausgebucht!) FRANKFURT (ausgebucht!) KÖLN (ausgebucht!) MÜNCHEN HAMBURG BERLIN
HEAD Signs Three-Year Contract Extension with Shanghai Rolex ATP Masters 1000 HEAD will remain a strong supporter of the Shanghai Rolex ATP Masters 1000 after signing a new three-year contract extension with Asia’s most prestigious tennis event. The collaboration continues HEAD’s commitment to and support for Chinese tennis. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the only ATP Masters 1000 event on the Asian continent,” said Robert Marte, Executive Vice President of HEAD Racquet Sports. “As the Official Ball supplier to both of the Chinese ATP tournaments, we are committed to play an active role in the future growth of the sport in this important market.” Not only is the HEAD ATP ball is also the official ball played at the China Open in Beijing, where HEAD racquet rebel Noval Djokovic recently defended his title, but HEAD Penn also provides the official balls at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Cincinnati (Penn), the Canadian cities of Toronto and Montreal (Penn), the American spring hard-court Masters in Indian Wells and Miami (Penn), the European event at Paris Bercy (HEAD) and the BARCLAYS ATP World Tour Finals in London (HEAD). 2012 Olympic ticket information and dates for the Olympic Tennis Event announced by LOCOG The Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) have announced the ticket prices for the London 2012 Olympic Games and released a draft competition schedule in which the Olympic Tennis Event is listed as taking place at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, from Saturday 28 July to Saturday 5 August 2012. Tennis tickets will start at £20 for access to the outside courts at Wimbledon, with No 1 court tickets ranging from £35-95 and Centre Court from £30-225 for the final.
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PRINCE TOUR NEWS VERA ZVONAREVA, who has certainly taken her game to the Next Level since picking up the EXO3 Black earlier this year. Today, the 2-time 2010 Grand Slam finalist (Wimbledon and US Open) claims the world's #2 ranking her highest singles ranking ever! On the men's side up-and-coming Serbian VIKTOR TROICKI won his first career ATP title in Moscow beating Marcos Baghdathis Sunday at the Kremlin Cup. Viktor, 24 years old, also reached the finals in doubles as well. After losing a few tight matches with match points against the top players (Djokovic at US Open, Nadal in Tokyo) earlier this year, Viktor finally made it happen and took his great form through the end of the tournament. This was a big match for him and could be the turning point in his believing that he can take his game to the next level and become a top 15 player or higher... In addition, Viktor and his Serbian compatriots will take on fellow Prince Team player GAEL MONFILS in the Davis Cup finals taking place in Belgrade, December 3-5. JULIEN ROJER used his EXO3 Black to win the doubles title in Stockholm with his partner Butorac against his former doubles partner and fellow prince player Johan Brunstrom and Niemienen. And on the WTA Tour MARIA JOSE MARTINEZ SANCHEZ also used the EXO3 Black to reach the semis in singles and finals in doubles at the Kremlin Cup.
Prince announces MANAGEMENT CHANGES Prince Sports has appointed Gordon Boggis as Chief Executive Officer. George Napier is retiring as Chairman and CEO, but will continue as Vice Chairman. Boggis joined Prince in 2009 as President and COO after being CEO of PaceMaster Fitness.
Tennis Industry Loses Warren Bosworth The first and most famous customizing specialist Warrn M. Bosworth, died on July 9, aged 75, in Boca Raton, Florida. Bosworth strung and tuned racquets for the top players including Ivan Lendl, Martina Navratilova, Andre Agassi, Rod Laver, Arthur Ashe, Venus Williams and Pete Sampras.
Racquetball racquet stringing patterns have been added to the new ERSA Stringers Digest and Digest Online. Many UK members have asked for racquetball instructions as it is becoming increasingly popular on squash courts.
Kohlschreier Endorses Wilson
Jarmila Groth Swings Wilson BLX to First WTA Tour Title
Wilson Racquet Sports is proud to announce that Philipp Kohlschreiber, in addition to his long standing racquet contract with the brand, will be a “head-to-toe” player and will debut their 2011 apparel and footwear line starting in January. Philipp will be working closely with the Apparel and Footwear Team at Wilson, proiving input into the creation and development of new products. The Wilson apparel and soft goods line features premium technical fabrics and the latest technologies, which focus on fir and function. Philipp will wear the newest collections throughout the season and will debut all of the latest footwear styles along with it.
