For those lazy to watch the whole thing and read the description box but read my comment
1. Don't get cheap tennis strings 2. Take off the plastic from the tennis racket 3. Don't put overgrip on a new grip. 4. Don't put head tape on a new racket 5. Don't put a dampener on your new racket.
What is considered cheap? And, shouldn't a person match talent, arm sensitivity, swing length and string stiffness to have comfort and performance with no injury.
This is how I know Tennis Spin doesn't bs us. He tells us to not buy these stuff (unless we really need them) despite him selling them. It's honestly a breathe of fresh air from all these internet influencers that will cite all the "science" just to sell you some crap that doesn't work.
He is making you buy expensive string kiddo. The first string he showed have a picture of Đoković. You don't play like Đoković, you don't need them. Get the strings you can afford, plus the biggest irony is that you will become a better player through hardship(like in anything), so that's another reason not buy what he is telling you. Do you think Novak played with expensive strings as a kid??. You have to earn the expensive equipment with hard work and increase in skill. Same thing with guitars, they sell all these signature guitars and always try to make you buy them. Do you think the world greatest player started with an expensive guitar. Look up the guitars those players started on and developed their chops on, you're in for a surprise. Hard start beats luxury start every time.
@@Vekikev1 First of all, this channel is all about tennis gear, and seems to target enthusiasts. If you're the kind of person who just buys any racket in the store and do not care about what string you put in there, then you should be aware that it is not directed at you. If you can't afford it, is it even worth mentioning? It wasn't an option for you to begin with. There has to be so many things wrong with you to even make this comment. Are you ill? Do you actually believe that because it has picture of Djokovic that it actually means something? Djokovic does not even use those strings. He uses natural gut in the mains, and some alu power rough in the cross. If he was recommending natural gut to everyone then maybe your comment would make some sense. "The first string he showed have a picture of Đoković. You don't play like Đoković, you don't need them". Do I even need to say anything more after you read my previous statement? On top of all of this, "he is making you buy expensive string kiddo", "playing through hardship" will make you better? He isn't making you buy shit, he's just saying that if you're getting a brand new racket you might as well put a "good playing" string. Do you honestly believe that you have to be "as good as Đoković" to buy anything more expensive than synthetic gut? Do you honestly believe that playing with "cheap strings" magically brings a challenge that would improve your game versus playing with "expensive strings"? Different tennis strings have different strengths and weaknesses. Their durability (how easily they break), how well they hold tension, and how they feel. Let's say you have a tendency to break synthetic gut strings pretty fast, well you should realize that you could save more money by getting a more durable string, and avoid having to get it restrung as often. This example is just to say that cost of the string alone does not tell the whole story. If you have to get your racket restrung more often, then that cost alone will outweigh the cost of the strings. Of course, different strings suit different people. Could someone just naturally prefer synthetic gut? Sure, but that's NOT what you're saying. Lastly, this video is not directed at only new players. The examples on people putting overgrip over a new grip, still needing head tape, and not trying new rackets without a dampener are fairly universal. I would argue the same goes for the strings.
@@miguelbarahona6636 well, I think he just want you to feel how good is that racquet with those better string and he can sell those more. It's his choice of string or the most popular ones. But there is always one saying, it's your choice too. He is just recommending it's better. Which I do like what he say to get the most rally out of that racquet. For me, I usually buy two brand. One is Gamma synthetic guts 6 bucks and the other is Hyper G polyester string 11 bucks. Both 16 g so it will last a little longer. But that's only when you are financial broke or just having fun playing. If you want to go for tournaments or other, then you will need to think of better ones. You don't really have to buy better ones too, its just your choice. You can still play with those cheap string but research before buying which one is good. The thicker the string , it will last little longer than you buy the smaller ones !!
The dampeners do change the feel slightly and eliminate any extra vibration. I generally like them. I’ve played with and without and I like having one on my racquet.
same, I remember my first time playing tennis in high school, my arm and wrist were sore but my coach gave me a dampener, probably just a placebo affect but my arm never felt like that again after
They also change the sound of the ball contacting the stringbed, which for some people is important. I hit hard and flat, so consistency is key. I've always played with a dampener, and can tell by the subtle differences in sound whether I'm hitting or missing the sweetspot. I find this much harder to do without a dampener, as the ball makes a "ping" sound on contact instead of the "thud/crack" that you get with one. And on a more shallow level, if I rip a great return, it's more impressive if it sounds like a cannon rather than a pebble landing on a tin roof. Just my 2 cents!
It's not that easy though, if you have used an overgrip a lot, like I did, when I removed it the original grip was also in terrible condition, much worse than when I put the overgrip on, sweat and moisture just naturally destroy grips. I would just buy a new grip as they are cheap, or sell it without a grip.
I am super lucky where I live. The local tennis store is an old guy that runs the entire thing, and he sold me a racked and then asked me what strings I wanted. Me being a begginer I did exactly one of this things, but he instead showed me the strings and got me some really good strings because he just aint really worried about making the money, to the point he sometimes gives somethings to people he knows are really into the sport, and some kids too, so we are super lucky to have him around and I dont know what we are going to do without him, cause literaly every single tennis guy from here goes only to his shop.
I still use head tape at 3 and 9 to protect the paint. I split the tape down the middle so I still have access to the grommets. Old-school trick I learned in the 90s. I like keeping my frames pristine.
I used to do the same to keep the racquet nice BUT figured out that unknowingly it was affecting my shots because in the back of my head I was thinking about not scratching the racquet and then I was not taking full swings/shots or not to the potential of the swing/shot that I can...you may not realize it but check it from now on when you go play
I always do the same. But on my previous pair of rackets, I didn´t do that, and after 3 years of intensive use, the paint on the throat is completely faded. On my new rackets I´m no making that mistake again.
first thing i do is I scrape the racquet on the floor to get it out of the way. racquets are meant to be scratched and absued to a degree (just dont slam it on the ground lol)
I have to cover my grip with an overgrip. The overgrips are cheaper so I can replace them often. I buy the racquet with a smaller grip 1/4, and the overgrip increases the size to 3/8. I buy fancy color overgrips from gamma in snakeskin patterns. Everyone thinks they look cool, and they feel great.
@@jedgabler9418 Could you explain. How does the sun affect the overgrip? The white overgrips get dirty (or show dirt) much faster. So that's a concern.
I recently bought my wife a new Yonex Ezone 98. When we showed up for our next club session, at least two people told her how great the grip was and that she should cover it immediately. She told them the same thing I would have said--what's the sense in having a great grip if you never use it?
Great but yet simple tips, I’ve been playing for a while and always have had some habits like throwing an overgrip and a dampener right away. Good thing to make us reconsider stuff we do automatically
We use overgrips, because we buy a racquet with a gripsize to be ideal with overgrips. It won't be good both ways (with and without). And overgrips can be changed easily when gets dirty (on clay we change it on the court frequently) Head protection tape is the easiest way to add weight and protection. You should not use if the original racquet specs were best for you. A good dumpener (tourna Pete Sampras) or rubber band will not destroy the feel. A stiff dampener will.
Good tips. I was an avid Tennis player when I was young and am now trying to get back into it. The advice on strings is quite helpful for someone in my situation.
I hate to say this but I did for my Wilson Prostaff RF racket, never intended to play with it but just collect planning on having Roger autograph it- we did see Rog eventually- asked for autograph it- he politely declined... Would have been a great wall decor
@@johnjose14 Indian Wells, every year prior pandemic, he signed almost everything I brought before, for some reason he didn’t want to sign the racket; maybe he thought I would sell it- but that would be insane to sell something like that!
@@giorassiccuriosity1796 That may be because players usually sign their match rackets and sell them, so if they sign an audience's racket it might be taken as a match racket in the aftermarket.
Glad to have found this video. I just bought a new Babolat Pure Strike and like you said, I put a dampener on the racquet just out of habit. The racquet felt stiff and I couldn't feel the ball at all. I just played with it today without the dampener and it made a world of difference. Groundstrokes, volleys and serves felt much more natural and crisp. And that sound without the dampener?! What sound?! :-) Now it's just fine tuning the string and tension. Good suggestions. Thank you.
