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Racquet Sports Industry magazine, August 2005

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August 2005 Volume 33 Number 8 $5.00

2005 GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES
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Exclusive selection chart Generate more revenue Get your string certification

“Brand” your facility with logoed windscreens Capitalize on your shop’s “moments of truth” Vending machines can keep players happy French Open Player Equipment Log
Q Profiling Your Members Q Orthotics for Your Players Q String Playtest Q Ask the Experts Q Tips and Techniques

Contents
EXCLUSIVE! GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES 29 String of Successes
Our exclusive guide will help you generate more revenue from your stringing business.

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INDUSTRY NEWS 7 Tennis teaching pros to meet
at TTC in NYC

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USTA commits $1.5 million to “Tennis in the Parks” Prince offers its first tennis ball Wilson debuts Crossfire Two shoe MassMutual gives $525,000 for college scholarships Agenda set for USPTA World Conference Prince introduces new O3 Blue racquet ATP picks Gerflor Taraflex surface Penn introduces Pro Penn Encore ball Mary Pierce wins with Lejay apparel Gamma Sports teams with Slinghopper Diadora acquires Kaelin apparel license Prince launches new Quiktrac GT shoe

32 Passing the Test
Display your expertise, and help your business, by becoming a Certified Stringer or MRT.

34 Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2005
Use our chart to help you choose the right stringing machine.

13 Wilson debuts new line of Tour bags DEPARTMENTS 4 Our Serve 16 Focus on Footwear 18 Marketing Success 20 Customer Relations 22 Construction Trends 24 Facility Management 26 40 42 44 46 48
Retailing Success French Open Equipment Log String Playtest: Head FXP 16 Ask the Experts Tips and Techniques Your Serve, by Marcia Frost
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Our Serve
You Gotta Have Heart!
(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)

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Publishers David Bone Jeff Williams Editor-in-Chief Crawford Lindsey Editorial Director Peter Francesconi Associate Editor Greg Raven Design/Art Director Kristine Thom Assistant to the Publisher Cari Feliciano Contributing Editors Cynthia Cantrell Rod Cross Kristen Daley Joe Dinoffer Liza Horan Andrew Lavallee James Martin Mark Mason Chris Nicholson Mitch Rustad Drew Sunderlin Jonathan Whitbourne RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY Corporate Offices 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084 Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171 Email: [email protected] Website: www.racquetTECH.com Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time Advertising Director John Hanna 770-650-1102, x.125 [email protected] Apparel Advertising Cynthia Sherman 203-263-5243 [email protected]
Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 01915851) is published 10 times per year: monthly January through August and combined issues in September/October and November/December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084. Periodicals postage paid at Hurley, NY 12443 and additional mailing offices. August 2005, Volume 33, Number 8 © 2005 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x.125. Phone circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.

t was vintage Jim Baugh—laser pointer in his right hand, slide projector clicker in his left, explaining the latest development in tennis. All of Baugh’s excitement about the sport was there, as always, and he was thoroughly prepared, as usual.
But rather than addressing the usual group of industry bigwigs, Baugh was talking to a group of tennis teaching professionals about something dear to his heart: fitness and tennis. This was a free workshop for teaching pros about Cardio Tennis, a program that Baugh conceived and is bringing to fruition, together with the Tennis Industry Association (of which Baugh is president) and with support from the USTA. I took part in this four-hour workshop, which was held at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., in June and, even though I’ve known the details of the program for many months, I was impressed and amazed. This was one of 21 workshops being held across the country from May to September to give teaching pros an in-depth look at the program and to help them deliver Cardio Tennis to their players. If you haven’t been to one of these free workshops, you need to go. (There’s still time to sign up for workshops at Stanford, Los Angeles, Orlando, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, and Hilton Head. Visit www.Partners.CardioTennis.com or call 866-686-3036.) The workshops begin with a lively and informative hour and a half presentation, then participants actually run through Cardio Tennis on court, wearing heart monitors. Then it’s back in the classroom for a quick wrap-up. The excitement from the nearly 40 people in the workshop was great to see. They clearly understood the benefits for players, for their own businesses, and for the future of the sport. The goal of Cardio Tennis is to get players moving, getting the heart rate into the “Cardio Tennis Zone.” I was constantly on the move, and got an amazing workout, burning, according to my heart monitor, more than 1,240 calories in just over an hour. And it was fun; I had a blast. Cardio Tennis lives up to the hype. Key, of course, is the teaching pro, who needs to be able to keep the group mov-

ing and not stop to correct strokes or technique. Facilitating on court at my workshop were Michele Krause, the TIA’s national Cardio Tennis business manager; Bill Mountford, the director of tennis at the NTC; Dr. Sophie Woorons, the director of tennis at Performance Tennis at Brookstone Meadows in Anderson, S.C.; and former touring pro Katrina Adams. All were fantastic, keeping things moving while still taking time to explain various aspects of the program to the pros. The program will roll out to consumers during the US Open, with fitness expert and Cardio Tennis advocate Denise Austin taking part. And every week, more facilities are signing on to become Cardio sites. If you haven’t looked into offering Cardio Tennis to your players, you need to. It’s good for your players, and that’ll keep your business alive. It s tha

Peter Francesconi Editorial Director

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INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS

USTA Commits $1.5 Million to New “Tennis in the Parks”
The USTA will invest $1.5 million in new funding to support public parks tennis facility improvements, renovations, and new construction projects to provide more and enhanced tennis venues for increased playing opportunities. The funding of the “Tennis in the Parks” initiative follows the USTA's recent announcement of a $10 million “Grow the Game” fund created to develop new programs to increase player participation and raise the profile of tennis in the U.S. The new initiative includes a local community advocacy component, in which USTA-provided grants will be matched on the local level, with the total investment in the sport totaling $7.5 million in working dollars. This 20-fold increase in financial support from last year will impact more than 1,000 outdoor and indoor public facilities and thousands of courts. More than 70 percent of recreational tennis in the U.S. is played on public courts. These grants can be applied toward new construction, reconstruction, or facility improvements, contingent upon ongoing programming, coaching and maintenance commitments at the local facilities. “The revitalization of tennis in our public parks, where the majority of the sport is played at the grassroots level, is critical to the growth strategy for tennis,” says Franklin R. Johnson, USTA chairman of the board and president. “I have made this the key focus of my presidency.” For more information on USTA Public Facility Funding, email [email protected]. These public tennis facility funds will be awarded in three grant cycles during 2005.

Teaching Pros to Gather in NYC for 2005 TTC

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ormer pro and perennial US Open favorite Todd Martin (below) will be the keynote speaker at the 35th annual USA Tennis Teachers Conference, to be held Aug. 27 to 30 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City, just as the US Open gets under way. The theme of this year’s TTC is “Can we play now?” and it’s designed to help teaching pros and coaches instruct people to play tennis, administer programs, and manage their businesses and careers. While technical instruction is an important part of learning tennis, simply "playing" the game is key, and that’s the focus of many of the presentations and seminars at this year’s event. Seminars and on-court demonstrations will be presented by experienced teachers and coaches such as Eliot Teltscher, Greg Patton, Rodney Harmon, Wayne Bryan, Steve Bellamy, Donna Yuritic, Craig Tiley, and others. Some sessions, including a session on Cardio Tennis, will be held at the USTA National Tennis Center, site of the US Open, in nearby Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Free transportation between the Grand Hyatt and the NTC is included. Register for the full three days by Aug. 9 for $200; after that date, it’s $255. Single-day registration is also available, as are group rates. Also, attendees are eligible for discounted rates at the Grand Hyatt ($168 per night, not including taxes), access to US Open tickets, welcome receptions sponsored by the USTA and PTR, and daily continental breakfast. There also is a trade show during the conference. The TTC draws more than 700 tennis teachers and coaches from across the country and around the world. For more information, email [email protected] or call 914-696-7004. To register online, visit www.usta.com/TTC.

ATP to Implement Changes in Pro Doubles
tarting in September, ATP tournaments will feature changes to doubles that the ATP says are designed to appeal to fans and better showcase the doubles game. ATP doubles matches at many fall tournaments will feature no-ad games and sets played to five games rather than six, with a tie-break at 4-4. Possible set scores will be 50, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3 and 5-4. The ATP says that scheduling policies will be changed to ensure that more doubles will be prominently featured on show courts for spectators and TV viewers alike. The ATP and tournaments also are developing a variety of promotional initiatives to showcase doubles and increase its appeal to fans and sponsors. Many of the changes, approved by the ATP Board at Wimbledon, were initially recommended by a Research & Development Doubles Project Team chaired by Horst Klosterkemper, ATP president Europe and player relations. It included player representatives, tournament directors, and ATP staff and evaluated data from surveys from four groups: fans, players, media, and tournaments. “All groups clearly acknowledged that doubles is an important part of tennis, but believe some enhancements were necessary,” Klosterkemper says. “Singles players said they would consider playing doubles on a more consistent basis if changes were made, citing the length of matches, which average more than 90 minutes, and scheduling difficulties as reasons for the lack of participation. The project team not only found remedies for these challenges, but also identified some format changes that will broaden the appeal of the game for fans.”
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Courtesy USA Tennis Florida

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USTA, Amex Sign New US Open Agreement
he USTA and American Express announced a new sponsorship and marketing agreement extending American Express’s designation as the “Official Card” and “Official Travelers Cheque” of the US Open. In the new agreement, American Express also becomes an “Official Sponsor of the US Open Series,” the six-week summer tennis season that links all major North American tournaments to the US Open. The first program under the extended relationship was the option for Amex card holders to buy tickets to the US Open in early June, before sale to the general public. Also, Amex offered a buy-one ticket, get-one-free deal for the first three evening sessions in certain seating areas. “The US Open is a premier sporting event, and we are pleased to extend our long-standing commitment to the USTA,” says Nancy Smith, Amex’s vice president of Global Media and Sponsorship Marketing. “Bringing special access and experiences to cardmembers at the US Open is one of the many ways we recognize and reward our cardmembers.” In recent years, the USTA and American Express have developed extensive marketing initiatives designed to elevate the profile of the sport and enhance the experience of the US Open, including US Open-themed advertising and significant cardmember benefits. American Express again will sponsor Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess on Saturday, Aug. 27, a full-day tennis and music festival for children and families.

Prince Offers Its First Tennis Ball
rince Sports has introduced a new tennis ball—the Prince Tour. The company says the Prince Tour ball, which is Prince’s first foray into the tennis ball category, is a premium grade, consistent, long-lasting ball. The Prince Tour, which is USTAapproved, incorporates a hi-vis woven felt for optimal visibility and a longer-lasting, dynamic core for extended play, says the company, and the balls are handcovered for consistent quality. The Tour ball is offered in Extra Duty felt for hard-court use, Regular Duty felt for soft courts, and a High Altitude Extra Duty felt for areas above 3,500 feet. For more information, contact 800-283-6647 or www.princetennis.com.

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MassMutual, Through USTA T&EF, Commits $525,000 for College Scholarships
he MassMutual Foundation for Hartford Inc. and the USTA Tennis & Education Foundation have awarded $5,000 college scholarships to 35 high school seniors across the U.S. The honorees were selected by the USTA T&EF on the basis of their commitment to academic success, their local community, and the game of tennis. The MassMutual Foundation is supporting the USTA T&EF with 35 college scholarships annually for the next three years, for a total contribution of $525,000. Each year, at least one scholarship will be awarded in each of the USTA’s 17 sections throughout the country. The program builds upon MassMutual’s current association with the USTA as a USTA Corporate Champion sponsor of the US Open. Through all organization-wide educational initiatives, MassMutual and the MassMutual Foundation are providing nearly $900,000 in scholarship funding to students in 2005.

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Wilson Offers Crossfire Two Shoe
Wilson’s latest tennis shoe for men, the Crossfire Two, includes Wilson’s DST 3X technology, which the company says offers three times the cushioning comfort in the core and forefoot for maximum shock absorption and to aid quick-moving players on the court. The Crossfire Two is designed for all-around tournament players. It retails for $199.99 in a white/black/silver color combination. Visit www.wilson.com.

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RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

INDUSTRY NEWS

WTT to Use Hawk-Eye Instant Replay
awk-Eye will provide instant replay technology for the World TeamTennis Coaches Challenge for selected regular season WTT Pro League matches as well as the WTT Finals. WTT officials selected HawkEye as the official instant replay technology of the World TeamTennis Pro League following several months of research and testing. The WTT Coaches Challenge allows teams to challenge calls during a match utilizing the Hawk-Eye system. Established in 2001, Hawk-Eye uses a refined image processing technique that converts the tennis action, recorded by on-court cameras, into a highly detailed computer-imaging model. Unique to the computer-generated model of Hawk-Eye is the ability to analyze a shot from various angles and varying speeds. Although instant replay has been tested in tennis and used in exhibitions, the WTT Pro League presented by Advanta will be the first time a challenge can be issued from the court in pro tennis competition. In other WTT news, the Houston Wranglers have named John Lucas as their new head coach. Lucas, a former player and coach in the NBA, played WTT with the Golden Gaters from 1976 to ’77 and with the Sun Belt Nets in 1978. The Hartford FoxForce have named Aleco Preovolos as its 2005 head coach. Preovolos was a four-year All-American and Hall of Fame inductee at the University of California-Davis.