Wilson Renews Nishikori Top touring pro, Kei Nishikori, has signed a multi-year contract to continue with his long time racquet sponsor, Wilson Racquet Sports. Nishikori has been a Wilson Team member since he was 10 years old and in that time climbed to a career high of #56 in the ATP World Tour rankings. Swinging her Wilson Pro Open BLX racquet, Jarmila Groth capped a breakthrough by winning her first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour title at the Landsky Lighting Guangzhou International Women’s Open tennis tournament. Groth, who reached the Round of 16 at both the French Open and Wimbledon, was a solid first seed throughout the week in Guangzhou, losing just 15 games in total, which marked the least amount of games lost en route to a title this year. She ended the career week off with a 6-1 6-4 win over fellow Wilson player Alla Kudryavtseva. Groth’s title win catapults her into the Top 50 in the WTA Tour rankings for the first time in her career. “Jarka is having a strong finish to the year and we can only expect her to build on this great result,” said Massimo Calvelli, Wilson Global Tour Director. “We look forward to watching her have a strong 2011.”
“Kei is a dynamic player with an aggressive style of play,” said Massimo Calvelli, Global Tour Director of Wilson Racquet Sports. “This partnership represents a significant piece of our overall marketing stratgey. Kei has a strong following in Japan and the local region and hise influence on our overall sales is key and integral to the brand.” Nishikori is currently playing with the Wilson Tour BLY racquet.
Two members of the Wilson Tour team post victories Swinging her Wilson Blade Team tennis racquet, Alla Kudryactseva captured her 1st WTA Tour title in Tashkent with a 6-4 6-4 win over Elena Vesnina. Meanwhile, Grigor Dimitro swung his Wilson Six.One Tour BLX tennis racquet to take his third straight ATP Tour Challenger title in Bangkok. Dimitrov is starting to come into his own and prove why he is one of the top prospects of Wilson’s Next Gen.
TIA UK publishes first collaborative Tennis Health Check for British Tennis After several years of debate, the Tennis Industry Association UK has persuaded several statistical authorities to collaborate together to establish a regular Health Check for British Tennis. Entitled “The Health of GB Tennis”, the report is the results of the collation of available information held by the Lawn Tennis Association, the Tennis Federation, Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales, Sport England, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and IFM Sports Marketing Surveys. Until now there has never been shared, public, on-going tracking of number of players, frequency of play, ball and racquet sales and so on to indicate whether British tennis is growing or in decline. With the introduction of Sport England’s Active People database, the LTA’s own research into the sport and the tennis industry’s collaborative data, it is now possible to collate and publish relevant data to help determine the health of the sport. The aim is to track available data consistently over a number of years to see how tennis performs as a sport. It is hope to publish the “Health of GB Tennis” report on a regular basis. The first edition already reveals some interesting facts and figures: •Nearly 1 million people play tennis once a month •There are 23,000 tennis courts in the UK •79% of schools now offer tennis in England •Around 600,000 tennis racquets were purchased in Great Britain last year •Some 1 million dozen tennis balls were purchased in 2009 “There is a clear demand for accurate statistics on our sport and to have these readily available for comparison purposes,” said Steve Matthews, Chairman of the TIA UK. “This collaborative effort will have many useful applications for tennis businesses, the media, students of the sport and anyone who is interested in plotting the games’ progress over the coming years.”
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New Balls Please: Do the aerodynamics of tennis balls change with wear?
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Now it’s time for the scientific bit. Any object that is projected through the air is subject to drag forces, which act to slow it down. The main drag force acting on a tennis ball is called pressure drag, which is usually quantified in the form of the coefficient of drag (CD). This can be measured by mounting the ball in a wind tunnel and either steadily increasing the wind speed (non-spinning CD, equivalent to hitting a flat serve) or steadily increasing the spin applied (spinning CD; equivalent to hitting a kick serve).
A ball mounted in a wind tunnel ready to be tested The umpire’s cry of “New balls please” is a familiar sound at tennis tournaments around the world. At ATP and WTA Tour events, the balls are first changed after the seventh game and thereafter every nine games; meaning that even in the shortest of matches, two sets of balls will be used. But have you ever stopped to wonder why the balls are changed so frequently? Or if there really is a difference between the old and new balls? Let’s start right at the beginning. Tennis balls are subject to very strict criteria regarding their mass, diameter, compression resistance and bounce height. But, when it comes to their felt, the only criterion they must meet is that specifying their colour. This is slightly odd, given that changes in the condition of the felt provide the clearest indication of a ball’s playability. Such changes in the felt begin to occur after initial contact with the racquet and court, which causes the nap to stand up on end and the ball to become fuzzier. Continued use reverses this, with the nap gradually getting knocked off and the ball becoming smooth again. Several studies have shown that changes in the condition of the felt affect how players perceive a ball’s playability; with one such study revealing that players find ball fuzziness to be nearly twice as important as the presence of a logo in determining playability. However, it is not only perceived playability that changes as the felt becomes more worn, but actual playability as well: any change in the condition of the felt can have an effect on how the ball actually flies through the air.
