Racquet Sports Industry

January 2010
Volume 38 Number 1 $5.00

www.racquetsportsindustry.com
CHAMPIONS OF
TENNIS 2009
Our annual awards honor
those who continue to make
this sport a winner
Reynolds Plantation Ron Rocchi DeRosa
Tennis Contractors Tracy Lynch Ellen Doll
Tennis Express Dan Faber Lisa Stone &
Susan Chambers Reffkin Tennis Center
Dean Oba Darling Tennis Center Western
Wake Tennis Association Ken DeHart Robert
Greene Jr. Rich Johns USTA Midwest
Contents Our annual awards honor
R S I
INDUSTRY NEWS
J A N 2 0 1 0
the people, businesses and 7 Tennis participation

tops 30 million players
organizations that are making a
difference in the tennis industry. 7 Cardio Tennis for Kids
to debut at PTR
8 ASBA elects new
33 Person of the Year 40 Municipal Facility of the Year officers and directors
Eric Babolat Reffkin Tennis Center
36 Private Facility of the Year 40 Wheelchair Tennis 8 Pacific introduces
Reynolds Plantation Champion of the Year racquet line
36 Stringer of the Year Dean Oba
8 Oncourt Offcourt
Ron Rocchi 41 Public Park of the Year celebrates 15 years
37 Builder/Contractor of the Year Darling Tennis Center
DeRosa Tennis Contractors 41 Community Tennis 9 Viking named Platform
37 Sales Rep of the Year Association of the Year Tennis partner
Western Wake Tennis Association
Tracy Lynch
38 Pro/Specialty Retailer 42 PTR Member of the Year 10 Peoplewatch
Ken DeHart
of the Year 11 New doubles book released
Tennis Express 42 USPTA Member of the Year
38 Tennis Advocate of the Year Robert Greene Jr. 12 Short Sets
Ellen Doll 43 High School Coach of the Year 13 Industry loses
39 Junior Tennis Champion Rich Johns
Walter Montenegro
of the Year 43 USTA Section of the Year
Dan Faber USTA Midwest 13 PTR to host West
39 Grassroots Champions Coast facility conference
of the Year
Lisa Stone & Susan Chambers 14 Guide to college
tennis available
FEATURE 14 Ferris PTM program

offers TennisConnect course
24 String Selector
Use our exclusive charts to find the perfect
strings for your customers.
DEPARTMENTS
4 Our Serve 22 New Racquets: Wilson BLX
14 Letters 44 String Playtest: Luxilon M2 Plus
15 Court Products 46 Tips and Techniques
17 TIA Quarterly 48 Your Serve, by Holly Chomyn
2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Our Serve
T
There’s Still Much More Work to Do
(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)
Publishers
David Bone Jeff Williams
he news that overall U.S. tennis participation—for the Editorial Director

first time in more than 20 years—surpassed 30 mil- Peter Francesconi
lion players in 2009 was rightfully hailed as a major Associate Editor

Greg Raven
achievement for the sport. Amid all the celebrating and
Design/Art Director
slaps on the back, however, I think we all need to be Kristine Thom
reminded that this sport is far from in excellent shape. In Contributing Editors
fact, you—as retailers, teaching pros, and facility man- Robin Bateman
Cynthia Cantrell
agers—know this better than anyone.
Kristen Daley
Not only have equipment sales been flagging, but perhaps Joe Dinoffer
more troubling—and probably something you have not yet heard Liza Horan
James Martin
about, is that the same survey that tells us participation is at 30.1
Greg Moran
million also says the number of frequent players has declined, as Chris Nicholson
have total play occasions. Companies aren’t advertising their ten- Bob Patterson
Cynthia Sherman
nis products and are cutting staff, retailers are going out of busi- Mary Helen Sprecher
ness, facilities and some schools are cutting back on programs,
sponsors are pulling out of pro tournaments. RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
Corporate Offices
Now, I’m not trying to throw a wet blanket on this good news— 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084
30 million, a 12 percent increase from 2008, really is terrific. I Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com
remember when former USTA President Alan Schwartz set that
Website: www.racquetTECH.com
goal. In 2004, tennis had 24 million players, and many people Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
thought Alan’s goal, with the catchy phrase “30 by 2010,” could
Advertising Director
never be reached.
John Hanna
But thanks to the groundwork that he laid, both during and 770-650-1102, x.125
after his presidency, along with his “let’s all work together for the hanna@knowatlanta.com
good of the sport” attitude—which continues today—we all Apparel Advertising

helped make this happen. Clearly Alan, who was inducted into the Cynthia Sherman
Tennis Industry Hall of Fame this past September, deserves a 203-263-5243
cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
huge thank-you from all of us in this industry. “You have my
Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per
promise,” Alan said in his TI Hall of Fame acceptance speech, year: monthly January through August and com-
“that I will continue with undiminished passion to give back to bined issues in September/October and Novem-
ber/December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, 330
this game I love so much.”
Main St., Vista, CA 92084. Application to Mail at
Now, the trick is to translate this excellent overall participation Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Vista, CA and
news to all the other segments of this business. How do we do additional mailing offices. January 2010, Volume 38,
Number 1 © 2010 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All
that? I’m not sure any one person has the answer. But I do know
rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and
one person who may well have some great ideas that can go a logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A.
long way to finding solutions. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circu-
lation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscrip-
tions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry,
Peter Francesconi 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
Editorial Director
RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA

R S I J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0
INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS
PTR Symposium Set, Tennis Participation Tops 30 Million Players

Cardio Tennis for Kids to ennis participation in the U.S. topped 30 million players for the first time in more than
Debut
The PTR will
hold its annu-
T 20 years, according to the latest survey by the USTA and TIA. The annual phone survey
of 6,000 Americans showed that participation grew in all age groups under the age of
50 and within all ethnicities. With 30.1 million people hitting the courts, tennis participation
grew 12 percent over 2008 and 25 percent since 2003.
al Interna-
tional Tennis Symposium & $25,000 New players comprised 7.1 million of the total, and the majority of tennis players—14.8
Championships Feb. 12 to 18 at PTR million—consider themselves “regular players,” playing four to 20 times a year. Total play
Headquarters on Hilton Head Island, occasions surpassed 560 million for only the second
S.C. The event is expected to attract time in more than 20 years, but were down slightly from
nearly 1,000 tennis teachers and last year. The greatest percentage growth in participa-
coaches from more than 50 countries. tion was in players in the 12 to 17 age bracket, which
Among the more than 50 speakers at grew from 15.7 percent of total participants in 2008 to
this year’s event will be Leo Alonso, 20.5 percent in 2009.
Doug Cash, Lisa Duncan, Pat “Over the past several years, we’ve strived to make
Etcheberry, Dr. Ben Kibler, Dr. Jim the game more accessible, particularly at parks and
Loehr, Anne Pankhurst and Bill Tym, schools,” says Kurt Kamperman, the USTA’s chief execu-
who will conduct classroom and on- tive of Community Tennis. “Combine this with the
court presentations. There is also a health benefits of tennis, and you get surging interest in the sport.”
special high school coaches’ program “The TIA and the USTA have been focused on growing participation since the mid-90s and
held over President’s Weekend. this is the result of a consistent and sustained effort,” says TIA President Jon Muir. “Our ongo-
At the Symposium, the official debut ing challenge is to continue to build our frequent player base, the economic lifeline for the
of Cardio Tennis for Kids (CT4Kids) sport.” In fact, the same survey shows a slight drop in frequent players, from 5.62 million in
will take place Feb. 18. The three-hour 2008 to 5.3 million in 2009.
CT4Kids workshop will be conducted The survey showed that participation in 2009 is up in every major ethnic group, but espe-
by National Cardio Tennis Program cially among African Americans (+19%) and Hispanics (+32%).
Manager Michele Krause and mem- Age groups comprising the greatest percentage of players are:
bers of the National Cardio Tennis Q 12-17 years at 20.5% of the total (more than 6 million players)
Q 18-24 years at18.4% of the total (more than 5.5 million players)
Speakers Team. The workshop will
Q 6-11 years at 16.25% of the total (4.9 million players)
consist of both classroom and on-
court sessions.
Cardio Tennis for Kids is a group play
activity featuring action-based tennis
drills and games for children ages 6 to
‘Best Tennis Town’ Wins $100,000 for Community
ore than 1,300 people turned out on Nov. 13 to celebrate Midland, Mich., being
12 of all ability levels. CT4Kids
emphasizes movement and fun using
music and pedometers. Using age
appropriate equipment, the CT4kids
M named America’s Best Tennis Town. The $100,000 first prize that went along with the
title, which was announced during the 2009 US Open, will be used to upgrade tennis
facilities in the community, provide equipment to kids,
environment develops tennis and ath- restart school tennis programs dropped for budget rea-
letic skills and improves health and sons, offer free tennis programming, and more.
fitness. The USTA named Midland “The Best Tennis Town In
The U.S.” following a nationwide ballot that saw the com-
PTR teaching pros will compete in the
munity outvote 56 other cities in the competition. Mid-
$25,000 Championships, a tourna-
ment held in conjunction with the land rated high in level of participation and passion for
Symposium. The Symposium also the sport in this community of 40,000. Second-place
offers a Tennis Trade Show. Visit winner Ojai, Calif., received $75,000 and third-place
www.ptrtennis.org. Independence, Kan., won $25,000.
www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

J A N 2 0 1 0
ASBA Elects New Officers and Directors Pro Coaches Launch

INDUSTRYNEWS
Theciation,
American Sports Builders Asso-
the national organization
Tour-Level Association
for builders and suppliers of
materials for athletic facili- A group of ATP World Tour and WTA Tour coaches are
launching a new organization to help support tour coach-
es and trainers by offering them a full range of benefits and
ties, has announced the elec-
tion of its officers and directors services, including access to various forms of insurance,
for 2010-2011. financial services, job training, and mentoring.
Q Sam Fisher of Fisher Tracks Inc. of Boone, Iowa, is the new The organization is known as the Tour Level Tennis
chairman of the ASBA. Coaches Association, and it will be for ATP and WTA Tour
Q John Graham of DecoTurf in Andover, Mass., has been re- coaches and trainers. The TLTCA will work in concert with
elected to the position of secretary-treasurer. the ATP, WTA and ITF to promote the game across the globe.
Q Mark Brogan of Pro-Sport Construction Inc. of Devon, Pa., Roger Rasheed (coach of ATP player Gael Monfils) and
has been re-elected to the position of Tennis Division presi- Vlado Platenik (coach of the WTA player Dominika Cibulko-
dent. va) are spearheading the process of forming the TLTCA’s ini-
Q Dan Wright of Sports Turf Co. of Whitesburg, Ga., was elect- tial Advisory Board of Directors. With the assistance of
ed Fields Division president. tennis industry professionals, they have developed a set of
Q Randy Futty of Lee Tennis Court Products in Charlottesville, bylaws and are engaged in enlisting other coaches to join.
Va., has been re-elected as Supplier Division president. Plans call for a member vote in early January in Australia for
Q Rob Delmonico of RAD Sports in Rockland, Mass., will serve the first official board of directors.
as a Builder Director.
Q Ben Rennolds of Tennis Courts Inc. of Aylett, Va., will also Congratulations To the Following
serve as a Builder Director. For Achieving CS & MRT Status
Q Rob Righter of Nova Sports, USA in Milford, Mass., was re-
elected to the office of Supplier Director.
Officers remaining on the Board of Directors will be Track
Division President Kristoff Eldridge (Cape & Island Tennis &
Charles Borchers Port Charlotte, FL Ron Castillo La Plata, MD
Track in Pocasset, Mass.); Professional Division President Ed Diane Hamm-Vida Shallotte, NC
Norton (Holcombe Norton Partners of Birmingham, Ala.); and Eric Ohlson White Salmon, WA Irvin Hernandez Houston, TX
Lee Young Hoon Hwaseong, SOUTH KOREA
Indoor Division President Robert Cohen (Robert Cohen Co. LLC Dan Raykovitz Longmont, CO Mathew Mathew Oakbrook Terrace, IL
of Albuquerque). Jarrad Magee Sydney, AUSTRALIA
David Wang Beaverton, OR Stacey Moon Anchorage, AK
Directors continuing on the board include Bruce Haroldson Mark Nissen Lane Cove, NSW, AUSTRALIA
(Connor Sports Flooring, Salt Lake City, Utah), David Nielsen Adam Young Lantana, FL Hao Shi Jacksonville, FL
Liem Thai Houston, TX
(Leslie Coatings Inc. of Indianapolis), Gerry Perry (Gerald Perry
Tennis Courts of Springfield, Mo.), and Pete Smith (The Court-
Smiths of Toledo, Ohio). Oncourt
George Todd Jr. (Welch Tennis Courts of Sun City, Fla.) the Offcourt
association's most recent chairman, will continue on the Board Celebrates
of Directors in the role of immediate past chairman. 15 Years
Oncourt Offcourt,
Pacific Introduces Racquet Line, started in 1994 by
USPTA and PTR
New BasaltX Technology Master Professional
Joe Dinoffer, is cele-
P acific, long known for its strings, is bringing tennis rac-
quets to market in early 2010. The brand, which recently
acquired Fischer Tennis and Racquet Sports, will launch a
brating its 15th year
of supplying creative
line of racquets with what it calls BasaltX Technology. tennis training aids,
The frames actually were introduced in late November in target systems and
London, during the ATP World Finals. Pacific collaborated court accessories.
with the Austrian company Asa.Tec, a leader in basalt fiber
The Dallas-based
company now fea-
technology. Basalt is found in volcanic stones, mined in Aus-
tures more than 100
tria.
proprietary products
The Pacific BasaltX racquet line, which is scheduled to
distributed worldwide. For a free color anniversary catalog with
start delivery in January, will include models for all levels of lower prices to celebrate during 2010, contact Oncourt Offcourt
player, from tour players to juniors. For more information toll-free at 1-88-TENNIS-11 or visit www.oncourtoffcourt.com.
visit www.pacific.com or www.basaltx.com.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Hinding Tennis Adds Viking Athletics Named

QuickStart Courts Official Partner of PPTA
M ayor Dinkins (in red bow tie)
was on hand at the grand open-
ing of the newly renovated tennis
V iking has been named the official partner
of the Professional Platform Tennis Asso-
ciation. Through the new one-year deal,
courts on East Viking will be the exclusive provider of pad-
Sidney Street in dles, accessories, footwear and apparel at all
Mount Vernon, PPTA events in 2010.
N.Y. Hinding “To have Viking step up and offer support
Tennis of West to the PPTA and its members in this fashion
Haven, Conn., further solidifies why they are considered
renovated the the industry leader,” says Nate Parsons, pres-
two existing ident of the PPTA. “Our organization, com-
courts into 8 prised of approximately 200 teaching pro
new QuickStart members, is extremely impressed with
Tennis courts Viking’s commitment of support.”
for children. Through the new partnership, all PPTA
“This brings members will receive a new Viking fleece
a whole new jacket and substantial discounts off the pur-
level of excitement for the younger chase of the popular Prince T-8 line of shoes,
tennis players,” said Skip Hartman, available in styles for men, women and
of the New York NJTL. juniors.
Hinding also rebuilt 16 courts in The 2009-2010 Viking product line fea-
New Haven’s East Shore Park, tures eight paddles, including newly
including four permanent QST designed versions of the Oz, Ignite and
courts. For more information, visit Zone. For more information, visit
www.hindingtennis.com or call www.vikingathletics.com.
203-285-3055.

J A N 2 0 1 0
P E O P L E W AT C H
INDUSTRYNEWS
• Belgian tennis players Yanina Wickmayer presentations have made enormous contri- the ATP World Tour Doubles title in Novem-
and Xavier Malisse have asked the Court of butions over the years to the USTA Tennis ber, playing with Prince EXO3 Ignite Team
Arbitration for Sport to overturn their one- Teachers Conference. 95 racquets.
year bans for missing drug tests. The play- • Roger Federer recently signed sponsor- • Wilson players Roger Federer and Serena
ers want to annul their suspensions for ship agreements with Credit Suisse bank Williams were the year-end world No. 1
failing three times to report their where- and with Lindt chocolates. players on the men’s ATP tour and
abouts for unannounced drug-testing. The It’s the first time in women’s WTA Tour. Federer plays with the
tribunal is expected to issue a ruling by Lindt’s 160 years that it [K] Six.One Tour and Williams with the [K]
mid-March. has had a celebrity Blade Team.
• Serena Williams received a record spokesperson. Both
• PBI’s Todd Kramer is the new director of
$82,500 fine for her US Open tirade and companies are based in
tennis at Caneel Bay, Rosewood Hotels' lux-
could be suspended from that tournament Switzerland.
ury resort on St. John in the U.S. Virgin
if she has another "major offense" at any • Gamma Sports has honored Paul Shlien Islands. The 11-court tennis center has
Grand Slam in the next two years. The pre- with its Regional Sales Rep of the Year been under the direction of Peter Burwash
vious highest fine for a Grand Slam offense award. Shlien covers the New England ter- International for more than 30 years and is
was about $48,000 to Jeff Tarango in the ritory and has been representing Gamma ranked by Tennis Resorts Online as one of
1990s. for more than 10 years. 10 best tennis resorts in the world.
• Peter Burwash, president of Peter Bur- • WTA Tour pro Sabine Lisicki cracked the • US Open quarterfinalist Melanie
wash International, recently fastest women’s serve on record—130.5 Oudin won the inaugural Fed
received the “2009 Faculty mph—at the Commonwealth Tournament Cup by BNP Paribas Heart
Emeritus Award” from the of Champions in Bali on Nov. 2. Award. She received a
USTA. The award recognizes unique heart bracelet along
those men and women who • Bob and Mike Bryan ended 2009 as the
with $5,000 to donate to her
both through speaking and No. 1-ranked doubles team in the world.
chosen charity.
The 31-year-old twins from California won

INDUSTRYNEWS
USPTA Adds “My

Membership Page”
to Website
T he USPTA
has a new member
management area
of its website,
uspta.com. The new membership
page now contains insurance informa-
tion and a member profile, as well as
a new feature, member documents.
The newest member tool allows
members to print membership docu-
ments from their home or office com-
puter, including membership cards
and certificates, education report
cards, insurance verification letters
and dues invoices. Each document is
personalized, dated and includes a
security verification code for the
member’s protection. Only members
in good standing will be able to print
documents that verify membership.
Members log into uspta.com using
their last name and member number
and click on the new menu item “My
membership.” Then, they can select
member documents, liability insur-
ance and member profile.
New Doubles Book

Released
T ennis Doubles
Beyond Big
Shots is the lat-
est book by pro
and tennis direc-
tor Greg Moran,
offering strategy
and tactics that
will lead to winning doubles play.
Moran tells readers how to control
the net in doubles, how to hit an
effective serve, what to do when
your partner is serving, the impor-
tance of communications in dou-
bles, when to hit down the alley,
doubles formations and much
more. The book ($26.95) also has
an accompanying DVD, which is
sold separately. Discounts are avail-
able for retailers and tennis groups.
Visit www.mansiongrovehouse.com
for more information.