Agenda Set for USPTA World Conference
ick Bollettieri, Mary Carillo, Allen Fox, Jack Groppel, Tom Gullikson, Rodney Harmon, Rick Macci, and Brenda Schultz-McCarthy are among the featured speakers at the 2005 USPTA World Conference on Tennis. Also featured are Jim Baugh, Jill Fonte, Brett Hobden, and Luis Mediero. The conference will be held Sept. 17 to 24 at the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Marco Island, Fla. Most major events—including night-time parties, national awards presentation, buying show and silent auction—are Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 21-24. The $30,000 International Championships begin Sept. 17. In addition, more than 50 seminars and specialty courses will be presented. “We have been able to strengthen our agenda the past few years by holding more general sessions, with the help of outstanding speakers focused on modern tennis and because of feedback from members,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. USPTA members and nonmembers are welcome. Registration fees before Sept. 1 are $285 and $325, respectively. Special rates are offered for spouses and children. Registration includes seminars and general sessions, dinner parties, the awards breakfast and buying show entry. For more information, visit www.uspta.com or call 800-877-8248.

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USTA Creates New Community Tennis Development Position
irgil Christian has been named director of Community Tennis Development for the USTA. In this newly created position, he will be responsible for strategic planning of community tennis development at schools, parks, colleges, Community Tennis Associations and the nationwide network of 2,800 Tennis Welcome Centers. In addition, Christian will further develop partnerships with national organizations as well as the USTA’s 17 sections. He will report to Scott Schultz, the managing director of recreational tennis. “Virgil is highly regarded for his proven ability to develop and grow tennis in communities by establishing partnerships with local agencies and constituencies,” says Schultz. “His expertise in community development will help support all 17 USTA sections in their efforts to create effective and self-sustaining Community Tennis Associations.” Most recently, Christian served as director of tennis for the Cary Tennis Center in Cary, N.C., where he was responsible for tennis programming and teaching at over 50 courts citywide. He also directed several major events including the USTA Pro Circuit $50,000 Women’s Challenger. Prior to joining the Cary Tennis Center, Christian served as executive director of the Development Authority in Peachtree City, Ga., and director of tennis for the Peachtree City Tennis Center.

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SHORT SETS
nCode line titles at the French > Wilson’syear. Justine of racquets claimed twothe women’s singles Open this Henin-Hardenne won title playing with the nTour. Meanwhile in an all-nCode men’s doubles final, Jonas Bjorkman and Max Mirnyi, both playing with the nSix-One 95, beat Bob and Mike Bryan, both playing with the nPro Surge. Other Wilson athletes who fared well at the French included Roger Federer (nSix-One Tour) and Lindsay Davenport (nTour), who both reached the semifinals. For more info, visit www.wilson.com. Babolat had the winning racquet in the men’s final at the French Open. Both champion Rafael Nadal and runner-up Mariano Puerta play with the Babolat AeroProDrive, which won the “Editor’s Choice” designation by Tennis magazine in April. For more information, contact 877-316-9435 or visit www.babolat.com. new Prince a strong showing this year’s French > The Playing withO3 Tour had Paola Suarez wonatthe women’s douOpen. the frame, bles title, Liezel Huber reached the women’s doubles final, and Nikolay Davydenko reached the men’s singles semifinals. For more information, visit www.princetennis.com. The 2005 US Open will be held Aug. 29 through Sept. 11 at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess, a full-day tennis and music festival for children and families, will take place Saturday, Aug. 27. Tickets for the 2005 US Open and Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day can be purchased at usopen.org; by calling Ticketmaster at 1-866-OPEN-TIX; at all Ticketmaster outlets; and at the USTA National Tennis Center box office.

of the West Classic (Penn Championship Ball) in Stanford, Calif.; the Acura Classic (Penn Championship Ball) in San Diego; and the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters (Penn ATP Ball—men, Penn Championship Ball—women). In addition, the new Pro Penn Encore is the official ball of USPTA Divisional Conventions. Southern >the officialCalifornia-based apparel manufacturer Bälle de Mätch is apparel supplier of the Orange County Community Tennis Association in California. In related news, the company added Amanda McTavish as its new sales rep in Utah and Colorado. For more information on Bälle de Mätch, contact 949-574-7300. $350,000 to help build > The USA Tennis Florida Section willinspendstate. The USTA started and improve public tennis facilities the funding public facility upgrades in 1999 with the Adopt-a-Court program. Since that time, nine Florida facilities and 75 courts have received more than $40,000 in funding. “Our board realizes the importance of increasing and improving our public tennis facilities in Florida," says USA Tennis Florida President Don Cleveland. CEO/Commissioner announced a > World TeamTennis the cable network toIlana Klosseight hours of deal with ESPN2 for televise WTT programming, including three regular-season marquee matches in July and the WTT Finals in September. city Leuven, Belgium, site the > TheDavisofCup World Group will be theRoundforSept. USA vs. Belgium Play-off 23-25. The series will be played on an indoor clay court at the 3,500-seat Sportplaza Leuven. The winner remains in the 16-team World Group and is eligible to win the 2006 Davis Cup; the loser will be relegated to zonal competition for 2006.

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> Penn will serve as the official ball in July and August for the Bank
Prince Introduces New O3 Blue

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rince Sports’ O3 Blue is the fourth addition to the Prince O3 family of racquets. The new frame is 110 square inches and, says the company, offers “the ultimate combination of more power and enhanced maneuverability and comfort for players looking for a soft, velvety feel.” Like the entire O3 line of racquets, O3 Blue utilizes Prince’s proprietary O-Port technology. Prince re-engineered traditional small string holes into giant O-Ports, providing a livelier response across the entire string bed, says the company, and expanding the sweetspot up to 54 percent. O-Ports also act as “wind tunnels,” says Prince, to reduce aerodynamic drag, creating a quick and maneuverable frame that produces a faster swing speed for more aggressive play. "The addition of O3 Blue will allow players of all levels and skills to find the perfect racquet to enhance their game,” says Howard Lay, vice president of product development at Prince. “Feel is the best part about O3 Blue. The curved shaft of this racquet provides just enough flex to soften any off-center hit.” For more information, contact 800-283-6647 or www.princetennis.com.

ATP Picks Gerflor Taraflex Surface
he ATP announced a three-year partnership with Gerflor, manufacturer of indoor sports surfaces. Under the agreement, Gerflor’s Taraflex will become the “Official ATP Court Surface.” The ATP also has selected Taraflex as the court surface for the Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai from 2005 to 2007. Gerflor has supplied indoor surfaces for the Olympic Games and many indoor World Championships. Taraflex, an indoor synthetic surface, has been the official surface used at the BNP Paribas Masters for the past 15 years, the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon for 18 years, the Kremlin Cup in Moscow since 2001, and, since last year, the St. Petersburg Open. The ATP, in a statement, says its selection of Taraflex was “motivated by the technology used to manufacture the Taraflex surface. The technology provides an ideal compromise between comfort, shock absorption and high performance, allowing players to perform at a world-class level while preserving their physical condition.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Penn Introduces New Pro Penn Encore

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enn introduces its new Pro Penn tennis ball, featuring Encore Technology, which the company says makes it last 33 percent longer, and Smart Optik felt, for greater visibility. Encore Technology is Pro Penn’s new core compound that maximizes longer-lasting playing properties, says Penn. By using a proprietary blend of natural and man-made polymers, ball softening is limited and the core stays fresher longer, the company says. Penn says its tests show that after 30 minutes of play, new Pro Penn shows significantly less ball softening than original Pro Penn, and after five weeks of being out of the can, new Pro Penn Encore is just as lively as the original Pro Penn was after just 30 minutes of play. In addition, new Pro Penn Encore features Smart Optik felt, which Penn says measures 19 percent brighter than a standard tennis ball for greater visibility, enhanced accuracy, and set-up time. “Tennis balls that play like new longer and are easier to see will make tennis more fun and successful for players of all levels,” says Jennifer Parker, business manager for Penn Tennis Balls. “Our clear goal remains offering tennis players a ball that will help them play their best tennis.” For more information, visit www.pennracquet.com.

Osborn Named Regional V.P. at Prince Sports
harles Osborn is the new regional vice president for the Northeast Division of Prince Sports, responsible for leading the region’s sales team. Osborn joins Prince after nearly 20 years at Wilson Sporting Goods, where he was the director of national sales for the racquet division. “Charlie’s energy, commitment and followthrough make him an exceptional addition to our team,” says Doug Fonte, president of Prince Sports, USA. “We look forward to using his expertise to strengthen the Prince brand and continue the company’s successes.” Early in his career, Osborn served as a teaching professional at various clubs throughout New England. He has also been a top-ranked singles and doubles player in both the USTA New England Section as well as at the national level.

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Mary Pierce Wins With Lejay
Wearing a two-piece outfit from Lejay, Mary Pierce powered her way to the French Open final in June. She also wore Lejay outfits at this year’s Wimbledon Championships. For more information on Lejay and its apparel products, contact 800-932-7535.

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US Open Men’s Winner to Receive New Lexus
he USTA and Lexus signed a multiyear worldwide marketing partnership that designates Lexus the “Presenting Sponsor of the US Open Men’s Singles Championship” and the “Official Vehicle of the US Open.” The new three-year agreement includes a significant on-site presence at the US Open, national TV media commitments, an extensive presence on USOpen.org, and all transportation services for the more than 250 athletes participating in the US Open. Lexus is the USTA’s sixth Corporate Champion. Lexus will award an all-new 2006 Lexus GS 430 to the men’s singles champion of the US Open—-a US Open first. The same vehicle won by the champion will be on display during the two-week tournament with other Lexus vehicles on the grounds of the USTA National Tennis Center.

Prince Launches New Quiktrac GT Shoe
rince Sports debuts its new performance footwear, the Quiktrac GT, which the company says is designed to compliment its O3 engineered racquets. “Just as the O3 racquets are top of the line, the GT shoe offers the best in performance and stability—with a stylish design to perfectly coordinate with the O3 racquets,” says Gary Wakley, senior director of footwear and apparel at Prince. The Quiktrac GT has the stylistic features of Prince’s O3 racquets, displaying the unique visual cue of the racquets, the O-ports, in the upper of the shoe and color-coordinating with the racquets. The shoes provide extreme comfort and support, the company says. The new shoe is part of the QT Series, and Prince says it’s ideal for players who demand lightweight comfort. The shoe is built on Goodyear Max outsoles, with DSS (Dynamic Suspension System) that the company says provides exceptional support, traction, and durability for all players. The GT comes in a low- and midcut for both men and women and is available in white with silver or blue accents for women and white with red, navy or black accents for men. For more information, visit www.princetennis.com.

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Penn Racquet Sports Named Tops in Arizona
enn Racquet Sports has been named No. 1 in the eighth annual edition of Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business. More than 5,000 Arizona businesses, in more than 200 business and leisure categories, are included in The Best of Arizona Business, which is the largest business opinion poll taken in the state. The results were determined by Arizona residents who cast their votes online at www.azbusinessmagazine.com. Penn shared the category of “Manufacturing: Non-Electronic” with companies such as Ping, Shamrock Foods, Watson Pharmaceuticals, and Holsum Bakery Inc. Last year, Penn, which is based in Phoenix, was ranked fifth in the poll.

Gamma Sports Teams With Slinghopper
amma Sports will be the exclusive distributor for SlingHopper Drill Bags. “We have a long history of supporting tennis professionals and players with innovative teaching and training aids,” says Gamma President Matt Ferrari. “SlingHopper is another extension of that support.” “We believe that Gamma is the right company to get SlingHopper Drill Bags on the court,” says Slinghopper President Paul Tobin. The products include the SlingHopper Pro Drill Bag, which holds 40 balls and is designed for conducting active drills, and the SlingHopper Rally Ball Bag, which holds 20 balls and is designed to allow the pro more mobility. Both bags are available in right-hand and lefthand models. For more information, contact Gamma at 800-3330337 or visit www.gammasports.com or www.slinghopper.com.

Diadora Acquires Kaelin License
iadora America Inc., based in Kent, Wash., recently acquired the Kaelin license from Ermine Investments of California. Under the licensing agreement, Diadora now has the worldwide license (excluding Japan) for the Kaelin brand. Diadora President Bill Nuttall says that Diadora can now produce product under the Kaelin name while consolidating its already established sourcing, customer service, account-base and other operational functions. “Kaelin has a great reputation in the tennis business,” he says. “And it’s a reputation we will live up to by adhering to the quality and performance standards Kaelin customers expect.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

P E O P L E W AT C H
• Baylor's Benedikt Dorsch and Miami's (Fla.) Megan Bradley have been named the 2005 Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Players of the Year. Georgia's John Isner and Antonio Ruiz and Stanford's Alice Barnes and Erin Burdette are the ITA National Doubles Teams of the Year. This year's award winners will be will be honored at the ITA All-Star Outing and Awards Luncheon, presented by the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, on Aug. 26 at New York City's Central Park. • Zuzana Zemenova, a Baylor University freshman, has been voted the nation’s most outstanding college tennis player, according to results of national balloting among 1,000 NCAA member schools as part of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards program, now in its 29th year. Zemenova, a native of Slovakia, completed the 2004–2005 season, earning the title of Big 12 Player-of-the-Year and Big 12 Singles Champion with a 9-0 mark. The other nominees in the tennis category were: Audra Cohen from Northwestern, Jennifer Magley from the University of Florida, and Riza Zalameda from UCLA. • The USTA has named Jean Desdunes, David Roditi, and Robin White new USA Tennis High Performance coaches. Desdunes will work out of the USA Tennis High Performance Headquarters in Key Biscayne, Fla., while Roditi and White will work out of the USA Tennis High Performance Training Center in Carson, Calif.

• Steve Henderson and Annabel Rimmer joined the USTA Southwest Section staff. Henderson will direct marketing, sponsorship procurement and fund raising, while Rimmer will oversee office operations and communications.

• USTA Chairman of the Board and President Franklin R. Johnson and immediate past president Alan G. Schwartz (both at
right) were elected to the board of directors of the International Tennis Federation for two-year terms ending in 2007.