If a new tennis ball fresh out of the can is compared to a smooth sphere of the same diameter, the tennis ball will have a CD approximately 10% higher, due to the fact that its rough surface creates more drag. But what happens when this new ball is taken out on court and used? Do the changes in the condition of the felt have a significant effect on the CD? The answer to the above question is yes. And no. The CD of a new non-spinning ball is approximately 0.55 and the CD of a new spinning ball is approximately 0.58. If this ball is subjected to the equivalent of 30 minutes play (similar to the time between ball changes in a professional match), then both the non-spinning and spinning CD will increase slightly because the ball has become fuzzier through use. If you then use a statistical test to compare the CD of the new and worn balls, you get a statistically significant difference. So, from a mathematical and scientific point of view there is a significant difference between new and used balls. However, back in real life, this increase in CD with wear equates to an increase in reaction time; though the magnitude of this increase is likely to less than 1%, which, if you are returning a 130 mph serve gives you the luxury of an extra 0.01 seconds more to react. But what if the balls weren’t changed in ATP and WTA matches? What if, like the rest of us, Roger, Rafa, Serena, Venus and co. had to use the same set of balls for a whole match? Well, if a set of balls were used for approximately an hour; they would become fuzzier still, both the non-spinning and spinning CD would continue to rise and reaction time would continue to increase. If we take it even further and use a set of balls for approximately two hours; there is no further increase in fuzziness and both the non-spinning and spinning CD start to decrease, although they still remain higher than when the ball was new. In theory these findings suggest that, were a set of balls to be used for longer in ATP and WTA matches, the dominance of the server would decrease as the returner would have slightly more time to play their first shot. Whilst this could potentially make matches more competitive and interesting for spectators, this theory has one big drawback: it’s based on the assumption that the balls don’t lose pressure with use. And, as we all know, this is not the case. So, all that’s left to say now is “New balls please”. For further information on tennis ball aerodynamics, or to obtain a copy of my research paper “How the aerodynamics of tennis balls change with wear and the implications to players,” please contact me at jamie@ersa-stringers.com. Jamie Pethick, our new office manager, MRT, Pro Tour Stringer is happy to answer any technical questions concerning tennis racquets, strings and balls.
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Instructions for stringing procedure for GOSEN FG (Flat gut) We have had some questions on stringing the FLAT GUT from our test last month and a few members said they were not sure how to string FLAT GUT during the test. I received these instructions from GOSEN 2 weeks ago when I was in Japan. It is very easy to string, you just have to adjust the clams one time for the mains and one time for the crosses. At the start for stringing “FG string” tends to be slippery on the inside of pulling head on the first pull if you pull two strings at once. Therefore, "FG string" needs to be spread by hand like the photo in order to prevent the tangling and have both strings flat. After that, “FG string” is easy to place in the tension head.
"Clamp" adjustment. Clamps should be adjusted before stringing for both the main strings and cross strings.
The cross section of “FG string” is rectangular, so, the thin side of the string become standing when stringing the main strings. Therefore, “FG string" needs to be tightened by the Clamp for adjustment. Stringing for cross strings; The flat side of the string become lying down at the stringing for cross string, therefore, Clamp adjustment has to be change after finishing the main strings. FG stings “FG string” becomes standing when stringing for the main string. However, main string become lying down flat after stringing for the cross string.
Knotting
Making the single half hitch knot.
String must coil from up to down towards the single knot direction.
"Single knot" has to be tightened. After that, the tail shall be pulled tight.
The tip of string has to get into the circle of single knot from under to up.