All agreeable with me cept for the dampners. I mostly do what you say and try the racquet without them first but 99% of the time I like them better with one on, to each their own.
5:50 I used to use head tape then I stopped because it seemed pointless. A month later I bent the bumperguard on my Aero VS on har-tru going after my opponent hit a good drop shot. I got the ball back over, but afterwards I found gravel under my bumpergaurd.
I use to tell kids to buy new bumper guard and grommets for the new racquet they bought. I used to get a supply of some for the more common racquets they used. I never knew what to charge when replacing bumper guards and racquets because sometimes it would take me 5 minutes and other times one hour even with a heat gun. If your bumper guard is "missing in places" then that could lead to damaging the frame. So head tape does protect a damaged guard before you decided to replace it.
I tried head tape once, and then immediately realized that when I do scrap my racquet the ground on a low shot, the ground will easily grind thru the head tape like it's not there, so there is no point.
I like to string a racquet I've never played with before with good old basic synthetic gut. WHY? I feel that SG is a very neutral string. It let's me build a relationship with the racquet. I then have a better idea on what type of premium string I would like to try as well as tension. Overall, I try and play with the racquet stock and most of the time I put a leather grip (plus OG) on my racquets for the bevel feel as well as I enjoy a HL racquet. Then if needed, some lead here and there. Once I find out my lead distribution, I replace with tungsten tape.
Wow lol. I have an old racket. Wilson Pro Staff. And I had it restrung tighter at a club I played at for a little while when I was 14-16 maybe. And I felt like I had this super racket. Well I’m 29 now. And I still have that racket lol. Just been playing again. And I feel like the grip might be too long? Maybe the sweet spot isn’t great on that racket either? I Duno. But it’s fun. I just wanna play more tennis lll
well, I think he just want you to feel how good is that racquet with those better string and he can sell those more. It's his choice of string or the most popular ones. But there is always one saying, it's your choice too. He is just recommending it's better. Which I do like what he say to get the most rally out of that racquet. For me, I usually buy two brand. One is Gamma synthetic guts 6 bucks and the other is Hyper G polyester string 11 bucks. Both 16 g so it will last a little longer. But that's only when you are financial broke or just having fun playing. If you want to go for tournaments or other, then you will need to think of better ones. You don't really have to buy better ones too, its just your choice. You can still play with those cheap string but research before buying which one is good. The thicker the string , it will last little longer than you buy the smaller ones !!
I am a flat hitter(old school eastern grip) and the dampener does make a difference. If you are a heavy spin guy then you're whipping it so you wouldn't notice it as much but when you make direct contact with the ball every time you feel it.
I like using a leather grip and overgrip. I do usually wait to do this after getting a feel for what the base model feels. I also do not think synthetic gut is that bad, but yes there are better strings out there and experimentation is a good thing.
@@miguelbarahona6636 Totally agree on giving it time to get used to it. I started with synthetic gut when I just started playing tennis. I started trying other types of string after 3-4 years of learning the game. Synthetic gut is a great string to start with and its cost effective.
Synthetic Gut are not "bad strings" . All strings have different properties, including but not exclusively, power, control, spin potential, playability, durability and of course price. Choosing the right string type, thickness and tension optimize the play characteristics you want/need is time well invested even if you aren't purchasing a new frame.
I’ve never played tennis in my life. I was a good badminton player so I bought a racquet for $10 online. I’m 40 and I’m 13 years sober. Let’s see how this goes.
I wonder what gauge he used? I have not been able to find Gosen nylon in other gauges besides 15L. I have not searched it out extensivly, but will look more when winter is over.
Generally agree, but when I get a new racquet, the first thing I do is strip the original grip and change it to leather grip and counter balance it with lead tape on 3 and 9. Oh, and dampener, my case is like what Roddick used to do, thick rubber band 😅
I disagree with the overgrip and dampener part. Overgrip does protect the replacement grip so the replacement grip can last longer, also I love playing with overgrip than without one. The dampener help the string to stay tight if yours is abit loose. I love playing without one, but later on when the string starts to loosen, then I need one. So it's always a good thing to have one or two dampeners in the bag. So these two parts are more various from person to person.
I agree with a lot of this, not all of it. I like the vibration *dampers, I just use a rubber band. I also like overgrips a lot. Many pros pull brand new sticks out of their bag with a damper and overgrip in...
Agree. I love playing with overgrip and at the same time it keeps the replacement grip lasts longer. And dampener can make a night and day difference on the vibration and string tension. I usually play without one when my racket is newly strung but do need one after the string loosen.
Stumbled across your video. Just getting back into tennis after 13 years. First new racquet is the Head Radical MP 2023. Strings I bought is the Gamma TNT, and I’m glad to see someone recommend them! I played with them back in the late 00s before switching to RPM and Big Banger ALU when they came out. Great beginner string for sure!
If you play 3 or more days a week then I suggest: 1. 2 of the exact same racket? Yes. Dampener? Yes. Overgrip? Yes. Head Tape? No. 2. If you have 2 rackets, play both equally then you got 3-4 years before they need replacing. 3. Poly can really last up to 2 months. That's how often I restring, it's like getting a new racket. 4. Hard to lose with Yonex or Head rackets. 5. The rackets are the most important piece of equipment. The strings are a close 2nd. Don't go cheap on shoes and only wear them on the court.
Thanks for that! I just bought this exact racquet and it never crossed my mind to not use a dampener and an overgrip. Maybe that's why I didn't the way it felt. I'll try it without both.
That head tape advice is valid. I inherited a beginner racket that had 2 strips of tape. I removed the tape and weighed it. I shaved off 4.2 grams of weight removing that tape.
Head tape is actually an ideal way to bump up the swing weight a little bit, without having to buy lead tape. A strip of head tape the length of the bumper guard adds about 2 to 3 grams when you put it on from roughly 10 to 2. Just cut it down the middle, lengthwise, before putting it on. That way you don't have to put on new tape every time you have your racquet restrung . Free tip! ;-) Also if you use an overgrip, you're balancing it out a bit by putting on bumper guard tape (plus it keeps you racquet clean).
Funny how Im trying to find a lighter racket. Mine weighs 303g and Im only a 12 y old girl. My wrist starts hurting after a while of playing. Then it will hurt for the rest of the day. My friends that also play say my racket is heavy .My coach also tells me to loosen my swing more but I can’t do that good if im trying to sustain a heavy racket.
@@Hi-wz9wc If you have a coach then he knows how you hit, how you play, and move and so on. A good coach should therefore be able to give the best advice imo. He can also take into account your build and power. Some players require a lighter racquet, some don't mind that much. It's also a matter of personal preference (up to a point). Luckily there's a growing choice of ever lighter racquets available. I recently saw a 240 g (!) racquet in a webstore. Be aware that too light a raqcuet can also hurt your game AND your body, ask your coach.
@@bowsershark You dont play worse tennis with a dampener either tho, But with older rackets (like mine) its honestly more comfortable with it cause otherwise it feels like the vibration comes through my arm and its harder to focus
You would be surprised how much vibration that dampener saves, I hit really hard and I’ve played so hard my dampener fell out, I can assure you my next shot hurt so bad my racket flew out of my hand because of the unexpected difference in shock. Also for people who are actually trying to make their rackets heavier, there are a few people out there like that I guess that head tape is probably better for them than adding lead tape but I don’t know much about that, I only know dampeners, lol🤷♂️
I play with RF97s and they come stock with leather grips. I did try hitting with them but they were just too slippery and overgrips came on right after a few minutes.
well, I think he just want you to feel how good is that racquet with those better string and he can sell those more. It's his choice of string or the most popular ones. But there is always one saying, it's your choice too. He is just recommending it's better. Which I do like what he say to get the most rally out of that racquet. For me, I usually buy two brand. One is Gamma synthetic guts 6 bucks and the other is Hyper G polyester string 11 bucks. Both 16 g so it will last a little longer. But that's only when you are financial broke or just having fun playing. If you want to go for tournaments or other, then you will need to think of better ones. You don't really have to buy better ones too, its just your choice. You can still play with those cheap string but research before buying which one is good. The thicker the string , it will last little longer than you buy the smaller ones !!