• David Zeutas-Broer, USA Tennis New England's High Performance Coordinator, was recently named New England Professional of the Year at the 2005 USPTA annual New England Spring Convention. Also at the convention, Paul Gagliardi of Branford, Conn., the USA Tennis Community Coordinator for the Connecticut division of USA Tennis New England, was named Western New England Professional of the Year.

• Harry Gilbert has been selected by Ginn Clubs & Resorts to assist with the development of the tennis facilities at Hammock Beach and
Reunion Resort & Club of Orlando, Fla. Gilbert is the USPTA’s first vice-president.

• USA Tennis New England inducted six into its section hall of fame recently: Dick Ernst of Cranston, R.I.; Elizabeth Freeman Young
of Newton, Mass.; Phil Kadesch of North Easton, Mass.; Sally B. Utiger of Weston, Mass.; John T. Moter of Winchester, Mass.; and the late Dorothy Bruno Hills, formerly of Cambridge, Mass.

• R. Gary Pina of Falmouth, Mass., received the USA Tennis New England’s Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award
for outstanding contribution to tennis in New England. It is one of the section’s highest honors. Pina has been working at promoting youth and adult tennis at the grassroots level for over 20 years. More than 12,000 people have participated in Pina's programs, lessons, and camps.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

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A U G U S T INDUSTRYNEWS

2 0 0 5

Wilson Debuts New Line of Tour Bags
ilson Racquet Sports debuted a new line of Tour bags at Wimbledon, which features an updated look and new technology to better protect players’ equipment, says the company. The new Tour line features the classic Wilson red with additional touches of black and white incorporated into the design. The new Tour bag is used by Justine HeninHardenne, Roger Federer, Lindsay Davenport, Venus Williams and others. All ATP and WTA Wilson touring professionals will be upgraded to the new version. The Tour bag features Wilson’s patented Thermoguard, which insulates the bag to protect racquets from extreme heat, and Moisture Guard, which keeps equipment safe from moisture. Bags feature no-slip shoulder straps, padded carry handles and a variety of compartments, including a shoe and wet pocket compartment. The Tour line is available in several different models including the Pro ($79.99), Super Six ($74.99), Six Pack ($59.99), Court ($49.99), Triple ($39.99) and Backpack ($39.99).

Dunlop Launches New I.C.E. Squash Frame
unlop’s new I.C.E. Elite Jonathon Power Signature squash racquet debuts in August. It’s the same racquet that Canadian Jonathon Power used in stringing together a winning streak that returned him to world squash prominence. Power, who finished the season No. 4 in the Dunlop PSA World Squash Rankings, has not lost since he started playing with the I.C.E. Elite Jonathon Power Signature racquet prior to capturing the Bermuda Masters title. He went on to win the Canadian Nationals and defeated No. 1-ranked Thierry Lincou of France at the Brit Insurance Super Series Finals in London. “The I.C.E. Elite Jonathon Power Signature racquet features a forgiving 500-square-centimeter head that allows great control while providing added power at the same time,” says Stephen Hall, director of Racquet Sport Sales for Focus Golf Systems Inc., the exclusive licensee for Dunlop golf and racquet sports in North America. Power’s strong finish highlighted a season that also saw Dunlop competitor Alana Miller take the No. 2 spot in the women’s Canadian Squash Championships and junior players Keith Pritchard and Stephanie Edmison claim the No. 1 ranking in Canada’s men’s and women’s under-19 championships, respectively. In addition to Power, Lee Beachill of England, who plays the Dunlop I.C.E. Tour racquet, is at No. 2, according to recent Dunlop PSA World Squash Rankings.

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D

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k

FOCUS ON

footwear

Orthotics Can Help Keep Your Players Playing
BY DAVID SHARNOFF

T

ennis teaching pros and facility managers have a common goal—to get as many people as possible to play tennis. It’s simple: The more they play, the more they pay—for racquets, shoes, apparel, court time, etc. Since keeping people on court is so important to your business, you need to do everything you can to keep your players healthy. One area that you need to be aware of, and need to be able to communicate to your players about, is foot care. If a player’s feet, arches, ankles, or lower back hurt, rather than have them stop playing, suggest that they look into getting orthotics for their tennis shoes. Like with any health-related issue, however, have your players or members consult a podiatrist or other doctor for specific care. Orthotics, which are shaped like the bottom of the foot, are placed in the shoe and affect a player’s gait, yielding better function and performance. Orthotics can be prescribed by podiatrists, orthopedists, trainers, physical therapists, and chiropractors for a number of reasons, including: Q To reduce fatigue and lessen leg cramps. Q To better align the foot and lower extremities. Q To beat a wide variety of foot problems, including flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome, bunions, neuromas, joint pain and instability, and calluses. Q To improve shoe comfort and support. Q To rejuvenate an old, tired pair of shoes. Many consumers don’t realize that the insoles in an athletic shoe are remov-

able and can be replaced with other types of insoles or orthotics. When players are considering orthotics, they need to be aware of the two types: over-thecounter or custom. Over-the-counter orthotics are fabricated as gender specific, with sizes ranging from small, medium, and large, and with activity-specific designs. The OTC product will elevate the arch of the foot and attempt to restore the foot to normal foot function and alignment. OTC orthotics are a good starting point that may improve a player’s comfort and relieve pain. Custom-fitted orthotics, on the other hand, are fitted to a player’s feet and particular foot pathology. When the orthotic device is worn during tennis or other activity, the foot functions closer to normal and more efficiently. But once the device is removed, the foot returns to its normal pathologic position or preexisting state. Custom-fitted orthotics are designed and intended to alter the mechanics of the foot significantly, so the foot and lower extremities function closer to normal. This trans-

lates into better performance with less foot and leg fatigue and pain. Today, many people spend a lot of money on over-the-counter products like insoles, and you may want to consider stocking them in your shop. Often, these products will provide some help for your players, but if pain persists, have them seek professional help. The last thing you want to do is lose a player to pain or an ailment that is easily treatable. Q

David Sharnoff, a podiatrist in Shelton, Conn., is a longtime advisor to the WTA Tour and a member of Tennis magazine’s Technical Advisory Panel. Dr. Sharnoff also is a longtime contributor to professional journals in the field of podiatric medicine.

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marketing

SUCCESS

A Recipe for Junior Success That Goes Beyond Tennis

BY JOE DINOFFER

P

ut yourself in a brainstorming session with other industry leaders. Your group’s assignment is to come up with a recipe to help create more dynamic and successful junior development programs and tennis academies. The recipe must include all the components needed to attract and retain both kids and their parents. What would be your recipe for success? Here’s what we came up with as a starting point.

Courtesy Austin Tennis Academy

INGREDIENT #1 CREATE A "KIDS FIRST" CULTURE
The first step in establishing a “kids first” culture is to find out what motivates the children. The first critical component of this ingredient is to develop an atmosphere of mentorship. Regularly rotate the children so even the youngest players get to spend time with the older ones. If you run more of an “after school” program rather than a full-blown tennis academy, this can become a reality by scheduling the most advanced players first and then have them stay an extra 30 minutes to help the next oldest group. Then the second group stays an extra 30 minutes to be with the third oldest group, and so forth. You’ll be amazed at the difference this small scheduling adjustment can make. The younger kids will be more motivated than ever and, by helping one another, will each quickly evolve into more caring individuals. Another feature of this ingredient is to make decisions based on what is best for each individual child's development. Don’t sacrifice anything based on winning and losing. An example is that many of the tennis academies that have tried creating their own mini-boarding schools are now switching back to nonboarding school programs. The result is a more stable environment for the chil-

dren. The lesson learned is that the greatest long-term support for the juniors will always come from their own families. Happy children will result in happy tennis players.

INGREDIENT #2 ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN STANDARDS
This ingredient consists of many smaller parts, but each one is as important as the other. Besides the practical aspects of facility management, scheduling, and promoting your programs, you need to set standards with the people part of the equation—your staff, the juniors, and their parents. The bottom line is that we are in the people business and, while each of your juniors may not turn into world champions, it is realistic to expect that they can grow to experience the benefits of playing college tennis. Even more important is that they can become better human beings through playing our lifetime sport. I always remember how in the mid1970s, veteran tennis teacher and entrepreneur Peter Burwash was in charge of the Hawaiian Junior Davis Cup Team.

One of the first things he did was to call a meeting with players and parents and establish that spots on the team would be awarded based on attitude and effort first and playing ability second. Burwash knew that with the right attitude and work ethic, the whole group would flourish, rather than simply be a springboard for a few elite players with varying degrees of immature attitudes. The result of his drawing this line in the sand was that he lost some of his top players. However, in the long run, he developed a team that made a difference in the lives of the team members, and many more who they came in contact with. And, yes, most ended up being awarded college tennis scholarships anyway.

INGREDIENT #3 GET THE PARENTS ON THE SAME PAGE
Any coach, teaching pro, or program director knows that tennis parents can either be your best friends or give you nightmares. Of course, they may not all become your best friends, but you can be proactive. At the very least, get

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

everyone—kids and parents alike—on the same page. The key is to set your standards and communicate them to the parents. Put them in writing. Be clear about what you expect from the kids in your program and stress life skills and character development. With this emphasis, you will establish a solid footing in your relationships and quickly gain the respect of the majority of the parents. Remember that you can be both nice and firm at the same time. Communication and consistency are essential touches to this ingredient in our recipe for success.

be someone in one area of your life and someone else in other areas. For example, you cannot be a slacker in academics and expect to be a focused, hardworking athlete in tennis.”

INGREDIENT #5 THERE IS NO "I" IN TEAM
The final ingredient in our basic recipe for success is team building. Tennis can be a lonely sport. For most individuals, it is a lot more fun and satisfying to play tennis as part of a team rather than only as an individual. Shared losses are easier to swallow and shared victories are sweet and enduring. Therefore, it is critical to develop a team and family atmosphere that permeates your programs. If a group goes to tournaments, make sure all the juniors support the others. This means that even if one junior loses in the first round, he or she stays at the tournament site and supports the others in the group.

The inspiration for this article came from a visit to the Austin Tennis Academy (ATA) in Austin, Texas (www.Austintennisacademy.com). Coach Jack Newman, the owner/director, is one of the best teambuilders and junior tennis mentors in the U.S. His project is only a few years old and growing by leaps and bounds. Many people run academies; few do it with solid character-building at the heart of their programs. Along with building solid citizens, the ATA also has a growing group of national champions. Q
Joe Dinoffer is a Master Professional for both the PTR and USPTA. He speaks frequently at national and international tennis teacher workshops as a member of both the Head/Penn and Reebok National Speaker’s Bureaus. He is president of Oncourt Offcourt Inc. and has written 16 books and produced more than 30 instructional videos.

INGREDIENT #4 ATTITUDE OVER APTITUDE
In addition to life-skill training and character-building, you owe it to yourself and the children to emphasize attitude over aptitude. According to USPTA Master Professional Jack Newman, “All things in life are connected, you cannot

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

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3 customer

RELATIONS

Capitalizing on “Moments of Truth”
BY JILL FONTE

T

he paper towel dispenser is empty, the front door sticks, paper cups are blowing around the parking lot, there’s a light out, the apparel fixtures are dusty. No big deal, right? Wrong. These conditions, known as “moments of truth,” all contribute to your customers’ perception and satisfaction with your business. They’re brief—“moments” being the operative word. They’re often unspoken. Their impact is often subconscious. They’re always hugely powerful. Moments of truth form our opinions about an organization. They can determine whether we feel confident or uncomfortable with the service we’re about to receive. They can either encourage us or deter us from purchasing. They can indicate whether our business is appreciated or taken for granted. They can make us feel safe or at risk. If you and your employees have been there for a while, it’s easy to stop noticing them. It’s also risky. Though fleeting, moments of truth shout volumes to your customers! To illustrate, let’s look at some of the more common scenarios in a tennis environment which impact your customers’ impressions of your business. Take a fresh look to determine whether you’re creating positive or negative moments of truth.

THE PARKING LOT
First and foremost, is your parking lot clean? Trash and cigarette butts aren’t very welcoming. If your parking lot is paved and striped, are the painted stripes kept fresh? If it’s gravel, is it free of weeds? If your shop is in a strip mall and you’re not happy with the condition of the parking lot, is it time to have a talk with your property manager? If you’re on main street and have no parking lot, do you keep the sidewalk in front of your store swept in the summer and free of ice and snow in the winter?

the paint, lights, fixtures, and carpet? We’ve all walked into restaurants where the carpet is dirty, there’s food on the floor and the hostess stand is cluttered. Subconsciously, we might say, “Yikes. If this is how the front looks, what must their kitchen be like?” This is true in every retail environment. If the store is neat, clean and in good repair, we may infer that the business is just as buttoned up. Conversely, if the store is messy, dusty, or dirty, we may question whether our requests and transactions will be handled properly.

THE WALKWAY
Is it clean, neat, and in good repair? If it’s lighted, are all the lights working properly? If they’re the little walkway lights, are they all straight? Are the fixtures clean? Are the pavers, mulch, or gravel kept free of overgrowth from grass or other vegetation? Ask every employee to notice the parking lot and walkways every day and to pick up trash when they see it.

THE FRONT DESK
Stand aside and really notice what goes on at your front desk. How are people greeted? How is the phone answered? How are requests handled? The momentary interactions at your front desk shape your customers’ opinions of your facility and your service.

THE FRONT DOOR
Like the sign, the parking lot and the walkway, you see your front door dozens of times each week. Do you really see it as your customers do? If so, does it put your best foot forward? If it’s painted, is the paint clean and in good repair? Is the door knob clean and tight? Does the door stick at all when it’s opened or closed? If it has glass, is the glass kept clean?

