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View Full Version : Losing stiffness = aging of racquets


Nanospeeder
10-07-2008, 01:37 AM
Do any of you guys experience this before?

I remember, when I got my hands on the AT900T 1 year ago, the racquet feels stiff, like I can bend it about 1cm.
1 year later, I can bend it like 2cm and it feels flexy. I bought another AT900T this year and it feels stiffer than my 1 year old AT900T when compared. I feel like I have 2 diff racquets, although both are AT 900T.

How long can a racquet last if used let's say twice a week for a year.

Does a racquet deteriorate and loses it's original specs?
teoky
10-07-2008, 01:59 AM
I think there was an article on this before. Basically when you swing your racquet, the shaft flexes and as it flexes it generates heat. With time and also the heat effect, the shaft will become softer and softer.
Pete LSD
10-07-2008, 10:36 AM
So guys beware!
ph_leung
10-07-2008, 04:22 PM
In one of the racket shops in Tokyo, they have a racket testing machine. I think it is mainly for tennis rackets but since the materials are similar it may apply. The machine is branded by one of the racket manufacturers. It tests static stiffness, balance point, swing weight, and something else. The idea is to test the stiffness when new and you bring your racket in every once in a while. If the stiffness drop below a certain level, they recommend you get a new one.
noobtron
10-11-2008, 09:20 PM
hmmm can you compensate that by increasing the string tension???
jymbalaya
10-12-2008, 01:07 PM
nope, stiffness isn't part of stringing really.
all its does is hurt you elbow if you go too high
blinan8088
10-13-2008, 12:16 PM
How long can a racquet last if used let's say twice a week for a year.

Does a racquet deteriorate and loses it's original specs?

I think it depends on how often your racket is bent while you perform strong movement like smashes. The more often you bend your racket, the faster it will become flexible.

I also play twice a week and my racket got very flexible in less than one year. :(

I read somewhere in this forum that when you bend your racket, tiny fractures occur in the shaft.
DinkAlot
10-13-2008, 05:11 PM
I think it depends on how often your racket is bent while you perform strong movement like smashes. The more often you bend your racket, the faster it will become flexible.

I read somewhere in this forum that when you bend your racket, tiny fractures occur in the shaft.


Yep with the above. If you are hard on rackets, they can get "soft" in a matter of a few weeks.
hellojeffo
10-16-2008, 11:47 AM
In one of the racket shops in Tokyo, they have a racket testing machine. I think it is mainly for tennis rackets but since the materials are similar it may apply. The machine is branded by one of the racket manufacturers. It tests static stiffness, balance point, swing weight, and something else. The idea is to test the stiffness when new and you bring your racket in every once in a while. If the stiffness drop below a certain level, they recommend you get a new one.
What you just described is the Babolat RDC machine. If you are interested in how it works, you can go to tenniswarehouse.com... you can find videos there