J A N 2 0 1 0
SHORT
INDUSTRYNEWS
counted prices on Etcheberry Strength

SETS Players at the two academies will use Tec-
nifibre “Club” balls. Visit www.6thsense- and Condition Certification, as well as
> Pilot Pen Corp. will drop its sponsorship
of the New Haven, Conn., men’s and
academy.com. other products and services from sports
fitness guru Pat Etcheberry. Call PTR at
women’s tournament after the 2010 >theirHead NV and the ATP have extended
partnership until end of 2012. The
843-785-7244 or visit www.ptrtennis.org
event. Pilot Pen has been the title sponsor or www.etcheberryexperience.com.
partnership began in 1994 and is the
since 1996, when it was a men's-only
event. Tournament Director Anne Worces-
longest agreement of any current partner >Pancho
The USTA will award annual $2,500
Gonzalez Scholar-Athlete Grants
of the ATP. Under the agreement,
ter said the sponsorship cost Pilot Pen
Head/Penn will continue to be the official to one male and one female high school
about $1.4 million a year, but that she’s
tennis racquet, ball and bag of the ATP and student of Hispanic heritage in honor of
confident the event will secure a sponsor
will be the official ball of the Barclays ATP the tennis pioneer and Hall-Of-Famer. The
before the 2011 tournament, which is part
World Tour Finals in London until 2012. grant will recognize students who aspire
of the US Open Series.
to reach excellence in both competitive
>anapolis
The board of directors of the Indi- >the TheInternational
ballot for the 2010 induction into
Tennis Hall of Fame
tennis and the academic arena, and is part
Tennis Championships Inc. has of the USTA’s initiative to grow the game
includes Gigi Fernandez, Natasha Zvereva,
decided to sell the tournament’s ATP sanc- of tennis among Hispanic youngsters.
Todd Woodbridge, Mark Woodforde and
tion, due to loss of sponsorship and wan-
ing TV dollars. Most likely the event, which
Anders Jarryd in the Recent Player category; >Association
The Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring
of Wilmington, Del., has been
Owen Davidson, Peter Fleming and Bob
is part of the US Open Series, will move
Lutz in the Master Player category; and named the USTA Middle States Section
out of Indianapolis. It will be the first time
Contributors Nick Bollettieri, Derek Hard- NJTL of the Year Award. It’s the second
in more than 80 years that Indy will be
wick, Brad Parks, and Eiichi Kawatei. straight year the RSTTA has won he honor.
without a pro tennis event. The hunt is on
Also, Comcast is renewing as RSTTA prin-
for a sponsor and location for the 2010
event, scheduled for July.
>officialItaliantennissportswear brand Fila was the
clothing and footwear part-
cipal sponsor for 2010.
> The USTA’s 2010 Community Tennis ner of the year-end 2009 Sony Ericsson >gramTheis launching
USTA’s Player Development pro-
the USTA Training Cen-
Championships in Doha, which was held
Development Workshop will be Jan. 22-24
from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. ter-East at the USTA Billie Jean King
at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.
in San Diego. The workshop is for com-
munity tennis leaders, tennis teachers, and
>USTAReelSticks recently was installed at the
Billie Jean King National Tennis Cen-
The USTA Training Center-East will con-
duct year-round programming for young-
many others involved in tennis. For more ter, home of the US Open. ReelSticks is a
sters in the New York area and will host
information, visit www.usta.com/ctdw. singles stick that attaches to a doubles net-
week-long and weekend camps. USTA
post. The auto-retracting reel and cable
>to win
Italy defeated the U.S. 4-0 in November
the 2009 Fed Cup. In February, the
positions the singles stick to hold the net in
National Coach Tim Mayotte will be based
at the facility with additional staff to be
regulation position for singles play. The sin-
U.S. Fed Cup Team will face France in the named.
gles stick can then easily be retracted for
2010 quarterfinals.
>of theMercedes-Benz is the new car sponsor

doubles play. Visit www.reelsticks.com for >campus
The Indianapolis Tennis Center, on the
of Indiana University-Purdue Uni-
more information.
US Open, replacing Lexus. The four- versity Indianapolis, has been named as a
year deal with the USTA designates Mer- >ProInLeague
2010, The Advanta World TeamTennis
will celebrate its 35th season,
USTA Certified Regional Training Center as
cedes-Benz the “Presenting Sponsor of the part of the USTA’s efforts to develop future
which will run from July 1 to 25.
US Open Men’s Singles Championship” American tennis champions.
and the “Official Vehicle of the US Open,”
starting with the 2010 event. Lexus was a
>in Recreational
The USTA awarded more than $400,000
Tennis Grants to 45 non- >agreement
The USTA has a three-year sponsorship
with the Intercollegiate Tennis
US Open sponsor from 2005 to 2009. profit organizations across the country.
Association to become title sponsor of the
Combined with a half million dollars in
> Tecnifibre has signed a new partnership
with 6th Sense, the tennis academy
grants that were awarded in April, the
USTA/ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor
Championships, the USTA/ITA National
USTA awarded over $900,000 in Recre-
launched by Justine Henin and Carlos Small College Championships and 88
ational Tennis Grants to qualified applicants
Rodriguez. 6th Sense has two locations, in USTA/ITA Regional Tournaments starting
in 2009.
Belgium and the U.S. Tecnifibre is the offi- next year. Additionally, the USTA will host
cial tennis partner, along with Adidas. Tec-
nifibre will equip all coaches in both
>as aThePTREtcheberry Experience has signed on
Corporate Member. The Etcheber-
the 2010-12 USTA/ITA National Intercolle-
giate Indoor Championships at the USTA
academies with racquets, strings and bags. ry Experience provides PTR members dis- Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

INDUSTRYNEWS
Wheelchair Tennis Industry Loses

Pioneer Randy Snow Walter Montenegro
Dies at Age 50 T ennis and racquet
sports industry inno-
W heelchair tennis great Randy Snow

died on Nov. 19 from a heart attack.
The 50-year-old Snow was in El Sal-
vator Walter Montene-
gro died on Nov. 3 in
New Jersey. He had cel-
vador at the time, giving a wheelchair ebrated his 100th
tennis clinic. birthday this past August.
During his playing career, Snow was Montenegro was born Aug. 25, 1909,
ranked No. 1 in the world, and swept in San Jose, Costa Rica. He earned an
both the singles and doubles gold accounting degree at the University of
medals at the 1992 Paralympic Games Buenos Aires, then arrived in New York
in Barcelona. He also won the U.S. in his early 20s. He learned to string ten-
Open wheelchair singles titles 10 times, nis racquets and ultimately established a
and was a six-time winner of the U.S. number of racquet companies, including
Open wheelchair doubles. In addition, Calhoun-Cragin and Cragin Simplex,
Snow was a member of the bronze where he also imported Babolat strings.
medal winning USA wheelchair basket- Among other endeavors, he devel-
ball team in Atlanta in 1996. oped a squash ball for summer play that
Snow was a pioneer in the sport of changed the game to a year-round sport,
wheelchair tennis and remained one of and generated a Sports Illustrated article.
its strongest advocates, conducting hun- He also was instrumental in building up
dreds of wheelchair sports camps, lec- the USPTA, USRSA, TIA and U.S. Profes-
tures and presentations. In 2004, he sional Squash Racquets Association. He
was inducted into the U.S. Olympic was inducted into the Sporting Goods
Committee Hall of Fame. Industry Hall of Fame in 1985.
USPTA Schedules Certification Exams for 2010

T he USPTA has scheduled more than 165 Certification
Exams nationwide in 2010. The exam includes an on-
court evaluation of tennis strokes and playing skills, stroke
and grip analysis, private and group lesson instruction, and other
skills needed in the tennis-teaching profession. The exam also
includes a two-hour written test covering teaching, playing and
business management skills, rules, club activity programming and other top-
ics. Applicants can now opt to take the written and grip exams online after com-
pleting the on-court portions of the certification test.
Visit uspta.org for more details. Advanced registration is required. The total fee
for the exam and application is $175, plus prorated USPTA membership dues.
PTR to Host West Coast Club & Facility Conference

T he PTR will host a West Coast Tennis Club and Facility Con-
ference March 8-10 at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in La
Jolla, Calif. The event is designed specifically for tennis club
owners, club managers, and directors of tennis.
Presentations and breakout sessions will include relevant topics such as Customer
Service, Programming to Fill Courts, Innovative Ideas for New Clinics, Marketing Your
Club & Programs, Forming a Club Owners Association, Controlling Energy Costs &
Expenses, Managing Your Staff, Renovating Your Club, Creating/Improving Your
Website and more.
The cost, $349 before Feb. 22 and $399 after, includes all workshops, meals and
social activities. Additional registrants from the same club are $299. For more infor-
mation or registration, contact PTR at 800-421-6289 or visit www.ptrtennis.org

J A N 2 0 1 0 Letters
Thoughts on the Foot Fault
INDUSTRYNEWS
New ZyMax 70 Badminton String

Ashaway Racket Strings has introduced the first string of its ZyMax line of badminton
The “Our Serve” in the November/December
strings. ZyMax 70 makes maximum use of Ashaway's patented new ZyWeaVe core pro-
issue (“It’s Time to Give the Foot Fault Its Due”)
cessing technology which produces thinner, stronger strings. According to Ashaway,
is absolutely right on. I’m a real fuddy-duddy
ZyMax 70 is the strongest 0.70 mm string ever made. Designed to provide durability and about some things … the rules are usually there
responsiveness at all stringing tensions, ZyMax 70 is ideal for heavy hitters who want a for very good reasons.
micro-gauge string but need to maximize durability. Visit www.ashawayusa.com. As a longtime professional sports photogra-
pher who shoots at the US Open, I was 40 feet or
less from Serena—photographing from the small
area behind the umpire’s chair—and knew
almost immediately after the tirade began that
the lineswoman needed to go up to the umpire. I
feel banishment from at least a single major
should be meted out by the International Tennis
Federation. I think that would have almost all
players thinking very hard about ever intimidating
anyone in the future.
I must admit that I’m hot about Serena’s
behavior in that match, and I was really buoyed
by your piece, and your castigation of John McEn-
roe. While I was shooting the match, I was listen-
ing to the commentary on a small radio, and I
was surprised to hear his put-down of the
lineswoman’s call. Ed Goldman, New York
Guide to College Tennis Available I congratulate you on a terrific “Our Serve” in

November's RSI. I agree that the lineswoman did
T he USTA Guide to Tennis on College Campuses provides high school juniors and
seniors who want to play competitive college tennis—either varsity or recre-
ational—with the information they need to choose a school. This second edition is
her job in an exemplary manner. The line judges
are trained to be blind to the score in making
their calls, and had she let the foot fault slide,
a comprehensive resource for locating tennis programs at about 2,000 colleges she'd have been remiss in her duties.
and universities across the country and identifying their requirements for entry. Officials must meet very stringent standards of
The guide includes: experience and performance to earn their work at
Q Information on tennis organizations that can help prospective college players. a Grand Slam event. That lineswoman is part of
Q Eligibility requirements and recruitment rules. an elite team. She should certainly not be banned
Q Online and print directories and databases of colleges with varsity and recre- from working the 2010 Open. Jill Fonte
ational tennis programs.
Q Scholarship information and other financial aid opportunities.
I wanted to congratulate you on your excellent
editorial on the Serena Williams incident. The
The guide, priced at $4.75, should be available in January, and is at integrity of the sport and the rules that govern it
www.ustashop.com, or visit www.tennisoncampus.com. are what tennis is all about. If left to the likes of
McEnroe and Jenkins, the integrity of the sport
would be in mortal danger. Congratulations to
Ferris PTM Program Offers TennisConnect Course both you and Mary Carillo for having the courage
T he Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State University in Big

Rapids, Mich., now has a required course in tournament/activity administration
that focuses on the TennisConnect business tool. The 16-week course, which is
to publicly defend the integrity of tennis.
Hilton Gluck, Bolle Tenniswear
taught by PTM Director Derek Ameel, is designed to give students a well-rounded Your column said it all! I wish everyone in tennis
could have a chance to read it. McEnroe and
view of event programming and of TennisConnect’s capabilities in running a tennis
Jenkins are running outside the baseline (again),
business. The last eight weeks of the course cover various aspects of TennisConnect.
and they probably think that people are buying
The course was created by Ameel with help from Charlie Ruddy, the developer of their wacky opinions. Maybe they would support
TennisConnect. Each student will create their own TennisConnect website and will Favre's going a couple of inches past the line of
complete a “go-live” process for their final exam. scrimmage late in the game before throwing a TD
“TennisConnect is a great business tool for any club and a fantastic addition to pass , or an all-out ban on called strikes against
our program,” says Ameel. “There are so many aspects of TennisConnect that A-Rod.
improve a club’s ability to run and manage their business. It provides many tools to Bob Hammerlee, USPTA, Lewisburg, Pa.
improve customer service and increase profits.”
For more information on the Ferris State Professional Tennis Management pro- We welcome your letters and comments. Please
gram, visit www.ferris.edu/ptm. For information on TennisConnect, visit limit letters to 300 words maximum. Email them to
www.TennisConnect.com. rsi@racquetTECH.com or fax them to 760-536-1171.

Court Products
For Tennis Universal,
T
It’s About Customer Service
ennis Universal started in 1979, equipment for other sports and sport yourself court resurfacing—not typically a
when people kept asking Allan facility maintenance. job most court owners would try to tackle
Gardner’s son, a teaching pro at “What we offer can be beneficial to themselves. Tennis Universal offers infor-
the time, where to get various court any court owner, at any budget,” says mation and products to fill cracks and
products. His son made deals with Gardner, whose title is international sales level the surface, and then has its own
some suppliers, and sent out a mailing. manager of the family-owned company, MultiMate brand coating materials avail-
“That first mailing brought in which is based in Edmonton, Alberta, able in 5-gallon pails.
$49,000 in sales,” says the elder Gard- Canada. Over the last few years, the “All they have to do is add water, fol-
ner, who at the time was an electrical company has used the internet to low our directions, and mix it up,” says
contractor and involved in construc- expand into the U.S. and other interna- Gardner. “Resurfacing is a three-man
tion. Gardner saw the possibilities, tional markets. operation—one person mixes the paint,
made an agreement with his son, and “We have an 800 line [800-263-8800] one pours the paint on the court and gets
took over the company in 1980, gradu- and make sure that there’s somebody refills, and one walks the court with a
ally leaving his electrical contracting available to handle calls, especially on squeegee.” Tennis Universal carries all
business behind. Saturdays and Sundays, since a lot of the the tools needed to resurface a court, and
Now, nearly 30 years later, the work our customers will do will be on also rents out a line-taping machine.
business that started essentially on a the weekend,” says Gardner. “Most of Gardner prides himself on servicing
whim is big business. Tennis Universal the calls are made from right on the his customers. “I spend 75 percent of my
(www.tennisuniversal.com) offers vir- court, as they’re doing the work. We get time on the phone, just talking to peo-
tually every product a facility, public back to them within half an hour or so.” ple,” he says. “It’s not selling. We spend
park, school system, or teaching pro That’s important because one of the whatever time a customer needs to be
can use, along with products and services Tennis Universal offers is do-it- comfortable with what he is doing.” Q

R S I F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 4
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0
Welcome to the
INFORMATION TO
TIA Quarterly, designed
to help keep you informed and
up to date on developments in the
tennis industry that can benefit both
your business and the sport—from key
industry research, to grow-the-game
initiatives, to ways you can use technology.
US Tennis Participation: Unified industry effort helps lead to more than 30
million players, including 7.1 million who are new to the game. Now, 1 in
GROW 10 Americans play tennis.
Tennis Night in America: In conjunction with the BNP Paribas Showdown
THE for the Billie Jean King Cup on March 1, host a Youth Registration event and
grow tennis in your community.
GAME Get Kids Moving: The official debut of Cardio Tennis For Kids, including
how to incorporate the QuickStart Tennis format into the program, will be
Feb. 18 at the PTR Symposium.
GrowingTennis System: Check out our business resources section, includ-
GROW ing the “Go Green” initiative, Health Beat and Facility Manager’s Manual—
all on GrowingTennis.com.
TennisConnect: Take your operation online with your own branded website
YOUR and manufacturer-approved images and content, plus Demo Racquet and
String Center.
BUSINESS New Widget: Helps consumers find programs, facilities, lessons, partners,
retailers and court contractors.
Careers In Tennis: Find out about all types of tennis career paths at
GROW CareersInTennis.com, including intern postings and a career center.
Marketplace Research: From the Court Activity Monitor to the Cost of
Doing Business Surveys, our industry research serves your needs. See more
THE at tennisindustry.org/research.
National Database: Current database includes more than 20,000
INDUSTRY industry contacts and listings. Be sure you’re a part of this communication
effort.
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 17
GROW THE GAME
Overall Participation Is Up,
But Frequent Players Dip
T
he news that tennis participation in the U.S. has exceeded 30 million players for
the first time in more than 20 years reflects favorably on the unified “pathway”
INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT designed to improve the health of tennis and the industry for all stakeholders in
Tennis Welcome Centers: 2,665 the sport, says TIA President Jon Muir. New players made up 7.1 million of the total,
Cardio Tennis: 1,697 while the majority of players—14.8 mil-
QuickStart Tennis: 1,355 lion—consider themselves “regular”
Consumer Queries: 4 million players, four to 20 times a year.
But of concern is a drop in “fre-
monthly
quent” players—those who play tennis
Searchable Events: 100,000
at least 21 times a year. That figure
Online Court Reservations: went from 5.62 million in 2008 to 5.3
1.2 million million in the latest survey. “We have to
increase the number of frequent play-
ers, to ensure a healthy sport for all,”
says Muir. “Frequent players drive the
tennis economy, and even though the
overall participation news is good, it
comes at a time when sales of tennis
equipment, like many products at retail in the current economy, have been lagging.”
Getting more players on the path to becoming frequent players is a key focus of
the TIA and USTA, along with a “roadmap” to support growth in the industry for all
stakeholders. Priorities also include focusing on the growth of equipment and soft-
goods sales at retail, and ensuring consistent and clear messaging for the sport tar-
geted to both mainstream consumers and the industry.
Nominate your facility for the Top 50 Tennis Welcome Centers Award at GrowingTennis.com.
Get Kids Moving TWC Spotlight:

Dunigan
C
ardio Tennis for Kids is a group play activity fea-
turing action-based tennis drills and games for
children ages 6 to 12 of all ability levels, Family YMCA
emphasizing movement and fun using music and
T
he Dunigan Family YMCA in Evansville, Ind.,
pedometers. Importantly, CT4Kids is a great comple- has been named a Top 50 Tennis Welcome
ment to the QuickStart Tennis Center for the past three years … and it does-
format and can be incorporated n’t have any tennis courts. How is that possible?
into a club’s current junior pro- It’s all thanks to the efforts of Siobhan Belloli,
gramming. Using age-appropri- also known around town as “Coach B,” who con-
ate equipment, the CT4kids vinced YMCA officials to let her turn the large gym-
environment develops tennis nasium into a makeshift tennis court and run
and athletic skills and improves various tennis programs
health and fitness. It’s designed to invigorate children’s that everyone can afford. If you would like to be
tennis programming and will provide an option to help Belloli has taught tennis highlighted as a Tennis
fight childhood obesity. all over the world and has Welcome Center of the
The official debut of CT4Kids will be on Feb. 18 at won numerous awards for Month, contact Aman-
the PTR’s International Tennis Symposium on Hilton her community tennis out- da@tennisindustry.org
Head Island, S.C. The three-hour CT4Kids workshop reach programs. “I want as and tell us how your
will be conducted by National Cardio Tennis Program many people as possible to club or facility is lead-
Manager Michele Krause and members of the Nation- have the opportunity to get ing the charge in the
al Cardio Tennis Speakers Team. The workshop will involved in the sport,” she growth of the sport.
consist of both classroom and on-court sessions. says.
18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
DID YOU
GROW YOUR BUSINESS KNOW…?
Key Findings From the
GrowingTennis.com TennisConnect Offers a Participation Survey
Q Total participation
Adds to Business Resources New Retail Feature broke the 30 million
N
ow you can sharpen your tennis facility man-
T
ennisConnect mark in 2009 (a 12%
agement skills at GrowingTennis.com/ continues to gain increase to 30.1
Resources. A “Facility Manager’s Manual,” momentum million, against 26.9
complete with a searchable table of contents, is now million in 2008).
Q New players reached
among facilities and
the cornerstone of the new “Facility Manager” sec- retailers in the U.S., thanks to a special promo-
tion under Tools & Resources. The comprehensive 7.1 million (up 19.5%
tion that ended Dec. 31 designed to bring
from 5.9 million in
manual is a result of the efforts of Rod aboard more TennisConnect Retailer members. 2008).
Heckelman, who was interested in sharing With TennisConnect Retailer, you can take Q Continuing players
his knowledge of tennis management your operation online with your own branded stand at 16.1 million
experience. Rod has been a regular guest website that contains manufacturer-approved (up 6.3% over 2008,
speaker at several USPTA Conferences and images and content that is automatically when it was at 15.1
written several tennis management articles for Rac- updated, so you’re providing your customers million).
quet Sports Industry and the USPTA publication with the latest products, which are then ful- Q 6.9 million former
ADDvantage. filled through your retail store, generating foot players came back to
The Facility Manager section of GrowingTen- the game in 2009 (a
traffic.
big 18% increase
nis.com will be constantly updated and is intended TennisConnect Retailer implements all the compared with 5.9
to make available to facilities the most current facil- current software for such features as Website million in 2008).
ity management information. Check back frequent- Builder, Court Reservations, E-Calendar, Con- Q But the number of
ly for additions, updates and more, including tact Manager/Group Email, String Center and frequent players is
updates to the “Health Beat” section and the “Go Demo Racquet Center. In addition, TennisCon- down slightly—a 3%
Green” section, which offers resources and infor- nect Retailer enables a retailer to keep pace decline to 5.4 million,
mation for facilities and managers on how they can from 5.6 in 2008).
Q Total play occasions
with the constant changes in tennis technolo-
be more environmentally friendly and save money gy at a fraction of the cost. For a Free Test
in the process. Currently, find out about ball recy- fell in 2009 to 563
Drive and more information, visit TennisCon-
million, down 6.6%
cling programs, energy services companies. nect.com or email Marty@TennisIndustry.org. from where it stood in
2008 (603 million).
GROW THE INDUSTRY Court Activity Monitor