I got a new Radical MP like the one in your video I did some research and tried my first poly string and the shop I went to did not have head hawk string, so I tried Yonex poly tour. Before that I recently got back into tennis and on my previous racket a ti radical mp, I asked the shop for recommendations asking for durability and they put Solinco Vanquish Multifilament and I like that string. I really do feal the difference in weight of the racket and changing from 18x20 to 16x19 seem to take some getting used to. I noticed yesterday the grip is starting to wear through so I want to try the blue sampras style over grip as I used to use, I think it will also look good with the orange. Have not tried the racket with a damper yet.
I´m guilty of them all. 1) I´m a string-breaker, self-stringer, so I buy cheap strings in 200m reels. 2) I keep the plastic cover over the grip (I like my rackets in mint condition) 3) Therefore, I have to put 1 or 2 overgrips, even if the racket is new (I buy 4 3/8 grips considering this, because my grip is 4 1/2). 4) I use head tape to protect not only the bumper guard, but the throat too (I sweat much, so if I don´t do it, the paintjob begins to fade). 5) I always use a dampener. Sorry, I won´t change.
Yeah well there are alot of people starting tennis and they don't necessarily have hours to spend on youtube to educate themselves on the different types of strings...that's why YOU guys are important!
All great advice; and Yes, I should use the new racquet's own grip to begin with, rather than immediately place the overgrip to cover the new grip on the new tennis racquet. Thanks.
1) I put overgrip on all my because of size 4 grip is still a tad small without an overgrip, and size 5 grip is too big. I usually play without the overgrip for the 1st time to soil the original grip, otherwise it is too sticky and part of the overgrip always got stuck when I replace it. 2) I put dampener on purely to mute the sound from the string. As an engineer I know it is vibration of the frame that hurts your arm and a tiny dampener on the strings is not going to reduce the vibration of the frame.
Those vibration dampers only filter out the high frequency string "ping" noises. That high level vibration is almost near zero pain-related vibration your hand, arm, and shoulder would ever feel. If you put earplugs on and did a hitting test of with and without one, you'd feel no difference... except mentally if you know whether it's in or out. Mishits and poor technique producing lower frequencies have a way higher damaging impart for painful results to the body and frame technologies work to minimize that as best as possible, not to reduce the annoying ping. I use some depending on the string as I don't like how some sound and hate when they pop off mid play and roll around, but I notice almost every pro has them as they hit so hard and their undampened sound would border on obnoxious. And yes, I prefer the no-overwrap too as it only rounds off the grip edges and mutes the hand feel on the flats of slats you're holding for a given grip. ps... I like you videos. I tried the Solinco Hyper-G strings and have stayed with them. Thanks...
I would recommend put the same string wich you are used yo play with. Specially ir you are demoing a new racquet. So you can feel the benefits and the damages of ir and don't link them yo the string
I see a lot of people disagreeing about the overgrip and dampner He's on point with both in the context he's talking about. So many of the newer rackets (head specifically) has a really good thick stock grip Back in the day people used to immediately put on an overgrip due to the quality of the stock ones. Thats what hes talking about. hes not talking to you if you're adding overgrip for weight/ thickness purposes. also imo the stock grip on heads new rackets are essentially overgrip quality themselves. heck they sell them individually for that reason. You should REALLY give it a try. play with it. when you wear it down buy the same grip and put over the old one. or rip the old one off. They last a while too. And the dampener... He's 100% right about that. A lot of people think it saves their arms but it doesnt. All it does is cancel the ping sound. If you like that... thats fine. just understand thats all it does.
I always put an overgrip on my new racquets, because it is easier to change, and cheaper than a grip. moreover it keeps the original grip in good condition.
Nice video I'm a male 5 8" in my 20's I'm new to tennis dont know much but was at Walmart checking and testing out tennis rackets felt comfortable with the 26 inch played great with the racket and noticed it's for kids and juniors lol does that matter? did I pick the wrong racket size ? What do you ladies and gentlemen recommend? Thank you.
I have always been a long time user of a dampener. but that all changed with the Pro Staff 97 V13. I tried it without at first and my goodness it felt great. I still use the dampener on my older PS 97 (2016 version), maybe it's the paint or the tech they used in that racquet, but it is way too tingy and vibrates a heck of a lot more.
I like the feel better with dampener than without. Question! I’ve always had this doubt, should I remove the grip that comes with a new racket to put on a new overgrip? Like replacing it or don’t? Please someone explain to me
I immediately put a leather grip because I like a firm handle. Also, I use head tape to protect high wear and tear areas that aren't protected by the head guard. This is particularly true for the Head Gravity. Because of the head shape, the guard is an inch too short on both ends so that bare frame hits the ground at the corners of the racket. At least for my strokes when I dig out low balls. Does anyone else experience this? I'm wondering if Head is aware? It has such a nice paint job too.
thoughts on... #2. i've thought of keeping the plastic wrap on purpose, but ultimately thought it would dampen the feel too much. i use some electric/finishing tape where i start my overgrip. otherwise the adhesive from the overgrip can cause issues such as ripping/deforming the original grip. #3. always used an overgrip. my original grip is like new even years later. as long as you change the overgrip often enough. (i order a size down on my racquet to account for overgrip) #5. always have used a dampener. also rtp shocksorb dampener claims it can help with tennis elbow. thoughts? to add to the list of things not to do, i'd say don't add weight/tape without trying the racquet stock.
Can you please make a video exposing babolat for making their grommets, specifically at the top of the head, too close to the outside meaning more broken strings and easily worn head guards
I never play with the strings from the shop. I always buy my rackets as frame naked, no strings, and string it myself with quality strings. I wear the original grip and over grip it after.
Get new strings, even if it is pre strung! I actually agree on 4 out of 5 things. Overgrips make the grip thicker. And most people are bad at putting on Grips. so I recommend to put on an overgrip on new rackets too.
Most people don’t leave the plastic on the grip because they forgot to take it off. They leave it because they know they’re going to use an over grip and they want to preserve the grip that’s on there. Like you said it makes no sense to put and over grip on top of the original grip.
If a person doesn’t know what tension they want on a racquet - most often than not they guy/gal are not an advance player and a good string wouldn’t matter much. They just have money to burn haha. When I get one I usually lace it up with my luxilon Alu power at 52 lbs. then take the regular grip off and put 2 over grips on while wrapping the base of the grip 4-5 times to make it like a hammer.
I was fine with all this. But I just bought a RF97 and I really don’t like the original grip it comes with. Not tacky enough. So swapped it out for Kakaral grip that I use all the time
Disagree with the idea of not putting on an overgrip and using the base grip first because many people know the size they need with an overgrip so it won’t work and potentially cause injury to use just the base grip. Disagree about the vibration dampeners, again personal preference and to make it a rule to not use one straight away is just foolish especially when many people prefer to use them. Bumper tape is fine, but a pain to take off and adds a bit of weight, so again personal preference, and again foolish to make it some kind of rule...
I don't think he is saying these are hard and fast rules, he's more or less saying just give the racket a try before putting on the overgrip or dampener then you can better decide if you really need them. Seems sensible enough to me.
The main idea is to TRY out the racket with original form from the factory: no overgrip, no dampener, no head tape especially for a new version of the racket. After that you can add anything you like.
@@bengray5013 Absolutely agree! So pointless for seasoned players. Should have add to the title: For new players only, people that play tennis for awhile can go elsewhere.