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GAMMA TNT² Touch & Tour String Test
GAMMA has asked us to test their two new strings, TNT² Touch 17 and TNT²Tour 16 and see what our testers thought of the two strings. These are the first multifilaments to use the patented TNT process. First, I will give the differences in the two strings according to GAMMA and then you can read the tests and see what our testers thought of the two strings and how they compared them playing. GAMMA rates the TNT² Touch with a little more power than the TNT² Tour. On a scale of one to ten, 9.5 to 9.0. Better Comfort for the Touch and about the same durability. Tour is supposed to have a crisper feel than the touch and a bit more control. Here is what our test found. Gamma TNT2 Touch 17 Gamma TNT² Touch 17 is the first multicore, multi-wrap string energized with the Gamma patented TNT (Thermo Nuclear Technology) process. TNT² Touch is a premium string that according to Gamma offers amazing feel and power without sacrificing control. Gamma says that the ball stays on the string so long it feels as though the strings are “cupping” the ball, enabling pinpoint control for maximum accuracy. The TNT process greatly enhances the dynamic resiliency and the dynamic elasticity. Up to now, all Gamma multifilament strings have been in the “Live Wire” category. These are strings constructed of hundreds or thousands of micro fibers (depending on the construction) that are bundled and bonded together using specialized resin systems using “High Energy Gamma Irradiation Process” to maximize the resiliency of a multifilament construction. Gamma’s TNT treatment was developed to provide “super elasticity” to what would otherwise be a relatively stiff construction. TNT² Touch 17 uses a hybrid multicore, multi-wrap construction with bundles of micro fibers wrapped around a relatively small diameter Ultra High Modulus filament. According to Gamma, the combination of this special multifilament construction with the TNT treatment provides elasticity and flexibility that allow the string to flex and elongate locally at impact, and conform to the ball as opposed to elongating uniformly along the entire length of the strings, which creates more of a “trampoline” effect that can reduce control and touch. Gamma TNT2 Touch is recommended for all types of players and playing styles. TNT2 Touch 17 (1.27 mm) comes in natural only. It comes in 40 feet (12.2 meter) sets and 360 feet (110 meter reels).
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In the Lab We tested the 17 gauge TNT2 Touch. The coil measured 12.82 meters . The diameter measured 1.24-1.27 mm before stringing, and 1.18-1.22 mm after stringing. We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 36 Dynamic Tension immediately after stringing at 25 Kilos in a 16 x 19 pattern racquet on a Prince 6000 constant-pull machine. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 34 Dynamic Tension, representing a 5.5 percent tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, the same as the USRSA with a tension loss of 9%. TNT2 Touch 17 added 14 grams to the weight of our unstrung frame. The string was tested for five weeks by 27 ERSA playtesters, with playing levels from intermediate to nationally ranked. These are blind tests, with playtesters receiving unmarked strings in unmarked packages. Average number of hours playtested was 16.6. Stringing Gamma TNT2 Touch 17 presented no problems during stringing. No playtester broke his sample during stringing, and none reported problems with coil memory, problems tying knots, or friction burn. Playtest The testers gave Gamma TNT2 Touch17 very high ratings for Comfort, Playability, Power , Feel . Control , Spin Potential, Tension Loss and Durability were rated above average. TNT2 Touch17 total scores make this one of the best strings we have tested in Multifilament Class. All the testers rated the string very high and all said they would put this string in their sortiment. Conclusion
Gamma TNT2 Touch 17’s ratings show this is a great string for players looking for power and comfort with good tension holding and more than acceptable durability for a 17 gauge multifilament. All the testers said they would consider putting this string in their sortiment. Playtester Comments “After playing a few hours I noticed my arm was not feeling tired or sore. Great string!” Club Player using Luxilon Alu Power. “Top playing multifilament. I would recommend to my customers looking for good string that is easy on their arm.” Ranked senior player using different hybrids. “ A little string movement after playing several hours, but control was very good.” “The string was a little stiffer than I thought it would be for a thin multi playing the first time. Tension seemed to hold up for several weeks without loosing control. “ Team player using Tecnifibre TGV. “Enough spin for a nylon string and great comfort.” High intermediate using GOSEN Poly. “One of the best strings I have tested. Easy to adjust to with lots of power with good control.” Senior ranked player using hybrid. “Enough power and feel with a good crisp feel.” Intermediate player using Luxilon M². RATING AVERAGES From 1 to 6 (best) Playability 4.6 Durability 3.9 Power 4.2 Control 4.3 Comfort 4.5 Feel 4.2 Spin Potential 4.0 Holding Tension 4.1 Resistance to Movement 3.6
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Gamma TNT² Tour 16 Gamma TNT² Tour 16 is a wrapped multi-core multifilament string with a different core and outer wrap construction than the TNT² Touch. In the core, a solid high-tenacity polyamide (nylon) outer matrix surrounds six high-energy monofilaments. The outer matrix is stiffer than the individual core monofilaments. Around this composite core is a single layer wrap, which includes both monofilaments and multifilament bundles. Gamma also uses its new Thermo Nuclear Technology (TNT²) process on this string. This process alters the molecular structure of its co-polymer material. Before the TNT2 process, the string material is strong but stiff, due to the highly aligned long-chain molecules. The process breaks down the long-chain molecules, reconnecting them via millions of entangled and cross-linked intermolecular bonds. According to Gamma, this reconfiguration creates a stronger and more flexible material. According to Gamma, the result is a premium string that offers a crisper feel for “tour-like” control and accuracy, with excellent resiliency and elasticity for greater ball pocketing, exceptional power, comfort, and playability. TNT² Tour is available in 16 (1.32 mm) in natural only. It is available in sets of 40 feet (12.2 meter), and 360 feet (110 meter) reels www.gammasports.com. In the lab We tested the 16-gauge (1.32 mm) TNT² Tour. The coil measured 12.64 meters. The diameter measured 1.31-1.36 mm prior to stringing, and 1.27-1.30 mm after stringing. We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 40 Dynamic Tension on a Beers ERT 300 immediately after stringing at 25 kilos in a (16 × 19 pattern) on a Prince 6000 constant-pull machine. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 38 RDC units, representing a 5 percent tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, using the same string as the USRSA, representing a 9 percent tension loss. TNT² Tour added 15 grams to the weight of our unstrung frame. The string was tested for five weeks by 26 ERSA playtesters, with playing levels of intermediate to nationally ranked. These are blind tests, with playtesters receiving unmarked strings in unmarked packages. Average number of hours playtested was 17.3. Stringing No playtester broke his sample during stringing, no one reported problems with coil memory or tying knots, and a couple reported minor friction burn when pulling the crosses too quickly. This is due to the slight texture of the strings.