Q There is net growth in
New Consumer ‘Widget’ Find Your Career Path at all the components
examined to monitor
To Help Drive Growth CareersInTennis.com court activity (new
players, league play,
F
inding places to play, tennis programs, retail-
T
he TIA has soft-launched a new online
total court usage, and
ers, coaching, game-matching and more just career development tool, CareersInTen- tournament play).
got easier. A prototype “widget” is being devel- nis.com, to attract more young talent into Q “New players”
oped that will go on industry and consumer websites the industry. Job seekers can research tennis continues to be the
so players and potential players can find exactly organizations and companies, view universities component with the
what they’re looking for to play tennis, or to play that offer Professional Tennis Management pro- highest net increase
more tennis. For instance, to find a facility, program grams, and access a variety of other tennis (46% of facilities
report an increase).
Q QuickStart Tennis has
or retailer, you can industry job sites and career development tools.
quickly search by If you’re looking for an intern position, or
been adopted by
name, city, state, or for a person
nearly two-thirds of
ZIP code, tapping into to fill an facilities.
the database of more open posi-
than 20,000 facilities. tion, see the Go to TennisIndus-
Searches also can opportuni- try.org/research to take a
bring up a map and ties on the survey for facilities,
directions. Consumers website. For retailers, court
can also search for a more infor- contractors.
retail location that has a specific demo racquet mation
For a complete Calendar
available, or do a “find a game” search for tennis about CareersInTennis.com, contact the TIA at
of Events, visit
partners. Stay tuned for more information, or visit 843.686.3036 x 226 or email Ryan@TennisIn- TennisIndustry.org.
playtennis.com. dustry.org
Thank you
for your support!
The industry’s
“Racket UP, America!”
campaign received
extensive coverage and
helped to drive traffic
at retail.
… and all the participating companies and retailers who supported the industry’s effort to
drive consumer awareness and excitement for this promotion! Stay tuned for more …
March 1 is Tennis Night in America

From Feb. 26 to March 1, the USTA and local tennis facilities across the country will host
Youth Registration events, to help jumpstart your upcoming junior tennis programs. As
part of Tennis Night in America, the BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup
will be on March 1 at Madison Square Garden, with Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Kim
Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova vying for $1.2 million in prize money.
And in the middle of it all, our Racket Up,America! winner, Christine Smith of Texas,
will serve to a target and try to win $1 million! Visit tennisnight.com for more info.
New Racquets
Wilson Seeks ‘The Perfect Feel’
W
With New BLX Racquet Technology create a composite Wilson says is the most change [to the new BLX frame] will pro-
ilson’s newest racquet technolo-
gy is called BLX, which adds advanced in the industry. vide me with the added feel and perfor-
basalt fibers in the racquet Like noise-cancelling headphones that mance I want to further enhance my
frame and—when combined with propri- filter out unwanted external noise, says game in 2010 and beyond,” Federer said
etary frame, grommet and grip technolo- Wilson, basalt added to the matrix filters recently. Juan Martin Del Potro, the
gies—produces what Wilson calls “the the unwanted extreme frequencies in the recent US Open winner and ranked No. 5
perfect feel.” racquet. According to the company, the in the world, also will be switching to the
“Tennis players of all skill and experi- new BLX technology delivers cleaner feed- new BLX family, using the Pro Tour BLX.
ence levels will benefit from the ultimate back and better sensation—“a smoother And dealers should have an interest-
feel that BLX provides,” says Cory Springer, signal reaches the hand.” ing story to tell customers. “The
Wilson’s global business director for perfor- In Wilson parlance, the initials “BL” enhanced feel of BLX racquets is so pro-
mance racquets. “It is the quality of that stand for basalt, which is combined to nine nounced when play-tested, that the
feel that allows players to develop the con- other variables and in total, 10 (the “X”) impact is immediate and powerful,” says
trol, spin and power to improve shots and elements are all connected together for Springer. “A great sales approach is for
take their game to a higher level.” “the perfect feel.” the dealer to provide consumers with
Basalt is a natural volcanic rock that Wilson player and 15-time Grand Slam BLX demo rackets without the normal
can be used in manufacturing and made champion Roger Federer will be leading the string-bed dampeners. We’ve found that
into ultrafine gold fibers that are resistant BLX endorsement parade with his new the feel of the BLX racquets is so clean
to vibrations. Basalt fibers are woven longi- Six.One Tour BLX racquet starting in Abu and pure that these dampeners are not
tudinally with Wilson’s [K]arophite Black to Dhabi for his first match Jan. 1. “This needed.”
THE BLX FAMILY

There are 13 frames in the new BLX line. “Player” frames stress precision, responsiveness and consistency and are designed to pro-
vide maximum feedback at ball contact so the player senses the sweetspot and the racquet flex. “Game-Improvement” frames
emphasize a comfortable touch of the racquet in the player’s hand and a smooth sensation during impact. “All-Around” frames are
designed to provide accuracy and be forgiving on mis-hits.
PLAYER FRAMES
1 Six.One Tour BLX 5 Pro Tour BLX
Headsize: 90 in. Headsize: 96 in.
Strung Weight: 12.5 oz. Strung Weight: 11.6 oz.
Balance: 9 pts. HL Balance: 7 pts. HL
Suggested Retail: $230 Suggested Retail: $210
Technology: Basalt Technology: Basalt
2 Six.One 95 BLX 6 Pro Open BLX

Headsize: 100 in.
(16x18/18x20) Strung Weight: 11.1 oz
Headsize: 95 in.
Balance: 4 pts. HL
Strung Weight: 12.3 oz.
Suggested Retail: $210
Balance: 9 pts. HL
Technology: Basalt
7 Pro Team FX BLX

Technology: Basalt
3 Six.One Team BLX

Headsize: 103 in.
Strung Weight:10.5 oz.
Headsize: 95 in.
Balance: 2 pts. HL
Balance: 1 pt. HL
Technologies: Basalt, FX, Double
Hole
Technologies: Basalt, Double Hole
4 Six.One Lite BLX

Headsize: 102 in.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Balance: Even
Technologies: Basalt, Double Hole

ALL-AROUND
FRAMES
1 Tour BLX
Headsize: 95 in.
Balance: 1 pt. HH
Technologies: Basalt, Double
Hole
2 Surge BLX
Headsize: 100 in.
Balance: 1 pt. HL
GAME-
IMPROVEMENT
Technologies: Basalt, Double
FRAMES
Hole
3 Tidal Wave BLX

1 Cirrus One BLX
Headsize: 105 in.
Headsize: 118 in.
Balance: 5 pts. HL
Balance: 7 pts. HH
Technologies: Basalt, Linear
Geometry, Double Hole
4 Coral Wave BLX

Geometry, FX, AGT
2 Khamsin Five 108 BLX

Headsize: 105 in.
Headsize: 108 in.
Balance: 5 pts. HL
1 2 3 4
Balance: 7 pts. HH
1 2
Geometry, Double Hole
Techologies: Basalt, Linear
Geometry, FX, AGT, Triad
BLX Grips Key Technologies With BLX Racquets

and Bags There are nine proprietary technologies in the BLX line of racquets. Not all
The BLX line also includes grips frames have all the technologies.
3 Frame Technologies
and bags. To match with the
Q Linear Geometry: a new technology that Wilson says provides up to 35

Player frames, Wilson offers the
Pro Hybrid grip1, a blend of nat-
percent more overall stability compared to a classic beam construction.
Q FX: a quad-shaft yoke design that increases torsional stability by 23 per-
ural leather with firm
polyurethane, with a list price of
cent on off-center hits, says the company.
Q Triad: Wilson’s three-piece racquet system where the hoop and handle
$10 per pack. Also available are
a selection of BLX bags that
are separated with Iso-Zorb for added comfort.
1 2 3
range from $55 to $100.
3 Grommet Designs
For the Game Improve-
Q AGT: Articulated Grommet Technology, which allows for 76 percent

ment line, the Comfort
Hybrid grip2 ($9) is a
string movement.
Q Double Hole: These are bigger holes that allow for 26 percent string
blend of shock-absorb-
ing air-foam and soft
movement and create a bigger sweetspot,says Wilson.
Q Classic: Traditional 22 percent string movement for a classic response.
poly. Bags range from
the $55 BLX Club Back-
3 Grip Concepts
pack to the $75 Club
Premium.
Q Comfort Hybrid: At 2 mm, it has an air foam base for maximum com-
The Performance
fort, says Wilson.
Q Performance Hybrid: The cotton base of this 1.8 mm grip is for a bal-
Hybrid grip3 is
designed for the All-
ance of comfort and sensation.
Q Pro Hybrid: The 1.6-mm leather-based grip is for maximum sensation.
Around line of rac-
quets. The BLX Team Bag Collection ranges from a backpack to
six-packs, priced from $40 to $65.
www.racquetsportsindustry.com Janaury 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23

GUIDE TO STRINGS
String Selector 2010

Use our charts to find the perfect strings for your customers.
BY DAVID BONE
T he tennis string market in America seems to be moving in a

counter-intuitive direction. At a time when more companies are
closing their doors and reducing their inventories and selections, the
Using the String Selector
1. Start by finding the string your client currently uses
in the appropriate list (we’ve broken the market
tennis string manufacturers continue to increase the size of the down into four categories: Nylon, Polyester, Natural
string universe. Gut and Kevlar).
But, when you think about it, this probably shouldn’t be so sur- 2. Note the string’s stiffness and tension loss numbers,
prising. Even though tennis players are being more careful with go to the appropriate map and find the dot located at
their money and putting off the big investments in new racquets these coordinates.
and new outfits, they aren’t choosing to stop playing tennis. In fact, • If your client is completely satisfied with their
as the USTA just recently announced, more people are playing ten- current string and doesn’t want anything differ-
nis today than in the last 25 years. So, with more people playing ten- ent from their next string, dots in the neighbor-
nis and less people buying new racquets, it only makes sense that hood (very close to their current string’s dot) will
more people are having their racquets restrung than ever before. likely play similar.
Stringing has always been one of the most profitable parts of any • If your client is happy with how long their string
tennis shop. This helps to explain why manufacturers continue to plays well, but doesn’t love the feel of their string,
invest more in their string business. try something on the same vertical level, but far-
All of these factors working together have created a string mar- ther to the right or left. Strings to the right should
ket today with more than 700 models of string currently available. feel stiffer (or more crisp), while strings to the left
That number can be overwhelming for someone trying to make a should feel softer (or more comfortable)
decision about what strings to carry. After all, it would be impossi- • If your client is happy with how their string feels,
ble to actually test every string and compare it to every other string but not with how long it feels that way, try some-
and keep track of the results. thing in the same column, but higher or lower.
But, thanks to the USRSA, you don’t have to. Our exclusive String Strings higher on the chart should soften (or
Selector visually maps over 700 strings based on their tension loss loosen) up more quickly, while lower strings
and stiffness. This powerful tool can help you find other strings that should hold their initial feel longer.
play similarly to a client’s favorite string or even help you find a 3. Once you’ve found a dot that seems interesting, note
string that outperforms your client’s current favorite. the coordinates and look them up in the table. Q
The Geography of “Feel”

Finding Your “Feel Good” Location
Q Softer strings are to the left, stiffer strings to the
right.
Q Strings that lose more tension are at the top; those
that lose less are at the bottom.
Q All strings on the same vertical line should feel
about the same, no matter the tension.
Q All strings at different locations on the same hori-
zontal line will feel different from each other.
Q Stringbed power increases to the left.
Q Player supplied power increases to the right.
Q Stringbed control increases to the right.
Q “Arm friendly” strings are to the left.
Q “Feedback” intensity (shock) increases to right.
Q Feel consistency over time tends to increase toward
Nylon Polys Natural Gut Kevlar the bottom.
Test Procedure. All strings were tensioned to 62 pounds and allowed to sit for 200 seconds. Then the string was hit five times with a force
equivalent to hitting a 120 mph serve. The tension loss represents the total amount of the relaxation over both time and impact. The stiffness value is
a calculation derived from the amount of force created at impact to stretch the string. Lower values represent softer strings and lower impact forces.
Higher values represent stiffer strings and higher impact forces.
24 RRACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Hybrids: To look up a hybrid combination, you must look up each string separately. If it is a pre-packaged hybrid, most packaging indicates the name of each string. There are a few
hybrids using strings that aren’t sold on their own. Those strings are included in our lists. They will be listed as the name of the hybrid with (main) or (cross) after the name. For exam-
ple, Head Protector 16 (main) is the string used for the mains in Head’s Protector 16 string.
Nylon, Zyex, & Polyolefin (Sorted by Stiffness)

Stiff- Tension Stiff- Tension
Company String Material Gauge ness Loss Company String Material Gauge ness Loss
(lb/in.) (lbs) (lb/in.) (lbs)
Head Intellistring 17 (Cross) Polyolefin 1.28 136 15.14 Pacific Power Twist 16 Nylon 1.35 179 11.78
Head Intellitour 17 (Cross) Polyolefin 1.28 136 15.14 Gamma Asterisk 16 Nylon 1.29 179 12.15
Isospeed Platinum 16 (Cross) Polyolefin 1.27 138 16.62 Tecnifibre 505 HPR 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.20 180 9.59
Head Protector 16 (Cross) Polyolefin 1.31 140 15.77 Isospeed Energetic Plus 16 Nylon / Polyolefin 1.32 180 10.41
Head Intellitour 16 (Cross) Polyolefin 1.33 143 14.77 Head FiberGel Power 17 Nylon 1.26 180 12.28
Head Perfect Power 17 Nylon 1.22 144 14.80 Gamma Asterisk Tour 17 Nylon 1.27 180 12.53
Gamma Professional 18 Nylon / Zyex 1.22 144 15.15 Ektelon Premier Power w/Softflex 16 Nylon 1.29 180 14.84
Alpha Gut 2000 18 Nylon 1.21 146 14.67 Pro Supex Nylon Kevlar Spiral 1.35 Nylon 1.33 180 16.49
Ashaway Dynamite 17 Zyex / Nylon 1.24 147 13.72 Wilson Hollow Core Pro 17 Nylon 1.24 180 16.95
Ashaway Power Kill 17 Zyex / Nylon 1.24 147 13.72 Prince Premier LT 17 Nylon 1.26 180 16.96
Gamma Asterisk 17 Nylon 1.26 150 13.98 Tecnifibre X One Biphase 18 (1.18) Nylon / Polyurethane 1.19 181 8.96
Isospeed Professional 17 Polyolefin 1.25 151 15.35 Tecnifibre NRG2 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.17 181 9.86
Isospeed Professional 17 (Classic) Polyolefin 1.27 152 15.06 Wilson Reaction 16 Nylon 1.30 181 11.00
Pro Supex Maxim Touch 1.25 Nylon 1.25 153 12.13 Head Intellitour 16 (Main) Nylon / Polyolefin 1.37 181 11.51
Ashaway Powernick 18 Nylon / Zyex 1.16 154 12.88 Gamma Prodigy 16 Nylon 1.30 181 11.67
Isospeed Control 16 (Classic) Polyolefin 1.29 154 15.43 Head FXP Power 17 Nylon 1.25 181 13.37
Dunlop Dura Ace 17 Nylon 1.22 156 12.86 Tecnifibre 305 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.25 181 15.04
Tecnifibre X One Biphase 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.20 157 11.47 Klip Excellerator 18 Nylon 1.22 181 15.26
Isospeed Control 16 Polyolefin 1.27 158 15.61 Wilson K Gut Pro 16 Nylon 1.33 182 10.62
Ashaway Super Nick XL Pro 17 Nylon 1.26 162 14.06 Toalson Synthetic Soft 130 Nylon 1.32 182 12.98
Head Protector 16 (Main) Polyolefin / Nylon 1.32 163 11.57 Head ETS 16 Nylon 1.32 182 13.16
Wilson K Gut Pro 17 Nylon 1.27 163 15.21 Babolat Xcel Power 16 Nylon 1.32 183 9.64
Babolat Xcel Power 17 Nylon 1.27 164 10.76 Tecnifibre Xr3 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.31 183 9.92
Ashaway Super Nick XL Micro 18 Nylon 1.16 164 12.73 Alpha Gut 2000 17 Nylon 1.29 183 11.46
Isospeed Platinum 16 (Main) Polyolefin / Nylon 1.32 165 12.46 Wilson K Gut 17 Nylon 1.28 183 11.59
Ashaway Super Kill XL 17 Nylon 1.29 165 12.86 Klip Venom 17 Nylon 1.26 183 12.46
Ashaway Dynamite WB 16 Zyex / Nylon 1.37 165 13.21 Velociti Plus 16 Nylon 1.31 183 12.65
Ashaway Power Kill Pro 16 Zyex / Nylon 1.36 165 13.21 Velociti Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.21 183 13.21
Toalson Bio Logic Soft 130 Nylon 1.31 165 20.88 Toalson Bio Logic Soft 125 Nylon 1.25 183 14.31
Ashaway Super Nick XL 17 Nylon 1.26 166 12.08 Pacific PMX 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.33 184 10.80
Head Evolution Pro 16 Nylon 1.31 168 12.10 Head RIP Control 16 Nylon / Polyolefin 1.38 184 11.02
Gamma Professional 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.29 168 12.37 Forten Tiegut 16 Nylon 1.32 184 12.08
Babolat Xcel 17 Nylon 1.26 169 10.72 Kirschbaum Hybrix Power 1.25 (Cross) Nylon 1.23 184 13.06
Tecnifibre TGV 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.27 169 14.69 Yonex Tough Brid 125 17 (Cross) Nylon / Vectran 1.35 185 12.02
Head ETS 17 Nylon 1.25 170 14.00 Velociti Plus 17 Nylon 1.26 185 13.63
Ashaway Super Nick XL Titanium 17 Nylon 1.24 171 12.32 Alpha Ultra Spin SC 15L Nylon 1.45 185 14.13
Forten Ti Blend 16 (Cross) Nylon 1.32 171 13.56 Tecnifibre 505 Biphase 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.20 185 14.31
Super String High Speed Viper V4 Nylon 1.24 171 14.37 Unique Tourna Quasi Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 185 15.59
Pacific PMX 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.24 172 12.30 Babolat Attraction Power 17 Nylon 1.26 186 9.84
Gamma Asterisk Spin 16 Nylon 1.29 172 12.73 Babolat Syntronic Brio 17 Nylon 1.25 186 10.41
Tecnifibre 225 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.15 172 13.96 Volkl Power Fiber II 17 Nylon 1.25 186 12.20
Gamma Professional 16 Nylon / Zyex 1.33 174 13.28 Gamma Revelation 17 Nylon 1.26 186 13.08
Ashaway Powernick 17 Nylon 1.26 174 15.61 Head Megablast 17 Nylon 1.26 186 13.96
Prince Premier LT 18 Nylon 1.19 174 17.37 Ektelon Lightning XX w/ Powerfoil 16 Nylon 1.32 187 11.01
Gamma Prodigy 17 Nylon 1.25 175 11.16 Alpha Gut 2000 16 Nylon 1.33 187 11.23
Prince Premier w/Softflex 17 Nylon 1.25 175 11.97 Gamma Gut 2 16 Nylon 1.34 187 12.00
Wilson Reaction 17 Nylon 1.27 175 12.00 Isospeed Energetic 17 Polyolefin / Nylon 1.19 187 14.64
Alpha Axiom 16 Nylon 1.32 175 12.67 Prince Premier LT 16 Nylon 1.29 187 16.72
Pacific Power Twist 16L Nylon 1.29 175 13.01 Yonex Tour Super 880 Ti Soft 16L Nylon 1.28 188 9.77
Tecnifibre TGV 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.31 175 14.60 Silent Partner Filament Frenzy 16 Nylon 1.31 188 11.55
Isospeed Energetic 16 Polypropylene/Polyester 1.29 175 18.76 Gamma Live Wire 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.24 188 13.74
Babolat Xcel 16 Nylon 1.29 176 9.66 Pacific Space Power TX 17 Nylon 1.25 188 16.54
Head Synthetic Gut PPS 18 Nylon 1.16 176 11.93 Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.30 189 9.81
Prince Premier w/Softflex 16 Nylon 1.31 176 11.97 Babolat Attraction 16 Nylon 1.30 189 10.03
Tecnifibre Xr3 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.26 177 10.60 Volkl Power Fiber II 18 Nylon 1.19 189 10.39
Head Intellitour 17 (Main) Nylon / Polyolefin 1.30 177 10.87 Alpha Element 16 Nylon 1.32 189 10.89
Gearbox Multi Premium 18 Nylon 1.17 177 12.85 Pacific Futura TXT 16L Nylon 1.29 189 11.16
Alpha Ultra Spin SC 16 Nylon 1.31 177 16.20 Head FiberGel Power 16 Nylon 1.31 189 11.62
Fischer Comfort 16 Nylon 1.33 177 17.44 Head Megablast 16 Nylon 1.28 189 14.11
Head RIP Control 17 Nylon / Polyolefin 1.28 178 10.25 Toalson Neo Natural Mugen 1.25 Nylon 1.27 189 14.48
Head Intellistring 16 (Main) Nylon / Polyolefin 1.32 178 10.91 Tecnifibre NRG2 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.24 190 9.55
Gamma Professional Spin 16 Nylon 1.32 178 11.47 Ektelon Lightning XX w/ Powerfoil 17 Nylon 1.24 190 10.85
Pro Kennex Pure 1 Liquid 17 Nylon 1.26 178 13.96 Yonex Tour Super 850 16 Nylon 1.31 190 10.89
Ektelon Premier Power w/Softflex 17 Nylon 1.26 178 14.84 Isospeed Hybrid Long Life 16 Nylon / Polyester 1.29 190 11.07
Dunlop M Fil TS 18 Nylon 1.21 178 15.63 Kirschbaum Touch Multifibre 1.25 Nylon 1.25 190 11.20
Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 17 Nylon 1.23 178 16.08 Head Synthetic Gut PPS 17 Nylon 1.22 190 11.38
Gamma Asterisk Tour 16 Nylon 1.31 178 19.95 Unique Tourna Irradiated 17 Nylon 1.27 190 11.62

