August 2006 Monthly Archive

How to make life easier for recreational tournament players

The tennis industry has made a great effort to attract new players through a number of innovative initiatives, such as free tennis lessons, Cardio Tennis and World TeamTennis. But the needs of a significant number of existing players have... (Click here to read more...)

Connect With Your Customers

For a facility in Georgia, TennisConnect software is helping out all aspects of their business. (Click here to read more...)

First-String Players

Our tips and exclusive guide will help you generate more revenue from your stringing business. (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Machine weights

Back to the introduction Categories indicate whether the machine weighs less than 50 pounds, between 50 and 75 pounds, or over 75 pounds. Heavier machines can be more stable and solid, but they can be less convenient when moving or... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Tools included

Back to the introduction This final category indicates which supplies and tools are included with the machine. For descriptions of each tool, see pages 9-10 of the USRSA Racquet Service Techniques book. Model Start clamp Diag. snips Needle nose pliers... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Tensioning systems

Back to the introduction There are two main types of tensioning systems available today — lockout and constant pull. Lockout means that the machine pulls the string to the desired tension and then locks the length of the string until... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Machines by Sport

Back to the introduction Most machines are designed to string racquets for all four racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, squash, and badminton), but a few are sport specific. Model Tennis Racquetball Squash Badminton AG 601F X X X X 602F X... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Photos

Back to the introduction Alpha Equinox ATS Traveler Babolat Star 5 Gamma 8800 Els Klipper 440-CS Mutual Power Hercules 650 Pacific Digital X8 Prince 3000 SAM Pro Master Silent Partner Opus Tecnifibre TF-8000 Wise 2086 Professional ETH Yonex ES5 Pro... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Mounting systems

Back to the introduction The charts lists machines with 2-, 4-, 5-, or 6-point mounting systems. This refers to how many places they support the frame. There are many subtle differences in mounting systems. The three most common types of... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Manufacturer Listing

Back to the introduction Model Price Warranty AG 601F $219 5 602F $269 5 602S $379 5 603GB $549 5 604S $569 5 603S $699 5 607 $799 5 Alpha String Pal $129 5 Pioneer DC Plus $399 5 Revo... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Machine Heights

Back to the introduction Machines are available with or without stands, and those with stands are often adjustible for height. Model Stand included Stand available Table top stand. Table top opt. Height adj. AG 601F x 602F x 602S x... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Extra features

Back to the introduction Sometimes, little things can make the difference between whether you love a machine or hate it. These extra features might sway your decision one way or the other. Model Tool tray Cover included String measurer Built-in... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006 -- Clamping systems

Back to the introduction The clamping system is meant to hold strings in the racquet under tension. If clamps slip, or allow strings to slip through them, a string job can be ruined. There are many different clamps, but we... (Click here to read more...)

Pro Equipment: Roland Garros 2006

Justine Henin-Hardenne and Rafael Nadal each repeated last year's French Open win this year in Paris. Here's a look at the equipment that the top 20 men and women used as they slid their way along the draws on... (Click here to read more...)

Pacific X-Force 18

Pacific X-Force is a "poly-like" monofilament string offering increased power and dampened feel. According to Pacific, although the materials of this string are "in the polyester family," X-Force is not necessarily a polyester string. X-Force is manufactured using a... (Click here to read more...)

Carrying On

After more than 20 years in the tennis spotlight, Andre Agassi, now the U.S.'s grand ambassador for the sport, has announced that he will retire after this year's US Open. The New York stage is a fitting place for... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2006

Buying a stringing machine is one of the most important purchases you can make for your business. It is also one of the most difficult. With the plethora of machines, technologies, and features available, selecting a machine is a... (Click here to read more...)

Industry News

Information to help you run your business. (Click here to read more...)

Tennis Fashions That 'Fit'

For the coming seasons, apparel manufacturers will continue to stretch the boundaries between court time and off-court/fitness/cardio activities with pieces that have crossover appeal while using technical fabrics to help athletes perform better. The newest pieces reflect the growing... (Click here to read more...)

Take the tube

I take a small piece of Teflon tubing and temporarily insert it into the hole that I know will become blocked. This allows me to slide the string through the tubing without having to use an awl or other techniques,... (Click here to read more...)

Good Practice

One small piece of advice I was given when I first started stringing was to always string racquets in the same way. On "one-piece" jobs it is very apparent, not so much on two piece! However, whenever I string a... (Click here to read more...)

Cleaner Stenciling

I do quite a bit of racquet stenciling and currently I use my workbench to stencil. It can be a messy job but I merely use my local newspaper unfolded to do my stencil work on. When I am done,... (Click here to read more...)

Simple Spot Cleaning

I realize that I probably get more carried away than most when it comes to cleaning racquets before stringing, but I'm always looking for ways to make cleaning quicker and easier. My latest discovery is that recycled stencil ink bottles... (Click here to read more...)

Cap-Ease

For me, one of the worst things about stencil ink bottles is getting the cap off without pulling the applicator tip out of the bottle. When the bottle is fresh and new, it's no problem, but after the stencil ink... (Click here to read more...)

Stencil Applicator Tips

I read with interest the tip from Mark Campanile regarding stenciling. He ends his tip by saying, "My next task is to figure out how to make the ink applicator last as long as the ink in the bottle." This... (Click here to read more...)