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Conclusion
Playtest The testers found this string slightly above average, but in every category above average. GAMMA TNT² Tour 16 had no bad scores in any category. I guess you would have to call this string a great all round string. It did not have the high marks of the TNT² Touch 17 in playability, power and feel, but the average score was a little better. Four playtesters broke the string during the playtest period, one at four hours, 9 hours, 12 hours and one at 16 hours.
The GAMMA TNT² Tour 16 has a little of everything you want in a string so the testers thought they could recommend it to a wider range of players than the TNT² Touch 16. Most of the testers said they would consider putting this in their sortiment. i.e. If a customer wants more power and feel without having less durability and control, this is a great string. Many customers ask for several things in a string which normally do not go together, like power and durability. This string is like a hybrid with all the different qualities it has. Comments “Great control and durability for a softer string.” “Really nice crisp feel. Enough power for me without loosing control.” “It is similar to the string I use, so I found the power and feel great.” Coach using Gosen AK Pro “The string is good, but nothing special to carry it in my shop.” “ Very little string movement with the rougher surface on the string. My shots are going where I want to.” “Good power and feel. I do not like too soft of a string so this is great for me.” RATING AVERAGES From 1 to 6 (best) Playability 4.1, Durability 4.8, Power 4.0, Control 4.7 Comfort 4.1 Feel 3.9, Spin Potential 4.0, Holding Tension 4.3, Resistance to Movement 4.1
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GAMMA TNT² Touch & Tour Saitentest GAMMA hat uns die die Anfragen geben ihre beiden neuen Saiten zu testen, TNT² Touch 17 und TNT² Tour 16 und zu sehen was unsere Tester über diese beiden Saiten denken. Dies sind die ersten Multifilamentsaiten, die den TNTProzess patentieren. Zu aller erst werde ich Ihnen die Unterschiede von den beiden Saiten gemäß zu GAMMA präsentieren und dann können Sie die Tests lesen und sehen was unsere Tester über die Saiten gedacht haben und die Vergleiche beim Spielen zeigen. GAMMA schätzt die TNT² Touch Saite mit ein bisschen mehr Kraft ein als die TNT² Tour Saite. In einer Skala von 1-10, schätzen Sie die Saite auf ca. 9.5 und 9.0. Besserer Komfort beim Touch und ca. die gleiche Haltbarkeit. Tour sollte ein „crisper”-Gefühl und ein wenig mehr Kontrolle haben als die Touch Saite. Dies haben unsere Tests herausgefunden.
