CARE & FEEDING OF YOUR RACQUET {1998}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

We all own tennis racquets. My experience is that a surprising number of players, skilled as well as novices, don't know how to care for their equipment properly. As a result, I created the following handout for those who buy a racquet from me. It may be of some help to you in getting the most out of your racquet investment.

Congratulations, you are now the owner of a very sophisticated piece of equipment. The materials are very complex, as is the design and manufacture. Keep in mind that the manufacturer only guarantees the frame against defects in materials and workmanship. Contact with anything other than a tennis ball (for example, the ground, a net post, a rock, etc.) is not covered under warranty. The following suggestions will help keep your frame in top condition for years to come.

A racquet is actually a combination of three separate systems, the frame (which is what most people refer to as the racquet) the strings and the grip. To protect your investment, always have your frame strung to the manufacturer's specifications with regards to tension and method of stringing (one piece or two, reduced tension on cross strings, etc.) by a Certified Racquet Technician.

HAVE YOUR FRAME STRUNG REGULARLY. A good rule of thumb is to have it strung as many times per year as you play per week (for example, two times a year if you play two times a week). Other signs that a racquet needs stringing include excessive movement of the strings, loss of power, loss of control, strings not sounding right, or arm discomfort. Keep in mind that strings in a racquet are under constant tension. Even if the racquet sits in a closet, the strings lose their ability to perform as designed after approximately 12 months. If you haven't had your strings replaced for a year, it's time to do so.

NEVER STORE YOUR RACQUET IN THE CAR. Strings lose much of their elasticity in only two hours at 130° F. A car trunk in Florida can easily reach 130° F in the summer, and the interior can get even hotter. Customers have told me horror stories of severe damage to the frame itself as a result of leaving it in a car. Leaving your racquet out in full sun on the court can also damage the strings.

LET YOUR GRIP DRY OUT AFTER PLAYING. It will last longer and help keep germs from making it their home and causing odor problems. Have the grip replaced when it shows signs of wear. A worn grip can slip out of your hand and injure someone or damage the frame.

HAVE WORN BUMPER GUARDS AND GROMMETS REPLACED. These are an integral part of the racquet and are there for protection of the frame and the strings.

RACQUET TECH TALK
By Vince Chiarelli, CRT

© 1998 String Along With Vince (Previously published in FLORIDA TENNIS - Dec., 1998)