Nylon, Zyex, & Polyolefin (Sorted by Stiffness) Cont.
Klip Kicker 17 Nylon 1.24 190 11.68 E-Force Fluid 17 Nylon 1.26 197 15.66
Gamma Live Wire XP 16 Nylon / Zyex 1.32 190 12.04 Wilson NXT 16 Nylon 1.30 198 10.69
Babolat Addiction 17 Nylon 1.26 190 12.06 Yonex Tournament 50 16L Nylon 1.29 198 11.53
Gosen OG Sheep Micro 18 Nylon 1.19 190 12.28 Babolat Addiction 16 Nylon 1.31 198 11.79
Gamma Live Wire 16 Nylon / Zyex 1.31 190 12.87 Ashaway Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.34 198 12.12
Pro Supex Maxim Touch 1.30 Nylon 1.29 190 13.06 Pacific Premium Power X 16L Nylon 1.29 198 12.74
Ashaway Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.26 190 14.93 Velociti Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.30 198 12.88
Gamma TNT2 Rx 17 Nylon 1.26 191 10.96 Forten Dynamix 18 Nylon 1.21 198 13.01
Wilson K Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 191 11.98 Mutual Power Dura Plus BX 16 Nylon 1.31 198 14.11
Head FiberGEL Spin 16 Nylon 1.32 191 12.08 Mutual Power Titanium 900 16 Nylon 1.33 198 14.31
Gamma Live Wire XP 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.25 191 12.35 Mutual Power Topspin 16 Nylon 1.36 198 14.38
Topspin Sence Seven 16 Nylon 1.33 191 13.29 Alpha Power Cable 16 Nylon 1.32 198 15.10
Tecnifibre 505 HPR 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.26 191 14.09 Dunlop Explosive Synthetic 17 Nylon 1.26 198 15.62
Dunlop Explosive Poly Max 16 Nylon / Polyester 1.29 191 18.35 Gamma TNT2 Tour 17 Nylon 1.25 198 15.81
Tecnifibre X One Biphase 16 (1.30) Nylon / Polyurethane 1.31 192 10.08 Wilson NXT OS 16L Nylon 1.32 199 10.43
Tecnifibre X One Biphase 17 (1.24) Nylon / Polyurethane 1.28 192 10.12 Dunlop Comfort Synthetic 17 Nylon 1.23 199 11.78
Prince Lightning XX w/ Powerfoil 17 Nylon / Polyester 1.24 192 10.94 Yonex Tough Brid 130 16 (Cross) Nylon / Vectran 1.40 199 11.90
PowerAngle Duo Color TNT 17 Nylon 1.20 192 12.01 Gosen OG Sheep Micro 17 Nylon 1.24 199 12.35
Pro Supex Maxim Touch 1.35 Nylon 1.34 192 12.39 Prince Tournament Nylon 15L Nylon 1.40 199 13.19
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut 1.20 Nylon 1.19 192 12.55 Gearbox Mono Premium 17 Nylon 1.26 199 14.64
Gamma TNT2 Pro Plus 17L Nylon 1.25 192 12.74 E-Force Oxygen 17 Nylon 1.25 199 15.35
Kirschbaum Touch MultiFibre 1.30 Nylon 1.31 192 14.07 Alpha Synthetic Gut MXT 18 Nylon 1.16 199 16.15
Toalson Bio Logic 128 Nylon 1.28 192 14.97 Topspin Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 199 16.58
Mutual Power Semi Gut 16 Nylon 1.35 192 15.11 Babolat Xcel Premium 15L Nylon 1.39 200 10.17
Alpha Ultra Spin 15L Nylon 1.38 192 16.69 Dunlop Comfort Synthetic 16 Nylon 1.32 200 11.07
Tecnifibre Multifeel 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.27 193 9.92 Wilson Strike Zone 17 Nylon 1.24 200 11.57
Gosen OG Sheep Micro Super 17 Nylon 1.24 193 11.51 Bow Brand Micro Tournament 17 Nylon 1.24 200 12.50
Forten Omni Spin 15L Nylon 1.37 193 12.44 E-Force Oxygen 16 Nylon 1.28 200 13.65
Wilson NXT 17 Nylon 1.24 193 12.99 Pacific Powerline 17 Nylon 1.25 200 14.70
Klip Venom 16 Nylon 1.32 194 9.96 Bow Brand t2000 15L Nylon 1.37 201 11.38
Babolat FiberTour 16 Nylon 1.32 194 10.45 Mutual Power Response 16 Nylon 1.32 201 12.46
Head FXP 17 Nylon / Polyester 1.25 194 10.59 Forten Ti Blend 16 (Main) Nylon 1.34 201 12.57
Prince Lightning XX 16 Nylon 1.29 194 10.76 Silent Partner Ultimatum 17 Nylon 1.28 201 12.66
Volkl Power Fiber II 16 Nylon 1.30 194 11.20 Alpha Sensor Fibre 16 Nylon 1.35 202 11.02
Yonex Tournament 80 Spin 15L Nylon / Vectran 1.35 194 11.33 Gamma Challenger 17 Nylon 1.27 202 11.33
Silent Partner Ultimatum 18 Nylon 1.19 194 12.04 Klip Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.25 202 12.87
Forten Sweet 17 Nylon 1.27 194 12.62 Pacific Powerline 16L Nylon 1.32 202 12.90
Ashaway Liberty 16 Nylon 1.33 194 12.90 Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan 17 Nylon 1.25 202 13.05
Alpha Claycourt Plus 16 Nylon 1.32 194 13.80 Alpha Hardcourt Synthetic 16 Nylon 1.31 202 13.30
Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.27 194 13.96 Pacific Premium Power X 16 Nylon 1.33 202 13.67
Wilson Super Spin 16 Nylon 1.29 194 14.20 Gamma Synthetic Gut w/Wearguard 17 Nylon 1.26 203 9.15
Wilson Hollow Core 16 Nylon 1.34 194 14.51 Gamma Synthetic Gut w/Wearguard 18 Nylon 1.21 203 9.68
Pacific Space Power TX 16 Nylon 1.32 194 16.65 Gamma TNT2 Rx 16 Nylon 1.36 203 9.81
Alpha Gut 2000 15L Nylon 1.38 195 11.11 Kirschbaum Touch Classic 1.30 Nylon 1.30 203 10.94
Unique Tourna Spin Plus 16 Nylon 1.32 195 11.14 Kirschbaum Touch Classic 1.25 Nylon 1.24 203 11.23
Gearbox Mono Premium 18 Nylon 1.17 195 11.18 Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 18 Nylon 1.20 203 11.51
Klip Excellerator 16 Nylon 1.30 195 11.44 Wilson NXT Tour 17 Nylon 1.27 203 12.46
Klip Excellerator 17 Nylon 1.30 195 11.66 Klip Screamer Titanium 16 Nylon / Titanium 1.30 203 12.54
Gamma TNT2 Ruff 16 Nylon 1.52 195 11.95 Gosen OG Sheep Micro 16 Nylon 1.29 203 12.96
Kirschbaum Hybrix Power 1.30 (Cross) Nylon 1.31 195 12.39 Toalson Leona 66 15L Nylon 1.40 203 14.18
Tecnifibre 505 Biphase 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.26 195 13.32 Dunlop Explosive Synthetic 16 Nylon 1.32 203 15.39
Alpha Comfort Plus 16 Nylon 1.31 195 13.74 Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut 15L Nylon 1.36 203 16.74
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Spiral Flex 16 Nylon 1.28 195 14.80 Alpha Synthetic Gut MXT 16 Nylon 1.31 203 17.05
Prince Recoil 16 Nylon 1.30 195 15.95 Gamma Synthetic Gut w/Wearguard 16 Nylon 1.31 204 10.03
Mutual Power Power Match (Mains) Nylon 1.33 195 17.50 Gosen OG Sheep Micro Super 16 Nylon 1.30 204 11.29
Yonex Tour Super 850 Pro 16 Nylon 1.34 196 11.13 Gosen AK Control 16 Nylon 1.29 204 11.31
Head Synthetic Gut PPS 16 Nylon 1.31 196 11.69 Unique Tourna Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.22 204 11.31
Alpha Prodigy 16 Nylon 1.32 196 11.95 Unique Tourna Irradiated 16 Nylon 1.33 204 11.44
Gosen AK Control 17 Nylon 1.26 196 11.96 Forten Sweet 15L Nylon 1.36 204 11.55
Pacific Space Power TX 16L Nylon 1.31 196 12.31 Pacific Syntec 16L Nylon 1.32 204 12.37
Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 16 Nylon 1.28 196 13.98 Klip Excellerator 15L Nylon 1.34 204 12.68
Toalson Neo Natural Mugen 1.30 Nylon 1.30 196 14.64 Gosen Nanoblend 16 Nylon 1.24 204 12.97
Ashaway Liberty 15L Nylon 1.41 196 16.25 Silent Partner Head Spin 15L Nylon 1.38 204 13.18
Tecnifibre NRG2 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.31 197 8.05 Silent Partner Titanium 16 Nylon 1.32 204 13.19
Babolat Syntronic Brio 16 Nylon 1.34 197 10.52 Gosen OG Sheep Micro Spin 15L Nylon 1.35 205 10.25
Forten Spin Gear Nylon 1.43 197 11.22 Wilson Extreme Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.28 205 10.30
Gamma Revelation 16 Nylon / Zyex 1.32 197 11.88 Forten Dynamix 17 Nylon 1.26 205 11.14
Wilson Sensation 17 Nylon 1.25 197 11.91 Head Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.29 205 11.27
Alpha Hardcourt Synthetic 17 Nylon 1.26 197 13.58 Kirschbaum Profi Tour 1.25 Nylon 1.26 205 11.43
Kirschbaum Touch MultiFibre 1.35 Nylon 1.34 197 13.87 Ashaway Super Kill 17 Nylon 1.24 205 13.23
Toalson Neo Natural Mugen 1.30 Spin Nylon 1.28 197 14.75 Fischer Tournament Pro 16 Nylon 1.36 205 13.54

Alpha Quick Response 15L Nylon 1.38 205 18.94 Babolat Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.26 214 13.90
Bow Brand Ballistic 15L Nylon 1.35 206 10.59 Gamma Synthetic Gut w/Wearguard 15L Nylon 1.38 215 11.18
Velociti Synthetic Gut 15L Nylon 1.35 206 10.83 Gamma Ruff 16 Nylon 1.48 215 11.33
Silent Partner Ultimatum 16 Nylon 1.33 206 12.81 Unique Tourna Nylon 16 Nylon 1.32 215 12.33
Alpha Viper MXT 17 Nylon 1.25 206 12.97 Dunlop Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 215 13.21
Wilson Strike Zone 16 Nylon 1.29 206 13.32 Pro Supex FT Ruff 1.30 Nylon 1.27 215 13.49
Klip Scorcher 17 Nylon 1.27 206 13.51 Pacific Syntec 16 Nylon 1.37 216 12.15
Prince Lightning XX 17 Nylon 1.26 207 9.68 Babolat N.vy 16 Nylon 1.29 216 12.19
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut 1.30 Nylon 1.30 207 11.27 Pacific Dura Tech 16 Nylon / Aramid 1.32 216 12.85
Pacific Futura TXT 16 Nylon 1.39 207 11.51 Alpha Sphere 16 Nylon 1.31 216 14.88
Silent Partner Original Syn 16 Nylon 1.33 207 13.89 Gamma Dura Spin w/ Wearguard 16 Nylon 1.37 217 8.95
E-Force Fluid 16 Nylon 1.29 207 15.43 Gosen Nanocubic 16 Nylon 1.32 217 10.81
Alpha Tenacity 16 Nylon 1.26 207 20.84 Gamma Challenger 16 Nylon 1.32 217 10.95
Dunlop S Gut Ti 17 Nylon 1.23 208 10.76 Prince Synthetic Gut Original 16 Nylon 1.30 217 11.67
Bow Brand Synthetic Gut XT 16 Nylon 1.33 208 10.85 Toalson Silencer 17 Nylon 1.26 217 13.96
Kirschbaum Profi Tour 1.30 Nylon 1.28 208 10.89 E-Force Platinum 17 Nylon 1.26 217 14.42
Forten Dynamix 16 Nylon 1.34 208 10.95 Babolat Conquest 16 Nylon 1.33 217 14.99
Alpha All Player Nylon 15L Nylon 1.37 208 11.38 Gamma Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.30 218 9.86
Klip Blast 17 (Cross) Nylon 1.26 208 11.46 Wilson Ultra Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.32 218 10.28
Babolat Superfine Play 17 Nylon 1.25 208 11.49 Gamma TNT2 15L Nylon 1.33 218 10.69
Kirschbaum Touch Titanium 1.30 Nylon / Titanium 1.30 208 12.11 Gosen OG Sheep Proform Tuff 15L Nylon 1.38 218 11.16
Klip Scorcher 16 Nylon 1.31 208 12.83 Bow Brand Super Pro 15L Nylon 1.43 218 11.42
Toalson Cyber Nylon Tour 135 L.E.O. Nylon 1.37 208 16.54 Bow Brand Calibre 15L Nylon 1.36 218 12.28
Wilson NXT Tour 18 Nylon 1.24 209 9.53 Babolat Conquest 17 Nylon 1.27 218 12.64
Gamma TNT2 17 Nylon 1.27 209 9.85 Babolat Conquest Ti 16 Nylon 1.33 218 16.23
Prince Topspin Plus 16 Nylon 1.29 209 10.06 Wilson NXT Tour 16 Nylon 1.31 219 8.98
Head FXP 16 Nylon / Polyester 1.34 209 10.83 Dunlop Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.24 219 10.04
Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 15L Nylon 1.35 209 11.13 Gamma Marathon DPC 15L Nylon 1.44 219 10.80
Gamma Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.26 209 11.51 Gamma XL 16 Nylon 1.29 219 11.40
Wilson Sensation 16 Nylon 1.32 209 11.55 Head Master 15L Nylon 1.39 219 11.58
Toalson Synthetic 130 Spin Nylon 1.31 209 11.68 Gosen OG Sheep Rectangle Z 16 Nylon 1.36 219 12.79
Prince Topspin w/Duraflex 15L Nylon 1.30 209 11.92 Ashaway Super Kill II 16 Nylon 1.31 219 13.16
Gosen Tecgut Super Tec Ak Pro 17 Nylon 1.24 209 11.97 Head Master 16L Nylon 1.31 221 9.57
Topspin Nylon Pro 15L Nylon 1.41 209 12.35 Gamma Synthetic Gut 18 Nylon 1.22 221 10.14
Klip Kicker 16 Nylon 1.32 209 12.55 Bow Brand Superspin 1.33 Nylon 1.43 222 11.29
Mutual Power Super Power 16 Nylon 1.33 209 12.94 Toalson Synthetic Tournament 16 Nylon 1.32 222 11.88
Gamma TNT2 Tour 16 Nylon 1.31 209 14.49 Toalson TOA Gold 17 Nylon 1.26 222 12.92
Toalson Cyber Nylon Tour 129 L.E.O. Nylon 1.28 209 16.36 Toalson Silencer 16 Nylon 1.32 222 14.04
Gamma TNT2 16 Nylon 1.31 210 10.34 E-Force Platinum 16 Nylon 1.28 222 14.40
Wilson Extreme Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.25 210 10.39 Gamma Dura Spin 16 Nylon 1.39 223 8.93
Head Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.24 210 11.27 Gamma Synthetic Gut 15L Nylon 1.37 224 11.42
Gosen Tecgut Remplir 16 Nylon 1.32 210 11.62 Fischer Pro Number One 16 Nylon 1.32 224 12.66
Bow Brand Tournament 16L Nylon 1.32 210 11.97 Gosen X 3 15L (Cross) Nylon 1.36 224 13.12
Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.34 210 12.70 Babolat Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 224 13.32
Babolat Superfine Play 16 Nylon 1.32 210 12.76 Gamma Advantage 15L Nylon 1.39 227 9.90
Topspin Fibre Touch 16 Nylon 1.30 210 13.01 Toalson TOA Gold 16 Nylon 1.30 227 13.16
Pro Supex FT Ruff 1.25 Nylon 1.23 210 13.74 Gamma Marathon DPC 17 Nylon 1.27 228 9.42
Alpha Power Cable MXT 15L Nylon 1.37 210 14.91 Toalson Synthetic Tournament 15L Nylon 1.39 228 11.65
Wilson NXT Max 16 Nylon 1.34 211 9.71 Gamma Dura Spin 15L Nylon 1.41 230 10.23
Gosen Tecgut Super Tec AK Speed 16 Nylon 1.32 211 10.45 Gamma Dura Spin w/Wearguard 15L Nylon 1.31 233 11.00
Forten Competition Nylon 15L Nylon 1.41 211 10.89 Ashaway MonoGut 17 Nylon 1.22 233 20.20
Mutual Power Spin 16 Nylon 1.32 211 11.05 Dunlop X Life Synthetic Nylon 1.37 236 14.73
Gamma Marathon DPC 16 Nylon 1.32 211 11.51 Wilson Ultra Synthetic Gut 15L Nylon 1.35 238 13.52
Klip Blast 16 (Cross) Nylon 1.32 211 11.62 Ashaway MonoGut 16L Nylon 1.27 242 19.40
Unique Tourna Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.34 211 12.76
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan 16 Nylon 1.28 211 12.94
Babolat Powergy 16 Nylon 1.34 211 13.10
Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 17 Nylon 1.26 212 10.69
Forten Sweet 16 Nylon 1.33 212 10.78
Gosen OG Sheep Micro Super JC 16 Nylon 1.30 212 11.05
Gosen Tecgut Super Tec Ak Pro 16 Nylon 1.34 212 11.64
Alpha Viper MXT 16 Nylon 1.29 212 12.35
Carnelian Synthetic Gut 16L Nylon 1.32 212 12.92
Pacific Powerline 16 Nylon 1.36 213 11.49
RAB Endura Classic 16 (Cross) Nylon 1.32 213 11.62
Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 16 Nylon 1.30 213 12.04
Prince Synthetic Gut Original 17 Nylon 1.24 214 10.59
Klip Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.33 214 10.98
Gamma TNT2 18 Nylon 1.18 214 11.05
Ektelon Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 16 Nylon 1.31 214 12.24
Pacific Dura Tech 16L Nylon / Aramid 1.27 214 13.12
Babolat Razor Spin 16 Nylon 1.30 214 13.76
Klip Synthetic Gut 15L Nylon 1.37 214 13.76
www.racquetsportsindustry.com Janaury 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27