Gamma TNT² Touch 17 Gamma TNT² Touch 17 ist die erste multicore, multi-wrap Saite, die den Gamma patentieren TNT (Thermo nukleare Technologie) Prozess enthält. TNT² Touch ist eine hochwertige Saite, die gemäß Gamma eine unglaubliches Feeling und eine großartige Kraft ohne Kontrollverlust bietet. Gamma gibt an, dass der Ball solange an der Saite heftet, dass es sich so anfühlt als würde die Saite den Ball „festhalten“. Dies führt zu einer zielgenauen Kontrolle für maximale Präzision. Der TNT² Prozess erhöht die dynamische Prallkraft und Elastizität großartig. Bislang waren alle Gamma multifilamentSaiten in der „Live Wire“ Kategorie.Dies sind Saiten, die aus mehreren hundert oder tausend von Microfasern (abhängig von der Konstruktion) hergestellt worden sind, die so gebunden sind, dass sie zusammen ein „High Energy Gamma Irradiation Prozess“, dass zur Maximierung von der Elastizität von einer Multifilamentkonstruktion verwendet wird. Gamma's TNT Verarbeitung wurde hergestellt um „Super-Elastizität“ zu bieten, weil es andererweise eine relativ feste Konstruktion sein würde. TNT² Touch 17 benutzt eine „Hybrid Multicore“, „Multi Wrap“ Konstruktion mit gebündelten Microfasern, die einen relativ kleinen Diameter Ultra High Modulus-Filament umhüllen. Gemäß Gamma bietet die Kombination von dieser spezieller Multifilament-Konstruktion mit der TNT-Verarbeitung Elastizität und Flexibilität an. Gamma TNT² Touch ist für alle Arten von Spielern und Spielstil empfohlen. TNT² Touch (1.27mm) ist nur naturfarbe erhältlich. Es wird in 12.2m Sets 110m Rollen angeboten.
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Bespannen Im Labor Wir haben die TNT² Touch17-Saite getestet. Das Coil hat 12.82m gemessen. Das Diameter hat 1.24-1.27mm vor dem Bespannen gemessen und 1.18-1.22 mm nach dem Bespannen. Wir stellten eine Stringbed-Steifikeit von 36 DT nach dem Bespannen mit 25 Kilos in einem 16 x 19 Schläger auf einer Prince 6000 Constant-Pull-Maschine fest. Nach 24 Stunden (ohne mit dem Schläger zu spielen), stellten wir eine DT von 34 fest. Dies zeigte uns einen 5.5% Spannungsverlust. Unsere Kontroll/Vergleichssaite, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, zeigte uns einen Spannungsverlust von 9%. TNT2 Touch 17 fügte 14g zu dem unbespanntem Ramen hinzu. Die Saite wurde 5 wochenlang von 27 ERSA Spieltestern getest, die durchschnittlich bis national klassifiziert waren. Diese waren Blind-Tests, die so funktionierten, dass die Spieltester eine unmarkierte Saite in einer unmarkierten Verpackung erhielten. Die durschnittlich spielgetestete Zeit lag bei 16.6 Tage.
Gamma TNT2 Touch 17 zeigte keinerlei Probleme beim Bespannen. Keinem Spieltester ist die Saite während dem Bespannen gerissen und keiner hat sich über Probleme mit der Coil Memory, beim Knotenziehen oder Reibung beschwert.
Spieltest Die Tester gaben der Gamma TNT² Touch 17-Saite eine sehr hohe Bewertung für Komfort, Spielbarkeit, Kraft und Gefühl. Kontrolle, Spinpotential, Spannungsverlust und Haltbarkeit wurden als überdurchschnittlich bewertet. Nach der gesamten Bewertung von der TNT² Touch17-Saite ist sie einer der besten Saiten, die wir je in der Multifilamentklasse getestet haben. Alle Tester haben diese sehr hoch bewertet und alle sagten, sie würden diese Saite in ihr Sortiment aufnehmen.
Fazit Die Bewertungen von der Gamma TNT² Touch 17-Saite zeigten uns, dass sie eine großartige Bespannung für Spieler sei, die nach einer Saite suchen, die Kraft und Komfort bietet mit einer guten Spannungsbeibehaltung und mehr als akzeptablen Haltbarkeit für eine 1,27mm Multifilament-Saite. Alle Tester sagten, sie würden es erwägen diese Saite in ihr Sortiment auf zunehmen.
Gamma TNT² Tour 16 Gamma TNT² Tour 16 ist eine eingewickelte multi-core Multifilament-Saite mit einem anderen Kern und äußerer Einwicklungskonstruktion als beim TNT² Touch. Im Kern, ein solides Co-Polymer äußerer Matrix umgibt sechs high-energy Monofilaments. Die äußere Matrix ist steifer als der individuelle Monofilaments-Kern. Um diesen Kern ist eine einzelne Schichtsumwicklung, welche beide Monofilament- und Multifilamentbündel enthält. Gamma nutzt auch den neuen Thermo Nuclear Technology (TNT²) Prozess auf dieser Saite. Dieser Prozess ändert die Molekularstruktur von dem Co-Polymer-Material. Vor dem TNT² Prozess, ist die Saite stark aber steif, aufgrund von der hoch abgeglichenen long-chain Molekülen. Der Prozess bricht die long-chain-Moleküle Gemäß Gamma entwirft diese Rekonfiguration ein stärkeres und flexibleres Material. Gemäß Gamma ist das Resultat eine erstklassige Saite, die ein „knuspriges“ Gefühl für eine „tour-like“ Kontrolle und Präzision bietet, mit exellenter Prallkraft und Elastizität für besseren Ball-pocketing, Kraft, Komfort, und Spielbarkeit.
