If i had 2 rackets (say...at700 old style) and both are G4 grip size, but one is 3U and one 4U, where does the extra weight go? I know grip size affects the racket by ~1g from cooler's thread, but this doesnt apply to my case... does the 3U one contain denser material? this would explain why many ppl say 3U rackets are more durable, right? oh look what happened to Mr. 4u!
3U has a weight range of 85-89 grams and 4U is 80-84 grams. To answer your question, 3U has more material compared to 4U, which is why it is more durable. The extra weight is supposedly distributed throughout the racket.
definitely high noon, hmmm, that's an interesting way to hang a racquet though. perhaps some kinda collage wallpaper.
haha college wallpaper it is! soo...back on topic, if the extra weight is distributed throughout the racket, does that mean the 3U baby is thicker than 4U everywhere?
Yes, the 3U would be thicker than the 4U everywhere. Putting the two rackets side by side, you will not notice anything visually because the difference would be on the inside.
well... the professional players aint worried about having to replace broken rackets since they get like 5 per shipment from the sponsors
Hmm, is this only for the head of the racket since the shaft's density/construct should be constant to preserve flex?
Supposedly. However, when you use these two rackets, they perform differently as if they were two different rackets.
Whether it is 2U, 3U or 4U they are all produced in one batch, after which they are then painted and then classified into different weight categories and grip size. The actual weight of the frame and shaft before polishing, painting and grommeted is only about 50% of the total weight. The paint weight is quite heavy. A much better way will be to not polish and not paint the frame and shaft and still maintain the same balance point as a finished product. This is the only way one can make the important and actice part of the racquet more dense. The grommets, paint, polishing and undercoating, cone, grip, wooden handle and butt cap are not considered "active". Also the shaft for almost all racquets are about the same length, but what is visible can be short (for doubles) and long (for singles). The ultimate racquet is a do-it-yourself racquet that is carbon black and unpolished and that can be custom made for different end use.
Also the weight of all the 72 grommets can be from 1.5g to 4g and is one of the ways to increase or decrease the weight at one end. Red paint is by far the heaviest. But added weight from heavier red pain and grommets does not give you the natural power and feel of increasing the density of the actual frame and shaft. The ideal racquet must not be polished nor painted and will use the lightest grommets.