Polyester (Sorted by Stiffness)
Babolat Pro Hurricane 18 Polyester 1.21 187 22.29 Unique Tourna Poly Premium 17 Polyester 1.27 233 21.80
Tecnifibre Promix 17 (1.25) Polyester 1.27 199 13.72 Isospeed Hybrid Spin 16 Polyester 1.30 233 24.08
Head Sonic Pro 17 Polyester 1.23 199 23.09 Isospeed Pyramid Spin 16 Polyester 1.30 233 24.50
Pacific Poly Power 18 Polyester 1.09 201 21.17 Kirschbaum Pro Line No.1 1.15 Polyester 1.16 234 17.09
Tecnifibre Promix 16 (1.30) Polyester 1.29 204 14.99 Pro Supex Premier Ace 1.25 Polyester 1.24 234 17.57
Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.10 Polyester 1.09 206 23.68 Klip K Boom 17 Polyester 1.23 234 17.99
Isospeed Pulse 1.20 Polyester 1.23 209 21.78 Volkl V Rex 16L Polyester 1.24 234 18.32
Super String Pure Control Orange Polyester 1.25 210 22.25 Pro Supex Big Ace 1.25 Polyester 1.25 234 19.16
Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.15 Polyester 1.16 211 23.49 Kirschbaum Touch Turbo 1.275 Polyester 1.26 234 21.21
Gamma Zo Tour 16 Polyester 1.32 214 20.73 Polyfibre TCS 1.25 Polyester 1.26 234 23.86
Head Sonic Pro 16 Polyester 1.31 214 22.18 Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 17 Polyester 1.26 235 16.27
Isospeed Pulse 1.30 Polyester 1.30 214 23.74 Pro Supex Poly Control 1.25 Polyester 1.26 235 17.23
Gosen Polylon Comfort 17 Polyester 1.26 215 19.91 Kirschbaum Competition 1.25 Polyester 1.28 235 19.07
Gosen Polylon SP 17 Polyester 1.25 215 20.70 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Spin 127 Polyester 1.29 235 19.25
Pro Supex Poly Power Soft 1.15 Polyester 1.13 216 19.69 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.20 Polyester 1.21 235 19.98
Pacific Poly Power Pro 17 Polyester 1.21 218 21.78 Gamma Zo Tour Rough 16 Polyester 1.29 235 20.52
Kirschbaum Competition 1.20 Polyester 1.19 219 19.09 Signum Pro Poly Special 1.25 Polyester 1.23 235 20.64
Pro Supex Big Ace Micro 1.15 Polyester 1.20 219 19.34 Gosen Polylon SP 16 Polyester 1.29 235 21.06
Isospeed Pyramid 16 Polyester 1.28 219 24.19 Kirschbaum Spiky Shark 17 Polyester 1.23 235 23.42
Tecnifibre Black Code 18 Polyester 1.18 220 18.88 Topspin Cyber Flash 1.20 Polyester 1.20 236 17.47
Signum Pro Poly Deluxe 1.22 Polyester 1.20 220 19.11 Klip Optic Nerve 17 Polyester 1.23 236 17.49
Polyfibre HighTec Premium 1.20 Polyester 1.21 220 23.13 Kirschbaum Pro Line No.2 1.25 Polyester 1.24 236 19.14
Pacific X Force 18 Polyester 1.19 222 17.09 RAB Endura Classic 16L (Main) Polyester 1.29 236 20.26
Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 18 Polyester 1.19 222 18.89 Gosen Polylon Polybreak 18 Polyester 1.21 236 21.26
Pacific Poly Power Pro 16L Polyester 1.24 222 21.65 Signum Pro Poly Fiber Titan 1.25 Polyester 1.26 236 24.10
Unique Tourna Big Hitter Blue 18 Polyester 1.21 223 18.32 Prince Tournament Poly 16 Polyester 1.29 236 24.17
Klip K Boom 18 Polyester 1.19 223 18.88 Polyfibre Viper 1.25 Polyester 1.24 236 24.66
Isospeed Hybrid Control 16L Polyester 1.25 223 20.73 Gosen Polylon Polybreak 17 Polyester 1.23 238 17.47
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.2 1.15 Polyester 1.16 224 18.92 Unique Tourna Big Hitter Blue 16 Polyester 1.29 238 17.88
Tecnifibre Black Code 17 Polyester 1.27 225 18.03 Pro Supex Big Ace 1.28 Polyester 1.25 238 18.68
Topspin Cyber Blue 1.20 Polyester 1.22 225 18.17 Forten Pro Select 17 Polyester 1.20 238 18.92
Pro Supex Big Ace 1.22 Polyester 1.21 225 18.68 Alpha Vengence 17 Polyester 1.26 238 22.36
Gamma Zo Tour 17 Polyester 1.29 225 18.94 Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.18 Polyester 1.19 239 15.65
Super String Terminato V1 Polyester 1.27 225 24.50 Wilson Enduro Pro 17 Polyester 1.25 239 15.77
Babolat Pro Hurricane 17 Polyester 1.25 226 16.83 Gamma Zo Power 16L Polyester 1.20 239 17.29
Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Fluoro 123Polyester 1.25 226 17.64 Signum Pro Tornedo 1.23 Polyester 1.25 239 19.16
Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 Polyester 1.23 226 17.97 Unique Tourna Poly Premium 16 Polyester 1.29 239 20.25
Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.20 Polyester 1.18 226 23.44 Polyfibre HighTec Premium 1.30 Polyester 1.29 239 25.36
Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1.19 Polyester 1.19 227 16.67 Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.25 Polyester 1.24 239 27.14
Kirschbaum P2 1.20 Polyester 1.18 227 18.10 Luxilon Big Banger TIMO 122 Polyester 1.20 240 14.07
Pacific Poly Soft 16L Polyester 1.26 227 19.41 Topspin Cyber Flash 1.25 Polyester 1.23 240 15.54
Polyfibre TCS Rapid 1.20 Polyester 1.19 227 23.79 Pro Supex Premier Ace 1.30 Polyester 1.28 240 16.83
Polyfibre Cobra 1.20 Polyester 1.21 227 24.43 Pro Supex Poly Control 1.30 Polyester 1.28 240 16.94
Pro Supex Poly Master 1.25 Polyester 1.26 228 20.59 Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.19 (Platinum Edition)Polyester 1.19 240 17.60
Pacific Poly Soft Pro 16L Polyester 1.26 228 23.92 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Rough 125Polyester 1.25 240 18.98
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.2 1.20 Polyester 1.18 229 18.19 Kirschbaum Hybrix Power 1.25 (Main) Polyester 1.24 240 19.14
Unique Tourna Big Hitter Blue 17 Polyester 1.26 229 18.21 Luxilon M2 Pro 125 Polyester 1.26 240 21.70
Silent Partner Roly Poly 17 Polyester 1.27 229 19.62 Polyfibre TCS Rapid 1.30 Polyester 1.29 240 24.45
Kirschbaum Touch Turbo 1.25 Polyester 1.25 229 21.41 Polyfibre Cobra 1.30 Polyester 1.29 240 24.83
Boris Becker Bomber 17 Polyester 1.24 229 21.59 Babolat Pro Hurricane 16 Polyester 1.31 241 13.61
Polyfibre Viper 1.20 Polyester 1.21 229 24.43 Gamma Zo Magic 16 Polyester 1.28 241 15.25
Polyfibre HighTec Premium 1.25 Polyester 1.24 230 24.01 Luxilon Big Banger TIMO 110 Polyester 1.15 241 16.91
Polyfibre TCS 1.20 Polyester 1.19 230 24.16 Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter 16 Polyester 1.29 241 17.62
Polyfibre Cobra 1.25 Polyester 1.26 230 24.63 Prince Tournament Poly 17 Polyester 1.24 241 24.23
Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter 17 Polyester 1.26 231 18.15 Pacific Poly Power 15L Polyester 1.33 241 24.83
Pacific Poly Soft 16 Polyester 1.29 231 19.16 Babolat Duralast 17 Polyester 1.26 241 25.07
Gamma Zo Twist 16 Polyester 1.28 231 22.71 Klip Optic Nerve 16 Polyester 1.28 242 13.58
Topspin Titan Fibre 15L Polyester 1.39 232 12.65 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 125 Polyester 1.23 242 17.13
Luxilon Big Banger Ace 112 Polyester 1.16 232 17.05 Gosen Nanocubic Nanosilver 17 Polyester 1.26 242 17.33
Pro Supex Premier Ace 1.20 Polyester 1.22 232 18.05 Tecnifibre Black Code 16 Polyester 1.31 242 18.08
Pacific Poly Power 17 Polyester 1.18 232 19.95 Signum Pro Poly Fiber Titan 1.30 Polyester 1.30 242 24.89
Signum Pro Plasma Pure 1.18 Polyester 1.19 232 20.09 Klip Hardcore 17 Polyester 1.24 243 17.05
Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.19 Polyester 1.19 232 20.53 Luxilon Big Banger XP 125 Polyester 1.25 243 17.78
Yonex Tough Brid 125 17 (Main) Polyester 1.24 232 20.95 Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.25 Polyester 1.24 243 18.55
Pacific Poly Soft Pro 16 Polyester 1.29 232 23.71 Pro Supex Poly Power Soft 1.30 Polyester 1.32 243 18.76
Topspin Cyber Blue 1.25 Polyester 1.24 233 15.66 Signum Pro Poly Power 1.20 Polyester 1.20 243 19.50
Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.23 Polyester 1.25 233 17.48 Kirschbaum Touch Turbo 1.30 Polyester 1.30 243 19.58
Signum Pro Poly Deluxe 1.30 Polyester 1.24 233 18.31 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.225 Polyester 1.23 243 19.74
Gamma Stinger (Main) Polyester 1.28 233 19.53 Signum Pro Poly Special 1.30 Polyester 1.28 243 20.33
Signum Pro Poly Power 1.30 Polyester 1.32 233 19.58 Topspin Cyber Whirl 1.24 Polyester 1.24 244 19.01
Pacific Poly Power Pro 16 Polyester 1.30 233 21.19 Signum Pro Poly Speed Excl. 1.25 Polyester 1.27 244 19.56

Babolat Ballistic Polymono 17 Polyester 1.25 244 20.89 Ashaway Monofire XL 17 Polyester 1.26 259 17.13
Alpha Vengence 16L Polyester 1.29 244 22.05 Pro Supex Poly Power Soft 1.25 Polyester 1.27 259 18.57
Signum Pro Plasma Hextreme 1.25 Polyester 1.25 246 16.23 Prince Poly EXP 18 Polyester 1.21 259 20.88
Topspin Cyber Blue 1.30 Polyester 1.31 246 20.38 Wilson Enduro Pro 16 Polyester 1.30 260 14.33
Polyfibre TCS 1.30 Polyester 1.29 246 24.74 Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.28 Polyester 1.27 260 15.98
Signum Pro Poly Power 1.25 Polyester 1.26 247 17.88 Luxilon Big Banger TIMO 117 Polyester 1.20 261 16.29
Dunlop Explosive Polyester 17 Polyester 1.26 247 18.00 Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky 1.30 Polyester 1.31 261 18.17
Kirschbaum Competition 1.30 Polyester 1.30 247 18.50 Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 127 Polyester 1.27 261 18.99
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.2 1.30 Polyester 1.27 247 18.61 Luxilon Adrenaline 1.25 Polyester 1.23 261 19.40
Yonex Tough Brid 130 16 (Main) Polyester 1.30 247 22.42 Genesis Black Magic 16 Polyester 1.28 261 21.35
Polyfibre Viper 1.30 Polyester 1.31 247 25.18 Pacific X Force 17 Polyester 1.25 262 13.47
RAB Monoflex 16 Polyester 1.26 248 17.95 Yonex Poly Tour 130 16 Polyester 1.32 262 19.65
Signum Pro Plasma Pure 1.23 Polyester 1.24 248 18.17 Head UltraTour 16L Polyester 1.27 263 17.97
Super String Viper V2 Polyester 1.25 248 24.56 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.35 Polyester 1.37 263 19.36
Luxilon Big Banger Original 130 Polyester 1.28 249 17.11 Super String Super Pro V3 Polyester 1.24 263 19.49
Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.28 Polyester 1.26 249 18.04 Fischer Poly Pro 17 Polyester 1.27 263 21.06
Gosen Polylon 17 Polyester 1.24 249 19.52 Pacific X Force 16L Polyester 1.32 264 14.33
Tecnifibre Polyspin 16 (1.275) Polyester 1.27 249 19.87 Topspin Cyber Flash 1.35 Polyester 1.23 264 15.44
Prince Tour 17 Polyester 1.25 249 21.37 Gamma Dura Blast 17 Polyester 1.26 264 16.82
Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.30 Polyester 1.29 249 23.77 Pacific Poly Power 16 Polyester 1.29 265 17.16
Luxilon Supersense 125 Polyester 1.26 250 19.21 Genesis Spin X 17 (Silver) Polyester 1.23 265 18.61
Signum Pro Poly Power 1.35 Polyester 1.35 250 19.38 Topspin Cyber Whirl 1.27 Polyester 1.28 265 20.48
Signum Pro Poly Speed Excl. 1.30 Polyester 1.30 250 19.63 Luxilon Big Banger Original Rough 130 Polyester 1.28 266 19.21
Genesis Spin X 17 Polyester 1.26 250 21.08 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.30 Polyester 1.29 266 19.58
Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 130 Polyester 1.29 250 22.21 Topspin Cyber Red 1.24 Polyester 1.24 268 15.88
Gamma Zo Life 16 Polyester 1.28 251 15.50 Topspin Cyber Black 1.23 Polyester 1.25 268 18.52
Alpha Gut 2000 Poly 16 (Main) Polyester 1.31 251 15.52 Pacific Poly Force Xtreme 16L Polyester 1.27 268 19.39
Kirschbaum P2 1.225 Polyester 1.23 251 15.76 Kirschbaum Spiky Shark 16 Polyester 1.31 268 20.24
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.1 1.20 Polyester 1.19 251 18.96 Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.33 Polyester 1.34 270 14.26
Signum Pro Poly Deluxe 1.25 Polyester 1.32 252 17.40 Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour 16 Polyester 1.28 270 16.61
Genesis Black Magic 17 Polyester 1.24 252 19.16 Prince Poly EXP 17 Polyester 1.24 270 21.66
Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.325 Polyester 1.33 252 20.75 Unique Tourna Poly Premium 18 Polyester 1.21 271 15.39
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.1 1.25 Polyester 1.22 253 16.67 Kirschbaum P2 1.30 Polyester 1.30 273 15.74
Dunlop Explosive Polyester 16 Polyester 1.29 253 16.98 Topspin Concept Pure 1.29 Polyester 1.27 273 16.28
Prince Poly Spin 3D 16 Polyester 1.27 253 23.39 Toalson Ultimate Polyester 130 Polyester 1.35 273 21.59
Babolat Duralast 16 Polyester 1.31 253 25.33 Toalson Rencon 125 Polyester 1.26 274 13.42
Forten Flexion 16L Polyester 1.24 254 15.53 Pacific Poly Force Xtreme 15L Polyester 1.35 274 19.05
Signum Pro Plasma Pure 1.28 Polyester 1.29 254 19.56 Mutual Power Power Match (Crosses) Polyester 1.35 274 23.30
Gosen Polylon 16 Polyester 1.30 254 21.23 Babolat Revenge 17 Polyester 1.26 277 19.32
Dunlop Comfort Poly 17 Polyester 1.26 254 21.24 Prince Poly EXP 16 Polyester 1.28 277 21.48
Gamma Monoblast 16 Polyester 1.28 254 25.56 Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1.34 Polyester 1.34 278 15.69
Kirschbaum P2 1.275 Polyester 1.24 255 16.47 Ashaway Monofire XL 16 Polyester 1.29 278 16.14
Klip K Boom 16 Polyester 1.31 255 16.96 Kirschbaum Long Life 1.38 Polyester 1.40 281 20.71
Super String Bionic V9 Polyester 1.23 255 17.09 Toalson Rencon 130 Polyester 1.31 282 13.64
Head UltraTour 17 Polyester 1.22 255 19.29 Signum Pro Poly Speed Spin 1.28 Polyester 1.29 283 18.00
Yonex Poly Tour 125 16 Polyester 1.24 255 19.78 Signum Pro Poly Speed Spin 1.33 Polyester 1.32 289 18.34
Signum Pro Plasma Hextreme 1.30 Polyester 1.29 256 16.63 Pacific Poly Force 17 Polyester 1.24 294 13.41
Forten Flexion 16 Polyester 1.28 256 16.76 Prince Twisted 16L Polyester 1.28 298 18.91
Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour 17 Polyester 1.25 256 17.58 Babolat Revenge 16 Polyester 1.31 302 19.31
Forten Intimidator 16 Polyester 1.30 256 17.91 Gamma Dura Blast 16 Polyester 1.30 303 12.68
Gosen Polylon Comfort 16 Polyester 1.30 256 19.65 Pacific Poly Force 16L Polyester 1.30 320 17.84
Luxilon M2 Plus 130 Polyester 1.31 256 19.93
Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky 1.20 Polyester 1.22 256 19.97
Prince Tour 16 Polyester 1.28 256 21.57
Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1.24 Polyester 1.24 257 14.91
Kirschbaum P2 1.25 Polyester 1.25 257 15.48
RAB Endura Flex 17 Polyester 1.21 257 16.34
Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.275 Polyester 1.26 257 19.53
Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.25 Polyester 1.25 257 19.55
Signum Pro Poly Speed Excl. 1.35 Polyester 1.39 257 20.00
Babolat Ballistic Polymono 16 Polyester 1.30 257 20.31
Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 16 Polyester 1.28 258 14.90
Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1.29 Polyester 1.30 258 15.06
Topspin Cyber Flash 1.30 Polyester 1.27 258 15.28
Topspin Concept Pure 1.24 Polyester 1.24 258 16.67
Wilson Enduro Gold 16 Polyester 1.32 258 17.60
Klip Hardcore 16 Polyester 1.27 258 19.42
Genesis Spin X 16 Polyester 1.31 258 20.73
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.1 1.30 Polyester 1.27 258 22.09
Gamma Zo Sweet 17 (Main) Polyester 1.22 259 15.75