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TNT² Tour ist in 1.32 mm Naturfarbe erhätlich. Es ist in 12.2m Sets und in 110m Rollen verfügbar. www.gammasports.com.
In the lab Wir haben die 1.32mm TNT² Tour 16 getestet. Die Coil hat 12.64m gemessen. Das Diameter hat 1.31-1.36 mm vorrangig für Bespannungen und 1.27-1.30 mm nach dem Bespannen gemessen. Wir haben eine Dynamic Tension von 40 auf einer Beers ERT 300 gemessen. Sofort nach dem Bespannen auf 25 Kilo in einem (16 x 19) Schläger auf einer Prince 6000 Constant-pull-Maschine gemessen. Nach 24 Stunden (ohne mit der Saite zu spielen), stellten wir eine Steifbarkeit von 38 RDC fest. Dies zeigte uns einen 5% Spannungsverlust. Unsere Kontroll-/Vergleichssaite, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16 (die gleiche Vergleichssaite wie bei der USRSA), zeigte uns einen 9% Spannungsverlust. Die TNT² Tour 16 Saite fügte dem unbespanntem Ramen 15g hinzu. Die Saite wurde 5 wochenlang von 26 ERSA Spieltestern getestet, mit einem Spielstärke von Klub bis national Rangliste platziert. Diese waren Blind-Tests, wo Testspieler eine unmarkierte Saite mit einer unmarkierten Verpackung erhielten. Die durchschnittliche Anzahl an Spielteststunden betrug 17.3 Tage.
Bespannen Keinem Spieltester ist die Saite während dem Bespannen gerissen, keiner meldete Problem mit bespannen oder beim Knotenziehen, und ein paar meldeten einen kleinen Reibungsbrand beim Schnellziehen der Quersaiten.
Playtest Die Tester haben diese Saite als gering überdurchschnittlich bewertet aber in jeder Kategorie überdurschnittlich. Die GAMMA TNT² Tour 16-Saite hatte keine schlechten Wertungen in keiner Kategorie. Ich vermute man müsste die Saite als eine großartige AllRound-Saite einstufen. Es hatte nicht so eine erstklassige Bewertung in Spielbarkeit, Kraft und Gefühl wie die TNT² Touch 17-Saite aber die durchschnittliche Auswertung war geringfügig besser.
Fazit Die GAMMA TNT² Tour 16-Saite hat ein wenig von allem, was man in einer Saite haben will also haben die Tester gedacht, sie könnten die Saite besser weiterempfehlen als die TNT² Touch 16. Die meisten Tester haben gesagt, sie würden es in Betracht ziehen die Saite in ihr Sortiment hinzuzufügen. Wenn ein Kunde mehr Kraft und Gefühl verlangt ohne weniger Haltbarkeit und Kontrolle zu erhalten, dann ist dies eine angemessene Saite. Viele Kunden haben mehrere Anforderungen für ihre Saite, die normalerweise nicht zusammengehören, wie z.B. Kraft und Haltbarkeit. Diese Saite ist wie eine Hybrid mit all den verschiedenen Qualitäten.
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ASHAWAY ZyMax 62 Badminton STRING TEST Ashaway ZyMax 62 is the lightest badminton string ever made and is 25% lighter than a standard 0.70mm string. The string was designed for optimum repulsion on smashes and control on drop shots with the crisp sound players want to hear. This string is recommended or touring or professional players looking for minimal tension loss and consistent performance. One year ago we tested the ZyMax 67 and ZyMax 70 which received the highest ratings we have ever had with a badminton test. Ashaway ZyMax62 is a multi-core string with a double multi-filament overwrap at 0.62mm the thinnest string available. It comes optic yellow,platinum silver and ivory white colors and is available in 10 meter sets and 200 meter reels. Recommended tension up to 25 pounds. The ZyWeaVe core was developed to maintain tension over a longer period of time. LAB TEST We received 25 sets of the ZyMax 62 in Ivory and measuring 10.13 meters. We sent one of each of the sets to 25 testers. The string measured 0.63mm to 0.68mm before stringing and 0.61mm-0.64mm at 21 pounds. Our testers reported a 5% tension loss after 24 hours. We received results back from 18 testers. STRINGING Almost all of the testers found the strings the same to string as their current string or a little easier to string, with 2 finding it much easier and one finding it somewhat more difficult to string. No one reported any problems with stringing, friction notching, ease of stringing, tying knots, and weaving. One tester broke the string stringing at 25 pounds. PLAYTEST Playability was rated the same as their string (4 testers) a little better (8 testers) much better (5 testers) and a little worse (1 tester). The average playing time was 9 hours with the longest 16 hours. Six strings broke during the play test. Four from a mishit and two from wear. Here are the results of the strings. RATINGS
COMMENTS “Great string for players looking for power and playability and not stringing at the highest tensions.” Tournament Player using Yonex BG65. “The best playability I have seen but only lasts a little more than half as long as my string.” Coach and Sectional Ranked Player. “A very good string with excellent playability” Top 10 nationally ranked player using Head Super Power 69. “I rate the playability somewhat better than my current string and durability somewhat less.” Tournament player using Yonex BG65. “Playability is great but I need a thicker string.” Regionally ranked player using Yonex BG65. Summary – Ashaway ZyMax 62 Badminton was rated in playability higher than the thicker ZyMax strings and higher in playability from the players using Yonex strings, the most used string from professional players. Over half the testers said they would carry the string in their business. The string is great for tournament players who do not string over 25 pounds and want to trade a little durability for playability.