I bought 3 Head Pro Tour 2.0 racquets, these come factory strung, all with the same string. There was a huge difference in tension between the three racquets! MY advice: cut out the factory string and give your brand new racquet a brand new string. At your desired tension. OR just start using the racquet and see how you like it, before you have it restrung. Polyester strings lose tension relatively quickly, keep that in mind, too (you don't know how long ago the factory strung your racquet...).
HELP....Hello. Love your videos. Quick question. By chance can you do a video showing how to string a racket without a stringing machine? I seen a few portable ones but their still like 250 usd. Many can't afford that. I found a video of a guy showing how to string a racket without a stringing machine but it wasn't very good. That was under a keyword of ManualRestring. But I thought maybe you might know better how it could be done. Like for example I just got my strings changed last year, and the string job wasn't well done and now I have to redo it. Super frustrating. So I really want to figure out how to do a DIY string job and even better without any expensive equipment. Thanks.
is it something you're used to? or does it feel better in your hands? they're two different things. if you're used to it, that's not a reason. if it feels better in your hand, then he's saying try it without an overgrip. grips these few decades don't need overgrips
@@sultanabran1 well adding an overgrip gives you a slight increase in grip size not so much as increasing one grip size from stock. So being used to and it feeling good are not mutually exclusive. He may be used to that particular grip size like myself or the original grip may be too tacky or too slippery for them (again like my own preference, though I play with RF97 so it already has a leather grip installed). Also, it is a personal preference to the original grips, even with the synthetic ones I hate the feel of those, as it doesn’t have the channel like overlapped overgrips.
Can quality control be bad enough to where it will effect my game with me being a 4.0 ish player? I only have 1 racket that I really use and I just bought the same one as a backup
@@christianteves809 There is generally a 1-2% tolerance on most manufacturers, so unless you can be certain you are buying two rackets from exactly the same mold, built at exactly the same time and finished by the same person (you can't be certain of any of this by the way), then expect 5-8g difference between your frames. So it's worth having them matched by someone who knows what they are doing. I always match for my customers when I string - even if they haven't asked me to, I look at it and contact them to tell them what I found so they understand what making it right means. The number of people who have a favourite out of their two frames, but never understood why, is actually very high and what you find is that one frame is almost never used except as emergency backup because it doesn't feel the same. By matching them, you then give people the option of having their frames strung either identically and no longer having a favourite because they now feel and play the same, or you can vary the tension between them to provide better options when the temps is lower or higher and ensure that they still feel the same so they are confident in what they are playing with.
I wish you had the option to buy a racquet with no strings and no grip. By the time you get a new racquet that standard grip has been under the plastic for so long, it feels compressed and it has lost it's tackiness. Plus I put lead tape on the handle to counter the lead tape I put on the head. I've been using a dampener since I was a teenage, I don't like string vibration and I like the feel a good dampener gives me and I'm not changing that habit anytime soon.
My rackets are never more than 100 dollars Australian, my string is usually the stock standard and cheap. I hit the ball better than a lot of people around me. It's all down to techniques. I never play with a dampener, never had any problem with my elbow or wrist, again it's all down to techniques.
Tournament Megatac. Gotta have it on my grip. Head tape is such a pain ...it shreds off in strings. Gotta have my dampener, can’t stand the ping. That’s how I roll.
When I string a new racket for someone I always leave the plastic off it keeps the grip fresh. Also a high level player always uses a over grip of some type so saying ur messing up two grips at once makes no sense.
I don't know any decent tennis players who don't use an overgrip. You'll eventually destroy the grip and it's much easier to replace an overgrip than a grip when you're in a middle of a match. Plus I got bad blisters recently while demoing a racket where there was no overgrip. Weight of a headtape is very low honestly. I seldomly put a headtape when I don't forget and see how beat up it gets from getting to low balls and even misshits. I string myself and reuse the headtape multiple times. The babolat ones are great for that. I agree on the dampener though. I used to use it and would lose it all the time and hit on it. I feel so much better now not having to think about it and actually prefer the sound of my racket like that now.
The most of the basic grips feel sticky to me. I immediately put an overgrip on it and it feels better. But i allways remove the plastic. Question: are there people who forget to remove the cardboard on the strings? I hear your stories I think nothing is impossible. I allways use a dampener. The sound without it is harsh to my ears. And it feels softer with the dampener. May be a head thing.
One the first things I like to do to add weight is stripping the grip and putting leather grip as the first grip and then adding over grip to where I like it. I usually like it bulky.
I love synthetic gut! Polyester is okay but becomes bagged pretty quickly. I have never been able to play with multifilament strings because they lack control - it's just too lively. Natural gut is the best but who can afford it? Please don't knock syngut! It's still relevant. And, for a first inexpensive string job where you are unsure of the right tension for a new frame, it's very cost effective. That way, if you chose the wrong tension then you can just replace it at minimal cost. Save the better strings for when you have settled on a string tension in a new racquet that works for you.
First thing I do with a new racket is put it in my tennis bag, so my wife doesn't notice that I bought another racket.
#facts, but for me it's my mom
@@nateheidengren4412 🤣same here
same here lmao,specially if it is a different color
yep... did that move... almost got caught... but all 3 of mine are Yonnex... so it was like: wasn't the racquet green?...no honey...off green...
Oh god.....exactly same here.....
For those lazy to watch the whole thing and read the description box but read my comment
1. Don't get cheap tennis strings
2. Take off the plastic from the tennis racket
3. Don't put overgrip on a new grip.
4. Don't put head tape on a new racket
5. Don't put a dampener on your new racket.
I looked for this! Thanks
I like my racquet with soft co poly and synthetic. LOL, the head tape changes the balance. After I try the new strings, I like a worm dampened.
Not all heroes wear capes
What is considered cheap?
And, shouldn't a person match talent, arm sensitivity, swing length and string stiffness to have comfort and performance with no injury.
Thanks for this. It’s insane that the video is 8 minutes to say these things. Should be under a minute.
This is how I know Tennis Spin doesn't bs us. He tells us to not buy these stuff (unless we really need them) despite him selling them. It's honestly a breathe of fresh air from all these internet influencers that will cite all the "science" just to sell you some crap that doesn't work.
He´s telling you to buy expensive strings instead the economic ones. Most of recreational players won´t even notice the difference.
@@miguelbarahona6636 trust me the strings makes a difference. For better enjoyment and improvement of my game, I'll gladly pay the 5$ difference.
He is making you buy expensive string kiddo. The first string he showed have a picture of Đoković. You don't play like Đoković, you don't need them. Get the strings you can afford, plus the biggest irony is that you will become a better player through hardship(like in anything), so that's another reason not buy what he is telling you. Do you think Novak played with expensive strings as a kid??. You have to earn the expensive equipment with hard work and increase in skill. Same thing with guitars, they sell all these signature guitars and always try to make you buy them. Do you think the world greatest player started with an expensive guitar. Look up the guitars those players started on and developed their chops on, you're in for a surprise. Hard start beats luxury start every time.
@@Vekikev1
First of all, this channel is all about tennis gear, and seems to target enthusiasts. If you're the kind of person who just buys any racket in the store and do not care about what string you put in there, then you should be aware that it is not directed at you. If you can't afford it, is it even worth mentioning? It wasn't an option for you to begin with.
There has to be so many things wrong with you to even make this comment. Are you ill? Do you actually believe that because it has picture of Djokovic that it actually means something? Djokovic does not even use those strings. He uses natural gut in the mains, and some alu power rough in the cross. If he was recommending natural gut to everyone then maybe your comment would make some sense.
"The first string he showed have a picture of Đoković. You don't play like Đoković, you don't need them". Do I even need to say anything more after you read my previous statement?
On top of all of this, "he is making you buy expensive string kiddo", "playing through hardship" will make you better? He isn't making you buy shit, he's just saying that if you're getting a brand new racket you might as well put a "good playing" string. Do you honestly believe that you have to be "as good as Đoković" to buy anything more expensive than synthetic gut? Do you honestly believe that playing with "cheap strings" magically brings a challenge that would improve your game versus playing with "expensive strings"?
