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Comfort and Control: Technology evolves for new strings

By Bob Patterson

As the sport of tennis continues to evolve, characteristics like control and comfort seem to suffer. In an effort to offset this, manufacturers are constantly researching and developing new materials, construction techniques and engineering methods.

Is it possible to have it all? Probably not, since one playing characteristic often counteracts another. However, it is possible to mitigate some of the less desirable side effects of a given quality, and that is what we are seeing with many of the new products coming out on the market. As new technologies are introduced, expect to see this story of comfort and control continue to evolve.

Most new products are introduced in the spring, but we have several new strings that are being introduced for the fall and holiday season.

Strings

Diadem

diademsports.com • 844-434-2336

The company is releasing a new gauge (18) for its popular Solstice Power string, and launching a new string: Elite XT, available in 15L, 16, 16L, 17 and 18 gauges.

Velociti

rmsboulder.com • 800-525-2852

While the product isn’t new, Velociti is presenting a new concept for its synthetic strings by offering bulk packaging: strings are offered in box sets, with 50 sets of string along with 20 overgrips and a jar of 60 dampeners. Not only is the concept green by saving packaging material, it saves the dealer money, too.

Tecnifibre

tecnifibre.com • 888-301-7878

The latest innovation from Tecnifibre, Pro Red Code Wax is made by injecting polyethylene wax directly in the polyester during the manufacturing process. You can read more details in our String Playtest from the August issue. Pro Red Code Wax is available in 16 (1.30 mm), 17 (1.25 mm) and 18 (1.20 mm) gauges.

Head

head.com • 800-289-7366

Head introduces the Red Hawk Touch string to coincide with the new Graphene Touch racquets. The string features Crystal Core Technology, a unique multi-stage heat process designed to provide players with touch and feel to aid in control.

MSV

rmsboulder.com • 800-525-2852

This popular German brand has a new U.S. distributor in Rocky Mountain Sports of Boulder, Colo. The company has an extensive line of synthetic strings and accessories manufactured in its own factory. (See this month’s String Playtest on page 32 for a free sample offer.)

Genesis

almsportsgroup.com • 866-787-4644

Genesis (ALM Sports) introduces a new hexagon-shaped string: Zona Spin Hexa, available in 17 (1.27) and 16 (1.32) gauges.

See all articles by Bob Patterson

About the Author

Bob Patterson , the founder of the RacquetMAXX customization service, is a Master Racquet Technician with more than 20 years of experience. He was RSI's Stringer of the Year in 2005. He is Executive Director for the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association.

From the November 2016 issue
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