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Ashaway UltraNick 18 Squash String Playtest Ashaway has sent us 50 sets of it’s new UltraNick 18 squash string to playtest. 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. Bright blue in color, UltraNick 18 is available for all player levels 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. BENCH TESTING Our test coils measured 10.29 meters. The diameter measured 1.15 mm to 1.19 mm prior to stringing, and 1.13 mm to 1.16 mm after stringing at 25 pounds. Our testers reported an average 7% tension loss. THE TESTERS The string was tested for five weeks by 25 ERSA playtesters with playing levels from intermediate to sectional ranked players. These are blind tests with play testers receiving unmarked strings in unmarked packages to reduce preconceptions and biases regarding manufacturers, type of construction, and materials. Average number of hours play tested was 12.5. STRINGING The strings were very easy to string as would be expected of a thin squash string, even with a textured surface. No play testers broke the sample during stringing, no one reported problems with coil memory, none reported problems tying knots, and no one reported friction burn. The string is very soft, typical for a woven multifilament. Overall, UltraNick 18 received high marks for ease of stringing. PLAYTESTING UltraNick 18 received high marks for playability with everyone rating it About the Same, a Little Better or Much Better. Power was rated as About the Same to Much Better by all of the testers. It also placed well above average for control. Durability rated very good, even though most testers use a 1.25mm or 1.30mm string. Tension loss was rated almost by every tester as a Little Better to Much Better. String Movement was rated from Much Better to A Little Worse. Comfort was rated only from A Little Worse to a Little Better. Touch and Feel was rated average to much better. During the test period, 5 testers broke the string. All said it lasted longer than their present string.
CONCLUSION Stringing was rated easier than most other squash strings. Almost all the testers rated this string better in several categories than the one they presently use. Highest marks in Playability, Tension Loss, Power and Durability. Every tester said they would carry this string in their assortment. COMMENTS “Super playability.” “Played like Ashaway only a little stiffer and more durable.” “Perfect string and great color. I will be using this string as soon as I read the test and know what it is. ” “The string played great for much longer than my normal string.” “I did not get to play enough but everytime the string felt the same. No tension loss and no decrease in playability.” “I broke the string after 10 hours, about 2 hours more than my Tecnifibre 305 and played very well.”
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You do not want to miss out on the new Stringers Digest 2011!
All the new stringing patterns, new companies, and racquetball patterns included this year. Sign up now and insure you do not miss any issues of RacquetTech magazine! Also, we will be sending two to three sample strings along with your member packet. So far, two companies will also include free samples of their new strings along with your issues of RacquetTech. We are planning a three day Annual Meeting /Symposium in southern Spain in 2011. Free to all ERSA and JRSA members. 150€ to non-members. Annual Meeting along with Free Workshops and discussions. Certified Stringer, Master Racquet Technician and Pro Tour Stringer testing available the last day.
Name__________________________________MembershipNumber_________________ Adresss___________________________________________________________________ Postcode_____________City__________________________________________________ Country________________________ 1 Year Membership 89€ ____________ 2 Year Membership 160€ ___________ 3 Year Membership 210€ ___________ Credit Card – AMEX______VISA_________Mastercard___________ Card Number_______________________________Exp. Date______________ _____I am interested in the FREE Annual Meeting /Symposium. Signature________________________________________________________ Please Fax or e-Mail this form to European Racquet Stringers Association Fax - +49(0)211-87511549 e-mail – mmaslo3330@aol.com