RESTROOMS AND DRESSING ROOMS
Your customers are alone when using these facilities. Your concern for their comfort is clearly on display here. Empty toilet-paper holders and pins on the dressing-room floor don’t convey much concern. We expect overflowing trash baskets, empty paper-towel holders, and messy sink areas in public restrooms, but when we encounter them in private businesses, we form harsh judgments. Make sure the private areas in your business send a message of caring and concern for your customers.

WINDOW DISPLAYS THE SIGN
Do you still notice the sign in front of your club or shop? If not, go take a look. Is that sign hanging straight? Is the paint crisp and fresh? If it’s lighted, are the lights in good repair? To your customers, your sign says “Here’s how we want to present ourselves to you.” Does the sign at your facility convey that your club is in disrepair and that you aren’t paying attention to detail, or does it show people that you’re on top of your game? All of us have wandered into stores simply because the window displays are inviting. The windows are clean, the merchandise is not dusty or faded, the mannequins are in good repair. The displays say, “Come on in. We have great merchandise and we display it with pride.” What do your window displays convey?

THE SHOWERS
Check the drains periodically throughout the day to make sure they’re not covered with hair. Remove used razors and wet towels. Make sure every club member walks into that shower as you would want to if you were the member.

THE AMBIENCE
Once inside the shop or club, what do your customers see from the condition of

THE COURTS
As a player yourself, what do you want to see when you walk onto a court? If

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

you see cups blowing around, dirty or empty water coolers, empty cup dispensers, trash on the benches, or used balls littering the back fences, you don’t get a positive impression of the club. As a facility owner or manager, make sure these moments of truth are tended to throughout the day so that each player’s impressions are positive. While the moments of truth surrounding the court setting are important, your customers have already formed dozens of opinions about your facility before they even get to the courts. Try to see your business through the eyes of someone who has just moved to your area and is looking for a place to buy equipment and/or play. You’re continually sending subtle messages about how that person’s experience with you will unfold. By taking a fresh look, you can check to see whether you’re really putting your best foot forward and making the impression you want to make. Moments of truth are a very big deal. By knowing when they occur and by paying attention to detail, you can capitalize on them to benefit your customers and your business. Q Jill Fonte is a speaker and trainer specializing in management and customer service. She is a frequent presenter at tennis conventions and workshops throughout the U.S. An avid, frequent tennis player, she is the current chair of the USTA's National Tennis Innovation Committee. She has also recently joined Dr. Jack Groppel and Dr. Jim Loehr as a performance coach and keynote speaker at the Human Performance Institute in Orlando, Fla.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

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construction

TRENDS

Establish Your Identity
Placing logos on court windscreen helps schools, clubs, and parks “brand” their facilities. BY LAURIE BLACK GROSS

M

ention logos, windscreen, and tennis facilities, and the word “branding” keeps popping up. That word simply means utilizing various marketing methods to link an identity with a specific message in order to set oneself apart from the competition. Branding is, perhaps, the reason behind the growing practice of printing club names and mascots on tennis-court windscreen. But talk long enough about the subject and, sooner or later, everyone gets around to the money issue. Larry Ball, president and CEO at BP International Inc. (formerly Ball Products) in Deland, Fla., equates his company’s quickly growing logo business with an increased savvy and sophistication among his club and sports facility customers. “The concept of printing on windscreen is more widely understood than it used to be,” Ball says. “We’re seeing a lot of increased activity in our logo department from tennis clubs, high schools, and colleges. They recognize that a standardsized logo on windscreen is much more economical than, say, a fancy sign.” Ball points out that windscreen can be used for sponsorship opportunities, or even as an advertising medium. He suggests that, although many higher end country clubs will maintain a more traditional use of logos on their courtside windscreen, other types of facilities are looking for ways to replace the cost of their sports equipment. “They like the idea of windscreen as an income producer.” “Windscreen on a tennis court is like a great big billboard,” says Randy Futty, director of sales at Lee Tennis in Charlottesville, Va. “For a public facility, it’s a great way to generate income.” With competition for membership and patronage at an all-time high, even the more exclusive clubs want to distinguish themselves. They logo their restaurant napkins, their pro shop apparel, and now they are putting their logos on wind-

Douglas Sports

screen. “Attractive logos will set a club apart, and spark recognition among members and guests. It can go so far as to be a tool for increasing membership,” Futty says. Part of the reason logoing has grow in popularity has to do with technology. Costs are down, and design complexity is greatly expanded. Not very many years ago, the standard logo was a one-color, blocky-looking item. Now, competent screen printers can generate a multi-color, elaborate design that will bond with the windscreen material for a long-lasting, highly visual effect. John Douglas, national sales manager at Douglas Sport Nets & Equipment in Eldridge, Iowa, estimates that he’s doubled his quotes for logos in the last year. “Tennis clubs are using logos for branding—to differentiate their club.” He explains that

BPI

logos are becoming part of image-building and awareness. “An attractive logo gives the player a feeling that he is at a high-quality facility.” Although costs have declined, Douglas admits that the logo is usually more expensive than the material. A large, complex logo on a 9-foot windscreen panel can be as much as $10,000. Anyone making that sort of investment, he says, should be committed to proper screen maintenance—keeping the windscreen properly attached to the fence or even taking it down in extremely bad weather. For that reason, he encourages his clients to put their logos on a separate, smaller piece of windscreen that can be removed if necessary. And at Advantage Tennis Supply in Richmond, Va., manager Amy Ward estimates that her logo business is up about 40 percent since last year. "We've had 25 quotes for logos in the last three weeks, and that’s a lot for us, because it’s not our main thing,” says Ward. “We offer logoing on our website and in our catalog for customer convenience, but we subcontract all of our screen printing to a graphics company because they do a quality job." “As far as the future,” Larry Ball says, “I can’t see any way but up for this part of our business.” He points out that the trend right now in Europe is for all clubs, even high-end clubs, to carry advertisements and/or sponsorships on their windscreen. “We are usually a few years behind Europe but, when the fashion catches on over here, it’s always much bigger than anywhere else,” he says. “In the not-too-distant future, in this country, I expect all public facilities, and some of the more forward-thinking private ones, will begin utilizing printing on their courtside windscreen as a way to produce additional income.” Q

Magazine and newspaper writer Laurie Black Gross has recently completed her third book.

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facility

MANAGEMENT

Are You Machine-Ready?
Frequently overlooked, a vending machine may be essential to keeping BY MITCH RUSTAD your members happy.

A

tennis club's general manager (at least a successful one) intimately knows every inch of his or her facility's real estate: the locker rooms, courts, front desk, café, lobby area, nursery, etc. These vital areas are constantly maintained and regularly upgraded under the watchful eye of the GM, with the intended result of keeping even the most finicky members happy. But there's one highly popular—but ironically, virtually invisible—staple of nearly every tennis club or public facility that's so commonplace, even the most conscientious manager can tend to overlook it—the vending machine. In 2003, these ultra handy snack and beverage dispensers brought in a whopping $42 billion in revenues in the U.S., according to Vending Times. Though a cross-section of tennis managers interviewed for this story may not view them as a crucial revenue source, most agreed that they're ultimately as essential to a tennis club as the net posts and cash register. “No matter how you slice it, you have to have them,” says Ajay Pant, regional manager at Indian Creek Racquet Club in Overland Park, Kan. “When members are in a hurry or don't want to wait in line in the café or want a certain kind of soda, it's there to serve a purpose. I'd hate to have a member go away frustrated. To not have at least one would be a disservice to the members.” “I see them as a tool of convenience,” says Scott Hanover, general manager at the Plaza Tennis Center in Kansas City, Mo. “Especially during off-hours when the café isn't open, they provide a necessary service.” But that doesn't mean all club managers are racking their brains deciding on what kinds of chips and snack bars to stock. “It's kind of off my radar

screen,” says Laurie Wilson, the general manager of the West Branch Tennis Club in Pennsylvania, a six-court facility with one vending machine fully maintained by an outside vendor. “[The outside vendor] takes care of everything, so it's something I don't even have to deal with.”

BUY OR LEASE?
Though many club managers will simply inherit a facility’s vending

Vending 101
Does your club need a new vending machine? For vending newbies, here are a few “getting started” tips from Kim Mendonsa, the food and beverage director at Mid-Town Tennis Club in Chicago. 1. Network! Before looking in the yellow pages or typing “vending” into Google, try networking with local business owners who already utilize on-site vending. “Ask them which companies are good, and make sure to choose a company that’s regionally based,” says Mendonsa, “because you'll need them to be serviced regularly.” 2. Contact Local Distributors: Local food and beverage distributors are also a good place to start; in fact, they often will throw in a vending machine with your order, if it’s substantial enough. Restaurant supply stores also have vending machines for lease. 3. Lease or Buy? This decision is easy once you consider these two factors—time and space: “Can you commit time out of your schedule for restocking?” says Mendonsa. “And if you can spare two hours a week for that, does your facility have enough storage space? If not, you're better off leasing. Purchasing is better in the long run, if your facility is set up to handle it.”

machines, the decision to lease or buy—even before what products to stock—is the first step to consider. How hands-on you are is completely up to you, however; if you prefer, vending companies will handle virtually everything from initial delivery to repairs to refills. Kim Mendonsa, who has dealt with a variety of vending scenarios in her role as the food and beverage director at Mid-Town Tennis Club in Chicago, likes to implement both options as she juggles her own list of daily responsibilities vs. the needs of her members. “Traditionally, if you get a vending machine that’s an exclusive product machine [like Coca Cola], you can either purchase it outright or contract with the vendor on the premises, then you can stock it yourself or contract with the vendor and they will stock it for you,” she says. “Ultimately, I see vending machines as another club amenity.” From there, keeping tabs on vendors is essential, whether you lease or buy; you can’t just assume the machines will be maintained and/or stocked on time, says Hanover. “We’re outsourcing our machines now, but when it was my responsibility, I was always worrying whether the vendor would show up and fill them,” says Hanover, “because sometimes they didn't show up on the day they were supposed to, and then you're going to hear it from the players.” However, it’s also essential to monitor each machine to decide if the machine is even worth maintaining. “I’ll monitor usage and assess things from there,” says Mendonsa. “If you see the products are going stale before they’re being sold, it’s time to take that machine out. I think most of this is just plain common sense, like trying to find a round hole for a round peg.”

24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

WHAT TO STOCK?
The presence of at least one vending machine may be a given, but that doesn't mean it has to add to a manager’s daily headaches. But Pant says that taking a moment to review the contents of your clubs' vending machines can be well worth the few minutes of effort. “Moms and dads want healthy stuff and kids want junk,” says Pant, “so when juniors come in, we stock the healthy bars. We're very careful not to stock it with complete junk.” Pant's practical approach goes well beyond caring for his members' nutritional needs, however. “There are certain kinds of candy that can be so

A Different Kind of Ball Machine
Everyone’s familiar with beverage and snack vending machines, but there also are vending machines for tennis ball cans. The Court Pal can be equipped with coin/ATM/debit/credit card readers, so your members will always be able to access fresh tennis balls. Club or school logos can be placed on the front and side panels. For more information, call 269-806-8936, email [email protected], or visit www.courtpal.com.

messy and even ruin the carpets, so the last thing I want to do is stock that kind of stuff,” says Pant. “We will often avoid chewing gum, because you can have a real mess on your hands. You have to take all that into consideration.” Stocking your vending machines is also an ideal way to engage members, says Mendosa. “Get out and talk to people, and ask members what they want,” she says. “If you don't have a restaurant, offer samples and taste tests. For example, a lot of beverage companies will come out and offer samples, and it helps members feel they’re participating in the decisionmaking process.”

ful club's most essential elements—creating an environment that encourages members to hang around before and after matches. “It's not like you can hang around the vending machine with your friends after a match,” says Pant. “We’re trying to connect with our members. Our big picture goal is right after someone is done playing, to give them a reason to stay in the club, to socialize and connect.” For larger clubs like Pant's, the obvious solution is having a café, which can serve as a gathering point for members before and after play. But even if your club is too small to warrant a café, you can improvise and give your members a feel-good social setting. “Get a fridge behind the front desk, and stock items which people like,” says Pant, “and when people come off the court, make up a lounge area with three chairs and a table, and you can hand people the refreshments. This way they will sit down, and stay awhile.”

A CLUB STAPLE
But in lieu of a café (makeshift or otherwise), club managers like Mike Woody, the managing director of Midland Community Tennis Center in Midland, Mich., have come to rely on vending machines to keep their players happy. “They’re important to our members,” says Woody, who oversees the 32-court facility’s five on-site vending machines (four beverage, one snack). “If they forget breakfast or lunch, at least they [can] have something to eat. They’re not really a revenue source for us, but people would be pretty bummed if we took them out.” Q
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

JUST HANGING OUT?
For Pant, however, vending machines are merely a necessary evil, because they can detract from one of a success-

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retailing

SUCCESS

Fit the Profile
Anticipate what your customers will need—and want—by keeping BY CYNTHIA CANTRELL records on them.