Gut (Sorted by Stiffness)
Pacific Tough Gut 16L Natural Gut 1.28 83 7.52 Pacific Prime Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.22 105 8.45
Pacific Tough Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.26 88 6.75 Pacific Classic Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.30 106 11.01
Pacific Classic Gut 16L Natural Gut 1.28 92 6.39 Babolat VS Touch Thermogut 16 Natural Gut 1.30 107 8.31
Pacific Prime Gut 16L Natural Gut 1.30 92 6.86 Pacific Tough Gut Imperial (Blue Spiral) 16Natural Gut 1.30 110 8.23
Pacific Prime Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.28 97 5.75 Bow Brand Championship 16 Natural Gut 1.30 111 7.36
Grand Slam Gut Ti. Power 16 (uncoated) Natural Gut 1.30 97 10.92 Grand Slam Gut Ti. Power 16 (coated) Natural Gut 1.36 112 9.31
Head Natural Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.25 99 8.73 Klip Legend 16 Natural Gut 1.28 113 8.77
Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 15L (coated) Natural Gut 1.36 100 8.58 Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 16 (coated) Natural Gut 1.41 113 9.28
Wilson Natural 16 Natural Gut 1.31 102 8.43 Klip Legend 17 Natural Gut 1.27 113 9.31
Babolat VS Team Thermogut 17 Natural Gut 1.26 102 8.45 Prince Natural Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.31 114 8.49
Prince Natural Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.23 102 8.49 Babolat Tonic+ Thermogut Ball Feel Natural Gut 1.35 114 8.84
Wilson Natural 17 Natural Gut 1.26 103 8.13 Bow Brand Championship 15L Natural Gut 1.34 116 8.53
Pacific Tough Gut 15L Natural Gut 1.40 103 8.66 Gamma Natural Gut Tour 16 Natural Gut 1.32 117 8.47
Grand Slam Gut Black Knight Gut 16 (Coated) Natural Gut 1.32 103 11.91 Babolat VS Touch Thermogut 15L Natural Gut 1.35 118 8.68
Klip Armour Pro 16 Natural Gut 1.30 105 7.43 Babolat Tonic+ Thermogut Longevity Natural Gut 1.38 119 9.26
Klip Armour Pro 17 Natural Gut 1.28 105 7.70 Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 15L (uncoated) Natural Gut 1.48 129 11.22
Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 17 (uncoated) Natural Gut 1.28 105 7.87
Kevlar/Technora/Vectran (Sorted by Stiffness)

Ashaway Composite XL Pro 15 Kevlar 1.38 444 16.36 Gamma Infinity 18 (Main) Kevlar 1.17 641 17.00
Ashaway Composite XT Pro 16 Vectran 1.30 470 14.34 Gamma Infinity 17 (Main) Kevlar 1.24 641 20.57
Pacific Powercraft 18 Kevlar / Nylon 1.10 508 14.67 Alpha Tourna Blend 17 (Main) Kevlar 1.24 647 20.64
Forten New Age 18 Kevlar / Nylon 1.13 511 18.43 Alpha Tourna Blend 15 (Main) Kevlar 1.39 662 20.37
Forten Aramid Composite 18 Kevlar / Nylon 1.11 516 15.04 Ashaway Kevlar 18 Kevlar 1.08 671 27.21
Forten Ultra Thin Blend 18 Kevlar 1.12 545 15.12 Gamma TNT2 Fusion Plus 16 (Main) Kevlar 1.28 674 16.36
Forten Thin Blend 18/17 (Main) Kevlar 1.15 557 14.33 Gosen Arammix Pro 18 Kevlar 1.09 697 17.03
Wilson Hyperlast Spin 19 (Main) Technora 1.21 562 13.72 Wilson Hyperlast 15 (Main) Technora 1.41 709 13.15
Head FXP Blend 17 (Main) Kevlar 1.24 574 15.73 Prince Problend w/Duraflex 17 (Main) Kevlar 1.24 720 16.39
Forten Aramid Composite 17 Kevlar / Nylon 1.17 597 11.27 Gamma Infinity 15L (Main) Kevlar 1.35 729 17.90
Forten Aramid Gear 16L Kevlar 1.42 610 10.43 Gamma Infinity 16 (Main) Kevlar 1.30 736 17.90
Forten Aramid Composite 16 Kevlar / Nylon 1.28 619 9.55 Ashaway Kevlar 17 Kevlar 1.22 757 28.37
Silent Partner Gutsy Aramid 17 Kevlar 1.15 623 11.38 Ashaway Kevlar 16 Kevlar 1.29 764 26.68
Forten Aramid Gear 15 Kevlar 1.45 627 11.84 Gosen Arammix Pro 16 Kevlar 1.28 795 19.14
Alpha Tourna Blend 18 (Main) Kevlar 1.18 634 21.03 Prince Problend w/Duraflex 16 (Main) Kevlar 1.30 981 15.88
Gamma TNT2 Fusion Plus 19 (Main) Kevlar 1.23 640 17.33

W hat’s the oldest tennis company in the world? For some, the answer may be sur-
prising, since it was only in the last 10 years that the French company Babolat
became much more visible in the U.S. when it introduced racquets here.
But Babolat is the oldest tennis company in the world—
it’s been making tennis strings for 135 years. In fact, Babo-
taining key relationships with pro and specialty retailers, and
adding excitement for both recreational and pro players.
lat invented tennis strings, pretty much at the same time the His vision, products, growth and approach to business in
game of tennis itself was born. the U.S. is what makes Eric Babolat our choice for Racquet
In 1875, Pierre Babolat, who lived in Lyon (where the Sports Industry’s 2009 Person of the Year.
company is still based, and still uses its original building),
was making natural gut strings for musical instruments. Business Expansion
Major Walter Clopton Wingfield visited Babolat to talk about Eric was thrust into the lead role at Babolat in 1998 when he
strings for wooden racquets for a new game Wingfield called was 28 years old. In September of that year, his father,
“sphairistike” (a Greek word meaning “ball game”), which he Pierre, was returning to France from the US Open when he
had patented a year earlier. (Thankfully, the game caught on, was killed in the crash of Swissair Flight 111 off Nova Scotia.
but not Wingfield’s original name for it.) But Eric, now the fifth generation to run the company,
From that point on, Babolat and his company became had been well-schooled in the family business. Under his
dedicated to tennis. leadership, the company has been focused on, and is suc-
Now, Pierre’s great-great-grandson, Eric Babolat, heads cessfully executing, a strategic plan of expansion worldwide.
the company and his vision has been changing the fortunes In 1994, the company launched its first line of tennis rac-
of the family-run firm, bringing innovative products to mar- quets, in Europe. In 2000, two years after Eric took the helm
ket in the U.S. and around the world, establishing and main- as president and CEO, Babolat racquets were brought to the

U.S. market and quickly established a foothold that today gives establish our brand as a leader.” Babolat’s strategy of introduc-
them nearly 25 percent dollar-market-share in pro shops and ing products in a limited, controlled way in their home area,
specialty stores, as of June 2009, according to research by then patiently expanding to other locations, seems to be work-
Sports Marketing Surveys. Also in 2000, Babolat established its ing well. And importantly, it’s led to retailer and player loyalty
U.S. headquarters in Boulder, Colo. that helps to grow the brand.
The company’s biggest selling racquets, the Pure Drive (used Also contributing to the company’s growth and success in the
by Andy Roddick) and the Aeropro Drive (used by Rafael Nadal), U.S. is Babolat’s management team. Eric Babolat didn’t created
are consistently at the top of the charts. In terms of dollar sales a bloated infrastructure, so particularly during this time of down-
at pro shops/specialty stores for the first sizing and cutting back, the company was well-
three quarters of 2009, Babolat has the top positioned with a streamlined team of proven
three best-selling frames: the Aeropro professionals.
Drive Cortex Midplus, Pure Drive Cortex Another key in the way Babolat does busi-
Midplus and Pure Drive GT Midplus, ness is its presence at the grassroots, with spon-
according to TIA/SMS research. sorships of teaching pros and promising young
Babolat partnered with another iconic players. When the company’s racquets debuted
French company, tire-maker Michelin, and in the U.S., it didn’t take long for highly visible
in 2005 brought tennis shoes with Miche- pros and top juniors to put the brand in the
lin soles to the U.S. market. (Roddick spotlight. Among the top players who are long-
wears the popular Propulse shoe.) The time users of the brand are Roddick, Nadal and
company has a tenniswear line in Europe Kim Clijsters, a credit to Eric Babolat’s eye for
and, if history is any guide, Babolat tennis talent.
apparel will soon find its way into the U.S. “Roddick using the Pure Drive racquet was a
market. And there’s talk of possibly bring- huge factor in the company’s growth in the
ing Babolat tennis balls to market. U.S.,” says CD Bodam, the president of Rocky
Strings, of course, have been the com- Mountain Sports, who has dealt with Babolat for
pany staple throughout its history (the pop- 30 years. “Babolat’s success is a combination of
ular VS string was launched in 1925, and the company a good business plan, good resources, and some good luck.”
pioneered electric, then electronic, stringing machines in the That business plan includes a distribution strategy that has
1970s). Babolat, which had worldwide revenues of $120 million garnered the loyalty of retailers in the U.S. and helped the brand
in 2008, also makes tennis grips and accessories. to grow even more.
Outside of its unprecedented growth in the U.S. market since “Babolat has not gone to places that don’t want to be part-
2000, what’s truly unique about the company is that for 135 ners,” says Bodam. “Since its beginning in the U.S., the brand
years, it has been solely focused on tennis. The slogan “tennis was really picky, and that paid off and kind of kept a little cult
runs in our blood” is often repeated by Eric Babolat and taken going.” In the U.S., the company has nearly 50 employees and
to heart by the nearly 300 employees worldwide. about 1,500 tennis retail accounts.
Long-Term, Patient Growth Protecting the Brand

“Our roots are deep in tennis, and we are completely dedicated “Babolat has been really conscious of protecting their brand,”
to the sport,” says Babolat. “But this industry is not so easy says Brad Blume of Tennis Express in Houston, which Babolat
[today], the market is not really growing. So being specialized is named its 2009 Retailer of the Year. “It’s done an amazing job
a challenge.” in maintaining price and brand integrity and not going after the
But, he adds, the company has always been oriented toward discount market.”
the long-term. “When we start or launch something, we want to “Babolat has become the premier brand in tennis retail,”
adds Mark Mason of Mason’s Tennis Mart in New York City.
“They’ve taken a huge percentage away from other brands, and
they don’t sell to big-box stores. You never hear of Babolat
flooding the market with off-price racquets, as we know other
companies do. Ask any specialist focused on margins; your best
margins are with Babolat. Rarely do people come into my store
saying they can get a Pure Drive for less, and asking me to
match that price. It’s a winning combination for specialty retail.”
The reason for this, adds Mason, is the leadership provided
by Eric Babolat, along with the way the company is structured.
“Eric’s greatest advantage is he’s not part of a larger company
with a corporate structure, so there’s not that pull for just
growth,” Mason says, “because then it’s growth no matter how
you do it.
“Dealers know that if anybody sells below MAP, Eric will act
quickly on it. Bottom line, they’re the best partner we have

because if you have a franchise with them, they
really are behind you.”
“A lot of retailers have a long relationship with
our company,” says Babolat. “That’s important—
we’re confident in their knowledge and passion
for the game and their understanding of the prod-
uct. Their professional advice is really the key for
the support they can bring to the brand, and we
want to provide them with product that is easy to
sell with good marketing points.”
“Right now, Babolat is the clear industry leader
in terms of policy and responsibility,” says Tony
Taverna, who owns two Perfect Racquet retail
stores in Connecticut.
“They’ve been able to do what no other com-
pany has been able to do: Have at least a two-year
life cycle on all new racquets; when introducing a
new technology, they manage inventory so older
models sell through with minimal discounting; they keep the “It’s something dealers always bring up to us,” adds Maule.
racquet line streamlined so they don’t over-saturate the mar- “We give the consumers a chance to really buy into some-
ket; and they successfully govern distribution channels so that thing. Our dealers know our programs and philosophies are
being an authorized dealer has very real benefits. easy to work with.”
“As racquet, string and grip SKUs keep multiplying in this
industry,” adds Taverna, “I’m hoping Babolat won’t compro- Innovation and Vision
mise and will continue to stick with its tennis-specialty-friend- Dealers also know the innovative products and technologies
ly policies.” that Babolat brings to market. “Eric is a visionary in this
industry,” says Mason. “I always look to Babolat for the most
A “Family” Atmosphere innovative products.”
Babolat’s relationship with dealers speaks well to the “family” “Product innovation is a big key for success and quality,”
atmosphere that Eric fosters. “You can see it throughout the says Babolat. “We have technologies and products that are
company,” says Susan DiBiase, the U.S. mar- great for every kind of player, at every level.”
keting director who joined Babolat in 2006. “It TIPS FOR Adds DiBiase, “The U.S. is the biggest mar-
starts from the top down. We want to be suc- ket for Babolat, and Eric understands that the
cessful, but we’re not an in-your-face kind of
SUCCESS U.S. is a different market than the rest of the
brand. The whole company wants to make Keep your eyes focused on world, and he always listens to our point of
sure we never lose that. where you want to be. “Tennis view. For instance, we have the whole over-
“And it’s the same with our players,” she runs in our blood,” says Eric sized racquet market here that they don’t have
adds. “You see it with Nadal and Clijsters— Babolat, and that theme sets in Europe. Eric is just great, though, and really
they’re total winners, yet very humble and the tone for the company’s approachable. He’s personal, and personable.”
approachable and nice. That’s a value that Eric strategy. And Eric Babolat is looking to help the over-
tries to instill in everybody, it’s a huge part of Create strong partnerships with all U.S. tennis market; he recently joined the
the way everything’s organized.” customers and accounts, and board of directors of the Tennis Industry Asso-
work together.
Internally, make it a team effort
Recently, DiBiase says, Nadal came by the ciation. “Eric’s perspective on the U.S. tennis
office in Lyon and spent four hours going retail market will provide valuable insight as
across the board. Rather than
around with Eric and talking to every employ- people out for themselves, they we move forward with ways we can help the
ee. “The employees love working for Eric.” should be looking out for the industry overall,” says Jolyn de Boer, the exec-
And employees know it’s all about the fam- best interest of the brand. utive director of the TIA. “We’re happy that
ily—which is the brand. “It all goes back to Be personable, open, honest he’s involved as a member of our board.”
Eric’s philosophy and how that has trickled and genuine. Eric Babolat’s “To me, Eric is the most important leader
down to everyone,” says Mickey Maule, Babo- approach to others draws them in the industry,” concludes Mason. “He wants
lat’s U.S. national sales manager, who’s been in, rather than alienates them. to improve the experience of players on every
with the company just over two years. “Our level, and to make the game even easier. I
brand is first, and every decision goes around that.” wish other companies would market more like Babolat.”
Important in the longevity of the brand, say both DiBiase “We are a mix of innovation and heritage,” says Babolat.
and Maule, is having “long-sellers.” “Very few companies in the world have that, and I’m very
“We don’t introduce a product, then six months later yank proud of that, of those tennis roots. The more that players feel
it and flood the market with closeouts,” says DiBiase. “It’s Babolat is their brand—this is what makes us strong and helps
important for our brand and for our dealers to know that us build. We want to take the time to grow our history in the
we’re there for them.” market.” —Peter Francesconi

A longside picturesque Lake
Oconee sits Reynolds Planta-
tion, in the town of Greens-
boro, Ga., 75 miles east of Atlanta.
This private community is host to
none,” says Bill Dopp of the USTA
Southern Section. “And his tennis
center has a growing membership.”
“Players have a lot of opportuni-
ties to get involved with guests and
the award-winning Lake Club Tennis community mem-
Center, with its four hard and four bers,” says
TIPS FOR
clay courts—and an array of pro- Neuhart. The club
gramming for all ages and all levels. has a “tennis
SUCCESS
Impeccable service and attention concierge” to get Sweat the small
to detail are hallmarks for this facility, which is run by Direc- players together, and there is never a lack of stuff. For members,
tor of Tennis Dave Neuhart, a Peter Burwash International Cardio Tennis, leagues, clinics and private it’s the attention to
pro. The programs and services are all “very member-driven,” instruction. detail that counts.
he says. And it’s the all-around attention to its members and There are junior programs as well, along Monthly themed
programs that have helped to make Reynolds Plantation RSI’s with social activities, mixers, and round- activities, and other
2009 Private Facility of the Year. robins. And members get free lessons from events, help keep it
very “member-
The site has received many honors, including being named PBI teaching pros there to train. The fully-
driven.”
Get people play-
a Top 50 Tennis Welcome Center and winning a 2009 USTA stocked pro shop carries all major brands of
Outstanding Facility award. “We work hard to provide the racquets, apparel and footwear. ing—and having fun
best in tennis for our members and guests,” says Neuhart, The club, says Neuhart, “probably com- on court—right
who was named PBI Tennis Professional of the Year in 2000. prises one of the friendliest memberships away.
“Dave’s patience and attention to detail are second to anywhere.” —Cynthia Sherman
TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
Whether stringing for
R on Rocchi’s first job, in seventh

grade, was stringing for a local
shop near Chicago. Now, as Wil-
son’s global tour equipment manager, he’s
tasked with designing products, including
“But another thing we
highlight is the tremendous
job that stringers do,” he
adds. “For decades, it’s
been somewhat of an over-
pro or rec players, it’s
about personal inter-
action, quality string-
ing and customer
service.
performance racquets. looked profession.” Know string patterns,
His drive to offer players the best pos- “All of the practices that types and tensions to
become an expert in
sible in products and services has led to Ron’s instituted for his
custom-fitting clients.
Become “super-
the formation of the Wilson Stringing team are helping to raise
Team, the innovative Baiardo stringing professional standards,” detail-focused”—
machine, and a desire to elevate the stan- says David Bone, the exec- have standard
dards of stringing. In fact, few people have utive director of the U.S. methods, for instance
done more to raise the profile of racquet Racquet Stringers Associa- always tying a certain
stringers than Rocchi. And for 2009, he is tion (and co-publisher of unique knot.
RSI’s Stringer of the Year. Racquet Sports Industry).
The Wilson Stringing Team includes “And that filters right down to the recre-
many of the best stringers in the world. ational level, too.”
The team is the official stringers for the US “Ron is great to work with,” says Tim
Open, Australian Open, Sony Ericsson, and 25 to 30 other Strawn, founder of the Grand Slam Stringers Symposium, at
ATP and WTA events. “Customer service is at the forefront,” which Rocchi has presented for the last three years. “Ron
Rocchi says. “Our customers, the top pros in the world, knows what he wants. And he really puts his heart into it.”
expect the very best quality and service. —Peter Francesconi

TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
Let customers
choose. "I tell them
T he tennis industry puts a lot of

emphasis on what's new. But
sometimes, it's easy to overlook
the fact that proven, even “old-school,”
ways of doing business may still be the
DeRosa handles all
aspects of jobs—fencing,
paving, lighting, landscap-
ing and more. “If you con-
trol it all, you know it will be
the pros and cons of
surfaces, then let
them decide," says
DeRosa.
Don't get stuck in a
rut, but don't overdo
best: delivering quality work, charging rea- done the way you want it,”
it. "You have to
sonable rates and above all, keeping your he says. Away from the
change with the
promises. It’s these “traditional” methods company, DeRosa is an times. And you can't
that often build a successful “family” accomplished pianist and do everything, but
business. singer and leads a band. you can do every-
When Thomas DeRosa Sr. started build- “Tom has a reputation thing the best you
ing clay courts in 1930, he did it out of ded- for quality and integrity,” can."
ication to and pride in the sport he loved. When his sons, says Fred Stringfellow, executive v.p. of Learn everything you
one of whom is Tom DeRosa, became involved with the the American Sports Builders Associa- can. “Court builders
business, they continued that tradition of success, and that tion. “He’s been a Certified Tennis Court should have a knowl-
has made DeRosa Tennis Contractors Inc. of Mamaroneck, Builder since 2003 and has been the edge of the game
and of construc-
N.Y., our 2009 Builder/Contractor of the Year. ASBA’s CTCB certification chairman for
tion—everything
“Our reputation is probably our strongest point because the past several years.”
from the base up."
everyone knows what we do and our quality,” says Tom “I think the world of Tom,” says Tom
DeRosa, the second generation and the current owner. (His Magner, Eastern regional manager with
son works summers with the company and expects to follow DecoTurf. “He's been involved in this industry since he was a
his father after college.) kid. And he plays a mean keyboard.” —Mary Helen Sprecher
TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
courts, clay-court construc- Listen to customers
“E veryone has their own approach to

customer service,” says Tracy
Lynch, the wholesale accounts
manager for Lee Tennis of Charlottesville, Va.
“The first thing we do is listen to our cus-
tion and maintenance, and
court lighting. He’s proactive
in learning our accounts’
businesses, spending time
and ask questions to
find out what they
need.
Partner with cus-
tomers, then ask questions to find out what with them on job sites, sup- tomers, so that
“there’s a benefit for
they need and come up with solutions.” porting and training their
both sides,” says
Lynch—who manages each of Lee’s 320 staffs, and creating buying
Lynch.
wholesale accounts in the U.S., Mexico, Cana- programs to make them Be available to cus-
da and the U.K—has been listening to his cus- more profitable.” tomers. “We take a
tomers for 11 years. And he’s become an In his spare time, Lynch team approach. I’m
expert at it—and in giving his customers what plays league tennis, but he’s in touch personally,
they need to run a successful court-building also a high-level football offi- and we have three
business. That’s why Lynch is RSI’s Sales Rep cial—he’s officiated in the in-office sales reps
of the Year. NFL and currently works devoted to specific
“Tracy’s great,” says Stephen C. Dettor, NCAA Division I and UFL territories.”
COO of Fast-Dry Courts Inc. and president of 10-S Tennis football games.
Supply. “He makes sure we get the technical and marketing “I think my personality type is to run to the problem,
support we need. But more than that, he’s a trouble-shooter don’t take your time getting to it,” says Lynch. “Often mis-
and problem-solver for us.” takes should be treated as opportunities. No one expects you
“Tracy is a great leader, educator and manager,” says Pat to be perfect, but customers do expect you to make good on
Hanssen, Lee’s director of sales. “He’s an expert on clay your product.” —Peter Francesconi

E veryone knows it’s a tough
retail environment. Still,
tennis shops are finding
ways to do business. For Brad
Blume at Tennis Express in Hous-
the store floor, and usually at
least two stringers are in action at
all times. For 30 minutes every
week, there are “team training”
sessions for employees.
ton, it’s a return to fundamentals “We try to have a broad selec-
that is helping to see him through. tion and keep items in stock,”
“From the top down, our team says Blume.
is very customer-oriented,” he “And we TIPS FOR
says. “One of the things we do super-well is always try to find always try to cross sell, so for instance, if
the right product for our customer—we’ll do whatever we can you buy a racquet, we’ll give a special price
SUCCESS
to get them what they want.” on a bag.” Greet people at the
It’s the willingness to go the extra mile that sets Tennis The store is very involved in the com- door. TE also gives
Express apart. That’s why the store is RSI’s Pro/Specialty munity, too, including donating to the out a “greeter
Retailer of the Year. Houston NJTL, supporting the Houston Ten- coupon” that shows
“Brad’s commitment to excellence and quality has result- nis Association and more. TE also hosts what specials are
going on.
Train your staff to
ed in one of the most successful, largest pro/specialty tennis clinics with pros; last spring, 250 people
shops in the country,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. turned out to see James Blake.
cross-sell related
The store is about 5,500 square feet, with another 2,500 “We’re about creating memorable expe-
products.
square feet for storage and executive offices, including for riences for our customers,” says Blume, Get involved in the
TE’s internet team. Blume says at least 10 people work the “because we believe that drives loyalty.” community.
floor at all times. Four of the five stringing machines are on —Peter Francesconi
TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
When dealing with
municipal govern-
ment, don’t force it.
W
hat happens when a very pas- to the Park Board, and they
sionate tennis player and parent promise to maintain it.” “You have to build
sees courts in town falling into It’s a formula that is work- the relationship and
really listen,” says
disrepair? If you’re Ellen Doll of Minneapo- ing for Minneapolis. The first
Doll. “And some-
lis, you step up and start gathering support site that Support the Courts
times you just have
to save the courts. renovated, six courts at Ken- to wait for the right
Doll started the nonprofit Support the wood Park, was finished in timing.”
Courts (www.supportthecourts.net) in 2004 2006. “They get the most use One of the most
and since then has been the driving force in of any in the city,” says Doll, valuable volunteers
renovating four public sites in the last few “and they’ve just come alive. for Doll’s organiza-
years, saving a total of 20 tennis courts. And People play constantly.” The tion was someone
she’s not done yet, with more locations scheduled to receive next three sites all serve major city high who did graphic
her special brand of attention. Her efforts to pull together local schools and have tennis programming for design work. “The
government, community groups and residents has led to Doll youngsters.” project comes alive
once it’s on paper,
winning RSI’s inaugural Tennis Advocate of the Year award. "Ellen is doing extraordinary things for
when people see
“I didn’t see that the Park Board had it in their plans to ren- tennis,” says Becky Cantellano, USTA North-
photos of children
ovate the courts, and so far, we’ve raised closed to a million ern’s director of tennis programs and ser- and bad-looking
dollars and renovated four sites,” says Doll, who recently won vices. “She sees dilapidated courts and courts,” she says.
the USTA Northern Section’s Community Service Award. underfunded programs as an opportunity for In an all-volunteer
“The Park Board owns the land; we’re renovating courts her to contribute, rather than another reason organization, expect
they own. They’ve allowed us to hire our own contractor, then to complain. She speaks up, pitches in, and a lot of work to fall
we do the work as high quality as we can and donate it back makes change happen.” —Peter Francesconi on a few people.

I t’s quite an understatement to
say that Dan Faber is a busy
man. Faber is the executive
director of the NJTL of Trenton,
N.J., one of the most active NJTL’s
programs, many of which have an
academic component designed to
“enhance what they learn in the class-
room.”
More than 1,000 TIPS FOR
in the country. kids from 20 public
“Our mission is to enhance lives schools participate
SUCCESS
and strengthen character by pro- in a program using Use tennis as a hook
viding opportunities in tennis, edu- Quick- Start Tennis for teaching responsi-
cation and nutrition,” says Faber, that culminates in a ble behavior, sports-
who has a master’s degree in edu- citywide tourna- manship, health and
cational administration. In 2008, Faber resigned from teach- ment. Summer camps are at eight parks fitness, leadership
and more.
Academic curriculum
ing to work for the NJTL full time. In his time there, “We’ve and schools. The MITES program (Mobile IT
gone from 250 kids to touching the lives of 2,500 kids.” Education Support) brings 10 laptop com-
for kids needs to be
“Dan mixes the passion of a teacher with the business puters from site to site so kids can work on as engaging as the
savvy of an executive to create a large and sophisticated them. The NJTL also provides college schol- tennis.
NJTL chapter on the cutting edge of youth development arships. And all this just scratches the Use your connec-
work,” says Dan Limbago, the USTA’s national manager for surface. tions. Faber used his
the National Junior Tennis and Learning network. And for “This past year, we grew by 40 percent educational contacts
2009, Faber is RSI’s Junior Tennis Champion of the Year. in both revenue and participants, and we’re to help create a 24-
“We have quite an array of opportunities for our partici- looking to do the same next year,” says week curriculum for
pants,” says Faber. The NJTL runs after-school and summer Faber. —Peter Francesconi NJTL kids.
L ocal tennis heroes are all around

us. They run programs in parks,
they form CTAs, they run
leagues and mixers. In Cobb County,
Ga., Lisa Stone and Susan Chambers,
season and the kids had a total blast.”
The next year, the league doubled in
size, to 380 students from 11 schools,
making up 32 teams.
Then, in the fall of 2009, Chambers
both of Marietta, formed a program for got involved. “I asked Lisa if there was
schoolchildren that has taken off. And an elementary-school league, because I
for 2009, both women are RSI’s Grass- wanted my son to play
roots Champions of the Year. tennis with his class-
TIPS FOR
In 2008, Stone’s son wanted to play mates,” she says.
tennis for his middle school, but there “There wasn’t, and I
SUCCESS
was no team (in fact, the school district realized we should Use all the resources
doesn’t have, or support, any sports for elementary- or mid- start one.” In its first season for grades 2 to you can—local,
dle-school kids). That set Stone in motion—she contacted 5, there were about 135 kids on 16 teams state, sectional,
the USTA to see what could be done, and started networking from eight schools. The kids use the Quick- national.
in the community, and she formed a Junior Team Tennis Start Tennis format and all get together at Kids love the idea of
program for grades 6 to 8. one time and place on Friday afternoons. playing on teams,
with their classmates.

“We started in fall of 2008 at four middle schools and fig- “This league is probably the most amaz-
ured we’d get 10 kids from each school,” says Stone (at left ing thing I’ve seen,” says Karen Zuidema, Network with friends
above). “It turned out we got 180 kids, and wound up with the tennis service rep for Georgia. “There and other tennis play-
ers, for suggestions
16 teams—everything from kids who had never picked up a needs to be more people like Lisa and
and help.
racquet before to tournament players. We ran a six-week Susan.” —Peter Francesconi

TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
The RTC’s Smith-Perry Make QuickStart Ten-
J im Reffkin has served as director of
tennis for Tucson, Ariz., Parks & Rec
for 34 years, directing operations at the
Tennis Academy is one of
the largest junior develop-
nis a priority as a
dynamic progressive
program.
Encourage total fami-
award-winning Randolph Tennis Center. In ment programs in the
appreciation, the city last September Southwest. The center also
ly participation to
renamed the facility in honor of Reffkin, has the largest USTA Ten-
keep tennis, and your
and RSI is pleased to present our Municipal nis on Campus program in customer base,
Facility of the Year award to the recently U.S., with 227 students growing.
christened Reffkin Tennis Center. from the University of Ari- Encourage communi-
Under Reffkin, the center expanded zona, who, by the way, are ty involvement and
from 10 to 25 courts and has won numer- trained to teach QST. host tournaments.
ous awards. It’s also the site for at least 10 “Jim recognizes that the
national championship events. Thousands of kids—and college program encourages these kids to be future leaders in
adults—go through RTC’s QuickStart Tennis clinics every the sport. Very few public tennis centers get that,” says Glenn
year, says Reffkin. There are 15 different events using the Arrington, the USTA’s Tennis on Campus national program
QST format, and RTC has 10 courts permanently lined for manager.
QST, which he says “lends credibility to the program.” The main thing, says Reffkin, “is that we reach every pos-
RTC also has a unique “participation pathway,” says Assis- sible level of play, every income level, and age group, and
tant Director of Tennis Jeff Brack. “It’s a logical numerical sys- have a rich menu of 90-plus events and tournaments from
tem, with corresponding tournaments for each level. It keeps which the local economy thrives. We want to get a lot of new
the chain of players moving from one level to the next.” players and keep growing the game.” —Cynthia Sherman
TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
Make sure people
T alk to people about Dean Oba of

Salt Lake City, and certain words
keep coming up: “phenomenal,”
“generous,” “amazing,” “inspirational.”
“He’s the complete package,” says
Oba has been instru-
mental in developing
have fun right from
the start.
wheelchair tennis pro- Look for different
grams in the Salt Lake
City area, and he’s
ways to recruit new
players. Oba also
Linda Vincent, executive director of the spent countless hours coaches wheelchair
Utah Tennis Association. “He’s been a helping kids and adults. basketball and pulls
players into tennis
mentor and coach and has volunteered “Along with other
from that.
Develop relation-
enormous amounts of his time to help groups, we’ve devel-
work with wheelchair tennis players. oped this really nice ships with other
We’re so grateful.” program,” says Oba. “We have a great net- groups. Oba main-
“He’s just an all-around amazing guy,” adds Dan James, work of groups and people that have really tains ties with rehab
the USTA’s National Director of Wheelchair Tennis. “A gen- been supportive. centers, tennis facili-
uinely great person.” “Our philosophy is if someone is going to ties and civic organi-
Oba fits all of those descriptions. And to the honors and take a risk and come out and play, we want zations, such as the
accolades, he can now add another: RSI’s 2009 Wheelchair to make sure they have an enjoyable time,” Rotary Club—all of
Tennis Champion. he adds. “Fun is a huge component of what which help the
Last year, Oba received the David L. Freed Lifetime Service we do.” wheelchair program.
Award from the USTA Intermountain Section as the driving “Dean is one of those people who touch-
force behind wheelchair tennis in Utah. He started playing es your life,” says Patricia Chien, the USTA Intermountain’s
wheelchair tennis 30 years ago and is an accomplished tour- recreational tennis coordinator. “When you talk to him, you
nament player, but his passion for the sport runs deep. get inspired.” —Peter Francesconi

T he term “public park” generally
evokes images of … unkempt
municipal courts, few, if any,
amenities, and no real ambience.
Then there's our choice for RSI’s
Wolfington, executive
director of USTA-Neva-
da. “It has been the sin-
gle best contribution to
tennis in the Las Vegas
TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
“Reach out to schools
and the community,”
Public Park of the Year: the Amanda tennis community,” he says Foley. “That's
and Stacy Darling Memorial Tennis Cen- says. “My guess is the where your players
ter in Las Vegas. The center, which Darling Tennis Center will come from.”
opened in September 2005 as part of alone will increase ten- Be beginner-friendly.
the 110-acre Kellogg Zaher Sports Complex, is the largest nis participation by 20 percent. The biggest “Come if you can't
public outdoor tennis complex in Nevada, with 23 lighted impact for the community is the economic play. We'll teach
hard courts and a stadium court that seats more than 2,000. development, bringing in regional, national you,” she says.
The courts stay busy, and the sport keeps growing, with and international tournaments.” Get quality instruc-
comprehensive programming for all levels of play. And, says Greg Mason, senior director of tors. “The first experi-
ence should always
“I'm particularly proud of our developmental programs,” sales for Head/Penn Racquet Sports, which
be with your best
says Sandy Foley, the center’s coordinator. “It's very inex- has worked with the facility to put on spe-
instructor.”
pensive, very community-based. We get a lot of kids from cial events, the staff provides an outstand-
neighborhood schools, then their mothers, fathers, siblings ing experience. “The service level is second to none,” he
and friends get involved.” says. “Here, you get the feeling of being in a private club.
In a city that has made tourism an art form, the Darling You have top-shelf courts, a stadium court, everything—and
Tennis Center stands out as an athletic attraction, says Ryan they operate so efficiently.” —Mary Helen Sprecher
W hat makes a great CTA?

Programming and activi-
ties, of course. But the
Western Wake Tennis Association in
Western Wake County, N.C., goes
than just a game—it’s become a
lifestyle, one that we want to share,”
she says.
The CTA provided QuickStart equip-
ment to all five park & rec departments
well beyond that. And for 2009, the in its local area, as well as equipment to
WWTA is RSI’s CTA of the Year. private clubs. In 2009, WWTA took the
“Western Wake has everything,” program a step further with the intro-
says David Slade, the USTA’s national duction of its Physical
manager of CTAs. “They’ve taken Education Tennis Pro- TIPS FOR
QuickStart Tennis to the next level with permanent courts, gram, which provides training and equip- SUCCESS
they have a strong board, great programming, relationships ment to six public elementary schools in the
with park & recs and towns, and more.” area. WWTA plans to expand the program “Prioritize your
WWTA, with 2,600 members, offers league play, sanc- to the remaining 26 public elementary efforts, and pick a
tioned tournaments for adults and juniors, youth tennis, schools. small number of pro-
events for seniors, player development, academic scholar- Careful, steady growth has been the hall- jects to go whole-
hog on,” says Gast.

ships to college, scholarships to attend tennis camps, and mark of the association. “We realize there
tennis for special populations, including wheelchair players are programs and needs that we can’t meet Grow your efforts
slowly and put quali-
and Special Olympics events. ourselves,” says Gast. As a result, WWTA
ty into your projects.
Think big, but be pre-
The organization’s strength, says WWTA President has partnered with other CTAs, charitable
Donna Gast, is its membership. “We’ve been able to recruit organizations and with the Cary Tennis Park pared to follow up.
committed volunteers to whom tennis has become more to achieve its goals. —Mary Helen Sprecher

TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
Drop-in clinics let
T here are some people in this

industry you just can’t avoid. Ken
DeHart is just such a person. He’s
involved in so many aspects of tennis—as
time in tennis has been
on how do you market or
create added value.”
For more than 20
non-members test-
drive the club and
your instruction, and
let members see new
faces.
Get involved in pro-
a director of tennis, teaching pro, coach, years, DeHart has pre-
teacher of tennis teachers, presenter, sented at the annual PTR
fessional develop-
author and so much more. Symposium and always
ment—never stop
“Ken’s spent nearly 40 years educating received top marks, says learning and sharing
tennis teachers and coaches around the Santorum. He’s a great what you’ve learned.
world,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum. “He clinician, hosted and If you pay enough
has a true passion for teaching tennis. But helped produce three of attention to continu-
he not only shares his knowledge with oth- the PTR’s most widely ing education, writ-
ers, he also takes the time to learn more distributed DVDs, is coming articles, running
and more about how to teach the sport. He mitted to community and events, etc., you’ll
sets a tremendous example for others.” charity events, and is one never get burned
And for the example that he sets, DeHart is RSI’s 2009 PTR of only a handful of pros who are Master out.
Member of the Year. Professionals in both the PTR and USPTA.
DeHart has been the director of tennis at the San Jose Continuing education has always been
Swim & Racquet Club in California for eight years. “We teach huge for DeHart, who has a master’s degree in education. “I
a lot of lessons, and a lot of my lessons are for non-mem- attend as many continuing ed opportunities as I can,” he says.
bers,” he says. “If I can convert one out of every five or six to “And since I get to speak a lot, it forces me to have new things
memberships, I add a lot of value to our club. So much of my to talk about all the time.” —Peter Francesconi
TIPS FOR
I n recognition of a career of accom-

plishments spanning more than 30
years, Robert Greene Jr. of Rangeley,
Maine, has been recognized with the 2003
International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Ten-
Greene, director of ten-
nis at the Balsams Grand
Notch, N.H., has shared

his passion for tennis and
SUCCESS
Resort Hotel in Dixville Network with fellow
teaching pros. You’ll
learn lessons that
nis Educational Merit Award and 2009 breadth of knowledge can’t be found in
USPTA Alex Gordon National Professional through USPTA and USTA manuals.
of the Year Award. He is a two-time committees and national Invest in yourself by
USPTA New England Division Pro of the workshops. He has been seeking development
opportunities.
Promote yourself as
Year winner and five-time USPTA New equally committed to giv-
England Division Tester of the Year. Now, ing back to the communi-
well as the game:
he can add RSI’s 2009 USPTA Member of ty through USPTA Free Offering free lessons
the Year to his accolades. Lesson Days and as a vol- is one way to show-
“Bob’s industry experience, including unteer coach with Tenaci- case your expertise
his tennis-teaching career and volunteer service, demon- ty, a non-profit organization in Boston. and benefit the
strates his talent for educating both on and off the court,” says Greene is as adept at teaching begin- industry.
USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. “He’s among the USPTA’s most ners as he is advising touring pros—and
active members and has demonstrated his dedication through enjoys both. Ultimately, he hopes to run tennis camps for
years of volunteer service as a teacher, committee member, aspiring touring pros, similar to the one he attended under the
mentor and speaker. His commitment to teaching and volun- guidance of Fred Perry in the late 1970s.
teering has ensured our game’s success with perhaps hun- “I’m always looking for ways to grow this great game,” he
dreds of potential new players.” says. —Cindy Cantrell