Different tennis strings have different strengths and weaknesses. Their durability (how easily they break), how well they hold tension, and how they feel. Let's say you have a tendency to break synthetic gut strings pretty fast, well you should realize that you could save more money by getting a more durable string, and avoid having to get it restrung as often. This example is just to say that cost of the string alone does not tell the whole story. If you have to get your racket restrung more often, then that cost alone will outweigh the cost of the strings.
Of course, different strings suit different people. Could someone just naturally prefer synthetic gut? Sure, but that's NOT what you're saying.
Lastly, this video is not directed at only new players. The examples on people putting overgrip over a new grip, still needing head tape, and not trying new rackets without a dampener are fairly universal. I would argue the same goes for the strings.
@@miguelbarahona6636 well, I think he just want you to feel how good is that racquet with those better string and he can sell those more. It's his choice of string or the most popular ones. But there is always one saying, it's your choice too. He is just recommending it's better. Which I do like what he say to get the most rally out of that racquet. For me, I usually buy two brand. One is Gamma synthetic guts 6 bucks and the other is Hyper G polyester string 11 bucks. Both 16 g so it will last a little longer. But that's only when you are financial broke or just having fun playing. If you want to go for tournaments or other, then you will need to think of better ones. You don't really have to buy better ones too, its just your choice. You can still play with those cheap string but research before buying which one is good. The thicker the string , it will last little longer than you buy the smaller ones !!
The dampeners do change the feel slightly and eliminate any extra vibration. I generally like them. I’ve played with and without and I like having one on my racquet.
Yea I like the feel and for me it adds bling. Feel good play good
same, I remember my first time playing tennis in high school, my arm and wrist were sore but my coach gave me a dampener, probably just a placebo affect but my arm never felt like that again after
A good shock absorber takes a lot of the vibration out. If you hit hard enough, it’s defo not just placebo 👍
They also change the sound of the ball contacting the stringbed, which for some people is important. I hit hard and flat, so consistency is key. I've always played with a dampener, and can tell by the subtle differences in sound whether I'm hitting or missing the sweetspot. I find this much harder to do without a dampener, as the ball makes a "ping" sound on contact instead of the "thud/crack" that you get with one. And on a more shallow level, if I rip a great return, it's more impressive if it sounds like a cannon rather than a pebble landing on a tin roof. Just my 2 cents!
Crutch for weak minded
covering the original grip with overgrip improves re-sale value when you eventually realise you suck at tennis
It's not that easy though, if you have used an overgrip a lot, like I did, when I removed it the original grip was also in terrible condition, much worse than when I put the overgrip on, sweat and moisture just naturally destroy grips. I would just buy a new grip as they are cheap, or sell it without a grip.
@@calussy8040 So then you do like what the video maker complains about and leave the plastic on the original grip.
I am super lucky where I live. The local tennis store is an old guy that runs the entire thing, and he sold me a racked and then asked me what strings I wanted. Me being a begginer I did exactly one of this things, but he instead showed me the strings and got me some really good strings because he just aint really worried about making the money, to the point he sometimes gives somethings to people he knows are really into the sport, and some kids too, so we are super lucky to have him around and I dont know what we are going to do without him, cause literaly every single tennis guy from here goes only to his shop.
Not all heroes wear capes
Is his name Daniele from tennis corner?? 😅
I still use head tape at 3 and 9 to protect the paint. I split the tape down the middle so I still have access to the grommets. Old-school trick I learned in the 90s. I like keeping my frames pristine.
That’s a great idea about splitting the tape down the middle , very clever
I used to do the same to keep the racquet nice BUT figured out that unknowingly it was affecting my shots because in the back of my head I was thinking about not scratching the racquet and then I was not taking full swings/shots or not to the potential of the swing/shot that I can...you may not realize it but check it from now on when you go play
I always do the same. But on my previous pair of rackets, I didn´t do that, and after 3 years of intensive use, the paint on the throat is completely faded. On my new rackets I´m no making that mistake again.
Firstly, what's the real benefit of covering over what you want to admire. Secondly, look up kintsugi...
first thing i do is I scrape the racquet on the floor to get it out of the way. racquets are meant to be scratched and absued to a degree (just dont slam it on the ground lol)
This OG filmed at night like an absolute BOSS. I see that darkness outside lol. 👏
People didn’t remove the plastic so they can sell the racquet as nos later on eBay!
I have to cover my grip with an overgrip. The overgrips are cheaper so I can replace them often. I buy the racquet with a smaller grip 1/4, and the overgrip increases the size to 3/8. I buy fancy color overgrips from gamma in snakeskin patterns. Everyone thinks they look cool, and they feel great.
Always get white overgrip, due to the sun.
@@jedgabler9418 Could you explain. How does the sun affect the overgrip? The white overgrips get dirty (or show dirt) much faster. So that's a concern.
I recently bought my wife a new Yonex Ezone 98. When we showed up for our next club session, at least two people told her how great the grip was and that she should cover it immediately. She told them the same thing I would have said--what's the sense in having a great grip if you never use it?
Is like buying a new car but don’t want to drive it because is gonna make it dirty.
Or when Grandma put plastic couch covers on and never ever ever took them off. Sitting on plastic forever.....😉
Woman logic for ya
Great but yet simple tips, I’ve been playing for a while and always have had some habits like throwing an overgrip and a dampener right away. Good thing to make us reconsider stuff we do automatically
We use overgrips, because we buy a racquet with a gripsize to be ideal with overgrips. It won't be good both ways (with and without). And overgrips can be changed easily when gets dirty (on clay we change it on the court frequently)
Head protection tape is the easiest way to add weight and protection. You should not use if the original racquet specs were best for you.
A good dumpener (tourna Pete Sampras) or rubber band will not destroy the feel. A stiff dampener will.
I like overgrip, dampener, and syngut
Super helpful. Thank you sir 🙂
Good tips. I was an avid Tennis player when I was young and am now trying to get back into it. The advice on strings is quite helpful for someone in my situation.
I'm sure the guy that had four over grips on top of the plastic wrapping is a beginner advanced player
I hate to say this but I did for my Wilson Prostaff RF racket, never intended to play with it but just collect planning on having Roger autograph it- we did see Rog eventually- asked for autograph it- he politely declined... Would have been a great wall decor
@@giorassiccuriosity1796 oh damn, that’s unfortunate you couldn’t get his autograph. Where did you meet him by the way?
@@johnjose14 Indian Wells, every year prior pandemic, he signed almost everything I brought before, for some reason he didn’t want to sign the racket; maybe he thought I would sell it- but that would be insane to sell something like that!
@@giorassiccuriosity1796 That may be because players usually sign their match rackets and sell them, so if they sign an audience's racket it might be taken as a match racket in the aftermarket.
I bet, beginners tend to overcompensate
Glad to have found this video. I just bought a new Babolat Pure Strike and like you said, I put a dampener on the racquet just out of habit. The racquet felt stiff and I couldn't feel the ball at all. I just played with it today without the dampener and it made a world of difference. Groundstrokes, volleys and serves felt much more natural and crisp. And that sound without the dampener?! What sound?! :-) Now it's just fine tuning the string and tension. Good suggestions. Thank you.
All agreeable with me cept for the dampners. I mostly do what you say and try the racquet without them first but 99% of the time I like them better with one on, to each their own.
you mean damper? dampeners mean you like to get your racquet wet
@@sultanabran1 the correct English is dampener. It dampens the shock.
@@rooooooby sure. you keep saying dampener
5:50 I used to use head tape then I stopped because it seemed pointless. A month later I bent the bumperguard on my Aero VS on har-tru going after my opponent hit a good drop shot. I got the ball back over, but afterwards I found gravel under my bumpergaurd.
I use to tell kids to buy new bumper guard and grommets for the new racquet they bought. I used to get a supply of some for the more common racquets they used. I never knew what to charge when replacing bumper guards and racquets because sometimes it would take me 5 minutes and other times one hour even with a heat gun. If your bumper guard is "missing in places" then that could lead to damaging the frame. So head tape does protect a damaged guard before you decided to replace it.