I

t isn’t necessarily a coincidence, nor the result of spousal extrasensory perception, that causes an item longingly handled by shoppers at the Family Circle Tennis Center’s pro shop in Charleston, S.C. to transform into their next birthday, anniversary or holiday gift. In fact, sometimes Santa has a helper—merchandise manager Peggy Caulder. “The key is to tune right in to your customers whenever they’re in your shop,” says Caulder, who freely admits to eavesdropping for the greater good of providing exactly what her Family Circle member and non-member clientele want and need. “I learn who likes shorts, A-line dresses and black and red combinations, and I file that away so when I get a shipment I can call or email them,” says Caulder, who hosts open houses and fashion shows to get to know customers more personally. She also records the names and contact information of customers’ spouses so she can alert them when their partner has lingered over an item without purchasing it. “Ninety percent of the time, they’re so grateful they say wrap it up without even seeing it.” Caulder is one of a growing number of retailers who depend on record-keeping when ordering merchandise, in addition to past sales history and memory. And the trend seems to be even stronger in racquet sales. Kim Cashman, co-owner of Advantage Yours Tennis in Clearwater, Fla., says her staff enters all racquet and stringing information into a database which also contains a player’s grip size, shoe preference and shoe size. “When we restring, we can see every previous stringing statistic and

help the customer decide if they just want the same as last time, or if they need help with more power, more control, tennis elbow or string breakage problems,” Cashman says. “I do think this is a valuable tool, and our customers love our professionalism.” When placing orders, Cashman is also mindful of the store’s largest demographic, the 3.5 to 4.5 recreational doubles player. As a result, she stocks a minimum of frames designed for advanced players. Her policy of constantly seeking customer feedback has also led, for example, to offering custom hybrid stringing. “Our customers get exactly what they want, and feel like they are getting special service, too,” Cashman says. “We try to make it a fun and informative experience. We like to get to know our customers and let them know that we are here to help make them better players. We know our stuff, and we want them to realize that

our expertise is worth the trip to our store.” Paul Kepler, owner of the Seascape Sports Club in Aptos, Calif., agrees that good record-keeping is “absolutely essential” in generating maximum revenue. “It’s easy to carry a wide variety, figuring customers will find something they like, and there’s some validity to doing that. But it’s worth taking the extra step,” he says. “If you do, it can make a big difference.” According to Kepler, the stringers at Seascape Sports Club use their files to proactively alert players when their string jobs are several months old and in need of attention. Stringers also advise players on how a particular racquet will play at different tensions, based on an individual’s playing style. Because shoes are generally a convenience purchase for his clientele, Kepler says he tends to stick with one manufacturer to limit his exposure. The club’s apparel buyer has a good sense of what will sell, he says, but she also invites customers to browse catalogs before she places an order. “The husbands don’t always appreciate it, but the wives do,” Kepler says. Steve Vorhaus, owner of Rocky Mountain Racquet Specialists in Boulder, Colo., also tracks customers’ racquet and stringing habits. He doesn’t make note of customers’ apparel preferences, however, because styles change too frequently and clothing lines from the same manufacturer may fit differently from year to year. To compensate, he accepts special orders—for which he is now considering requiring a deposit. “The worst is when a customer doesn’t show up, or does come in and says she doesn’t want it after all,” says Vorhaus, who

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

marks down slow-moving merchandise or donates pieces to charity in order to gain a tax write-off and good public relations in the process. “This is a customer service-oriented business, but it is a business.” Bob Patterson, owner of Player’s Choice Tennis in Birmingham, Ala., uses inventory control software to capture sales history and log racquet specs. He can then generate reports indicating how many of a certain Nike dress, for example, are currently in inventory and when the last one sold. He can also track how many sold this season as opposed to last season, indicating when the popularity of one style is giving way to another. Additionally, he can run brand-specific reports. “If [one brand of] racquets have 25 percent of the wall space but only 10 percent of sales, then maybe it’s time to give more attention to [another brand], which could be doing 25 per-

cent of sales with only 10 percent of the wall space,” says Patterson, who also uses his customer database to send quarterly newsletters featuring trends in apparel, shoes, racquets, and a tip from a local teaching pro. “You have to adapt, because if you don’t, then you’ll miss a lot of sales.” John Gugel, who owns e-tennis inc. with former ATP touring pro Tobias Svantesson in Winter Park, Fla., has specialized in racquet customization since opening the store in February 1999. In fact, former ATP touring pro Mikael Pernfors and current ATP pro Robert Kendrick are among the 3,500 customers whose personal preferences in grip size, racquet weight, balance and stiffness are painstakingly duplicated with each stringing job. In all, Gugel says he collects about 50 pieces of data about each customer’s racquet using industry standard and custom diag-

nostic equipment, plus a proprietary software system which he plans to market to the public later this year. “As busy as we are, we take the time to keep a ton of records because we need to know this kind of information in order to provide the best customer service we can,” Gugel says. Additionally, e-tennis records every purchase along with customers’ contact information (with the exception of a quick cash sale from an outof-town visitor). That information is used to create email blasts designed for specific customers based on a specific brand or interest, or even when apparel in a hard-to-find size such as extra small arrives at the store. Customers are also emailed individually when a newly strung racquet is ready to be picked up. “People are grateful we do it,” Gugel says. “It keeps them coming back.” Q

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

27

GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES

STRING OF SUCCESSES
W
hether you’re sitting at the top of the pro rankings or languishing at the bottom of your club’s singles ladder, you won’t win a single point without them. And even the most high-tech racquets are merely well-honed sticks of graphite without this essential product. Be it natural gut or good old-fashioned nylon, tennis strings are one of a retailer’s best sources of regular income, if they treat them as a category on par with racquets, shoes, and apparel, and if retailers can afford to have a little patience while building their clientele. With some savvy sales and mar-

Our exclusive guide will help you generate more revenue from your stringing business.

BY MITCH RUSTAD

keting help, your stringing operation can create repeat business at your cash register. “You have to wait it out, because it’s hard work,” says Randy Stephenson of Frisco, Texas, who’s been stringing full-time for 11 years and was named RSI’s Stringer of the Year in 2004. “There is no easy way to do it but to put your time and effort into it.” But how exactly can you turn your stringing business into a cash cow? RSI caught up with some of the best stringers in the tennis business to find out.
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

29

Nobody Does It Better
One of the best arguments small retailers can make to grab customers from the big-box outlets is having the clear edge in more personalized interactions, especially when it comes to stringing. “Don’t even try to compete with the big-box stores,” says Vince Chiarelli, owner of String Along With Vince, a retail shop in Largo, Fla., that relies heavily on its stringing business. “They cannot provide the level of service that you can provide, so you want to use that as your building block.” Offering each customer professional suggestions and making them aware if they’ve received a less-than-stellar string job from another store, says Chiarelli, can build a loyal following and plenty of repeat business. “I constantly get frames in here that are strung incorrectly,” he says. “Just putting strings in the holes doesn’t do the job.” By finding out your customer’s style of play and taking their age, skill level and frame into account, you’ll be building a solid customer base, says Chiarelli. “I think you can be

successful in any size store, it just depends on what kind of service you give the people,” he says. “But in some cases, smaller is even better, and that’s how I’ve built my business.”

Keep Learning
Of course, getting certified by reputable professional associations like the USRSA (see page 32) is almost a prerequisite these days to being successful. Mark Campanile, owner of The Racquet Man in Northbrook, Ill., a racquet repair and customization company that strings about 80 frames a week, says, “Anytime you can become accredited in your profession, it’s a feather in your cap.” Joining the USRSA will give you access to all the professional resources that can help your stringing business, and you’ll get a certificate to display that indicates to your customers that you’re keeping abreast of the latest developments in strings, racquets and customizing techniques. The next step with the USRSA is the Certified Stringer level, then there’s the ultimate designation, the USRSA’s Master Racquet Technician, who is schooled in all aspects of racquet customization.

Tips for Generating Stringing Revenue
Show It Off: Make your stringing machine a showpiece in your business; don’t hide it in the back room. If customers see you or a staff member stringing a racquet, they’ll want to know more—about the machine itself, about different types of string, about the customizing and stringing process. And don’t ignore the effect that a well-known stringing machine brand can have on your customers’ perception of your business. Know Your Customer: “Decide what your clients are like and go from there,” says Stephenson. “Most of my clients are retired; they want comfort from the strings, so I use multifilament string. It’s easier on the arm, and that in itself can make a big difference to people.” pose, too—they can show off particular strings and tensions, in addition to showing off your expertise in stringing and customizing racquets. Don’t let your demos get ratty; you want them to play their best at all times. Keep a file on your demo racquets that lists string and tension. An Eye For Detail: “The little things can make a difference,” says Stephenson, whose eye for detail goes down to the finishing touch—the finishing knot. “I make sure the knot tail always faces the some direction, rather than going down or up. It always looks the same no matter that tension or type of string, so the frame always looks clean after it leaves my machine.”

Keep Notes: Keep a file, either handwritten or on computer, on your customers and their stringing preferences, to make it easy to duplicate things they like and change what they don’t like. Also, send your customers Offer Deals and Specials: Build up your business with programs that offer incentives to have racquets strung. For instance, offer a spe- reminder notices when it’s time to restring their racquet, according to the last cial string deal if a player buys a new frame from you. Or offer so many restring date you have in your files. restrings, then the next one is free. Maybe offer a half-price string job String by Appointment: “The big-box stores take too long to string racon a player’s birthday, or offer teams a special restringing price. Be crequets,” says Stephenson. “I make sure no matter how busy I am to get the ative, and you can get more players hooked on regular string jobs. frame done as soon as possible. There isn’t a tennis player out there who isn’t Be Consistent: “This is a pure volume business, so one of the things anxious to get their frame back. I insist on same day delivery, absolutely, you can do is offer consistency,” says Campanile. “I make sure that six that’s a must. I also string by appointment, they can wait while I string.” months later your racquet will come out exactly the same as the one Get Certified: Join the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association, then look into you get from me today.” becoming a Certified Stringer and a Master Racquet Technician. It will show Don’t Forget Your Demos: Demo racquets can serve another pur- your players you really know what you’re doing.

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

“I try to display my certifications and let players know I know my stuff,” Strings don’t have to break to go bad. As they get older, they’ll lose tension says Stephenson. “Surpris- and will feel different. That will affect the player’s shots, making them less ingly, most tennis clubs and less effective as the player struggles to compensate for the racquet’s could care less whether change in feel. they have a good stringer.” The rough rule of thumb is that a player should restring as many times each Another route to keepyear as he or she plays each week. But a better, more technical way is to ing your stringing business measure the string-bed stiffness of the freshly strung racquet and get it fresh and competitive is to restrung each time it loses 20 to 30 percent of its freshly strung value. (This is keep on top of the latest where good record-keeping comes in.) techniques. One of the best ways of doing that is You need to educate your players on the value of regular tension checks and to apply to work at local restringing. When possible, offer to do a quick tension check and visual pro tournaments or travel inspection of the strings. Check for notches or frays. If a player uses “string with a manufacturer’s savers,” make sure they understand that while they’ll make the strings last “team” to a Grand Slam longer, the strings will still lose tension and resiliency over time. event, where the best stringers in the world are customizing and stringing for the best pros. “It helps if you can get to travel on the pro tours,” says John Li, who with his brother Julian has owned Rackets Racquets, two shops in Burbank and Arcadia, Calif., since 1991, and who has previously worked for Team Babolat in France. “We’ve done it since 1993, and it’s a great way to get to know all the stringing techniques. “Year after year we’ve learned more and more,” says Li, who has traveled as far as Shanghai to string for the pros. “It’s also a great way to get started and exchange information with other stringers.” Education means potential income in the stringing business, but it’s not necessarily going to bloat your bankbook overnight, says Chiarelli. “Some people think they’re going to go to the Slams to make money, but often it won’t necessarily even pay for your trip,” says Chiarelli, who strung at this year’s French Open. “It depends on each sponsor. It’s just something I really enjoy doing, and it doesn’t hurt business to say you string at pro events.”

An Educated Consumer . . .

But Li knows there’s no second chances in this business; you have to be perfect—and innovative—right from the second a new customer walks in the door. “After one string job, we’ve got them hooked,” he says. “Tennis is very hard. If you don’t think of new ideas, you have to close down the shop. You need to keep being creative and know what you’re doing and keep updating with the latest technology. We’re always on the lookout for new ideas.” Q

Customize, Customize, Customize!
Providing a perfect string job is a must to keep customers happy, but knowing how to add those special touches to complement each string job—such as adjusting a frame’s weight, grip, etc. to the preferences or style of each player—can turn a successful business into a booming one. “Knowing how to customize each racquet can really get your income up,” says Li. “Try to learn from the best and then create new ideas—and even new products.” For example, Li worked with a chemist to create Glide Stick, a dry material that you apply to the steel track of a stringing machine, which then serves as a lubricant for the machine. Li says he’ll market the product to other stringers and retailers to supplement his business, but he remains focused on customization. “We make enough profit on the racquet, but we make the real profit on the strings and grips,” he says. “The racquet is less important, so we just want to sell the racquets out and then get repeat stringing customers.”

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Image of Mark Camponile courtesy of Albert Lee

31

GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES

PASSING THE TEST
Display your expertise, and help your business, by becoming a Certified Stringer or MRT.

