Everyone's Racquet: Tennis Supplies and Service

The tension in a strung racquet, which will almost always be lower than the machine setting, or reference tension. This is due (mostly) to string relaxation, or creep. As a result, a racquet strung at 60 pounds may actually measure (with a Stringmeter) 50-55 pounds, depending on head size, type of string and machine type used.

Static measure of weight distribution in a racquet and measured from the butt end in inches and/or centimeters. Commonly referenced in "points" head light or head heavy - each "point" represents 1/8 inch. Generally speaking, heavier racquets are head light to maintain maneuverability, while most of today's super-light racquets are head heavy to supply enough mass (which translates into power) to the area of the frame where the ball is being contacted. A 27 inch racquet with a balance point of 12-1/2 inches is 1 inch, or 8 points head light (even balance would be 13-1/2 inches). A 28 inch racquet with a balance point of 15 inches is 1 inch (or 8 points) head heavy. Static balance ultimately affects swingweight (see below), which is a dynamic measure of racquet maneuverability.

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The width/diameter of a frame or string. Usually measured in millimeters. Frames - a wider cross-section frame will be stiffer than a thinner frame, all things being equal (ATBE). Strings - a thicker cross-section string will be more durable than a thinner string, ATBE.

Generally refers to vibration and/or shock damping. Handle systems, such as Dunlop's ISIS, Prince's Cushion Grip and Head's ShockStop are designed to reduce frame shock and vibration before they reach the player's hand. Weight is also effective in decreasing shock and vibration. Rubber string dampers reduce string vibration only - they have no effect on frame shock or vibration (it's simple physics - a 2 gram string damper versus a 250-350 gram racquet striking a 60 gram ball...).

Debris that falls into the frame as a result of drilling the string holes. All racquet companies attempt to remove this debris during production and most racquets are drill flash-free. However, even the smallest amount of debris can cause an irritating rattle. Some racquets feature a trap door on the butt cap to allow easy removal of drill flash. Otherwise, the strings and grommets must be removed and the drill flash shaken out through the string holes.

Oft used term to describe a string's stretchiness and comfort. In strings, the ability of a string or web of strings to return to it's original position after ball contact. Factors that influence this include string material, construction, gauge and tension. Over time, strings lose tension and elasticity, making them play dead and requiring more effort from the player.

Also known as "pick-up" weight. How a racquet feels when picked up by the handle end. A rough, static measure of a racquet's maneuverability based on weight and balance. The formula to calculate a racquet's first moment is weight (grams) multiplied by balance (measured from the butt end in centimeters), divided by 100. Example: 284 grams (10 ounces) X 34 centimeters (13-1/2 inches) /100 = 96.5 gram/meters.

Standard U.S. measure of string thickness. Most tennis strings are 15-17 gauge, with a few specialty strings being 18-20 gauge. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the string and typically measured in millimeters. Half-gauges are represented by the letter L, for "light". A 15L is between a 15 and 16 gauge. Thinner strings offer greater feel, power and spin potential than a thicker string of the same material and construction. Although the Tennis Industry Association has standardized gauge specifications, don't assume that all 16 gauge strings (or 17 or 18...) are created equal. One company's 16 gauge string may measure 1.28 mm, while another will measure 1.32 mm, which represents almost a half gauge difference.

Standard tennis grip sizes range from 4-1/8 to 4-5/8 inches. The accepted method for measuring your grip size is to hold the handle with an Eastern forehand grip (palm on the same bevel as the strings). The optimum grip size would allow you to fit your index finger between the palm and longest finger. Player preference obviously allows for exceptions to this rule. While many "experts" suggest using the largest comfortable grip size, keep in mind it's easier to increase handle size. In fact, most of today's racquet handles cannot be reduced in size. If you're between grip sizes, go with the smaller size and add an overgrip or have the grip built up with a heat-shrink sleeve.