I tried head tape once, and then immediately realized that when I do scrap my racquet the ground on a low shot, the ground will easily grind thru the head tape like it's not there, so there is no point.
I like to string a racquet I've never played with before with good old basic synthetic gut. WHY? I feel that SG is a very neutral string. It let's me build a relationship with the racquet. I then have a better idea on what type of premium string I would like to try as well as tension.
Overall, I try and play with the racquet stock and most of the time I put a leather grip (plus OG) on my racquets for the bevel feel as well as I enjoy a HL racquet. Then if needed, some lead here and there. Once I find out my lead distribution, I replace with tungsten tape.
Wow lol. I have an old racket. Wilson Pro Staff. And I had it restrung tighter at a club I played at for a little while when I was 14-16 maybe.
And I felt like I had this super racket.
Well I’m 29 now. And I still have that racket lol. Just been playing again. And I feel like the grip might be too long? Maybe the sweet spot isn’t great on that racket either?
I Duno. But it’s fun. I just wanna play more tennis lll
I like to cut the horizontal strings to get more feel from my raquet
well, I think he just want you to feel how good is that racquet with those better string and he can sell those more. It's his choice of string or the most popular ones. But there is always one saying, it's your choice too. He is just recommending it's better. Which I do like what he say to get the most rally out of that racquet. For me, I usually buy two brand. One is Gamma synthetic guts 6 bucks and the other is Hyper G polyester string 11 bucks. Both 16 g so it will last a little longer. But that's only when you are financial broke or just having fun playing. If you want to go for tournaments or other, then you will need to think of better ones. You don't really have to buy better ones too, its just your choice. You can still play with those cheap string but research before buying which one is good. The thicker the string , it will last little longer than you buy the smaller ones !!
I always keep the original grip fresh cos i found if you use it and then have to change it, it never seems to be as smooth! Overgrips all the way!
I am a flat hitter(old school eastern grip) and the dampener does make a difference. If you are a heavy spin guy then you're whipping it so you wouldn't notice it as much but when you make direct contact with the ball every time you feel it.
I like using a leather grip and overgrip. I do usually wait to do this after getting a feel for what the base model feels. I also do not think synthetic gut is that bad, but yes there are better strings out there and experimentation is a good thing.
I agree, basic synthetic gut is not bad. I think you only have to get used to it (as with any string).
@@miguelbarahona6636 Totally agree on giving it time to get used to it. I started with synthetic gut when I just started playing tennis. I started trying other types of string after 3-4 years of learning the game. Synthetic gut is a great string to start with and its cost effective.
Synthetic Gut are not "bad strings" . All strings have different properties, including but not exclusively, power, control, spin potential, playability, durability and of course price. Choosing the right string type, thickness and tension optimize the play characteristics you want/need is time well invested even if you aren't purchasing a new frame.
I’ve never played tennis in my life. I was a good badminton player so I bought a racquet for $10 online. I’m 40 and I’m 13 years sober. Let’s see how this goes.
Keep us updated!
@@noahcatinas6392 for sure.
Playing tennis drunk is not recommended lol 😂
@@opencurtin you think that’s funny?
@@nyk3334 yeh it was a bit. Its been a couple of months since you bought the racquet, have you played yet and how did it go?
In the 90´s, Jim Courier was No. 1 using cheap Gosen nylon strings. He didn´t like natural gut.
I wonder what gauge he used? I have not been able to find Gosen nylon in other gauges besides 15L. I have not searched it out extensivly, but will look more when winter is over.
Generally agree, but when I get a new racquet, the first thing I do is strip the original grip and change it to leather grip and counter balance it with lead tape on 3 and 9. Oh, and dampener, my case is like what Roddick used to do, thick rubber band 😅
Me too, but most of the time I don't counter balance the leather grip, I just love that head light feel. :D
I disagree with the overgrip and dampener part. Overgrip does protect the replacement grip so the replacement grip can last longer, also I love playing with overgrip than without one. The dampener help the string to stay tight if yours is abit loose. I love playing without one, but later on when the string starts to loosen, then I need one. So it's always a good thing to have one or two dampeners in the bag. So these two parts are more various from person to person.
I agree with a lot of this, not all of it. I like the vibration *dampers, I just use a rubber band. I also like overgrips a lot. Many pros pull brand new sticks out of their bag with a damper and overgrip in...
Agree. I love playing with overgrip and at the same time it keeps the replacement grip lasts longer. And dampener can make a night and day difference on the vibration and string tension. I usually play without one when my racket is newly strung but do need one after the string loosen.
Thanks for just being straight up clear and honest. No BS, love it.
You can just tie an elastic band around the strings instead of a dampener. More secure adds less weight and also changes the sound.
Stumbled across your video. Just getting back into tennis after 13 years. First new racquet is the Head Radical MP 2023. Strings I bought is the Gamma TNT, and I’m glad to see someone recommend them! I played with them back in the late 00s before switching to RPM and Big Banger ALU when they came out. Great beginner string for sure!
Thank you for these informational videos!
If you play 3 or more days a week then I suggest:
1. 2 of the exact same racket? Yes. Dampener? Yes. Overgrip? Yes. Head Tape? No.
2. If you have 2 rackets, play both equally then you got 3-4 years before they need replacing.
3. Poly can really last up to 2 months. That's how often I restring, it's like getting a new racket.
4. Hard to lose with Yonex or Head rackets.
5. The rackets are the most important piece of equipment. The strings are a close 2nd. Don't go cheap on shoes and only wear them on the court.
Poly last long but you play with a dead string for WAY too long buddy. You don't do yourself a favor by doing that!
Thanks for that! I just bought this exact racquet and it never crossed my mind to not use a dampener and an overgrip. Maybe that's why I didn't the way it felt. I'll try it without both.
That head tape advice is valid. I inherited a beginner racket that had 2 strips of tape. I removed the tape and weighed it. I shaved off 4.2 grams of weight removing that tape.
I'll go for the fishing line
lmao
Hi, Harry, can you test to see how head tape affects weight and swing weight, thanks
Head tape is actually an ideal way to bump up the swing weight a little bit, without having to buy lead tape. A strip of head tape the length of the bumper guard adds about 2 to 3 grams when you put it on from roughly 10 to 2. Just cut it down the middle, lengthwise, before putting it on. That way you don't have to put on new tape every time you have your racquet restrung . Free tip! ;-) Also if you use an overgrip, you're balancing it out a bit by putting on bumper guard tape (plus it keeps you racquet clean).
Funny how Im trying to find a lighter racket. Mine weighs 303g and Im only a 12 y old girl. My wrist starts hurting after a while of playing. Then it will hurt for the rest of the day. My friends that also play say my racket is heavy .My coach also tells me to loosen my swing more but I can’t do that good if im trying to sustain a heavy racket.
@@Hi-wz9wc If you have a coach then he knows how you hit, how you play, and move and so on. A good coach should therefore be able to give the best advice imo. He can also take into account your build and power. Some players require a lighter racquet, some don't mind that much. It's also a matter of personal preference (up to a point).
Luckily there's a growing choice of ever lighter racquets available. I recently saw a 240 g (!) racquet in a webstore. Be aware that too light a raqcuet can also hurt your game AND your body, ask your coach.
thanks! the first one about string is usefull for me.
Gracias… i will coach!!
I use rubber bands on my strings as noise reducer, plus I have been doing this for over 40 years now. Great job on the video my friend.
I like the way it sounds when I have a dampener on.
Amen to nr.5 😑😑😒
I can't tell you how often I have to stop playing in games and help someone look for their dampener that came off.🤬
The hits are different in feel and sound without a worm dampener. But, the dampener will not make one play better tennis. 😊
@@bowsershark You dont play worse tennis with a dampener either tho, But with older rackets (like mine) its honestly more comfortable with it cause otherwise it feels like the vibration comes through my arm and its harder to focus
Although, my trusty new Fed 97 Prostaff seems to play better with a worm dampener. It has less vibration I[[
wish i could "rent" this guy for 24 hrs. A wealth of knowledge and insider info for a green newbie.