W

ant a surefire way to add to your credibility as a stringer, and to help boost your stringing business? Then you need to check out the certification program offered by the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association. If you string and customize racquets and aren’t either a Certified Stringer (CS) or a Master Racquet Technician (MRT), you’re doing yourself, your business, and your customers a disservice. Just like other professional certifications, USRSA certification adds to your credibility in the minds of your customers, peers, competition, vendors, and potential employers. This is because they know you’ve passed a test demonstrating your ability to offer the highest level of professional service. And, if you choose to be an MRT, you also have demonstrated that you continue to be up to date on the latest technology. This means that customers will be quicker to accept your advice and service. Your peers will have greater respect for your opinion when you discuss issues with them. Your competition will find it much harder to undermine your authority in the minds of customers. Your vendors and reps will feel more comfortable recommending your service to players they meet. And, if you find yourself looking for a new job or just looking to add another shop or school to your list of clients, it will be much easier to get your foot through the door. A lot of shop managers know nothing about racquet service. The only way they will know if you are any good is if you’re certified. It is also common for shops to pay their stringers more if they are certified, because they understand that a qualified professional stringer can keep more customers happy and bring in more new ones. Among the benefits that Certified Stringers and MRTs can enjoy is a discount program offered by many of the major manufacturers (visit the USRSA’s website, www.racquettech.com, for more information and a list of

participating manufacturers). In some cases, simply taking advantage of one of these companies’ discounts can more than pay for earning and maintaining your certification. The USRSA’s original stringer certification program was initiated in 1986 to recognize individuals with a basic level of stringing competence. Certification, either as a Certified Stringer or an MRT, involves a comprehensive written test and a detailed practical test. Both measure your understanding and skills with respect to all facets of racquet service, such as installing grommets and string, regripping, handlesizing, and customizing weight and balance. Additionally, to attain MRT status, you’ll be required to demonstrate an understanding of current frame and string technologies and how those technologies translate to player satisfaction. To receive an application for certification testing, go to www.racquettech.com, click on “Stringing,” then click on “Certification.” You’ll find links to the Certification Application, along with a Study Guide and Test Locations. For current USRSA members, the test fee is $95, for nonmembers it’s $180. The test fee for Certified Stringers looking to upgrade to MRT status is $55 for USRSA members, $135 for nonmembers. (USRSA membership is $99 annually.) Certified Stringer status carries no expiration date, but MRT status is good for one year from the test date. Maintaining MRT status will require passing an annual written mini-test designed to demonstrate an understanding of the year’s significant new technologies. The mini-test is open book, administered through the mail. Every month, more and more people join the USRSA or become either Certified Stringers or Master Racquet Technicians, demonstrating to their customers and to the industry that they’re doing everything they can to keep their careers moving forward. Don’t miss out in setting a standard of excellence in racquet service. Q

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES

B

uying 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 daunting task.
Our Stringing Machine Selection Guide will guide you through the minefields and help you choose the best machine for your business. Below we explain the essential machine features, and the chart on pages 36-39 displays the features of almost every professional machine on the market.

6-point systems will tell you that more points of contact must be better. Six-point systems do support the frame in more places, which means it is a little easier to lock the racquet in place so it does not slide back Klipper and forth during stringing. It also 440-CS allows a better view of the grommets at the head and throat of a racquet. Six-point systems can require fewer adapters for frames of different shapes. Finally, some of these systems have side arms that can be adjusted simultaneously, making it easier to center a racquet.

MOUNTING SYSTEMS
The chart lists machines with 2-, 4-, 5-, or 6point 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 mounting systems are the 2-point, 4point and 6-point, though Alpha each of them is safe.

2-Point & 4-Point Mounting.
Fans of two-point and fourpoint systems suggest that it is quicker to mount a racquet on a 2-point machine because there are fewer mounting points to be adjusted. They will also say that these systems offer more support at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock, (the two most important points to support), because the amount of surface contact with the frame is greater at these locations.

Babolat Sensor

Orbiter SE

6-Point Mounting. 34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

Fans of

Turntable Lock. This allows you to

stop the turntable in one position. Helpful for calibrating and tying knots. Allows you to turn the racquet all the way around during stringing.

360o Rotation Turntable.

wraps the string around a spool, then rotates the spool to pull tension on the string.

Gamma 5800 Els

3-D Rotation Turntable. Allows the turntable to tilt so that each string gets pulled straight through the grommet. This is designed to reduce the friction of the string against the grommet when tension is being pulled.

Diablo/Nosecone. The string is wrapped around the diablo or nosecone before it is put in Silent the tension head, allowing Aria the tension head to grip the string more gently. Foot Tension.
sion head. Foot-activated ten-

Partner

TENSIONING SYSTEMS
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 you clamp it and release the tension head. So, as soon as you lock the length of the string, it starts equalizing and losing tension. Constant-pull machines pull the string to the desired tension, but when the string starts to equalize and lose tension, it pulls a little more to stay at reference tension. Constant-pull machines generally achieve slightly higher stringbed stiffness (we find the difference to be about 5 percent to 10 percent).

Manual Calibration. Allows you to adjust (correct) the
pulling force manually, as opposed to a few machines that are designed to calibrate themselves automatically.

Mutual Power ES5 Pro

Diamond Coated Tension Head. Grips the string with less
pressure.

Tension Sets. Three types: dial tension set, +/- key tension set, and numeric keypad. Knot Tensioning. The machine can be instructed to pull the last string before a knot tighter than the reference tension to allow for the tension that is lost between the clamp and the knot.

Drop Weight. These machines use a lever (with a weight attached to it) to pull tension on each string. Moving the weight on the bar determines how much tension it pulls. These machines qualify as constant pull because the weight continues to pull the string as the string stretches. Prince 3000 Hand Crank.
Tension is pulled by hand crank. These machines lockout when the desired tension has been reached.

CLAMPING SYSTEMS
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 will only discuss three here.

Flying Clamps. These
clamps are not attached to the machine. They use one string to hold tension on another string. They generally do not hold tension as consistently as the other two types of clamps. The low price tag makes them attractive to new Tecnifibre stringers testing the waters. TF-8000

Electric. These machines require electricity to pull tension. Most of these machines are constant pull, but a few allow you to choose between constant pull and lockout modes. Some offer multiple pull speeds and a prestretch mode. Linear Pull & Rotational Tensioners. Machines that pull tension in a straight line away from the machine are said to be linear pull. The alternative is a rotational tensioner, which

Fixed Clamps that Swivel.
These clamps are attached to the
(Text continued on page 38.)

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

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Sports

Height

Mounting

Tensioning

Brand

Model
601F 602F 602S 603GB 604S 603S 607 String Pal Pioneer FL Pioneer DC Revo 4000 Shuttle Express Axis Pro Blu-DC Plus Apex Orbitor Orbitor SE

Price Warranty (MSRP) (years)
$219 $269 $379 $549 $569 $699 $799 $129 $269 $419 $549 $549 $749 $899 $1,149 $2,695 $2,995 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

AG
www.gutermanintl.com 800-343-6096

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Alpha
www.alphatennis.com 800-922-9024

ATS
www.atssports.com 800-866-7071 Super Stringer II Traveler Sensor Sensor Expert $135 $189 $5,200 $8,500 Life Life 5 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Babolat
www.babolat.com 877-316-9435

Gamma X-2 $135 $299 www.gammasports.com Progression 602 X-6 $299 800-333-0337 Progression 602 FC $469 X-6 FC $469 Progression ST II $629 X-ST $629 5003 $799 Progression Es II+ $899 E-Es $899 6004 $1,199 5800 Els $1,199 6500 Els $1,699 7500 Els $2,799 8500 Els $3,499 Klipper USA
www.klipperusa.com 800-522-5547 Klippermate Klippermate Bad’ton 280-CS 440-CS Viking 200 Alpine 500 Hercules 610 Alpine 2000 $145 $155 $245 $445 $79 $179 $319 $399

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Life Life 10 10 Life 5 5 5

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Mutual Power
www.mutualpower.com 832-868-0168

36 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

Stand Includ ed Stand Availa b Table Top Stale Table Top O ndard p Height Adjusttional able 2-Point Mou n 4-Point Mou ting nting 5-Point Mou 6-Point Mou nting Turntable Lonting 360º Rotatiock n 3-D Turntable Turntable Rotation Drop Weight Full Clutch-D Rachet Sys rop Hand Cranktem-Drop 2-Sided Cran k Electric Multiple Spe Constant Pu ed Pull ll Lockout Prestretch Linear Pull
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August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Tools Included

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37

x x x x

Self-Elevatin Automated g Linear Pull Diablo/NoseTension Release Rotational Tcone e Foot Pedal T nsioner Pounds & K ension Activator ilo Manual Calib s Tension Self-Calibra ration Adjustable ti Diamond Co ng Knob/Dial T at Tension Head Grip en Plus/Minus sion Setting T Full Keypad ouch Pad Tension Set LED/LCD Te Tension Setting Knot Tensio nsion Display Removable ning Electric Ten sioner Unit Flying Clam ps Fixed Clamp Dual Swivel s on Glide Bars Dual Swivel Double Action Fixed 360 Degree Single Action Fixed Single Swiv Clamps on Glide Bars e Diamond Du l Fixed Clamp Automated st Clamps B Magnetic Au ase Release Clamps No Tool Nee to Clamp Base Relea se ded to Adju st Clamps Tool Tray Cover Includ e String Measu d Built-in Rule rer Reel Rack r Racquet Sta Cabinet withnd Leveling Pa Drawers ds on Base Under 50 lb s 50-75 lbs Over 75 lbs Calibrator Starting Cla Diagonal Cump tt Needlenose ers Pliers Awl Flying Clam Assembly Inp Owners Ma structions/Video Guiding Awnual/Video l Bent Nose P Assembly T liers Flying Clamools p Starting P ins

Sports

Height

Mounting

Tensioning

Brand

Model
Alpine 2500 Alpine 6000 Alpine 6500 Hercules 630 Hercules 650 e-Bravo 550 e-Bravo 760 Neos 1000 3000

Price Warranty (MSRP) (years)
$499 $469 $569 $529 $629 $509 $599 $1,199 $2,995 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3

Mutual Power
www.mutualpower.com 832-327-0256

x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x

Prince
www.princetennis.com 800-283-6647

x x x x x x x x

Silent Partner
www.sptennis.com 800-662-1809

Swing e.Stringer e.Stringer 6 point e.Stringer CL Jazz e.Stringer FL Maestro e.Stringer DG e.Stringer Aria

$199 $249 $299 $469 $599 $699 $799 $999 $1,599

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 2

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x

x x x x x x x x x x

Tecnifibre
www.tecnifibre.com 877-332-0825

Pro Cord $3,500 TF-5500 $4,500 TF-6000 $4,500 TF-7000 $5,500 TF-7000 w/ Cabinet $6,500 TF-8000 $7,500 2086 Pro. ETH $495

Wise USA
www.tennishead.com 888-836-7466

x x x

Yonex
www.yonex.com 800-449-6639

ES5 Pro

$6499

1

x x x x

Wise 2086

machine and can be turned in any direction, especially helpful when stringing fan patterns. They also allow you to switch from main strings to cross strings without having to remove and replace glide bars. There are two kinds: dual swivel, dual action fixed clamps that require you to lock two Professional ETH levers to clamp a string; and

dual swivel, single-action fixed clamps that require you to lock one lever. 360º glide bar clamps are clamps that rotate 360 degrees, but they are mount- ATS ed on glide bars. Single swiv- Traveler el fixed refers to machines with only one clamp attached to the machine. Machines with this type of clamp will generally require a starting clamp or flying clamp for part of each string job.

38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

Stand Includ Stand Availaed b Table Top Stale Table Top O ndard p Height Adjusttional able 2-Point Mou n 4-Point Mou ting nting 5-Point Mount 6-Point Mou ing Turntable Lonting 360º Rotatiock n 3-D Turntable Turntable Rotation Drop Weight Full Clutch-D Rachet Sys rop Hand Cranktem-Drop 2-Sided Cran k Electric Multiple Spe Constant Pu ed Pull ll Lockout Prestretch Linear Pull
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Tennis Racquetball Squash Badminton

Tensioning

Clamping

Extra Features

Weight

Tools Included

Self-Elevatin Automated g Linear Pull Diablo/NoseTension Release Rotational T cone e Foot Pedal T nsioner Pounds & K ension Activator ilo Manual Calib s Tension Self-Calibra ration Adjustable ti Diamond Co ng Knob/Dial T at Tension Head Grip Plus/Minus ension Setting Full Keypad Touch Pad Tension Set LED/LCD Te Tension Setting Knot Tensio nsion Display n Removable ing Electric Ten sioner Unit Flying Clam ps Fixed Clamp Dual Swivel s on Glide Bars Dual Swivel Double Action Fixed 360 Degree Single Action Fixed Single Swiv Clamps on Glide Bars e Diamond Du l Fixed Clamp Automated st Clamps B Magnetic Au ase Release Clamps No Tool Nee to Clamp Base Release ded to Adju st Clamps Tool Tray Cover Includ e String Measu d Built-in Rule rer r Reel Rack Racquet Sta Cabinet withnd Leveling Pa Drawers ds on Base Under 50 lb s 50-75 lbs Over 75 lbs Calibrator Starting Cla m Diagonal Cu p Needlenose tters Pliers Awl Flying Clam Assembly Inp Owners Ma structions/Video Guiding Awnual/Video l Bent Nose P Assembly T liers Flying Clamools p Starting P ins
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Fixed Clamps that Don't Swivel. These are clamps
that are attached to the machine by glide bars, but can only be turned in two directions (90 degrees and 0 degrees). These require removing and repositioning glide bars to switch from main strings to cross strings.

WEIGHT
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 traveling.

Yonex ES5 Pro

TOOLS INCLUDED
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. Q

Diamond Dust.