T ennis most likely was in the cards
all along for Rich Johns of Saratoga
Springs, N.Y. After all, his middle
name is “Ace.”
Johns, who is the tennis coach at Sarato-
people and we expect you to be that way,
too. I take that into the classroom, also.”
Johns is a social studies
teacher in the middle
school.
TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
has gained a lot of support Give credit where due.
ga Springs High School, has led his teams to Over the years, Johns
17 league championships and nine section-
Johns acknowledges
al titles. But more important, he runs a No- from the community, and
the support of players,
Cut tennis program that, over his it’s helped him build his
coaches, parents, the
remarkable 35 years of coaching, has had as program and promote ten- school district and the
many as 150 players. Honored by the USTA nis. In fact, he was able to community at large.
recently with its Starfish Award, Johns is push a building project Show respect to your
RSI’s 2009 High School Coach of the Year. that placed 12 courts in a students, and they’ll
“Rich is widely recognized for many con- prime area on the high respect you, your
tributions on and off the court,” says USTA school campus. There are coaches, the game,
School Tennis Manager Jason Jamison. another six courts at the and their peers and
opponents.
“I’m fortunate to be here in Saratoga Get involved in the
“He’s kept tennis in the forefront in his local community and middle school.
has made a significant impact on the lives of students.”
district and communi-
“Our program’s foundation deals with respect,” Johns Springs,” says Johns. “The community,
ty. It helps build the
says. “Kids understand that the core values that are most school district, parents and players are all
relationships you need
important to us are respecting the game, yourself, your so supportive of what we try to do.” to grow the program.
opponents, the spectators, your coach. You’re around good —Peter Francesconi
TIPS FOR
SUCCESS
Provide a high level of
member and customer
service. Listen to
I n the past year, the USTA Midwest

Section has compiled a list of
accomplishments spanning com-
munity tennis, youth and junior team
According to Glenn
Arrington, the USTA’s
national manager of Ten-
nis On Campus & Tennis
them, solve their prob-
lems, satisfy their
wants and thank
them.
tennis, no-cut high school, collegiate Services Representa- Develop a team of
and adult competition, USTA Leagues, tives, another corner- passionate and talent-
QuickStart and recreational coach work- stone to the section’s ed volunteers and
shops, high performance, tennis service success is its well-round- staff. Give them a
representative initiatives, and its foun- ed team of TSRs. “Mid- strategic direction and
dation. Most of all, however, Executive Director Mark Saun- west continually receives some of the financial resources,
and then get out of
ders says he is proud of the dedication and longevity of his highest marks in the country for its atten-
their way.
Accept and embrace
staff. Combine it all, though, and you have RSI’s USTA Sec- tive service and support in helping local ten-
tion of the Year. nis providers in fostering growth,” he says. change and be cre-
“Despite recent economic challenges, our volunteers and Kirk Anderson, the USTA’s director of ative with those
staff remained positive and dedicated to fulfilling our mis- recreational coaches and programs, notes changes. Embrace
sion,” Saunders says. “In addition, our districts, USTA orga- the section leads the country in training new ideas and
nizational members, USPTA and PTR pros, college and high workshops for both recreational and Quick- technology.
school coaches, and communities continue to embrace our Start Tennis coaches. “Midwest is doing
programs. We are so fortunate to have a talented and pas- some outstanding work organizing programs and training
sionate team of volunteers, staff and teaching pros working coaches,” he says. “This will pay dividends for years to come
together to provide high-quality tennis programs and by getting more children on the court and keeping them in
events.” the game with team-based programs.” —Cindy Cantrell

String Playtest
Luxilon M2 Plus
M2 Plus is a new “multi-mono” from senting an 8 percent tension loss. Our
Luxilon that offers the advantages of control string, Prince Synthetic Gut
both multifilament and monofilament Original Gold 16, measured 78 RDC
strings. Luxilon M2 Plus has dynamic units immediately after stringing
variable flex which reacts to the power and 71 RDC units after 24 hours,
of your shots. It acts like a multifila- representing a 9 percent tension
ment at lower power, touch shots –
providing increased feel and softness – loss. M2 Plus added 18
and like a monofilament at higher grams to the weight of our unstrung
power shots – providing control. frame.
The patent-pending M2 Plus consists The string was tested for five weeks
of an interior of ten filaments — five tri- by 39 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP rat-
angular and five oval-shaped — sur- ings from 3.5 to 6. These are blind tests,
rounded by a matrix of polymer. All with playtesters receiving unmarked
parts of the string are extruded simulta- strings in unmarked packages. To opti-
neously using Luxilon’s proprietary mate- mize playability, we instructed our
rials. For more information about playtest team to reduce the reference
Luxilon’s M2 line of strings and the EASE OF STRINGING tension by 10 percent. Average number
“multi-mono” technology, see our (compared to other strings) of hours playtested was 22.3.
playtest report of M2 Pro in the May Number of testers who said it was: During stringing, M2 Plus felt slip-
much easier 2 pery enough that it was sometimes diffi-
2009 issue of RSI magazine.
somewhat easier 4
Luxilon tells us that M2 Plus is for cult to hold the tip between the fingers
about as easy 24
players who want to experience the ben- during installation of the crosses. M2
not quite as easy 7
efits of Luxilon string but need a softer not nearly as easy 2
Plus also remained mildly cantankerous
feel from their string. throughout the installation process, but
Unlike other Luxilon strings, there are OVERALL PLAYABILITY on the other hand there was virtually no
no recommendations to lower the ten- (compared to string played most often) need to straighten the crosses afterward.
Number of testers who said it was: No playtester broke the sample dur-
sion when stringing with M2 Plus. Due to
much better 0
its unique nature, this string can be ing stringing, eight reported problems
somewhat better 9
strung like a normal synthetic, or with a with coil memory, two reported prob-
about as playable 10
slight reduction in tension. not quite as playable 19
lems tying knots, and none reported
M2 Plus is available in 16 gauge only not nearly as playable 1 friction burn.
ON THE COURT
in pearl only. It is priced from $17 per
set of 40 feet, and $318.50 for reels of OVERALL DURABILITY
(compared to other strings
660 feet. For more information or to As with Luxilon M2 Pro we playtested
of similar gauge)
order, contact Luxilon at 800-272-6060, Number of testers who said it was: earlier, our playtest team loved M2 Plus.
or visit luxilon.com. Be sure to read the much better 6 M2 Plus scored 8th highest of the 137
conclusion for more information about somewhat better 14 strings we’ve playtested to date for
getting a free set to try for yourself. about as durable 17 Power, and 17th highest in both Durabil-
IN THE LAB
not quite as durable 1 ity and Resistance to Movement. It also
not nearly as durable 1 scored well above average in Playability,
We tested the 16 (1.30) gauge M2 Plus. Control, Spin Potential, and Tension
RATING AVERAGES
The coil measured 40’. The diameter From 1 to 5 (best) Retention. In six of our nine voting cate-
measured 1.33-1.36 mm before string- Playability 3.6 gories — Durability, Power, Control,
ing, and 1.29-1.31 mm after stringing. Durability (17th overall) 4.3 Spin Potential, Tension Retention, and
We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 73 Power (8th overall) 3.7 Resistance to Movement — M2 Plus
RDC units immediately after stringing at Control 3.7 scored in the top ten percent of all
60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 Comfort 3.2 strings we’ve tested. In the Power cate-
(16 x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull Touch/Feel 3.2 gory, M2 Plus is the new top-scoring
Spin Potential (11th overall) 3.5 “poly.” All together, M2 Plus scored 12th
machine.
Holding Tension 3.6
After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed best overall, with an overall average that
Resistance to Movement (17th overall) 3.9
stiffness measured 67 RDC units, repre- is also in the top ten percent. In fact, M2

TESTERS TALK
FREE PLAYTEST
STRING PROGRAM
strung at 54 pounds LO (Luxilon Big Banger
“ Very solid feel at impact. Excellent spin. Alu Power 16L)
”
Uniquely playable poly. 4.5 male all-court
player using Prince O3 Speedport Black Team
Luxilon will send a free set of
strung at 60 pounds LO (Prince Premier LT “ Wow! Effortless power and endless control.
Defensive saves find the back court. This string
M2 Plus to the first
500 USRSA members who cut out
17)
enables confident tennis. After 6 hours of hard (or copy) this coupon and mail it to:
“ This is an arm-friendly polyester with the ”

hitting, power and control suffer a bit. 5.0
male touch player using Wilson K Five strung USRSA Attn:
perfect blend of power and control. Where do I at 47.5 pounds (Polyester 16) Luxilon String Offer,
”
sign? 4.5 male all-court player using Yonex
RDS 001 strung at 52 pounds CP (Topspin
330 Main Street,
Vista, CA 92084
Cyberflash 16) “ Solid feel. Softer and more playable than
or fax to 760-536-1171,
”
most polyester strings. 4.0 male baseliner
with heavy spin using Wilson nTour strung at
or email the info below to
stringsample@racquettech.com
“ This is the best polyester I have ever tried. I
can take a full swing without worry. The depth
56/54 pounds LO (Signum Pro Poly Plasma 17)
Offer expires 15 Jan 2010
and trajectory are very predictable. After 25
hours, it shows no sign of wear. I have never “ I am not a polyester user, but this string has Offer only available to USRSA
been a fan of polyester ... until now.
” 4.5 ”
piqued my interest. 4.5 male serve and
volleyer using Head MicroGEL Radical Team Name:
members in the US.
male all-court player using Prince OZone Seven
MP strung at 58 pounds CP (Gamma Profes-
strung at 60 pounds LO (Babolat Conquest 16) USRSA Member number:
sional 17)
Phone:
“ Good control. No string movement. Top-

spin lobs come down hard and fast. Big hitting “ While impressed by the durability, resis-
tance to movement, and power, I find every-
Email:
If you print your email clearly, we will
”
topspin players need look no further. 3.5
male baseliner with heavy spin using Prince ”
thing else to be average. 4.5 male all-court
player using Prince EXO3 Rebel (port inserts)
notify you when your sample will be sent.
O3 Blue strung at 5.5 pounds CP (Luxilon Big

strung at 56 pounds LO (Polyester/Nylon Multi-
Banger TIMO 18) For the rest of the tester comments, visit
filament 17/17) www.racquetsportsindustry.com.
“ Above average tension maintenance. Very

little string movement. Folks who can generate
their own power will be rewarded with
”
tremendous control. 4.5 male all-court
player using Head MicroGEL Prestige MP
Plus was a virtual tie (.01 difference!) with

Luxilon M2 Pro.
Two players broke the sample during
the playtest period, one at two hours and
one at seven hours.
CONCLUSION
As with Luxilon M2 Pro, there’s a lot to
like with M2 Plus, but one number that
jumped off the result sheet was the 8.2
percent tension loss that, while low for
any synthetic string, is great for a “poly.”
And with its range of tension possibilities,
current “poly” users can string it up tight-
ly to get the traditional benefits of a Lux-
ilon string, while newer “poly” players
and experimenters can string it more
loosely to optimize playability or better
match up in a hybrid combination.
If you think that Luxilon M2 Plus
might be for you, fill out the coupon to
get a free set to try. —Greg Raven Q

Tips & Techniques
Readers’ Know-How in Action
STRING STRAIGHTENING mounting the racquet from the machine.
Even though the recommendation is to If you want to straighten as you go, how-
straighten the cross strings as you install and ever, one way to do it is to straighten the
tension them, with some strings, it’s virtual- cross behind the cross currently under ten-
ly impossible as the last tensioned cross sion. This works for me even on the really
wants to pop back away from the previously slippery strings.
installed cross. For this reason, many 5 sets of Wilson Sensation 16 to:
stringers use an offset awl to straighten the James Sly, Carpinteria, CA
TRIMMING GRIP TAPE

strings after tying off the crosses, before dis-
When wrapping grip tape around a fresh

replacement grip or overgrip, I like to have
the tape finish on one of the wide “flats”
of the shaft. This helps prevent tape creep,
and the exposed end is much less likely to
become detached and start unraveling. I
do this even when I have a grip band to
put over the grip tape, as I often see rac-
quets where the band has slid up the shaft
to the point where it no longer secures the
tape.
5 sets of Pro Supex PF Blend 17/16 to:
Alan Yoshida, Hollywood, CA
STRINGING
MACHINE PROTECTION
This idea comes from another dear friend,
Sam Chan of the U.K. When using a string-
ing machine with outside arms the use of
starting clamps, awls, etc. tend to scratch
the arms. To stop this from happening,
use racquet head tape on the arms. Use
the synthetic leather type that stretches to
conform it to the arms.
5 sets of Gamma Synthetic Gut with Wear-
Guard 16 to:
Vince Chiarelli, MRT, Largo, FL
—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 bene-
fit of USRSA membership. Submit tips to: Greg Raven, USRSA, 330
Main St., Vista, CA 92804; or email greg@racquettech.com.

Your Serve
Making the Best Of
A Bad Situation
A veteran coach and teaching pro used the
I
time she was out of a job to expand her
career, and her opportunities. BY HOLLY CHOMYN
n our struggling economy, I recently tions as adversity comes and goes. Most not spoken to recently. It is important to
found myself out of a job due to pro- of the matches turned out to be roller- do something that makes you happy even
gram cuts. Many other teaching pros coaster rides of emotions and momen- if it is for a short time. In my case, I did the
were losing their jobs as well. The job tum swings. Being there to witness what above activities plus I volunteered to walk
market was tight and I knew it would happens in a match allows me to really dogs for the local SPCA. Volunteering will
take several months to find another job. identify more specific needs of my keep your mind off of your troubles and
It can be a depressing time if you let neg- student. allow you to concentrate on others who
ative thoughts get into your mind. Some- In addition to watching my players are less fortunate.
times things happen that are out of your play, I played in several tournaments The third tip is to stay or get into
control and all you can do is try to stay myself. I believe if you put yourself in the shape. It is easier to stay in shape than to
positive. I would like to share with you same situation as your students, you are lose your fitness and try to get back in
three tips that helped me survive the better able to relate to how they feel. shape when you start a new job. This will
months that I was not working. How many teaching pros try to give also help avoid injuries. If you are not in
My first goal was to do something advice to students on tournament play shape, now you no longer have an excuse.
every day that would further my career and they have never played in a tourna- Even if you cannot afford a gym, you can
in the long run. Since I wasn’t working, I ment themselves? I also had an opportu- still stretch every day along with an abs
had time to write articles that I had nity to help with two national tourn- workout, push-ups, Pilates, and some free
declined in the past. I went to USPTA aments and learn the ins and outs of run- weights. Exercising will also make you feel
conventions and meetings that were usu- ning a big event. better by relieving stress and releasing
ally scheduled at a difficult time for me to endorphins.
attend. After a lengthy application and
evaluation process, I was selected to
“My first goal was to The hours of your day will be filled if
you do these three activities every day.
attend the weeklong USTA High Perfor- do something every More importantly, it will keep you physi-
mance Program in Carson, Calif. I would cally, mentally, and socially engaged
not have considered this program in the day that would further instead of sitting around feeling
past because of the time commitment.
However, it proved to be very informa-
my career in the long depressed. These tips will give you a goal
to focus on every day. I found that with the
tive. I gained a lot of confidence in my run.” extra time to do other tennis activities, I
abilities and it opened up some doors for filled out my resume and gained experi-
the future. ence in areas that I had not worked before.
During my “down time” I also had a I also spent some time working for In the end, my time off helped me expand
chance to watch some of my tourna- the public parks in a low-cost tennis pro- my career. Q
ment-level students compete in USTA gram. The environment and expectations
tournaments. Watching players actually are certainly different from those of a pri- Holly Chomyn is a Master Professional with
compete in a match gives a teaching pro vate country club or a collegiate team. the USPTA, the highest professional rating in
the organization. She has coached USTA and
great insight into the player’s mental and Gaining experience working with large ALTA teams, USTA Junior Zonal teams and
emotional capacity. Most pros work on groups is also valuable. Everything you been a USTA High Performance coach. She
stroke production, but the mental side is do in the industry will add knowledge also has coached the men’s and women’s
equally important. I watched as my play- and experience to your repertoire. teams at the University of Delaware for 12
ers tried to navigate through the ups and The second goal is to do one activity years.
downs of match play. I learned that as that you enjoy every day. This could be
teachers, we also need to focus on error exercising, reading a book, watching a We welcome your opinions. Please email
comments to RSI@racquetTECH.com or fax
management skills and controlling emo- movie, or calling friends who you have them to 760-536-1171.

Racquet Sports Industry

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January 2010

Volume 38 Number 1 $5.00

the people, businesses and 7 Tennis participation

FEATURE 14 Ferris PTM program

2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

he news that overall U.S. tennis participation—for the Editorial Director

lion players in 2009 was rightfully hailed as a major Associate Editor

good of the sport” attitude—which continues today—we all Apparel Advertising

Peter Francesconi 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.

RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

PTR Symposium Set, Tennis Participation Tops 30 Million Players

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

ASBA Elects New Officers and Directors Pro Coaches Launch

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Hinding Tennis Adds Viking Athletics Named

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

USPTA Adds “My

New Doubles Book

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

counted prices on Etcheberry Strength

>of theMercedes-Benz is the new car sponsor

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Wheelchair Tennis Industry Loses

W heelchair tennis great Randy Snow

USPTA Schedules Certification Exams for 2010

PTR to Host West Coast Club & Facility Conference

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

New ZyMax 70 Badminton String

Guide to College Tennis Available I congratulate you on a terrific “Our Serve” in

T he Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State University in Big

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15

GrowingTennis System: Check out our business resources section, includ-

Get Kids Moving TWC Spotlight:

GROW THE INDUSTRY Court Activity Monitor

March 1 is Tennis Night in America

THE BLX FAMILY

2 Six.One 95 BLX 6 Pro Open BLX

7 Pro Team FX BLX

3 Six.One Team BLX

4 Six.One Lite BLX

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

3 Tidal Wave BLX

4 Coral Wave BLX

2 Khamsin Five 108 BLX

BLX Grips Key Technologies With BLX Racquets

Q Linear Geometry: a new technology that Wilson says provides up to 35

Q AGT: Articulated Grommet Technology, which allows for 76 percent

www.racquetsportsindustry.com Janaury 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23

String Selector 2010

T he tennis string market in America seems to be moving in a

The Geography of “Feel”

24 RRACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Nylon, Zyex, & Polyolefin (Sorted by Stiffness)

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

www.racquetsportsindustry.com Janaury 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2010 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29

Kevlar/Technora/Vectran (Sorted by Stiffness)

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2010 www.racquetsportsindustry.com