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Racquet matching

Q: I have four frames of the same make and model. One of them is my favorite, so I want to make the others match it, using the online “Racquet Customizer” tool at www.racquetTECH.com. Should I take measurements on strung racquets or unstrung frames?

A: It doesn’t matter, as long as you follow the same procedure for each racquet. If you simply want to match your four frames, string each the same way with the same string (make certain you measure the overall length when strung, to eliminate problems from improper stringing), same grip, same overgrip, etc.

To make future modifications easier, it is better to strip all the easily-removable items (strings, replacement grip, etc.) so you are dealing with bare frames. (If you will need to remove the butt cap to enable the insertion of weight inside the handle, then the butt caps or “trap doors” should come off, too.) Take all your measurements again as you remove each item from your strung racquets, so you can keep track of what items make what changes to your racquet specs. After matching the stripped frames, re-measure each racquet as you replace each component. If, for example, you replace the replacement grips and one racquet no longer matches the other three, you know that the reason lies in the weight or installation procedure for the replacement grip.

Stripping the frames is clearly a lot more work, but if you later decide to add weight or even change replacement grips, it is a lot easier to make any needed adjustments to keep your racquets matched.

Last but not least, it may sound obvious, but keep all the notes you make during the procedure — including the final measurements — for the future. You never know when you might need them.

From the May 2005 issue
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