Holds a string with less pressure, avoiding string crushing.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

39

PLAYER EQUIPMENT LOG

ROLAND GARROS
MEN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

When Justine Hen culmination of a g used in their bid f their favorite play

Round Rank Reached
S DNP W 2 4 1 S Q 2 2 F 4 Q 4 Q 3 1 4 4 2

Roger Federer Lleyton Hewitt Rafael Nadal Andy Roddick Marat Safin Andre Agassi Nikolay Davydendo Guillermo Canas Tim Henman Joachim Johansson Mariano Puerta Gaston Gaudio Tommy Robredo Guillermo Coria David Ferrer Radek Stepanek Ivan Ljubicic David Nalbandian Carlos Moya Thomas Johansson

Player Name

Racquet Country Brand
SUI AUS ESP USA RUS USA RUS ARG GBR SWE ARG ARG ESP ARG ESP CZE CRO ARG ESP SWE Babolat Babolat Head Head Prince Wilson Slazenger Yonex Babolat Wilson Dunlop Prince Prince Volkl Babolat Yonex Babolat Dunlop Wilson

Racquet Model
AeroPro Drive Pure Drive Team+ Liquidmetal Prestige Mid Flexpoint Radical OS O3 Tour nPro Surge Pro X-1 RDX 500 AeroPro Drive nSix-One 300G O3 Tour Shark DB MP Tour 10 Mid V-Engine Pure Drive Team + RDX-500 Pure Drive Team M-Fil 200

nSix-One Tour

Racquet Headsize
100 100 93 107 100 100 95 90 100 95 98 100 100 93 100 98 100 95 90

String Brand

Babolat Babolat Luxilon Luxilon Polystar Kirschbaum Luxilon/Babolat Luxilon/Babolat Babolat Kirschbaum Luxilon Luxilon Luxilon Pacific Luxilon/Babolat Luxilon Luxilon Luxilon/Babolat

Luxilon/Wilson

WOMEN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Round Rank Reached
Q Q 3 DNP 4 4 W S DNP 1 4 3 F 4 S 3 4 3 3 1

Lindsay Davenport USA Maria Sharapova RUS Amelie Mauresmo FRA Serena Williams USA Svetlana KuznetsovaRUS Elena Dementieva RUS J. Henin-Hardenne BEL Nadia Petrova RUS Alicia Molik AUS Anastasia Myskina RUS Patty Schnyder SUI Vera Zvonareva RUS Mary Pierce FRA Elena Bovina RUS Elena Likhovtseva RUS Venus Williams USA Kim Clijsters BEL Nathalie Dechy FRA Tatiana Golovin FRA Jelena Jankovic SCG

Player Name

Racquet Country Brand
Wilson Prince Dunlop

Head Head Fischer Yonex Head Wilson Wilson Babolat Head Volkl Yonex

Head Yonex Wilson Babolat

Flexpoint Instinct Liquidmetal Prestige MP Pro No One FT Ultimum RD Ti-80 Flexpoint Radical MP nSix-One n4 Pure Drive Team Liquidmetal Prestige MP Catapult V1 Mid Plus NSRQ-5

Flexpoint Instinct RDX-500 MP nTour Pure Storm MP Team

nTour Turbo Shark MP 300G

Racquet Model

Racquet Headsize
95 100 98

100 98 98 98 100 95 111 100 98 102 105

100 98 95 103

Luxilon Luxilon Wilson Luxilon

Wilson Babolat Babolat

String Brand

Luxilon Kirschbaum Kirschbaum Luxilon Luxilon Wilson Wilson Babolat Babolat Tecnifibre Kirschbaum

40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

nin-Hardenne and Rafael Nadal came off the French Open red clay as victors, it was the grueling two weeks in Paris. Here’s a look at the equipment that the top 20 men and women for Grand Slam glory. Post these pages in your shop, so your customers can check out yers, too.

Duralast VS Team Alu Power Rough Big Banger Alu Power Energy Super Smash Honey BB TIMO / VS Team BB Alu Power/VS Team Pro Hurricane Super Smash Big Banger Original Big Banger Original Big Banger Original Tough Gut BB TIMO / VS Team Big Banger Original Big Banger Original Alu Power/VS Touch

BB Alu Power Rough/ Wilson Natural

String Model

String Gauge
16 16 16L 16L 16 1.2 18 17 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 16 16 17/16 16L

String Tension
53 73 66 55/53 53 51.6 59.5 59.5 51 52 61.5/57 57 64 60 59.5 55/50.5

Footwear Brand
Nike Reebok Adidas Nike Diadora Adidas Yonex Babolat Diadora Sergio Tacchini Adidas Diadora Diadora Yonex Nike Adidas Nike

Footwear Model

Air Max Breathe Free II Nike Lacoste ClimaCool Feather Adidas MAX Breathe FREE Nike Diadora KDY Barricade III SHT-304 Team Clay Babolat Protech DA2 Diadora Sergio Tacchini ClimaCool Feather Adidas Speedzone DA2 Diadora Speedzone DA2 Diadora SHT-304 Yonex MAX Breathe FREE Nike Barricade III Adidas

VAPOR S2

Clothing Brand
Nike

Wilson Natural VS Team VS Touch

String Model

String Gauge
15L 17 16

String Tension
63/64 64 57.2

Footwear Brand
Nike Nike Reebok Fila Yonex Adidas Adidas

Footwear Model

Big Banger Alu Touch Big Banger Alu Power Wilson Natural Monotec Supersense Big Banger TIMO Touch Turbo Super Smash Big Banger TIMO Big Banger TIMO NXT Wilson Natural VS Touch VS Touch X-tra Dynamic Super Smash

16L 16L 16 16L

18 17 16L 18 17 16 16 16 16 16 -

56/52 55/53 55/53 64/61.5 50.5/48.5 65 66 66 61.5/55

53/50.5 51/48.5 57.5 61.5

Air Zoom Thrive VAPOR S2 X-Point SHT-304 Barricade III W Barricade III W

Clothing Brand
Nike Nike Reebok Fila Yonex Adidas Adidas

Nike Adidas Adidas Nike Wilson Reebok Fila ASICS Adidas -

ClimaCool Feather W ClimaCool Feather W Air Commit Crossfire SL VESW DMX X-Point Gel Enqvist ClimaCool Feather W -

Nike Adidas Adidas LeJay Wilson Reebok Fila Lacoste Lacoste -

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

41

string Head FXP 16
FXP is a new multifilament designed to build on Head’s well-established FiberGEL technology. (See the playtest report for Head FiberGel in the September 2002 issue of Racquet Tech magazine, and the playtest report for Head FiberGel Power in the January 2004 issue.) FXP starts off with a polyamide 6 core with an integrated “tri-cluster” of gel fibers for power. Around this core is a wrap of polyamide 6 monofilaments, each of which incorporates three polyester filaments for control. Finally, the string is coated with DuPont 66 for durability.
The result according to Head is an easy-to-install string that has a crisp feel and maximum ball pocketing, for power players who need superior control. FXP is available in 16 and 17 gauges in natural only. It is priced from $11 for coils of 40 feet. For more information or to order, contact Head at 800-289-7366, or visit www.head.com. package. The average number of hours playtested was 24.8. Our playtest team agrees that FXP is easy to string. It has a nice feel, and although fairly soft, blocked holes are no problem. It has virtually no coil memory, and even seems to unkink itself during stringing. More than half of our playtesters reported that FXP is easier to install than other strings, with none reporting it was more difficult to install, making it one of the very easiest to install of strings we have playtested in the last several years. This is not too surprising, given that FXP uses FiberGel technology, and Head’s FiberGel Power also garnered high marks for ease of installation. As you might expect from a string rated this easy to install, none of our playtesters broke his sample during stringing, or reported any problems with coil memory, tying knots, or friction burn.

PLAYTEST

customers FXP. This could well be the one string that “does it all” for the majority of your clients. Head is so confident about FXP, that a free set of FXP 17 is being sent to each USRSA member in the United States in this issue of RSI. —Greg Raven Q EASE OF STRINGING
(compared to other strings) Number of testers who said it was: much easier 7 somewhat easier 11 about as easy 16 not quite as easy 0 not nearly as easy 0

ON THE COURT
Our playtest team found Head FXP to exhibit above average performance almost across the board. The team particularly liked the Playability, Power, Touch/Feel, and Tension Holding of FXP, with strong scores for Durability, Control, Comfort, and Resistance to Movement. What’s really telling are the overwhelmingly positive comments we received from our playtest team. Many of the comments echoed Head’s marketing materials, indicating that FXP has hit its design goals dead on.

OVERALL PLAYABILITY
(compared to string played most often) Number of testers who said it was: much better 1 somewhat better 9 about as playable 8 not quite as playable 14 not nearly as playable 1

IN THE LAB
We tested the 16-gauge FXP. The coil measured 40 feet 10 inches. The diameter measured 1.36 mm prior to stringing, and 1.30 mm after stringing. We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 81 RDC units immediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant pull machine. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 73 RDC units, representing a 10 percent tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immediately after stringing and 71 RDC units after 24 hours, representing a 9 percent tension loss. FXP added 15 grams to the weight of our unstrung frame. The string was tested for five weeks by 34 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings from 3.5 to 6.0. These are blind tests, with each playtester receiving an unmarked set of strings in an unmarked

OVERALL DURABILITY
(compared to other strings of similar gauge) Number of testers who said it was: much better 1 somewhat better 11 about as durable 18 not quite as durable 3 not nearly as durable 0

CONCLUSION
Head FXP is a solid performer in all the important categories, and according to our playtesters, if its description makes it sound like something in which you would be interested, you’re likely to be very happy once you try it. Judging by the response we received from our playtesters, Head FXP could be a great “go-to” product for stringers with customers who don’t have a strong preference for one string over another, but still want a quality product. And, as easy as it is to install, you’ll love selling your

RATING AVERAGES
From 1 to 5 (best) Playability Durability Power Control Comfort Touch/Feel Spin Potential Holding Tension Resistance to Movement 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.5 3.4 3.3 3.1 3.6 3.4

42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

TESTERS



This string played great, and remained crisp during the entire three weeks I used it. It holds tension better than any other string I used. This is a real winner, and when I find out what it is, I intend to use it in each of my racquets. 4.5 male serve-and-volleyer using Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 strung at 60 pounds CP (Wilson NXT 16)



Two firsts for this string: One, it’s the first string I haven’t cut out after the required 15-hour test period. Second, it’s the first string I’ve rated above average in every category. Really nice product. Played crisp, comfortable, and fresh for over 20 hours. Strings didn’t move for the first 10 hours. Nice pocketing feel, and the control was excellent. Unless this string is priced outrageously, I’ve found my new favorite. 4.0 male all-court player using Wilson Pro Staff Surge 5.1 strung at 60/58 pounds CP (Babolat Tonic 16)





I recently purchased two racquets. One came strung with an average synthetic. I put the test sample in the second racquet, and the improvement over the other string was profound. This string is very “gut-like,” imparting excellent feel and control. It maintained this quality over the entire test period, but it did begin to notch noticeably after about 10 hours of play, which indicated that it might break earlier than typical “durability” strings. Nonetheless, I give it good durability scores because it did maintain its resiliency over the entire test period. I would probably not switch from my reference string, but I would have no problem recommending this string to better players who would really appreciate its overall playability. 4.5 male all-court player using Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 5G strung at 62 pounds LO (Gamma Live Wire XP 16)



TALK



An excellent soft synthetic string. Very comfortable on the arm. The ball seems to hold on the strings a tad longer due to their comfort. 4.5 male all-court player using Völkl Catapult 3 Gen 2 strung at 55/53 pounds CP (BDE Performance 17)



“This is probably the best test string I have ever used. I would definitely buy
this string when available. It held tension better than any other good-playing string I have ever tested. It also did not move much during my 24 hours of test play. I highly recommend this string for players wanting a great-playing string.”
4.5 male all-court player using Head i.x6 strung at 60 pounds CP (Gamma Live



Easy to install. Nice soft string, which gives a good amount of comfort and power. I would play with this string again. 5.0 male all-court player using Prince Shark MP strung at 54 pounds CP (Prince Lightning Power 17)







This string provides very good control while yielding above-average power. It holds tension well. I would like to know more about this string, and will definitely use it. 4.0 male all-court player using Head Classic MP strung at 61 pounds LO (Head Intellitour 17)

This string plays very well. I used it in my USTA league matches and was very satisfied. 3.5 male serve-and-volleyer using Wilson Pro Staff 6.5 strung at 63 pounds CP (Wilson Stamina 16)







“ “ “

Nice soft string. 6.0 male all-court player using Wilson nSix-One 95 strung at 53 pounds LO (Poly/gut 16) Good power, especially on serve. Nice solid feel. The string has a good combination of control and power. 4.0 male all-court player using Wilson Pro Staff Surge X 5.1 strung at 58/56 pounds CP (Gamma TNT 18)



This string has a solid feel from the first hit: it’s comfortable immediately. It Wire Professional 17) displays above-average power and durability, and holds its tension well. It didn’t quite have the playability of a 17 gauge, but the ball rebounds with vigor. 4.5 male all-court player using Head i.prestige strung at 57 pounds LO (Gamma TNT 17)









Easy to string. I thought this was a great synthetic. If the price is less than $10, I would highly recommend it. Will perform well by itself or in a hybrid set. Loved it. Best synthetic I’ve tried in awhile. 4.0 male all-court player using Wilson Hyper Pro Staff 6.0 strung at 61 pounds LO (Wilson Natural 17)



This test sample was relatively straightforward to string. It is a good choice for players who like to use lots of spin and for those who use control and feel. Volleying with this string is a joy, with both excellent control and power readily achievable. Because of the rigidity of the string, it provides less comfort than my usual string, but I became a fan and would certainly consider using it as my regular string. 4.5 male serve-and-volleyer using Wilson Hyper Hammer 2.3 strung at 63 pounds LO (Wilson Sensation 16)



For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit RacquetTECH.com.

(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in parentheses.)