You would be surprised how much vibration that dampener saves, I hit really hard and I’ve played so hard my dampener fell out, I can assure you my next shot hurt so bad my racket flew out of my hand because of the unexpected difference in shock. Also for people who are actually trying to make their rackets heavier, there are a few people out there like that I guess that head tape is probably better for them than adding lead tape but I don’t know much about that, I only know dampeners, lol🤷♂️
I play with RF97s and they come stock with leather grips. I did try hitting with them but they were just too slippery and overgrips came on right after a few minutes.
Synthetic gut is one of my fav! And a dampener is super:) I can’t play without it
well, I think he just want you to feel how good is that racquet with those better string and he can sell those more. It's his choice of string or the most popular ones. But there is always one saying, it's your choice too. He is just recommending it's better. Which I do like what he say to get the most rally out of that racquet. For me, I usually buy two brand. One is Gamma synthetic guts 6 bucks and the other is Hyper G polyester string 11 bucks. Both 16 g so it will last a little longer. But that's only when you are financial broke or just having fun playing. If you want to go for tournaments or other, then you will need to think of better ones. You don't really have to buy better ones too, its just your choice. You can still play with those cheap string but research before buying which one is good. The thicker the string , it will last little longer than you buy the smaller ones !!
personally i always put the overgrip first because sometimes the original grip was kinda peeling off
I can't believe I'm the only person in my tennis group that plays without a dampeners. I honestly feel more connected with my racket.
Hi from Italy, i follow your channel since 6 months and it is very good.
This was great! Thank you for this!
Good tips! Thanks!
Humorous and straight to the points…good vid!
I got a new Radical MP like the one in your video I did some research and tried my first poly string and the shop I went to did not have head hawk string, so I tried Yonex poly tour. Before that I recently got back into tennis and on my previous racket a ti radical mp, I asked the shop for recommendations asking for durability and they put Solinco Vanquish Multifilament and I like that string. I really do feal the difference in weight of the racket and changing from 18x20 to 16x19 seem to take some getting used to. I noticed yesterday the grip is starting to wear through so I want to try the blue sampras style over grip as I used to use, I think it will also look good with the orange. Have not tried the racket with a damper yet.
I´m guilty of them all. 1) I´m a string-breaker, self-stringer, so I buy cheap strings in 200m reels. 2) I keep the plastic cover over the grip (I like my rackets in mint condition) 3) Therefore, I have to put 1 or 2 overgrips, even if the racket is new (I buy 4 3/8 grips considering this, because my grip is 4 1/2). 4) I use head tape to protect not only the bumper guard, but the throat too (I sweat much, so if I don´t do it, the paintjob begins to fade). 5) I always use a dampener. Sorry, I won´t change.
Yeah well there are alot of people starting tennis and they don't necessarily have hours to spend on youtube to educate themselves on the different types of strings...that's why YOU guys are important!
All great advice; and Yes, I should use the new racquet's own grip to begin with, rather than immediately place the overgrip to cover the new grip on the new tennis racquet. Thanks.
1) I put overgrip on all my because of size 4 grip is still a tad small without an overgrip, and size 5 grip is too big. I usually play without the overgrip for the 1st time to soil the original grip, otherwise it is too sticky and part of the overgrip always got stuck when I replace it.
2) I put dampener on purely to mute the sound from the string. As an engineer I know it is vibration of the frame that hurts your arm and a tiny dampener on the strings is not going to reduce the vibration of the frame.
My hands sweat to much for the hydrosorb pro and most replacement grips
I prefer a damper. I do, however, like the very minimal Sampras dampener. 7:50
1. Don't use synthetic gut. Go bold. Use fishing line!
I use chicken wire..
Those vibration dampers only filter out the high frequency string "ping" noises. That high level vibration is almost near zero pain-related vibration your hand, arm, and shoulder would ever feel. If you put earplugs on and did a hitting test of with and without one, you'd feel no difference... except mentally if you know whether it's in or out. Mishits and poor technique producing lower frequencies have a way higher damaging impart for painful results to the body and frame technologies work to minimize that as best as possible, not to reduce the annoying ping. I use some depending on the string as I don't like how some sound and hate when they pop off mid play and roll around, but I notice almost every pro has them as they hit so hard and their undampened sound would border on obnoxious. And yes, I prefer the no-overwrap too as it only rounds off the grip edges and mutes the hand feel on the flats of slats you're holding for a given grip.
ps... I like you videos. I tried the Solinco Hyper-G strings and have stayed with them. Thanks...
I would recommend put the same string wich you are used yo play with. Specially ir you are demoing a new racquet. So you can feel the benefits and the damages of ir and don't link them yo the string
I see a lot of people disagreeing about the overgrip and dampner
He's on point with both in the context he's talking about. So many of the newer rackets (head specifically) has a really good thick stock grip Back in the day people used to immediately put on an overgrip due to the quality of the stock ones. Thats what hes talking about. hes not talking to you if you're adding overgrip for weight/ thickness purposes.
also imo the stock grip on heads new rackets are essentially overgrip quality themselves. heck they sell them individually for that reason. You should REALLY give it a try. play with it. when you wear it down buy the same grip and put over the old one. or rip the old one off. They last a while too.
And the dampener... He's 100% right about that. A lot of people think it saves their arms but it doesnt. All it does is cancel the ping sound. If you like that... thats fine. just understand thats all it does.
I love the hydrosorb. I just replace mine with a new one instead of overgrip. Only $9.
I always put an overgrip on my new racquets, because it is easier to change, and cheaper than a grip. moreover it keeps the original grip in good condition.
Excellent information. The head racquet used in the video how does it compare to a pro-staff?
Nice video
I'm a male 5 8" in my 20's I'm new to tennis dont know much but was at Walmart checking and testing out tennis rackets felt comfortable with the 26 inch played great with the racket and noticed it's for kids and juniors lol does that matter? did I pick the wrong racket size ? What do you ladies and gentlemen recommend?
Thank you.
I have always been a long time user of a dampener. but that all changed with the Pro Staff 97 V13. I tried it without at first and my goodness it felt great. I still use the dampener on my older PS 97 (2016 version), maybe it's the paint or the tech they used in that racquet, but it is way too tingy and vibrates a heck of a lot more.
To people looking at new babolat rackets I use the babolat rpm strings and love them. I would test what type of rpm string suits you.
I like the feel better with dampener than without. Question! I’ve always had this doubt, should I remove the grip that comes with a new racket to put on a new overgrip? Like replacing it or don’t? Please someone explain to me
Great video, just bought the babolat pure drive with rpm hybrid strings
I immediately put a leather grip because I like a firm handle. Also, I use head tape to protect high wear and tear areas that aren't protected by the head guard. This is particularly true for the Head Gravity. Because of the head shape, the guard is an inch too short on both ends so that bare frame hits the ground at the corners of the racket. At least for my strokes when I dig out low balls. Does anyone else experience this? I'm wondering if Head is aware? It has such a nice paint job too.
thoughts on...
#2. i've thought of keeping the plastic wrap on purpose, but ultimately thought it would dampen the feel too much. i use some electric/finishing tape where i start my overgrip. otherwise the adhesive from the overgrip can cause issues such as ripping/deforming the original grip.
#3. always used an overgrip. my original grip is like new even years later. as long as you change the overgrip often enough. (i order a size down on my racquet to account for overgrip)
#5. always have used a dampener. also rtp shocksorb dampener claims it can help with tennis elbow. thoughts?
to add to the list of things not to do, i'd say don't add weight/tape without trying the racquet stock.
Can you please make a video exposing babolat for making their grommets, specifically at the top of the head, too close to the outside meaning more broken strings and easily worn head guards
I never play with the strings from the shop. I always buy my rackets as frame naked, no strings, and string it myself with quality strings. I wear the original grip and over grip it after.
