POSITIVES & NEGATIVES FOR THE NEW YEAR {2009}

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

The Australian Open will be used as the introduction point for manufacturers’ new frames. Most of what we will see are tweaks to existing products.

Prince continues with the O3 racquets, pulling most of the Speedport frames and adding “EXO3” models. The EXO3 Rebel will be the racquet used by the flamboyant Gael Monfils. Tests so far show this frame to be a good replacement for the O3 Tour. The Rebel Team is a lighter version. Prince also has two models marketed as EXO3 Graphite frames, with the well recognizable black and green cosmetics. So far, testing here at the store indicates that those who liked the original Graphites do not like the new ones. Additionally, the EXO3 Red and Silver have replaced the Speedport versions. All the new frames are stronger than their predecessors having newly configured structural pieces on each side for more support. Not really big changes in the line and mostly positive.

Head is mostly staying with what they have. New player’s frames are basically the same as the old models. The difference is they are using Teflon® to make their new grommet strips and Kevlar® for their bumper guards. This really blew me away, as these changes are not about marketing hype. They are really good ideas that actually make sense. Bravo, Head! They won’t make the frames play differently, in my opinion, but they are what I call solid engineering changes that have been needed for years.

Wilson also has new entries into the race, but at press time we haven’t had any hands-on experience with their new frames, so comments are not possible.

Now for the bad news; economics have dictated the demise of the last tennis ball factory in the U.S.A. Head will be shutting down their ball manufacturing plant in Phoenix, AZ and Penn balls will be made in Asia. This means more Americans out of work and more money going overseas. I can’t blame Head for this decision. They are bending with pressure from several sources. Who I blame are the “big boxes” for selling balls at the same price as they did in the early 80’s requiring cost cutting to make a profit, and tennis players who refuse to pay a reasonable price that would have kept ball manufacturing here. I don’t like to chastise, but if this information makes you unhappy in the least, you did it to yourselves. Do I sound like an unhappy camper? That’s because I am sad to see the loss of a high-quality, US-made product.

COPYRIGHT 2009