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

43

ask
Q A

the EXPERTS

Your Equipment Hotline
RACQUET MATCHING
I CAN SORT OF UNDERSTAND matching two racquets, if one is lighter and has a lower swingweight, but I’m having trouble getting started on matching three racquets where the measurements seem to be all over the place. Any tips? have the same flex. Even then, you may not be able to match the weight, balance, and swingweight, but at least the possibility exists. When it’s not possible to match the weight, balance, and swingweight of two racquets, Racquet Customizer will tell you which characteristics can be matched. The third tip is that adding mass under the grip at 10 cm up from the butt cap does not change the swingweight, even though it changes the weight and balance. The fourth tip is to use the Racquet Customizer solution that works best in your situation. Racquet Customizer will calculate a lot of different ways that two frames can be matched, but some of them will call for adding a lot of lead tape in inconvenient positions on the frame. As a rule of thumb, you want to keep sections of lead tape to 4 inches or shorter, so that the actual result will better correspond with the calculated goal. Because there are so many solutions, you can pick and choose based on what you want. The fifth tip is to re-measure after every modification, to ensure that your modifications are correct. Here is an example of three frames. The first is standard length, while the other two are 1/16-inch shorter. The first is the heaviest, while the other two weigh the same. The first and second have the same balance point, while the first and third have the same swingweight.
Frame 1 2 3 Length 68.58 68.42125 68.42125 cm Starting mass 336.00 332.00 332.00 grams Starting balance 30.20 30.20 30.40 cm Starting swingweight 313.00 310.00 313.00 kg•cm2
(Notice that we converted fractional inches to decimal centimeters for the Length measurement.)

THE FIRST TIP IS TO USE OUR on-line tools so you don’t have to wade through mountains of calculations by hand. For example, you could use the Racquet Optimizer for fast and easy modeling of simple racquet modifications, but typically you would use the Racquet Customizer. (Each of these is available to USRSA members under the “Tools” heading at www.racquettech.com.) The second tip is to realize that it is not always possible to match two (or more) racquets. For example, there is no way to modify the flex of a racquet, so if you hope to end up with matched racquets, you must start with similar racquets that

These measurements allow us to calculate how differently the racquets will respond in play:
Center of Percussion (COP) 56.12 56.22 56.21 cm Recoilweight 176 175 175 kg•cm2 Hittingweight @ COP 147 145 147 kg•cm2

44 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

Now we can start matching. Applying tip three, we add four grams of lead tape 10 centimeters up from the butt cap of frame 3. Measuring frame 3 after this modification reveals that adding this weight also moves the balance point to almost exactly where we want it. This gives us two racquets with the same weight, balance, and swingweight, and one racquet to which we can add weight to increase the swingweight. Use Racquet Customizer to calculate the amounts and positions where you will need to add mass to make the second frame (in our example) match the first frame. Racquet Customizer comes up with 98 solutions. Among these 98 solutions, you should find one that fits your needs. For example, the first 21 solutions require adding lead tape to the very tip of the racquet. If you don’t want to do this, you can eliminate all of these from consideration. The next 21 solutions require adding lead tape to the highly-curved section of the hoop, where precise placement is difficult. You might also want to discard any solutions that require tiny pieces of lead tape, or so much lead tape that there will be a huge lump at that location. In this case, we’ll go for solution 5, which does specify a short piece of lead tape at the tip of the racquet, but we can put it underneath the bumperguard to hide it from view. In the hoop, there will be four short sections of lead tape just over an inch long, and the remainder goes under the grip, just above where the player’s hand normally holds the racquet. Here are the masses and locations for adding weight to frame 2, so that it will match frame 1.
Added mass Location Added mass Location Added mass Location 0.13 68.42 1.09 58.26 2.78 12.54 grams cm grams cm grams cm

Calculating the center of percussion, recoilweight, and hittingweight (which can be calculated under the “tools” heading at RacquetTECH.com) shows that these racquets are indeed very well matched. Some racquets will be easier to match, and some more difficult, but using our on-line tools eliminates a lot of the drudgery, leaving you more time to consider how best to affect the modifications.

FEAR OF FLYING

Q A

I HAVE OFTEN WONDERED ABOUT the effects of flying on a strung racquet. Does it matter to the strings if the racquet is carried on or if the racquet is packed in a suitcase and put in the cargo hold? People have asked me this and I’ve read and heard conflicting answers. PEOPLE WHO FLY WITH STRUNG racquets at some time or another notice that the stringbed is different on arrival than it was on departure. There are two potential factors to consider when

transporting a racquet in a jet aircraft: air pressure and temperature. As far as we know, air pressure has no effect on either racquets or strings, which leaves just temperature. If you take your racquet with you in the passenger compartment, the temperature differential is minimal. However, if you check your racquet as baggage, the temperature extremes can and will affect the stringbed. Therefore, you should either carry on your racquets, or plan on having them restrung once you reach your destination. Of course, temperature extremes are not found only in airplane cargo holds. The temperature in the trunk of your car can also kill your strings, as we showed in “The Effect of Temperature on String Tension,” published in March 1985. This article is available to USRSA members online at http://www.racquettech.com/ members/strings/198503temperature.html. —Greg Raven Q

We welcome your questions. Please send them to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA, 92084; fax: 760-536-1171; email: [email protected].

Here are the final measurements for our three matched frames:
Final mass 336.00 Final balance 30.20 Final swingweight 313 Final COP 56.1 Final recoil weight 176 Final hitting weight 147 336.00 336.00 30.16 30.16 313 56.2 176 147 313 56.2 176 147 grams cm kg•cm2 cm kg•cm2 kg•cm2

The weight and swingweight are identical, and the balance is only .04 cm off.
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

45

Readers’ Know-How in Action
END STRIP SEARCHES
Whenever a customer of mine buys a new racquet from me or anywhere else, I encourage them to buy extra grommet kits right away. I try to carry some kits, and there are others I can order, but in time the availability inevitably becomes a problem. I have people bring in racquets that are only 3 to 5 years old, and already I cannot find replacement grommet kits. 5 Sets of Gosen OG Sheep Micro Super JC 16 and a Gosen T-shirt to: Jon Miller, Battle Creek, MI Editor’s note: Finding grommet kits for older racquets continues to be a problem, but one that has been greatly mitigated since the introduction of USRSA’s Grommets Network: An e-mail newsletter that puts you in contact with thousands of other USRSA members with your grommet kit needs. It might be a good idea to encourage your customers to turn over their grommet kits to you if they change racquets before needing a grommet strip replacement, so you can make those grommets available to others on the Grommets Network. If you are a USRSA member and you’re not a member of the Grommets Network, send an e-mail request to [email protected], and you’ll be added to the list.

tips

and TECHNIQUES

BECOME A STRINGING DOCTOR
Sometimes when weaving the cross, I find the strings either slip or they are too hard to pull through the mains. The answer is very simple: I purchased some surgical gloves that fit my hand perfectly. They allow me to grip the strings even if they have a lubricated coating, and at the same time they offer some protection to my hands. I still have great feel for the string, and perhaps best of all, I look like a "stringing doctor" when I’m finishing up a racquet. 5 sets of Head FiberGEL Power 16 to: Lazar Lowinger, Newton, MA

QUICKER CROSSES
The currently-available 40- to 44-foot string sets are much longer than they used to be, and they usually have much more string than is needed to complete the normal racquet. After I weave the first few cross strings, I count the remaining cross string grommets, measure and pull that number of lengths across the middle of the frame, then measure two more racquet widths for insurance, and cut off the excess. This speeds up the job as there is less string to pull, and it reduces wear and tear on the crosses. 5 sets of Silent Partner Headspin 15L to: Bob Tuttle, MRT, Freeport, NY

HAND ME THAT STAT, STAT!
I recently purchased a set of military surplus medical hemostats from a discount store and found that they are very useful tools for stringing racquets. The large ones are "beefy" enough to pull strings that have a lot of friction on them and

46 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

August 2005

the small ones are perfect for getting into those hard-to-reach places between frame and clamps. 5 sets of Prince Premier with Softflex 16 to: Harold Smallacombe, Montrose, PA

MARKETING

GENERATING NEW BUSINESS
Helping maintain public tennis courts in your community is one way to increase your customer base, gain exposure, and generate new business. Clean, well-maintained courts are an enticement to play tennis. I stop by my local courts regularly, pick up any trash, report any major problems to the recreation department, adjust net heights, and repair nets as they fall into disrepair. In my community, the threads that hold the headband to the net disintegrate

over time, leaving a gap between the two long before the nets are replaced. I bring an awl, snips, and used tennis string to reconnect the net to the headband. I punch two holes in the headband about a halfinch apart horizontally, lift up the net and insert the tennis string through the two holes catching a vertical net string, knot the string on the other side, and snip off the excess tails. It only takes a few minutes to make several such ties and close the gap. Many people see me maintaining the courts and come over and thank me for my efforts. I get to know them, they get to know me, and many of them give me a call when their racquets are in need of repair. 5 sets of Gamma Zo Power 16L & Zo Hat & Zo T-Shirt to: Michael Shaughnessy, Wakefield, RI Editor’s note: If you’re really ambitious, you can set aside one day a year for a thorough clean-up. Use leaf-blowers and brooms to clean the windscreens and court surface, trim up any encroaching vegetation, and then hose down the windscreens and courts. Heavy-duty tie-wraps are good to have on hand, too, as they can be used to

reattach windscreens, and to hold the net to the net cord after the headband splits on top. You can even lubricate the hinges on the gates, and make minor adjustments to hinges and latches with a pair of wrenches. If you put out fliers to advertise your clean-up efforts beforehand and ask for volunteers, you should be able to get a lot of help, and there will be less risk of angering those who show up to play, only to find the courts out of service. It’s also good to let your local parks and recreation department know what you’re doing, not only so they see there is an active tennis community, but also because you can oftentimes get them to provide extra trash receptacles, so you don’t have to haul away bags and bags of trash and leaves after all your other hard work. —Greg Raven Q
Tips and Techniques submitted since 2000 by USRSA members, and appearing in this column, have all been gathered into a single volume of the Stringer’s Digest— Racquet Service Techniques which is a benefit of USRSA membership. Submit tips to: Greg Raven, USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92804; or email [email protected].

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

47

Your Serve
Open the Door to College Players
A longtime college tennis advocate says it’s time the USTA and US Open stop shutting out top amateurs. BY MARCIA FROST

A

s I finish my coverage of the 2005 NCAA Championships for www.CollegeAndJuniorTennis.com, I can’t help but wonder if I will see any of these talented players at the US Open. Until three years ago, the winners of the NCAA Division I Championships received wildcards into the main draw. It was also likely that the finalists and a handful of other top college players would receive wildcards into at least the US Open Qualifying event. But all that changed with one memo four years ago, which seems to have closed the door to great opportunity for talented college players. Just before the 2001 NCAA Championships, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association received the following: “The USTA and the US Open have made several changes in our wildcard policies this year. …The US Open Wildcard Committee will seriously consider offering wildcards to singles and doubles winners of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Championship. That offer, however, will no longer be automatic.” Though many college tennis advocates, including myself, were disappointed in this loss, we were still satisfied that in 2001 there was an abundance of amateur players given entrance into the Open. Unfortunately, the number of those players decreased each year, and by last year, college tennis had nearly no representation at America’s Grand Slam. Two-time NCAA champ Amber Liu was the only college player given a wildcard in 2004. Even the qualifying event did not have a single college tennis player. So where did the American wildcards go? They were all given to the new crop of teen professionals and another handful of teens who were on the brink of turning pro. These kids, a few as young as 14, were talented indeed, but not able to play with the world’s greatest. Almost all fell in the first round. And while 17-year-old

Brendan Evans (who had already been a pro for two years) won two rounds, a dozen others didn’t advance at all. One of the college players noticeably absent last year was the University of Kentucky’s Jesse Witten, a top-five collegian who made the finals of the NCAAs, played the USTA Pro Circuit during his breaks from school, and had actually won two events. He was thought to be a shooin for at least a wildcard into qualifying. But Witten had something against

Many of the most talented players are training on college campuses.
him: He was set on going back to school in the fall and he did not want to turn pro yet. (He has since finished his degree and joined the circuit.) “We really thought that he would get stronger consideration than he got,” said a disappointed Dennis Emery, Witten’s coach at Kentucky. The college community has been vocal in its disappointment over last year’s lack of wildcards, but there has thus far been no word from the USTA that things will change this summer. The remaining set wildcards for the US Open main draw are for the USTA National Hardcourt Boys’ and Girls’ 18s winners. Last year, for the first time, the USTA passed a call item allowing professionals under age 18 to play the 18s National Hardcourts, and play they did. The winners—Scoville Jenkins and Jessica Kirkland, both professionals— were put into spots previously reserved for our nation’s most talented amateurs. While I do not wish to discourage the upcoming group of talented Americans in our professional ranks, we need to recognize and reward players in our collegiate

system. In prior years, draws were filled with many of these players. In 2003, most of these players came from the spectacular University of Illinois team that captured the singles, doubles, and team event at the NCAAs that year. Three players from that team were given the opportunity to showcase their talent without having to give away their amateur status. Craig Tiley, former head coach of that winning team and former vice chair of the High Performance Committee for the USTA/ITA, says, “I agree with the USTA that the wildcards should be evaluated on a year-to-year basis. I would like to see a wildcard set aside for a U.S. college player who has had success in the previous year, not only in college, but also in Futures and Challengers. Wildcards must be given to players who are serious about pursuing a career in tennis and have the skills to be able to take advantage of the wildcard.” It’s our Grand Slam event. US Open wildcards need to be given out based on talent. The fact is that many of the most talented players in this country are training on college campuses. Let’s not punish them for retaining their amateur status and getting an education. It’s time to reOpen the door. Q

Marcia Frost is the editor of www.CollegeAndJunior-Tennis.com, published by the nonprofit Port Washington Tennis Academy. In her role as a college tennis advocate, she is the editor/manager of www.CollegeTennisConnect.com, owned by PWTA and Sports Marketplace, where she writes the Monthly Guide To College Planning. She is also a member of the USTA Eastern Section College Tennis Committee. Photo by Cynthia Lum

We welcome your opinions. Please email comments to [email protected] or fax them to 760-536-1171.

48 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

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