Get new strings, even if it is pre strung! I actually agree on 4 out of 5 things. Overgrips make the grip thicker. And most people are bad at putting on Grips. so I recommend to put on an overgrip on new rackets too.
Most people don’t leave the plastic on the grip because they forgot to take it off. They leave it because they know they’re going to use an over grip and they want to preserve the grip that’s on there. Like you said it makes no sense to put and over grip on top of the original grip.
If a person doesn’t know what tension they want on a racquet - most often than not they guy/gal are not an advance player and a good string wouldn’t matter much. They just have money to burn haha. When I get one I usually lace it up with my luxilon Alu power at 52 lbs. then take the regular grip off and put 2 over grips on while wrapping the base of the grip 4-5 times to make it like a hammer.
To the point. Thanks!
I was fine with all this. But I just bought a RF97 and I really don’t like the original grip it comes with. Not tacky enough. So swapped it out for Kakaral grip that I use all the time
Disagree with the idea of not putting on an overgrip and using the base grip first because many people know the size they need with an overgrip so it won’t work and potentially cause injury to use just the base grip. Disagree about the vibration dampeners, again personal preference and to make it a rule to not use one straight away is just foolish especially when many people prefer to use them. Bumper tape is fine, but a pain to take off and adds a bit of weight, so again personal preference, and again foolish to make it some kind of rule...
I don't think he is saying these are hard and fast rules, he's more or less saying just give the racket a try before putting on the overgrip or dampener then you can better decide if you really need them. Seems sensible enough to me.
@@petermiller5573 you should watch a lot more of his videos and then you’ll realise that he actually does think these are rules 🤦🏻♂️
The main idea is to TRY out the racket with original form from the factory: no overgrip, no dampener, no head tape especially for a new version of the racket. After that you can add anything you like.
@@ianbuick8946 the main idea is absolutely pointless for seasoned players...
@@bengray5013 Absolutely agree! So pointless for seasoned players. Should have add to the title: For new players only, people that play tennis for awhile can go elsewhere.
Great vid! Question: If your racquet comes pre-strung, do you need to get that tested to see if it is still at the right tension?
I bought 3 Head Pro Tour 2.0 racquets, these come factory strung, all with the same string. There was a huge difference in tension between the three racquets!
MY advice: cut out the factory string and give your brand new racquet a brand new string. At your desired tension.
OR just start using the racquet and see how you like it, before you have it restrung.
Polyester strings lose tension relatively quickly, keep that in mind, too (you don't know how long ago the factory strung your racquet...).
HELP....Hello. Love your videos. Quick question. By chance can you do a video showing how to string a racket without a stringing machine? I seen a few portable ones but their still like 250 usd. Many can't afford that. I found a video of a guy showing how to string a racket without a stringing machine but it wasn't very good. That was under a keyword of ManualRestring. But I thought maybe you might know better how it could be done. Like for example I just got my strings changed last year, and the string job wasn't well done and now I have to redo it. Super frustrating. So I really want to figure out how to do a DIY string job and even better without any expensive equipment. Thanks.
I put an over grip on the new racquet as soon as I get it because it’s just something I’m used to cus it feels better in my hands
is it something you're used to? or does it feel better in your hands? they're two different things. if you're used to it, that's not a reason. if it feels better in your hand, then he's saying try it without an overgrip. grips these few decades don't need overgrips
@@sultanabran1 well adding an overgrip gives you a slight increase in grip size not so much as increasing one grip size from stock. So being used to and it feeling good are not mutually exclusive. He may be used to that particular grip size like myself or the original grip may be too tacky or too slippery for them (again like my own preference, though I play with RF97 so it already has a leather grip installed). Also, it is a personal preference to the original grips, even with the synthetic ones I hate the feel of those, as it doesn’t have the channel like overlapped overgrips.
@@bensonchang1318 none what you said had anything to do with the original comment. You're talking about you
My first thing to do when buying a tennis racquet.
1. Buy in pairs
2. Match to specs
Can quality control be bad enough to where it will effect my game with me being a 4.0 ish player? I only have 1 racket that I really use and I just bought the same one as a backup
0. DEMO the racket(s) you have your eye on
@@christianteves809 There is generally a 1-2% tolerance on most manufacturers, so unless you can be certain you are buying two rackets from exactly the same mold, built at exactly the same time and finished by the same person (you can't be certain of any of this by the way), then expect 5-8g difference between your frames. So it's worth having them matched by someone who knows what they are doing. I always match for my customers when I string - even if they haven't asked me to, I look at it and contact them to tell them what I found so they understand what making it right means. The number of people who have a favourite out of their two frames, but never understood why, is actually very high and what you find is that one frame is almost never used except as emergency backup because it doesn't feel the same.
By matching them, you then give people the option of having their frames strung either identically and no longer having a favourite because they now feel and play the same, or you can vary the tension between them to provide better options when the temps is lower or higher and ensure that they still feel the same so they are confident in what they are playing with.
@@6064jkr thanks man that helps a lot, I’ll see if I can find a guy to help me match my rackets
Great tips.
I wish you had the option to buy a racquet with no strings and no grip. By the time you get a new racquet that standard grip has been under the plastic for so long, it feels compressed and it has lost it's tackiness. Plus I put lead tape on the handle to counter the lead tape I put on the head. I've been using a dampener since I was a teenage, I don't like string vibration and I like the feel a good dampener gives me and I'm not changing that habit anytime soon.
Thank you for the tips!
I just have bought a new racquet!!
My rackets are never more than 100 dollars Australian, my string is usually the stock standard and cheap. I hit the ball better than a lot of people around me. It's all down to techniques. I never play with a dampener, never had any problem with my elbow or wrist, again it's all down to techniques.
Tournament Megatac. Gotta have it on my grip. Head tape is such a pain ...it shreds off in strings. Gotta have my dampener, can’t stand the ping. That’s how I roll.
When I string a new racket for someone I always leave the plastic off it keeps the grip fresh. Also a high level player always uses a over grip of some type so saying ur messing up two grips at once makes no sense.
I don't know any decent tennis players who don't use an overgrip. You'll eventually destroy the grip and it's much easier to replace an overgrip than a grip when you're in a middle of a match. Plus I got bad blisters recently while demoing a racket where there was no overgrip. Weight of a headtape is very low honestly. I seldomly put a headtape when I don't forget and see how beat up it gets from getting to low balls and even misshits. I string myself and reuse the headtape multiple times. The babolat ones are great for that. I agree on the dampener though. I used to use it and would lose it all the time and hit on it. I feel so much better now not having to think about it and actually prefer the sound of my racket like that now.
Good tip on the Gamma TNT. I usually start a new racket at a
tnt feels dead to me
The most of the basic grips feel sticky to me. I immediately put an overgrip on it and it feels better. But i allways remove the plastic. Question: are there people who forget to remove the cardboard on the strings? I hear your stories I think nothing is impossible. I allways use a dampener. The sound without it is harsh to my ears. And it feels softer with the dampener. May be a head thing.
Oh shoot! This guy’s on to us!! (keeping plastic on grip) heck I kept all plastics on all my tv’s etc!
Especially plastic bag remote control came in
One the first things I like to do to add weight is stripping the grip and putting leather grip as the first grip and then adding over grip to where I like it. I usually like it bulky.
I do the same thing. I don't care what grip they have, I always put a leather grip as soon as I buy a new racquet.
I love synthetic gut! Polyester is okay but becomes bagged pretty quickly. I have never been able to play with multifilament strings because they lack control - it's just too lively. Natural gut is the best but who can afford it? Please don't knock syngut! It's still relevant. And, for a first inexpensive string job where you are unsure of the right tension for a new frame, it's very cost effective. That way, if you chose the wrong tension then you can just replace it at minimal cost. Save the better strings for when you have settled on a string tension in a new racquet that works for you.
Imo just string your own raquets, best thing I ever did for myself and it paid for itself many times over
Very informative